Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 252 This monumental achievement is a rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
The setting sun, like blood, bathed the vermilion palace gates in crimson.

A man knelt at the foot of the white jade steps, looking exhausted and covered in dust.

The palace walls were majestic, and the eaves soared to the sky. Whenever the bells and chimes rang out inside the palace, he would crane his neck and look inside, hoping that it was a summons to him.

But every time he looked up, he was disappointed, only to see his long neck stretched out by the setting sun.

This person was none other than Cao Anmin, the nephew of Cao Cao, the Chancellor of the Han Dynasty.

Speaking of him, he's had a lot of bad luck.

He was once struck by Zhang Xiu's "Hundred-Step Flying Spear" and disappeared without a trace, thus escaping a calamity.

Unfortunately, he could only escape the first day of the month, not the fifteenth. At that time, the whole city was searching for Cao Cao. Where could he, a ready-made Cao Cao, hide?

After hiding for a while, all they heard in the city was shouting: "Cao Cao, don't run!" and they couldn't find their uncle to join them.

Upon learning that Yuan's army had arrived, Wancheng had surrendered, and that his uncle had already led his troops to flee with Wen Ping, he realized that Yuan's army had arrived.

With nowhere to hide and no hope of escaping with his uncle, Cao Anmin, fortunately lacking other skills, had a relatively flexible moral bottom line. He immediately took the initiative to surrender and asked Yuan Gong for forgiveness.

He had heard in the past that when Xiahou Ba and others surrendered, Yuan Gong directly adopted them as his sons, and their fame spread throughout Huangjintai.

In Cao Anmin's mind, what was Xiahou Ba?
My uncle, Cao Mengde!
With such a status as a backing, it is conceivable that even if Lord Yuan did not greet him with open arms, he would still treat him as an honored guest, and from then on, he would thrive in Lord Yuan's camp.

I didn’t expect that!
Yuan Gong is not the same as before, and he doesn't care much about a member of the Cao family.

For several days in a row, he was left to kneel there in the cold, given only food and water, and his requests to see him went unanswered.

contempt!

This is blatant contempt!!!

How could I, Cao Anmin, kneel and suffer such humiliation? When I see Lord Yuan, I will surely rebuke him severely to demonstrate my loyalty and integrity, so that he will not dare to underestimate me.

The melodious sound of bells and chimes rang out from inside the hall again. Cao Anmin suddenly looked up and craned his neck to peer inside. He caught a glimpse of four people walking out together, chatting and laughing. He could only hear words like "naval," "give a helping hand," and "we will never betray each other" in the distance.

Cao Anmin lowered his head in disappointment once again; he had experienced this kind of disappointment countless times in recent days.

Unexpectedly, just as he lowered his head, he saw a pair of red boots with cloud-shaped soles slowly walking towards him.

“Cao Anmin, is that right? Get up and come with me. The king summons you to the palace for an audience.”

It's like hearing celestial music, instantly clearing your ears!
Cao Anmin was so excited that he tried to jump into the hall, but found that his legs were already numb and immobile.

The servant who came to fetch him glanced at him and then ordered his men to lift him up from both sides, practically carrying him into the main hall.

Upon reaching the hall, Cao Anmin looked up and saw a figure shrouded in mist and clouds. He excitedly pushed away the people who were supporting him.

Today he will make everyone know that he, the nephew of the Prime Minister and a member of the noble Cao family, cannot be underestimated!
So, without anyone to support him, his already numb legs knelt down with practiced ease.

He recalled in his mind all those days he had knelt, the carefully prepared words he had spoken, and then loudly rebuked them!

"Your guilty subject Cao Anmin pays his respects to the King of Han."

May the King of Han enjoy eternal happiness and live as long as the heavens!

With a peaceful and prosperous reign, the foundation of the state is as solid as Mount Tai.

The imperial harem prospered, and the imperial offspring continued to flourish like pine and cypress trees.

Palaces and pavilions bathed in the sun and moon, brocade robes and canopies embroidered with golden dragons.

Civil officials offered their strategies for securing the country, while military generals always cherished the desire to serve their nation.

Every year there is no disturbance of war, and every year the granaries are full.

His power extends throughout the land, and all directions submit to him; his virtue benefits all people, and the world is at peace!

Yuan Shu: "."

"What are you saying? You...you've really put me in a terrible situation!"
"Please don't do this. I haven't been formally appointed by the Emperor yet. The title of King of Han was merely something my subordinates spread in private. Let it go this time. But don't do this again."

Cao Anmin quickly knelt down and said, "I will obey Your Majesty's command."

Yuan Shu: "."

"You! Very well, since you are so willing to do your part for my name as the King of Han, I have a small matter that is easy for you to handle."

We are at their mercy, like fish on a chopping board. You could say Cao Anmin has been kneeling for so many days, just waiting for this.

After all, if he himself is of no value, why would the King of Han spare his life? This is the time for him to prove himself.

He had already made up his mind. Whether the King of Han adopted him as his son or not, he would severely humiliate his uncle.

He should set an example by surrendering to Cao Cao's camp, and encourage more people to do the same.

He will do his utmost to get things done and demonstrate his abilities.

Without hesitation, he immediately banged his head on the ground, almost drawing blood.

"For the sake of the King of Han to restore the Han Dynasty as soon as possible, return to the old capital, and bring peace to the people, what is there to fear about sacrificing my life?"

"I would go through fire and water, even unto death, without regret."

Yuan Shu nodded in satisfaction, his gaze, half-bright and half-dark, was meaningful as he looked at him.

"There's no need for life or death. This matter would be extremely difficult for anyone else, but it's a piece of cake for you, Cao Anmin."

I was initially worried that you were too young and might not know the gravity of the situation, but after seeing you today, I know you will surely succeed.

Upon hearing this, Cao Anmin blinked, feeling slightly uneasy. He wondered what was wrong and why only he could do it.
But when the time comes, one has no choice but to comply.

"I will not fail the King of Han's high expectations. Please give your orders, and I will do my utmost without regret."

"it is good."

As Yuan Shu spoke, he raised his hand and lightly tapped a gold-paper book on the table.

A servant understood and hurriedly came forward to take it, then handed it to Anmin.

Anmin stroked the thin paper in his hand, astonished.

Yuan Shu smiled and explained to him, "This is the five-colored stationery produced by my Shouchun Light Industry Workshop, which innovates upon the paper of Cai Hou."

The paper comes in five colors, and the one you hold in your hand is the finest of them, dyed gold with gold leaf. I need you to go to Luoyang on my behalf to present it to the Emperor.

Upon hearing this, Cao Anmin's heart skipped a beat. What? I just surrendered to you, and you're telling me to run back to Luoyang?

This is going to embarrass my uncle in front of all the civil and military officials. I'm afraid he'll kill me in a fit of rage!
Even so, Cao Anmin knew that if it weren't for this matter, he probably wouldn't have been needed. In any case, he was still of value to Yuan's camp and was still alive, which was fortunate.

As for my uncle's place
Cao Anmin always understood his uncle's thoughts best; if he could think of a way, there would always be a glimmer of hope.

His only consolation was that Yuan Shao had sent him on this mission merely to present new paper to the emperor, and aside from his uncle Cao Cao's attitude after his surrender to Yuan, the matter itself posed no real danger, right? Probably?

However, as Cao Anmin was comforting himself in this way, he glanced at the words written on the gold paper and felt a chill run down his spine.

[Memorial to the King of Han on Appointing General Shu]

Your humble servant Xu has been separated from Your Majesty in Chang'an for many days.

He wouldn't have been hurt if he hadn't looked, but one glance nearly made Cao Anmin stumble and fall to the ground. Had they deceived the heavens?
This isn't just slapping his own uncle in the face; it's him going to Luoyang and trampling the entire Han Dynasty's face into the ground.

Terrible!

I wonder if my uncle will be able to protect me when the time comes?
Seeing Cao Anmin's pale face and silence, Yuan Shu frowned slightly, his eyes turning cold.

"Why is Cao Qing silent? Is he unwilling to handle this matter well for me?"

So, all those words about going through fire and water, even risking death, were just to deceive me?

He paused slightly, his voice not loud, but it sent shivers down Cao Anmin's spine.

"You are deceiving the emperor."

Cao Anmin quickly picked up the gold paper with both hands, feeling extremely apprehensive.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I, Cao, will accomplish this and will not let you down."

He patted his chest and made a promise, but in his heart he was in deep distress. If he agreed to go to Luoyang, he would commit the serious crime of deceiving the emperor. If he didn't agree, he would be arrested on the spot for the crime of deceiving the emperor.

What is this thing called?
Seeing this, Yuan Shu was finally satisfied. Amidst the swirling clouds and mist, his voice could be heard as faint and unfathomable.

“Handle it well. Once you’re in Luoyang, Cao Qing, don’t forget to ask His Majesty to decline the offer three times.”

After he finished speaking, he tapped the table lightly with his knuckles, and then another servant came forward and handed him three gold papers.

Cao Anmin glanced at them and saw that they were three letters of resignation.

At that moment, he felt a sudden explosion in his mind, leaving his head completely blank.

Yuan Shu's words were cryptic, but once he received the three letters of resignation, how could he not understand their meaning?
This means that he himself would go through the proper etiquette of "three refusals and three concessions" for him in the Golden Palace in Luoyang.

The entire process should fully demonstrate the image of the King of Han as a loyal and virtuous ruler of the Han Dynasty who is "humble and respectful, a model for his ministers, a pillar of the state, and a pillar of the Han Dynasty."

The title bestowed by the emperor is not something I sought; it is a legitimate and proper honor!
The King of Han is a loyal and virtuous man of the Han Dynasty. How could he be arrogant and disrespectful, and insist on being made a king?
Having grasped the true meaning of this situation, Cao Anmin truly regretted coming in; he wished he had stayed kneeling outside.

Lord Yuan, if you want to kill me, just say so. There's no need for all this trouble.

In the main hall, the bells and chimes resounded. How could Cao Anmin not be moved to tears by being entrusted with such an important task?

His eyes welled up with tears, and tears of emotion uncontrollably streamed down his face. He was so excited that he could barely speak.

"King of Han, you possess both virtue and integrity, and your achievements surpass those of the common people. The world has misjudged you, such a loyal and virtuous ruler of the Han Dynasty."

"Cao Qing, you are very good."

Yuan Shu seemed increasingly pleased with him, saying, "If this matter is to be accomplished, who else but Minister Cao?"

Cao Anmin: "."

You think too highly of me.

"By the way, when you go to Luoyang, Cao Qing, you can take a hundred sheets of various colored stationery with you and distribute them to the emperor and his officials."

My land of Huainan is a prefecture of the Han Dynasty, not a den of wolves and tigers.

I intend to make Shouchun the political, economic, and cultural center of the Han Dynasty. All officials, noble families, and feudal lords of the Nine Provinces may enter Huainan to buy paper, as long as they pay customs duties and pass through security.

All merchant caravans entering the country will be protected by Han soldiers to ensure their safety and prevent bandits and rebels from attacking.

After years of continuous battles, Yuan Gong had exhausted his resources and decided to increase his income.

If they earn an extra penny today, they will lose an extra penny when war breaks out tomorrow.

Anyway, papermaking costs are low, and it's sold at exorbitant prices, making it a highly profitable business with virtually no capital.

The military expenses for the Han king's subsequent campaigns to pacify the country would depend on this source.

As for whether the caravans will learn the technology of curved plows and waterwheels when they come.

These agricultural tools, distributed to the people in various parts of the country, could not possibly be kept secret.

On the contrary, if this policy is implemented throughout the country, it will increase food production, save more lives, and reduce the number of people starving to death, which is a good thing.

As for papermaking, there were strictly secret workshops, making it difficult to learn by stealth.

The feudal lords wanted to make paper, but they could only try to develop their own methods. Unfortunately, when they were researching papermaking in Shouchun, Yan Xiang had already invited all the famous papermaking craftsmen in the country.

By the time the other warlords produced paper and competed for business, Yuan Shu had already made a fortune.

Now, Cao Anmin, having already accepted this mission that could be described as sending someone to their death, would naturally not refuse Yuan Shu's other small request.

He bowed and accepted the greeting like a zombie, then got up to take his leave.

When Yuan Shu saw the child's state, he knew this wouldn't do. He needed to motivate the people to get the job done.

So he rummaged through the papers on the table again, pulled one out from a thick stack of paper that looked like business cards or advertisements, and ordered someone to hand it to Cao Anmin.

Cao Anmin opened it with surprise and saw that it introduced the various categories of merit books, from the Langguan Merit Book, the Shangshu Lang Merit Book, the Shangshu Cheng Merit Book, and so on, all the way up to the Prime Minister Merit Book.

The above lists the levels of skill, from minor skill to medium skill, major skill to overwhelming skill, and explains how ten minor skills can be exchanged for one medium skill, ten medium skills for one major skill, and so on.

Cao Anmin was surprised and puzzled, but Yuan Shu smiled and said to him:
"This is my newly conceived register of official positions and merits, which is still in the trial phase. It is a rare opportunity."

Cao Qing is truly very fortunate. I love you very much and am delighted to see you.

He was specially granted a book of merits by the Prime Minister Cao Qing. He only needed to accumulate ten extraordinary merits to have the opportunity to be promoted to Prime Minister.

Do a good job, Cao Qing. If this trip to Luoyang is a complete success, I will count it as a tremendous achievement for you.

"Do not disappoint me. In the future, you may rise to the position of general and prime minister, even replacing your uncle. But that remains to be seen."

Cao Anmin: "???"

Me? I, Cao Anmin, will one day become Prime Minister Cao?
To replace his uncle?
Will my uncle go out in the middle of the night to find me beautiful prostitutes in the future?

I'm getting a little excited just thinking about it!
Cao Anmin, who was both incredulous and excited, failed to notice that Yuan Shu's words implied a chance to become prime minister, rather than a direct appointment.

At this moment, all he could think about were ten monumental achievements!

So, does that mean that after this trip to Luoyang, I'll be one-tenth of a prime minister?

What if we have to make several trips?
It seems like being a prime minister isn't that difficult?
My heart is pounding!

It just so happened that the King of Han was planning to try out this official merit book, which gave him this opportunity?
Otherwise, what virtue or ability do I, Cao Anmin, possess to have any connection with the position of Prime Minister?
Watching Cao Anmin's dazed, confused, and seemingly joyful yet energetic departing figure, Yuan Shu raised his hand and struck a bell, a faint smile playing on his lips.

This register of official rank and merit was compiled from his recent observations of those who had received the register of merit as adopted sons; each and every one of them was full of energy and eager to make contributions.

Then he thought again, this kind of good thing should not be enjoyed by only his adopted son. The great Han dynasty also needs more talented people to contribute!
With this in mind, the Han king immediately put forward new ideas.

As Cao Anmin's figure gradually disappeared into the distance, he pulled out another page from the stack of merit books and called out to him.

"Where is Zhuge Jin? Summon him here."

Tell him that I have a great and immeasurable favor to bestow upon him.

(End of this chapter)