The two brothers exchanged a glance. Before they could even feel happy, they sensed the warning look from their elder brother. They then pretended to cry out in pain, their expressions quite exaggerated.
In Deyang Palace, Shi A also reported Cao Cao's actions to Liu Hong in detail.
Liu Hong smiled slightly: "What does Yuan Chang think of this boy?"
Zhong Yao thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, although this man is ruthless, he is also shrewd. From his advice to the guard to leave, it is not hard to see that he is a rather upright person."
“Yuan Chang’s analysis is quite thorough.”
Liu Hong smiled. Perhaps the early Cao Cao was not as treacherous and cunning as he was later, and the phrase "the tomb of the Han general who conquered the west" might indeed have been his lifelong ideal.
"But what do you think should be done with that young man from the Yuan family?"
“Your Majesty may summon him to serve as a member of the Imperial Guard,” Zhong Yao said after a moment’s thought.
Liu Hong shook his head. “I’m afraid that illegitimate children like Yuan Changzi are not uncommon. Moreover, they have received a good education since childhood. If they are allowed to fade into obscurity, it will be a loss for our Han Dynasty.”
Zhong Yao nodded. "Your Majesty is right. Most of the resources in aristocratic families tend to go to the legitimate sons, while those born out of wedlock have very little chance of getting ahead."
"If I were willing to give them a chance, what would Yuan Chang think?"
"Chance....?"
Zhong Yao paused, seemingly understanding the emperor's intention, and said, "Many of the sons born out of wedlock are ambitious and have great aspirations. If Your Majesty can recruit and give them important positions, they may become your helpers."
"good!"
Liu Hong nodded and then sent someone to summon Chen Fan, Dou Wu, and others.
After the formalities were completed, Liu Hong looked at the assembled ministers and asked:
"I intend to select some young men from noble families to establish a youth officer training camp. What do you all think?"
Chen Fan thought for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty's method is indeed feasible and can win over the hearts of the powerful families. However, I wonder where Your Majesty plans to establish it? What are its functions, objectives, scale, and costs?"
"Let's set it up in the West Garden. The quota is tentatively set at one thousand. As for the expenses, they will all be provided by the Imperial Household Department. We will name it the 'Imperial Guard Camp,' which is mainly for training young officers for the army and improving the combat effectiveness of our Han army."
"Your Majesty's method is excellent!"
Chen Fan, Dou Wu, and the others exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. They could send their descendants to prison without spending any money from the national treasury, so why not?
Hu Guang also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that since this is a place for training young officers, everyone should be treated equally. Not only should those from noble families be given a chance, but also those from poor families."
"Yes, Situ's words are very wise!"
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