"Are you Du Yuan Kai?"
Cao Mao seized Du Yu's hand.
Du Yu froze for a moment, then looked toward Sima Zhao beside him.
Sima Zhao was even more taken aback. He asked, "Has Your Majesty heard of Yuan Kai as well?"
"Hahaha! Far more than merely heard of him. I have admired this man for a long time!"
"Du Yuan Kai excels in both civil and military affairs, a rare genius under Heaven, a man of noble character and a model for scholars throughout the realm. I heard of your reputation long ago. I never imagined I would meet you today!"
These words from Cao Mao astonished everyone.
His assessment of Du Yu was simply far too high.
Du Yu hastily said, "Your Majesty praises me too highly. I am a man of little talent and few worthy deeds. I truly do not deserve it."
"Do not be so modest, Yuan Kai! Will you not be the man who pacifies the realm for me and upholds the Altars of Soil and Grain?"
Du Yu was immediately at a loss for words and could only lower his head.
The trusted aides around them instantly began looking at Du Yu differently.
Even Sima Yan could not help frowning.
Sima Zhao fell silent for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, the Grand General is gravely ill and unable to rise, so he could not come to welcome you. He is still waiting for you inside..."
Cao Mao still held Du Yu's hand. Not only did he refuse to release it, he even squeezed it hard several times.
Faced with this great worthy who had earned a place in both the civil and military temples, Cao Mao truly wanted him.
Zhang Hua excelled at planning, Wei Shu excelled at getting things done, but