"General, we no longer need to trouble ourselves over affairs in Hebei."
Du Yu sat beside Sima Zhao, his brow furrowed.
By now, Du Yu had passed the screening and become Sima Zhao's undisputed chief adviser.
Sima Zhao practically followed his every word. Although Du Yu was not particularly willing to help Sima Zhao oppose the emperor, when it came to dealing with the ministers-well, he had no qualms about that.
Du Yu strongly opposed the policies proposed by Wang Xiang and the others.
They had their own explanation, drawing parallels between the current clan rank determination and the merit-based military system of the past, claiming it would spur enthusiasm and make the great clans work harder.
But in reality, what they wanted to implement was completely different from the merit-based military system.
The great clans currently at court would certainly receive high ranks while also holding the highest governing offices, and future holders of those offices would only come from among these people. Ranks rising and falling? Hah. The people passing judgment and those being judged were the very same people. How could that possibly spur enthusiasm?
Under the present circumstances, there would be no first rank; the highest would be the second rank. The clans of all the important power holders would be second rank. How exactly did they intend to make those ranks rise and fall?
Du Yu had remained at Sima Zhao's side throughout these days, devising plans for him.
Du Yu was also part of the reason Cao Mao's affairs had gone so smoothly.
Sima Zhao nodded and looked at Du Yu. "The rebellion is more or less over. Should we take the army back?"
"We cannot go back."
"You are different from the Grand General. You are more useful outside than at the imperial