Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 114 A Master Doesn't Make a Move

Zhong Hui held Deng Ai's letter to the court in his hand, and the smile on his face grew colder and colder.

However, he was clearly quite shrewd and wouldn't reveal his thoughts on his face.

Zhong Hui looked at Shi Shouxin and asked, "You've read Deng Ai's letter, what are your thoughts? Tell me."

An expectant look appeared on his face.

Dealing with Zhong Hui naturally required utmost vigilance. Shi Shouxin had already mentally rehearsed the situation during the day's march.

No matter what question Zhong Hui asked, he had a plan. It was nothing more than how to deal with Deng Ai, so he couldn't get any interesting answers.

As expected, Zhong Hui's questions were very conventional, and there was no intention of setting up any tests.

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, I believe that Deng Ai is arrogant and conceited, and looks down on everyone. The matters he mentioned in his letter are not matters for him to discuss, and he has already brought disaster upon himself."

As for what you should do, Grand Commander, I dare not presume to speak. My purpose in seeking an audience is merely to deliver this letter to you.

Shi Shouxin bowed and greeted Zhong Hui with a humble expression.

Zhong Hui naturally couldn't bring himself to dislike such a "subordinate".

He nodded slightly and smiled, "Shi Gandang, you are really good at handling things. Your future is limitless. Don't worry, I won't treat you unfairly."

"Thank you, Grand Commander!"

Shi Shouxin remained low-key and bowed, without saying a word.

"Go ahead. Even if you don't garrison Jian Ge, you will still be in charge of distributing the army's provisions."

After your troops finish their military exercises tomorrow, set up camp near the granary.

Zhong Hui still put Shi Shouxin in charge of military rations, and his real intention was clear: to use his confidant to control logistics.

If any army gets angry, he'll block their supply lines and attack them as soon as they show themselves!
"I'll take my leave."

Shi Shouxin got up to take his leave, leaving Zhong Hui alone in the command tent.

"Deng Ai, you're courting death, so don't blame me."

Zhong Hui chuckled coldly, then took out a piece of silk and "transcribed" Deng Ai's letter onto it.

Of course, it wasn't a word-for-word transcription, but rather an "artistic reworking."

The letter conveyed the same meaning, but the tone was more arrogant, the salutations more casual, and some offensive remarks were added to Sima Zhao's speech.

For example: Han Xin's achievements are far inferior to mine.

Such shocking statements.

Eight parts truth, two parts falsehood—in short, they were trying to ruin Deng Ai to death.

Zhong Hui activated his innate skill, imitating Deng Ai's letter with a handwriting almost identical to the original. Even Deng Ai himself wouldn't be able to tell which letter was his from the handwriting alone!
After writing the letter, Zhong Hui put it away. After the martial arts competition tomorrow, he would have Shi Shouxin handle this matter, sending the artistically revised letter to Dajian Pass, and then having Deng Ai's messenger deliver it to Chang'an for Sima Zhao to review.

Sima Zhao must have been in a very good mood at that time.

Zhong Hui's smile widened. He had originally thought that taking down Deng Ai would take some effort, but he never expected that he would find it so easy to get hold of the other party's weakness.

He ordered his personal guards to bring him a pot of wine and poured himself a cup. The wine was refreshing and sweet, with a uniquely pleasant taste.

……

Back in his military tent, Shi Shouxin didn't rest either. To be precise, there were too many important matters to attend to, so he couldn't sleep at all.

Today, he had just led his troops to Fucheng and entered the Wei army camp. Before the camp was even fully set up, he heard about a major event:
Jiang Wei, with several thousand elite Shu troops, surrendered to Zhong Hui!
Jiang Wei has arrived! This heavyweight has arrived! And he's brought with him several thousand elite Shu soldiers!
Those who were still willing to follow Jiang Wei at this time were the most die-hard fans, and their fighting strength must be extraordinary.

Some of the other generals in the Wei army might look down on Jiang Wei, thinking he was a tiger stripped of its claws and teeth. Even the few thousand surrendered Shu soldiers had their bows, crossbows, shields, and armor confiscated, and were only allowed to equip themselves with swords and spears.

This armed force is not even as strong as the private army of the local tyrants in Hanzhong!

It's understandable that the Wei army was so nervous, because Zhong Hui gave Jiang Wei face by promising not to disarm the surrendered Shu soldiers and allowing Jiang Wei to continue commanding them within the Wei army's ranks.

The Shu army under Jiang Wei had a grudge against them and was quite formidable in combat. If they didn't seize those weapons, what if Jiang Wei launched a night attack? If this camp of over 100,000 men descended into chaos, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Of course, all these precautions essentially stem from a lack of respect. If they truly respected them, they should have treated these people like prisoners, keeping them under strict control and preventing them from roaming freely.

Only Shi Shouxin knew that Jiang Wei's power was not to be underestimated, and those who looked down on him all died in the end!

Besides the fact that Jiang Wei surrendered, the whole army's military exercise tomorrow also seems strange.

There was an air of conspiracy about everything, inside and out.

Zhong Hui's army has already reached Fucheng, not far from Chengdu, and there are no famous mountains or rivers to obstruct their view. They could simply head straight for Chengdu; why bother with this military exercise?
Shi Shouxin felt that Zhong Hui's martial arts demonstration tomorrow was not for Liu Shan's benefit, nor for Deng Ai's.

It was a performance intended for Jiang Wei and the local wealthy families in Shu.

Seeing the formidable strength of Zhong Hui's troops, the locals would feel awe and respect, and when Zhong Hui issued any further orders, many would respond.

People weren't drawn by Zhong Hui's personal reputation or his official position, but rather by the awe and respect for the troops under his command!
"It's a bit like a warning shot."

Shi Shouxin muttered to himself.

After daybreak, his elite troops were also to be taken out to participate in the military exercises.

However, there are many kinds of martial arts performances, and Zhong Hui doesn't say what he's going to do, so how exactly is the performance going to be performed?

If we don't include the hereditary soldiers of the local tyrants in Hanzhong, the various units of the Wei army come from at least four regions of Wei, and are not subordinate to each other.

The Guanzhong Army, the Northwest Army, the Luoyang Imperial Guard, and troops from surrounding counties near Hanzhong.

The generals of these armies are also divided into factions. Letting them conduct military exercises would not only make it difficult to deploy tasks, but could also lead to poor coordination and turn the exercises into brawls!
Zhong Hui, wanting to show off in front of Jiang Wei, certainly couldn't afford to make any mistakes; stability was his priority.

Shi Shouxin secretly pondered that tomorrow's military drill would likely involve the various units of the army, with infantry and cavalry lined up separately.

The infantry, clad in armor, formed squares, and the cavalry rode around once more, creating a lively scene.

After all, there are more than 100,000 people here, standing in dense formation. Even if they do nothing, it looks very intimidating.

If you were to single out some teams and put on some drills, formation changes, or elite combat exercises, it would be easy for Jiang Wei to see through the true strength of the Wei army.

As long as I maintain the air of a master and never actually use my skills, I will be seen as a master by others!
Having understood this, Shi Shouxin felt relieved. Tomorrow, he would be seated next to Zhong Hui on the viewing platform, unable to command his own troops; they would have to rely on themselves.

Just then, a figure quietly slipped into the military tent. Shi Shouxin looked up and saw that it was Xi Chun. The tent flap, which had been open, was now closed by the guards.

Seeing this, Shi Shouxin pointed to the seat next to him and said, "Come and sit down."

Xi Chun carefully walked over and sat down, looking at Shi Shouxin as if she had something to say.

"Is Xizuo urging you to come and serve him in bed? You're quite well-informed about Li Qiu's pregnancy."

Shi Shouxin said casually. When they arrived at the camp in the evening, Li Qiu, exhausted from the journey, vomited violently. They found the army doctor and learned that this charming young woman was already six months pregnant.

But thinking about it, it's quite normal. The two of them slept together for the first time two months ago, and they've probably had countless sexual encounters in the past two months. It would be strange if she didn't get pregnant.

“My brother is indeed very anxious, mainly because Ah Lang is too amazing, far exceeding my brother’s original expectations.”

He lived in constant fear and trepidation.

Xi Chun let out a long sigh.

Originally, Xi Zuo thought Shi Shouxin was just an ordinary general in the Wei army, but the more he observed him, the more astonished he became. Shi Shouxin's influence within the Wei army that was attacking Shu was simply unbelievable.

Seeing that Xi Chun hadn't "got on the bus" yet after so long, Xi Zuo was even more anxious than her.

"Come on, help me grind the ink."

As Shi Shouxin spoke, he spread out a large sheet of paper on the table, picked up a brush, and wrote a poem:

Do not waste your golden robes, but cherish your youth;
The flowers can be folded straight and must be folded.

Well written!
Xi Chun was greatly impressed. Even though she hadn't read as many books as Li Qiu, she could still distinguish between good and bad words.

It's just unclear what Shi Shouxin was trying to express.

"When the flowers bloom, they should be picked. If you wait until they wither, it will be a pointless experience to pick them."

As Shi Shouxin spoke, he put his arm around Xi Chun's slender waist.

"Am I...am I that flower?"

Xi Chun closed her eyes and asked, her breathing becoming rapid and her heart pounding like a drum.

Although she knew that something like that would happen tonight, she still trembled with nervousness as the moment approached. The other person held her waist, their arms as unshakeable as iron clamps.

She couldn't push him away even if she wanted to.

Shi Shouxin did not answer, but instead kissed Xi Chun's lips.

When it comes to something consensual, Shi Shouxin doesn't mince words. Soon, the two were lying on the soft cushions, entangled together, inseparable.

A girl who has practiced martial arts is far more formidable in bed than a delicate young girl.

Early the next morning, Xi Chun, like a gentle newlywed wife, helped Shi Shouxin put on his military uniform. Her once sharp eyes had softened into a calm, gentle gaze.

"Ah Lang, you're such a good kisser! I almost fainted from all the kisses you gave me last night."

Xi Chun took Shi Shouxin's arm and murmured softly, her face blushing.

Without a word, Shi Shouxin immediately gave her a long French kiss. This girl wanted a kiss but was too shy, so she asked for it indirectly.

“Go back and tell your brother about this, and he can work for me without worry. Whenever you miss me, come here.”

I've been quite busy lately and haven't had time to visit you all.

Shi Shouxin gave instructions to Xi Chun.

The latter nodded and watched her man walk out of the military tent, leading his personal guards to the viewing platform arranged by Zhong Hui.

Xi Chun used to privately criticize Li Qiu, saying she was a slut who knew nothing but how to serve men in bed. But after experiencing that herself last night, she immediately realized she had wronged Li Qiu.

It's not that the other party is particularly provocative, but rather... Shi Shouxin is just too good at playing games.

That intoxicating pleasure left Xi Chun feeling dizzy and weak-kneed; she still felt like she hadn't quite come to her senses.

She wasn't forced last night either; just like Li Qiu, she was completely infatuated and didn't know what she was doing.

Will I also have children?

Xi Chun touched her flat stomach, feeling a mix of loss and relief.

She finally gave herself away.

……

Outside Fucheng, 100,000 Wei troops, divided into five large formations, arranged according to the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, lined up in front of the west gate.

The formation appears as a circle from afar, but upon closer inspection, it has distinct edges and corners.

The viewing platform was located on the west gate tower of Fucheng.

Besides Zhong Hui and Wei Guan, Hu Lie, Li Fu, and other generals were also present.

Moreover, every prominent figure in the army, even someone like Shi Shouxin, had a place on the reviewing stand. The west gate city wall was filled with mid- to high-ranking officers of the Wei army.

Today's exercise was deliberately conducted without the generals personally directing it, in order to test the command and control capabilities of each army.

Zhong Hui wasn't entirely showing off in front of Jiang Wei; he also intended to assess the demeanor of the various armies. Of course, whatever he saw, he wouldn't say it in this setting.

Below the city walls, several thousand elite soldiers under Jiang Wei were also arrayed. However, they were "spectators," carrying no weapons and not participating in the drills.

Or rather, this drill was also put on for them.

One hundred thousand Wei soldiers, in five large formations, dressed in black armor, with five-colored flags fluttering in the wind, looked magnificent.

Zhong Hui's mouth was practically splitting open with a grin. He sat in the main seat on the viewing platform, holding a feather fan in his hand.

The sense of pride he felt was so strong that he almost wanted to show it off to people in public.

"Boyo, look at my army, isn't it magnificent?"

Zhong Hui raised his feather fan and pointed to the Wei army formation below the city, asking a question.

"The Grand Commander is only forty years old, yet he has achieved so much. It is truly admirable."

Jiang Wei offered a compliment, but completely ignored Zhong Hui's comment.

The Wei army under Zhong Hui looked impressive, but that was all there was to it.

An army is for fighting, not for putting on airs!
Jiang Wei disapproved of Zhong Hui's display of military strength.

Just then, a dark cloud drifted in from the horizon and blocked out the sun.

Soon a strong wind picked up, and the sky turned as dark as ink. Summer weather is like a child's face, changing in an instant.

Boom!

In an instant, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and large raindrops poured down from the sky!

(End of this chapter)