Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 117 Tears Stained by the Times

In a military camp on the outskirts of Fucheng, Shi Shouxin was observing his troops doing their morning exercises.

Those soldiers, who came from the private armies of local tyrants in Hanzhong, were not lacking in courage and basic killing skills. After all, they were young and strong men selected from among their retainers.

The problem with these people is that their ability to follow orders is still very immature.

In actual battles, the battlefield is a chaotic mess, and ordinary soldiers don't know where anyone is except for a few people around them.

What should the soldiers do in this situation?

The answer is: first, look at the flags; second, listen to the drums and music. Of course, it's easier said than done. It requires repeated training to adapt to the situation.

There are many kinds of flags, such as the command flag of the central army messenger and the general's flag held by the flag bearer. The use of flags and the occasions in which they appear are all governed by rules.

The same principle applies to drumming; different commands require different instruments, and there are clear rules about which drumbeat corresponds to which command.

These not only require familiarity, but also the formation of muscle memory and conditioned reflexes.

At this moment, Malone is explaining the commands and flags to the captains and platoon leaders of each squad. After the captains have learned them, they will then teach the soldiers of their respective squads.

While lower-ranking officers like the captains and troop leaders were receiving military training, the soldiers were practicing formations.

How to regroup from a resting state, how to change from a square formation to a circular formation, how to change from the front line to the rear line – we practiced these techniques over and over again.

"Shi Gandang, the morale in your army is very high! As soon as I entered the camp, I felt a vibrant energy!"

Zhong Hui, dressed in a blue brocade robe, led Qiu Jian into the camp to inspect the military drills. He spoke with a smile on his face.

Zhong Hui was very satisfied with the state of this army. Shi Shouxin's troops were training with great enthusiasm and looked ready for battle, unlike the other Wei troops, who were now just going through the motions and not putting in any real effort.

This is actually quite easy to understand.

The other Wei generals were all waiting to return to Luoyang to share the spoils. Following their example, military discipline became increasingly lax, and daily drills were kept as simple as possible, since they didn't want to bother with any more trouble.

Only Shi Shouxin's generals understood that the real battle was in Chengdu, and that a mishap could result in death and shipwreck.

If we don't practice now, are we going to wait until a major battle breaks out to start practicing?

There's absolutely no need for anyone to remind them.

If you don't practice now, you'll die later. So, the question is, should you practice or not?

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, military drills are a daily routine, just like eating and drinking; how can they be stopped?"
"You flatter me, Grand Commander."

Shi Shouxin bowed to Zhong Hui, showing great humility.

"Very good, soldiers, you've worked hard in training. We'll have an extra meal tonight. No more alcohol, just more meat."

Zhong Hui laughed heartily, patted Shi Shouxin on the shoulder, and then left the camp with Qiu Jian.

This army needs more training. They certainly won't fight to the death for Sima Zhao, so the more proficient they become now, the better.

Watching Zhong Hui's departing figure, Shi Shouxin crossed his arms, looking thoughtful.

"Commander Shi, the sun is scorching, you should go back to your tent and rest."

Li Liang has returned to camp and is waiting for you in your tent.

Meng Guan leaned over and reported to Shi Shouxin.

"Let's go talk to Li Liang."

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly and led Meng Guan into his camp. Li Liang seemed to have been waiting there for some time, looking down listlessly, lost in thought.

"Tell me, what's the situation in Chengdu?"

Shi Shouxin sat down with an air of authority, not bothering to hide the fact that Meng Guan was there, and asked directly.

Li Liang cleared his throat and said:
"Reporting to Supervisor Shi, the letter was delivered to the sentry at the camp gate by a beggar, and I believe that my identity was not exposed. In addition, I also inquired in the villages around Chengdu."

Well, Deng Ai had a very good reputation there; he was practically free of material possessions and had no affairs with women.

Aside from the criticism that he lived in the palace, he did a pretty good job in other aspects.

My subordinates have made some inquiries and it seems the situation in Chengdu is relatively calm.

Li Liang reported calmly, also mentioning the local conditions in Chengdu, and that everything was fine.

At least there was no such thing as Yang Xiu leading troops to plunder the local area and carry out the "Three Alls" policy.

"It seems Chen Shou was not lying; Deng Ai implemented a policy of appeasement in Chengdu."

After listening to Li Liang's words, Shi Shouxin had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

Deng Ai's actions are actually quite understandable, because he only wanted a good reputation; other things were not important.

Deng Ai is already over sixty years old. Even if he were to be greedy for money, how much could he possibly take, and how much could he actually use for himself?

He went to kidnap beautiful women... but forget it, he can only play around with old men's cars, there's no need to go through all that trouble.

Therefore, Deng Ai hoped that every aspect of his conquest of Shu would achieve a perfect ending. For this, he was willing to sacrifice some things.

"Does Deng Ai still live in the palace?"

I don't think he's aware of his situation.

Shi Shouxin sighed. Deng Ai, that old general with low political intelligence, was now covered with flags on his back and half of his body was already buried in a coffin.

Only he himself was slow to realize the truth and thought everything was fine.

"Didn't Liu Shan contact his former officials?"

Shi Shouxin asked in confusion. He recalled this incident and felt that Liu Shan still had some strength, but whether he still had the will to resist was another matter.

"Reporting to Supervisor Shi, I didn't see it, nor do I have the means to inquire. After all, your plan cannot be exposed yet, and if I ask too many questions, it will arouse suspicion."

Li Liang explained.

Shi Shouxin did not continue to ask questions, but instead told Li Liang about the torrential rain that occurred during the martial arts exercise some time ago, and also about Jiang Wei leading an army and recruiting soldiers locally.

Upon hearing this, Li Liang exclaimed in alarm, "Supervisor Shi, Zhong Hui is already stepping up his preparations. Jiang Wei's troops are specifically designed to control those Wei soldiers who are not loyal to Zhong Hui. With Jiang Wei's strength, Zhong Hui will no longer be a piece of dough to be kneaded!"

"Who says it's not, alas!"

Shi Shouxin sighed deeply.

Was he trying to side with Zhong Hui? Actually, he didn't want to, at least not at first. But after Wei Guan asked him to deliver a letter, which was intercepted by Zhong Hui's men halfway there, Shi Shouxin changed his mind.

You can't do without having some "own people" on your side.

Despite the brotherly relationship between Hu Lie and others, once they were in a life-or-death situation, this so-called "brotherly affection" could only be a bonus, not a lifeline.

The people under Shi Shouxin's command are all deeply intertwined by shared interests; Li Liang is even close to becoming his child's uncle. Only groups with such deep-seated interests can act with perfect coordination in crucial moments!

To build their own army, they had no choice but to borrow Zhong Hui's name and obtain various resources in his name.

Standing by Zhong Hui's side meant that if Zhong Hui failed, their own side would be implicated. Therefore, the timing of jumping ship, or even "sacrificing family for the greater good," became crucial.

Shi Shouxin had already written to Yang Hu in advance, so he could prove his "loyalty" to Sima Zhao afterwards.

He figured that the chances of being held accountable afterward were slim; the only problem was that he absolutely couldn't lose before the finale!
"Your sister is pregnant now, so spend more time with her these days. Go now."

Shi Shouxin gave instructions to Li Liang.

Li Liang was a perceptive man. It was obvious that Shi Shouxin wanted to give Meng Guan some instructions, so he naturally wouldn't stand there like a fool.

After Li Liang left, Meng Guan bowed to Shi Shouxin and asked, "Supervisor Shi, what are your orders?"

"Come, sit down and talk, don't be shy."

Shi Shouxin said with a smile.

His seemingly harmless appearance sent chills down Meng Guan's spine. Others might not know what kind of person Shi Shouxin was, but Meng Guan knew him all too well!
Anticipate the enemy's moves, possess both courage and wisdom, and act decisively!

He felt that Shi Shouxin was a person who would do whatever he wanted to do, and would never give up halfway as long as there was a glimmer of hope.

"Commander Shi, just say what you need. I'll do anything for you, even go through fire and water!"

Meng Guan expressed his loyalty.

Shi Shouxin waved his hand and laughed, "It's not that bad."

He glanced at the nervous look on Meng Guan's face, gently patted his arm, and gestured for Meng Guan not to be too nervous.

"I already have a son and a daughter, not counting the one Li Qiu is carrying. You will definitely get married after you return to Luoyang, so how about this: if your first child is a daughter, then my eldest son will marry her. If your first child is a son, then I will marry my daughter to him. What do you think?"

No, I'm so scared!

Meng Guan inwardly groaned. Shi Shouxin had already brought up the matter of their children's marriage, clearly indicating he was no longer willing to beat around the bush.

There must be a life-or-death matter to entrust to you!
"Supervisor Shi, just give the order! If I fail to complete it, I'll bring you my head!"

Meng Guan patted his chest, looking as if he were ready to die.

"Sigh, there's something I can't do, because if I do it, there'll be no going back. But if you do it, I can still help you if something goes wrong."

So, are you in or not? If not, I can find someone else, it'll be about the same.

Shi Shouxin put away his smile and asked.

"Damn! Nothing more to say!"

Meng nodded in agreement.

"Okay, I'll tell you what to do now. You prepare first, and when the time is right, you must set off immediately."

Make sure you're prepared in advance!

Shi Shouxin gave a solemn instruction.

Meng Guan stared into his eyes, and finally nodded slowly. He probably guessed what it was about.

……

In Chengdu, in his imperial harem, Liu Shan, now effectively a prisoner, was sighing and lamenting. Before him stood Xi Zheng, his former secretary, reading a blackmail letter from Zhong Hui demanding the return of the Shu princess.

"Lingxian (Xi Zheng's courtesy name), what do you think we should do now?"

Liu Shan asked with some concern.

This matter cannot be ignored. Deng Ai only said that it was Liu Shan's private matter, but he did not say that he would protect Liu Shan.

"General Liu (Liu Shan's current official title), for now, the only option is to comply with Zhong Hui's wishes. Zhong Hui commands an army of over 100,000. He doesn't even need to do anything himself; he just needs to incite his subordinates to come to Chengdu and seize people."

"No one can stop them then."

Xi Zheng said a lot, but it can be summarized in five words: the situation is stronger than people!
"Yes, we have to agree even if we don't want to. The reason I asked you to come first today is to ask which of my three daughters would be the best choice."

Liu Shan smiled wryly.

"General Liu, your eldest daughter is the daughter-in-law of Prime Minister Zhuge and has three sons. If you give her to Zhong Hui as a concubine, I'm afraid the people of Shu will criticize you behind your back."

Xi said in a serious tone.

Liu Shan nodded; in truth, he didn't want to send his eldest daughter away either.

"Which is more suitable, the second daughter or the third daughter?"
The second daughter is already a widow, and the third daughter is newly married; neither of them has children.

I don't know which of the two to choose either of them.

Liu Shan sighed deeply, feeling a sense of helplessness akin to the saying, "Life is full of regrets, like water flowing endlessly to the east." Both sides were his flesh and blood; both would hurt from the pain of being cut.

"General Liu, the second daughter is General Guan's daughter-in-law. Even though she is already a widow, she has been married into the Guan family for many years. Can you bear to send her to Zhong Hui as a concubine?"

Xi Zheng asked in return.

Liu Shan was stunned. Then, after a moment's thought, he realized that Xi Zheng was both quick-witted and principled. His second daughter had been a daughter-in-law of the Guan family for many years. If he were to force this widow, who had remained a widow for so long, to become Zhong Hui's concubine, what would the Guan family think? What would outsiders think?
Is this the attitude of the Liu family towards the meritorious families who followed them in building their fortunes?
Having ruled out two possibilities, the remaining one, no matter how unwilling, has to be sacrificed.

"Are we really going to send the three women?"

Liu Shan lamented that he felt the third daughter was very young and had a long future ahead of her, and that he had originally planned to sacrifice the second daughter.

"If General Liu is too embarrassed to ask, I am willing to make the trip."

Xi Zheng bowed to Liu Shan and said.

"No need. Let me be the one who loses face. It's me who has let them down."

Liu Shan stood up and walked outside.

(End of this chapter)