Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 136 A thief never leaves empty-handed

Braving the heavy rain, he marched two hundred miles to capture Deng Ai. After finishing the task, Shi Shouxin was exhausted and spent the night in Deng Ai's army camp. He fell asleep as soon as he entered his tent.

He was very bold because Deng Ai's subordinates could theoretically stage a mutiny at any time.

But precisely because of this, when these people saw that Shi Shouxin was living in the military camp, their worries subsided, and they stopped thinking about anything else.

The next morning, Shi Shouxin woke up feeling refreshed and led his personal guards to the Zhuge family's residence. By then, the place was deserted and the gates were tightly shut.

Of course, because Zhuge Liang had unparalleled prestige in Shu and powerful connections in Chengdu, even if the Zhuge family home was empty, no villains would dare to rob it.

So when Shi Shouxin arrived, he found that the courtyard seemed quite clean, probably because someone came to clean it regularly.

However, he is not here to admire the scenery, but to have a good talk with Deng Ai.

It's likely that Deng Ai's experience of being left out in the Zhuge family's residence overnight wasn't pleasant.

Pushing open the door to a side room, Shi Shouxin saw Deng Ai sitting at a table, his eyes glazed over, seemingly lost in thought. Following Shi Shouxin's orders, his personal guards separated Deng Zhong and Deng Ai, to prevent them from conspiring together.

"It's you!"

Deng Ai's face lit up with anger upon seeing Shi Shouxin. He was about to rise, but then slumped back down. Shi Shouxin waved his hand gently, and his personal guards withdrew from the room, closing the door behind them.

"My name is Shi Shouxin. I serve as the military supervisor and am granted the authority to act on behalf of the emperor. I am only doing this for Zhong Hui on the orders of the Duke of Jin."

Therefore, Deng Xiaoping need not accuse me of being Zhong Hui's lackey. Even if I were a lackey, I would not be running errands for Zhong Hui.

Shi Shouxin said coldly, speaking directly without beating around the bush.

Upon hearing this, Deng Ai was taken aback, then seemed to understand something, and lowered his head in silence.

He had originally thought Shi Shouxin was Zhong Hui's lackey, but now it seemed that was not the case.

"Then why did you come to arrest me? You went through so much trouble, and the journey in the rain must have been exhausting."

Deng Ai looked completely bewildered and confused.

"Why else? Of course, it's to leave Deng Xiaoping with a mouth to feed."

If we wait for Zhong Hui to attack, or for Deng Gong to lead his troops in a surprise attack on Fucheng, you will surely die in the chaos of battle. At that time, whatever happens in Shu will be entirely up to Zhong Hui.

Even if Duke Jin wanted to know the inside story, he could only believe Zhong Hui's one-sided account.

"Deng Gong, you wouldn't want your reputation to be ruined after your death, would you?"

Shi Shouxin said meaningfully.

Deng Ai sat up straight instantly, trembling slightly, and said excitedly, "What does Supervisor Shi want me to do? I'll do anything to get him out of this predicament!"

At this moment, Deng Ai no longer cared about maintaining his composure; his survival instinct kicked in completely.

"I don't know what Shi is thinking, the key is what the Jin Guild is thinking."

Okay, Mr. Deng, since you arrived in Chengdu, what have you done, where have you lived and worked, who have you appointed as officials, and what military orders have you issued?

In any case, just recount everything in detail. The more detailed and truthful your account, the greater the chance that the Duke of Jin will forgive you.

Of course, Mr. Shi has plenty of time, but... Zhong Hui is already on his way to Chengdu. Once he arrives in Chengdu, he probably won't let you speak.

Therefore, Mr. Shi believes that Deng Xiaoping's time is probably limited.

"Think carefully about what you should do next."

Shi Shouxin didn't waste any words with Deng Ai, but directly brought out the Four Treasures of the Study and ground ink for Deng Ai.

"Would writing about Deng mean I'd live?"

Deng Ai asked in disbelief, sounding somewhat incredulous.

"Write it, or you'll die!"
I'll just write it and see what happens.

Shi Shouxin shook his head, handed the brush in his hand to Deng Ai, and then walked out of the room. To avoid suspicion, he didn't want to say much to Deng Ai; the key was to get Deng Ai's self-report.

Suddenly remembering something, Shi Shouxin, intrigued, went alone to Zhuge Liang's study. Pushing open the door, he saw a calligraphy scroll hanging on the wall that read:

Without tranquility, one cannot go far; without detachment, one cannot clarify one's aspirations.

That's a great saying, but unfortunately I can't do it.

Shi Shouxin sighed inwardly, knowing his own limitations.

He then bowed respectfully and said:
"Prime Minister, your inventions and creations, those agricultural books, military books, and craft books, I suppose the descendants of the Zhuge family will never need them. Let me shine in your place."

I, Shi, hereby assure you that with me in Chengdu, I will certainly cherish the people. If I were to exploit anyone, I would only do so to the wealthy; I will absolutely not touch the common people in the slightest.

After saying that, Shi Shouxin began to carefully search the study.

As expected, Zhuge Liang was probably a master of scrolls. He had several boxes filled with booklets written on mulberry paper, the contents of which were unknown. He also had several large cabinets filled with scrolls written on bamboo slips, which were densely packed together.

In addition, there are many "small items", which appear to be models of farm tools and spinning wheels.

Shi Shouxin was overjoyed and quickly bowed to the calligraphy on the wall in gratitude:

"Prime Minister, the Sima family is not cut out for great things."

If I have the opportunity in the future, I will use all the knowledge you have acquired to benefit the people.

These things are all inanimate objects; piling them up here is useless. I can take them with me and pass them on to future generations.

Since arriving in Sichuan, Shi has never taken a single needle or thread for himself.

As the saying goes, a thief never leaves empty-handed, so I'll take the liberty of taking these manuscripts with me.

If any descendants of the Zhuge family need it in the future, I will return it to them in its original form.

Taking something without permission is theft; taking something after being informed is banditry. Although Shi was a bandit in military uniform, he also knew that even thieves have their code of honor.

"Now that I have taken your things, I will do what needs to be done." Zhuge Liang's study was very simple, without any decorative items.

But there are just too many books! Absurdly many!

Of course, anyone can imagine how expensive books are these days, so it's quite fitting to say that this room is full of gold.

Moreover, before the invention of printing, all books were handwritten copies, many of which were unique and extremely scarce.

From this perspective, books are far more precious than gold, and once this opportunity is missed, it's gone forever. When Zhong Hui arrives in Chengdu, he might just ransack Zhuge Liang's residence as well.

Before Zhong Hui arrives in Chengdu, let's take what we need first.

After muttering to himself for a long time, Shi Shouxin walked out of the study and gave a few instructions to the guards who were following him.

He vaguely understood why Zhuge Liang's descendants did not take these books with them when they left Shu.

They probably understand the principle that "a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." If you don't have the ability to protect something, holding onto it will only bring trouble.

Shi Shouxin was only interested in knowledge. As for worldly things like gold, silver and valuables, he didn't care. He could have plenty of them later if he wanted to.

Putting everything else aside, after a while, those things will naturally be handed to him by wealthy families in Sichuan who beg for his mercy.

The problem is, those valuables are too hot to handle. They can't refuse them, nor can they accept too much, and they also have to consider Sima Zhao's feelings—it's a real dilemma.

Stepping out of Zhuge Liang's study, Shi Shouxin was in high spirits.

Previously, whether it was the raid or the capture of Deng Ai, they were all working for Sima Zhao and Zhong Hui.

Only by coming to the Prime Minister's house to pick up bargains can one truly serve oneself.

After finishing this matter, Shi Shouxin felt that he had obtained what he wanted most in Shu. From now on, he could put aside his selfishness and try to win over his subordinates as much as possible, without having to plan anything for himself.

Afterwards, Shi Shouxin went to the room where Deng Zhong was being held.

Unlike Deng Ai, Deng Zhong seemed to have already guessed why Shi Shouxin had come.

"Are you Inspector Shi?"

Deng Zhong asked, puzzled.

Shi Shouxin nodded and said, "Yes, I've come here to tell you the truth: your father is doomed."

Upon hearing this, Deng Zhong showed neither excitement nor anger, but instead sighed and said, "The Duke of Jin launched a grand campaign against Shu, but the campaign ended up destroying Shu. My father has taken the credit for this annihilation of a state. How can the Duke of Jin tolerate him?"

Huh?
Shi Shouxin was somewhat surprised. Deng Ai's eldest son was still clear-headed and hadn't cried out for justice.

"That makes sense. Duke Jin spent a lot of money and used a lot of connections, working tirelessly to finally settle the marriage."

On the wedding day, it was your father who entered the bridal chamber, and it was also your father who married the bride. How would the Duke of Jin, who had become the bride's husband, feel about this?

Shi Shouxin used a very apt metaphor to help Deng Zhong understand Sima Zhao's desire to kill at that moment.

"Then my son and I are doomed."

Deng Zhong was slumped over, his strength completely drained.

What else could he say? Things had come to this point, what else could he say?
"Tonight, the guards in this courtyard will be particularly weak. While the guards are asleep, you can leave quietly through the north gate of Chengdu."

Don't go through Jiange; take the Yinping Trail directly back to Longyou and live in anonymity.

Of course, you can come to find me later, but you'll have to wait until the army that conquered Shu returns to Luoyang.

It would be best to wait until after the Duke of Jin passes away.

Your father is doomed. Zhong Hui wants to kill him, and the Duke of Jin will surely kill him.

You were just following his orders, which doesn't warrant death, so I'm letting you off the hook.

When you leave tonight, remember to go to the stables and fetch a horse. I've already prepared provisions and valuables for you.

Shi Shouxin sighed and got up to leave.

"Benefactor!"

Deng Zhong immediately knelt down!
"Get up. I also have my own selfish motives; it's not simply to help you."

Your father brought this upon himself, so don't try to persuade him anymore. Leave quietly tonight, understand?

Shi Shouxin helped Deng Zhong up and patted the dust off him.

"I will repay your life today with my own!"

Deng Zhong did not dwell on the fact that Deng Ai was bound to die, but instead directly prostrated himself before Shi Shouxin.

"That's enough. I'm not the kind of person who would take advantage of someone's kindness. Just remember not to be foolish enough to go to Luoyang and seek justice from Duke Jin."

From the moment you secretly crossed the Yinping Pass, your father, or rather, you and your father, were seen as men destined to die by the Duke of Jin!

Shi Shouxin asked one last question.

Deng Zhong nodded slowly. Unlike his father, he was not stubborn. Ever since Shi Shouxin told him about how he paid for someone else's marriage, he understood that his father was beyond saving.

Stepping out of Deng Zhong's room, Shi Shouxin suddenly froze, a strange question popping into his mind:

When Zhong Hui arrives, where the hell am I supposed to stay? I can't exactly stay in the military camp again, can I?

Even if he wanted to live in the military camp, Zhong Hui wouldn't allow it. Of course, Shi Shouxin's status wasn't high enough to warrant living in the Zhuge family's residence.

This place has probably already caught Zhong Hui's eye.

For a moment, Shi Shouxin didn't know where he should rest.

(End of this chapter)