Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 159 No Feast is Good (Part 1)

Although Sima Zhao sent a formal letter to Shi Shouxin on the very day Shi entered Luoyang (and was placed under house arrest), it was clear that Sima Zhao did not intend to let the matter rest so easily.

In the afternoon, the white-haired Xun Yi arrived at the courtyard where Shi Shouxin lived. He had a smile on his face, but his purpose in coming here was very sharp.

"Shi Gongtai, I, Xun, have a few questions for you. Of course, I am not in charge of criminal law, so I cannot convict you."

"As the Minister of Personnel, you understand that I need to conduct preliminary investigations before assigning new official positions to officials, right?"

Xun Yi asked with a smile.

In the study, the two sat facing each other at the desk, the atmosphere slightly tense.

"Minister Xun, please."

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly, his expression calm, or rather, he had expected it.

"Well then, may I ask a few questions?"

Xun Yi nodded, then his smile faded as he asked, "I heard that in Shu, you, as the military supervisor at the time, raided Chengdu on a rainy night, took over the camp, and then entered the city to arrest Deng Ai. Who gave you the military order? Could I see it? If you didn't have it with you, you can send someone to get it."

Xun Yi's opening remarks were a bombshell!
"In urgent situations, expediency is necessary, and there were no military orders."

At that time, Grand Commander Zhong Hui had already issued a proclamation to punish Deng Ai, but he hesitated to take action.

Seeing that things were on the verge of collapse, and coincidentally there was a heavy rain in Chengdu, I mustered my five hundred men and rushed to Chengdu, where we managed to capture Deng Ai.

The saying goes, "Hesitation only leads to trouble." As long as the final outcome is good, I don't think making a decisive decision is a big deal.

Shi Shouxin said without changing his expression.

Xun Yi nodded, seemingly believing Shi Shouxin's explanation, but did not offer any comments.

"Just now, the Commandant of the Capital Region (Shi Bao) told Xun that Deng Ai was hit by seven arrows and bled to death."

"You were escorting him back to Luoyang, how did he die on the way?"

Xun Yi asked again.

Shi Shouxin replied, "On the official road outside Luoyang, dozens of riders suddenly rushed out, dressed in various robes. Without saying a word, they used crossbows to shoot Deng Ai dead in the prison cart. The leader claimed that Deng Ai had killed his family, and they were just seeking revenge for a blood relative. After each of them shot an arrow, they rode away. I couldn't catch up with them, and they got away."

He explained it in detail, but Xun Yi countered with, "Is that all?"

"Well, that's it."

Shi Shouxin nodded, his expression unchanged.

Xun Yi sighed and said, "Shi Gongtai, I am really in a difficult position because of what you said. If someone says that you sent someone to shoot Deng Ai, or even falsely accuses you of shooting him yourself, how will you prove your innocence? I have heard that you took Liu Shan's daughter as a concubine and she is pregnant. You can't very well ask Liu Shan to testify for you, can you?"

His tone carried an inquisitive air, along with a subtle hint of mockery.

This reminded Shi Shouxin of a saying: "If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext."

"Mr. Xun, is this what you came here to tell me today?"

Shi Shouxin looked at Xun Yi and asked in return.

"Hey, Shi Gongtai, don't be nervous. I'm just here to ask you some questions in my capacity as Minister of Personnel. This is something that must be done when assessing officials for promotion. As for whether you really shot Deng Ai, whether you really set a trap to kill Deng Ai, or whether you really acted recklessly and disobeyed orders in Shu, I won't investigate the truth of those matters."

It's just that the King of Jin wants to grant you the title of Marquis of Guannei and give you a higher official position, so he specially ordered me, Xun, to come and test you.

Now that I have asked all the questions I needed to ask, it is time for me to take my leave.

After speaking, Xun Yi stood up and bowed to Shi Shouxin, being very polite, making it difficult to discern his true attitude.

Shi Shouxin saw Xun Yi off at the gate of the mansion, and after closing the door, the expression on his face fell.

"Sir Shi, how is the situation?"

Li Liang stepped forward and asked.

Shi Shouxin did not hide anything from him, and recounted his conversation with Xun Yi in the study in detail, without embellishment.

"Xun Yi is probably here to relay a message from Sima Zhao. If he really wanted to deal with you, he could have just sent the Court of Justice or the Commandant of the Capital Region to arrest you."

If you follow his orders, your position as Marquis within the Pass and your official post will likely be secure. If you don't, then... well, it's hard to say.

Li Liang comforted Shi Shouxin.

That hit the nail on the head.

Given the Sima family's nature, if they really wanted to do something, they wouldn't be polite to Shi Shouxin.

They used both threats and inducements directly, as if afraid Shi Shouxin wouldn't understand, almost to the point of slapping it on his face.

"It seems I won't be able to enjoy the food or the drinks at tonight's banquet."

Shi Shouxin sighed, feeling helpless as well.

Spring days are short, and soon the sun sets and night falls. Just as sunset was approaching, the carriage sent by the Prince of Jin's mansion arrived in front of Yang Hu's residence, where Sima You had come to pick them up.

This second son of Sima Zhao and the stepson of Sima Shi looked at Shi Shouxin again and again, wanting to speak several times, but in the end he held back.

After Shi Shouxin boarded the carriage, Sima You said to him, "Sima Shi, be careful with your words and actions at today's banquet."

Should we be careful with our words and actions?
Shi Shouxin smiled helplessly and didn't respond.

Clearly, at this critical juncture, it was not convenient for him to get close to Sima You, because the latter's identity was extremely sensitive.

From Yang Hu's residence to Sima Zhao's Prince of Jin's mansion, even on foot, it would only take the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Once in the carriage, it felt like you hadn't even had a chance to sit down before you had to get off.

Sima Zhao's affectation and pretentiousness further revealed his insecurity.

Unlike when he first entered Luoyang, Shi Shouxin was no longer timid. Now he was certain that Sima Zhao couldn't really do anything to him. Upon entering the main hall of the Prince of Jin's residence, he was led by a servant to the last seat, where he saw Yang Xiu sitting next to him.

The two exchanged a glance, pretended not to know each other, and sat up straight.

Soon, Sima Yan and Sima You, Sima Zhao's two eldest sons, arrived and sat in the seat of honor, next to Sima Zhao.

Next, Du Yu arrived. The goiter on his neck had subsided somewhat, but some traces were still visible. Even with a scarf over his head, the bulge was still noticeable, making him rather unsightly.

Xun Yi, who went to question Shi Shouxin today, also arrived and was chatting with Sima Yan, looking like they were having a pleasant conversation.

Soon, more guests arrived, but apart from Shi Shouxin's adoptive father, Shi Bao, he didn't recognize anyone else.

Finally, after a middle-aged woman in a brocade robe helped Sima Zhao to his seat at the head of the table, the banquet officially began. Up to this point, Liu Shan had not appeared!
Or rather, he was never invited by Sima Zhao at all!
"Let's begin the meal."

Sima Zhao calmly gave his instructions.

Soon, the food and wine were served, and the musicians began to play. However, perhaps because the woman who was suspected to be Sima Zhao's principal wife, Wang Yuanji, was present, no dancers came up to perform.

Frankly speaking, it was rather inappropriate for the wife to be present while the dancers performed a leg-baring dance.

"Today's family banquet is also a welcome feast for Shi Gandang. Come, come, no need for formalities, let's drink this cup to Shi Gandang!"

Sima Zhao raised his wine cup, stood up, looked around at everyone, and said.

Everyone stood up and raised their glasses, their eyes all fixed on Shi Shouxin!

"I'm flattered, I'm honored. I'll drink to that first!"

Shi Shouxin quickly stood up and drank the wine in his cup, secretly thinking that something was wrong!
Originally, he was just an insignificant little karaomi at the banquet, content to sit at the very end. But Sima Zhao's words drew everyone's attention to him.

After everyone was seated, Sima Zhao said with emotion, "Zhong Hui has greatly disappointed me. I have never wronged him, entrusting him with important responsibilities and appointing him as the commander-in-chief of the armies to attack Shu. Unexpectedly, Zhong Hui rebelled after entering Chengdu! If it weren't for Shi Gandang's efforts to turn the tide, Zhong Hui would almost have succeeded!"

He looked at Shi Shouxin and said, word by word, "You absolutely deserved that glass of wine just now."

The attempt to flatter and kill was too obvious. Wang Yuanji, who was standing next to Sima Zhao, frowned slightly, but finally couldn't help but say, "Today we should only talk about family matters and not dwell on the bloodshed of swords and shadows."

After she finished speaking, she gave Sima Zhao a wink.

Shi Shouxin glanced at Wang Yuanji with some surprise, secretly thinking to himself that he was probably not the main course on the menu at today's banquet!
As expected, Sima Zhao looked at Sima You, who was sighing deeply.

The white-haired old man sitting opposite Xun Yi asked, "The army's return after conquering Shu is a joyous occasion, so why does the Prince of Jin sigh?"

This man was named Chen Qian. He was a veteran of three reigns in the Cao Wei dynasty, having served as an official even when Cao Cao was still alive.

“I see that my son You’er has grown up and is now an official with a good reputation.”

Although he was born of me, I am no longer his father. Even if he wants to be filial, he should sweep my brother's grave.

Whenever I think of this, I can't help but sigh.

Sima Zhao sighed deeply, and Wang Yuanji, who was standing to the side, was already in tears, wiping the tears from her face with her sleeve.

This, isn't this right?

Shi Shouxin stared in disbelief, but saw that Sima You, who was seated in the distance, also looked embarrassed, though he did not show any surprise.

He probably already knew something, but he didn't expect that Sima Zhao and his wife would say it out loud in front of so many people!

However, even if Sima You wanted to say something now, he couldn't. At least not in front of outsiders.

You can't say a word; the more you say, the more mistakes you'll make.

A middle-aged man sitting below Chen Qian stepped forward to smooth things over, saying, "Although Sima You was adopted, it does not sever ties with his family. He is still the Prince of Jin's nephew and must still fulfill his filial duties. The Prince of Jin is worrying too much."

The speaker was Pei Xiu, one of Sima Zhao's confidants.

However, can a son and a nephew be the same, even though there is only one character difference between them?

His attempt to smooth things over only made things worse; Wang Yuanji cried even harder, quickly apologizing and leaving the hall.

Shi Shouxin watched Wang Yuanji get so carried away with her acting, a cold smile creeping across his face. If it weren't for setting this trap, why would she attend such an occasion as a woman? This crying act was just a blatant attempt to cover up her true identity!

Shi Shouxin originally thought he was here to be the main character, but it turns out he was just a spectator.

As expected, Yang Xiu, sitting next to Shi Shouxin, suddenly spoke to Sima Zhao:

“Prince Jin, I am also a distant cousin of An Shi (Sima Yan), and I am speaking to you today as a junior.”

Although adoption is a matter of etiquette, etiquette is for the living, not for the deceased.

Tao Fu (Sima You's childhood name) was adopted by King Jing (Sima Shi), a decision that was already finalized. If King Jing were still alive, it would have been fine, but he had already passed away, while the King of Jin and his wife were still alive.

How can children be so disrespectful to their living parents, yet insist on being filial to their deceased stepparents?

Yang Xiu has always been outspoken, unrestrained, and does things her own way.

If someone else had said that, it would have been incredibly disrespectful, and there would have been no way to justify it. But when he said it, he didn't find it strange at all.

It's understandable that such a scoundrel, especially one from Wang Yuanji's mother's family, would say such strange things.

Everyone present looked at Yang Xiu and remained silent.

You really dare to say that, huh? I'd like to see how you get out of this mess.

Shi Shouxin's face twitched from holding back his laughter.

But the person who was even more embarrassed was Sima You, who sat at a distance, at a loss for what to do.

(End of this chapter)