Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 163 It's all about timing, fate, and destiny.
In this meticulously cleaned study, filled with the warmth of daily life, Sima You sat opposite Shi Shouxin, awaiting his reply.

"The Sima family were subjects of the Cao family, but everyone can see the current situation."

What do you think of Tao Fu?

Do you think the Sima family will continue to serve as subjects... or will they change dynasties and seize power?

Shi Shouxin asked a very pointed question.

Before Sima You could answer, he continued to press, "If changing the world and wielding the divine weapon is considered rebellious and immoral, then, if I may be so bold, the entire Sima clan is immoral. Tao Fu, you should think this through before you speak. As the saying goes, those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. What you think in your heart is the most important thing."

"Please...Mr. Shi, don't hesitate to give me your guidance."

Much later, Sima You performed a deep prostration to Shi Shouxin, even changing his form of address.

It wasn't explicitly stated, but the meaning was clear.

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly. Sima You was a reserved person, but reserved did not mean pedantic. He also gave an affirmative answer.

If Sima You wanted to be a defender of morality, then he should have picked up a knife and killed his father, Sima Zhao! He should have stood firmly on the side of the Cao family and upheld imperial power!
Because the Sima clan's usurpation of the throne was a change of heaven and earth, a struggle for power and profit, and a case of inferiors overthrowing superiors and becoming traitors.

Faced with this situation, if you don't fight back, you're cowardly and pedantic. Otherwise, your father and your family are immoral; there's always one of the two.

If Sima You were to say anything hypocritical at this point, he would be nothing more than a hypocrite. Shi Shouxin had no desire to deal with hypocrites, let alone someone who was labeled a "hypocrite."

“Anshi (Sima Yan) was the heir apparent of the Prince of Jin, and Taofu was the heir apparent of the Prince of Jing. It would be very awkward to arrange their seating order in the ancestral temple.”

King Jing was the former emperor, and King Jin will also become the former emperor in the future. They both have imperial titles, so whose offspring is the legitimate heir and whose is just a concubine's?

Does Tao Fu know what's going on?

Shi Shouxin asked with a smile.

Sima You sighed, “My elder brother is the legitimate son, and I am a concubine’s son.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Shouxin waved his hand and said, "No, no, no, your cousin is the legitimate heir, and so are you!"

He emphasized the word "cousin," which caused Sima You's expression to change.

That hits the nail on the head!

"Both the Prince of Jin and the Princess of Jin are eagerly awaiting your return to the family. Neither filial piety nor kinship is the main reason."

The main reason is that once you return to the family line, you will be An Shi's younger brother and the second son of the royal family's direct line.

The throne is passed down from father to son, and from son to grandson. Anshi has descendants, but you will always be ranked at the back. It will never be your turn to sit on the throne.

But if you were the heir apparent to Prince Jing, the situation would be very different.

The reason why the Prince of Jin's lineage was able to continue the main branch of the family was because Prince Jing died young. Although you were adopted, according to the patriarchal system, you are still Prince Jing's eldest legitimate son.

If the lineage of Prince Jin declines in the future, and An Shi's descendants are all unworthy sons, then many court officials will support your ascension to the throne!
Moreover, it is perfectly legitimate; your lineage comes from King Jing, not from being the second son of King Jin.

The intricacies of this situation are neither important nor unimportant, because as long as An Shi is around, you will never be able to sit in that position.

But if An Shi were to pass away one day, the divine artifact might be transferred from the lineage of the Prince of Jin to the lineage of the Prince of Jing.

The Prince and Princess of Jin, with their far-sighted planning, had taken this relationship into account, and therefore hoped you would return to your clan, thus blocking that path!

Every word Shi Shouxin spoke was like a steel nail, hammering into Sima You's body, sending chills down his spine and causing him to tremble involuntarily.

Many things are like a thin sheet of paper; before you break through it, the silhouette behind the paper looks like the gentle outline of a beautiful woman.

But once the truth is revealed, what you see is the terrifying appearance of a beautiful woman stripped of her mask, transformed into a monstrous demon.

The cruelty and cold-bloodedness of politics were laid bare and dissected by Shi Shouxin and presented to Sima You.

At that moment, he felt as if his biological parents and his own elder brother had all become different people. Their minds were filled with calculations about political power.

“I know why you’re anxious. That night at the banquet, it felt like you were besieged by everyone, even Prince Jin and Princess Jin were pressuring you, making you feel like there was no safe place, wasn’t that right?”

Shi Shouxin looked at Sima You and asked in return.

Upon hearing Shi Shouxin's words, Sima You sighed, "No wonder my mother (Yang Huiyu) speaks so highly of Mr. Shi. His words are like a wake-up call, making me feel ashamed."

Sima You now knows that his parents and elder brother weren't specifically targeting him. But the reality is far worse!
If parents and siblings don't like you, that's just a matter of not handling the relationship well. The ruthlessness of politics is evident in the fact that fathers kill their sons and brothers kill their brothers, as recorded in history books.

"As for the matter of returning to one's ancestral home, do you think I should agree to it?"

Sima You asked in a low voice, hoping that Shi Shouxin would stop beating around the bush and just answer his question directly.

However, Shi Shouxin did not answer directly, but instead offered him advice:
"Filial piety, in essence, is the etiquette that children show to their parents and elders. Whether you return to the ancestral line or continue to be the legitimate son of King Jing, you must follow the wishes of your elders. If the King and Queen of Jin want you to return to the ancestral line, you can let your mother decide; a stepmother is also a mother."

If your mother agrees, then the responsibility for this matter will not lie with you. When outsiders talk about it, it will all be a matter between the Prince of Jin and his wife and your mother.

If your mother disagrees, then follow her opinion. After all, your stepmother is now your mother, while your biological mother is not your mother in the traditional sense.

If you're going to fulfill your filial duty, then let your elders decide; you don't need to step in.

Shi Shouxin spoke in great detail and clearly, without any attempt to conceal anything or make any insinuations.

This made Sima You feel his sincerity and ability!

"Mr. Shi is right."

Sima You let out a sigh of relief, nodded, and continued, "It should be decided by Mother."

However, after a moment of silence, he looked at Shi Shouxin and asked sincerely, "Mr. Shi, what do you think I should choose, if we don't consider the opinions of my elders?"

“Establishing an heir is like establishing a country; unless absolutely necessary, there is no such thing as changing one’s lineage.”

A person cannot stand without integrity. This is an act of betrayal and treachery. Although it is not your intention, you still have to bear the consequences. Therefore, in my opinion, returning to one's ancestral home is absolutely unacceptable.

However, I'm only talking about whether you should or shouldn't, not whether you can or shouldn't decline. Life is full of disappointments; if things don't go your way, what can you do?
If the Prince of Jin and his wife insist that you return to your ancestral home, and your mother doesn't object, can you withstand the pressure?

Shi Shouxin countered with a question.

Whether one wants to or not is merely a matter of inner desire; it doesn't mean that it can be realized in reality.

"Mr. Shi, I think..."

Just as Sima You was about to speak, Shi Shouxin raised his hand to interrupt him.

"There are many things I shouldn't have said; if I had, I fear I would have suffered the same fate as Yang Xiu."

I only said that out of consideration for your mother and uncle (Yang Hu).

You don't need to say anything else; I know what you want to say.

Shi Shouxin said calmly.

Sima You chuckled awkwardly, then sighed deeply and said nothing more.

"Mr. Shi, then I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now."

I will remember your kindness.

Sima You bowed deeply to Shi Shouxin again, then got up and left. Shi Shouxin escorted him to the courtyard gate, then turned and went back to his study.

Sima You had just intended to invite Shi Shouxin to serve as his chief advisor. Of course, the official position would be uncertain, depending on Sima You's future rank and official post.

How could Shi Shouxin possibly get involved in such a mess!

Unless Sima Zhao forces him to follow Sima You, he will definitely keep his distance from this younger brother of Sima Yan!

With nothing else to do, he wrote a letter to Li Wan in his study. He thought for a long time but couldn't come up with anything to say. He figured it was better to meet her in person than to say anything in words. Just then, Xigou returned with an invitation.

Upon opening it, I found it was written by Shi Chong.

Shi Chong said he was hosting a banquet at his residence tonight, and many sons of powerful and wealthy people would be attending. He hoped that Shi Shouxin could also go and support him.

These sons of officials want to participate in the conquest of Shu but have no opportunity. They are asking Shi Shouxin to come and tell them stories!
"My lord, shall we go tonight? Shi Chong's entourage is still outside the door."

"The greyhound asked."

Go and tell him that I will definitely be there tonight.

Shi Shouxin gave the instructions, pondering Shi Chong's intentions.

This youngest member of the Shi family seems to be aiming for something big. His scheming spirit is like a cannon blast, never stopping for a moment.

Shi Shouxin thought to himself, but he couldn't really judge such a person and such a life.

"A bunch of scheming and despicable people, yet we can't do anything about them."

Shi Shouxin stood up and couldn't help but curse.

Feeling troubled, he left his study and wandered around the empty courtyard, feeling that the place had become dilapidated and rotten, long since losing its former vitality.

Just as Shi Shouxin was idly strolling around the courtyard, he saw a carriage parked outside the open gate, and an old woman, supported by a maid, dismounted from the horse.

He quickly went to greet her, bowed to the simply dressed old woman, and asked, "My name is Shi Shouxin. Are you here to see me?"

The old woman looked him up and down, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.

"I am Xin Xianying, Yang Xiu's mother. Won't you invite me in for a seat?"

Xin Xianying smiled as she spoke.

Shi Shouxin quickly helped the other person into the study. It seemed that this strategist of the Yang family was not in good health these days.

After the two were seated, Xin Xianying respectfully bowed to Shi Shouxin and said:
"Young Master Shi saved my son Yang Xiu's life in Shu. Although he doesn't know proper etiquette, I, an old woman of this age, still know proper etiquette. I've come here today to thank you."

Yang Xiu intended to harm you, yet you repaid evil with kindness; I deeply admire your magnanimity. As for gifts, I won't presume to do so; the debt of saving my life will surely be repaid handsomely in the future.”

It turns out that Xin Xianying came to clean up the mess for her son, Yang Xiu.

Having such a troublesome son must have been quite a challenge for this wise and resourceful old woman.

“My uncle and I are very close friends, and I would never kill Yang Xiu to avenge her. You flatter me.”

Shi Shouxin said modestly.

Xin Xianying smiled and nodded, then stood up and walked to Shi Shouxin's side, whispering in his ear:

“Yu Niang has had a hard life, sacrificing half her life for Yang Shi. You should treat her well.”

No one else knows about this, so you can rest assured.

I didn't understand why this widow would be so infatuated with a man.

Seeing you today, I know that Yu Niang did not misjudge you.

Upon hearing this, Shi Shouxin was so frightened that the hairs on his body stood on end!
Xin Xianying just smiled without saying a word and gently patted his shoulder.

Shi Shouxin quickly stood up, took Xin Xianying's arm, and escorted her to the door. He only breathed a sigh of relief after the carriage had disappeared from sight.

(End of this chapter)