Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 171 Propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame are nothing more than a fig leaf.

Just as night fell, Shi Chong sent someone to bring Chun Tao back and invited Shi Shouxin to a banquet at the Shi residence the next day, as a farewell to Shi Shouxin.

News travels fast in Luoyang, and within half a day, the news of Shi Shouxin's appointment as the Prefect of Qingzhou was already common knowledge among the official "players." Shi Chong's invitation was naturally an attempt to further cultivate a closer relationship.

As dusk approached, torches were already lit in the study.

Looking at the distracted Xigou, Shi Shouxin asked, "What's wrong? Are you reluctant to part with Chuntao?"

"I am a little reluctant to part with her, and I think she is reluctant to part with me too."

The greyhound muttered to itself.

"Forget it, a real man doesn't have to worry about not having a wife. You can have someone better in the future."

Today, I'm simply showing you the beauty of women.

Shi Shouxin patted him on the shoulder and said.

The greyhound nodded slightly, but didn't say anything; its mood remained low.

However, he also knew that such things were only for fun and that he wouldn't be able to handle the situation if Chuntao were actually given to him.

That day, Shi Shouxin went to Shi Chong's house for a banquet, and more than ten men took liberties with Chun Tao's beautiful body. Thinking of this, Xi Gou felt really sorry for the girl.

"My love, I will go through fire and water for you from now on. Whatever you need me to do, even if it's a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, I won't even blink an eye!"

The greyhound swore an oath to Shi Shouxin.

"Enough with the words, go make the bed and get ready, I'm going to sleep."

Shi Shouxin yawned and said, ignoring Xigou's confident assurances.

He hasn't slept well for the past two days.

The greyhound chuckled and left the study.

Shi Shouxin leaned against the couch in his study, dozing off with his eyes half-closed, and actually fell asleep.

He didn't know how long he had slept when he was suddenly shaken awake.

"what happened?"

Shi Shouxin opened his eyes and saw Xigou standing beside him with a strange expression.

"Ah Lang, someone has come to visit."

The greyhound looked conflicted, seemingly unsure whether he should speak or not.

"Then take me to greet the guests."

Shi Shouxin stood up and stretched.

It's probably around 9 or 10 pm now. What kind of customers could come in at this hour?
Shi Shouxin walked out of the study, and the person who came was actually Wei Shi, a member of the wealthy Wei family in Hedong, whom he had dealt with back then!
Wei Guan's younger brother!

Night owls don't come to a house unless they have something to do, so what's this guy's purpose in visiting so late at night?

Shi Shouxin looked hesitant, but still politely invited Wei Shi into his home.

After the two were seated in the study, Wei Shi finally spoke: "Minister Shi, I heard that you have returned to Luoyang. I have been wanting to visit you, but I knew you were busy with official duties, so I did not come to disturb you. I am here tonight because of a letter from my brother. He is on his way back to Luoyang, and you are about to take up your post, so he may not be able to meet you in time."

Hmm, this guy rambled on and on, but he didn't say why he came here.

Shi Shouxin tentatively asked, "If I remember correctly, you have come to the capital to serve as a Gentleman Attendant, right?"

"That's right. I haven't been in the capital for long, and this official position is thanks to my brother's military achievements."

Wei Shi sighed.

Clearly, he is not doing well now, holding the same official position as Shi Chong.

It seems alright, but whether this kind of official position, where one comes to the side of a powerful person and offers advice, is good or bad depends on whether one is truly favored.

If you're not favored, you're practically invisible in officialdom; even if you rest at home for a month, no one might remember you didn't come!

Shi Chong helped Sima Yan build his power base and win over his followers. The extent of his favor was far beyond what a middle-aged man like Wei Shi could ever achieve!
Not to mention Shi Chong's age advantage; as long as Sima Zhao died and Sima Yan ascended to the throne, there was almost no doubt that Shi Chong would rise to prominence.

Wei Shi wouldn't even be worthy of carrying Shi Chong's shoes in the future; perhaps with the help of his elder brother Wei Guan, he could still manage to get by in officialdom.

In just one glance, the quick-witted Shi Shouxin saw through Wei Shi's true nature.

However, Wei Shi was quite honest; he took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Shi Shouxin.

"This is a letter from your elder brother, who asked me to deliver it."

Wei Shi spoke cautiously, her attitude so humble it was heartbreaking.

Before the war to conquer Shu, Shi Shouxin went to Hedong on official business. At that time, Wei Shi, as a wealthy landowner, was also very proud and ambitious. However, once the wealthy landowner became an official in Luoyang, he was nothing and could only rely on his elder brother Wei Guan.

Wei Shi might be a big shot in Hedong, but who the hell knows him in Luoyang? He'd better just quietly build up his seniority!

Shi Shouxin opened the letter and discovered that it was not written to him, but to Wei Guan for Wei Shi, yet the things it contained were related to him.

Wei Guan wrote in the letter:

During my campaign against Shu, I met a talented young man named Shi Shouxin. He was a man of extraordinary talent and boundless potential, and also a kind and benevolent person. I asked him if he could divorce his wife and marry my daughter from the Wei family, but he resolutely refused, which shows that he is someone I can entrust with important matters.

Your niece, Wei Xiu, is still a young woman. You must betroth her to Shi Shouxin as his concubine. Do not hesitate.

After reading the letter, Shi Shouxin looked at Wei Shi with a puzzled expression and asked, "Does Lord Wei not understand the identity of the Lady Zhong?"

He was genuinely shocked this time!
The term "中夫人" (zhongfuren) is colloquially known as "小老婆" (mistress), which is the literal meaning of the term.

For example, if a nobleman already has a wife, but other noblemen want to form a marriage alliance with him, and this nobleman also desires a marriage alliance, then without divorcing his wife, he can arrange the marriage through a "second wife."

The woman who just entered the house was the "Madam Zhong".

So how many wives can a family have?
It's hard to say, because the "concubine" of a man who was not emperor during the Wei and Jin dynasties was similar to the relationship between an emperor and his consorts.

However, viewing her as an enhanced version of a concubine is not unreasonable.

Shi Shouxin thought Wei Guan was just joking at the time, but he didn't expect him to take it seriously!

How could he take it seriously? He didn't even agree to it!
"Sir Shi is a man of extraordinary talent, how could my daughter be worthy of you? I would be more than satisfied if she could become your wife, please grant me your request!"

Wei Shi actually knelt down before Shi Shouxin!
"Lord Wei, this matter is truly inappropriate..."

Shi Shouxin looked troubled.

"The dowry will be sent by the Wei family tomorrow! My daughter is in the carriage outside the door. If you refuse, I'm afraid she will be so ashamed that she will commit suicide."

Please, Sima Shi, make the difficult decision to accept her!

Wei Shi, a man in his thirties, actually knelt on the ground and wept, a scene so poignant that even the winds and trees seemed to weep.

At this moment, Shi Shouxin understood the rich rewards that come with risking one's life to succeed.

No wonder there's a saying that fortune and wealth are found in danger.

Once you achieve success and fame, someone will offer their precious daughter to you for you to do as you please. If you refuse, they will glare at you!
Propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame are nothing but a fig leaf. People in this world interact for profit; if there's something to gain, one might as well throw away all pretense of decency!
"Lord Wei, please rise. This matter should not be publicized for the time being."

Shi Shouxin helped Wei Shi up.

“That’s right, that’s right. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered you so late at night.” Wei Shi stood up and took out a gift list from his sleeve and handed it to Shi Shouxin.

The contents of the dowry are written on it.

Not only did they possess gold, silver, silk, and even weapons and arrows, but they also had tenant farmers and their retainers, who were also known as private armies.

“Wei has only one daughter, so the matter concerning Supervisor Shi will be Wei’s matter in the future.”

Wei Shi emphasized one point.

Upon hearing this, Shi Shouxin's tense face relaxed slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Then I should call you father-in-law."

"Just call me Duke Wei. I don't deserve the title of Father-in-law."

Wei Shi said humbly, not feeling ashamed at all about sending his daughter to be a concubine.

If the governor of Qingzhou, who was in his early twenties, were to marry his daughter, Wei Shi would worry that the governor was trying to scam him out of the dowry.

……

Wei Shi left satisfied, but left behind a "little tail"—what an irresponsible old man.

In the study, Shi Shouxin looked at Wei Xiu, who was incredibly handsome but thin and had a terrible complexion, and instructed Xi Gou, "Go find that physician who used to treat our family by the Luo River in the south of the city. Make sure he comes here no matter what."

The greyhound chuckled and accepted the order, then departed.

That physician had treated Yang, the concubine, years ago. Although he couldn't cure her, his epidemic prevention measures were excellent, allowing Li Wan and the others to safely survive the plague.

His medical skills were significantly superior to those of other physicians, and it is said that he was a disciple of Zhang Zhongjing.

Wei Xiu looked embarrassed and didn't know what to say.

"Judging from your complexion, you must have been sick for a long time. Let's get treatment first."

Shi Shouxin patted her little hand to comfort her.

Wei Xiu felt a warmth in her heart. She suddenly remembered her uncle's words in his letter about Shi Shouxin's kind and benevolent heart, and she couldn't help but feel a little hopeful about this marriage that had been so difficult.

The main thing is that she originally thought she would be the wife of an old man, but she didn't expect him to be so young!
Before long, a white-haired physician arrived. He shared the same surname as Wei Xiu and was named Wei Fan, but he was not a member of the Wei family from Hedong.

"Imperial Physician, this young lady from Hedong is from the same clan as you. Please diagnose her condition."

Shi Shouxin gave Wei Fan some instructions.

"Since we are from the same family, we should naturally treat him properly."

Wei Fan stroked his white beard and smiled, then casually sat down and took Wei Xiu's pulse right in front of Shi Shouxin.

After a short while, Wei Fan nodded and said, "It's just that she has a deficiency of qi and blood and is not used to the water and soil of Luoyang. This young lady comes from Hedong and is not accustomed to the water and soil of Luoyang, so there is nothing seriously wrong with her. However, she has been weak since childhood and needs to be properly cared for."

"Thank you for your trouble, Physician Wei."

After bowing, Shi Shouxin presented the consultation fee.

Wei Fan wrote out the prescription, promised to deliver the prepared medicine the next day, and then got up and left.

Shi Shouxin then instructed Xigou to prepare an empty room. After escorting Wei Xiu into the room, he said to her, "I am about to set off for Qingzhou, but you are not fit to travel. So I plan to send my troops ahead, while I will stay in Luoyang and wait for you to recover before we set off for Qingzhou together. What do you say?"

His thoughtfulness moved Wei Xiu to the point of being at a loss for words.

"My lord, I was a little apprehensive before, but I didn't expect you to be so understanding."

Wei Xiu choked up a little as she spoke, and Shi Shouxin quickly took her hand and comforted her gently. A blush rose on Wei Xiu's pale face, and she secretly glanced at Shi Shouxin, finding him increasingly handsome and captivating.

He wasn't the kind of pretty boy; his features were upright and exuded confidence and composure, making him instantly reassuring.

Besides, Wei Xiu, being a woman from a wealthy family, naturally understood the consequences of disobeying military orders. The fact that the other party postponed their journey to take care of her health was a kindness priceless.

"I liked you very much the moment I saw you, so naturally I will treat you well."

"Once you enter this door, you are my madam; there's no need for formalities."

Shi Shouxin said with a warm smile.

"Ah Lang! I, I like you too!"

Looking at Shi Shouxin, Wei Xiu felt her heart melt. She stepped forward and gently hugged him. This unprecedented emotion overwhelmed her.

Their eyes met, and Wei Xiu couldn't help but close her eyes. Then Shi Shouxin kissed her slightly pale lips.

Soon, Wei Xiu, who had never been with a man before, was no match for Shi Shouxin, that old lecher. She was unable to resist his intimacy that crossed the line and could only let him do as he pleased.

Only when Wei Xiu lay on the bed, having laid bare her true self and prepared for the storm, did Shi Shouxin stop and not go any further.

"You should focus on getting better. There's a long road ahead. We'll make love again once you're fully recovered."

Shi Shouxin put his arm around Wei Xiu's smooth, fair shoulders and whispered in her ear.

“My love, I am already yours. Uncle is so kind to have found me a husband like you.”

Wei Xiu murmured in Shi Shouxin's arms, her face filled with blissful intoxication.

She arrived in Luoyang, a place unfamiliar to both people and people, and suffered from illness due to the change in environment. Feeling depressed and physically haggard, she was melancholy all day long.

Suddenly, a handsome man appeared out of nowhere to become her husband, and his affection for her was so overwhelming that Wei Xiu was completely stunned. Her emotions plummeted from rock bottom to a fever pitch, leaving her heart pounding wildly.

Although the ceremony was not yet completed, Wei Xiu's body and soul had already been captivated.

"Okay, don't worry, I'll treat you well from now on."

Shi Shouxin kissed Wei Xiu's forehead and said.

He wasn't in a hurry, but if he didn't rush to get Wei Xiu into bed and be intimate with her, it wouldn't be enough to show his affection for her and satisfy her little vanity.

There are no gentlemen in bed, and no ladies on the couch.

The most direct way to express love is through intimacy.

While Shi Shouxin wore a smile, he sighed helplessly in his heart.

The trouble with this marriage alliance lies here: to maintain good relations, all the "ladies" must be satisfied. Now that Wei Xiu has been accepted, she must be managed well, and the power of the Wei family can be leveraged.

Otherwise, the backlash in the future will be severe.

As long as Wei Xiu understands that the man she shares a bed with really likes her, then Shi Shouxin's relationship with the Wei family can take another step forward.

vice versa.

Shi Shouxin understood very early on that he could never have love that wasn't tainted by any self-interest. Since he couldn't have it, he would just focus on doing his job well.

Of course, Shi Shouxin's choice not to act with the main army was also an indication that he had no intention of hoarding troops for personal gain, while avoiding Wang Yuanji and Yang Huiyu, and also testing Sima Zhao's bottom line.

If Sima Zhao really wanted to give him an important position, then asking for leave and arriving a little later wouldn't bother him.

Conversely, this would indicate that Sima Zhao's appointment was merely a stopgap measure.

Shi Shouxin was eager to know what Sima Zhao was really thinking.

(End of this chapter)