Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 179 The Late Emperor Appeared in My Dream
After the rag was removed from the boy's mouth, he yelled at Shi Shouxin, "Shi Shouxin, you'd better release me now, or my father will come here and kill you all! Not a single one of you will be spared!"

Hearing this, Hui Niang and the others exchanged bewildered glances. It was hard to believe that someone could be so arrogant when they were bound hand and foot and their life was in someone else's hands.

"You're so capable, is your father Sima Zhao?"

Shi Shouxin countered with a question.

Wang Jun was taken aback. Although he didn't say anything, Shi Shouxin had already seen his expression.

It's as if they're saying: If my father were Sima Zhao, would I be tied up like this by you guys?

"Since you are not Sima Zhao's son, then... it doesn't seem like a big deal if I kill you, does it?"

By the way, is your father really that amazing? Can he scale city walls with his bare hands, or catch a blade with his bare hands?

Shi Shouxin's expression remained calm, but he had already drawn his sword and was playing with it in his hand.

His tone was playful.

"My father is the military commander of Jiangbei. If you dare to touch me..."

Wang Jun was still saying something when he heard Shi Shouxin's expression of "sudden realization".

The man named Shi Sima said with a mocking expression:

"Oh, so your father was that scoundrel who betrayed the emperor and sold out his master for personal gain. I was just saying, your behavior is somewhat similar to his. Birds of a feather flock together!"

No wonder, as the saying goes, dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and a rat's son knows how to dig a hole.

"Given your father's circumstances, it's no wonder you're in this predicament."

Clearly, Shi Shouxin was not afraid of Wang Shen at all, and even despised his character! He then launched a powerful attack right up to Wang Jun's face.

A beating is meant to strike the face, but a murder is also meant to destroy the spirit!

"Shi Shouxin, you bastard."

Once I escape, I'll kill you and hang you on the gates of Luoyang. Then I'll strip all your women naked and throw them into my father's military camp, where hundreds or thousands of men will take turns having sex with them..."

Upon hearing this, Shi Shouxin patted Wang Jun's cheek and then slapped him hard twice!

"You brat! Back when I served the emperor and faced thousands of imperial guards without batting an eye, your father ran to the Prince of Jin to tip him off, while you were still nursing in your mother's arms!"

How dare you come here and cause trouble? What kind of dog do you think you are!

Even if I bury you alive in my backyard right now, your traitorous father wouldn't dare do anything to me!
If you say another word, I'll chop you up and feed you to the dogs!

Snapped!Snapped!
The two slaps stunned Wang Jun, calmed his mind, and made his eyes clearer.

He seemed to realize that his current situation was somewhat...dangerous.

Shi Shouxin was too lazy to waste words on this immature scoundrel. He instructed Zhao Xiangfeng:

"Have two brothers from the Zhao family take turns serving him. Make sure they make him comfortable, just don't beat him to death."

Oh, right. When you're hitting someone, remember to use a thick layer of straw as a cushion so that no marks are visible on their body.

Also, don't let him speak or beg for mercy; just keep hitting him.

"Don't worry, Ah Lang, I'm really angry right now, I won't let him get away with this."

Zhao Xiangfeng looked at Wang Jun and sneered, a savage grin on his face, the muscles on his arms jiggling as he clenched his fists.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"

Wang Jun struggled desperately as his mouth was gagged again, his face, swollen from the slaps, filled with terror.

This time he was truly afraid, but Shi Shouxin had already lost interest in talking to him.

Shi Shouxin has never liked to indulge those powerful and influential people.

Even while he was tied up, this guy didn't forget to say, "My father is Wang Shen." If he's rescued, who knows how he'll retaliate.

Treating this person with courtesy now will only make them think you're weak. Such weakness won't earn you respect; it will only embolden bad people.

Anyway, Wang Jun will come back for revenge after he goes back, so why bother giving him a nice look now?

After locking Wang Jun in the woodshed, Shi Shouxin went to the study and sat down. Hui Niang asked worriedly, "My lord, Wang Shen must know that his only son is in trouble. If Wang Jun dies, won't he fight to the death? There will definitely be endless trouble afterward."

"No, Wang Shen still has relatives. He can adopt the offspring of his family members."

If Wang Shen dares to act recklessly, then I can act recklessly too, since I have Wang Jun in my grasp.

Shi Shouxin waved his hand and said, "Multiple bets are a sign that large families have the ability to withstand risks."

The situation was not as serious as Hui Niang had described.

Wang Jun thought he was very important, but that wasn't the case, or rather, he wasn't without substitutes. Just look at Wei Xiu's experience to understand this. Although she was an only child, born to the principal wife, her marriage was still restricted by her uncle Wei Guan.

Ultimately, it's just a part of the family business; there's no such thing as it being irreplaceable.

"Don't worry, I saw through Wang Shen back then."

If someone were truly a hero, they wouldn't have gone to Sima Zhao to betray their master and seek personal gain.

A cold smile flashed across Shi Shouxin's face.

Back then, Wang Jing, Wang Ye, and Wang Shen were all confidants of Cao Mao. In particular, Wang Shen was a close advisor to Cao Fang. He was dismissed from his post, but Cao Mao managed to get him back on his feet.

In the end, only Wang Jing did not betray his master; the other two prospered by betraying their masters.

Wang Shen's behavior was the most shameful of all.

When facing Wang Shen, Shi Shouxin was not intimidated at all.

It seems that he feels something in his heart.

A short while later, a guard knocked on the study door and reported, "Commander Shi, there is a man outside the courtyard gate who claims to be Wang Shen and requests an audience. He is alone."

Wang Shen certainly didn't come alone, but the main group was probably at the village entrance. His solo visit to demand the person also indicated that he had no intention of causing conflict.

Shi Shouxin had Wei Xiu come out to greet Wang Shen and led him to the study. At this moment, Hui Niang and the other women had already left, leaving only Shi Shouxin.

He sat at the table, holding a book in his hand, pretending to read it.

"you are?"

Shi Shouxin feigned surprise, as if he didn't recognize the other person.

In fact, he had met Wang Shen once before in the Luoyang Imperial Palace, although he did not know his name at the time.

"Sima Shi, you're joking."

"Years ago, in the imperial palace in Luoyang, I had the honor of meeting you once."

Wang Shen chuckled, his expression extremely humble.

"Ah, I remember now, I remember now."

I remember you had two ministers surnamed Wang by your side. You ran away with one of them, but the other did not.

Later, I was also arrested and imprisoned, where I met the one who hadn't run away.

It's a pity I didn't die, but he was beheaded by the Prince of Jin. He was a loyal minister.

Shi Shouxin looked as if he had suddenly realized something, but his words made Wang Shen want to find a hole to crawl into.

Wang Jing was a loyal minister; it's obvious who betrayed their master for personal gain.

Others may not know what exactly happened in the imperial palace in Luoyang back then.

If the world doesn't mention it, perhaps even Wang Shen himself has forgotten that he gained his current status by betraying his master for personal gain.

He didn't earn his position as Grand Commander through hard work and skill; he obtained it through the charity of the Sima family.

Its ugly behavior is no different from that of a stray dog ​​that will follow whoever feeds it.

Today, when Shi Shouxin brought up the old story again, Wang Shen felt both ashamed and angry.

He can't even straighten his back.

Shi Shouxin was somewhat surprised to see that Wang Shen did not retort; he had thought that Wang Shen would offer some explanation.

The opponent's immediate admission of defeat diminished his sense of accomplishment from easily defeating a weaker opponent. So Shi Shouxin stopped talking and casually remarked:

"It's pointless to bring up the past."

"May I ask what brings you to my humble abode, Your Excellency, Commander Wang?"

His eyes flashed like lightning as he looked at Wang Shen, exuding an aura of authority.

Although Wang Shen had not yet stated his purpose, Shi Shouxin had no intention of letting him go!
This is Luoyang!
Even if you're the Governor of Jiangbei, once you come to Luoyang, dragons will coil up before me, and tigers will crouch before me!

Your son led his troops into my home to abduct the women. Do you really think this is your old stronghold in Jiangbei?
Shi Shouxin was waiting for Wang Shen to give an explanation!
If he doesn't make things clear, Wang Jun will be locked up for eternity and won't be able to leave this courtyard!

“My son Wang Jun lost his mother at a young age, and I was too busy with official duties to discipline him, so he developed a strange personality and liked to cause trouble from a young age.”

Today, I, Wang, came here simply because…

Wang Shen was about to speak again when Shi Shouxin raised his hand to interrupt him, saying:
"Stop, stop, I don't understand what Governor Wang is saying."

You don't need to beat around the bush; just state your purpose.

It was already late, and Wei's wife, Xiu Niang, had just finished preparing to serve me in bed. She must be anxiously waiting for me now.

Leaving her aside is not a good look either.

These beauties have shown me great kindness; I must cherish them and never let them down.

"Your Highness, don't you agree?"

Shi Shouxin said with a forced smile, his face full of insincere politeness.

"I apologize for disturbing you today."

Wang Shen smiled awkwardly and quickly apologized.

He was the military commander of Jiangbei, commanding tens of thousands of troops. Once at his post, his word was law; no one dared to utter a word of dissent. What immense power he commanded!

However, his only son, Wang Jun, is still in someone else's hands. Even if Wang Shen had three heads and six arms, what could he do?
"I wonder what it will take for Commander Shi to release my son?"

"You can name any conditions you have. I will do my best to meet them if possible."

Wang Shen's attitude was very humble, not only in his words just now, but also from the fact that he entered the courtyard alone.

However, Shi Shouxin knew these Celestial Dragons all too well.

They are incredibly flexible. When things are going their way, playing the submissive is nothing new to them.

But once they gain power, these people will retaliate a thousandfold, and they will never show any mercy!
At this moment, Shi Shouxin leisurely leaned back on the couch, crossed his legs, and said in a very relaxed manner:

"Governor Wang is joking. Your only son may have had a tragic childhood, or he may be unruly and prone to causing trouble."

But what does this have to do with Mr. Shi?

To put it bluntly, every family has its own troubles, and Mr. Shi is not interested in your son's plight.

You came to visit alone, complaining about how your only son is so unruly, while simultaneously asking me to release him.

Mr. Shi was puzzled. "I didn't arrest your only son, let alone do anything to him."

I've been at Pei Xiu's residence all day and just returned home. Are you sure you haven't mistaken me for someone else?

Hearing this, even the most composed person couldn't bear it.

Wang Shen was furious. He slammed his hand on the table and pointed towards the door, saying, "There are dozens of corpses lying in the courtyard right now. Is Shi Sima really going to lie like this?"

"Ah? Oh, right, right, I remember now."

Oh, you're talking about this.

Around noon today, a group of thieves did attempt to break into my home.

But those people were all captured by my household servants who guard the house.

Those lying in the courtyard were the thieves they had accidentally killed during the fight.

Another ringleader was imprisoned in the woodshed, to be handed over to the authorities at dawn the next day for them to deal with.

Could it be that your only son is the leader of the bandits?

Are all those thieves in the courtyard your henchmen?
You can't say things like that carelessly! Illness enters through the mouth and disaster comes from the mouth. Your Highness, you mustn't speak recklessly!
Colluding with thieves to break into a private residence and even attempting to abduct women is a serious crime.

You wouldn't be saying that you instructed this to happen, would you?
Such a huge incident has happened, and so many people have died.

If I just let this ringleader go, things will get complicated later. He might even turn around and accuse me, leaving me with no recourse.

Luoyang is under the emperor's nose, unlike the border towns. We can't act recklessly; we must be reasonable in everything we do.

Alright, I'll send the ringleader to the authorities tomorrow. As for your only son, I don't know him, and I haven't arrested him. You've come to the wrong place asking me for him.

If you are so concerned about your son, then go to the government office in Luoyang tomorrow to find someone.

Perhaps he was having so much fun in Luoyang that he forgot the time and has already gone back?

Please go home early; your son might already be waiting for you. Even if you stay at my humble abode tonight, he won't come."

Shi Shouxin remained unmoved, leisurely speaking for a while before gesturing for Wang Shen to proceed.

Wang Shen gave him a deep look, as if trying to memorize his appearance, the hatred in his eyes no longer concealed.

"Shi Shouxin, you're a good man."

I will remember your kindness.

Wang Shen said in a low voice, without dwelling on it, and turned to leave.

Having failed to achieve his goal of getting something for nothing, Wang Shen clearly wasn't going to give up.

However, just as he pushed open the study door and was about to step out, Shi Shouxin called out behind him:

"The late emperor once appeared to me in a dream, asking me why, among the three kings, only Wang Jing was loyal to him."

The late emperor also asked me if it was because he had done something wrong, mistreated the two princes, and thus caused the subjects to be disloyal to the monarch.

Since you happen to be here today, why don't you tell me why you abandoned the late emperor and went to inform the Sima family?

So that when the late emperor appears to me in a dream again, I can answer him in my dream.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shen suddenly staggered and coughed up a mouthful of blood onto the ground!
He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve, turned around, and glared at Shi Shouxin with a cold look.

Shi Shouxin, on the other hand, met Wang Shen's gaze calmly, showing no fear whatsoever.

He served under Cao Mao and was imprisoned. Now, facing a man who betrayed his master for personal gain, Shi Shouxin is open and honest, with a clear conscience.

Soon, Wang Shen, feeling guilty, gave in and staggered away.

"Once a person's spine is broken, it can never stand up straight again."

Watching Wang Shen's departing figure, Shi Shouxin sighed with emotion.

The waves of time rush by, and looking back, the people of the past have all vanished with the wind, and things have changed.

Only the spirit endures.

Wang Shen betrayed his master for personal gain and lost his spirit, so today he is nothing more than Sima Zhao's dog, and now he has become Sima Yan's dog!

"Ah Lang, Wang Shen has already left? Does he have soldiers at the village entrance?"

Hui Niang entered the study and asked with some concern.

"How could that old fox not have left an ambush at the village entrance? He just thought he could get his son back without any trouble.

He's ugly, but he has such beautiful dreams.

Shi Shouxin snorted coldly.

There's bound to be a good show tomorrow morning. If Wang Shen can't save his only son, he'll definitely go and call for reinforcements.

So, who will be the savior?
A harmless, smiling face, full of wrinkles, appeared in Shi Shouxin's mind.

(End of this chapter)