Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 190 Are you trying to harm me, you treacherous subjects?

For Shi Shouxin, going to Sima Liang's residence in Luoyang and persuading him to side with Sima Zhao was a very simple matter.

He not only had a personal relationship with Sima Liang, but Sima Liang also trusted him quite a bit.

Coincidentally, because of the "adoption controversy," Sima Liang and the son who was to be adopted by Sima Shi were both in Luoyang at that moment.

However, Shi Shouxin was worried about Sima Liang's intelligence. Sometimes, trying to accomplish something big with such a terrible teammate requires being wary of them quietly making a fatal mistake!
Sometimes, having an incompetent teammate doesn't increase your fighting power; instead, it can drastically decrease it.

Even the most cunning villains are often no match for a quick wit from a fool. In the past, Sima Liang was "that kind" of a fool.

However, when Shi Shouxin went to the Prince of Jin's residence the next evening and brought up the matter of finding troops, both Sima Yan and Sima You, who had returned from the Imperial Guard camp, suggested that Shi Shouxin go and persuade Sima Liang!
Because in Luoyang at that time, apart from Sima Fu, the most influential member of the imperial clan was Sima Liang.

Moreover, he lived with Consort Fu and was responsible for supporting her.

If not him, who else can we turn to?

Of course, it's also possible that Sima Yan and Sima You said this because Sima Liang was easily swayed.

If this kind of person isn't kept in check, he might just side with Sima Fu's faction. To be honest, if Shi Shouxin hadn't given Sima Liang a heads-up beforehand, he felt that the possibility was quite high.

Given Sima Liang's intellectual disability, he was easily fooled by the old coin Sima Fu.

"How about this, each of you gentlemen write a letter, and I will take it to Sima Liang. That way, we can persuade him."

Otherwise, with limited influence and little power, it will be difficult to achieve anything.

Shi Shouxin reluctantly agreed.

In fact, he could have persuaded Sima Liang single-handedly, without needing any tokens. He only accepted the personal letters from the two young masters to facilitate his later actions.

Persuading Sima Liang was just the beginning, far from the end.

Without saying a word, Sima Yan and Sima You each wrote a letter to Sima Liang, urging him to "understand the greater good" and prioritize his family.

At this time, Sima Yi's descendants could probably still work together, since the Sima family hadn't yet taken the throne. After decades of hard work, they were about to sit on the table, so how could they let their uncles and aunts interfere?

However, when the chaos of the turtles erupted, they killed to their hearts' content, disregarding all ethics and kinship.

After carefully putting away the letter, Shi Shouxin bowed to everyone and left without saying a word, without any hesitation.

Loyal! Efficient! Always the first to step up when needed! Handle difficulties independently!

This is a true pillar of strength!
Watching Shi Shouxin's departing figure, Sima Yan's face showed a complicated expression. Yang Xiu, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but sigh.

Sima Yan's old habit of being eager to find talented people has resurfaced.

Recently, Sima Yan saw that Shi Shouxin was able to carve out a path even after losing the first game, and he began to consider poaching him.

Yang Xiu thought that Sima Yan had probably wasted his time again.

Although they are now completely dependent on Shi Shouxin, once the dynastic change is successful, Sima Yan will have no shortage of capable people around him.

Shi Shouxin is not even worth mentioning!
……

In Luoyang, at the residence of Consort Fu, Sima Liang was chatting with his mother, Consort Fu, in the main hall. As they talked, the conversation somehow drifted to Sima Zhao's recent serious illness.

Is the Prince of Jin truly seriously ill, or is he faking it?

The elderly Consort Fu asked casually, and took a sip of the "tea" containing scallions, ginger, oranges, and tea leaves.

"Mother, I don't know the answer to this question..."

Sima Liang was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

As for Sima Zhao's health, frankly, that wasn't his concern. Even if the Sima family changed dynasties, Sima Liang wouldn't become emperor.

He was still somewhat self-aware and didn't want to do anything like that.

"Alright, go and rest."

Consort Fu said listlessly, too lazy to say anything more to Sima Liang.

This son was indeed not very bright, not as brave and skilled as his elder brother Sima Zhou, and even less capable than his fourth brother Sima Jun, who was skilled in both literature and martial arts.

The current situation in Luoyang is so unsettling that even she, a woman, can sense a hint of unease, yet Sima Liang seems completely oblivious!
Sima Liang left dejectedly. He hadn't even had a chance to bring up the issue of his son Sima Ju being adopted by Sima Shi before Consort Fu dismissed him.

Sima Liang went to the study, lay down on the couch and pretended to sleep, thinking about Sima Zhao's recent serious illness.

Originally, he didn't think there was anything strange about it, but after hearing Consort Fu mention it, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that something was wrong.

Sima Liang racked his brains but couldn't come up with a solution. Just then, a servant reported that Shi Shouxin had come to visit and was standing outside the courtyard gate.

Upon hearing this, Sima Liang was overjoyed.

He hurriedly came out of the courtyard to greet him, and then saw Shi Shouxin, who looked travel-worn and exhausted, bowing to him.

"Oh dear, I was just about to come find you!"

Sima Liang laughed heartily and welcomed Shi Shouxin into the courtyard.

Consort Fu's residence was not large; currently, only she and Sima Liang lived there. The rest of her family, including Sima Liang's son and daughter, had settled in Chang'an.

Sima Liang led Shi Shouxin into the study. After they sat down, Sima Liang went straight to the point and asked, "Sima Shi, what brings you here?"

Sima Liang knew that Shi Shouxin was a straightforward person, and that his visit was unlikely to be just a formality.

"To be honest, the reason I am visiting you so late at night is because of the recent serious illness of the Prince of Jin."

After speaking, Shi Shouxin handed Sima Liang the handwritten letters from Sima Yan and Sima You.

Many things were more appropriate for Sima Zhao's two eldest sons to say than for Shi Shouxin to speak.

"Remove the vanguard troops back to Luoyang?"

After reading the letter, Sima Liang asked incredulously.

Shi Shouxin nodded and said, "That's true, but mobilizing troops doesn't necessarily mean using them. It's just for some unspeakable reasons."

As expected, Sima Liang replied without hesitation, "Of course, whatever you say, Sima Shi, is fine. I trust you. It will only take twenty days to transfer troops from Chang'an to Luoyang. Leave these matters to me!"

Sima Liang's attitude was very sincere and direct; he firmly stood on Sima Zhao's side.

This is good news, but of course, it also contains some bad news.

Shi Shouxin smiled bitterly and said, "Luoyang is a place of trouble, and there will soon be great waves. It would be better for the Earl of Qiyang (Sima Liang's title at this time) to take Consort Fu back to Chang'an for a while to avoid trouble."

"Sima Shi, don't think I don't care much about politics. When it's time to help, I will definitely do my best."

I considered you a friend, and your words show you look down on me.

Sima Liang assured Shi Shouxin.

Even if he disliked Sima Zhao, he was still Sima Yi's own son. How could he possibly help someone from Sima Fu's lineage?
This isn't a fight between brothers over family property; it's about preventing their family's assets from being swallowed up by their uncles and cousins!
Especially with the change of dynasties and the division of spoils looming, Sima Liang could not speak up for Sima Fu, either for public or private reasons; at most, he would remain neutral.

"Lord Qiyang, you need twenty days to mobilize troops. That doesn't even include the time it takes for your messenger to travel to Chang'an."

Even if a horse runs as fast as it can, it will still take three days, right? Gathering troops and preparing provisions will take at least two days, won't it?
At least twenty-five days have passed, and if any unexpected things happen, it will take a month in total.

Once you've transferred the vanguard to Luoyang, you can then directly collect the bodies of the Prince of Jin and his family.

Shi Shouxin couldn't help but sigh and offer an explanation.

The good news is that Sima Liang is willing to mobilize troops.

The bad news is: by the time the troops arrived, it was too late!
Of course, Sima Liang would return to Chang'an now and lead his troops to Luoyang to "serve the emperor." Regardless of whether he could arrive in time, it would still be a welcome addition. "Then... what should we do?"

Sima Liang asked nervously; he was truly panicked now.

"The Marquis of Qiyang will now take Consort Fu back to Chang'an, settle her in, and then lead the vanguard troops to Luoyang to defend the emperor."

Even if you can't help at all, you can still plan for yourself and show your loyalty to the Prince of Jin.

Afterwards, the same system of rewarding merit was followed.

Shi Shouxin said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Sima Liang quickly nodded and said, "Yes, yes, yes, I knew we were old friends, you wouldn't cheat me. I'll set off first thing tomorrow morning, my mother is old and can't take the night."

Although I can't help much, it gives me a chance to show my loyalty, which is really worthwhile.

Sima Liang was overjoyed and quickly poured wine for Shi Shouxin.

"By the way, may I have an audience with Consort Fu? I have an urgent matter to ask of her."

Shi Shouxin suddenly spoke seriously.

"It's not difficult at all, I'll take you there."

Sima Liang was in a very good mood at the moment, and without asking Shi Shouxin what he wanted to see Consort Fu, he led him to the main hall.

"Ah Liang, who is this...?"

Upon seeing Shi Shouxin, Consort Fu turned to Sima Liang and inquired.

“Mother, he is Shi Shouxin, whom I mentioned to you. He came here regarding the Prince of Jin.”

Sima Liang said in a low voice.

"sit down."

Consort Fu smiled at Shi Shouxin and pointed to a soft cushion not far away.

"Your Highness, the nation is now at a critical juncture. I beg you to write a letter and have me take it to Xuchang to deliver to your youngest son, Sima Jun, so that he may lead the Right Army from Xudu to Luoyang to defend the emperor. I entrust this to you!"

After saying this, he handed the handwritten letters from Sima Yan and Sima You to Consort Fu.

There's no need to go into the specifics; just mentioning the names of Sima Yan and Sima You is enough. The letters are proof, which speak louder than a thousand words.

Consort Fu, who was favored by Sima Yi, was certainly not a simple-minded woman. She took the letter, read it quickly, and understood the situation immediately.

"Have you inquired with Sima Zhou yet?"

"I asked softly," Consort Fu asked.

Shi Shouxin replied, "I have inquired. He and his cavalry officers will soon be stationed around the Prince of Jin's residence to guard against attacks by petty thieves. He is naturally on the Prince of Jin's side."

Upon hearing this, Consort Fu nodded. Sima Zhou was also her son, and it was important to ask about his stance beforehand.

When Consort Fu learned that Sima Zhou was also on Sima Zhao's side, she immediately felt reassured.

She looked at Shi Shouxin and continued, "I am just a woman, and my information network isn't very good. I haven't heard of any unusual activity from the Chang Le Gong family. Are you perhaps overthinking things?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Shouxin knew that Consort Fu was quite capable, at least far surpassing Sima Liang in political wisdom.

Sima Liang agreed as soon as he heard Shi Shouxin's persuasion. Although Consort Fu would also agree, she knew to ask beforehand: "Are you trying to harm me?"
Sima Fu hasn't done anything yet, so you need concrete evidence to prove he's plotting a rebellion!
However, Consort Fu also knew that the problem lay precisely in the word "evidence."

Before Sima Yi launched the Incident at Gaoping Tombs, no one thought they would later rebel! Before it happened, didn't everyone think it was impossible?

But once it happens, and someone's head is chopped off, it's too late for regrets.

A severed head can't grow back!

"As the saying goes, 'Preparedness prevents trouble.'"

If the Chang Le Gong family doesn't think about things they shouldn't be thinking about, then whether it's the Left and Right Guards, the Five Schools Camp, or the four armies in the front, rear, left, and right, they are just ceremonial guards protecting them.

The Prince of Jin didn't overthink it; it was only the Duke of Changle who was overthinking it.

Shi Shouxin made a pointed remark.

"When you say that, I feel relieved."

Consort Fu nodded, ordered a servant to bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and immediately wrote a letter. After finishing, she waited for the ink to dry and handed it to Shi Shouxin for his review.

In the letter, Consort Fu told Sima Jun: The situation in Luoyang is very dangerous. You should quickly bring the Right Army to Luoyang to assist the Prince of Jin. Listen to Shi Shouxin without hesitation.

Shi Shouxin secretly admired her, thinking, "This Consort Fu is truly a remarkable person. Her decisiveness and ruthlessness are reminiscent of Sima Yi's decisiveness back in the day."

However, Sima Yi was an old coin, and Consort Fu was also intelligent and steady. How did they give birth to someone like Sima Liang?

Shi Shouxin glanced at Sima Liang, suppressing his inner doubts.

Asking such a question would offend people, but seeing that Consort Fu and Sima Liang were both giving me face, I decided it was best not to say anything.

"In that case, I thank Consort Fu on behalf of Prince Jin."

Shi Shouxin bowed respectfully to Consort Fu, put away the letter, exchanged a few polite words with Sima Liang, and then left.

They arrived in a hurry and left in a relaxed manner, all within less than half an hour.

It can be described as swift and decisive.

After he left, Consort Fu looked at Sima Liang and said, "Let's go back to Chang'an too, otherwise if Sima Wang puts us under house arrest, your brother Sima Jun will be in a difficult position."

"Sima Wang? What does this have to do with him? Why is he placing us under house arrest?"

Although Sima Liang hadn't quite grasped the situation, he still stood up and instructed his servants to prepare for a long journey.

Consort Fu simply sighed and did not answer Sima Liang's question, probably because she felt they were talking past each other.

"By the way, is Shi Shouxin married?"

Consort Fu suddenly asked Sima Liang a question that had nothing to do with the previous conversation.

"I have been married for several years. My father-in-law is Li Yin, the Imperial Censor."

Sima Liang answered truthfully.

"Is that so? Then ask your two daughters if either of them is willing to be his wife."

Shi Shouxin is about to soar to great heights; any later and he'll miss his chance.

Consort Fu sighed.

"Mother, are you getting senile?"

Sima Liang was shocked, unable to understand why his usually wise and righteous mother would say such a thing.

"Ugh!"

Consort Fu glanced at Sima Liang, shook her head and sighed, then went to her bedroom to pack her personal belongings.

Even though Sima Liang was her biological son, Consort Fu couldn't help but mutter to herself:
Rotten wood cannot be carved; even if you teach it step by step, you simply cannot learn it.

(End of this chapter)