Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 192 Come beg me, beg me, and I'll give you...
In the courtyard of the Duke of Changle's mansion, Sima Fu was casually tidying up the flower seedlings with a pair of iron shears.

It's springtime, and some of the seedlings in the flowerbed are already budding, while others are just beginning to bloom. It will be some time before they burst into full bloom.

Sima Fu looked at them, his eyes filled with anticipation. Whenever he saw these vibrant scenes of life thriving, he couldn't help but feel a few years younger.

Just then, someone quietly approached from behind and stopped two steps away.

The man whispered, "Father, I heard from a physician who has been to the Prince of Jin's residence that the Prince's condition has worsened, I'm afraid..."

The speaker was Sima Fu, the third son of Sima Fu, and his tone revealed an undisguised joy.

His lips were agape, like an AK-47 being fired, jumping around uncontrollably.

Regardless of his father's intentions, Sima Zhao's death was a major boon for his family, the kind of thing that would make them laugh in their sleep.

Sima Fu was worried that he would burst out laughing with joy when he attended Sima Zhao's funeral!
"Have Sima Hong go to the Prince of Jin's residence and ask the Prince of Jin's heir if he needs me to be a witness in his succession to the throne."

"The position of Prince of Jin cannot remain vacant!"

Sima Fu said calmly.

Sima Hong was the eldest son of Sima Fu. He was not only about the same age as Sima Yan, but also of the same generation.

Having peers relay messages is clearly much better than having Sima Fu, the great-uncle, personally intervene.

If Sima Fu were to personally intervene, and Sima Yan were to refuse outright, wouldn't Sima Fu be embarrassed? Clearly, it's better to be more tactful in such matters.

"Father, isn't this... unnecessary?"

Sima Fu asked in confusion.

He still found Sima Fu's "ultimate method" more interesting.

"We are family after all, so it's best to avoid fighting if possible."

Sima Fu sighed and said.

"Father, if you were asked to be a witness, in case..."

Sima Fu hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

The Prince of Jin's lineage has already tasted the sweetness of power, so how could they possibly allow Sima Fu's lineage to seize it?
If power could truly be inherited and transferred, how could such a bloody incident as Quwo replacing Yi have occurred?

However, Sima Fu shook his head and said, "Why be so ruthless? If An Shi is sensible and knows what's good for him, that would be even better."

Sima Fu wanted his grandson to convey a message to Sima Yan: Do you want to inherit the title of Prince of Jin?

If you want it, come and beg me. How am I supposed to know what you want if you don't tell me?

How do you know I won't give it to you if you don't come begging to me?
Sima Fu put on a very high-handed air. If Sima Yan had even a shred of sense, he should have known:

Now is the time to bring "gifts" to the Chang Le Duke's residence to pay respects to Sima Fu and show the courtesy due to a junior.

At that point, the two sides will discuss the distribution of profits behind closed doors.

They might argue heatedly or even physically fight inside, but to outsiders, they'd still appear as close as family!

If the negotiations go well, Sima Yan could change the dynasty and become the founding emperor.

Sima Fu strongly supported him; who dared to oppose him! And who could possibly oppose him!
As for Sima Zhao... a dead man should just lie in bed and wait for his funeral! Why make such a fuss!
If Sima Yan is oblivious to the times, or doesn't come at all, then it would be a case of Sima Yi's direct descendants being ungrateful.

Then don't blame Sima Fu for not giving you face.

This was Sima Fu's clear and unambiguous intention: to have his grandson, Sima Hong, convey it to Sima Yan.

As for what happened later, if Sima Yan compromised with Sima Fu and ceded a large amount of political benefits.

That game turned out to be a "win-win" situation, and the political crisis in Luoyang was instantly resolved!
All of this was Sima Yan, the heir apparent of the Prince of Jin, showing filial piety to his elders, not Sima Fu, the great-uncle, abusing his power to oppress others!

In other words, everything was Sima Yan's own choice, and it was all done with tenderness and affection! It makes sense both emotionally and logically!

When a man forces a woman to undress and have sex with him, that's rape! That's despicable and shameless!
When a woman voluntarily undresses to serve a man in bed, that's called mutual affection! It's called a perfect encounter!
One is an act of violence, the other is an act of affection; how can the two be confused?

Sima Fu was a man who valued his reputation and always said, "I am a subject of Wei." Of course, he would never directly trample the Prince of Jin's mansion in front of his troops.

Even resorting to violence is not the best course of action.

Sima Fu's best course of action was to support Sima Yan, but the latter would have to bleed him dry.

He was of considerable wealth and a veteran of several dynasties; it was impossible for him to support Sima Yan without seeking anything in return.

Even close brothers keep clear accounts, let alone a great-uncle.

Sima Fu's expression changed several times; no matter how he thought about it, he felt that his father was doing something pointless and unnecessary.

He leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Father, why can't we just sit on the emperor's throne ourselves? Why let someone from the Prince of Jin's lineage sit on it?"

Sima Fu was already 85 years old. If someone told him that he would kick the bucket tomorrow, Sima Fu would not doubt it at all.

Sima Fu was busy with all sorts of things, but what could he possibly enjoy at his age?

In the end, all the fruits ended up in Sima Fu's pocket.

Therefore, Sima Fu was unusually proactive in this matter, even going so far as to mobilize the troops of Yewang County to garrison at Fupingdu in anticipation of the opportunity.

Yewang Commandery was not an ordinary commandery, but a new commandery established during the reign of Cao Pi, belonging to a "special administrative region" of political reform.

Its main characteristic is that it has an abundant army!

When the Cao family was in power, the governor of Yewang Commandery was always a member of the Cao clan. After the Sima family came to power, the same arrangement was made.

Why is Sima Fu running around so much? Is it really just for the political interests of his family line?

That's probably a bit too "selfless".

"Shut up! You don't know anything!"

Upon hearing Sima Fu's words, Sima Fu angrily raised his cane and struck Sima Fu squarely on the back. The sound was heavy and dull, causing Sima Fu to shudder in pain.

"Father! What are you doing!"

Sima Fu complained and shouted.

Sima Fu put down his cane and sighed:

"Without virtue, one cannot sit securely on the throne."

With members of the Jin royal family standing in front of us to shelter us from the wind and rain, why should we bother to make things difficult for ourselves?

Even after the ages have passed, historical records will still portray our Sima lineage as paragons of loyalty and filial piety.

Sima Fu squinted at the flower buds in the flowerbed and said.

Look at how badly Sima Yi's family reputation was ruined after the Gaoping Mausoleum incident.

Sima Fu's ulterior motives were obvious to everyone; how shameful! With such a precedent, why would Sima Fu wade into this mess?

He only wanted his descendants to be enfeoffed as kings, to have their own fiefdoms, and to wield power and influence in the new dynasty ruled by the Sima clan.

What's wrong with taking the benefits, enjoying the reputation of being a "loyal minister of Cao Wei," and then living a comfortable life?

Why bother fighting tooth and nail for the throne?

As for Sima Yan giving Sima Fu's lineage a great deal of benefits, even more than his own family... that was all of his own free will!

Sima Fu understood perfectly that as long as Sima Yan was willing to relinquish his interests, his lineage would be a staunch supporter of the Prince of Jin.

But what if Sima Yan refuses to give it to him...?

Haha, taking something without asking is theft, taking something after asking is banditry!

Since the Prince of Jin's lineage wanted to become bandits, then don't blame Sima Fu, this "loyal minister" of Cao Wei, for sacrificing his own family to cleanse the court of corrupt officials!
"Go on, and keep quiet."

Sima Fu waved his hand impatiently.

……

Inside the Prince of Jin's residence, Sima Yan also felt as if each day was an eternity of waiting.

Sima Zhao's illness was no secret to him. However, the official statement was still that the Prince of Jin's condition had worsened and that something unforeseen might happen. It was practically saying that Sima Zhao could die at any moment.

However, not to mention Jia Chong, who was far away in Hanzhong, Sima Zhao's important ministers, such as Chen Qian, Zheng Chong, and Pei Xiu, did not come to him!

It's as if Sima Yan had no chance of inheriting the throne at all!
Are these people waiting for the Prince of Jin to make some "promises"?

Sima Yan was unaware that he was in a very agitated mood.

This feeling of being unable to go up or down is terrible.

Sima Yan at this time was severely lacking in political maneuvering experience. Or one could say that he was being completely suppressed by a group of old-timers.

Most of the court officials are now unable to determine whether Sima Zhao is truly ill or faking it.

But they knew they weren't the ones in the most urgent situation.

As long as Sima Yan isn't in a hurry, then they aren't in a hurry either. As for whether Sima Zhao's illness is real or feigned, does that matter?

It doesn't matter at all; just sit there like a tortoise and fish.

Things won't stay at this stalemate forever; something is bound to change!
"Zhishu, what should I do now?"

In a study in the Prince of Jin's residence, Sima Yan lay on his couch and asked Yang Xiu, who was reading a book beside him, a question.

Sima Yan felt stifled, but he knew that this was just the calm before the storm.

"If Lord Chang Le does nothing, we can't do anything about him because he is an elder with high prestige. To touch him would be considered a great act of treason."

Unless he comes forward first.

Yang Xiu said with a frustrated expression, feeling extremely displeased.

Damn, this old coin is incredibly insidious. Yang Xiu wished she could take a knife and chop him into eight pieces!

"My father is not in good health and is fishing right now. We can't ruin his plans."

Sima Yan sighed.

Why was Sima Fu so difficult to deal with? Because even Sima Yan couldn't figure out when this old tortoise would die. However, he knew that Sima Zhao's health was not good, a fact that Sima Yan, who lived in the Prince of Jin's residence, knew all too well.

Now, even if they know that Sima Wang and Sima Fu are exchanging glances, what can they do?
Of course, Sima Wang can be transferred away, and the crisis will be temporarily resolved.

and then?
Then Sima Fu can do nothing at all!

If Sima Yi could outlive Cao Rui, why couldn't Sima Fu outlive Sima Zhao?
Neither Sima Zhao nor Sima Yan could do anything to him without overturning the table.

Sima Fu only needs to retreat, wait for the right opportunity, and wait for Sima Zhao to breathe his last! At that time, will anyone still be there to clean up the mess?
Therefore, Sima Zhao's strategy was to eliminate the threat posed by Sima Fu while he still had a breath left.

Otherwise, even if Sima Yan were to succeed to the throne, he would be a miserable emperor.

If Sima Zhao were to transfer Sima Wang away now, Sima Fu would immediately become alert, and the fish would escape the hook.

In such a situation, how could Sima Yan not feel frustrated? And the outspoken Yang Xiu felt even more frustrated!

"Your Highness, Sima Hong has come to visit, saying he has come to see the Prince of Jin."

The voice of a servant came from outside the door.

"Bring him in."

Sima Yan said in an annoyed tone.

He didn't want to see Sima Hong at all, because the other party was Sima Fu's grandson!

Sima Yan had absolutely nothing to say to this cousin.

Soon, Sima Hong was taken to Sima Yan's study.

Sima Hong appeared to be a refined young master from a noble family. Upon seeing Sima Yan, he bowed respectfully.

“Cousin, my grandfather asked me to come and inquire about the Prince of Jin’s condition. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

"May I come into the bedroom to visit?"

Sima Hong said politely.

Of course, no matter how courteous Sima Hong was, Sima Yan would never let down his guard against him.

The Sima family has always been meticulous in observing etiquette since they rose to power, and no one can find fault with them.

Before the Gaopingling Incident, whether it was Sima Yi, Sima Shi, or Sima Zhao, everyone said that their family members were exemplary aristocratic families.

Even Sima Yan himself, apart from when he was naked and fighting with women in bed, which made him look very rough, was he never polite at any other time?

What does this prove?
"My father is sometimes awake and sometimes delirious, making it inconvenient to visit him."

"If my great-uncle has any instructions, just tell me; it will be the same."

Sima Yan forced a smile and said in a similarly polite manner.

Sima Hong did not continue to beat around the bush, but took out a handwritten letter from Sima Fu from his pocket and handed it to Sima Yan.

"My uncle asked me to inquire with Anshi. The Prince of Jin is seriously ill, and the position of Prince of Jin cannot remain vacant indefinitely, especially since there are so many important national affairs to be dealt with."

The Prince of Jin was unable to speak, so his uncle asked if he wanted him to come over as a witness and let him temporarily act as the Prince of Jin.

After all, such an important matter cannot be proven with mere words; it requires gathering family members and some important court officials to make it count.

I don't know An Shi..."

Sima Hong said softly, his upturned lips barely concealing his smugness.
boom!
Before he could finish speaking, Yang Xiu slammed her hand on the table and stood up, cursing:

"The title of Prince of Jin can only be decided by the current Prince of Jin."

When did court officials become able to participate in these matters?
"Is the Duke of Chang Le getting senile?"

Sima Yan had to give face to his great-uncle Sima Fu, because it was a matter of filial piety.

But Yang Xiu doesn't need to give this old tortoise any face!

Before Sima Yan could even speak, Yang Xiu launched into a tirade!
"Anshi, what do you say?"

Sima Hong ignored Yang Xiu and looked at Sima Yan to ask.

"The Prince of Jin was just sick, and his condition has improved. Thank you for your help, Uncle."

However, there was no need to come here; I think my father will get better.

Sima Yan forced a smile and politely declined Sima Hong's "kind offer".

"Then I will go back and inform my great-uncle."

Sima Hong was too lazy to pretend anymore. He coldly uttered a sentence and turned to leave.

After he left, Sima Yan sat down heavily on the bed and let out a long sigh.

"Thank you so much just now."

Sima Yan patted Yang Xiu's arm and said.

"That old bastard is going too far!"

Yang Xiu started cursing directly, and since there were no outsiders present, she stopped pretending at all.

In fact, Sima Yan wholeheartedly agreed, thinking, "Isn't this damn old codger?!"
"Sima Fu is about to make his move."

Yang Xiu said in a deep voice.

"We may not take the initiative, but we will definitely strengthen our preparations."

Sima Yan's expression also darkened.

That old bastard is just waiting for him to come and grovel!

(End of this chapter)