Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 203 The world is my business

On the day of the mutiny, the only ones who fought to the death for Sima Zhao were his two legitimate sons, his half-brother Sima Jun, his general Wen Yang, and his half-brother Sima Zhou.

There are also Shi Shouxin and Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu was originally from Wang Yuanji's maternal family, so she wasn't an outsider. Wen Yang was Sima Jun's assistant, simply following orders.

Therefore, the name Shi Shouxin stands out particularly.

Of course, because Shi Shouxin found a pretext to retaliate the day after the successful coup, few people paid attention to him.

Unsurprisingly, there were few who offered help in times of need, but many who added to the good fortune of those who were already successful.

Some people refused to participate in the mutiny, but they immediately jumped out after Sima Zhao won!

Sima Liang was the first to jump out.

Just days after the mutiny, Sima Liang led his troops from Guanzhong to Luoyang to defend the emperor, but Sima Zhao ordered his army not to enter Luoyang and to immediately turn back to Guanzhong!

Although Sima Liang was turned away, Sima Zhao sent Sima Yan to appease his half-brother.

Although Sima Liang's troops arrived late, their good intentions were conveyed, and future benefits were inevitable.

As for the rumor that Sima Liang brought troops to help Sima Fu's coup, Sima Zhao did not believe it at all. He was very confident in Sima Liang's abilities and character.

Incompetent people are unlikely to be of much help in a mutiny; Sima Liang is a prime example.

It's not important whether a person wants to cause trouble; what matters most is whether they can actually cause trouble.

Sima Liang left dejectedly, without making a fuss. And Sima Zhao naturally didn't mention the matter of his eldest son being adopted by Sima Shi, and never brought it up again.

This mutiny made Sima Zhao realize that the internal conflicts within the Sima family were gradually increasing.

If Sima Liang were truly pushed to the limit, he himself wouldn't be able to cause any trouble. However, if such a person were to team up with some intelligent individuals to "do something big," he might very well be able to stir up some waves.

Sima Liang must be appeased, and some past strategies need to be fine-tuned.

Then, Jia Chong returned from Hanzhong. He was returning on Sima Zhao's orders, but the journey took a little longer than expected. "Just then," the Luoyang mutiny ended, and he arrived in Luoyang.

This situation is truly thought-provoking.

As soon as Jia Chong returned, Sima Zhao summoned his trusted advisors, such as Li Yin, Pei Xiu, Zheng Chong, and Chen Qian, to the study in the Prince of Jin's residence to discuss important matters.

Everyone tacitly agreed not to mention Sima Fu, but instead talked about Cao Huan's abdication.

"Ji Yan (Pei Xiu's courtesy name), when is an auspicious time this year?"

Sima Zhao looked at Pei Xiu and asked.

This question may seem trivial and just a casual remark, but in reality, it could be the "trigger" for something big.

Just like the "licorice" in the prescription.

Pei Xiu seemed to have been prepared and quickly replied, "The day of Ji-Mao in March this year is 'Di-Tian Tai,' which is the most auspicious day, but the auspicious time has already passed this year."

"Is that so? That's a pity."

Sima Zhao nodded, feeling a little regretful.

He originally intended to change dynasties at the "most auspicious time," on which Cao Huan would carry out the final round of abdication (the first round has now been completed), and then Sima Zhao would "seize the opportune moment" to ascend to the throne—a truly wonderful plan.

At least that's what Sima Zhao himself thought. Of course, it didn't matter to others, since it wasn't their turn to be emperor anyway!

"By the way, Shi Shouxin told me that he changed his name to Shi Hu, a name you gave him, obtained through divination. Is this true?"

Sima Zhao asked again.

Pei Xiu calmly replied:

"Shi Shouxin came from humble origins, but now he has been promoted by the Prince of Jin to a high position and has become the governor of a prefecture."

It was only natural for him to want to change his name to a single character. Shi Shouxin used the character "xin" (信) to interpret a character, and I say that "xin" means "human speech".

As the saying goes, "As fierce as a tiger," hence the name "Stone Tiger."

Pei Xiu frankly recounted the events of that day.

"Stone Tiger, that's a good name."

Sima Zhao nodded slightly, not paying much attention to the matter. It was just a name change; whether Pei Xiuqi changed it or Shi Shouxin changed it himself, it didn't matter!

Shi Shouxin's loyalty and ability to assess the situation at crucial moments, along with his refusal to claim credit afterward, greatly improved Sima Zhao's opinion of him.

Since Pei Xiu came up with the name, let's call him that from now on. It's common for people to seek advice from elders when changing their names.

However, Jia Chong, who had been silent until now, suddenly asked, "When Sima Fu rebelled, who suggested setting up flags throughout the city as a diversionary tactic? Was it Sima Jun?"

Jia Chong's question was abrupt, but it wasn't just random talk; it really hit the nail on the head.

Sima Fu had a considerable number of troops, but the main reason for his defeat was that Sima Jun, who was in charge of the main attack on Sima Zhao's side, had spread flags throughout Luoyang as a feint.

In the rush, Sima Fu was unable to successfully break through the ambush. One wrong step led to another, and there's not much to say about what happened next.

If conventional methods were used, the location of Sima Jun's main force would be easily discovered, and in the event of a battle between the two armies, victory would not be so easy.

It might even backfire.

The group exchanged bewildered glances. Because of the competition for credit, the matter hadn't actually reached Sima Zhao, so Sima Zhao still didn't know who had come up with the bad idea.

Anyway, a victory is a victory, so let's not dwell on it. The credit will naturally go to Sima Jun and Wen Yang. Who cares about the details on the battlefield?

Of course, if Shi Shouxin were still in Luoyang at this moment, the situation would be very different. If he were still alive, who would dare to claim credit for his work?

The truth will come out if you confront someone about this.

"Ahem, as far as I know, this should be Sima Jun's scheme."

Li Yin coughed lightly and spoke calmly.

Jia Chong glanced at him, nodded meaningfully, and said nothing more. He already knew the answer, but there was no need to bring it up here.

Shi Shouxin is a terrifying fellow, and with his father-in-law's protection in the court, he is now like a dragon swimming in the ocean, with no one left to control him.

Jia Chong sighed inwardly, but his face remained calm and expressionless, revealing nothing.

"Minister Zheng, when does the Emperor intend to abdicate for the second time?"

Sima Zhao then looked at Zheng Chong and asked.

"Three days later."

Zheng Chong replied.

Sima Zhao nodded, stroked his beard, and said, "How about after the autumn harvest, when the emperor abdicates for the last time, I will no longer refuse?"

He set the tone: This autumn harvest will mark the founding of the nation!
Sima Zhao was cunning and good at choosing dates.

He didn't understand auspicious days and times, and neither did the common people and officials.

Even on auspicious days, they won't gain an extra piece of flesh, nor will they grow an extra grain of rice.

But the autumn harvest is different. It is the time of year when the granaries of both wealthy families and ordinary people are fullest!
If there's food, people won't cause trouble, and they won't care which emperor is in charge.

In other words, announcing acceptance of Cao Huan's abdication and establishing the Jin state during the autumn harvest would be the time with the least resistance.

What if the nation is declared during a time of scarcity, and the farmers, under the instigation of certain individuals, rise up in rebellion?
“What the Prince of Jin said is absolutely right. I also think that a bountiful autumn harvest is an auspicious day for the founding of the nation.”

Jia Chong was the first to agree. Li Yin frowned slightly but didn't speak. He actually wanted to suggest that they wait until next year to discuss it.

This year he killed his own uncle's entire family and forced the emperor to abdicate. What will outsiders think? Has he gone mad with the desire to become emperor?

Li Yin felt that taking the throne so hastily was definitely not a good thing.

However, from another perspective, if even their own relatives couldn't hold back, then establishing a new nation was indeed inevitable.

The founding of a nation grants titles and fiefdoms, which are used to reward supporters and consolidate power.

As for reputation, the Sima family's reputation is what it is; even if they try to erase it for a few years, it will remain the same and nothing will change.

So Li Yin also suppressed his thoughts of persuading them, which is what is meant by "the trend is unstoppable".

As expected, Chen Qian, Pei Xiu, Zheng Chong, and others all agreed with Sima Zhao's suggestion, feeling that it would be appropriate to establish the country during the autumn harvest.

"Xuanbo (Li Yin's courtesy name), why don't you speak?"

Sima Zhao looked at Li Yin and asked.

Li Yin played a significant role in this mutiny, so it's impossible for him not to side with the Prince of Jin's household. Moreover, he has always been a man of impeccable character, so his opinion is definitely worth considering.

“Your Highness, I, Li, believe that while the autumn harvest is indeed an auspicious time, this year is not an auspicious year.”

First came the war to conquer Shu, then the chaos in Luoyang. It would be better to postpone the matter of replacing Wei this year; next year will provide ample time for careful preparation.

Li Yin honestly spoke his mind.

As expected, the smile on Sima Zhao's face collapsed visibly, like a waterfall cascading down Mount Lu!
"Everyone, go back and make preparations. The Emperor will issue the edict of abdication in Jinyong City in three days. Xuanbo, please stay behind."

Sima Zhao addressed the crowd.

Although there were still many things to discuss today, he felt he needed to persuade Li Yin first. There was no other way; Li Yin's participation in the coup had greatly helped Sima Zhao, securing his unshakeable allegiance.

On the contrary, Jia Chong, Pei Xiu, Chen Qian, Zheng Chong, and others did not play a significant role in the coup.

In some ways, Li Yin's words were more like candid advice.

After everyone had left, Sima Zhao looked at Li Yin and said, "What Xuanbo said is true, but I am in a hurry to replace Wei and establish Jin. There is really a reason why I have no choice."

Sima Zhao's face showed helplessness and regret.

Li Yin bowed to Sima Zhao and asked, "What worries the Prince of Jin have? Please speak freely, for I would like to share your burdens."

"There's no other reason than that many people follow me and get close to me, all for two reasons: profit and power!"

In this Luoyang mutiny, Jia Chong, who was outside, didn't speak up, but Chen Qian, Zheng Chong, Pei Xiu, and others all pretended to be deaf and dumb.

It's not that they're disloyal, but that I haven't given them any real benefits yet.

What I can give, Sima Fu can also give. For this reason, I cannot eat or sleep. Only by ascending the throne can I reward my meritorious officials.

Only then can the world and the nation be at peace.

Sima Zhao sighed, saying that these things were so deeply entrenched that they were impossible to change and there was no way to look back.

Since Sima Yi's coup at Gaoping Mausoleum, it was destined that there was no turning back, no looking left or right; only by moving forward could one find a way out.

Upon hearing these words, Li Yin shook his head and sighed:
The *Strategies of the Warring States* states:
Those who associate with each other based on physical attraction will find their affection waning as their attraction fades.
Those who associate for personal gain will drift apart when the gain is gone.
Those who associate based on power will sever ties when power declines.

"Now the Prince of Jin uses his power to form factions and his interests to gather followers. Has he considered what will happen when his power wanes and his interests are exhausted?"

Li Yin's words were sharp and merciless, causing Sima Zhao's face to flush red and then pale, before he finally managed to argue:

"What Xuanbo said are things that will happen many years from now, but the crisis is right in front of us, and I can't worry about it anymore."

His stomach was growling with hunger and thirst, and even knowing that drinking the poison would be fatal, he had no choice but to drink it.

Having said that, both sides understood what the other was trying to say, and there was no point in trying to persuade them any further.

Li Yin could only sigh and remain silent.

He got up to take his leave, and Sima Zhao saw him off from the Prince of Jin's residence. After returning, he felt very upset.

Often, bad facts are buried in our hearts, not brought up, or deliberately ignored.

As long as the moment of death and capsizing doesn't occur, these things that people don't want to know won't be brought up, and the world will remain peaceful and life will continue to be comfortable.

Such emotions exist regardless of one's status or occupation, and some people even become addicted to them.

Sima Zhao was poked by Li Yin, and it hurt so much that he could no longer ignore the things that should have been easily seen:

What will happen when the Sima clan loses power and is unable to offer its followers enough benefits?

It's not hard to guess, but not everyone dares to say it.

Sima Zhao then summoned his eldest son, Sima Yan, and his second son, Sima You, to his study.

Compared to Jia Chong, Chen Qian, and their ilk, who never showed their emotions, Sima Yan and Sima You were far less shrewd and calculating.

Both of them had joy on their faces at that moment.

"Tao Fu, you don't need to go to Qingzhou for the time being. Stay in Luoyang and serve as the Central Protector General."

Sima Zhao looked at Sima You and said.

The recent mutiny in Luoyang altered the military power structure of the Sima family. Sima Wang is dead, and the entire Sima Fu lineage has been expelled. It is now essential to strengthen the power of their own direct descendants.

Especially military power.

The conflict between Sima Yan and Sima You was originally poised to escalate further.

But after this battle, both Sima Zhao, Sima Yan, and Sima You saw the hidden risks lurking in the shadows.

At the very least, in the short term, they should stick together closely.

Otherwise, it cannot be ruled out that there might be a second Sima Fu. After all, Sima Zhao had many younger brothers!
For example, Sima Zhou, Sima Liang, Sima Jun, and so on.

"Your son obeys!"

Sima You said loudly.

Sima Zhao nodded and continued, "In the future, you should not go to Qingzhou to take up your post. Even if you become the King of Qi, you should not go to your fief. If you leave Luoyang, Anshi will be left to fend for himself alone."

This is quite true.

Sima Yan also spoke up, saying, "Father, Tao Fu and I will definitely be brothers and work together to manage the family business."

"Yes, if you brothers are not united, this huge business might just be handed over to your uncles and cousins."

Sima Zhao sighed, feeling utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

On the surface, the Sima family's steps to replace Wei and establish Jin were almost complete, and the magnificent moment of creating a new dynasty was just around the corner!

However, internal and external troubles were slowly gathering, like an invisible dark cloud enveloping Sima Zhao.

Sima Zhao was inwardly proclaiming: "The affairs of the world are in my hands."

His smugness was practically written all over his face.

But he also had a doubt: Am I capable of shouldering the responsibilities of the world?

Li Yin's words made Sima Zhao feel insecure.

Just as Sima Zhao was pondering and feeling uneasy in the Prince of Jin's mansion, Shi Shouxin, who had arrived in Chenliu County, encountered Princess Wang Yuanji of Jin in Jiyang City, where his troops and concubines were temporarily staying. She had returned from Taishan County and had been waiting for him there for two days.
(End of this chapter)