Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 212 Guests and Menu (Part 1)
Luoyang, Shi Mansion, Shi Bao's study.

The Grand Commander, who had rushed back to Luoyang from Huainan, was almost constantly busy. After returning home from the Prince of Jin's residence, he summoned Shi Chong to his study for a lecture.

There was a tense atmosphere between the father and son; they clearly sensed something was amiss.

"I have already spoken with the Prince of Jin, and you will be transferred to Yewang County as governor soon."

"Do your job well over there and don't neglect it. Don't worry about anything else."

Shi Bao said to Shi Chong with a serious expression.

"Father, have you gone mad?"

Shi Chong shouted in disbelief, his face almost contorted. Did his father not know what time it was?
This is about to be served!
He's trying to get rid of me before we're even at the table. Is he even my real father?
Do you know how much effort he put into getting close to Sima Yan?
Shi Chong was so angry he wanted to curse!
"Don't you know the advantages of staying in the capital? My Golden Valley Garden isn't even finished yet!"

Shi Chong roared at Shi Bao, wondering if his father's brain had been replaced.

"You haven't seen enough. The officialdom is treacherous, and the political landscape is full of ups and downs. Don't pursue short-term gains."

Shi Bao sighed softly, seeing Shi Chong's unconvinced expression, and continued, "Luoyang is a place of trouble. Your foundation is not stable, and you will only waste your time here. It is better to go out and avoid trouble, and develop in a low-key manner. Don't care about those empty titles."

He raised his hand, interrupting Shi Chong's rebuttal, clearly not wanting to hear the other party's explanation.

Shi Chong sighed deeply, slammed the door, and stormed out, clearly furious. However, out of filial piety, he couldn't do anything to Shi Bao.

However, what Shi Chong thought was unimportant; he could not disobey Sima Zhao's orders.

Sure enough, early the next morning, Shi Chong received an imperial decree ordering him to go to Yewang County in Henan Province to serve as the prefect, and forbidding him from staying in Luoyang.

Left with no other choice, Shi Chong had to travel light to Yewang County. Fortunately, it was very close to Luoyang, just across the Yellow River. Shi Chong inwardly complained that Shi Bao was getting senile, but dared not disobey him.

Shi Chong was the son of Shi Bao, so it was easy for the father to reprimand his son. However, Cao Huan was the emperor, and he was not so easy to persuade.

After disciplining his son, Shi Bao went to Jinyong City to request an audience with the emperor, but was told that "the emperor is ill and cannot receive guests."

He knew that Cao Huan was expressing his dissatisfaction.

Even a puppet emperor has his own set of standards and cannot be ordered around at will.

When powerful officials bribe assassins, they know they have to take off their clothes and offer them food, let alone persuade the emperor to abdicate.

If Cao Huan had known that he would die anyway, he might have actually committed suicide to show Sima Zhao. Therefore, abdication was not the issue; the key question was what kind of treatment he would receive after abdication.

This also echoes the saying: "The people do not fear death, so why threaten them with death?"
If Cao Huan knew that whether he abdicated or not, he would still die, then why didn't he learn from Cao Mao?
Slapping Sima Zhao in the face would definitely kill you, but the experience of doing so would be incredibly satisfying!

After much deliberation, Shi Bao realized that to fulfill Sima Zhao's request, he clearly could not resort to threats.

Two days later, Shi Bao went to Jinyong City again. This time, Cao Huan did not act coy as before, but ordered someone to lead Shi Bao directly to his "Imperial Study".

It was a small stone house, simply furnished, with living conditions similar to those of the soldiers guarding the border.

Living in such a place to "work" was obviously not a pleasant experience for Cao Huan, and it was also a kind of invisible mental pressure exerted on him by Sima Zhao.

"I have heard that Commander Shi has returned to Luoyang on official business and has been appointed as the Right Guard General of the Imperial Guards. Is this true?"

Cao Huan asked softly. The two sat facing each other at the table, the atmosphere less than harmonious. Shi Bao was Sima Zhao's confidant and clearly not on Cao Huan's side.

However, Shi Bao did not ask Cao Huan if he was better, and Cao Huan did not mention why he had been "ill" before. Both of them tacitly avoided the topic.

"Your Majesty, this is indeed true."

Shi Bao nodded. Cao Huan fell silent; to be precise, he didn't know what to say.

Seeing the atmosphere turn cold, Shi Bao tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, you should understand what the world is like now. You also have offspring. Even if you don't think about yourself and feel that it doesn't matter what you do, don't you care about your descendants?"

Cao Huan only sighed and remained silent. The logic was sound, but he was at the mercy of others; what could he do?

After a long while, Cao Huan said quietly, "Minister Shi, can't you see what happened to the Duke of Gaogui? Abdicating meant a delayed death, not abdicating meant a quick death. What difference is there between the two?"

Cao Huan, who had always been weak, finally stood up for himself this time. He had no choice but to stand up, because if he took another step back, he would be facing an abyss.

If things were already like this when he was emperor, wouldn't the Sima family be able to do whatever they wanted if he abdicated?

"If Your Majesty abdicates, you can not only become the Prince of Chenliu and enjoy lasting honor and favor, but also retain your family's hereditary status and live a wealthy life in Ye City."

What does Your Majesty think?

The current stalemate could anger the Prince of Jin, and things might not end well.

Shi Bao presented his conditions. Of course, this was what he had anticipated; Sima Zhao did not agree.

If Cao Huan agrees to abdicate and issues an edict of abdication, intending to leave with dignity, then Shi Bao will inform Sima Zhao of this condition and persuade him to accept it.

This is the proper way to persuade someone: make promises from both sides, rather than making definitive statements right from the start. If Cao Huan still can't accept it, then... we'll just have to let Sima Zhao give him a few "hard dishes" (meaning serious consequences).

As expected, Cao Huan showed a hesitant look on his face, clearly indicating that he was interested in it.

If one can become the Prince of Chenliu after abdication, retain their fiefdom, and protect their family, then it's not something that can't be discussed.

"This... I need to think about it."

Cao Huan nodded slightly, without directly refusing.

Seeing that Cao Huan's attitude had softened, Shi Bao did not take any further steps, but instead chose to take his leave.

Having successfully persuaded Cao Huan, he was now ready to convince Sima Zhao to set his terms.

Many members of the Cao Wei imperial family had settled in Ye City, and Cao Huan's enfeoffment as the Prince of Chenliu might become a potential threat in the future. However, given the instability of the Sima clan's power base, allowing Cao Huan to abdicate gracefully and leave with a good reputation would be beneficial for their future rule.

In any case, there are advantages and disadvantages to every choice, and Shi Bao will lay out the options in front of Sima Zhao.

……

Shi Shouxin was able to become the governor of Qingzhou not only because he helped Sima Zhao quell the rebellion at a crucial moment, but more importantly because he was Sima Zhao's right-hand man, assigned by Sima Zhao to handle miscellaneous affairs for Sima You.

Only in this way could he be promoted exceptionally; otherwise, the highest rank he could attain would be that of a prefect, just as Yang Huiyu had predicted.

Therefore, Shi Shouxin's appointment as governor of Qingzhou was not simply to be a local official, but to arrange various matters concerning the fiefdom of Sima Zhao's second son, Sima You.

Without the authority of a governor, it would be impossible for Shi Shouxin to establish a foothold in Qingzhou. In other words, the position of chancellor in Sima You's future fiefdom would be Shi Shouxin's primary responsibility, with other official posts serving as stepping stones.

On the surface, this seems like being taken advantage of and doing all the work for someone else. But Shi Shouxin knew that Sima You would never come to Qingzhou.

The day the enemy arrives in Qingzhou and is granted a fief will be the day they raise their banners in rebellion. Whenever Sima You returns to Qingzhou, he will rebel!

In that case, Sima You's fiefdom would be practically Shi Shouxin's own territory, unless a rebellion were to break out.

Using Sima You's name to do one's own thing is a very narrow but real loophole!

After investigating the local farming situation in Linzi, a few days later, Shi Shouxin summoned fifty personal guards and took Hui Niang's two elder brothers, Su Shao and Su Shen, to "Judian" in the northeast of Linzi.

Before the Qin Dynasty, when ancient people created characters, they used objects as the basis for the characters. Each character referred to a specific object.

For example, different shades of red can be represented by: scarlet, crimson, vermilion, red, and cinnabar, each corresponding to a different color.

The character 韻 (韻) specifically refers to a shallow lake. It cannot be used for lakes that are neither large nor shallow.

Arriving at the shore of Dadian Lake, looking at the exposed aquatic plants in the distant water, stretching as far as the eye could see, Shi Shouxin couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of nature. This place is formed by the confluence of several rivers, all of which are flowing water.

The deepest part is less than two meters deep, and in the shallowest part, the rocks are exposed. Although there is water everywhere, it is not convenient for boats to sail, and larger boats can easily run aground.

The water depth varies with the seasons; in winter, the shore freezes over, but not further out. It's early summer now, and flocks of waterbirds are flying everywhere.

What a vibrant scene of life, where everything is thriving!

“You’ve been in Qingzhou for some time now, and you’ve been observing the area around Linzi on a regular basis.”

What are your thoughts on where the King of Qi's palace should be built?

Shi Shouxin dismounted and turned to look at Su Shao and Su Shen, asking them a question.

"I am but a lowly official, and I do not know what ingenious ideas Your Excellency may have."

My brother and I both obeyed orders.

Before we departed, the King of Qi instructed us to simply follow the orders of Magistrate Shi.

Su Shao said very straightforwardly.

Shi Shouxin was very satisfied with his submissive attitude.

Because this Qi King's Palace was unlikely to be a place for Sima You to live in in the future, it was essentially Shi Shouxin's private residence.

Of course you have to take good care of your own house!

The reason for building it here is twofold: firstly, nominally for Sima You's future plans; and secondly, to demonstrate the prestige of the Prince of Qi, who is, after all, Sima Zhao's eldest son!
Even if the palace is built but left empty, it cannot be left unbuilt! This is a very serious political issue.

"In my opinion, the location of the Qi King's Palace is quite particular and cannot be decided casually."

First, the Qi King's palace could not be built within the city of Linzi. The city was cramped and confined, and the Qi King's palace could not be too small, otherwise the people in the city would have to be driven out, right?

Moreover, Linzi was the seat of Qingzhou Prefecture, and the prefectural government was also located there.

The governor resides in the city, and the King of Qi will also reside in the city in the future. If something happens, who will be in charge and who will be secondary?

This is somewhat inconvenient.

Shi Shouxin said meaningfully.

Both Su Shao and Su Shen looked as if they had suddenly realized something. Regardless of whether the other party had ulterior motives, at least what they said was flawless.

"Furthermore, the location of the Qi King's palace cannot be too far from Linzi. If it is too far, it will be a remote and impoverished place, and the Qi King will have to travel a long way to send people to the market in Linzi to buy some goods."

This trip would take several days; how could waiting in the palace possibly be satisfactory?

Shi Shouxin added another point: the residence should neither be within Linzi city nor too far from the political center of Qingzhou. Otherwise, it would be difficult to handle any emergencies, and daily living would also be inconvenient.

"In addition, the defense of the palace is also worth mentioning. It must be surrounded by mountains and water, so that it cannot lack water sources or be located in the mountains and forests."

I think the area around Judian Lake is a great place.

Not only was there no shortage of water, but it also facilitated the settlement of farmers and the relocation of tenants from the Qi king's fiefdom.

Shi Shouxin explained to the Su brothers.

As expected, the governor had a reason for coming here. Su Shao and Su Shen exchanged a glance, both understanding each other perfectly.

Since Shi Shouxin has already spoken, he must have done his research beforehand; he certainly didn't just come here for a casual stroll.

He had already figured out exactly which places near Linzi were good and which had potential for development.

Shi Shouxin originally wanted to arrange the Qi King's Palace in Jili Pavilion outside Linzi, but considering that this place had long been a "cultivated land" controlled by the dukes and ministers in the early Spring and Autumn Period, its potential had long been exhausted.

There's not much to be done here; it's too close to Linzi.

On the contrary, the area around Judian Lake is very suitable for reclaiming land from the lake, building water conservancy projects, and creating a large area of ​​fertile farmland. Shi Shouxin has a grand plan in mind, and he can't make it work without land.

"Lord Shi, this place is excellent, but it seems some wealthy families have already made their move..."

Su Shao hesitated, realizing they had already sensed something when they arrived.

Since there are many fertile lands with great potential for reclamation around Judian Lake, Shi Shouxin is certainly not the only one eyeing this place. In fact, some wealthy local families from Qingzhou have already set their sights on this area, but they dare not be too audacious because it is too close to Linzi.

"Let's go back to Linzi first, and then discuss this further."

Shi Shouxin mounted his horse and said.

Anyway, I've already found a good spot, and I'm in a great mood right now.

Even if a major player in the local area makes a move on the land he's eyeing, so what?
Is it to see if Shi's knife is sharp?
If these people want to maintain a dignified appearance, Shi Shouxin is willing to do so.

If these people don't want to be dignified, Shi Shouxin can help them be dignified.

That's how the world is; face is given by others, but you lose face yourself.

Shi Shouxin needed to make sure his troops were settled first. They needed to be provided for in every way – food, clothing, shelter, and transportation – otherwise, serious trouble might ensue.

……

Shi Shouxin and his group returned to Linzi on the evening of the second day. They did not travel quickly along the way, but instead inquired about the situation of the local villages at each stop. The places they passed through were truly shocking.

The people's livelihood is visibly devastated.

The Cao Wei's policy of military-agricultural colonies was initially very successful. However, after so many years, the tenant farmers now have no desire to cultivate the land under their jurisdiction. Many would rather work for powerful and wealthy families.

The villagers were not very cooperative with Shi Shouxin and his group's visit, or rather, they simply didn't want to pay them any attention.

Back at the government office, everyone was in low spirits; this was a classic case of "the beginning is always the hardest."

When they attacked Shu, if it weren't for the overwhelming force of the Wei army, would those local powerful families in Hanzhong have followed Shi Shouxin? Would they have willingly become soldiers?
The answer is self-evident.

The situation in Qingzhou was actually quite similar. Governance required both strict control and rational management, employing both carrot and stick tactics, and both hands had to be firm. Now, Prefect Shi Shouxin had neither had time to demonstrate his ruthlessness nor shown any kindness to the local people.

Who would take him seriously? They'd be doing him a favor by simply addressing him as "Lord."

As night fell, Shi Shouxin sat in his study, examining the letters on his desk—letters he had received during his few days away. As for the affairs of Qingzhou, those couldn't be resolved in a day or two; he would have to deal with them gradually in the future.

The first letter was written by Sima You, the future King of Qi. He didn't waste any words and went straight to the point, saying that Shi Shouxin should prepare to return to Luoyang before the autumn harvest to attend the founding ceremony! He also reminded him to make sure to arrange things in Qingzhou in advance and not to miss this grand event!

Shi Shouxin put the letter aside and sighed helplessly.

The guests received invitations and sat down to eat; this was only natural. Shi Shouxin couldn't refuse, otherwise all his past efforts would have been in vain.

At this grand feast, he will be granted a noble title, officially appointed to an official position, and even allowed to establish his own government! If he doesn't go, what's the point of the event? Shi Shouxin may not want to be an official, but many others do.

Shi Shouxin picked up the second letter from the table, and his pupils suddenly contracted when he saw the signature on the envelope!
It was him! How is this possible!

He was incredibly surprised.

(End of this chapter)