Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 219 Taking the Table for the Feast (4)

"The king and the horse, sharing the world!"

"The king and the horse, sharing the world!"

"The king and the horse, sharing the world!"

Early in the morning, several children walked on the main street of Luoyang, shouting as they went.

A child chanting a nursery rhyme might be for fun, but when a group of children chant it in unison, it's clearly guided by some "mysterious force."

Upon hearing the nursery rhyme, Wang Hun immediately ordered the driver to stop the carriage. However, when he got out, the children had already moved to another road, and only their voices could be heard in the distance; they had vanished without a trace.

"Wang and Ma, sharing the world?"

Wang Hun's expression changed slightly, and he seemed frozen in place, slowly savoring the moment.

A simple sentence, catchy and easy to remember, yet it carries boundless malice.

Damn, I also have the surname Wang, and Ma can also refer to Sima.

What kind of king and horse share the world? This is outrageous!

"Oh no, something's happened!"

Wang Hun sighed softly, hurriedly boarded the carriage, and headed straight for the Prince of Jin's residence. Sima Zhao had been very diligent lately, and by the time Wang Hun arrived, he was already sitting in his study working.

However, besides Sima Zhao, there is another person here: Wang Shen, the governor of Jiangbei!
What a coincidence, he also has the surname Wang!
"You don't need to say anything more. I already know what it is."

Before Wang Hun could speak, Sima Zhao had already stopped him.

This matter has a familiar feel to it, just like that crucial night last time, when military flags suddenly appeared all over Luoyang, deceiving the old fox Sima Fu!

Sima Zhao squinted, pondered for a moment, and said:

"They're just some silly nursery rhymes, yet they've scared you two so much!"

I never imagined you would betray me. Besides, my wife's family is also from the Wang clan. Would they really do something unspeakable?

His tone was displeased.

Wang Hun remained silent, and Wang Shen, standing to the side, was even less inclined to speak. That jarring phrase, "The king and the horse share the world," seemed like a huge boulder weighing on their hearts.

It is heavy, and cannot be ignored.

As long as their surname is Wang, anything they say at this moment will only make things worse.

"If there's nothing else, you may leave."

Sima Zhao issued an order to expel the guest.

In fact, similar prophecies and apocryphal texts have been emerging like weeds since the Western Han Dynasty, and can be considered a byproduct of the "interaction between Heaven and Man" theory.

To say that this thing can truly shake the heavens and the earth is an exaggeration. But leaving it aside and ignoring it always gives people a certain psychological suggestion.

Wang Hun and Wang Shen left dejectedly, while Sima Zhao fell into deep thought.

The idea of ​​"the king and the horse sharing the world" was not explicitly stated by Shi Shouxin last night, but it hinted that he would take some "unconventional" actions. Given his decisive and efficient nature, it was probably his doing.

"We should still call him over tonight to ask him about it."

Sima Zhao muttered to himself thoughtfully.

The situation here is naturally more moderate. Even if some busybodies hear the prophecy of "the king and the horse sharing the world," they would not come to him to cry, make a scene, or threaten suicide.

However, Wang Kai, who is destined to become the "protagonist" today, faces a more intense situation.

At this moment, Shi Shouxin was leading more than a hundred elite soldiers belonging to the Silitai, standing in front of the spacious gate of Wang Kai's mansion, the atmosphere slightly tense.

"Captain Shi, may I ask why Wang Kai was arrested?"

Shao Ti, standing beside him, asked with a worried expression.

Wang Kai was Wang Yuanji's younger brother, and their close relationship goes without saying. He was also a frequent visitor to the Prince of Jin's residence and had a particularly good relationship with Sima Yan.

Shi Shouxin, a new official, made three bold moves upon taking office, and his first target was Wang Kai.

Isn’t that bold?

Perhaps so, but Shao Ti didn't want to go crazy with him, so that he would be resented by this imperial brother-in-law after the dynasty changed.

"After reviewing the case files yesterday, we learned that five years ago, Wang Kai attempted to abduct a woman but failed. Enraged, he ordered her to be killed, and her body was buried in the backyard."

That's why I've come today.

Shi Shouxin said slowly.

Actually, let's not say that Wang Kai only ordered his men to kill women after his attempt to forcibly abduct them failed.

Even if he really did kill some minor official, as long as there is no concrete evidence, he can get away with it by virtue of his power and status.

However, the fact that the Sili Commandant was unable to deal with him in the past does not mean that the Sili Bureau would not record these matters. Because the Sili Commandant was responsible for dirty work, if the imperial power needed to deal with Wang Kai, these old records would be brought up again.

As the basis for establishing and enforcing the law.

Now, Shi Shouxin has brought up old grievances. Shao Ti felt that if the investigation were conducted according to Shi Shouxin's rules, probably few powerful and influential people in Luoyang could withstand it.

"Captain Shi, this matter happened many years ago, and there's no way to verify it now. Even if you had just become the Commandant of the Capital Region, or even if it were me, I wasn't even at the General's Mansion at that time. Don't you think we should put this matter on hold?"

Shao Ti asked with a troubled expression.

"Knock on the door. If anything happens, Shi will take responsibility."

Shi Shouxin looked at Shao Ti and gave the order, his expression calm yet carrying an irresistible solemnity and authority.

Shao Ti felt a chill run down his spine, and the hairs on his body stood on end.

As the saying goes, "Living in a place shapes one's temperament and one's character." A year ago, Shi Shouxin was just a young man, but after experiencing a series of events following the destruction of Shu, he is now a man of imposing presence without even being angry.

He has the aura of a high-ranking official.

Shao Ti had no choice but to bow and pay his respects, and then ordered his men to knock on the door.

There was no way there could be any response. In fact, Wang Kai thought some unknown nobody had staged a mutiny in Luoyang!
In his mind, with Sima Zhao backing him up, no one would dare to cause him any trouble!

Shi Shouxin and his men made such a commotion that the Wang family was now in complete chaos. However, both the front and back gates were guarded by elite soldiers under the command of the Sili Commandant, so not even a mouse could escape.

Wang Kai wanted to ask his sister Wang Yuanji for help, but he didn't dare to open the door. He paced anxiously around the front courtyard and main room like an ant on a hot pan.

Just as Wang Kai was about to climb over the wall and escape to the Prince of Jin's residence for help, the gate was suddenly kicked open.

Dressed in black robes and half-body armor, and wielding weapons, the elite soldiers of Silitai rushed into the palace and headed straight for the main hall in the front courtyard.

Some servants tried to block the road, but they were pushed aside by the burly soldiers. Shi Shouxin led more than a hundred men, moving with great swagger as if they were in an empty field.

The group arrived at the main room but did not cross the threshold.

"The Commandant of the Capital Region is here solely for Wang Kai's sake. All other irrelevant personnel, please disperse and do not obstruct the official business!"

Shao Ti shouted at the Wang family's servants. Upon hearing this, they scattered like birds and beasts, leaving only Wang Kai, who looked at Shao Ti with some confusion.

Of course, he didn't know Shi Shouxin, although he could tell that Shi was the leader.

"Shao Si Cao (Shao Ti's former official title), what are you doing... trying to arrest me?"

Wang Kai stepped forward, bowed to Shao Ti, and looked puzzled.

"You committed a murder five years ago, have you already forgotten?"

Shi Shouxin took out a piece of silk from his sleeve containing a copy of the relevant documents, waved it in front of Wang Kai, and asked with an unfriendly expression.

Five years ago? What happened?

Wang Kai was completely bewildered, not understanding what Shi Shouxin was talking about. If it was about investigating the people he had killed, which scion of a powerful family didn't have a few lives on his hands?

But who would actually kill someone themselves? They would just order their servants to do it.

Even if we were to arrest someone, we should arrest their servants!

Wang Kai had long since lost count of how many people he had ordered his men to kill. Every year, some were from the Wang residence, others from Luoyang city. Who knew which case the Commandant of the Capital Region was investigating?

"Once you're in jail, you'll have plenty of time to think things through."

"Who are you! How dare you grab me!" Shi Shouxin said coldly, beckoning to the elite soldiers beside him. Several burly men immediately stepped forward and grabbed Wang Kai's arms! "Who are you! How dare you grab me!"

Do you know who I am? I am the brother-in-law of the Prince of Jin!

I am Wang Kai, a relative of the Prince of Jin! How dare you arrest me!

Wang Kai struggled and bared his teeth at Shi Shouxin. But it was no use; he was soon bound hand and foot.

His mouth was also stuffed with a rag, so he could only sob and mumble, unable to speak.

"Let's go to the next one!"

Shi Shouxin instructed Shao Ti to be efficient and decisive. He didn't even bother to explain anything to Wang Kai.

Shao Ti looked at Wang Kai, who was angry but whose mouth was gagged and he couldn't speak, and then at Shi Shouxin, whose face was as calm as still water. He really didn't know what to say.

He had no choice but to personally escort Wang Kai away from the Prince's residence with the entourage. After they left, Wang Kai's wife immediately sent someone to the Prince of Jin's residence to explain the situation to Wang Yuanji and ask for help.

……

After leaving Wang Kai's residence, Shi Shouxin headed east and arrived at Shi Bao's residence.

After the door was opened, he looked at Shi Qiao, who had opened the door for him, and said, "Shi Qiao, come with me to the prison of the Silitai."

"what?"

Shi Qiao was stunned, completely confused about what had happened.

"Shi Chong committed murder, and you are an accomplice. Although I am the adopted son of the Shi family, I cannot protect criminals. Let's go, or I will resort to violence."

Shi Shouxin was serious and his expression was calm.

"Shi Gandang, are you crazy? We're family!"
How dare you frame me?

Upon hearing what Shi Shouxin said, Shi Qiao was completely stunned. When had he ever assisted Shi Chong in committing murder?

Even if he really did kill someone, this is not how family members do things!
"take away!"

Shi Shouxin waved his hand, and his men tied Shi Qiao up and took him away.

When Wang Kai saw Shi Qiao being arrested, his pent-up anger subsided. The fierce and angry look he had previously given Shi Shouxin was now replaced by fear.

If they can arrest even family members, who else can't they arrest?

Wang Kai was not afraid of people with great power or high official positions. No matter how powerful he was, could he be more powerful than Sima Zhao?

But he was afraid of the simpleton, because he didn't want to be killed by him without even realizing it.

The group left the Shi residence and, after winding their way through the streets, arrived at the entrance of the Wang Shen family's house.

After knocking to open the door, Shi Shouxin led his men into the courtyard and dragged Wang Jun, who was on the woman's belly, off the bed.

Upon seeing that it was Shi Shouxin who had arrived with so many people, Wang Jun was terrified and immediately knelt down to beg for mercy.

"Stone King! Stone King! Please spare me!"

I was wrong back then. I shouldn't have brought soldiers to your house to rob women. I'm not human, I'm a beast! I deserve to die!
My father has already hit me and disciplined me.

Please, let me go!

Wang Jun knelt on the ground and kowtowed without any dignity, his voice choked with tears.

Wang Kai and Shi Qiao, who were initially somewhat resentful, immediately revealed amused smiles when they saw Wang Jun kneeling on the ground begging for mercy like a dog, utterly devoid of dignity.

There is no absolute standard for happiness; good or bad is always relative.

Seeing Wang Jun's appearance, Wang Kai and Shi Qiao suddenly felt that it wasn't so bad that Shi Shouxin tied them up and took them away.

At least they were still fully clothed, while Wang Jun was practically naked, kneeling on the ground wearing only a pair of silk trousers underneath.

"Ignore his noise and just take him away!"

Shi Shouxin gave the order directly, too lazy to waste words with Wang Jun.

Shao Ti was already numb from watching, so he gestured for Wang Jun to put his clothes back on. Then the other party received the same treatment as Wang Kai, Shi Qiao, and the others: they were tied up and gagged.

After leaving Wang Shen's residence, Shao Ti asked hesitantly, "Captain Shi, are we still going to arrest people?"

"Of course we must arrest them, keep going."

Shi Shouxin nodded.

Wang Kai, Shi Qiao, and Wang Jun exchanged glances, each with countless questions in their minds. However, they also understood that they wouldn't get answers now.

Before long, Shi Shouxin led his team to the Jia Mansion, which was indeed the residence of Jia Chong and was very grand.

Shao Ti looked at Shi Shouxin with a look of horror. He leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Captain Shi, you're not going to arrest Jia Chong, are you?"

"No, you're overthinking it."

Shi Shouxin waved his hand gently and said.

Shao Ti breathed a sigh of relief. He felt that if they continued to arrest people like this, his heart would eventually jump out of his chest.

Just as Shi Shouxin was about to send someone to knock on the door, a thin middle-aged man opened the small door next to the main gate of the mansion, and it turned out to be Jia Chong himself!

"Lord Shi, why are you here in front of my house instead of handling civil affairs in Qingzhou?"

Jia Chong, feigning ignorance, looked at Shi Shouxin and asked. He had no official business today and hadn't gone to the yamen, so he just happened to run into him.

“Lord Jia, I am now serving as the Commandant of the Capital Region. I have come here to arrest your brother, Jia Hun.”

Shi Shouxin said solemnly.

Jia Chong squinted and stared at him for a while, then ordered the servant behind him, "Go and call Erlang here."

A short while later, a middle-aged man in his thirties came out; he looked very simple and unassuming.

"My name is Jia Hun. May I ask what business you have with me?"

Jia Hun looked puzzled and asked Shi Shouxin.

Unlike his elder brother Jia Chong, he had neither any notable talents nor rashly entered officialdom. Instead, he lived with his brother Jia Chong in a large mansion. To be honest, he could be described as "unemployed at home."

Because their mother, Lady Liu, was still alive, the Jia family had not yet divided their property. Guo Huai was not a capable and virtuous woman who could manage a household, so the responsibility of caring for their mother fell to Jia Hun and his wife.

"I am Shi Shouxin, the Commandant of the Capital Region. The Capital Region has uncovered an old case and we hope you will come with us to facilitate the investigation."

Shi Shouxin said expressionlessly.

Hearing this, Jia Hun became even more confused.

Jia Chong gave his daughter Jia Yu, born to his first wife, to a man named Shi Shouxin to be his concubine. Guo Huai was unaware of this, but his own younger brother Jia Hun was.

He just took his own niece as his concubine, and then he had him arrested and brought to the Silitai for trial. This is no longer a case of an ingrate or the farmer and the snake.

That's like turning on a page faster than flipping through a book!

However, Shi Shouxin completely ignored Jia Hun and simply instructed Shao Ti, "He doesn't need to be tied up anymore, just take him away."

After saying this, the burly man beside him took Jia Hun away. Throughout the entire process, Jia Chong remained silent and did not try to stop them.

"Master Jia, we apologize for disturbing you today. We will come to apologize another day. We are about to go to the Guo family to arrest Guo Zhan, so we will not stand on ceremony. Farewell."

Shi Shouxin bowed to Jia Chong, then turned and left with his men.

Watching them leave, Jia Chong crossed his arms, his expression gradually becoming serious.

Jia Chong knew all the people Shi Shouxin arrested, including Guo Zhan, who was to be arrested later. Guo Zhan was the elder brother of his wife, Guo Huai.

He stood outside for a moment, lost in thought, when suddenly his furrowed brows relaxed.

"I've really found a good support for Yu Niang."

Jia Chong stroked his long beard, a mysterious smile on his face, and then slowly walked into the mansion.

There was no sign of panic.

(End of this chapter)