Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 221 Taking the Table for the Feast (6)

On the first day of implementing the "catching the fat sheep" policy, there was no reaction from any side. On the second day, an official from the imperial court submitted a memorial saying that Shi Shouxin should be dismissed.

The memorial was delivered to Sima Zhao's desk.

However, Sima Zhao's attitude was very clear: he was trying to warn certain people who were putting on airs both openly and secretly. Shi Shouxin was the most useful tool in his hands. He was too busy delegating power to such people to dismiss them.
So these memorials were sent to Jinyong City intact and into Cao Huan's hands!
Cao Huan was a puppet emperor, merely a nodding machine, and had no real power.

How could he possibly be involved in the dismissal of an official, especially one as crucial as the Commandant of the Capital Region?
If Cao Huan's heart was still hanging in suspense before Sima Fu's rebellion, then now his heart is completely dead.

Cao Huan then sent these memorials back to the Prince of Jin's residence. This put Sima Zhao at ease, and he sent all of these memorials to the Silitai (Imperial Censorate) to let Shi Shouxin see who was talking badly about him behind his back.

Of course, nominally, these memorials were simply sent to the Silitai (Imperial Secretariat) for safekeeping, in case they might be useful in the future.

Whether Shi Shouxin would peek or not was his own business and had nothing to do with Sima Zhao.

The attitude of the Prince of Jin's mansion quickly alerted some old foxes that something was amiss. The behind-the-scenes bigwigs who were originally eager to "rescue" these "fat sheep" also temporarily held back and waited to see how things would develop.

The ball has been kicked to Shi Shouxin's side again.

Early the next morning, in a temporary "deposit room" in the "temporary prison" of Jingu Garden, Shi Shouxin handed Shi Qiao a set of short-sleeved shirts and shorts that farmers often wore.

With a smile, he said, "For the next ten days or so, you'll be wearing this outfit and tilling the land at Jinguyuan Farm."

"Give me a moment to think, I don't understand yet."

Shi Qiao rubbed his temples with both hands. Ever since he was arrested and placed under house arrest yesterday, he had been trying to figure out what had happened.

I thought about it all night, but I still can't figure it out.

"Don't ask, the answer is that you'll definitely thank me later."

Shi Shouxin waved his hand dismissively, telling Shi Qiao to take the clothes out and let someone else come in to collect them.

Completely bewildered, Shi Qiao left the house, and soon Jia Chong's younger brother, Jia Hun, entered.

Before Jia Hun could speak, Shi Shouxin handed him a matching short-sleeved shirt and shorts, seemingly with no intention of saying anything at all.

"Captain Shi, what exactly is going on?"

"I'm not even an official, isn't it a bit excessive for you to arrest me?"

Jia Hun questioned him angrily, but he remained calm and did not become hysterical.

"Don't you know what you've done?"

Shi Shouxin looked at Jia Hun and asked in return.

It's unclear whether it's because Jia Hun is "inherently good," or because he's really in such a miserable state that he has no right to be a bad person. Jia Hun thought for a long time but couldn't recall any despicable acts of bullying men and women that he had committed.

As for official matters, Jia Hun had never held an official post, was not an official at all, and did not hold any title, so it was even less likely for him to be involved.

"I, Jia, have no idea! Captain Shi, can't you just be straightforward and tell me directly?"

Jia Hun was so anxious he was about to cry.

"If you can't remember, just keep thinking. Pick up your hoe and turn the soil in this Golden Valley Garden. Think about it while you're tilling the land, and maybe you'll remember!"

With a mysterious smile on his face, Shi Shouxin stuffed the clothes into Jia Hun's arms and sent him away.

The next one to enter was Guo Zhan, a man with a very imposing presence. This was not only because he was Guo Huai's elder brother, but also because he was the only official among the "fat sheep" caught this time.

However, he had only been working in Taiyuan Prefecture before, and had only recently been transferred to the central government, so his official position was not high.

Shi Shouxin made no effort to explain, and just like the previous people, handed the farmer's clothes to Guo Zhan.

"Jia Chong is my brother-in-law, and Guo Huai is my uncle. I am a cautious official and have not done anything wrong."

Why did you arrest Guo without cause, without interrogating him or convicting him?
Believe it or not, you'll be dismissed and investigated in three days at most!

Guo Zhan looked at Shi Shouxin and questioned him, while also making a threat.

Do you think Mr. Shi is being unreasonable?

Shi Shouxin looked at Guo Zhan and asked in return.

"Yes!"

Guo Zhan said defiantly, his face showing anger.

"Then you should reflect on yourself. When has the Commandant of the Capital Region ever been reasonable?"

Shi Shouxin was unmoved by Guo Zhan's threats and simply stuffed the "prison uniform" into his arms.

Guo Zhan gave Shi Shouxin a deep look, then picked up the clothes and left.

There's no point in saying more. From now on, we'll see who has the best skills. You just wait and see!

Guo Zhan has come to hate Shi Shouxin.

However, Shi Shouxin didn't care. Guo Zhan would become Sima Yan's confidant and Sima Zhong's ally. No matter how much he tried to please him now, he would be an enemy in the future.

It's better to offend them now than to harbor any illusions later.

One after another, these "fat sheep" came in. Some were clueless, some knelt down and begged for mercy, and some hurled insults. Shi Shouxin's attitude was the same: no explanation, no cooperation, and no violence.

Finally, the most important person, Wang Yuanji's younger brother Wang Kai, walked in.

His gaze toward Shi Shouxin was filled with intense killing intent.

"Shi Shouxin, I advise you to release me today, then kneel down and beg for mercy, and I might spare your life."

otherwise……"

A fierce glint flashed in Wang Kai's bloodshot eyes.

He now wishes he could devour Shi Shouxin alive.

"Over the years, you've been luring your enemies to your home and burying them alive every now and then. You don't really think you've covered your tracks perfectly and that nobody knows, do you?"

Shi Shouxin looked at Wang Kai and smiled, his face showing a playful expression, quite different from when he was facing the others.

Wang Kai's face tightened, and he took a step back guiltily. Clearly, the Silitai government had a clear record of some of the bad things he had done.

It was impossible for him not to be nervous, because the fact that the Commandant of the Capital Region hadn't acted in the past didn't mean he was unaware of the situation or hadn't kept records. Those files were all lying in the storeroom.

"I advise you to behave yourself. If I kill the other people here, I might feel a little guilty."

But you are the only one I would feel relieved to kill; I would feel no regret whatsoever.

Back in Shu, I dared to draw my sword even when facing Zhong Hui. Who do you think you are?
Don't force me to take action. You're familiar with this tactic of killing you and then reporting it as a suicide out of guilt, aren't you? Do you think I wouldn't dare?"

Shi Shouxin grabbed Wang Kai by the collar with one hand, exuding an aura of dominance.

Wang Kai didn't dare utter a single harsh word. He took the "prison uniform" handed to him by Shi Shouxin and slunk away.

Many people are bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong; once they leave their families, they are nothing but insects.

With the matter of catching the fat sheep over, Shi Shouxin breathed a sigh of relief. He had already played his cards and now it was up to the players at the table to see if they would follow suit. It was still too early to tell who would win or lose.

Killing is unacceptable; it would give others ammunition against you, and you would be treated like trash by Sima Zhao afterward.

But we can't just put these people under house arrest.

So Shi Shouxin came up with a good idea: to have the fat sheep dress up as farmers and work the fields in the Jingu Garden farm!

Not only are the gates wide open, but there aren't even any walls built around the estate. The entire manor is simply enclosed by a fence, making it easy for outsiders to see who is working in the fields.

Those who were once superior to others are now toiling in the fields. This kind of "punishment" must be utterly devastating, especially for someone like Wang Kai.

Since killing someone is impossible, attacking their spirit can achieve the same effect.

……

One day passed, two days passed, five days passed.

The officialdom in Luoyang was as calm as still water.

Behind-the-scenes figures like Jia Chong, Guo Shi, and Wang Shen did not step forward to rescue the person, nor did they even bother to go to the Prince of Jin's residence.

Nobody's a fool; Sima Zhao's words on the surface were just empty platitudes.

It was to force these high-ranking officials in Luoyang to humble themselves and support his ascension to the throne.

This is such a huge pit. Whoever jumps in first has to back down first, and whoever backs down first will be manipulated.

If they were manipulated, the family's interests would be jeopardized. They'd finally reached the grand ceremony of the founding of the nation, and if they backed down now, wouldn't all their previous efforts be wasted? So, the matter stalled there.

Shi Shouxin was still able to remain calm, but Sima Zhao clearly lacked composure and was already starting to panic.

He immediately summoned Shi Shouxin to the Prince of Jin's residence to inquire and try to find a solution.

After a few days apart, Sima Zhao was no longer the excited and ambitious man he had been a few days earlier. Now, his face was gloomy and he looked like he was about to cry.

As soon as they met, he asked anxiously, "The autumnal equinox is only ten days away. You've arrested so many people, but you haven't even lured out a single snake. What are we going to do?"

Sima Zhao's questioning tone carried a hint of reproach.

"Your Highness, it is precisely because some people understand what you want that they are dragging their feet and not wanting to comply."

The situation is now completely under control, so why panic?

Shi Shouxin answered slowly.

In his view, anyone who readily gives in must have a sinister plot.

The lack of activity at the moment is actually a sign that everyone wants to sit down and talk. If we lose our composure now, all our previous efforts will be in vain.

Hearing this, Sima Zhao felt somewhat relieved. He pondered for a moment, then sighed and asked in return, "Are we just going to wait like this?"

"No, we will have the court issue an edict today to exile these people to Liaodong, and we will set off tomorrow."

Your Highness can send someone to inform the families of these people, so that they can prepare some warm clothing to give to them when they depart tomorrow.

Shi Shouxin smiled and handed the letter he had written earlier to the other party.

It's not that you can't say it face-to-face, but it's better to present it in writing, so as to show that you're confident and prepared, rather than just wasting your days.

After reading the letter, Sima Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

"In your opinion, we should spread the word today, and tomorrow escort these people to Mengjin Ferry so they can say goodbye to their families and make a big splash."

Then they'll arrest another batch of people, is that right?

Sima Zhao pressed for an answer, his expression no longer showing the anxiety he had just displayed.

Shi Shouxin nodded. This seemingly unremarkable move actually revealed a crucial piece of information: even if Sima Zhao did not ascend the throne this year, he would not easily compromise. If no one urged him to take the throne, then Sima Zhao would not hesitate to take action against the disobedient political forces within Luoyang.

"With so many people being exiled, we need to find a suitable reason, right?"

Sima Zhao frowned slightly and asked, "This disturbance is too great."

"The reason is that they're plotting a rebellion. Does the court have to explain to others whether they're plotting a rebellion or not?"

Shi Shouxin countered with a question.

"Leaving aside the others, Wang Kai is my brother-in-law. Does that mean he is also plotting a rebellion?"

Sima Zhao was so angry at Shi Shouxin that he laughed.

However, Shi Shouxin said seriously:
“If Your Highness were to ascend the throne, Wang Kai, being a relative of the empress, would naturally not be guilty of rebellion. But now the world belongs to Cao Wei, and Cao Huan is the true emperor.”

To the Cao family, was Wang Kai a loyal subject? If he were, he should have sided with the Cao family!

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured directly over Sima Zhao's head!
As the change of dynasty approached, Sima Zhao was already thinking of himself as emperor. However, the harsh reality was that he was not yet emperor, and to Cao Wei, he was still a complete traitor!

Now that Cao Huan has issued an imperial edict to exile these fat sheep, the closer their relationship with the Sima family, the more it proves that they are the confidants of the rebels. Isn't it normal for them to be exiled?

"Your Highness, the new dynasty has implemented a virtuous policy, granting a general amnesty!"

Shi Shouxin offered a reminder.

Sima Zhao then slowly nodded.

"These are the people we're going to arrest next, right?"

Sima Zhao waved the letter in his hand and asked, "This letter contains a list of the next batch of people to be arrested."

"That's right. Once the exiles depart tomorrow, I will take action."

With a two-pronged approach, those with discernment will understand what His Highness means.

If they still don't back down after all this, then Your Highness should worry about whether they are truly loyal to you.

While trying to persuade him, Shi Shouxin secretly slipped his own agenda into the conversation.

That makes sense, really. After all the drama Sima Zhao put on, if anyone still thinks they've done so much and wants more, then they're being ungrateful.

“That makes sense. Let’s do it that way. I will have the Emperor issue an imperial edict.”

Sima Zhao nodded.

……

The rain is coming and the wind is all over the building.

Those cunning old foxes in Luoyang were most perceptive of the changing winds in the imperial court.

No sooner had the news of his exile spread than Wei Xiu came to the Silitai to see Shi Shouxin that very night, saying that Jia Chong had invited him to have a private talk at the Li family's house.

Jia Chong asked his ex-wife, Li, to make the contact, and Li then entrusted Wei Xiu, who was staying with her, to find the person. By the time Shi Shouxin arrived at Li's house in a carriage, Jia Chong had already been waiting for a long time.

The food and wine on the table had all gone cold.

Making Jia Chong wait for so long was a great honor, even making Shi Shouxin feel "overwhelmed with gratitude".

After Li left the room, Jia Chong poured Shi Shouxin a cup of wine and asked with a smile, "Have you met Yu Niang yet?"

"No, I'm always busy with important matters and don't have time to come here to meet."

Shi Shouxin said in a businesslike manner.

"It wouldn't be bad to meet them now."

Jia Chong offered a meaningful suggestion.

Shi Shouxin raised his hand and politely declined, saying, "I am a lecherous man, and I can't control my lower body when I see a beautiful woman. If I were to see Yu Niang now, I would definitely have sex with her in front of Master Jia, which would not be very elegant. It would be better to meet her another day."

Shi Shouxin hated anything that caused unnecessary trouble. He kept saying he was "lustful" and that he couldn't resist beautiful women, but in reality, he was more decisive than anyone else when it came to refusing someone.

Jia Chong put away his frivolous smile and asked Shi Shouxin seriously, "Is it true that Jia Hun is to be exiled to Liaodong tomorrow?"

"Yes, it's a sure thing."

Shi Shouxin nodded, readily admitting it.

"You've offended so many people today, what will you do in the future?"

Jia Chong asked another question, which seemed to have nothing to do with the current situation.

"Shi's current status is something I earned by risking my life, one cut at a time."

Of all those arrested, besides Shi Qiao, who has ever truly helped me? Who has ever done me a favor?

Getting things done inevitably leads to offending people; if you don't want to offend anyone, you might as well go home and farm.

Shi Shouxin looked at Jia Chong and asked.

"It seems you've already figured it out. Then I won't ask any more questions."

You can stay here tonight.

After saying that, Jia Chong got up to leave. He already knew what he wanted to know, and saying anything more would be superfluous and unnecessary.

However, Shi Shouxin walked even faster, as if afraid of being tricked by a beauty, and was the first to leave the room.

He saw a young and slender woman peeking at him from beside a lantern not far away, but he couldn't see her face clearly because she was too far away.

So Shi Shouxin simply nodded to her and then looked away.

This woman must be Jia Yu, but it's not convenient for him to go up and greet her at the moment.

Shi Shouxin and Jia Chong left Li's residence together. As they were about to part at the gate, Jia Chong patted Shi Shouxin's arm and said, "In the future, it's fine for you to come to Luoyang to visit relatives and friends or report on your duties, but try not to go back to Luoyang to serve as an official. You won't be able to survive in the Luoyang officialdom."

After saying that, he turned and left without pausing.

(End of this chapter)