Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 227 The Last Day of the Great Wei (Part 2) (End of this volume)

Shi Shouxin drove his carriage slowly along the official road, the main road connecting Luoyang and Xingyang. Not far ahead to the north was the only main road leading to Mengjin Ferry, where pedestrians and merchants came and went in an endless stream.

Upon arriving at the gate of Jingu Garden, Shi Shouxin stopped the carriage, then got off and looked at the couplet on the gatepost.

Heaven creates all things to nourish humankind, yet humankind has no virtue to repay Heaven.

I wonder if Shi Chong could understand it? Probably not.

A question popped into Shi Shouxin's mind, but without hesitation, he took out a charcoal pencil from his sleeve and wrote the four characters "厚德载物" (houde zaiwu, meaning "great virtue carries all things") on the lintel.

These four characters are well-written and have a good meaning.

However, the couplet was originally written in red ink, while the horizontal scroll was written in charcoal, which looked somewhat incongruous.

Upon seeing the couplet, the outspoken Wei Xiu immediately remarked, "It looks absolutely hideous."

"Ugly? Not really."

From now on, the most beautiful thing in Jingu Garden will be this couplet.

Shi Shouxin said meaningfully, and put his arm around Wei Xiu's shoulder, about to invite her to get into the carriage, when several riders came galloping from a distance!

"Get in the car first, I'll be right there."

Shi Shouxin patted Wei Xiu's arm and then headed towards the direction where the dust was rising.

The newcomers were none other than Sima You and his entourage, who had been chasing after them but had always been a step behind. At this moment, he was covered in sweat, his brocade robe clinging tightly to his back, soaked through.

His face was covered in dust from sweat, and he looked rather disheveled.

Seeing that Shi Shouxin was already waiting for him, Sima You immediately dismounted and asked anxiously, "Shi Gandang, your troops are plundering the market near the city wall of Xiyang Gate in Luoyang. Are you just going to let them do this?"

"Tao Fu, this time I came to Luoyang with only fifty personal attendants; my troops are all in Qingzhou."

The Luoyang market may indeed have been looted, but I don't know who these "retainers" you mentioned are.

Shi Shouxin spoke calmly, with a hint of a smile on his face.

"Then go over there and see for yourself. Quite a few people have already followed your men into the market and started looting!"

"Do you really not know what day tomorrow is?"

Sima You was getting anxious and wanted to drag Shi Shouxin away!

"Tao Fu, can my fifty men really break through the guards surrounding the market?"

What is the job of the city gate captain?
"Aren't there any soldiers to stop them? What kind of trouble can fifty men cause?"

Instead of answering Sima You's question, Shi Shouxin directly asked a series of questions in return.

Yes, it's such a large market. On ordinary days, any merchant could easily gather dozens of servants. If they encountered a very wealthy person, it was common for them to send out hundreds of flatbed carts to haul goods.

Many goods were destined for the west, heading towards Daqin (ancient Rome), and the caravans traveling back and forth were extremely large.

How much of a commotion could a looting operation by only fifty people normally cause?

Shi Shouxin's question stumped Sima You.

Sima Yan may have been completely ignorant of military affairs, but Sima You, being a military officer, understood things immediately.

He immediately realized something, and his expression changed several times.

"Tao Fu, enjoy the glory of this founding of the nation tomorrow."

As for other matters, if it's not convenient for you to get involved, then don't. Even if the sky falls, it's not your place to hold it up.

Shi Shouxin patted Sima You on the shoulder, but instead of giving him a long lecture, he silently got into the carriage.

"I, Shi, will be staying at Mengjin Ferry for a few days. If you need anything, come and find me here."

Shi Shouxin uttered a single sentence, then brandished his whip, lashing the horse's back. The carriage then slowly drove away, leaving only a dashing silhouette behind.

After they left, Sima You's deputy general stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "General of the Left Guard, should we intervene in the affairs of the Luoyang market or not?"

That's an excellent question.

Shi Shouxin was the prime minister of Sima You's Qi Prince's Mansion (which had not yet been publicly established). His troops plundered the markets of Luoyang, which was roughly equivalent to the plundering of markets by Sima You's troops.

If a purge is to be carried out, Sima You should step in. That's the theoretical argument.

However, given the current situation, it is inconvenient for Sima You to step forward. Each issue needs to be analyzed individually; if he were to step forward now, it would do nothing but harm.

Sima You's only capable subordinate, Shi Shouxin, is someone who can handle things independently and doesn't falter when it comes to important matters.

If Shi Shouxin's troops are dealt with seriously now, who will be willing to work for him in the future? He did not personally lead the raid, which was to save face for Sima You.

Shi Shouxin's rhetorical question just now actually made his point very clear: the reason why I can act so arrogantly in Luoyang with my small group of men is not because my men are all capable of defeating ten thousand men, but because everyone turns a blind eye and pretends to be confused.

If Sima You were to stand up and stop him, the powerful and influential people in Luoyang would outwardly say that he was fair and selfless, but in private they would laugh at him as an idiot.

Sima You understood this principle, especially since he also harbored ambitions for the throne. If he alienated his subordinates, who would help him "accomplish important matters" in the future?
Sima You's decision not to seize his brother's position did not mean he did not intend to seize his nephew's position.

Knowing that the struggle with Sima Yan had come to an end and there was no need for further action, Sima You turned his attention to his foolish nephew, Sima Zhong.

They're all mentally challenged, yet they want to be emperors? Aren't they dreaming?

Sima You had thoughts he couldn't share with outsiders.

Is it worth cutting off your own arm for a "trivial matter"?
It's clearly not worth it.

Who is responsible for the daily security patrols in Luoyang's markets?

Sima You inquired.

The deputy general replied, "Previously, it was the city gate commander Wei Guan who was in charge, but he resigned yesterday, and there is no city gate commander in Luoyang now. In any case, the defense of Luoyang has been taken over by the Imperial Guards, so no one cares whether Wei Guan resigned or not."

"Wei Guan has also resigned from his post?"

Sima You looked surprised, but then he understood what was going on.

Today is the last day of the Great Wei Dynasty. How could Wei Guan possibly look down on the former city gate captain? His work in cooperating with Shi Shouxin to arrest people is over.

After finishing his business, he would resign from his official post and wait for the new dynasty to establish itself and bestow upon him lavish rewards.

It's beautiful when you think about it.

As for such a trivial matter as the looting of the Luoyang market, even if Wei Guan hadn't resigned, he would have shelved the case. It would naturally be forgotten after the new dynasty was established.

Sima You suddenly felt that the rules governing the world were completely different from before.

"General of the Left Guard, let's just pretend we didn't see this. After all, it's the responsibility of the city gate captain."

Even if we trace it back level by level, it is still the responsibility of the former emperor Cao Huan, the responsibility of the old dynasty.

Tomorrow will be the start of a new dynasty. The more brutal and chaotic the old dynasty, the better.

If the old dynasty remains stable, what is the point of establishing a new one?

The deputy general whispered something to Sima You, every word of which was precious.

"By the way, what's your name?"

Sima You looked at the deputy general with curiosity and asked, "Sima Zhao has adjusted the personnel arrangements. This deputy general is a newcomer. The old deputy general has already gone to Qingzhou with Shi Shouxin."

He didn't know the deputy general's name, only that he had previously served under Zhong Hui and participated in the campaign against Shu. His official career was somewhat similar to Shi Shouxin's.

Those who participated in the conquest of Shu and returned alive were all heavily promoted by Sima Zhao, with Shi Shouxin and Wei Guan at the forefront, and many others as well.

"This humble general, Xiang Xiong, greets King Qi."

Xiang Xiong bowed to Sima You and even changed his form of address.

"Yes, let's go back to the manor."

Sima You mounted his horse and spoke, but secretly he remembered this person.

Surprisingly, there were quite a few talented people among those who participated in the conquest of Shu.

He thought to himself.

……

The Luoyang market outside Xiyang Gate has eight gates in the brick-walled courtyard.

Normally only half of the doors are open, but now they are wide open.

The commotion in the market was considerable; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe it as chaotic and disorderly.

The sounds of fists pounding into flesh, screams and tugging, and howls of ghosts and wolves blended together to create a requiem with an apocalyptic feel.

Zhao Lun, holding a stick, cleared the way ahead. When some servants from the shops came out to block him, he immediately swung the stick and beat them.

Behind them followed countless Luoyang citizens, each grabbing a shop in one hand and the other in the other, looting from one shop after another – it was incredibly satisfying!

"The Prince of Jin said that the past events of the old dynasty will not be punished!"

The sins of today will not be investigated tomorrow!
Today, taking things from the market is permitted by the King of Jin.

"Why not take it if it's free? It's free even if I take it!" Zhao Lun shouted as he walked. A gold and silver jewelry shop in front of him had just closed when he kicked it open.

"What are you going to do!"
I'm a member of the Wang family. If you dare to rob me... Ouch!

Before the shopkeeper could finish speaking, Zhao Lun knocked him down with a stick, and he instantly collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.

It was unclear whether he had genuinely fainted or was merely feigning death. Immediately, people rushed into the shop, grabbing whatever they could find, like a locust swarm!

"Rob the rich to help the poor! Rob the rich to help the poor!"

The wealthy have vast tracts of fertile land; they don't care about a few melons and dates.

"We'll use the things that important people don't need!"

Zhao Lun shouted and then left the shop.

These fifty men were there to clear the way and provide protection to prevent anyone from turning the tables. The actual looting would depend on the local people of Luoyang.

These people have sharp eyes; they know what's valuable and what's worthless, and they're ruthless in their actions.

Since these people wouldn't dare to run away after being robbed, why should Zhao Lun and his men go and rob them themselves?

How can you clear a path and cause trouble if you're carrying something in your hand?

"Rob the rich to help the poor!"

He shouted.

"Rob the rich to help the poor!"

"Rob the rich to help the poor!"

"Rob the rich to help the poor!"

The crowd behind them all cheered.

The soldiers who were originally guarding the market outside Xiyang Gate secretly took off their uniforms and mingled with the looters, taking whatever was easy to grab. When they couldn't carry any more, they quietly left the market.

These thieves, who were in charge of guarding the premises, arrived quietly and amassed a fortune.

As for maintaining public order... what does that have to do with these poor wretches? They barely get paid a month, but one big score is enough to make them happy for a long time.

Besides, they'll be Jin soldiers tomorrow, so it's better not to stand guard at this last shack of Wei. Let's go to the market and make a quick buck; that way, we won't have to worry about money for years.

If a single person becomes wealthy, he can get married; if he gets married and has children, he can buy land and become a small landlord.

What can they gain by going to maintain order now, other than getting beaten up by the mob?

Human weaknesses were magnified a thousandfold at this moment. Even the servants in many shops began to take advantage of the chaos to smuggle goods.

Shi Shouxin originally just wanted Zhao Lun and his group to make a quick buck and that would be the end of it; nothing serious would happen.

However, due to a series of coincidences and the influence of the idea that "the new dynasty will not correct the mistakes of the old dynasty," things got completely out of control!
After walking around the market, Zhao Lun waited with his men outside the west gate. Most of the people who had participated in the looting came here with their carts, took a few items from the carts, and left.

The lower classes have their own wisdom. Pushing a cart laden with loot back to their village would be tantamount to announcing their involvement in plunder. They would inevitably face retaliation from the wealthy, since the shops in Luoyang's markets were mostly owned by local tycoons.

The surplus agricultural products from the manors and handicrafts from the workshops of wealthy families all needed to be sold in the markets of Luoyang. Meanwhile, trusted servants within the family would act as merchants, forming alliances and engaging in business with other wealthy families in the area.

They robbed merchants in the Luoyang market, which meant robbing local wealthy households.

So, taking a few things back and stopping while we're ahead, letting Zhao Lun and the others bear the brunt of the wrath of the powerful families, is the real solution.

According to the original plan, Zhao Lun intended to finish work at 5 PM and then head to Mengjin Ferry to meet up with Shi Shouxin and the others.

However, just after noon, the Luoyang market was looted by the frenzied local people, leaving it completely clean.

Neither people nor goods were left; not a single thing was left.

Large quantities of goods were piled up outside the west gate of Luoyang, with hundreds of flatbed carts alone. Cattle and sheep roamed everywhere, too numerous to count.

When the soldiers guarding the city saw the scene outside the west gate, their eyes turned bloodshot, and they wished they could just move it into the military camp.

However, they also knew what they could take and what they couldn't be greedy for.

These people would occasionally come down and wander around silently, grab a few things, and then disappear into the distance.

The entire western gate of Luoyang was left empty, and no one dared to approach it, for fear of incurring the wrath of the powerful families afterward.

"General Zhao, what do we do now? Even if we each push one cart, we still can't move it."

There's too much stuff.

Zhao Lun's deputy general leaned over and asked in a low voice.

He felt they were going a bit too far, no, they were going a bit too far.

"Lord Shi said, one should not be greedy."

Choose fifty oxen, one ox to pull one cart, and you'll be fine with that.

"We'll now drive the oxcart to Mengjin Ferry and meet up with Magistrate Shi."

Zhao Lun gave instructions to his deputy.

"But there's still so much left... We can have the people help us drive the carts to Mengjin Ferry."

"We've already stolen it, it would be such a waste not to take it with us."

The lieutenant was somewhat unwilling and came up with a bad idea.

It's not easy to come to Luoyang. You might only get to make this much money in your lifetime.

"You need to be alive to spend what you've got to steal it."

Obey military orders.

Zhao Lun sighed. He was unwilling, but he couldn't make decisions on his own.

Greed is the devil. Everyone has greed. The key to success is knowing how to suppress undesirable greed at crucial moments.

The lieutenant accepted the order and left. Soon they drove away in oxcarts, hauling the goods. A large amount of goods and livestock remained unclaimed outside the west gate.

However, less than an incense stick's time after Zhao Lun and his group left, groups of people began to arrive in various places in the western suburbs of Luoyang, inside the west gate.

The lion has more prey than it can eat, and once the lion has finished, many hyenas will want a piece of the spoils.

Before long, people started fighting each other over the robbery. A little while later, groups of servants from wealthy families, armed with sticks, rushed into the crowd, clearing the area while looting.

Instantly, everything became a mess!
Everyone's scrambling for it, which inevitably leads to conflict as everyone tries to grab more. Thoughts like "If I kill you, all of this will be mine" swirl in everyone's minds.

Soon, the fighting escalated into mutual hacking, from bloodshed to death, turning the area outside the west gate of Luoyang into a living hell. Few had died during the market robberies, but now many were killing each other over stolen goods.

With the city's guards feigning deafness and deliberately slipping away, everyone went berserk, turning into wild beasts in their quest to seize the valuables brought from the market.

kill!kill!kill!

If I kill someone, the stuff will be mine!
It seemed as if the whispers of demons were floating in the air.

To draw an analogy, if we consider Zhao Lun and his group as the "Yellow Turban Army," then the current situation is one of "warlords vying for supremacy" in various regions.

Big players from the surrounding areas came running, drawn by the smell of the opportunity. Since they knew their own shops were beyond repair, they figured they might as well grab as much as they could now.

Even grabbing an extra piece of cloth or a bag of rice would be good.

When news of the chaos outside the West Gate reached Sima Zhao's ears, the last day of his reign as Prince of Jin, who was to become emperor the next day, issued only a four-word military order: Guard the West Gate!

Anyway, Sima Zhao himself didn't "open a shop" in the Luoyang market, so let's just let him be.

……

It was already sunset, and at the Mengjin ferry crossing, the Yellow River was bathed in the glow of a bright red sun, making the whole world appear as if bathed in a reddish light.

Mysterious and alluring.

On the banks of the Yellow River, facing the calm river, Shi Shouxin picked up his scabbard, raised his sword, drew it halfway, and then sheathed it.

Aside from the somewhat cool moves, nothing else happened.

"Sure enough, only the Purple and Green Sword in 'A Chinese Odyssey' makes a 'dudu' sound, this one doesn't."

Shi Shouxin said something incredibly childish that no one else could understand.

"Ah Lang, what are you waiting for?"

Wei Xiu stepped forward, took his arm, and asked, "They are obviously waiting for someone here."

“I’m waiting for Zhao Lun and the others to come back, otherwise this trip to Luoyang would have been a waste.”

Shi Shouxin smiled and turned around, just in time to see a caravan of oxcarts coming from the south.

"Look, here they are."

Shi Shouxin pointed ahead.

(End of this volume, next volume: The tears of the common people are the water that capsizes a boat; you won't know until you see it in a raging torrent)
(End of this chapter)