Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 233 This place is so beautiful, I don't even miss Shu (Part 1)

As the saying goes, a twitching left eye means good fortune, while a twitching right eye means bad luck. Early that morning, Shi Shouxin's right eye kept twitching, as if something bad was about to happen.

His unease was not unfounded worry, but rather stemmed from the fact that the court, or more precisely, the Sima family, was behaving in a truly unusual manner.

When things go wrong, something sinister must be at play!

Early that morning, Shi Shouxin paced back and forth in the courtyard, deep in thought, pondering what he had done wrong recently.

After much thought, Shi Shouxin couldn't find any mistake he had made. The matter of the virgin girl sacrificing to the River God was already over, and there was no indication that Sima Zhao wanted to pursue it; it definitely wasn't that.

Logically speaking, Shi Shouxin saved Wang Yuanji from the fire. Shouldn't Sima Zhao have expressed his gratitude for such a great favor in front of everyone?
Even if someone is heartless, it would be reasonable for them to send a physician to check on the patient's condition or send someone to deliver some tonics, right?
However, they didn't express any gratitude whatsoever, showing absolutely no enthusiasm for repaying their savior.

This was quite unusual for the Sima family, who were usually very hypocritical and concerned with saving face.

Just as he was pondering this, Zhao Lun returned.

"What did Jia Chong say?"

Shi Shouxin didn't stand on ceremony and went straight to the point.

"My lord, because the empress was almost burned to death in the wildfire, the crown prince and the Prince of Qi have been confined to their quarters and punished by being forced to reflect on their mistakes in the palace."

Luoyang City is under martial law; entry is permitted but exit is not. Even after I introduced myself, the city gate officer refused to let me pass.

By the way, Du Yu was also dismissed from his post and ordered to stay home to reflect on his crimes.

Zhao Lun said with a worried expression, "Du Yu was in charge of Sima Zhao's security during his trip. The fire almost killed the emperor, so it's not surprising that he was dismissed."

Where is Jia Chong?

Shi Shouxin pressed for an answer.

"He is currently handling matters related to the banquet at the palace and has not yet returned home; I have not seen him."

Zhao Lun replied.

This answer was clearly unexpected by Shi Shouxin.

"Go to Wang Kai's house and check on the situation. Go quickly and come back quickly."

Shi Shouxin gave the order, his brow furrowed as if he were pondering something important.

Zhao Lun accepted the order and left. After he left, Shi Shouxin sighed.

Something's happened!

Although the specifics are unknown, this situation is clearly a prelude to a major purge by the imperial court.

Replacing the city's commander, confining the crown prince and the Prince of Qi to their quarters, and transferring powerful ministers to the palace to prevent leaks... What was Sima Zhao trying to do?
It's clear that he's planning a major purge of his close associates, getting rid of some people.

Thinking about this, Shi Shouxin felt relieved. Who said that this mountain fire wasn't a form of assassination?

Perhaps the assassination attempt simply failed.

Could this really just be an accident?

Perhaps so, but Sima Zhao probably doesn't believe it; he will definitely send someone to investigate.

Shi Shouxin didn't care which of Sima Zhao's cronies he wanted to get rid of, but he wondered if Sima Zhao's knife might end up on his own body.

Will or won't?
Shi Shouxin's heart was in his throat. He thought about it over and over, but he couldn't figure out where he had offended Sima Zhao.

Soon, Zhao Lun returned, bringing back unbelievable news:

Near Wang Kai's residence, imperial spies patrolled the area, questioning and searching guests and servants entering and leaving the Wang residence.

Zhao Lun was also searched, and they took the opportunity to question him. The spy only said that there were thieves who might harm the Queen's family.

But even Zhao Lun didn't believe this explanation.

This is clearly surveillance, suspicion, and the collection of evidence against them!
"Please let me slow down."

Shi Shouxin rubbed his temples, feeling increasingly bewildered by the strange and perplexing situation in Luoyang.

What went wrong?

Shi Shouxin decided to use the "reverse reasoning method" to determine what had happened.

Logically speaking, it was only a matter of the emperor saying a word for Sima Zhao to send someone to comfort him; he didn't need to do it personally.

Therefore, the reason for not sending anyone to offer condolences is not because they are too busy, but because they are unwilling or unable to.

The fact that he couldn't and was unwilling to do such a small thing meant either that Sima Zhao was afraid of leaking information, or that Shi Shouxin, the governor of Qingzhou, was on the purge list!

As for why he was purged, why Sima Zhao was worried about leaks, and what important information might have been leaked... these remain unknown.

In short, Sima Zhao's behavior was definitely abnormal, and he harbored malice towards me.

If someone is not polite when they should be, it means they have ill intentions towards you; this is a common rule in interpersonal relationships.

Shi Shouxin never hesitated to use the most malicious thoughts to try and figure out the Sima family's style of doing things.

"Well, go to Luoyang Palace and tell the palace servants on duty: I am currently unwell and unable to attend the banquet, so as not to offend His Majesty with my unseemly behavior."

Shi Shouxin gave instructions to Zhao Lun.

"Is this okay?"

Zhao Lun looked puzzled, not understanding why Sima Zhao wouldn't be furious if he acted so casually.
"If the palace sends an envoy to comfort me and tell me to rest well, then there will be no problem."

If a high-ranking official from the palace comes here and insists that I attend the banquet tonight, that would be terrible.

Go and return quickly.

Shi Shouxin gave instructions to Zhao Lun.

Even in a life-or-death situation, Zhao Lun did not complain and left Li's house after receiving his orders.

This time, Shi Shouxin used a "firepower reconnaissance" tactic, making some noise to test Sima Zhao's thoughts.

If the other party insists on sending this little Karami to the banquet, then they will definitely have a killer move tonight!
Zhao Lun returned in less than half an hour, and judging by his pace, he hardly spent any time in Luoyang Palace. However, Jia Chong returned with him.

Upon seeing Jia Chong, Li Shi's face darkened, but she still allowed Jia Chong and Shi Shouxin to have a private conversation in a side room, making room for them.

"His Majesty is investigating the arsonist. You must attend the banquet tonight."

Jia Chong said solemnly.

“What Master Jia said is incorrect.”

Shi Shouxin shook his head.

"What's wrong?"

Jia Chong asked in confusion.

"Although I saved the Empress, I also suffered a loss of energy and need time to recuperate."

I have done His Majesty a favor, and even if His Majesty does not repay the favor, he should not make things difficult for me by making me attend the banquet while I am ill.

Since they instructed me to attend, it means they intend to deal with me at the banquet; otherwise, why would they need my presence?

Shi Shouxin countered with a question.

Jia Chong nodded slowly, realizing that some of the political and military orders issued by Sima Zhao in the past two days were quite unusual.

He simply didn't understand what had happened. This time, Sima Zhao was very tight-lipped, unlike before when he would ask him about everything.

"It makes sense."

After a long while, Jia Chong managed to utter four words, but he was equally confused.

The saying "serving a ruler is like serving a tiger" illustrates this point. If a ruler keeps quiet and doesn't speak, and his close advisors cannot discern his thoughts through his words and actions, then those advisors will be in great danger.

It should be understood that the saying "If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext" is not a new concept.

Unable to understand these matters, Shi Shouxin changed the subject and asked, "The person who manipulated the auspicious omens this time should be Pei Xiu. He couldn't handle such a complex operation alone. Who was assisting him?"

"That's a good question," Jia Chong said, stroking his beard.

"It was Sima Lun's advisor Sun Xiu, along with the Taoist priests Sun Xiu recruited, who were skilled in these things."

Sima Lun had intended to curry favor, but his attempt backfired. Sun Xiu has now been imprisoned and will soon be executed.

As for Sima Lun, he is now living in constant fear. It's already quite remarkable that he hasn't hanged himself in his mansion.

However, those members of the Celestial Masters sect have already escaped, and it's likely the blame will fall on Sima Lun.

Sima Lun? Sun Xiu? The Celestial Masters Sect?

Shi Shouxin gasped in shock; this was a very complicated situation!
Shi Shouxin didn't care much about Sima Lun, that good-for-nothing; he clearly didn't have the guts to assassinate the emperor, at least not now.

That's probably true, as Jia Chong said. Sima Lun wanted to make progress, but ended up making a big mistake.

More than a hundred ministers and imperial guards perished in the wildfire. How these people and their families will treat Sima Lun in the future is something to look forward to.

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly, offering no comment. After all, Sima Lun's troubles were none of his concern, let alone Sun Xiu's.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'm going back to the palace to take care of them."

You must attend the banquet at the palace tonight; do not jeopardize your plans.

Jia Chong left after uttering a single sentence, leaving in a hurry without any room for negotiation.

He was there to deliver a message to Sima Zhao. Shi Shouxin secretly pondered: perhaps Jia Chong didn't know Sima Zhao's thoughts either.

After Jia Chong left, Zhao Lun approached, looking worried, and asked, "My lord, what should we do now?"

"Find a chance to leave Luoyang. As for the two young ladies beside me, they are fine. No one will touch them."

Even if you don't give me face, you still have to give Wei Guan and Jia Chong face.

You, on the other hand, might be caught in the crossfire. Leave Luoyang now and wait for me at Mengjin Ferry.

If I don't contact you, something must have happened. I don't know what the future holds.

Shi Shouxin sighed.

Zhao Lun instantly felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head!
"My lord, without your protection, how can we establish ourselves in Qingzhou?"

Zhao Lun looked terrified, seemingly completely at a loss.

Don't be fooled by the fact that they seem to have soldiers and territory. If they lose the protection of the government, it's only a matter of time before they are devoured by other powerful families and clans!
Shi Shouxin's strength, and what makes him irreplaceable, lies in his ability to deal with the central imperial court and continuously obtain higher official positions to suppress the local powerful families in Qingzhou, preventing them from acting recklessly.

Now that Shi Shouxin is gone, what can they do?
Even a fool could tell that something terrible was about to happen.

"My lord, why don't we leave now? It won't be difficult for the two of us to get out of Luoyang. Once we get to Qingzhou, the emperor is far away, and we'll have plenty of ways to get things done."

Zhao Lun leaned closer and whispered his suggestion.

Given Qingzhou's terrain and their current strength, it's not impossible for them to carve out a prefecture, obey orders but not proclamations.

"In that case, we would fall into Sima Zhao's trap and give him a pretext to attack us."

Shi Shouxin gently waved his hand, rejecting Zhao Lun's suggestion.

As long as Zhao Lun doesn't die at the banquet tonight, he can try any of Zhao Lun's methods in the future, but there's no need to be overly suspicious.

You have to go to the banquet to see what really happened before you can make a decision.

"That's settled then. You go and wait for me at Mengjin Ferry."

Shi Shouxin still managed to send Zhao Lun away.

After Zhao Lun left, he let out a long sigh.

"Sima Zhao, Sima Zhao, what exactly are you trying to do? Have I offended you these past few days?"

Shi Shouxin muttered to himself, his head about to explode from thinking.

……

Along the road between Yunlong Gate and the Taiji Hall of Luoyang Palace, red lanterns are hung at intervals, creating a festive atmosphere.

However, the guests who went to the Taiji Hall for the banquet were all in a somber mood.

Among them were Pei Xiu, who caused a forest fire while presiding over auspicious omens; Liu Shan, the last emperor of the Shu Han dynasty; Liu Yuan, the "prince" of the Xiongnu; and Tuoba Mosuo Khan, the "prince" of the Xianbei Tuoba tribe.

As for Jia Chong, Li Yin, and others, they entered Luoyang Palace early on and probably didn't see any red lanterns.

In front of the Taiji Hall, musicians and drummers were playing instruments. The court music was solemn and dignified, but to Shi Shouxin, the tune sounded like funeral music.

The guests took their seats one after another. Sima Zhao sat in the main seat, but he was all alone, with Wang Yuanji, who was usually by his side, nowhere to be seen.

Seeing this, Shi Shouxin's heart sank.

It seems my guess was correct. Sima Zhao's surveillance of the Wang family was not for protection, but to gather evidence!
Wang Yuanji may be deposed!

He suppressed these distracting thoughts and looked around at the guests, most of whom were familiar faces.

There were only two Hu people I had never seen before.

While Shi Shouxin was still observing the situation, a tall, handsome young Hu man walked to the center of the hall on his own.

He bowed to Sima Zhao and said, “Your Majesty, the Xianbei Tuoba tribe is grateful for the strength of the Great Jin. I have been studying the culture of the Central Plains in Luoyang and have been bathed in the holy light of the Jin state. I am moved by this and would like to compose a poem to present to Your Majesty.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Shouxin gasped.

This barbarian speaks clearly and articulately, and his flattery skills are exceptionally high; he's just like Sima Zhao, he knows exactly what Sima Zhao needs!
Wow, that's impressive! Even the Hu people are so good at flattery; they must be desperate for advancement!

Sure enough, Sima Zhao, who had been keeping a straight face, smiled and said, "Please! I'm looking forward to it!"

"Okay, Your Majesty."

The man paced back and forth in a serious manner, reciting as he did so:
"A traveler from the north came swiftly on horseback across the Yin Mountains. Upon first seeing the city of Luoyang, he saw it towering majestically, reaching into the clouds."

The vermilion towers hang with the sun and moon, the golden armor gleams in Chang'an. Officials stand like stars, rites and music resound throughout the rivers and lakes.

I once heard that the Central Plains were weak, but now I see the coldness of iron armor. Even archers and eagle hunters fear the fall of the Jin banners.

The Holy Emperor pacifies the four seas, his benevolence extends to the grasslands. I wish to use the Yellow River's waters to quench the smoke of my northern deserts.

I don't know if he wrote it himself, but the quality of this poem is quite high.

At the very least, his flattery skills are quite good.

Shi Shouxin thought to himself:
This man was quite a character. As a hostage living in Luoyang, he had to be mindful of others' feelings in everything he said and did, leading a life of extreme frustration. Yet, he knew how to seize opportunities to grovel and flatter at banquets.

They're definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

He silently memorized the other person's name: Tuoba Desert Khan.

"Your Majesty, with a poem in place, how can there be no sword dance!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to perform a sword dance for you. Please grant my request!"

Another Hu man stepped forward, seemingly harboring ambitions to rival Tuoba Mosuo Khan.

"Liu Yuan, I know you."

Someone, give him a wooden sword and let him practice swordsmanship.

The musicians played!

Sima Zhao was in a very good mood and ordered a eunuch to give Liu Yuan a sword.

Shi Shouxin looked at the confident Liu Yuan and subconsciously touched his nose.

This guy will be the one leading the mourning dirge of the Jin Dynasty decades from now. I wonder if Sima Zhao, knowing what the future holds, would find a pretext to behead him now.

He glanced discreetly at Liu Yuan, who was practicing swordplay in the center of the banquet, his eyes filled with vigilance.

Suddenly, Shi Shouxin noticed that Sima Zhao seemed to be staring at him. He dared not meet his gaze and quickly lowered his head, pretending to be eating. However, cold sweat had already soaked his back.

(End of this chapter)