Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 3 Prologue 3 That Year, Standing Like a Henchman
If Shi Bao can only be considered an "old member" of the Sima family, then Zhong Hui was Sima Zhao's staunch confidant.

Zhong Hui was given an important position not only because he was handsome and capable, but also because of his unwavering loyalty to Sima Zhao at crucial moments!

At the critical moment when Sima Shi died suddenly from an eye ailment and Sima Zhao was plotted against by Cao Mao after taking power, Zhong Hui stood up for him and later did a lot of dirty work for Sima Zhao that offended people.

In the world of the Celestial Dragons, loyalty is rewarded, and it must be rewarded.

At this time, Zhong Hui was thirty-five years old and already served as a secretary in the General's Mansion, a position that only Sima Zhao's confidants could hold. At the same time, he also received all the additional benefits he could, such as being appointed as a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate, being enfeoffed as the Marquis of Dongwu, and having a fief of three hundred households.

There was no one in the court or among the people who held a higher position and were younger than him.

Therefore, in addition to the "literary air" and "noble air" commonly found in scions of aristocratic families, Zhong Hui also possessed a visible "arrogance."

King against king, general against general, shrimp against shrimp.

When Zhong Hui arrived, he made a grand entrance and put on airs. He had more than ten attendants, and anyone who didn't know better would have thought he was there to ransack the house.

Of course, it's also possible that Zhong Hui had done too many things that offended people, and he was afraid of being assassinated when he went out, so he brought several people with him.

This meeting was impossible for anyone to attend, not only Shi Gandang, who was nominally Shi Bao's adopted son but was actually a retainer of the Shi family, but even Shi Bao's legitimate sons, Shi Chong and Shi Qiao, could not participate; they could only wait outside the study.

Shi Chong stared at the door of Shi Bao's study, a hint of resentment flashing across his face.

"When the rebellion of Zhuge Dan was quelled in Huainan, Zhong Hui jumped around arrogantly, issuing orders to the generals in the army under the guise of the title of Grand General."

In the end, if he wins, most of the credit goes to him; if he loses, he just walks away, leaving behind a mess.

This person doesn't seem to have much ability, but he's quite cunning. He's arrogant and domineering towards everyone except those from the Sima clan.

In my opinion, Zhong Hui's violent death is not far off.

Shi Chong, who stood to the side like a lackey, muttered a complaint to Shi Gandang, who was looking down at his nose and inward at his heart.

Shi Gandang glanced at him and nodded noncommittally, but he was deeply shocked.

It turns out that even within the Celestial Dragons, someone could see Zhong Hui's fate clearly! Shi Gandang knew the "answer" to the riddle, so naturally he didn't think much of it.

But Shi Chong, a young man, was able to foresee Zhong Hui's fate, which shows that he was indeed quite shrewd and insightful.

Shi Chong's words may have been exaggerated, and Zhong Hui may not have been as incompetent as he claimed, but his arrogance was undisguised and obvious to everyone.

"Liu Lang, I have some private things I want to say to you alone."

Shi Gandang winked at Shi Chong and said. He already had a plan and was still refining the details.

Shi Chong nodded and led him to a pavilion in Xianglan Courtyard.

"May I ask what private matters you wish to discuss?"

Shi Chong asked in a low voice.

"In my opinion, the emperor may already be willing to die rather than live up to his promise."

Shi Gandang leaned closer and said in a barely audible voice.

"How...do you know that?"

Shi Chong looked puzzled. It was understandable for the emperor to kill powerful ministers, and it was not surprising that he would devise various underhanded schemes to achieve this goal.

In other words, in order to consolidate imperial power, it was only natural to use any despicable and shameless means, and there was nothing strange about it.

But it is no ordinary thing for an emperor to perish together with a powerful minister.

A thorough search of ancient books reveals very few such examples; they are truly rare.

"The Emperor chatted with his adoptive father all night, but only tried to sow discord between the Shi family and the General."

In other words, the emperor's intention was not to win over the Shi family, but to prevent the general from allowing his adoptive father to guard the capital.

With my adoptive father's abilities and meticulous planning, trapping the emperor should be no problem, but it might not be so for others.

Shi Gandang explained the pros and cons involved.

Shi Chong was a clever man, and after being reminded of this, he suddenly realized the truth!
"Does this mean that the Emperor is... nearing his end?"

Shi Chong made a chopping gesture, and Shi Gandang nodded slightly without saying a word.

Both of them fell silent, after all, if this really happened, the impact would be too great.

Of course, whatever the emperor and Sima Zhao did was none of Shi Chong's business. What was truly worth pondering was: how to gain political capital from this incident?

If you can't profit from this, then what's the point of talking? You might as well just go back to your study and drink!

"I believe that the Grand General's attempt to gain the Nine Bestowments, the title of Duke of Jin, and the position of Chancellor will not only fail, but he will also never be able to become emperor and change dynasties in his lifetime."

All the preparations the Sima family had made step by step for the abdication of the throne over the years would vanish because of the emperor's impulsive actions.

The emperor intended to personally intervene and desperately hinder the Sima family's attempt to change the dynasty.

Shi Gandang's words were startling, but they did not frighten Shi Chong, because he actually believed them!
Back then, just a few years ago, Shi Bao met with Emperor Cao Mao. After returning, he told Shi Chong: "The emperor is no ordinary man; he is wise and powerful."

There's no need for a father to be polite in front of his son. If Cao Mao were a scoundrel, Shi Bao would definitely complain about this puppet to Shi Chong when he got home.

Therefore, Shi Chong was well aware that Cao Mao was not an ordinary person, and he could definitely see through the situation he was in.

They must also know that no one around them can be trusted.

"Then, what should I do?"

Shi Chong rolled his eyes, his expression indifferent, and asked in a seemingly unconcerned manner.

The Wei Kingdom of today has long since entered an era of "existing power struggles," and it has been a long time since its last territorial expansion. The descendants of those officials from back then are now beginning to enter the political arena.

Then they discovered that the old guard still held high positions, and the seats left for them were the kind that were hard, tiring, and uncomfortable to sit in!

How can it be repaired?
Therefore, how to quickly rise to power has become the most pressing issue for these "second-generation" individuals.

The same was true of Shi Chong.

"Sixth Brother, if I may be so bold as to ask, if the Sima clan were to actually commit regicide, what would be the most scarce thing in the future?"

Shi Gandang looked at Shi Chong and asked.

Upon hearing this, the Celestial Dragon disciple in front of him immediately fell into deep thought.

"If the Sima clan murdered the emperor, the most precious thing in the world would be the loyalty of the subjects to their ruler."

At least during the Sima dynasty, ministers dared not speak of loyalty, and rulers dared not speak of trustworthiness; they were both wary of each other.

Shi Chong shook his head and sighed.

It must be said that Shi Chong, in his youth, did possess some patriotism. After all, even the old Shi Chong had his moments of passion in his youth.

Just then, Shi Chong's third brother, Shi Qiao, who was also the one who notified Zhong Hui of his arrival, came to the pavilion in Xianglan Courtyard.

Shi Chong was known for his high-profile lifestyle and terrible temper.

Of all his brothers, Shi Chong was closest to Shi Qiao and his youngest sister, Shi Shi. Upon seeing Shi Qiao arrive, Shi Chong quickly greeted him, saying, "Third brother, why aren't you attending to Father? What brings you to my Fragrant Orchid Courtyard?"

“That fool Zhong Hui has left. Father wants you to go to the study with this man. He says it’s important.”

Shi Qiao seemed to have something to say but hesitated.

Shi Chong was known for his bad temper, and his relationship with his fourth brother, Shi Jun, was particularly strained. It was only thanks to Shi Qiao's mediation that a tragic sibling rivalry was averted.

Seeing that Shi Qiao hesitated to speak, Shi Chong quickly pressed him, "Third brother, what is it that you find difficult to say?"

"There's no unspeakable reason, but Father's face looks very bad; he's probably angered by Zhong Hui."

Shi Qiao sighed.

Zhong Hui is now a favorite of Sima Zhao, and his eyes are practically on the top of his head. Even when facing Shi Bao, an "insider" who is quite important to the Sima family, he doesn't give him a very friendly look.

He glanced at Shi Gandang and thought the man had a dignified appearance, but couldn't discern any ability in him. Shi Qiao also didn't understand why his father, Shi Bao, and his sixth brother, Shi Chong, both valued this man so highly.

But none of that concerns him!
As for adopted sons, let's not mention them. Shi Qiao himself had a follower who was also Shi Bao's adopted son, just a close follower.

But so what? Status is ultimately determined by ability.

The three of them went together to Shi Bao's study, where they found the Grand Commander, who had been promoted from a humble position by Sima Yi, kneeling silently before his desk with a furrowed brow. A sense of unease lingered in his expression, and his troubled mood was written all over his face.

It's almost as if he just blurted out, "I'm really annoyed right now."

Shi Gandang then noticed that Shi Bao's study contained very few bamboo slips, far fewer than Shi Chong's.

"You all take a look."

Shi Bao spread out the silk scrolls in his hands on the table; there were two in total.

One document was signed by Wang Shen, and the other by Wang Ye; both were close advisors to the emperor.

Both letters were informants, claiming that the emperor had already deployed armored soldiers at Lingyun Terrace in Luoyang Palace.

Two days later, when all the officials went to court, the soldiers were to come out in full force and kill Sima Zhao!
Of course, these two letters of denunciation must have been copied; the originals were in Sima Zhao's possession.

Wang Shen and Wang Ye sold their souls to the devil, so naturally they could only go down a dark path and become Sima Zhao's spies.

Nothing in the human heart is more cunning and cruel than this.

Shi Chong and the other two looked at each other, all secretly thinking that something terrible was about to happen.

It is not surprising that the two kings wrote to Sima Zhao to inform on him.

However, the meaning behind Sima Zhao sending Zhong Hui with these two letters of denunciation to Shi Bao is quite intriguing.

Shi Chong broke the silence first, saying, "Now, I'm afraid all the officials in Luoyang already know about this. The emperor's actions are not discreet, and I estimate... disaster is imminent."

“What Ji Lun said is true; that’s what I think too.”

Shi Bao nodded at Shi Chong, his tone full of approval.

Suddenly, he looked at Shi Gandang and asked, "Gandang, what do you think?"

No matter what, Sima Zhao doesn't want to get his hands dirty, so he wants to find a good knife to kill for him. You're the only one capable of turning the tables and killing the emperor.

Shi Gandang muttered a complaint to himself, then bowed to Shi Bao and said, "The General hopes that my godfather will lead troops to suppress the Emperor's army. However, the General has not figured out the Emperor's intentions, so the more you do, the more mistakes you will make; the less you do, the fewer mistakes you will make; and if you do nothing, you will be fine."

He uttered a correct but meaningless statement, and Shi Bao frowned slightly in displeasure. He coughed lightly and pressed on, "Please feel free to speak your mind on how to deal with this."

"My godfather might as well feign illness, saying that he suffered from acclimatization issues after returning to Luoyang from Yangzhou and is now bedridden. He is unable to attend to affairs, attend court, or leave the villa, thus delaying the inevitable until things change."

The emperor and the general are plotting against each other; this cannot last long, and the outcome will soon be clear.

Shi Gandang spoke slowly and in great detail. Shi Qiao glanced at him and inexplicably felt that this man possessed a certain quick wit and strategic thinking.

"Yes, that's exactly how it should be."

Shi Bao sighed deeply, offering no objection. However, this alone wasn't enough; after all, Sima Yi was a master of feigning illness back then!

Pretending to be sick in front of the Sima family is a bit like showing off one's limited skills before an expert.

"Furthermore, to fulfill his filial duty, Sanlang can go to the study of the General's Mansion to seek medical books, and browse through them extensively to seek medical treatment and medicine for his adoptive father."

Shi Gandang looked at Shi Qiao and said.

"Father, this..."

Shi Qiao looked somewhat troubled. He had no interest in an official career and really didn't like the Sima family.

"Jilun, you go in place of Sanlang. This trip to the General's mansion is ostensibly for medical treatment, but in reality, it's to put the General at ease by taking him hostage."

Seeing that Shi Qiao refused, Shi Bao immediately decided to send Shi Chong instead.

Despite his bad temper, Shi Chong was actually generous and chivalrous, and he was good at making friends with people from different social classes, making him more reliable than Shi Qiao.

The father claimed illness and refused to leave the palace, while the son became a hostage. Now Sima Zhao should be relieved, right?
"Haha, this is a small matter, and I will do my duty without hesitation! I will set off tomorrow."

Shi Chong laughed heartily and gladly accepted the task.

Shi Bao nodded slightly and looked at Shi Gandang, saying, "Gandang, you will be accompanying Ji Lun this time. If anything happens, return to the manor immediately."

"Please rest assured, Godfather."

Shi Gandang also did not try to bargain.

Shi Bao glanced at Shi Qiao with some disappointment. This son was talented, but his courage and boldness were far inferior to Shi Chong's.

After discussing these matters, Shi Bao dismissed his two eldest sons, leaving only Shi Gandang.

"I noticed you seemed hesitant to speak earlier, but now you can say whatever you want without any reservations."

Shi Bao said solemnly.

As a victorious general on the battlefield, he possessed a more acute survival instinct than Shi Chong and others.

"Father, the Emperor intends to perish together with the Grand General; he no longer wants to live. Therefore, all of the Grand General's plans are wrong; they have all fallen into the Emperor's trap!"

Shi Gandang spoke frankly.

"So that's how it is!"

Shi Bao's face showed shock, but he quickly regained his composure and kept muttering to himself, "That's it, that's it. The emperor is indeed wise and powerful, but he is not blessed with the right time. What a pity."

He expressed regret in his words, but this regret was not enough for him to sacrifice the lives of his entire family to help the emperor.

People are not killed for their own sake.

"Father, I have a plan that, if successful, will greatly benefit the Shi family."

If we are defeated, it will only mean that I and Liu Lang die under the General's blade; it will not implicate the Shi family.

What does Godfather think?

Shi Gandang asked in a deep voice.

He came into this world with no ties, and dared to do anything. Death is just like a bird flying into the sky; what's there to worry about!
Don't hesitate, just do it!
"Then tell me in detail, I'm listening."

Shi Bao nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, signaling Shi Gandang to continue.

"Father, the Sima family now holds great power. Even if you were to sacrifice your entire family for the Sima family, it would be nothing more than that in their eyes."

Those who fawn over them are already as numerous as carp crossing a river; it's no longer surprising.

But do the Sima family truly respect those people?

Shi Gandang countered with a question.

Shi Bao was speechless, precisely because he knew everything.

Shi Gandang's words were absolutely correct; that's just how the world is now, and Sima Zhao has no shortage of people who want to pledge their loyalty.

In Shi Bao's view, the word "kneeling and licking" was used in an extremely exquisite way.

“In an era when ministers dare not speak of loyalty, and when loyal subjects are especially scarce, this is an opportunity.”

It is precisely because the Sima clan was disloyal that they will value loyal ministers all the more in the future.

Shi Gandang leaned over and whispered something to Shi Bao, who nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"This plan is extremely dangerous."

Shi Bao sighed.

"Godfather, it seems to be all harm and no benefit at present, but the benefits are in the long run."

A person without foresight will have immediate troubles. How can we be like mice and sparrows, only concerned with the situation in the next three days?

Shi Gandang advised.

"Then you should give it a try, but you're wrong about one thing."

Shi Bao paused for a moment and then continued, "Even if something happens to Liu Lang, I can protect his life without any problem."

His words were filled with domineering power, as if he had transformed into a decisive and ruthless commander.

Well, Shi Bao is now the military governor of Yangzhou, and indeed the commander of an army.

However, Shi Bao said that protecting the legitimate son would be fine, but he didn't say that protecting the adopted son would be fine!

“My godfather is right. I was ignorant.”

Shi Gandang quickly bowed, no longer daring to utter any more outrageous words, secretly lamenting his predicament.

No matter how meticulous the plan, it can't withstand the powerful's statement, "I can protect you."

"Among your peers today, there is no one whose strategy surpasses yours, at least I have never met one."

Shi Bao sighed. Among his sons, only his sixth son, Shi Chong, was brave, resourceful, and diligent in his studies. But compared to the resourceful Shi Gandang, he was still somewhat lacking.

"Godfather, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise."

Shi Gandang quickly bowed and dared not take credit.

"Hahahaha, your name is Gan Dan, how could you be ashamed and not dare to accept it?"

Tomorrow you and Liu Lang should go to the General's Mansion.

The General will inevitably question you; you will answer for Sixth Brother. Do you know what to say?

Shi Chong inquired.

"Just say that your adoptive father is bedridden and unable to manage affairs. To fulfill his filial duty, Liu Lang came to the General's Mansion to seek medical treatment and medicine, and had no other intentions."

Shi Gandang replied.

Shi Bao smiled with satisfaction and waved his hand gently, indicating that Shi Gandang could step down.

After leaving Shi Bao's study, Shi Gandang realized that the back of his clothes was completely soaked with cold sweat. From the moment he entered the study, any inappropriate answer to a question could have led to his death.

What appears to be a warm and friendly conversation is in reality a blatant act of profit-seeking.

When the Celestial Dragons treat you like a human being, then you are a human being.

When they don't treat you like a human being, you're just a nobody on the street.

Useful people are respected, and the philosophy of life—washing one's face with clean water and washing one's feet with dirty water—is widely accepted.

The phenomenon of "the rabbit is killed after the hunt" is all too common in this world; there's no need to overthink it and only add to your troubles.

Being able to be used by others is something to be thankful for, as it means that one has not completely lost one's value.

Shi Gandang was not offended by the Shi family's profit-driven attitude.

……

That evening, Shi Chong led a young beauty into Shi Gandang's bedroom.

This woman has a graceful figure, a face as smooth as jade, crystal clear eyes, a high and beautiful nose, and slightly upturned cherry lips, exuding a classical and elegant beauty.

You could even say she was born with a seductive charm. She was far superior to the previous maids!
The beauty before him was clearly no ordinary woman. Shi Gandang looked at Shi Chong with some astonishment, wondering what this was all about.

In those days, beauties like these were certainly not something an ordinary family could afford to raise; they were most likely from an official's family. It's just that somehow they became playthings for the Shi family to manipulate at will.

There must be a story behind this.

Shi Gandang thought to himself.

As expected, Shi Chong introduced himself in a very casual manner:
"Back then, Grand Commandant Wang Ling and his nephew Linghu Yu, the governor of Yanzhou, held heavy military power in Huainan and plotted to establish Cao Biao, the King of Chu, as emperor."

Yang Kang, the Chief Administrator of Yanzhou, was a confidant of Linghu Yu. Just as Wang Ling was about to raise an army, Linghu Yu suddenly died. Yang Kang was terrified and reported the matter to Sima Yi.

However, he thought he would rise to prominence, but in the end he did not fare well. He was beheaded by the Sima clan and his family was exiled as slaves.

Because of his military achievements, his father acquired Yang Kang's youngest daughter and her family as servants. This girl's surname was Yang, and her given name was Qian.

She won the archery competition when she was playing with her father and brothers.

Right in front of Yang Qian, Shi Chong openly recounted these embarrassing past events to Shi Gandang without holding back any face.

The pretty girl in front of him turned pale, but could only bite her lip and remain silent, twisting her sleeves with both hands.

Shi Chong's words were very clear: she was nothing more than a mere object.

Who cares what the objects think?
"Now and from now on, she is a willing female slave. You may do whatever you want with her, except let her go."

No one but you is allowed to lay a finger on her, or else you will be slapping my face, Shi Jilun!

"A spring night like this is a rare treat, so I won't disturb you any longer. Farewell."

Shi Chong laughed heartily, patted Shi Gandang on the shoulder, and walked out of the bedroom with a flourish.

(End of this chapter)