Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 68 The Game of the Brave
Geographically speaking, Hanshou is not far from Yang'an Pass, but the road is difficult to travel. The so-called official road is actually a rugged mountain valley path.

It took three or four days to travel nearly two hundred miles to reach our destination, and we traveled almost day and night without getting any proper rest along the way.

The difficulty of the Shu Road, from this moment on, became the defining characteristic of the journey.

Riding on horseback, surrounded by mountains on both sides, even though the mountains are lush and green, it still gives one an indescribable sense of oppression.

A scene always appeared in Shi Shouxin's mind: he was a general leading his troops through this place, walking along peacefully, when suddenly logs rolled down from the mountainside, blocking their path. Behind them, enemy troops carried barricades to block their retreat, with oil gushing in the middle, and his troops out of control in chaos.

"The land of Shu is treacherous. If the people of Shu had not completely lost faith in Liu Shan and their court, I'm afraid we would have had a hard time getting in."

Shi Shouxin raised his whip, pointed to the mountains on both sides of the road, and said to Meng Guan beside him.

"What Inspector Shi said is absolutely right. What was that saying again?"

Meng Guan suddenly stopped speaking.

"The strength of a country lies in its virtue, not in its natural defenses."

Shi Shouxin said with a smile.

Meng Guan suddenly realized and quickly nodded, saying, "Yes, yes, that's exactly it: virtue, not danger, is the key. Commander Shi, your knowledge is truly profound!"

Meng Guan felt that although Shi Shouxin came from a poor background, his knowledge was exceptionally good, as if he knew everything.

Many people share similar views.

On the surface, Shi Shouxin's marriage seemed to be a step up, his status completely mismatched with that of his wife, Li Wan. However, if one disregards family background and only considers Shi Shouxin himself, one can understand why his father-in-law, Li Yin, was so satisfied with the marriage and with this son-in-law.

Such matters are matters only the individuals involved truly understand; they are not simply a matter of comparing personal circumstances. Everyone knows who benefits and who suffers, and it's not as outsiders speculate.

"Ah, reading is wise; the more you read, the less you'll suffer."

Shi Shouxin sighed, seemingly preoccupied.

Meng Guan asked in confusion, "Commander Shi, you've been looking worried ever since we passed Yang'an Pass. Did something happen?"

To be honest, Meng Guan was quite looking forward to this campaign against Shu. He felt that he had earned a lot of credit by running errands for Shi Shouxin. He was sure that he would get a share of the rewards after the campaign was over.

However, judging from Shi Shouxin's expression, the other party was clearly worried about something important.

"Deng Ai will secretly cross Yinping and take the Yinping Trail to Jiangyou Pass. If Jiangyou Pass is captured, then Deng Ai can continue to attack Fucheng, and eventually attack Chengdu, making an unparalleled contribution."

Shi Shouxin spoke in a low voice, then shut his mouth and remained silent, only the sound of his horse pawing the ground.

"This is a good thing. Although it does have some impact on us, it's not something to worry about."

Meng Guan had no idea what Shi Shouxin was worried about.

The successful conquest of Shu made everyone feel that they had already secured the credit, and they all relaxed.

No one could have imagined that the 200,000 Wei troops entering Shu would encounter such a cataclysmic event. This was especially true for the mid- to high-ranking generals.

"It's alright, we'll talk about it when we get to Hanshou," Shi Shouxin said casually, waving his hand dismissively.

A few days later, the two arrived in Hanshou without incident.

After they informed the sentries of the Wei army camp of their purpose, they were led to the central command tent.

Yes, Zhong Hui lived in the main camp, inside the commander's tent, and did not reside in the mansion of a wealthy local family in Hanshou. He was extremely tense, leaving no room for error.

Clearly, Zhong Hui knew that Sima Zhao had designs on him, so he was very cautious.

The layout of Hanshou is quite unique; specifically, it is "walled but without a city." Its walls are Jiameng Pass and Baishui Pass, with a naturally formed flat valley in between, which is Hanshou.

The government offices and farmland were all located within the area, without any other city walls surrounding it, resulting in very efficient land use.

It was from here that Liu Bei launched his campaign and seized the Shu region. Hanshou held extraordinary significance for the Shu Han regime.

Shi Shouxin was led into the commander's tent by Zhong Hui's personal guards, while Meng Guan waited outside, not daring to act rashly.

This time, Zhong Hui was very polite to Shi Shouxin, unlike his previous arrogance. After inviting him to sit down, Zhong Hui asked with a smile, "When you went to Chang'an and met the General, what did he instruct you to do?"

Shi Shouxin took out a wooden box from beside him and handed it to Zhong Hui, saying, "This is what the General asked me to give to the Grand Commander. I heard it contains some documents of conferment and reward. In addition, this 'Ode to Winter Plum' was written by Liu Yin, the garrison commander of Huangjinwei, for the Grand Commander."

Then, Shi Shouxin recounted the battle at Huangjinwei.

"Yes, no problem, no problem."

Zhong Hui smiled and nodded, then instructed a general beside him to open the box. The general simply used his knife to split open the exquisite bronze lock without damaging the wooden box in the slightest.

Even if Shi Shouxin started practicing from the womb, he probably wouldn't be able to master this swordsmanship.

Seemingly having achieved the desired pressure, Zhong Hui waved his hand slightly, and the general left the tent, leaving only Shi Shouxin and Zhong Hui.

Zhong Hui opened and read the letters in the box one by one, a meaningful smile on his face, his thoughts unreadable. Then, he read through Liu Yin's "Ode to the Winter Plum Blossom" and nodded thoughtfully.

"Go and rest in the camp. Liu Qin's troops have not yet arrived in Hanshou. You can choose a hundred personal guards to command a battalion by yourself. After Liu Qin arrives in Hanshou, you can join forces with him."

If there are no military affairs these days, you may wander around as you please, consider it a rest. Regarding the matter of Huangjinwei, I have already sent someone to inform Liu Qin, instructing him not to concern himself with it, but to bring his troops to Hanshou. I have made arrangements, and I believe Liu Yin will not act rashly.”

Zhong Hui smiled gently, completely unlike the Grand Commander who used to lose his temper so easily!
Shi Shouxin immediately bowed and said, "Grand Commander, I still have to go to Yinping to deliver a message, so I will take my leave now."

He had just gotten up to leave when Zhong Hui quickly waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.

"Commander Shi, don't rush off to Yinping yet. Tomorrow, all the generals will be here for a meeting. You can listen in from here without any problem."

By the way, did you carry your official document authorizing your leave of absence with you?

Zhong Hui inquired.

Without saying a word, Shi Shouxin took out the appointment letter from his pocket and handed it to Zhong Hui to examine.

"Then there's no problem. You are also acting on behalf of the emperor. If something happens tomorrow, you can't pretend you didn't see it; you must exercise your authority and responsibility."

"A holiday isn't just something to be displayed for show."

After Zhong Hui finished reading it, he gave it to Shi Shouxin and gave him a very blatant hint.

"Rest assured, Grand Commander, I will not abuse my power, nor will I turn a blind eye. I will certainly act impartially."

Shi Shouxin bowed respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Yes, that's very good."

There were some misunderstandings between us before, all of which were due to business matters, not personal grudges.

Zhong has now laid it out plainly: a welcome banquet will be held after the military meeting tomorrow, simply as a way to greet you and wash away the dust of your journey.

Zhong Hui smiled gently, his attitude towards Shi Shouxin was a complete 180-degree turn, he was practically a different person!
Shi Shouxin quickly thanked him and then strode away from the military tent.

As soon as they came out, Meng Guan pulled him aside to a secluded spot and asked in a low voice, "Supervisor Shi, how is the situation?"

"The situation is alright; the Grand Commander is quite amiable. However, those who offer unsolicited favors are either up to no good or are thieves," Shi Shouxin said with a sigh, his heart filled with worry.

He was the one who knew the answer to the mystery, so the reason why Zhong Hui was being so kind to him was practically obvious.

……

Shi Shouxin didn't sleep well all night, feeling that something big was about to happen. The feeling was similar to when Zhong Hui tried to kill Ji Kang.

Shi Shouxin always kept his sword under his pillow, just in case!

Sure enough, early the next morning, the drums of mobilization sounded in the camp, one after another. However, Shi Shouxin had no troops under his command and did not need to organize his army, so it was not a problem.

He carefully tidied his clothes before leisurely approaching the commander's tent. There, he saw Zhong Hui already seated in the main seat, dressed in a blue brocade robe, exuding an air of nobility.

All the generals in the army, such as Hu Lie and his son, Li Bao and others, were present, each keeping their eyes down and their minds at ease.

There's not much to say about these things, since they're all old acquaintances.

What stood out were not these people, but a man kneeling not far from Zhong Hui's desk. Although he was wearing armor, he wasn't wearing a helmet, and his disheveled appearance made him look extremely wretched.

Not far from him, at the head of the left-hand column of the military tent, was Wei Guan, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his face expressionless, seemingly lost in thought.

Soon after, the drumming stopped, and Zhong Hui's personal guards completely surrounded the command tent. According to military law, anyone who was late would be executed without mercy unless they were away on official business and unaware of the news.

"Supervisor Wei, are all the men present?"

Zhong Hui looked at Wei Guan and asked.

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, not only are they all here, but Shi Shouxin is also here."

Shi Shouxin suddenly realized that he was superfluous; Zhong Hui had not informed Wei Guan of his arrival at the camp yesterday.

"It's common for Supervisor Shi to not know about it, as he only arrived at the camp yesterday."

Zhong Hui said calmly, but that was clearly not the point. He looked at Wei Guan and asked, "Shall we begin?"

"let's start."

Wei Guan nodded, his face showing no sign of dissatisfaction.

Shi Shouxin keenly noticed a change in Zhong Hui's style of doing things; he seemed to have become much more flexible. However, he still couldn't figure out what tricks Zhong Hui was playing in the current situation.

"Zhuge Xu, do you know your crime?"

Zhong Hui looked at the person kneeling on the ground and asked.

Shi Shouxin was startled. Zhuge Xu had launched an attack from Longyou straight to Yinping. His return proved that Deng Ai was now unchecked in Yinping.

So, they've finally made it to Yinping by smuggling themselves in!

"Grand Commander, what crime have I committed? My troops are not under your command, and you have no right to punish me!"

Zhuge Xu looked up at Zhong Hui and said.

He was clearly dissatisfied.

"Supervisor Wei, you are the one who holds the imperial insignia. You can make all the major decisions in the campaign against Shu with a single word. What has Zhuge Xu done wrong? Can you tell me?"

Zhong Hui looked at Wei Guan and asked.

"This, Grand Commander, you jest. I am not very knowledgeable about military affairs, and I do not know what crime Zhuge Xu has committed."

"Why don't you, Grand Commander, say something so everyone can hear?"

Wei Guan made a sarcastic remark, clearly indicating that he hadn't fallen into the trap Zhong Hui had set for him.

Zhong Hui didn't seem to dwell on the matter, so he waved his hand lightly and looked at Zhuge Xu, asking, "Zhuge Xu, let me ask you, what was the military order that the General gave you when you set off?"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately looked at Zhuge Xu.

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, the military order I received is... to occupy the Yinping Bridgehead and block Jiang Wei from leading his troops south."

Zhuge Xu said reluctantly.

"Yes, well said, that's absolutely right."

Zhong Hui nodded and continued, "Then how did Jiang Wei get to Jiange? Could it be that he flew across Yinping Bridge with heavenly soldiers and generals? Or did you fail to capture Yinping as promised, allowing Jiang Wei to escape ahead of time?"

Hehe, this is going to be interesting!
In the military tent, whether it was Zhong Hui, Wei Guan, or generals like Hu Lie, they all looked at Zhuge Xu with meaningful expressions.

“I stopped Jiang Wei, but he used a trick to lure me to lead my troops north to intercept him. Jiang Wei took the opportunity to lead his troops across Yinping Bridge.”

Zhuge Xu sighed and said that he felt Zhong Hui had already found out about these things, so it was no different whether he told him or not, and it was better to just be straightforward.

"Zhuge Xu, you are truly remarkable. With your 30,000 elite troops and the advantage of terrain, you were unable to stop Jiang Wei's 20,000 men. I heard that Deng Ai was even leading troops in pursuit."

Was it Jiang Wei's brilliant military strategy that forced his way across the Yinping Bridge, or did you... deliberately let him go?

Zhong Hui asked Zhuge Xu in an unfriendly tone.

Everyone present gasped in shock. It seemed that Zhong Hui was going to make an example of someone!

His words were full of traps, leaving Zhuge Xu no room to explain.

If you can't even camp out and defend against enemies, you're either incredibly bad at the game or you're in cahoots with Jiang Wei. You can choose one!

What choice did Zhuge Xu have? He chose to keep quiet and not say a word, since Zhong Hui had no right to kill him anyway. Although Wei Guan could be killed, he trusted that the cunning Wei Guan wouldn't get involved in this mess.

"If you don't speak, is it because I said something wrong? Or is it because I hit the nail on the head and you're feeling guilty?"

Zhong Hui revealed a cold smile, as if he had seen prey falling into a trap.

"Grand Commander, there may be more to this matter than meets the eye. Perhaps we should have Supervisor Shi take Zhuge Xu back to Chang'an and hand him over to the General for questioning."

As for his 30,000 troops, they were temporarily placed under the command of the Grand Commander, and his generals were allowed to act independently without breaking up their formations and forming separate armies.

How about this? "

Wei Guan spoke up, saying that he had no choice but to step forward, otherwise Zhong Hui might take the opportunity to kill Zhuge Xu!

"Zhuge Xu, you were able to escape death today only because the military supervisor pleaded for you. Otherwise, you would never have left this military tent."

Since the military supervisor has spoken, then…

"Grand Commander, there is still a minor flaw in this matter!"

Just as Zhong Hui was about to give the order, someone interrupted him, stepped forward, and bowed.

This person is none other than Yang Xiu!

(End of this chapter)