Wei Ni

As night fell, the stars began to appear faintly.

In the back hall of the Marquis of Wuyang's residence, Sima Fu, the Minister of Revenue who rarely comes to visit, is having a meal with his elder brother's family, chatting and laughing. Even Zhang Chunhua, who is known for being an "old thing not worth cherishing," is present to keep them company.

However, the cozy moments in the homes of the powerful and wealthy are always fleeting and brief.

Shortly afterward, the family members and servants were all sent away, leaving only Sima Yi and his son to entertain the guests.

They knew without asking that Sima Fu hadn't come for no reason, and considering the news that Guanqiu Jian had visited Xiahou Hui and Cao Shuang a few days earlier, it was likely that Sima Fu had also been visited by some people.

as predicted.

After the hall quieted down, Sima Fu spoke directly.

"Since my elder brother Zhong has been living in seclusion, I, who am on duty at the Ministry of Personnel in the palace, have not been short of visitors or people who have come to ask me for a chat. Just two days ago, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Minister of Justice, and Minister Wang came to chat with me and asked about my brother Zhong's recent situation."

But how could such a trivial matter make Jiang Ji so uneasy?
Upon hearing this, even Sima Yi, whose face was as calm as a still lake, couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly.

Seeing the unusual expression on his face, Sima Shi seemed to guess what he was thinking and explained in a low voice, "Father, Grand Commandant Man is eighty years old, and some busybodies are gossiping that he has reduced his appetite, and that the Grand Master of Ceremonies was not virtuous when he served as the General of the Guards."

Uh, I understand.

Sima Yi suddenly realized what was happening.

Among the current high-ranking officials, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Jiang Ji is the most qualified person to succeed Man Chong as Grand Commandant.

Therefore, even though he wasn't from a prestigious family, he was still confused by his concern.

He worried that Xiahou Hui and Cao Shuang would put aside their differences and intensify their efforts to reform the bureaucracy, which would lead to his past corruption being brought up again when he was appointed one of the Three Dukes.

The Three Dukes were officials who sat and discussed principles, and were entrusted with important responsibilities due to their high moral character and prestige.
Do we not see the past when Emperor Wen of Cao Pi appointed Jia Xu as Grand Commandant, which even his rival Sun Quan of Jiangdong couldn't help but laugh at?

As for Gao Rou, Wang Guan, and the others, they were merely sounding out information.

After all, since Wang Guan's visit to his residence earlier, the sudden uproar over He Zeng's early memorials and Xiahou Xuan's political advice had given them hope that he, the Grand Tutor, was not acting in isolation but was still willing to protect their interests. Therefore, it was only natural that they would seek his advice again now that the situation had changed.

"The highest good is like water, which does not contend but contends. The current situation is still under control, so we can respond to all changes by remaining unchanged."

After a moment of contemplation, Sima Yi said, “Even if Jian brings them together, Hui and Shuang can only maintain a temporary harmony and cannot stay together for long. After Shuda leaves, let me thank them for their concern and tell them that I am doing well and living peacefully at home, and that I have nothing to worry about.”

"it is good."

Without hesitation, Sima Fu followed his brother's advice and skipped the matter, then asked again, "Is there anything my second brother has asked me to do?"

"None".

Sima Yi shook his head and laughed heartily, "Shu Da is as impartial and kind as he is; why would I need to instruct him again?"

"I understand."

Sima Fu nodded in agreement, then chatted about everyday matters before getting up to say goodbye and leave.

Sima Shi, who had been treating him almost like a spectator, got up and saw him out of the mansion before returning. Without any regard for etiquette, he walked over to his father's desk and sat down. While serving his father wine, he casually asked, "Father, is there nothing of value in my family?"

Ok?
You could already predict that Cao Shuang would make peace with Xiahou Hui, what else do you want to do?
What else can I do?
If we act now, wouldn't that indirectly bring the two of them closer together and give them the opportunity to join forces to suppress my family?

Sima Yi, who turned his head to look at him, slightly raised his head and waited for what was to come.

"As Father just said, their harmony is only a temporary expedient and cannot last long."

Sima Shi smiled and explained in a low voice, "Moreover, I observe that Shuang is a man without foresight, who is greedy and shameless, and who does not consider the harm he might cause. If Zhi Quan tries to lure him with benefits, he will surely try to take advantage of my family."

"You have invaded my homeland" refers to my deployment of troops in Yongliang, right?
Alas, how could I have been unprepared for this?
However, Cao Zhen had also once been the military commander of Yong and Liang. Hui Ruo said that he should follow the example of his father’s achievements to drive away the enemy, which was perfectly justified. How could my family stop him?
Sima Yi sighed inwardly, about to offer an explanation, but stopped himself before he could finish speaking.

Such an obvious thing, how could his eldest son not see it?
Since you've already seen through it all, why bring it up again?
Yes, he was reiterating his previous advice: to make preparations in advance so that he could more smoothly take over Cao Shuang's political legacy after Cao Shuang failed in his power struggle with Xiahou Hui.

And now is the perfect time—

Since a temporary peace between Xiahou Hui and Cao Shuang is inevitable, and a power struggle will inevitably arise between the two regents in the court, the emperor should seize the opportunity and secretly instruct some trusted confidants to transfer to Cao Shuang's camp. In this way, these people can avoid being purged in this upheaval, and the foundation can be laid for the emperor's future resurgence.

Excellent, killing two birds with one stone!
I never imagined my son would be so meticulous; in his previous plans, he had already included Hui and Shuang in his calculations today!

Sima Yi, who had instantly understood, remained calm on the surface, but was inwardly gratified.

He also got up and went to rest, leaving behind a sentence with his back: "My son is over thirty years old and should have his own opinions. There is no need to ask his father for his opinion on everything."

"Yes! Your son thanks you, Father."

Meanwhile, outside the capital Luoyang, at Xiahou Xuan's villa, a conversation that would influence the Wei court was also unfolding. More precisely, Xiahou Hui and Cao Shuang were discussing the division of spoils.

Indeed, despite his resentment, Cao Shuang ultimately forced himself to swallow his anger.

If you can't refuse, then try to enjoy the pleasure of accepting.

Therefore, he asked Xiahou Xuan, whom both parties trusted, to find a place and secretly invite Xiahou Hui to discuss the matter face to face; as for why he didn't ask Guanqiu Jian, the matchmaker, to handle it, well, it's better to keep such a dirty matter away from people.

Therefore, he arrived early to wait, but only allowed Xiahou Xuan to accompany him, and did not inform the others, including He Yan, of his confidants.

Xiahou Hui, who came under the protection of his retainers, only allowed one person to accompany him to the table.

However, to Cao Shuang and Xiahou Xuan's surprise, this person was neither Ding Mi nor Fu Gu, but Jia Chong, the last of the clerks to be recruited into the General's Office.

How could Jia Chong have been involved in such a matter?!
As they politely took their seats, Cao Shuang and Xiahou Xuan exchanged a subtle glance, both seeing surprise and seriousness in each other's eyes—Jia Chong was considered one of the best among the many court officials, and Xiahou Hui had managed to subdue him in such a short time, demonstrating that his methods were extraordinary.

This discovery is not good news for them, who are in a competitive relationship.

"Zhao Bo, there's no need for formalities between us. Let's get straight to the point."

As soon as he took his seat, Xiahou Hui said directly, "People like Deng Yang and Li Sheng, who have returned from the east of the sea, can all be appointed as officials such as the Imperial Secretary, the Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, or county magistrates outside the capital. If Zhao Bo sends someone to request them, I will grant it without hesitation."

"okay."

Cao Shuang bowed slightly, but there was no joy on his face.

Because Xiahou Hui allowed Deng Yang, Li Sheng, and others to enter officialdom, it meant that Cao Shuang could not stop Zhuge Dan from being granted an official position as well. This was a win-win situation for both sides and could not be considered a power relinquishment by Xiahou Hui.

"Previously, you and I discussed with the other officials in the East Hall the establishment of a new command post to prepare for the war between Shu and Wu, but now that purpose is no longer relevant. In my opinion, we should simply follow the example of the late emperor, who ordered General Zhang He, the General Who Conquers the West, to command troops to garrison at Fangcheng and Xiadao in Nanyang, Jingzhou. This would allow us to simultaneously provide support to Yongliang or Huainan. Let's postpone the rest of the campaign to save on military expenses."

Therefore, after he nodded, Xiahou Hui continued, "Guanqiu Jian is the best candidate to shoulder this important responsibility. As for the Governor of Yuzhou and the General of the Eastern Central Army in charge of military affairs in Xuzhou, Zhao Bo, you may choose one of them to recommend. Is that acceptable?"

The governor of Yuzhou and the general of the Eastern Central Army were stationed in Xuzhou, which was the first batch of reinforcements for the Huainan battlefield.

Xiahou Hui's words were tantamount to admitting that he already knew about Cao Shuang's affair with General Wang Ling, and that he had even given it a push without any hesitation.

Therefore, Cao Shuang and Xiahou Xuan looked at each other in bewilderment once again.

They suddenly felt a sense of crisis, a sense of powerlessness that they had lost all their cards in front of Xiahou Hui.

Of course, you can't show weakness in a situation like this.

"Alright, let's do as Zhiquan says."

Suppressing his inner unease as much as possible, Cao Shuang asked in a calm tone, "If I choose the General of the Eastern Central Army, then surely the Governor of Yu Province, Zhi Quan, will favor Cao Changsi? In that case, what about the position of Commander of the Central Army... oh no, Commander of the Central Army?"

"It is not my own will, but the Emperor has given instructions, and we should both obey."

Frowning, Xiahou Hui corrected Cao Shuang's statement and then slowly said, "Replacing Cao Yan with the garrison commander of Chang'an is acceptable. If Zhao Bo is willing, Tai Chu can be sent to garrison Chang'an."

Cao Yan?

I've never heard of you having any connection with him.
Cao Shuang was slightly taken aback, then revealed his dissatisfaction with the vacancy of the Commander of the Central Army, saying, "Even with Taichu's talent, he is still inferior to Yan!"

"Taichu was certainly superior."

Xiahou Hui calmly replied, "However, Yan was favored by the late emperor and has a better resume. Moreover, this will not invite criticism from the officials."

We have made this agreement together; who dares to slander it!

In short, you just don't want me to have any say in the election of military officers.

Feeling indignant, Cao Shuang stared at Xiahou Hui for a while before bargaining, "If Yan is appointed as the Commander of the Central Army, then Taichu should be appointed as the Minister."

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Hui tilted his head and glared at him, saying, "Cao Zhaobo, I came here today because I couldn't bear to disappoint Guanqiu Zhonggong's sincere loyalty to the country, not because I have any requests of you! If you push your luck and become greedy, then today's meeting will have to end here!"

"How dare you!"

Forced by circumstances to negotiate peace, Cao Shuang, upon hearing such instructions, instantly bristled with anger, stood up, and pointed at Xiahou Hui.

But before he could vent his indignation, Xiahou Xuan pulled him back.

"Zhao Bo, do not lose your composure!"

First, Xiahou Xuan pressed Cao Shuang down to sit, then forced a smile and apologized on his behalf, saying, "Zhao Bo has been slightly unwell lately, which has caused him to be momentarily disoriented. Please forgive him, Uncle. Moreover, this is merely a discussion, aimed at finding common ground while reserving differences, not at arguing or getting angry. Do you agree, Uncle?" (End of Chapter)