The elite did not migrate south

Chapter 154: Banquet as a Blade
"Alas, Minister Fu is unconscious. My uncle ordered my father to stand by his bed, holding medicine in his hand and personally serve him."

"My uncle's illness has just gotten better, but now he has encountered something like this. It's really heartbreaking."

Sima Yan described the situation outside.

Cao Mao pondered for a moment.

Although Fu Gu was a die-hard fan of Sima Shi, he was at least a normal person, unlike those crazy people who only knew how to drink and take medicine.

He knew how to maintain peace in the world, how to let the people survive, and how to maintain his own ruling power.

As for the rest of those lunatics, they don't care about the country and the people, or about ruling. Every day they think about how to suck more of the people's blood and sweat, how to increase their own power, and how to live a more luxurious and wealthy life.

The reason why the Western Jin Dynasty was able to maintain a certain momentum of prosperity when it was founded was that normal people had not yet died out.

Sima Yan was surrounded by people left behind by his father, including Yang Hu, Du Yu, Chen Qian, Ren Kai, Yu Chun, Lu Qin, Zhang Hua and others. These people at least knew how to maintain their own ruling power and not destroy the foundation.

They formally proposed a strategy to check and balance the aristocratic families, began to formulate laws, restricted the behavior of the aristocratic families, and maintained the rule of the Western Jin Dynasty as much as possible. But when these normal people died out, the entire Western Jin Dynasty was ushered in a carnival of madmen.

Fu Gu's fall was definitely a major blow to Sima Shi.

"What about those officials who killed innocent people and took credit for it?"

"Kill them all."

"The first to be killed was Sima Ban. The rest were also charged with crimes and beheaded in public. I was terrified."

"Uncle declares to the world that those who act recklessly and prey on the people will suffer this fate. Even if they are from the same clan, there will be no leniency."

Sima Yan couldn't help but sigh as he spoke, "Uncle is truly a loyal minister!"

Even Cao Mao was amazed at Sima Shi's approach.

You are worthy of being my great general.

If Sima Zhao were in this situation, he would probably not dare to kill them all. After all, anyone who could get the seniority to be the Yin of Henan must be from a prominent family. The Sima family needed the support of the ministers and military leaders and would not dare to offend them easily.

He would most likely kill his own Sima Ban and some local officials with little background, express his position, and then pardon the death penalty for the remaining officials.

If Sima Yan had come, these people would at most be scolded a few times. But if there was an old dog like Xun Xu who confuses right and wrong, perhaps they would not even be scolded and would be directly rewarded as successful ministers.

Sima Shi's courage is truly unmatched by ordinary people.

Fortunately, the one I met was Sima Shi, who was weak and low on health. He was seriously ill and affected in all aspects. If he was in his prime, I would have been killed long ago.

Cao Mao nodded, feeling deeply moved, and said, "The general is truly a loyal minister!"

Sima Yan asked hesitantly, "So, will the banquet for celebrities tonight still go on?"

"Of course we must proceed! It is because of the general's benevolent act that we are summoning all the officials. We want the whole world to know the general's loyalty!"

Cao Mao said sincerely.

The reason why Cao Mao was able to achieve such great breakthroughs both inside and outside the court during these days was entirely because Sima Shi's health was getting worse and worse. He no longer had the energy to deal with himself and was dying, so he only thought about how to kill Guanqiu Jian.

It was because Sima Shi was seriously ill that Cao Mao had to hurry up and handle important matters.

The blessings cannot stop!
It’s best to kill him before sending out troops!
Cao Mao's eyes were filled with longing. If Sima Shi died before the army went out, what would the court do? Sima Zhao had no experience in leading a large army alone, Sima Fu did, but without Sima Shi, would Sima Zhao dare to let him lead the army?

Historically, after Sima Shi's death, Sima Zhao was quite wary of Sima Fu. He dismissed him from his position as Taiwei and made him a Taifu, asking him to stay with Cao Mao. Even when Zhuge Dan raised his army, he did not dare to let Sima Fu command the army and lead the troops himself.

At that time, Sima Zhao would be in another dilemma.

If he could take advantage of this opportunity and gain sufficient voice in the temple through Wang Xiang and others, and even divide the ruling power of the central army, what else could Sima Zhao do when facing enemies inside and outside?
Countless ideas suddenly emerged in Cao Mao's mind.

Before Sima Shi dies, he will definitely try to take me away. The important thing now is how to protect myself as much as possible at that time.

"Anshi, go and get ready. There will definitely be important officials attending the banquet in the East Hall today!"

Cao Mao said very confidently.

Sima Yan thought for a moment, agreed to Cao Mao's request, and then left Xitang.

In the first week, Cao Mao always held banquets in the East Hall, summoned ministers, and entertained celebrities, but his purpose at that time was simply to win over those people. Now it is different. This banquet for celebrities in the East Hall will sooner or later become a sharp blade that will take Sima Shi's life!
Cao Mao changed his clothes and walked towards the East Hall surrounded by the crowd.

He was in a very good mood.

When he arrived at the East Hall, Wang Xiang was already waiting for him.

Today, Wang Xiang was dressed up carefully. He changed into new clothes and trimmed his beard, looking more like a celebrity.

Cao Mao greeted his teacher with a smile, and then the two of them sat down.

"Teacher, today's banquet is to thoroughly publicize your reputation as a master of Confucianism!" "Master Sima is seriously ill and has no time to spare. The position of Minister of Rites has been vacant. We must strive to complete this important task within the next few days!"

Wang Xiang frowned, "Isn't that a bit too hasty?"

"Teacher, now is not the time to hesitate. We cannot let Sima Shi recover! Sima Shi will definitely not allow me to hold such a grand banquet. I don't know how many times this banquet in the East Hall can be held."

"Perhaps next time, these celebrities won't be able to enter this East Hall."

"Do what needs to be done before he reacts, or it will be too late to regret!"

Wang Xiang agreed with this and nodded in agreement.

However, Cao Mao knew in his heart that this banquet for famous scholars would not be easily stopped by the Sima family.

It wasn’t because the Sima family indulged him, nor was it because of Sima Yan, but mainly because of Zhong Hui.

Zhong Hui was not very old, but he held a high official position: he was the Minister of the Secretariat.

Second only to the Minister of the Secretariat and the Supervisor of the Secretariat, the current Supervisor of the Secretariat is Meng Kang.

This man originally came to power with the help of Empress Dowager Guo. His mother was a member of the Guo family. However, after he came to power, he did not become close to the Guo family. He did not form cliques for personal gain, and he kept to himself. He had a good reputation. Later, he was valued by Sima Shi and was brought to the temple to serve as the Minister of the Central Secretariat.

The Secretariat was responsible for managing secrets and drafting imperial edicts for the emperor. In case of confidential matters or emergencies, the Secretariat would directly issue imperial edicts to relevant officials for execution. It had extremely great power and was known as the "exclusive authority" during the reign of Emperor Ming of Wei.

Before his death, Cao Rui wanted Prince of Yan Cao Yu, Xiahou Xian and others to assist his son. However, Liu Fang and Sun Zi of the Secretariat were at odds with them and were afraid of retaliation, so they interfered and caused Cao Rui to appoint Cao Shuang and Sima Yi as ministers to take care of his son.

Because of his relationship with Sima Shi, Zhong Hui also held a high position in the Secretariat.

Sima Zhao would not offend this person easily.

Zhong Hui loved this kind of banquet the most. Moreover, Zhong Hui was always arrogant. He had previously proposed the idea of defending the justice of Confucian classics. If Zhong Hui knew about this, would he still be able to sit still?

He must be eager to take charge of this matter, and he would not stop the banquet even if it was just for the smooth progress of this matter.

Of course, this cannot be said to Wang Xiang. Although they are currently allies, the situations faced by both sides are completely different. Wang Xiang still has a chance to slow down, but Cao Mao does not.

Cao Mao reminded him: "Teacher, if it is a normal debate classic, I am not afraid, but your reputation..."

Wang Xiang smiled, his expression particularly amiable. "Your Majesty, do not worry about these matters. I have made preparations. Studying the classics is not difficult, and raising one's esteem is even more so."

Just looking at his face, people who don't know him would really think he is a famous Confucian scholar like Zheng Xuan.

But looking at his life, he made no contribution to classics. The only article he wrote was a family motto urging future generations to govern their families with morality.

But Wang Xiang was not a boastful person. Since he said he had a way, Cao Mao believed him and did not ask any more questions.

Because the banquet was held in the East Hall, Wang Xiang did not leave after teaching. Instead, he sat here and waited for the banquet to begin with Cao Mao.

Sure enough, the first person to appear here was still Zhong Hui.

Sima Yan hadn't even come yet, but Zhong Hui had already walked into the East Hall with a smile.

Wang Xiang stood up and saluted. Zhong Hui quickly put away his frivolous smile and returned the salute to Wang Xiang.

It can be seen that Zhong Hui still recognized Wang Xiang's status as a celebrity and would not be too rude to him.

"Mr. Zhong, although my disciple is quite talented, he values reputation and likes to fight. If the previous debate has offended you in any way, please do not blame me for not disciplining him properly."

Wang Xiang spoke slowly.

Zhong Hui hurriedly shook his head. "I dare not, I dare not. Your Majesty is extremely talented. I have benefited greatly from debating with you. Your Excellency is highly talented. I would like to consult you again in the future."

Looking at the humble, even somewhat well-behaved Zhong Hui in front of him, Cao Mao's eyes widened. "Zhong Shiji! You are not like this normally!"

You don't even take Wang Su and Sima Zhao seriously, so why are you so polite to Wang Xiang?
In Cao Mao's eyes, Zhong Hui was a lawless person. He admired those famous scholars, but also hated others for surpassing himself.

Is it because he knows that Wang Xiang has only fame but no talent that can surpass his?
Cao Mao couldn't understand the reason for a while.

But Wang Xiang had already started chatting with Zhong Hui, and they were having a very happy chat, talking and laughing. Then, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove and Lu An and others who came to make up the numbers followed Sima Yan here.

Ji Kang and Lu An looked at each other, paid their respects to the Emperor, and then paid their respects to Wang Xiang.

Ruan Ji looked a little dazed, and even lost his usual aloofness. He saluted the emperor in a daze.

Wang Rong was most embarrassed at this moment. After paying his respects to the emperor, he hurriedly knelt in front of Wang Xiang and called him "Grandfather".

Wang Rong and Wang Xiang both belonged to the Wang family of Langya, and Wang Rong was the grandson of Wang Xiang.

Everyone took their seats, each with different thoughts. The atmosphere of the banquet was completely different from the previous two times. For some reason, it was more solemn.

(End of this chapter)