Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 17 Socializing is for Progress

"Wow, you actually made it?"

In Yang Hu's courtyard, this important in-law of the Sima family circled the African "bicycle" several times.

This is the highlight of this year's "performance appraisal"!
Shi Shouxin transformed his courtyard into a new machinery workshop, but the workshop belonged to the imperial court. The court not only provided funding, but also provided manpower and materials as needed, many of which were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Of course, Shi Shouxin also lived up to expectations, providing the Imperial Household Department with many new items in the past two years, and his official rank was promoted three levels. However, this kind of small promotion was almost the same as staying in the same place; he was three levels higher in rank, but his power did not increase much.

Moreover, there's no higher he can get; any further promotion would require transferring to another department.

"These wheels must be very bumpy on the road. How did you solve this problem?"

Yang Hu asked in confusion; he was clearly an expert.

This "two-wheeled vehicle" may have a unique design, but that's something that can be easily copied. The key issue is how to handle the vibrations during movement.

"The bark and leaves of the Eucommia tree, when broken open, will release a viscous white sap. Collect this sap, pour it into a mold, and dry it in the sun. Then add sulfur..."

Shi Shouxin explained to Yang Hu without reservation what the thick layer of skin covering the wheels was.

Actually, its working principle is very similar to that of rubber. It is also a type of rubber, but it is not the same as the rubber commonly referred to.

Yang Hu rode his bike around once and nodded in satisfaction.

"One person pushes it along, and then the grain is piled up in the empty space in the middle. Later, the team can also transport grain by taking a shortcut."

"Great, very practical."

Yang Hu said thoughtfully, as if talking to himself.

Actually, this "bicycle" looks more like a modern electric scooter with a concave section in the middle where you can put things.

Hearing this, Li Wan couldn't help but admire Shi Shouxin's extensive knowledge and skillful hands. Seeing Yang Hu praise her husband made her even happier than if Yang Hu had praised her!
"Hey, everyone's been focused on this, we forgot to get to the point."

Yang Hu's smile faded, and he looked at Li Wan, saying, "It's too late to go back now. Why don't you stay at my residence tonight? No one will be coming anyway. Gandang and I need to go to the yamen to discuss some important matters."

He kept his mouth shut and didn't reveal what it was, but it was definitely important.

Li Wan thought for a moment. It would be too late for her to walk back now, and walking at night was too dangerous for a beautiful young woman like her. Shi Shouxin was going to the yamen and would probably be back late at night, so it would be fine for him to stay here.

Anyway, it's not the first time.

"Then go and come back soon."

Li Wan gave Shi Shouxin a knowing look, confident that he would understand what she meant.

Tonight, she'll take advantage of Shi Shouxin, like a vixen in a story. Ideally, she'll get pregnant again; she wants to give her eldest son, Shi Yue, a younger brother.

Yes, Li Wan wants to have many children with Shi Shouxin, as she feels it is her responsibility as a wife.

Yang Hu greeted Shi Shouxin and then left the residence.

Walking on the street, I was surprised to find many small vendors along the roadside, stretching all the way from the city gate to outside the palace.

Shi Shouxin also noticed that the living conditions in Luoyang had improved somewhat compared to the past two years, although the improvement was not significant.

Seeing this, Yang Hu sighed and said, "Zhang Hua, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, is indeed very capable. He has given the General a lot of advice in the past two years. It was his suggestion to let the people come into the city to sell some fish and shrimp. It can be said that no good deed is too small to do."

Indeed, the imperial court hasn't caused much trouble in the past two years, and Shi Shouxin can feel that the lives of ordinary people have improved a little bit.

Well, it's only a little bit, but it's still much better than dying in war or natural disasters.

"Madam Li, you two are truly inseparable. I did a wonderful thing by helping you back then."

"At least I've accumulated some good karma."

Yang Hu laughed heartily, in a very good mood.

Shi Shouxin felt that what the other person wanted to say was definitely not this, but something else. It wasn't the first time he and Li Wan had come to Yang Hu's house; they often came and ate and took things with them.

Why didn't Yang Hu say back then that he and Li Wan were a match made in heaven?
The two arrived at the Ministry of Personnel and were led by a minor official to the office of Lang Shantao, the Minister of Personnel.

They knew each other, and Shan Tao didn't stand on ceremony. He looked at Shi Shouxin and said, "You're welcome. You should go to Hedong County soon and invite Ji Kang to serve in the government. This is the imperial court's recruitment document. Zhong Hui brought great gifts to invite Ji Kang but was rejected. Ordinary people probably can't even see him. You have to take the initiative."

At that moment, Shi Shouxin seemed to hear someone say: You, take this knife and kill Tang Sanzang and his disciples!
"Minister Shan, Zhong Hui is a high-ranking official of the court. If even he can't do it, how could I possibly be of any use?"

His face was filled with helplessness.

Shan Tao laughed heartily and said to Yang Hu, "See? He may be skilled with his hands, but he's never one to back down with his words!"

After he finished laughing, he said seriously, "Whether Ji Kang comes or not is his business, and whether the court recruits him or not is my business. I only asked you to deliver the message, I didn't say that Ji Kang must come, did I? He attended your wedding, so now that you're going to his house, he should at least give you face and see you."

It turned out to be the case.

Shi Shouxin nodded and said, "That's easy. Hedong is not far from Luoyang, so I'll make a trip there."

Although the world is not at peace now, the road from Luoyang to Hedong is still quite safe as long as you take the official road. Hedong is prosperous and produces a lot of salt, and there is a constant flow of trade between it and Luoyang. The route is well-developed and there are post stations along the way.

If taking this road is dangerous, then it can only mean that you could choke to death while eating or drinking; there is nothing in this world without risk.

Shi Shouxin had done dangerous things like flying kites that attracted lightning and live chickens, and vaccinating his tenants with smallpox. Going to Hedong was much safer than doing those things!
"Oh, right. Lü Xun, who used to serve as the chief secretary in the General's Mansion, is now an official in Wenxi County, Hedong. The General wants to transfer him back to the General's Mansion. Take the appointment letter with you as well. You're going the same way anyway, so it's fine."

After saying this, Shan Tao handed two official documents on silk to Shi Shouxin, instructing him to set off as soon as possible.

For such a trivial matter to cause an unrelated person to run away, there must be something fishy going on.

Shi Shouxin asked in a deep voice, "Does Minister Shan have any other instructions? Is this all there is to it?"

"Of course there is."

Shan Tao stroked his beard and continued, "You will act as a messenger in name only, and a secret agent in reality. Investigate whether there is any military rations in the granaries of the Hedong region, and how much is in stock."

The General may launch a military campaign against Hanzhong, requiring supplies from various regions. If anyone outwardly complies but inwardly defies him, things could become very dire.

coming!

Yang Hu and Shi Shouxin exchanged a glance, both seeing excitement in each other's eyes.

Shan Tao naturally sensed it as well.

He explained, “Of course I’m honored. We all know about your performance in the Imperial Household Department these past two years; it’s just that the time isn’t right yet. Once the campaign against Shu begins, you will definitely enter Guanzhong to provide logistical support for the front lines. At that time, you will be in charge of countless funds, supplies, and equipment. It’s only a matter of time before you enter Guanzhong, and besides, your father-in-law is there too.”

Shan Tao's words were almost not just hints, but a clear statement: Your promotion is imminent, and you will be transferred to a post outside the capital once the campaign against Shu begins.

After the campaign against Shu ends, you will be "transferred" back to Luoyang. Although the rank is the same, can an official sent to a remote area compare to an official in the capital?

Clearly, Shi Shouxin had caught the eye of some high-ranking officials, and his career path had been opened to him.

Why did he get the opportunity? Was it simply because he was exceptionally capable?
No, no, no, the most important reason is that he is slowly building his own network of relationships.

His gradually growing network of relationships slowly lifted him up.

Father-in-law Li Yin, adoptive father Shi Bao, and Yang Hu, his direct superior and mentor-friend—weren't they all important figures?

Since Li Yin was in Guanzhong, it would be more convenient for Shi Shouxin, as Li Yin's son-in-law, to handle matters there. This is a classic case of mutual favors. In the world of the Celestial Dragons, ability is secondary; connections are paramount.

Shi Shouxin's marriage greatly contributed to his career development.

"Minister Xie Shan, I am deeply grateful and have no way to repay your kindness. I can only express my gratitude without words!"

Shi Shouxin bowed deeply to Shan Tao.

"Of course, of course. You should set off soon. Come, come, let tonight be a farewell feast for you, let's drink until we drop!"

Shan Tao was in a very good mood. He was a cheerful and easygoing person, not bothered by trivial matters, and especially a heavy drinker. This fellow didn't want to be an official at all; he was only working in the Ministry of Personnel because the Sima family forced him to stay.

So even if he drinks while working here, no one will care. If they did, that would be even better; Shan Tao could just quit and go home to have fun.

Shi Shouxin had gained some understanding of the character of these Heavenly Dragons. The Sima clan was morally corrupt and lacked sufficient prestige to imbue their laws with authority and justice. Naturally, these Heavenly Dragons followed suit.

To be honest, they actually looked down on the Sima family!

Shi Shouxin could sense that although the economy and people's livelihood in Luoyang and the surrounding areas had improved in the past two years, the words, deeds and political integrity of the powerful and wealthy families were declining rapidly!
"Let's not go back tonight, let's drink to our hearts' content!"

Yang Hu laughed and brought Shi Shouxin a wine cup, filling it with wine.

Left with no other choice, Shi Shouxin had to drink with them. What else could he do? When living in the Celestial Dragons' country, one has to adapt to local customs.

How can one navigate the officialdom without socializing with these people? How can one advance in rank without navigating the officialdom?
The fact that he was bound and forced to walk on the road like livestock by the slave traders left an indelible mark on Shi Shouxin's mind.

If he loses his power and his network of connections, then, putting aside everything else, his beautiful wife Li Wan, who is the envy of many noble families, might very well become a plaything for the powerful and wealthy.

Sima Yan would probably treat her better, but it's hard to say about others.

This kept Shi Shouxin constantly vigilant.

The three chatted about everything under the sun, drinking and boasting, having a wonderful time.

Shan Tao and Yang Hu were not only eloquent but also erudite and talented. Shi Shouxin could only listen from the sidelines, carefully choosing his words to express his thoughts, afraid of saying too much and making mistakes that would expose his shallowness and ignorance.

Time passed slowly, and Shi Shouxin remembered his "agreement" with Li Wan. A fire burned in his heart, and he just wanted to go back quickly and "teach" this little vixen a lesson in bed.

Tonight's supposed to be a shameful night! How can I be drinking with two rough guys here?
Seemingly noticing that Shi Shouxin seemed somewhat distracted, Yang Hu gave him a knowing look and teased him, "So you're thinking of going back to chat with your wife?"

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly, without denying it.

Shan Tao suddenly realized what was going on, and a sly smile appeared on his face.

He didn't force him to do anything, and immediately wrote a travel permit on a bamboo slip, handing it to Shi Shouxin and saying, "If you encounter soldiers checking you during curfew, just hand them this bamboo slip."

As a high-ranking official in the Secretariat, Shan Tao naturally had his own privileges. Otherwise, what if Sima Zhao summoned him to the General's Mansion at night, only to be stopped by the imperial guards under curfew and prevented from leaving?
Or what if the Ministry of Personnel has urgent business to attend to at night, and the relevant officials are not allowed to enter or leave the streets of Luoyang?
These things were actually planned in advance.

The Great Wei is the kingdom of the Celestial Dragons. If you are not a Celestial Dragon, you can hardly move an inch, and you have to be careful even when you breathe.

"I'll take my leave now, please forgive me."

Shi Shouxin bowed awkwardly and said that he dared not act in a high-profile manner.

Shan Tao waved his hand dismissively and said, "You dare to claim you cherish your wife? The whole city of Luoyang knows. Yet you use the paper you make for your wife to use in the latrine. Only you in the whole world could do something so absurd, hahahahahahaha!"

Shan Tao laughed heartily. In some ways, Li Wan was even treated better than Sima Zhao's wives and concubines.

Sima Zhao's wives and concubines used toilet sticks, bamboo boards, wooden boards, or jade to wipe their bottoms.

It wasn't that Sima Zhao couldn't afford paper, nor that he was unwilling to spend it. Rather, paper was the medium for writing, valued by scholars and writers, and carried a more refined and elegant connotation. Wiping away filth was considered a disgrace to civility.

Sima Zhao wanted to usurp the throne, so naturally he needed to gain fame and reputation. As a scion of a powerful family, he wanted to preserve his reputation while also seizing the throne, a truly conflicted situation.

Unlike Shi Shouxin, who was completely indifferent to it all, he simply spoke his mind: "I'll do what I want, it's none of your business!"
But his eccentricities actually earned him higher regard from many within the Celestial Dragon circle. These Celestial Dragons, in essence, are all somewhat neurotic.

Shi Shouxin slunk out of the Ministry of Personnel.

Looking at his retreating figure, Shan Tao exclaimed in admiration, "This man has made rapid progress in just two years as an official, truly making leaps and bounds. He is destined for greatness in the future."

"Alas, I dare say that my personality is too strong, and I fear that I will be plotted against by villains in the future. In this life, how many people have never had to compromise and make concessions?"

Yang Hu said with deep concern.

He himself is someone who often compromises and yields; some troubles can be resolved with wisdom, while others cannot. He may not have to bend over, but he often has to bow his head.

For example, if someone else had a beautiful wife like Li Wan, they would naturally be overjoyed. But if she were snatched away by a powerful or wealthy person, they could only accept their bad luck; what else could they do?

However, Shi Shouxin was different. He was truly willing to kill anyone who dared to harm his beloved wife. No matter how high-ranking the official was, he would kill them, even if it meant mutual destruction.

Yang Hu had discussed this topic with Shi Shouxin many times, and Shi Shouxin's answer was always the same: "Try to touch me if you dare. I will never compromise."

They all held Shi Shouxin in high regard, not entirely because of his abilities and character, but, to put it bluntly, because he was a Celestial Dragon.

Shi Shouxin joined the ranks of the Celestial Dragons through marriage, and those of the same class barely treated him as a human being. The reason is that simple and straightforward.

Otherwise, you're powerless and have no influence, yet your wife is so beautiful—do you even deserve her? Hurry up and give her to me!
Many Celestial Dragons will make their move then. That's just how the world is.

"Now, Jia Chong and Zhong Hui are both power-hungry men; I'm afraid the court is in dire straits..."

Shan Tao shook his head, unsure of what to say, and finally let out a long sigh.

……

The wine from Da Wei had a low alcohol content, and after drinking cup after cup, he felt nothing at all. However, it had a strong aftereffect. By the time Shi Shouxin, who was walking briskly from the Ministry of Personnel to Yang Hu's residence, he was already swaying and almost couldn't keep going.

However, his desire did not subside at all; on the contrary, his lustful desire rose in waves, and he recalled Li Wan's charming appearance on the bed during their past sexual encounters, wishing he could rush in and have a great battle right away.

Shi Shouxin arrived at Yang Hu's house, used the key Yang Hu gave him to open the gate, and found that the old gatekeeper, Yang Tou, was asleep in the gatehouse.

Shi Shouxin chuckled softly, tiptoed into the courtyard, locked the door, and didn't wake the other person.

Yang Hu didn't like making friends, and even the old sheep guarding the gate was completely ignoring him, showing absolutely no wariness.

Yang Hu's home was in Taishan County. His wife, Lady Xiahou, was the daughter of Xiahou Ba. Because Xiahou Ba defected to Shu Han, she did not come to Luoyang to live with Yang Hu, fearing that the Sima clan would settle old scores. Yang Hu's residence in Luoyang had very few servants.

Shi Shouxin arrived at his "regular room" at Yang Hu's house and found that the door was indeed ajar. However, it was dark inside, and he couldn't see very well.

I could vaguely see a woman lying on her side on the bed, her figure looking very beautiful.

The Yang family had no female relatives, not even female servants. At night, there was only an old servant who was responsible for guarding the gate. He came from the Yang family's ancestral home in Taishan County.

Shi Shouxin was consumed by lust, so he went straight to bed, embraced his beloved wife, and kissed her passionately.

However, Li Wan seemed a bit strange tonight. Although the two were kissing passionately, Li Wan kept pushing Shi Shouxin away with her hands, but she couldn't push him away, so she had to give up resisting and let her husband do whatever he wanted.

Perhaps Li Wan was tired during the day, as her interest in sex tonight was very low. She was barely managing to get through it and was not as passionate and intoxicated as she usually was.

Fortunately, Shi Shouxin was quite the experienced lecher in this area. Soon, Li Wan's emotions rose, and she became increasingly proactive in their intimacy.

The two of them wandered aimlessly in the dimly lit room, braving wind and rain countless times. Finally, Shi Shouxin was so exhausted that he collapsed into bed and fell asleep, no longer bothering to dress Li Wan as he used to.

He slept soundly and didn't get up until late the next day, only to find that Li Wan had gone home alone! She hadn't even left a note!
This has never happened in the two years since we got married!

If it weren't for the mess on the bed, which looked like it had been trampled by an elephant, he would have almost thought that last night's lovemaking was just a dream.

On his way home, Shi Shouxin was preoccupied with worries. He wondered if it was because he had gone drinking with Yang Hu and the others the night before, neglecting Li Wan and causing his wife to feel disgusted with him, which made him feel guilty.

Although he initially intended to get married, two years into the marriage, he had completely fallen in love with his lively and energetic wife, regarding her as his soulmate.

Shi Shouxin returned home with trepidation. As soon as he entered the house, he saw Li Wan asking him with a cold face, "Why are you only coming back now, Ah Lang?"

"I slept in a little longer yesterday because I drank too much, please don't be angry, my lady."

Shi Shouxin chuckled awkwardly.

Li Wan suddenly chuckled, took his arm, and said, "I was just pretending. Did it look convincing? Did it scare you?"

"How could that be? I'm incredibly brave, how could I be scared by a little girl like you?"

Shi Shouxin laughed heartily, his gloom vanishing completely.

Seeing that he was in a good mood, Li Wan shyly leaned close to Shi Shouxin's ear and said, "I didn't perform a sexy dance for you last night, but I'll definitely make it up to you tonight, I promise."

So this is ah!

Shi Shouxin laughed heartily, picked up Li Wan, and spun her around many times.

(End of this chapter)