Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 32 Under the Eaves
"Lady Yu, would you like to hear something nice, or the truth?"

Shi Shouxin bowed to Yang Huiyu and asked with a smile.

"That's the truth, of course. Everyone loves to hear nice things, but it doesn't change anything. I've been saying nice things in the Sima family for many years, and I've heard even more nice things. Don't you think I'm tired of hearing them?"

Yang Huiyu's tone became serious.

Shi Shouxin certainly didn't dare to regard the widow before him merely as a beautiful woman. The woman before him was a politician, and even an excellent one!
She was someone who could influence Sima Zhao's decisions!
"What Lady Yu wants is simply to have Shi record Zhong Hui's words and actions, scrutinize and review his military and political orders, and keep a record of them. This will be prepared for any eventuality after the army returns to the capital."

Shi Shouxin also put away his smile and said seriously.

"I really saw you right."

Yang Huiyu nodded with satisfaction. If Shi Shouxin hadn't answered the question correctly, she would have regretted recommending him.

Over the years, Yang Huiyu has seen many talented people, and his discerning eye is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

So, what would you do?

Yang Huiyu asked calmly.

"Replying to Lady Yu, I will do nothing and say nothing, so as not to give anyone a handle against me. I will just write down everything here, one by one, and write it down and send it to you after I return to Luoyang."

Shi Shouxin tapped his temple with his index finger.

"Wonderful! Great! Wonderful!"

Yang Huiyu clapped three times, a bright smile spreading across her face, like a hundred flowers blooming in an instant, leaving Shi Shouxin stunned for a few seconds.

Sima Shi's second wife is quite beautiful; that scumbag got a good deal.

Shi Shouxin muttered to himself.

"That's right. Once you enter the Guanzhong military camp, you will be invincible, just as you just said."

Observe more, remember more, speak less, do less, and don't leave behind evidence that could give others a handle against you.

"After you return to Luoyang, I will recommend you for a better official position."

Yang Huiyu gave her instructions calmly.

Shi Shouxin nodded cautiously, as if he understood something.

He lowered his voice and asked, "Over the years, Zhong Hui has done a lot of dirty work for the General and offended many people. If this campaign against Shu fails, his head will surely be displayed on the city wall to appease the world. But if he wins, I'm afraid he will also... suffer a miserable end."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Yang Huiyu's face. She never expected that the talented man she had recommended could have foreseen this.

She had to ponder this carefully before she could figure out what Sima Zhao was thinking, but she never expected that someone would have seen through it beforehand.

Yang Huiyu instructed Shi Shouxin to secretly record Zhong Hui's illegal activities, hoping to provide evidence to bring Zhong Hui down after the conquest of Shu.

These days, expecting others to give you opportunities to make a name for yourself is less worthwhile than sleeping in; you can dream about anything. If they're willing to share some soup with you while you're eating meat, that's already a very generous gesture.

Shi Shouxin understood immediately, looked into Yang Huiyu's eyes, and nodded cautiously to her.

Yang Huiyu's recommendation of Shi Shouxin to serve as a military inspector in Guanzhong was indeed driven by her own motives. However, the fact that this widow of Sima Shi was able to be so open and frank in stating her purpose clearly demonstrates her outstanding political credibility, making her a worthy candidate for long-term cooperation.

"I will repay Lady Xie Yu's kindness in recommending me in the future."

Shi Shouxin immediately bowed in greeting.

"What a generous reward... What more could a widow like me ask for?"

Yang Huiyu suddenly sighed deeply, her tone filled with undisguised resentment.

Shi Shouxin's heart pounded with anxiety; he had no idea how to comfort the other person. He vaguely guessed what was going on, but wasn't sure if he was just imagining things.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that's true.

Looking at his tall and straight figure, as if he had made up his mind, Yang Huiyu sighed and said:
"Over the years, I have lived in constant fear, with no one to rely on. Even with my uncle, I am like a mother to him, not relying on him, but rather sheltering him from the wind and rain."

Even if the General forced me to remarry, or even forced me to share his bed, I would be powerless to resist. To ensure Sima Yan's smooth succession, the General was absolutely capable of such a thing.

Aside from my uncle, I have no one I can trust. The bitterness I feel is unspeakable to others, and only I know the hardships I've endured.

Recommending you for an official position was a trivial matter, nothing to boast about. However, it's still hard to say whether you might betray my trust and harm me in the future due to financial hardship.

Don't rush to show your loyalty, and there's no need to defend yourself.

Sima Yi also swore an oath by the Luo River back then, and look what happened to him afterwards? My late husband was a ruthless man in the Sima family; I know all about their dirty deeds better than anyone.

I am ultimately a weak woman. How can I believe you are not the next Sima Yi? We are not related by blood or marriage. How can I trust you?

My heart was filled with unease, fearing I had entrusted myself to the wrong person. Sima Shi practically held a knife to my throat when he spoke to me, and he was still my husband. What about you?
Can I... rely on you?

Yang Huiyu looked at Shi Shouxin with great sincerity, speaking in a gentle yet worried tone. Her eyes were filled with anticipation, and her face was full of shyness and expectation, like a young girl in the throes of first love.

Shi Shouxin had seen this expression on Li Wan's face before; every time, they would inevitably roll onto the bed and get intimate.

Yang Huiyu's words reminded Shi Shouxin of a story he'd seen online when he was in college about an "older sister" who bought her boyfriend an Nvidia graphics card. Even if he were slow-witted, he knew what it meant for a widow to utter such taboo yet intimate words.

He then looked at Yang Huiyu, only to see that the beautiful woman was looking down like a girl in her first love, her eyes sparkling, her hands twisting her sleeves, shy and nervous, seemingly embarrassed and anxiously waiting for an answer.

Shi Shouxin recalled his wedding day when his wife, Li Wan, whispered in his arms how much she loved him and that they should never be apart.

He recalled that during childbirth, this foolish woman had called out his name.

Those sweet moments we shared on ordinary days kept replaying in my mind.

Shi Shouxin couldn't help but feel that irresistible, painful struggle.

He lacks ambition; his wife will eventually become Sima Yan's plaything. Shi Shouxin now understands very well the pathological mentality commonly found in powerful and influential people.

The more unattainable something is, the more intensely one desires it, feeling compelled to fulfill a vow, otherwise one's mind cannot find peace. As for the object itself, its quality becomes irrelevant.

It's obvious what Sima Yan was thinking; the reason he remained silent was because he was currently being tightly suppressed by Sima Zhao. Once Sima Zhao died, Sima Yan would likely lose his temper.

Even if he doesn't take Li Wan into his harem, he'll still have to play with her a few times before he's satisfied! Otherwise, how will he get revenge for what he did back then? Judging others by his own standards, Shi Shouxin felt that as Sima Yan's power expanded, this person wouldn't stop, and even before he had to make a move, someone would take the initiative to curry favor with him.

If Shi Shouxin refused Sima Shi's widow, he would not only lose a powerful ally, but also offend her terribly.

Consequently, Yang Hu, who was both a mentor and a friend, was also likely influenced by Yang Huiyu, and became estranged from or even broke off their friendship.

With so many enemies around and not a single ally to help, how can one strive for progress?

How can you protect your wife and family if you don't strive for success? Is it all just to uphold so-called "fidelity"?

Shi Shouxin had already made his decision when faced with the choice.

When you're under someone's roof, you should bow your head when necessary!
Seeing Shi Shouxin bow his head in silence, Yang Huiyu's expression gradually turned cold. A sense of disappointment, and even shame and anger, began to well up in her heart.

Just as Yang Huiyu was about to speak, she felt a warmth in her hand.

Shi Shouxin took her small hand and gazed at her intently.

"What are you doing? Let go!"

A hint of panic flashed across Yang Huiyu's face as she tried to pull her hand back, but her body was too weak to move.

"Yu Niangzi, if I were a tiny seedling, I would shelter you from the wind and rain."

If I were a tree ten feet tall, I would shield you from the scorching sun for ten feet.

I, Shi, hereby swear that if I ever betray you, may I be pierced by a thousand arrows and struck by lightning.

Shi Shouxin stared intently at her, his tone firm and resolute. He wasn't going to avoid it anymore; he was going to cut to the chase!
Yang Huiyu blushed instantly, lowered her head and remained silent, her mind in turmoil. A blissful, joyful feeling sent shivers down her spine, like an electric shock.

Suddenly, a large hand grabbed her shoulder, like a steel clamp.

Tightly, irresistibly, immobile, accompanied by a powerful masculine aura!

Yang Huiyu looked up and saw a pair of eyes that were filled with aggression.

"From now on, you will be my woman, and I will protect you from the wind and rain!"

Shi Shouxin spoke to her in an unquestionable tone, his voice firm and resolute!

Upon hearing this, Yang Huiyu's chest heaved violently, like a patient suffering from a sudden illness, and she gasped for breath, murmuring in a low voice, "Young Master Shi, I believe you, please don't make any more oaths, I believe you..."

As if surrendering, she slowly closed her eyes, her lotus-root-white arms encircling Shi Shouxin's neck.

Soon, her slightly parted, rosy lips were captured in a kiss, and she couldn't escape. The lamplight on the table flickered, and Yang Huiyu was lost in this domineering kiss, her mind blank.

Her body went limp in his arms, responding passionately and allowing the young man to take liberties with her at will.

It resembles a pool of spring water rippling in a pond.

……

“My benefactor, you have arrived home, so I will not go in.”

Night had fallen when the carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the Shi family mansion on the outskirts of Luoyang. Xu Ying looked at Shi Shouxin with a half-smile and said something with an unreadable meaning in her eyes.

Feeling guilty under her gaze, Shi Shouxin could only bow and take his leave.

Not long ago, he took the initiative to embrace Sima Shi's widow intimately, striking while the iron was hot and perfectly matching Yang Huiyu's emotions. The words he said directly shattered her defenses.

Shi Shouxin could sense the passion in Yang Huiyu's kiss and the joy and excitement in her heart. Yang Huiyu was very beautiful, not at all the type of rich woman trying to hook up with a rich guy. Shi Shouxin felt that even if he suggested spending the night in Yang Huiyu's boudoir, this widow would absolutely not refuse.

However, a woman still resided in Shi Shouxin's heart, preventing him from making such a request. As they parted, the beautiful woman's eyes held boundless joy and anticipation.

That expression seemed familiar; he had seen it on Li Wan's face before.

If it's just a fling, that's one thing, but the worst is when real feelings develop. How can one repay such a debt of gratitude to a beautiful woman?
At this moment, Shi Shouxin was filled with a mix of helplessness and guilt. His wife, Li Wan, had done nothing wrong; she loved him to the extreme and gave him everything she could.

Shi Shouxin felt very sorry for Li Wan today. Although this was a chaotic and deceitful world, his wife's sincerity towards him was as clear as day.

However, to be fair, Sima Shi's second wife had a really good figure. Her waist was so slender that it could be encircled by one hand. She had been pampered for many years and had never given birth, so her skin was as smooth and delicate as a young girl's.

Shi Shouxin's mind was in complete turmoil, with desire and reason constantly entangled.

He stood at his doorway, two red lanterns hanging on either side of the gate, casting a warm glow and conveying the comforting atmosphere of home. He stood there, deep in thought, but couldn't figure out how to properly handle his complicated relationship with Yang Huiyu.

He couldn't refuse this woman's "kindness," at least not given his current status. So when Yang Huiyu confessed her feelings, Shi Shouxin immediately took the initiative, greatly satisfying her pride and enthusiasm.

Shi Shouxin will not let her love turn into hatred.

Shi Shouxin couldn't even imagine the terrifying consequences if Yang Huiyu were to retaliate in anger. Not to mention, if this widow were to casually mention it to Sima Zhao, Shi Shouxin would be utterly overwhelmed.

Since you can't refuse, then give it your full focus. Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back!

Remembering Yang Huiyu's promise before he left, Shi Shouxin sighed. He had no choice but to trust her. Yang Huiyu said that Shi Shouxin and his wife, Li Wan, would be fine, and that she, as the widow of the Sima family, would secretly take care of them, so at least he wouldn't have to worry about the Sima Yan affair.

With such a promise, Shi Shouxin could only hold this woman in his arms and cherish her; what else could he do?

Is this really forcing Yang Huiyu to become an enemy?
"Huh? Why isn't Ah Lang coming in from the doorway?"

Wearing an apron, Li Wan pushed open the courtyard gate and saw Shi Shouxin standing at the door. She immediately asked with a puzzled look on her face.

"My uncle's elder sister recommended me to the general, and I was appointed as the chief officer. I will be going to Guanzhong on official business tomorrow."

I've only just gotten home and we have to part ways so soon. I don't know how to say it to you.

Shi Shouxin sighed, "I didn't tell you what happened today; telling you would only cause you more trouble."

Hearing this, Li Wan waved her hand casually and laughed, "It's no big deal. Ah Lang, are you off making a name for yourself? Come on in, the hot pot is hot."

She grabbed Shi Shouxin's large hand and walked into the courtyard, her footsteps whistling through the air.

Shi Shouxin suddenly stopped and hugged Li Wan tightly. The two embraced in the empty courtyard.

At this moment, Shi Shouxin's heart had hardened!

To protect his beloved wife, he was willing to degenerate into a vile and despicable person!

He's a man!
"Oh, alright, alright, let's go eat. It wasn't easy to get this beef, you're going to carry it all the time in the bedroom tonight, I'm not going to run away."

Li Wan said coquettishly, and took the opportunity to kiss Shi Shouxin's cheek.

Before long, the two were sitting at a table in the lobby eating.

Li Wan kept putting slices of blanched beef into Shi Shouxin's bowl, and she couldn't help but chuckle, "The cleaver that Ji Kang forged is quite good, it cuts meat so smoothly. I just don't know what his strange hobby of blacksmithing is."

"Wan Niang, if—I mean if—something terrible happens during this campaign against Shu and you have to remain a widow, you must find a good man to marry in the future."

Shi Shouxin put down his chopsticks and sighed deeply.

"Here you go again. Why are you saying such discouraging things?"

This campaign against Shu involved the entire nation's strength and years of planning; how could anything go wrong? You underestimate me too much, treating me like an ignorant woman.”

Li Wan's hands trembled slightly as she served food to Shi Shouxin, almost dropping the beef on the table.

In her view, this attack on Hanzhong involved deploying all of her elite troops, allowing for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. As long as she didn't go to the front lines, there was virtually no risk, and the elite troops of the Shu Han army were not stationed there.

It was like a dragon charging right at your face; you didn't even know how you were going to lose.

Li Wan was born into an official family and was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. She often discussed government affairs with her father, Li Yin. After her marriage, she frequently chatted with Shi Shouxin, which broadened her horizons considerably, and her perspective was in no way inferior to that of ordinary officials.

The trend of conquering Shu was obvious; as long as they didn't act recklessly, taking Hanzhong wouldn't be difficult. With Shi Shouxin serving as a military supervisor in the rear, how could he possibly be in danger?

"Alright, let's eat."

Shi Shouxin didn't say anything, but simply put some food into Li Wan's bowl.

……

When Xu Ying returned to the residence where Yang Huiyu lived, she saw the beautiful woman standing in the courtyard looking at the moon and stars as soon as she entered. It seemed that the increasingly cold autumn wind could not extinguish the flame in her heart that had been extinguished for many years and had been rekindled.

"Miss Yu, it's getting chilly, why don't you go to the study?"

Xu Ying whispered her advice.

Yang Huiyu sighed and nodded, and the two went to the study.

"Young Master Shi is public-spirited and righteous, and of upright character, just like the bright sun on the horizon."

The more I think about him, the more I like him; I think about him all the time.

Now I understand what love is, but alas, I am no longer in my youthful prime.

Yang Huiyu sat at her desk, sighing deeply. She had no idea where this ill-fated relationship would ultimately lead.

My heart was filled with both anticipation and fear; I dared not even think about what the future held.

But when she recalled how she had collapsed in Shi Shouxin's arms that day, and how the two of them had kissed so passionately, Yang Huiyu couldn't help but blush with embarrassment.

She sighed inwardly: This is what a woman should be like!

Suddenly, I no longer felt regretful.

Xu Ying chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Shi is a really nice person."

"So you want to be a concubine?"

Yang Huiyu stared at Xu Ying with a half-smile and asked.

"It's no use thinking about it."

Xu Ying sighed.

"Don't worry, as long as you do your job well for me, hehe."

Yang Huiyu hummed contentedly twice. Having tasted the sweetness, she wanted more! Now, nothing could stop her!

……

Early the next morning, the General's Mansion sent a special carriage to pick up Shi Shouxin. He would be traveling to Guanzhong with a contingent of imperial guards. Sima Zhao was quite considerate, worried about any unforeseen complications, and specially sent someone to pick him up.

Shi Shouxin, who had originally wanted to have a baby with his wife in bed, had to get up with a belly full of anger and then accept the official seal sent by Sima Zhao.

There was another person in the car with him, who was about the same age as him.

"May I ask your name, Your Excellency? I am Shi Shouxin, and I am on official business in Guanzhong."

Shi Shouxin introduced himself very politely.

Unexpectedly, the person simply replied coldly, "I am Yang Xiu, and I am traveling the same way as you."

Those eight words killed the conversation; they wouldn't say a single more.

Sensing that the other party seemed to dislike him, Shi Shouxin didn't want to keep his mouth shut.

People often have what is called "compatibility." Shi Shouxin and Du Yu hit it off immediately and could talk about anything, but he couldn't get along with Yang Xiu at all. This is a typical example of "incompatibility."

The general's carriage took the two to the Imperial Guard camp in the west of the city. The person who came to greet them was a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in a black civil official's robe, who was very refined.

"Greetings, Inspector Wei. Yang Xiu has come to the military camp to report for duty."

Yang Xiu recognized the man and quickly stepped forward to pay his respects. However, he was completely ignored. The military supervisor stepped forward, took Shi Shouxin's hand, and said, "I have long heard from my brother that Shi Gandang is a man of great integrity. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival to take up your post. Hahahaha, this way, please, this way!"

This obvious pull and step made Shi Shouxin secretly wary. He caught a glimpse of Yang Xiu's angry expression out of the corner of his eye before she turned and left.

He glanced at the gentle and approachable military supervisor in front of him and refrained from swearing.

“My name is Wei Guan, courtesy name Boyu. You may call me Boyu. This is not the place to talk. Please come into the military tent for a chat.”

Wei Guan extended a warm invitation.

The two entered the military camp, and Shi Shouxin then noticed that there weren't many tents, estimating that there were only about a thousand soldiers. Recalling the unpleasant scene from earlier, he asked with some confusion, "Wei Gongtai, why were you so cold to Yang Xiu just now?"

"Yang Xiu is leading troops alone this time, and has no subordinate relationship with me."

I am the military supervisor, my job is to find fault with him. What's the point of talking to him?
But it's different for me. You are my subordinate, and we are both military supervisors, so naturally we must cooperate sincerely.

Wei Guan explained with a smile, and there was a lot of truth in his words.

Of course, Shi Shouxin wouldn't believe his one-sided story. He didn't know what others were like, but he did know that Wei Guan... was truly best left unmentioned!

He's a cunning old fox who even managed to outwit Zhong Hui!

(End of this chapter)