Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 53 The Cypress Trees Standing Before the Prime Minister's Tomb

Just last year, Liu Shan, the emperor of Shu Han, obeyed the will of the people and issued an edict to build the first ancestral temple for Zhuge Liang in Mian County, Hanzhong, and planted fifty-four cypress trees in front of his tomb. Therefore, Zhuge Liang's tomb, including the ancestral temple, looks very new, and people often come to sweep the tomb.

Previously, there were dedicated personnel managing the area daily. However, after Wei Jun arrived, those people went into hiding and their whereabouts became unknown.

It's only natural to want to escape war; there's nothing to be curious about.

In the evening, Shi Shouxin brought wheat porridge, flatbread, and seasonal fruits and vegetables to the ancestral temple at the tomb of Zhuge Liang. The statue of Zhuge Liang looked lifelike. After all, it had only been built recently, and the paint had not yet peeled off.

Shi Shouxin ordered Meng Guan and others to set out the simple sacrificial offerings, and then instructed them to wait outside.

"Prime Minister, you once said that without tranquility one cannot go far, and without detachment one cannot clarify one's ambitions. Therefore, I, Shi, offer this simple sacrificial offering to express my respect."

He knelt on the cushion in front of the statue and performed a full prostration.

The statues, of course, could not speak; the entire temple hall was silent, imbued with an indescribable sense of mystery.

Looking at the lifelike statue of Zhuge Liang, Shi Shouxin asked softly:
"Prime Minister, the Shu Kingdom is doomed this time. People's hearts are yearning for change, and even the most formidable mountains and rivers cannot withstand the erosion of time."

The people of Shu were tired. They didn't want to send their sons on a northern expedition to achieve the illusory and impossible restoration of the Han Dynasty.

People grow old and die, nations grow old and decline; there are no immortals, nor nations that never perish. The Han Dynasty has fallen; this is destiny, this is the will of Heaven.

Do you feel it was worth it to dedicate your life to the restoration of the Han Dynasty?

He admires people who put their knowledge into practice. Regardless of their views, as long as they put them into practice, they are worthy of respect.

Clearly, the owner of this tomb was Zhuge Liang. However, the question Shi Shouxin asked was one that the long-deceased Zhuge Liang could not possibly answer.

A mocking smile appeared on Shi Shouxin's face as he continued, "After the Wei army enters Shu, there will be a catastrophe, and many people will die. In this game where man plots against tigers, and tigers plot against man, how many people can escape unscathed? Prime Minister, don't you think they are ridiculous?"

Many in the Wei army were unaware of the many "surprises" they would encounter once they arrived in Shu.

"Prime Minister, I am just an ordinary man, not as noble as you. I used a dying man to gain fame and even seduced a widow. I am really not a good person."

I really can't handle the mess the Sima family will make in the future. Let whoever is capable take over.

In this chaotic world, it's already a huge challenge for me to stay alive and protect my family. I can't think about anything else.

As the ancients often said, "Do not refrain from doing good because it is small." I may do some small good deeds, but I dare not even think about things like universal harmony.

He accomplished the affairs of the emperor and the world, winning fame before and after his death, but alas, his hair turned white!

The Sima family is not worth my loyalty.

So just trust the wisdom of future generations; after all, every generation has its own Yongjia Rebellion.

The conquest and destruction of Shu were ordained by Heaven and could not be prevented by human power.

I apologize for disturbing you today.

Shi Shouxin sighed deeply, performed a full prostration, and then got up and left the temple.

When he emerged from the tomb of Marquis Wu, the sky was already filled with stars. Meng Guan curiously approached and asked, "Commander Shi, you were in the temple for quite a while..."

Meng Guan didn't say what he wanted to say next, nor was there any need to. It was getting dark, and he was still talking to the deceased in the temple—was he hoping for their intervention?
In any case, Meng Guan didn't understand.

"Let's go back to the camp and rest."

Shi Shouxin said wearily, too tired to explain anything.

The group returned to Zhong Hui's camp. As soon as they entered the camp gate, Shi Shouxin was led to a military tent by a sentry. He recognized the guard on duty; he was one of Wei Guan's men.

Upon learning of his return, Wei Guan hurriedly welcomed him into the military tent. After the two sat down, Wei Guan handed Shi Shouxin a wooden box. The box was not only locked with a copper lock, but also had sealing wax applied to all the seams, indicating that it was highly confidential.

"We'll leave at dawn tomorrow, but not to Luoyang, but to Chang'an. The General is already stationed in Chang'an."

Wei Guan said in a deep voice.

Shi Shouxin took the box, bowed respectfully, and didn't say a word.

"Today I cast a divination, which is the fifty-seventh hexagram in the Book of Changes."

Wei Guan watched as Shi Shouxin took the box and said slowly.

As a must-read book for scholars, Shi Shouxin had some understanding of the Book of Changes. At least he knew the meaning of each of the sixty-four hexagrams very well.

"wind?"

Shi Shouxin asked in confusion.

"Yes, it's the wind. Yang'an Pass has fallen, and the wind has picked up."

Wei Guan said meaningfully.

Shi Shouxin had a vague idea of ​​what was going on, but he wasn't quite sure yet.

"The wind is a sign of impending rain; will it rise with the wind, or will it drift away with it?"

Shi Shouxin countered with a question.

"The divination is merely a prediction; people are ultimately just people and cannot be controlled by the divination. This is what is meant by 'human effort determines everything.'"

If nothing is done, the divination result is useless, indicating that nothing can be achieved.

"Fate is unpredictable; this divination has two interpretations. Even I, Wei, cannot fathom the will of Heaven."

Wei Guan stroked his beard and laughed.

"Understood. I will set off at dawn tomorrow."

Shi Shouxin didn't want to play guessing games with Wei Guan anymore.

He stood up with the box and left. Just as he reached the entrance of the military tent, Wei Guan suddenly called out to him, "If the General did not send you back to deliver the message, then you should stay in Chang'an and await orders. There is no need to come to Hanzhong. If you encounter any trouble, you can come to me."

"I understand."

Shi Shouxin spoke calmly, then left the military tent. Wei Guan's words seemed to have a deeper meaning, but Shi Shouxin could not yet fathom its mystery.

Upon arriving at his military tent, Shi Shouxin ordered Meng Guan to guard the entrance, forbidding anyone from entering without his permission.

This includes Meng Guan himself.

Shi Shouxin took out a delicate little iron piece from his sleeve, carefully scraped off the sealing wax on the wooden box, then found a specially made copper wire, inserted it into the copper lock, and gently tried to twist it.

As the copper wire went in and out and turned, a "click" was heard and the copper lock opened!

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and let out a long breath.

The Shaofu (a high-ranking official) specializes in the study of machinery. One of his colleagues is an expert in these mechanisms and locks. Shi Shouxin learned a few tricks from him and sure enough, he put them to use today. This is what they mean by having many skills.

The wooden box was full of letters, and at first glance, there seemed to be quite a lot of them.

There were letters from Wei Guan, Yang Xiu, Du Yu, Hu Lie, and many other people whose names I had never heard of!

These letters all appeared to be from mid- to high-ranking generals in the Wei army, and were therefore very important. Shi Shouxin opened them one by one and was greatly surprised by what he found.

Du Yu said that Zhong Hui was exchanging flirtatious glances and letters with the generals of Shu, and that he might seize power in Shu and become the next Liu Bei. Hu Lie said that Zhong Hui was arrogant and conceited, and might do something treacherous after entering Shu.

Yang Xiu put it more bluntly: Zhong Hui will definitely rebel.

Only Wei Guan remained noncommittal, saying that the army would return to Chang'an after securing the defense of Yang'an Pass.

As expected, many generals in the army were respectful to Zhong Hui to his face, but in private they reported on him extensively, and most of them spoke ill of him.

However, according to regulations, letters from military commanders had to be reviewed by the Grand Commander or the military supervisor before being sent back to Luoyang. These were likely the "informant letters" from many military commanders who complained to Wei Guan about Zhong Hui.

As for whether Wei Guan read them or not, it's hard to say, since none of the letters were sealed.

Shi Shouxin also found a document reporting merits, which had many names on it, but his was not among them.

Shi Shouxin immediately ground ink and picked up a brush, copied all the letters, then wrapped them tightly in a piece of silk and put them close to his body.

He slowly and deliberately put the letter back into the wooden box, locked it, and reapplied sealing wax. Shi Shouxin looked it over from all angles, and thinking there shouldn't be any flaws, he put the wooden box away and lay down to sleep.

……

In Chang'an, inside the somewhat dilapidated Guanzhong Governor's Mansion, Sima Zhao was working in his study.

The person organizing the documents beside him was Shao Ti from the Western Garrison. Sima Zhao noticed out of the corner of his eye that Shao Ti seemed about to speak several times but hesitated, so he put his pen down on the pen holder, looked up, and asked with some displeasure, "Just say what you have to say, why all this fuss?"

"General, it is truly inappropriate to send Zhong Hui to lead the army to attack Shu this time. Zhong Hui is extremely ambitious, and now that he holds a large army, it is hard to guarantee that he will not have any thoughts of rebellion."

It's not too late to change the coach now.

Shao Ti earnestly advised.

"Among those in the court who are determined to attack Shu, only Zhong Hui stands out. Even Yang Hu, a relative by marriage to the Sima family, opposes the attack on Shu, and there are many more others who oppose it. If I can't let Zhong Hui lead the troops, who else can I send?"

Sima Zhao countered with a question.

Shao Ti remained silent, because that was indeed the case, or rather, only Zhong Hui was willing to do such a "dangerous" job.

Seeing that Shao Ti remained silent, Sima Zhao comforted him, saying, "Zhong Hui has captured Hanzhong. The local people of Shu are afraid of the Wei army and would not support him as the commander of an enemy state. Moreover, the families of the soldiers are all in their homeland in the Central Plains and would not follow Zhong Hui in his reckless actions. So you can rest assured."

It must be said that there is some truth to this, and Shao Ti immediately agreed with a few words and did not bring up the matter again.

After finishing his official business, Sima Zhao was about to get up and leave to stroll outside the city when he was suddenly informed by his attendant that Jia Chong was requesting an audience!

Upon meeting, Jia Chong asked Sima Zhao, "General, do you trust Zhong Hui?"

Sima Zhao replied, "Of course I trust Zhong Hui. Even if I send you to lead the army to attack Shu, I will still trust you."

Jia Chong was speechless and couldn't say anything more. He could only bow to Sima Zhao and make an excuse to leave.

After Jia Chong left, Sima Zhao left the governor's mansion and returned to his villa in Chang'an.

The night was long, and Sima Zhao, unable to sleep, lay on the couch in his study, contemplating the aftermath of the campaign against Shu. By then, he would be the Duke of Jin, and soon the state of Jin would replace Cao Wei, and he would become emperor.

Sima Zhao had a deep-seated worry, which stemmed from this:

Sima You, the second son of Sima Shi, was adopted by Sima Shi and posed a great threat to the future succession of power.

Why do you say that?
Since the Sima family seized power and changed dynasties, should Sima Yi be posthumously honored as an emperor?

That is required.

Should Sima Shi be posthumously granted the title of emperor?

That's necessary, because there's a proper order of seniority.

So here's the question: Sima You was Sima Shi's eldest son, and since Sima Shi was posthumously honored as emperor, Sima You was the legitimate heir.

Since Sima Zhao became emperor, his eldest son Sima Yan should also be emperor, and Sima Yan should be the legitimate heir.

So, between Sima Yan and Sima You, who was the rightful heir?

Most of the court officials now support Sima Yan, and there's not much to say about that.

However, if Sima Yan's sons were not capable, then between the Crown Prince and another "eldest son" Sima You, who was more legitimate?

Sima Zhao was not quite sure what others thought.

The court officials probably have many thoughts on this.

Therefore, Sima Zhao was considering that he had to "get Sima You back" as soon as possible.

In this case, Sima Yan would be Sima You's elder brother. Following the proper order of seniority, Sima Yan's offspring would be the rightful heirs, effectively blocking Sima You's path to seizing power and dissuading him from that endeavor.

However, establishing an heir is like establishing a country; once a child is sent away, how easy is it to get them back?
Sima Zhao was very troubled by this matter.

Just as he was feeling troubled, Wang Yuanji pushed open the door, walked to his side, and sat on the bed.

“Zhong Hui is opportunistic and treacherous, and likes to stir up trouble. If he is favored too much, he will definitely cause chaos. He cannot be entrusted with important responsibilities.”

"If we attack Shu this time, Zhong Hui will surely rebel."

Wang Yuanji spoke in a deep voice as soon as they met.

"I had my reasons for sending Zhong Hui to lead the army to attack Shu."

Sima Zhao snorted coldly.

"Oh? What's the intention?"

Wang Yuanji held Sima Zhao's hand and asked casually.

"Hmph, Deng Ai is the General Who Conquers the West, while Zhong Hui is the General Who Guards the West. Although Zhong Hui oversees the overall situation, Deng Ai's official rank is still slightly higher than Zhong Hui's."

It is impossible for the two to join forces in rebellion.

Zhuge Xu was the governor of Yongzhou, and Liu Qin was the prefect of Weixing. The four of them were not subordinate to each other, but only nominally obeyed Zhong Hui.

Moreover, these four units belong to four different regions, and the officers of each unit are only familiar with their own army and not with the others.

The possibility of the four armies uniting is extremely slim.

"With such a plan, how could Zhong Hui possibly rebel?"

A cold glint flashed in Sima Zhao's eyes, clearly indicating that he had made preparations beforehand.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuanji said nothing more.

Sima Zhao stood up, turned his back to Wang Yuanji, and sighed, "Zhong Hui has been involved in confidential matters for more than ten years and knows too many things. I cannot rest easy until this man is eliminated."

"Then let's wait for good news."

Wang Yuanji said something casually, then slowly left the study. She had something to say, but seeing Sima Zhao's expression, she decided against it.

(End of this chapter)