Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 63 Workplace Bullying
Having been enfeoffed as Duke of Jin, received the Nine Bestowments, and been promoted to Chancellor, Sima Zhao was extremely pleased with himself.

However, the fact that the army attacking Shu was still under someone else's control made him somewhat uneasy. So, after dealing with matters in Luoyang, Sima Zhao, along with his advisors including Jia Chong, left Luoyang and returned to Chang'an to oversee the battle.

Furthermore, Sima Zhao issued an imperial edict to Zhong Hui: take Hanzhong and that's enough; don't cause any further trouble. After stabilizing the battle lines, he led his troops back to Guanzhong, thus ending the campaign against Shu.

However, when he returned to Chang'an, the reply from Zhong Hui enraged Sima Zhao!
In his letter, Zhong Hui wrote: "Jiang Wei has gathered most of Shu's elite troops and stationed them at Jiange, ready to counterattack at any time. Our army has just captured several passes of Shu, and the defenses are not yet fully in place. Once the main army returns to the capital, Jiang Wei is likely to make a comeback. Therefore, our army cannot withdraw from Hanshou for the time being. I request that the General ensure the supply lines are secured."

In short: I don't want to withdraw my troops!

Although Sima Zhao had long anticipated that Zhong Hui would not be so obedient, he had not expected Zhong Hui to refuse to withdraw his troops so directly.

After capturing Baishui Pass and Hanshou, Zhong Hui's "confidence" grew even stronger. In the past, Zhong Hui would never have dared to defy Sima Zhao's orders like this.

Early that morning, Sima Zhao summoned his relatives and confidants, including Sima Wang, Sima Zhou, Sima You, Yang Hu, and Jia Chong, to his study for a meeting. He laid out Zhong Hui's reply on the table, looked around at everyone, and said, "Take a look, all of you."

Zhong Hui's letter was passed around among the people, and no one uttered a sound as they read it. The entire study was filled with an unsettling silence, and no one broke the silence.

Because it's a matter of great importance, nobody wants to be the first to stick their neck out!
"Jia Chong, what do you think? What does Zhong Hui mean by this?!"

Sima Zhao asked in a deep voice.

“Zhong Hui already harbors rebellious intentions, otherwise he wouldn’t have said such things.”

Jia Chong bowed to Sima Zhao and answered very decisively. His relationship with Zhong Hui was already bad, so naturally he wouldn't say anything nice to him at this moment.

"Uncle, what do you think?"

Sima Zhao turned his head and looked at Yang Hu, who had been keeping his eyes down, and asked him a question. He knew that Yang Hu didn't like to get involved in things, and that was precisely why he should ask him more questions.

"General, there's no need to delve into Zhong Hui's thoughts anymore. The key is how to deal with him. Now that he commands over 100,000 troops, we must be cautious."

Yang Hu answered succinctly, saying he didn't want to speak ill of Zhong Hui behind his back. Zhong Hui was a vengeful person, and although Yang Hu wasn't afraid of Zhong Hui causing trouble, he didn't want to invite trouble for no reason.

Who knows what Zhong Hui will do after his triumphant return to the capital? And who can be sure that Zhong Hui really won't return to Guanzhong?
However, Yang Hu's answer clearly did not satisfy Sima Zhao.

"So what do you think?"

Sima Zhao asked without any politeness, unlike his previous tolerant manner.

Previously, Sima Zhao harbored some lewd thoughts towards his widowed sister-in-law, Yang Huiyu, and therefore tended to favor her younger brother, Yang Hu. Now that their relationship has soured, he naturally won't tolerate Yang Hu's behavior, and everything will be handled strictly according to official procedures.

"I suggest that we move our troops to the Baoxie Road and Tangluo Road to take over the logistics of the army that is going to conquer Shu, in preparation for any eventuality."

As for Zhong Hui's side, the General can tentatively agree. Jiang Wei has amassed troops at Jiange, displaying a formidable presence, and withdrawing his troops would indeed be somewhat risky.

As long as the supply lines are controlled, even if Zhong Hui were to rebel, the soldiers would not follow him in his reckless actions.

Yang Hu said calmly that his suggestion came entirely from his heart and was not directed at any particular person.

"Well, that's fine."

Sima Zhao nodded noncommittally, but did not ask Sima Wang, Sima Zhou, or his son Sima You.

Sima Zhao then made arrangements for military affairs, mainly focusing on how to deploy the 100,000 troops in Guanzhong. He then dismissed everyone in the study, leaving only Jia Chong to discuss confidential matters.

Sima Zhao's actions made Jia Chong feel very uncomfortable. Before leaving, Sima Wang, Sima Zhou, and other members of the imperial clan all looked at him with meaningful eyes.

This made Jia Chong, who didn't want to be high-profile, realize that he was already in the eye of the storm.

"It was inconvenient to say this earlier because there were too many people around, but you can say it now."

Sima Zhao looked at Jia Chong and said.

Perhaps because the three-in-one package of usurping the throne had been delivered, Sima Zhao's aura seemed much stronger than before.

Jia Chong was shrewd and never lacked bad ideas; he had also long since figured out Sima Zhao's character.

Jia Chong slowly began to speak: "Duke of Jin, in the first chapter of the Spring and Autumn Annals, there is the story of Duke Zheng defeating Duan at Yan."

Zhong Hui had already captured Hanzhong and occupied places like Baishuiguan and Hanshou. He was full of pride and looked down on everyone.

It would be better for the General to grant Zhong Hui higher official rank and titles, and also to bestow official rank and titles upon his adopted sons (Zhong Hui has no children).

The Duke of Jin bestowed fields, houses, and wealth as a sign of his favor. Presumably, Zhong Hui will become even more arrogant in Hanzhong and will offend many people.

When Zhong Hui incurs public wrath, taking him down will be a piece of cake. Everyone will be overjoyed to see Zhong Hui brought down.

What does the Duke of Jin think?

Upon hearing this, Sima Zhao nodded without changing his expression.

Old Coin is a real scoundrel, full of evil intentions. When Zhong Hui took Hanzhong, rewarding him was just a convenient move.

However, in secret, Sima Zhao, who was already the Duke of Jin, was able to set up the scheme, and he had the financial resources to make it very well-conceived.

Zhong Hui was a man who was arrogant and disdainful of others, and he didn't pay much attention to his conduct.

It will be very difficult for Zhong Hui to escape from this trap.

"In that case, you can make the arrangements."

Zhong Hui's official rank doesn't need to be raised beyond Situ, but his noble title can be elevated, by giving his adopted son an additional official and noble title.

In addition, an envoy was sent to Hanshou to commend Zhong Hui.

"Oh, and send someone to Yinping to reprimand Deng Ai, telling him to learn from Zhong Hui. When Deng Ai learns of Zhong Hui's promotion, he'll surely be resentful and won't collude with him!"

Sima Zhao gave instructions to Jia Chong.

"Please rest assured, General, this matter is easy to handle."

By the way, isn't Shi Shouxin, who works under the Commandant of the Capital Region, both brave and resourceful? Let him go to Hanshou to find Zhong Hui, and then head west to Yinping to find Deng Ai, to deliver the imperial edicts. In any case, we won't trouble two masters with one matter.

He's currently overseeing the battle at Huangjinwei, so sending him to deliver the message won't be difficult.

Jia Chong chuckled.

Upon hearing this, Sima Zhao almost burst out laughing.

Shi Shouxin had thoroughly disgusted Jia Chong back then, and although the latter didn't retaliate directly, he held a grudge. This wasn't a personal grudge, but since he had the opportunity to settle a personal score, Jia Chong didn't hesitate at all.

They're just using this opportunity to rip us off.

More importantly, Sima Zhao was happy to see this happen.

When Shi Shouxin returned with a letter last time, exposing Zhong Hui's conspiracy, it showed that he was quite wise and reliable.

If someone can get things done, then get more done; if someone is capable, then use them to the fullest!
Sima Zhao had no sympathy for his subordinates. Even though Shi Shouxin was Li Yin's favored son-in-law, it was the same; at most, he would be mentioned in the post-war reward system.

"In that case, you and Yang Hu will lead 20,000 troops and garrison them respectively at Tangluo Road and Baoxie Road. Then send someone to Huangjinwei to deliver the letter to Shi Shouxin, and have him make a trip to Hanshou and Yinping. Zhong Hui is cunning; if an ordinary person delivers the letter, I'm afraid they will really fall into his trap."

Sima Zhao's expression was somber and his tone serious. It was clear that he did not intend to cause trouble for Shi Shouxin, but simply believed that Shi was the most suitable person to deliver the message.

In other words, Shi Shouxin, this little Karami, is not worth Sima Zhao targeting.

……

"Liu Yin, to be honest, you little Karami aren't worth the Grand Commander's attention. Why are you still guarding the Golden Enclosure? Why not just surrender?"

Bound hand and foot, Shi Shouxin looked at the middle-aged scholar in front of him, who was over fifty years old and had gray hair, and said with a sigh.

The words were blunt but straightforward, reflecting the current balance of power.

As for what "Little Karami" means, Liu Yin didn't want to delve into it; in short, it's just a derogatory term used in dialect with ill intent.

Liu Yin looked around and saw that almost all of his personal guards were injured, mostly from small stones that had shattered after being hit by the stones. Some of them even had broken bones.

My heart sank.

Faced with this envoy from the Cao Wei army camp at the foot of the mountain, Liu Yin felt helpless but did not want to give in.

"Shi Shouxin, the situation in Huangjinwei is not good right now, as I'm sure you can see."

But if you want to resort to force, just send men to attack the mountain. There's no need to waste time talking here. Let's all rely on our own abilities. We'll kill one of you as you come, and you can just go ahead and kill as many as you want. There's nothing more to say.

Your Sima clan of Wei usurped power, breaking the backbone of your subjects. But I, Liu, have integrity and will serve my sovereign faithfully to the end. You need not offer any advice; feel free to hurl insults at me.

"Get out of here after you've finished cursing."

Liu Yin spoke with great confidence and authority.

Shi Shouxin made a high-profile entrance at Huangjinwei, immediately proposing unconditional surrender. Liu Yin retorted sharply, and the two argued from the very beginning, with absolutely no atmosphere of "persuasion to surrender" whatsoever.

"Hmph, you can still be stubborn now, but if you say a few more words, you might not have the chance in the future."

Shi Shouxin snorted coldly.

"Someone, take him to the warehouse at the top of the mountain and keep a close watch on him."

Liu Yin waved his hand.

Two guards with bruises on their faces tied Shi Shouxin up and escorted him out of the military tent.

Liu Yin's situation was not good. The Wei army bombarded the mountaintop fortress for ten consecutive days. In their efforts to transport supplies from the mountaintop fortress, many people were injured, and some even lost their lives.

Now, the few hundred garrison troops can only camp on the mountainside, enduring wind and rain.

This is a classic example of unfortunate people hurting each other. On one side, it's to avoid being punished by their superiors; on the other, it's to uphold their so-called integrity.

Winning brings no benefit, losing brings misfortune; the scale of the battle is less than the number of casualties Hu Lie and his men suffered in a single battle.

It's truly heartbreaking to hear.

Liu Yin also deeply sympathized with this situation.

Half a day passed in a flash, and after nightfall, Liu Yin led two personal guards to the mountaintop fortress. Only one room there was undamaged by the trebuchets, and Shi Shouxin was sitting on the floor with his eyes closed, resting.

"You stay on the mountain path and don't let anyone else get close."

Liu Yin gave an order to his personal guards, and after the two men left, he turned to Shi Shouxin and asked, "We each serve our own masters, so there's no need to say more. However, in war, envoys are not to be killed. If you have nothing else to say, I will arrange for my personal guards to escort you down the mountain."

Shi Shouxin clearly sensed that Liu Yin's tone had softened.

The bombardment of the fortress with stones for ten days has almost destroyed the "rear area" of the Jinhuangwei Shu army. Now these people are not eating or sleeping well, and in the long run, their morale will definitely be low and the army will have no will to fight.

In other words, Liu Yin was also very upset by the Wei army's unsportsmanlike conduct.

"This time, the Shu Kingdom will be destroyed, and Liu Shan's edict will soon be sent to Huangjinwei."

I have nothing to say about your loyalty to the emperor and your fearlessness in the face of death, but do all your soldiers want to give their lives for Liu Shan?
Are you so sure that Zhong Hui won't massacre the city to vent his anger after the Golden City is breached? Finding the homes of these soldiers shouldn't be too difficult, right?

Even if you don't think about yourself, you should at least think about your subordinates.

Shi Shouxin began to offer his advice.

"The Shu region has many passes and strongholds; it's not something you can just break through as you please. To say with such certainty that the Shu kingdom is doomed is rather presumptuous."

Liu Yin shook his head and sighed. In his opinion, Hanzhong was definitely lost, but Shu would not be lost.

At least it won't be lost in this wave of Wei's offensive against Shu.

In fact, Liu Yin had long understood the situation clearly. Once Hanzhong was captured, the Wei army's offensive would be over. Liu Yin was prepared to die in battle at Huangjinwei; he simply couldn't agree with Shi Shouxin's statement that "Shu is doomed."

"Alright, let's not attack the city anymore. You can all go to the mountaintop to recuperate. A battle with only a few hundred people like this doesn't really offer much in terms of military achievements, so there's no point in continuing."

If Liu Shan's surrender edict reaches Huangjinwei in the future, how about you lay down your weapons and surrender?
My only requirement is that you surrender only to us, and not to any other Wei generals.

Shi Shouxin asked in a deep voice.

Liu Yin nodded, which was taken as his approval of the suggestion.

"Then write an article that uses objects to express your feelings, implying that you need the monarch to give the order, and you will only surrender upon receiving the edict; otherwise, you would rather all die in battle."

Tomorrow I'll take this article back to the camp, and from now on we'll keep to ourselves.

We won't attack the mountain, and you won't raid the camp.

Shi Shouxin made specific requests.

"That's fine too. If Shu really falls, there's no point in holding onto this Golden Enclosure."

Given the current situation in Hanzhong, it would be pointless for us to come down the mountain and attack you.

Liu Yin sighed deeply.

Shi Shouxin's proposal can be summarized in three words: no unnecessary trouble.

If they don't launch any attacks now, Liu Yin will have to surrender to them obediently in the future. It's that simple.

"Then tonight I will send someone to escort you down the mountain. As for that article, I will send my personal guards to your camp tomorrow."

Liu Yin made a quick decision to send Shi Shouxin back to Liu Qin's Wei army camp first, to avoid any unforeseen complications.

(End of this chapter)