Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 9 Prologue 9 Sima Zhao, take this!

At dawn, Shi Gandang, carrying the emperor's banner under his arm, stepped onto the emperor's carriage. After settling in, he stretched out a hand and called out to Shi Chong, who was hesitating below, "Sixth Brother, get in the carriage quickly!"

At this moment, Cao Mao's "army" had already stopped in front of the office, fully prepared to set off. This army looked vast... but the "vast" in "vast" was actually empty; it looked like there were only a few hundred people.

It's even very likely that there will be no more than 500 people.

Seeing that the emperor's entourage was so meager, Shi Chong panicked at the last minute. His legs trembled with fear, and coupled with his constipated expression, he hesitated before the emperor's carriage.

They were unwilling to leave, but also dared not get on the bus.

When Cao Mao saw Shi Chong's appearance and then looked at the calm and composed Shi Gandang beside him, he immediately understood which of the two was the true leader.

Although Shi Chong was the master, he was clearly not the one who made the decisions.

He was about to speak to persuade Shi Chong to leave when he saw Shi Gandang leap down and pull and drag Shi Chong to the seat next to the coachman.

"Sixth Brother, hesitation only leads to trouble! Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back!"

Shi Gandang roared at Shi Chong!
Shi Chong took the banner from Shi Gandang's hand, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down.

There's no point in saying more now, we can only fight it out and go all out!

"it is good!"

Shi Chong shouted.

"Open the palace gates!"

Li Zhao, who was serving nearby, gave the order.

The door to the office was slowly opened. Because the door was rarely used, the hinges made a series of harsh, grinding noises as they turned, which was particularly unpleasant.

It was as if the gates of hell had been opened, and the wide road before them was like the road to the underworld.

"Follow the Emperor's lead, and execute the traitors on behalf of the Son of Heaven!"

Shi Gandang shouted!
The coachman cracked his whip, and the carriage began to slowly accelerate forward. Behind them, Cao Mao's so-called "confidants" were all foot soldiers without horses, silently following behind.

It seems inevitable that this team will be intercepted sooner or later.

Shi Gandang gripped the imperial staff tightly with both hands, his eyes fixed straight ahead, looking as if he were ready to die.

“Of course! Why don’t we ride off and clear a path with our swords?”

Shi Chong suggested in a low voice, as he had regained some courage and wanted to show off.

"It's better to stay by His Majesty's side."

Shi Gandang stopped the restless Shi Chong.

To clear a path with a sword?
Haha, I think too much.

Shi Gandang really didn't know how to comment on Shi Chong's words.

Let alone the fact that it's too late for him to learn swordsmanship now, even considering the upcoming fierce battle, the ratio of enemy to friendly forces, at the most optimistic estimate, is one to ten, or even more.

However, there was one advantage: Cao Mao was there. With the emperor in front, the imperial guards couldn't bring themselves to kill the so-called "personal troops" behind Cao Mao.

Because now, no matter who makes the move, regardless of the outcome, the person who makes the move is very likely to be purged by the Sima family afterwards!
Commonly known as "taking the blame".

The lower a person's status, the more likely they are to be blamed!

Shi Gandang understood perfectly well that it was precisely because the Sima family's reputation was already so bad that they were particularly fond of feigning benevolence and offering small favors in an attempt to salvage some of their family's reputation.

Moreover, if someone absolutely had to be held responsible, Sima Zhao would definitely try to shift the blame as much as possible, minimizing his own responsibility! Therefore, those low-ranking soldiers and even mid-to-low-ranking officers who spoke ill of the Sima family would find it difficult to have a decent ending if things went wrong!

Sima Zhao dealt with these people without any psychological burden, just as Shi Chong had done with the slave traders.

Whoever makes the first move will be the perfect scapegoat! Shi Gandang is betting that the Sima family will hesitate to strike, fearing the consequences.

However, since it's gambling, there are bound to be risks.

For example, swords have no eyes; for example, a smart person encountering a fool; for example, what if Sima Zhao stops pretending?
Therefore, while Cao Mao's victory or defeat was almost certain, Shi Gandang's own chances of winning or losing were only fifty-fifty.

Just as he was lost in thought, a mixed force of infantry and cavalry blocked the wide road. Almost everyone was armored. Compared to Cao Mao's confidants, these imperial guards were like regular troops and militia.

The difference was so great that even an illiterate person who knew nothing about military affairs could tell the difference.

At this moment, the imperial carriage had no choice but to stop, as someone was blocking the way ahead, and the road was impassable!

"Your Majesty, are you not holding a court session? Why are you leaving the palace with your guards?"

The imperial guards lined up opposite parted to make way, and a middle-aged man in an official robe but without armor rode out on horseback. From a distance, he bowed to Cao Mao.

"Sima Zhou! The Emperor has led his personal guards out of the palace to execute the treacherous traitor Sima Zhao, who has brought disaster to the country and its people!"

Get out of the way! Otherwise, you'll be treated as an accomplice!

Li Zhao, who was standing to the side, shouted to Sima Zhou, "Sima Zhou is Sima Yi's son, and his mother is Consort Fu."

This person was Sima Zhao's half-brother.

In this situation, how could Sima Zhou possibly back down! Everything he possesses now is supported by the power of the Sima family.

If the Sima family loses power, he will be nothing more than a roadside figure.

Sima Zhou then addressed Cao Mao's troops, saying, "Your Majesty, you have been misled by villains. The truth is not as they say. The Grand General is a pillar of the state, and you personally bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Jin just a few months ago. He has already refused your offer to confer the title of Duke of Jin upon him. How could he possibly be a treacherous villain who brings disaster to the country and the people? You should return to the palace quickly, as the court assembly is about to begin."

Sima Zhou pretended to be confused, intending to stall for time.

Hands-on?

It's impossible for him to take action. Sima Zhao doesn't want to take the blame, but does his half-brother want to?

Nobody's a fool. This mess is clearly a thankless task!

Just as Shi Chong was about to rebuke Sima Zhou, he heard Shi Gandang raise the emperor's staff, point at Sima Zhou, and shout: "Nonsense! Everyone knows Sima Zhao's intentions! Who in the world doesn't know that Sima Zhao is plotting to usurp the throne all day long! You still call him a pillar of the state? I have never seen such a shameless person!"

"Who are you, and how dare you spout such nonsense here?"

Sima Zhou was furious, but he had to admit that the other party was right to scold him.

"Who do you care who I am!"
His noble spirit endures through the ages, his loyal heart shines through the ages!
He never served his country in his lifetime, but his loyal soul will make up for it!
Sima Zhou, listen up!
Justice resides in the hearts of the people. Even if Sima Zhao wields immense power and is utterly infamous, he cannot silence the public's grievances!

Gentlemen! The Cao family has nurtured its retainers for fifty years; today is the day to uphold their loyalty and die for their principles! Charge into battle alongside the Emperor; those who block his path will be killed without mercy!

Go!

Shi Gandang's words were deeply moving and awe-inspiring!
Cao Mao's personal guards instantly surged with momentum, charging forward in front of the imperial carriage with unwavering courage and fearlessness, heading straight for Sima Zhou's troops.

Sima Zhou's troops were completely confused about the situation.

They weren't sent by Sima Zhao specifically to stage a coup; they were just on routine patrol passing through the area. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to respond so quickly.

In fact, Sima Zhou had not received any orders from Sima Zhao to intercept Cao Mao's army. Everyone had only heard that Cao Mao was going to kill Sima Zhao at the Luoyang Palace that day, but no one knew that Cao Mao was planning a surprise attack!

Sima Zhao's heavy troops deployed at the south gate of Luoyang Palace were completely useless at this moment!
The deliberately released troop deployment map was also a deception; Cao Mao's previous strategic deception had now achieved great success.

Anyone who blocks the emperor's way will be killed without mercy. So... if we give way, everything should be fine, right?
Sima Zhou's troops immediately turned and fled, showing no will to resist. In an instant, their formation was shattered by Cao Mao's forces. Wave after wave of clever youngsters cleared the way, standing aside to watch Cao Mao's imperial carriage drive away.

In just one exchange, Sima Zhou was utterly defeated.

Of course, neither side suffered many casualties, because neither side wanted to risk their lives for something so trivial. Sima Zhou watched the farcical so-called "battle," then looked at his troops who had just scattered and were now slowly regrouping, and couldn't help but sigh to the heavens.

The power of the Sima family was in their hands, but justice and morality were absent. Often, when one is in a position of injustice, it's difficult to defeat others. This isn't a matter of a general's ability, but rather a matter of stance.

"Follow behind the imperial procession, keep a little distance, and avoid conflict with them."

Sima Zhou had no choice but to give such instructions to his trusted confidants, and then sent a messenger on horseback to the General's Mansion.

Thus, a "little tail" grew behind Cao Mao's imperial procession. These people followed him all the way but dared not get close at all, looking like thieves, which was extremely comical.

……

The news that the emperor had left the palace and headed straight for the general's residence spread like wildfire, quickly reaching the ears of General Sima Zhao.

At this very moment, this powerful minister of Wei was changing into his official robes with the help of his maids, preparing to enter the palace triumphantly, only to watch Cao Mao, like a clown, order the imperial guards to "execute the traitors."

By then, no matter what orders Cao Mao gives, nothing will happen at the court meeting.

As long as Sima Zhao doesn't feel embarrassed, then it's Cao Mao who will feel embarrassed.

Sima Zhao really wanted to see the young emperor in a sorry state, and to experience the twisted pleasure of "Who dares to accuse me?"

Life is so boring, isn't it interesting to watch those grasshoppers hopping around desperately in autumn?
However, when Sima Zhao heard that Cao Mao dared to play "strategic deception" and was rushing towards the General's Mansion without regard for his own safety, he was immediately furious!
"Anshi, quickly inform Jia Chong to send light cavalry to the General's Mansion! Protect the General's Mansion!"

Sima Zhao gave instructions to Sima Yan, his face filled with anxiety. At this moment, he trusted only his own sons and no one else.

Li Yin sat upright in his study, head bowed, eyes gazing inward, as if asleep. Sima Zhao had miscalculated; many of his trusted advisors and strategists were near the south gate of Luoyang Palace, preparing for any potential coup within the palace.

Unexpectedly, these deployments have now left the General's Mansion with a depleted military force.

"General, please sit here and let things settle down. It is not convenient for you to get involved in this matter."

If you don't intervene, there's still room for maneuver. But if you do intervene, what will you say to the Emperor?

Li Yin persuaded Sima Zhaodao with great earnestness.

Sima Zhao nodded, abandoning his idea of ​​making a fuss over nothing.

Li Yin was a man of integrity and poverty. He would only speak and act according to his own ideas and would never flatter anyone.

That is why Sima Zhao delegated the authority to recruit talent in the General's Office to him.

"Oh, what if, what if..."

At this moment, Sima Zhao was muttering to himself, clearly losing his composure.

It's human nature to try to understand other people's values ​​based on one's own.

The Sima family rose to power through backstabbing, so they were especially worried about being betrayed by others at crucial moments.

After all, those who start things often have no descendants. If you do the first thing, you can't blame others for doing the fifteenth.

"General, simply close the gates of your residence and remain calm."

The emperor is young and acting rashly; the situation will calm down.

Li Yin spoke calmly, maintaining his usual posture; if he didn't speak, others would think he was asleep. Seeing this, Sima Zhao had no choice but to remain silent, kneeling on the soft cushion, wanting to vent but having nowhere to do so.

Sima Zhao is now at his wit's end and can only hope that Jia Chong will step up his game.

……

Cao Mao's imperial entourage continued eastward, drawing ever closer to the General's Mansion. Shi Gandang seemed to hear a song from his past life echoing in his ears, his heart surging with emotion, filled with fearlessness:

I want to fly up to the sky and stand shoulder to shoulder with the sun; the world is waiting for me to change it.

I'm not afraid of others seeing the dreams I want to have; I can realize them all here.

Loud laughter lets us stand shoulder to shoulder; where can't we find boundless joy?

Leaving my worries behind, I stride forward bravely, standing right in the center of the stage.

Yes, in this grand drama, both the main characters and supporting actors have already made their appearances.

At this moment, Shi Gandang seemed to see himself standing under the spotlight on the stage, writing a magnificent chapter in history.

Behind him, Cao Mao sat on the imperial carriage, holding his sword, looking spirited and majestic.

Cao Mao gripped Shi Gandang's arm tightly and exclaimed excitedly, "Shi Gandang, you just gave Sima Zhou a good scolding! It made me feel so good! Hahahaha! I haven't felt as good as I have today since I came to Luoyang!"

The swift and decisive victory over Sima Zhou's heavily armed forces gave Cao Mao a sudden sense of unease: this surprise attack might actually succeed?

But soon, Cao Mao abandoned this naive idea.

He was not blinded by the brief "victory". In fact, defeating Sima Zhou's main force was the first step in Cao Mao's ultimate goal: to spread the news of the emperor's surprise attack and killing of the powerful minister outside the palace!
The plan has now achieved initial success, forcing all the civil and military officials to stop covering it up.

Even if he had done that, Sima Zhao, having realized what was happening, wouldn't have given him any more chances.

Even by sheer luck, Cao Mao did manage to kill Sima Zhao with his small force.

Then, did the Sima family scatter like birds and beasts? Was Cao Mao, this puppet emperor, able to completely control the situation in Luoyang?
Will all the local military commanders, with their intricate connections and military forces, behave themselves and not cause trouble?
Actually, no, at least the Sima family will be more united, because if they are not united, they will die and their clan will be wiped out!

The Sima family's confidants might not join in the rebellion, but they would still amass military power and become independent. The series of upheavals at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty were only a few decades ago, and countless bloody examples are still fresh in our minds.

After Dong Zhuo died, there was still Cao Cao. How could the Han emperor have a say?

The Sima family had cultivated power in the court for decades, with deep-rooted influence. How could they possibly scatter like monkeys falling from a tree simply because Cao Mao barely managed to kill Sima Zhao?
More importantly, the Cao family had no one left to rely on. Even if Sima Zhao were killed, power would not fall into the Cao family's hands. On the contrary, if Sima Zhao were executed by the emperor, it would cause enormous political turmoil and could very well lead to chaos throughout the country!
The Cao family's foundation was shallow; after all, it couldn't compare to the Han Dynasty, which had been established for hundreds of years!

Thinking of this, the gleam in Cao Mao's eyes slowly faded, becoming calm and serene.

Even if the Mandate of Heaven wasn't with the Sima family, it wasn't with the Cao family either.

"Wait, if I die under the sword of the traitors, you should run if you can, don't throw your lives away in vain."

Cao Mao gave instructions to Shi Chong and Shi Gandang, who were standing beside him.

What?
Shi Chong thought he had misheard; he was having a great time!

"Your Majesty, the General's Mansion is just ahead, we're almost there!"

Shi Chong was completely absorbed in his role, holding the emperor's banner and solemnly swearing his loyalty to Cao Mao. Only Shi Gan remained calm and composed, staring straight ahead without uttering a single word.

Judging from today's situation, I estimate that I will soon be entering the second phase of my plan.

As Shi Gandang was pondering the next developments, a large cloud of dust suddenly rose ahead. This was a sign of a massive cavalry raid.

"Jia Chong is here! Rein in your horses!"

Cao Mao gave the order in a deep voice, and the imperial carriage stopped immediately, followed by the hundreds of people behind it.

Shi Gandang looked around, and his heart sank!
Many in Cao Mao's army were already panting heavily. Many of these attendants were eunuchs whose genitals had been cut off, and few of them had actually been on the battlefield.

Putting everything else aside, in terms of physical strength, they were far inferior to the Imperial Guards. After running all this way, their stamina was already starting to wane.

The Sima family's usurpation of the throne was insidious and their methods were despicable, but at least during this period, they still valued the fighting strength of their direct subordinates.

At this moment, the opposing side also reined in their horses and stopped. Jia Chong, whom Shi Gandang had met before, rode out, with the Imperial Guards behind him in gleaming armor, standing in neat formation, exuding a murderous aura!
Their forces were different from Sima Zhou's.

These people were Sima Zhao's staunch personal guards, whom he had arranged to deal with Cao Mao. Furthermore, Sima Zhao also granted Jia Chong the authority to make "immediate decisions."

These imperial guards might not have the guts to murder the emperor, but they not only had the guts to tie Cao Mao up and send him back to Luoyang Palace, they had a great deal of guts!
(End of this chapter)