Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1684: Chapter 1617: Each One’s Resolve

After receiving a definite response, Sima Yi forced a smile twice. Indeed, he lacked the resolve to risk bloodshed on the Imperial Robe, so it was better not to get involved in this matter.

”Stay with me for a while,” Zhong Yao said to Sima Yi, ”But as you know, by making this choice, I’ve inevitably become a marginal figure on Cao Sikong’s side. Although you have duties and Boda is ahead, it’s not enough.”

”It’s nothing; I haven’t directly served under Cao Sikong, so it’s not a big deal,” Sima Yi shook his head and said, ”Sorry for the inconvenience recently.”

”Apart from not moving the letters in the study, you can read any of the other classics. Your elder brother specifically came by to greet me,” Zhong Yao said, seeing that Sima Yi didn’t take this to heart, and pointed to the study.

Sima Yi raised an eyebrow, ”How much did my brother spend to make you do this?”

”All these letters I’m reading are from your brother,” Zhong Yao resumed studying Cai Yong’s letters, ”So, feel free to copy any classics you like.”

Sima Yi’s eyebrows twitched violently. Everyone with some influence in Chang’an knew that Zhong Yao was a fanatical admirer of Cai Yong, to the extent that he’d compromise his principles for Cai Yong’s letters.

Of course, Sima Yi didn’t know about the future incident where Zhong Yao saw the entire collection of Cai Bojie’s calligraphy in the hands of a friend, refused to trade even after losing his fortune, and was so furious that it led to a fallout. Even more extreme, after outliving the friend, he dug up the grave to finally obtain those pieces.

If Sima Yi knew about these events, he would certainly stay as far away from Zhong Yao as possible. A die-hard fan like this, fervent yet capable, was terrifying. Zhong Yao’s actions demonstrated that, for such a zealot, nothing short of death could stop him!

Watching Zhong Yao, who had entered a frenzied research mode again, Sima Yi silently turned away. To be honest, he thought Zhong Yao wasn’t simple either. Despite not focusing on state affairs, spending eighty percent of his time studying Cai Yong’s calligraphy, Zhong Yao still managed to maintain his position as Chief of Staff.

After finally relaying a piece of information to Cao Ang, Sima Yi indicated that he might be exposed, so he wouldn’t appear much lately. Cao Ang wasn’t concerned; his cousin Xiahou Shang had planned enough, leaving no room for worry. Although Sima Yi seemed impressive, he couldn’t be as comfortable to use as his own family.

”Boren, to begin with something simple: anything that might occur henceforth has nothing to do with the Emperor. Can you ensure that?” Cao Ang sent Cao Pi off to play with some children of aristocratic families, then left Cao Zhi to learn poetry and prose with the Great Confucian Scholar, leaving him with some time to finally educate his cousins.

”That’s simple, rest assured, elder brother.” Xiahou Shang said confidently, ”These are disturbances caused by some rebel factions plotting against the Emperor. I’ve already placed people within the Emperor’s Southern Army. When the Commander’s Seal arrives, it will be fact.”

”Is there any way to avoid making it so obvious?” Cao Ang said with some frustration. He found his brother somewhat unreliable; smart as he was, this eager spirit made Cao Ang suspect he might mess things up.

”If it’s not made obvious, how could it be a real rebellion?” Xiahou Shang scoffed, ”It’s easier to handle when it’s blatant. If we don’t amplify it, simply arresting them won’t pass the scrutiny of the public.”

”Some things, if done openly without personal intent, can have unexpected effects. After all, Dong Cheng and others want to best us and won’t miss the chance to strike first.” Xiahou Shang said, staring at Cao Ang, ”The news Zhongda sent has already explained many issues.”

”But if that’s the case, an inadvertent misstep could lead to chaos in Chang’an,” Cao Ang said with a bitter smile, ”It’s no small number of people Dong Cheng and others can gather, and by that stage, some individuals will undoubtedly stand out.”

”That’s why I said we should proceed openly. The Emperor’s Southern Army is on our side. By then, we just need to hold off Dong Cheng and his supporters, and order the Emperor’s Southern Army to quell the rebellion with the Commander’s Seal. By then, who the real rebels are will be crystal clear.” Xiahou Shang said with full confidence.

”Elder brother, don’t you see? This is the best opportunity for Dong Cheng and others, and likewise, it’s also an examination from your uncle.” Xiahou Shang said upon seeing Cao Ang worried about the large army’s potential destruction in Chang’an.

Upon hearing this, Cao Ang squinted. He had suspected this could be his father’s test for him, but he’d considered many possibilities and thought if it were a test, his father wouldn’t need to take all the troops, valiant generals, and wise strategists away.

The saying goes, ”No one knows a child better than their father,” but the reverse carries little error. Between the lines, Cao Ang actually understood his father’s intentions, which was also why he ordered the Emperor’s protection at all costs.

”Speaking of tests, perhaps this isn’t my test, but rather the Emperor’s. My father likely wants to see how far the Emperor can go. But since my father has headed north, even if the Emperor succeeds, how would he ensure the stability of the Cao Clan and the Xiahou Clan?”

Cao Ang pondered in silence. He didn’t believe his father would risk the lives of over a hundred family members on Dong Cheng and others’ mercy. Although Cao Cao had thousands of troops outside, what if the Emperor knowingly played dumb?