Xu Chu risked his family's feud and followed Cao Cao's order to kill Sima's family. However, he accidentally allowed Sima Shi and Sima Zhao to escape and fell into the hands of Cao Hong.
Continuing the pursuit would easily expose Xu Chu, so Xia Houchong finally decided to stop there. In addition, the Sima brothers were sent to Soochow, and the matter slowly faded away.
Xu Chu slowly settled the swordsmen who participated in the annihilation of the clan that night and returned home. His brother Xu Ding also retired from his armor early and became an official, living in the Xu family to protect the clan.
Cao Pi suddenly wanted to take back Brother Sima, and he was very excited and very serious about it. Xu Chu came home after work early the next morning, with doubts written all over his face.
Seeing that Xu Chu was not in good condition, Xu Ding hurriedly chased him into the bedroom and asked about the reason. Xu Chu then told everything about last night.
"Zhongkang, this is not good." Xu Ding frowned.
"The roots of the Sima family have been uprooted. Those two brothers are really talented, but they are definitely not as good as Sima Yi. Brother, you are too worried." Xu Chu shook his head gently.
Xu Ding reminded: "Your Majesty attaches so much importance to it. I guarantee that I will not send people to investigate the matter thoroughly for the sake of Brother Sima. Xiahou and the Cao family are originally from the same family. Xiahou Chong may have told your Majesty that when it comes to the last resort, your Majesty will abandon us." These outsiders should take it for granted, they must know that accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger."
Xu Chu said solemnly: "Although His Majesty is not as talented and strategist as the late emperor, he is still much tolerant to his ministers. In addition, I believe in Xiahou Ziman's character. If he hadn't planned for us, how could the Xu family be so peaceful?"
"Instead of looking forward and backward, why not discuss it with him? His Majesty attaches such great importance to that 'Wuhou'. If it is not curbed in advance, it is difficult to guarantee that the Sima family will not make a comeback." Xu Ding suggested.
Xu Chu nodded lightly, "I am responsible for the guards of the Forbidden Palace and do not have time to leave Luoyang. Please hurry up and go to Qiao County to ask for advice. Most of the guards who have returned home are in Qiao County. I can help you with anything." "
"Okay, brother, let's set off now." Xu Ding said goodbye to Xu Chu immediately and went out.
Cao Pi followed Jia Xu's low-key advice and asked Chen Qun to select a junior official as an envoy at Shangshutai, and secretly went to Soochow to negotiate with Gao Miao. Xu Chu followed the order and assigned two Su guards to accompany him, forming an envoy of less than ten people.
In early June, the mission arrived in Jianye and presented Cao Pi's letter.
Cao Pi affirmed Sun Quan's plan in the letter, saying that the matter still needed to be discussed with several important ministers, and vaguely stated that it was very likely to be used. The purpose of the mission was to pick up the Sima brothers and return them to Wei. The State of Wei was willing to pay Sun Quan double the amount spent on his brothers.
Sun Quan tentatively asked for a high price of 200 million, but the Wei mission readily agreed. At that moment, Sun Quan felt that his bid was low, but he could not go back on his words in front of the mission, so he settled in the mission post house in person. Stay and wait for further news.
While sending the envoy away, Sun Quan urgently summoned Hu Ke into the palace. He wanted to know the latest news about Wei. If something went wrong, there must be a demon. Sun Quan suspected that Cao Pi had other motives for rushing to pick him up.
Hu Ke had already learned about the visitor from Wei State and guessed that Sun Quan's summons was for the Sima brothers, so he entered the palace immediately after receiving the order.
Seeing Sun Quan, Hu Ke saluted with clasped fists, as if he didn't understand the reason.
"Marquis Wu and Marquis Wen have been in your camp for a while. How have they performed? Are they potential talents?" Sun Quan got straight to the point and directly focused the topic on the Sima brothers.
Hu Ke nodded, "The two brothers are worthy of being from the Sima family. Their understanding ability is far better than ordinary people. They performed extremely well in the camp. If they are carefully trained, they will definitely be the pillars of the country."
Sun Quan stroking his beard with empty eyes, affirmed: "You Gu guessed the same. Today, Cao Pi sent people to Jianye, intending to take back Brother Sima, and is willing to pay 200 million yuan. You have always had unique insights, can you help Gu analyze it? Sima's hatred is probably caused by the Cao family, and Cao Pi's behavior is really puzzling."
"That person in Luoyang is so generous? Fortunately, the general's people have already focused on this mission and found out a lot of useful information." Hu Ke smiled slightly.
Sun Quan was overjoyed when he saw this, pointing at Hu Ke and praising, "We have to rely on you at the critical moment, so what is Cao Pi's real purpose?"
Hu Ke clasped his fists and replied: "I heard that Cao Cao left a name for Cao Pi, saying that he asked Zhang Tianshi to predict the future. That person has the ability to navigate the world and change the world. Let Cao Pi secretly look for him after he succeeds to the throne. He can help Wei Guo pacify the world. ."
"How can there be such a talented person in the world? Have you heard of this person's name? Why do I feel that this metaphor sounds familiar?" Sun Quan frowned.
"It's the word 'Wuhou'. It may be a name, or it may be a cousin." Hu Ke smiled mysteriously.
Sun Quan was dumbfounded and asked foolishly: "What do you mean, sir, who is the master of Sima?"
"The general doesn't know, the news came from the mission." Hu Kezhi shook his head.
Sun Quan started thinking crazily, and his suspicious character made him doubt everything. Suddenly he saw Hu Ke startled, "Did Zecheng know about it earlier? Otherwise, how could he propose to use 'Wuhou' to express his character?"
Hu Ke bowed and clasped his fists, and replied seriously: "I'm afraid this matter is a secret within the Wei State. How could the general know about it in advance? If Xizuo hadn't been careful on the way, he wouldn't have been able to find out such secrets."
"What you say makes sense." Sun Quan nodded, and then continued to ask: "Since I know that Master Sima is the person Cao Cao is looking for, it is naturally impossible to let the two brothers return to Wei. It is appropriate for such a great sage to stay and help Jiangdong."
"Then how should the mission reply? Cao Pi should be sure to win. If Wei and Wu continue to be at odds with each other, outsiders will reap the benefits." Hu Ke looked worried.
Sun Quan asked tentatively: "How about sending Sima Zhao back alone?"
"Well, Sima Zhao's name is Wenhou." Hu Ke said to himself, suddenly his eyes lit up, and he happily suggested: "Your Majesty, it's a good idea. Cao Pi probably doesn't know which of the two brothers is civilized and who is military. We can exchange them again. Anyway, it hasn’t been long since the birth date, and not many people know about it.”
Sun Quan stroked his beard and nodded, "Ze Cheng is really quick-witted, and Li Daitao used his skills very well. Moreover, since ancient times, Wen has been at the forefront of martial arts. Cao Pi should not have any doubts and worry about Sima Zhao spilling the beans when he goes back."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, Sima Zhao will eventually do the work. After several years of instilling hatred, the two brothers have developed hatred for the Cao family. They have repeatedly asked me to write to Chen Qun and ask for the details of the Sima family's extermination case. So I will not confide in my 'enemies'." Hu Ke was full of confidence.
"That's very good." Satisfied, Sun Quan picked up the wine glass and drank from it.
When Hu Ke stepped forward to pour wine, he reminded in a low voice: "If the king wants to keep Sima Shi, it is best to use a suitable excuse and find a way from the child."
"I know you've got an idea, please tell me quickly." Sun Quan turned his head and frowned.
Hu Ke clasped his fists and replied: "The general mentioned last time that the king can accept brother Sima as his adopted son. The adopted son is unwilling to leave his adoptive father. This is human ethics and nature. Cao Pi can't force others to do anything, right?"
"Two brothers adopt one as their adopted son? Don't you think it makes sense?"
"Talents are always a bit unique. Since Sima Zhao is the 'Martial Marquis' in Zhang Tianshi's words, wouldn't it be more reasonable for him to do something different from ordinary people?"
"Hahaha, reasonable, too reasonable." Sun Quan laughed heartily.
(End of chapter)
