Chapter 1199 The lesser of two evils

   "Minister, Sima Zhao, I greet Your Majesty, Long live Your Majesty, Long live, Long live!"

  Sima Zhao, who bowed his head and folded his hands, walked forward in small steps, came to the hall, prostrated himself on the ground, and kowtowed once every time he shouted long live.

  The words and deeds of the worshipers are meticulous and extremely standard, and the demeanor and tone are extremely respectful, so that people can't fault it.

  Cao Fang saw Sima Zhao like this, with joy on his face, and was about to speak. Fortunately, before speaking, he subconsciously glanced at Cao Shuang.

   But Cao Shuang was staring at Sima Zhao with a gloomy expression.

  Cao Fang, who had already spoken half a word, quickly shut up, put down her outstretched hand, and shut up.

  The hall was so quiet that it seemed that one could hear a needle drop.

  Sima Zhao, with his hands on the ground and his forehead on the back of his hands, didn't hear the emperor's arousal, so he didn't dare to make any movement.

  Of course, no one could see the look on his face at this moment.

   This time, Man Chong stepped forward again:

   "General?"

"snort!"

  Cao Shuang snorted, flicked his sleeves, turned his head away, and remained silent.

  Seeing Cao Shuang's move, Cao Fang shrank back, not to mention daring to speak out.

  He is already ten years old. Although he is not very old, he already knows a lot of things in a place like the palace.

  Especially the Empress Dowager Yu, who was supposed to be Cao Fang's biggest reliance in the palace, was forced to move to another palace by Cao Shuang. The mother and son could not see each other several times throughout the year.

   It made Cao Fang more cautious.

  Seeing the appearance of the general, Cao Fang naturally did not dare to make a claim.

  The scene in front of me made many old ministers feel annoyed:

  Cao Shuang is a jerk!

   Man Chong tilted his head slightly, and glanced at Ting Wei Gao Rou.

   Gao Rou understood and stood up:

   "Your Majesty, now that the enemy is in front of us, the most important thing is to get rid of the thieves. The envoy sent by the Taifu is a good opportunity to work together to destroy the thieves!"

  The words were spoken to the emperor, but the eyes were on the general.

  Recalling the battle in Jingzhou, Cao Shuang reluctantly raised his chin and gestured to Cao Fang.

  Seeing this, Cao Fang quickly stretched out her hand again and shouted, "Get up."

   "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

  Seeing this, all the veterans were furious again.

   It's just that Cao Shuang has another relationship besides his status as the assistant minister, and that is the clan.

   Between him and the emperor, it is not only a matter between the monarch and his ministers, but also an internal family matter of the Cao family.

  As a minister with a foreign surname, no matter how much you can't get used to it, you will eventually have a layer of apprehension and dare not intervene easily.

   After all, they are close relatives!

   Sima Zhao, who had been lying on the ground all this time, breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the emperor speak, and got up quickly.

   "General Sima Zhonglang, you said you came here to discuss how to break the thief?"

  Cao Shuang sat there and asked condescendingly.

   "Back to the general, that's right."

  Sima Zhaogong replied.

   "Oh?" Cao Shuang drew his voice, "But I don't know what the Taifu's plan is?"

  Seeing that he is still putting on airs, many veterans cursed secretly:

  This vertical person simply doesn't know the seriousness!

   "Returning to the general, the thieves in Shangdang and Hedong are rampant. The Taifu wants to lead the army himself and cross the Hebei to defend against the enemy."

   "That's why Tai Tuo asked Zhao to report to His Majesty, the Tai Tuo will do his best to block the enemy in the north, so that His Majesty doesn't have to worry."

  Hearing this, Cao Shuang looked straight at Sima Zhao, his expression turned back, and he straightened his body at the same time:

   "What did you say? You mean, the Taifu wants to lead the army across the river?"

   "Back to the general, that's right."

  Hearing Sima Zhao's affirmative answer, Cao Shuang's heart skipped a beat:

   Doesn't that mean that Xu Chang no longer has to worry about the army in Luoyang?

   Not to mention Cao Shuang, but everyone in the court, except Man Chong Gaorou who had learned the news in advance, and the rest of the ministers were all in commotion.

  Those who turned their minds faster, guessed Sima Yi's intentions all at once.

  So someone couldn't help sighing in their hearts:

   Taifu... this is taking care of the overall situation!

  In the last few years, Cao Rui was hit hard, his suspicions increased, and he sent more guards to seal the palace.

   Also set up women officials in the harem, thinking that women are ministers, so that Dian Province can play outside, so as to reduce contact with foreign ministers.

  Cao Rui's move, in addition to liking female sex, may not have the meaning of being hit and self-enclosed.

  After arriving in Xuchang, Empress Mao was ordered to die because of inquiring about Cao Rui's condition.

  All the palace servants who served the surrounding area were also executed.

  Under such high pressure to block news, the fact that Cao Rui cursed Sima Yi in private was only spread in a small area.

  In addition, before Cao Rui died, he left a decree for Sima Yi to be the auxiliary minister—this was Cao Rui's last helpless attempt to protect Wei from being divided.

   And it is this edict that is very confusing to the court officials.

   Maybe someone in the court has realized that there is something hidden.

  But under the pressure of foreign enemies, no one dared to bring this issue up—even Cao Shuang never publicly said that Sima Yi had a heart of self-reliance.

   However, what Cao Shuang has done in the past few years has gradually lost people's hearts.

  In contrast, it is normal for some people to think that Sima Yi is thinking about the overall situation.

  Better than bad, normal people will naturally subconsciously prefer the less bad one.

  When everyone was in a state of confusion, Cao Shuang asked again and again in disbelief:

   "Are you serious?"

  As soon as this question was asked, someone frowned again.

  The general's words really seemed too narrow-minded, or in other words, not tolerant enough.

  Even if you don’t believe me, you shouldn’t ask directly.

  Because this is already a public suspicion that the Tai Tuo has deceived the emperor in court.

   Besides, for such a major event as Taifu leading the army to the north to fight against the bandits, you only need to send someone to Luoyang to inquire a little bit, and you will know.

   Wouldn't it be disrespectful for the general to ask such a question at such a time?

   After Cao Shuang asked this sentence, he also realized that he seemed too reckless.

  But before he could make a remedy, Sima Zhao said loudly:

   "How dare Zhao lie in front of His Majesty about such an important matter?"

  As soon as Sima Zhao finished speaking, the **** Wang Guan couldn't help standing up and saying:

   "The Great General and the Grand Tutor guarded the two capitals separately. The Grand Tutor guarded against the western thieves in the north, and the Grand General was in charge of the Wu bandits in the south. That's why the late emperor let the Grand Tutor and the Grand Tutor assist His Majesty."

   "Now that the bandits are invading Jingzhou, and the battle is urgent, the general should take back the bandits at this time. Regarding the matter of Jingzhou, I ask the general to make a decision as soon as possible."

  Wang Guan was lonely and poor since he was a child, but he was ambitious. Later, he was called by Cao Cao as the prime minister of literature.

  During the four dynasties of Cao Wei, he successively held many positions.

  In the era of Cao Rui, he was recommended by Sima Yi to serve as Zhonglang, and later he was promoted to Shangshu, Henan Yin, and transferred to Shaofu.

  After Cao Rui's death, Cao Shuang, the general who assisted the government, took power and lived a luxurious life. He had repeatedly embezzled money and materials from the palace and treasury for his own use.

  The Shaofu was originally in charge of the income and expenditure of the imperial family. After Wang Guan learned of what Cao Shuang had done, he deliberately made a book and sealed up the royal property.

   Cao Shuang transferred Wang Guan to be a servant in order to continue to occupy the royal property conveniently.

   Therefore, Wang Guan has long been displeased with Cao Shuang's behavior for a long time, and now he sees Cao Shuang so indistinguishable, how can he tolerate it?

   Man Chong, Gao Rou, and Wang Guan, although Cao Shuang emptied their real power, are all veterans of the four dynasties and have a grand reputation.

  The army of thieves was pressing down on the border, and in front of everyone in the court, Cao Shuang naturally couldn't easily refute the face of the three of them.

  His eyes swept over the faces of Man Chong Gao Rou Wang Guan and others, and finally succumbed to the situation, gritted his teeth and said:

   "What Wang Taifu said is indeed reasonable, I was negligent."

  …

  After the court dispersed, Sima Zhao went out of the palace, and a servant came over and bowed to him:

   "Young Master Sima, this way please."

  Sima Zhao looked over and found that Man Chong was sitting in a carriage, lifted the curtain, and looked towards him.

  Sima Zhao hurriedly saluted Man Chong from a distance to show his gratitude, and then followed his servants.

  After getting into the car, Sima Zhao thanked him again:

   "Thank you, Mr. Man."

  Man Chong waved his hand: "This old man is only for the great Wei Jiangshan's ears."

  Put down the curtain, Man Chong's body swayed gently with the carriage, only to hear him sigh softly:

   "In the third year of Chuping, Emperor Wu came to Yanzhou and specially recruited the old man to work for him. It has been fifty years since then."

   "During these fifty years, I have followed Emperor Wu to conquer the north and south, and watched with his own eyes that Emperor Wu pacified the north and established the country as king."

   "I also watched Emperor Wen accept the abdication of Emperor Han and ascended the throne as emperor. I also know that when the first emperor was there, thieves were rampant."

   "The old man has been a Wei minister for most of his life, and he has also devoted countless efforts to the great Wei."

   Man Chong said, his tone became a little harsh:

   "If Cao Zhaobo can guard this country, the old man will not say anything. But if he can't, then replace it with an experienced person."

  Sima Zhao bowed his head respectfully and listened.

  The voice of Man Chong continued to sound in the carriage:

   "The great country of the Great Wei, although the surname is Cao, but the old man also has credit."

   "Not only the old man, but also my old ministers such as Taifu, Gao Tingwei, Wang Taipu, etc., have contributed. Only Cao Zhaobo (that is, Cao Shuang) is sitting back and reaping the benefits."

   "The old man is already at this age, and he probably doesn't have much time to live. In these last days, the old man just wants to prove one thing."

   "That is the painstaking effort of the old man for most of his life, and it was not in vain. Otherwise, the old man will die with regret!"

   After talking so much in one breath, Man Chong seemed a little tired, and closed his eyes as if to rest his mind.

   Feeling that Man Chong had finished speaking, Sima Zhao raised his head, glanced at Man Chong, and said cautiously:

   "What Duke Manchu said is very true, and my lord also means the same thing. It is just like the saying that brothers fight against the wall to defend against their insults."

   "No matter what the general thinks of your lord, when facing foreign enemies, you must do your best to protect the country that you all fought together."

  Sima Zhao has been between Xuchang and Luoyang for many years, and he knows the psychology of these veterans.

  Some of them don't want their hard work in this life to be wasted.

  Some want to protect the glory and wealth that they maintain in the Great Wei Dynasty.

  Some are thinking about their children and grandchildren...

   There are all kinds of reasons.

  But the ultimate goal is to maintain the country they defeated with their own hands.

  The actions of Cao Shuang and Taichung Three Dogs are obviously damaging the foundation of the country, and naturally they are not liked by the veterans.

  Man Chong nodded when he heard what Sima Zhao said:

   "The Tai Tuo and I are all veterans of the Wei Dynasty, so we naturally understand that it was not easy for Emperor Wu to conquer the country."

   "Oh, but the great general, who was born in wealth and honor, has never had the difficulty of starting a business, and he doesn't know how to cherish it. It's really sad."

   Sima Zhaogong claims to be.

   Man Chong asked with concern:

   "The Grand Tutor leads the troops across Hebei this time, so Luoyang is empty, and the thieves come from Tongguan, what should we do?"

  Sima Zhao replied:

   "Don't worry about Duke Man, your lord once said that among the generals who are thieves from the west, the thief Feng is the worst."

   "Now Feng thief is in Wuguan, and he has transferred some of the defenders from Tongguan. Luoyang is not worried for the time being."

   Man Chong asked:

   "In case Feng Zei leads the army to turn around, what should we do?"

  Sima Zhao smiled and said:

   "That's why Zhao came to Xuchang."

   Man Chong understood, smiled and nodded, and asked again:

   "Teacher, can you be sure to defeat the thief this time?"

  Sima Zhao shook his head:

   "The affairs in the army have always been in the hands of adults and elder brothers, and they are not known. Besides, who dares to say that they are completely sure about the battle before the battle?"

   Man Chong patted his knees, nodded and said:

   "That's right, no one can say for sure what happened before the battle."

   As he spoke, he looked at Sima Zhao again, and said meaningfully:

   "Over the years, the Great Wei has been repeatedly defeated by the thieves. The government and the public have heard the name of the thieves, and they are all afraid."

   "If the Taifu can defeat the Western Thieves this time, then the morale of the generals of the Wei Dynasty will be boosted, and the reputation of the Taifu will also grow stronger."

  Sima Zhao said modestly:

   "Cheng Mangong said auspiciously, this time, my lord, it is actually to frustrate the spirit of the western thieves, so that the thieves don't dare to be so rampant."

   "As for reputation..."

  He said this, took a look at Man Chong, and knew that he couldn't tell lies in front of the other party, so he changed his words, "It's just for self-protection."

  Man Chong sighed slightly when he heard this:

   "The general has been close to the party for many years, and has repeatedly reformed the system. Many upright and outspoken people were either forced to leave the court, or were transferred to vain positions."

   "The Tai Tuo is worried and wants to protect himself, which is also reasonable."

  Not to mention that I waited for these veterans, even Lu Yu, the successor of the great Confucian Lu Zhi, and Fu Gu, the successor of the Fu family in the North, were all excluded.

  Hearing Man Chong's words, Sima Zhao breathed a sigh of relief:

   "It's good that the Taiwei can understand adults, it's good that he can understand!"

  Man Chong looks complicated:

   "With Wei's current situation, how can we not understand Taifu?"

   Man Chong doesn't mean that he hasn't thought about what Sima Yi might do in the future.

   But so what?

   That's the same sentence, they just want to keep this part of the country.

   Besides, Taifu Sima has worked with himself and others for many years, and they are both veterans of the four dynasties.

   Even if there are other plans, it is much better than Cao Shuang and Taichung Sangou, right?

   As the saying goes, the lesser of two evils, if Sima Taifu is in power, at least these old officials will not be ridden on the head by those flashy people like they are now.

  The government will not be messed up by these people like it is now, and people will lose their hearts.

   While Sima Zhao was talking with Man Chong, Cao Shuang, who came out of the palace, entered the General's Mansion in a vigorous manner.

  Taichung Three Dogs followed closely behind.

   "General, Sima Yi's move is to show his prestige in front of the general. It is really too aggressive. We might as well find an excuse to arrest Sima Zhao and take him as a hostage."

   "No! As everyone in the court said, the two thieves are committing crimes together at this time, and it is time to work together to stop the thieves, and no extra problems should be allowed."

   "That's right. What if Sima Yi is annoyed and leads Luoyang's army to the south, and there are Feng Yong and Lu Xun in the southwest, what should Xuchang do?"

  Cao Shuang was obese and couldn't bear to stand for a long time. After sitting down, he said angrily:

   "What I care about is whether Sima Yi's move is true or not? What if he leads the army halfway and returns to Luoyang, but the Xuchang Imperial Army has been transferred to Nanyang, what should we do?"

  (end of this chapter)