Chapter 20 2. Doubt and trust

The Shu bandits are coming to invade, and the enemy is at hand. The most urgent task at the moment is to resolve this military crisis.Therefore, Cao Rui had no choice but to "cut the mess quickly" from the perspective of pure military war needs, and selected Sima Yi as the coach of Guanzhong to take over the position that the great Sima Cao had left behind. However, many people knew before that that the sudden death of Cao Zhen was not just a simple loss of a general for Wei Guo.Cao Zhen's death will inevitably trigger a big political reshuffle within Wei. When the first emperor Cao Pi passed away, Cao Zhen, General of the Chinese Army, Sima Yi, General of the Fujun and Yushi Zhongcheng, and Chen Qun, General of the Zhenjun and Sikong, were appointed as Cao Rui's Ministers of Gu Ming by his own edict, thus forming a "three-legged confrontation" in the court. political power structure.When Cao Zhen was alive, the three Gu Ming and auxiliary ministers performed their respective duties, but they cooperated very tacitly: Cao Zhen, as a general of the Chinese army, sat in Yongliang and Liangzhou, commanded more than 100,000 troops in the Guanzhong theater, and specially dealt with Shu Kou; Sima Yi, as the general of the Fujun, sat in Jingyuyang and Xusizhou, commanded the land and water armies to fight against Wu; The job is to lead the government. The "three carriages" drive side by side, each occupying its position, each doing its best, and defending the emperor, everything works very effectively.Now that Cao is really dead, it will naturally tilt and unbalance the political power structure of such an "iron triangle", thus triggering this inevitable political earthquake.

Chen Qun was one of the first courtiers to sense the signal of this political earthquake coming.The veteran of the Wei family who had just passed his fifty-fifth birthday realized that once Cao Zhen died, the mission of the entire Wei State to fight against Shu was suspended.However, now only myself and Sima Yi have the qualifications to take on the role.Chen Qun also has self-knowledge, he knows that he has the qualifications but not the ability to take on this important task.Although he also has the title of "General of the Town Army", he has never held any military power.The emperor granted him the title of "Sikong", ranking among the three princes, highly respected, but it is still an empty title.It’s just that in the emperor’s edict of appointment, in the sentence “Use Sikong to record Shangshushi”, the last “Record Shangshushi” is the position with the most real power. .In the past five years, both Cao Zhen and Sima Yi led troops to fight abroad, and he was the only one who lived in the center of the government and governed affairs gracefully, but he also lived a relaxed life, unlike Cao Zhen and the two who committed arrows and stones on the bloody battlefield.Thinking of this, Chen Qun suddenly felt that God treated him well!Now, Da Sima Cao Zhen, who usually looks strong and vigorous, is dead just like that!Some literati often say that "life is like a dream and like dew", which is a bit intriguing when you think about it carefully.Chen Qun sighed silently in his heart, and then turned his thoughts back to the current situation.

He heard that not long after the news that Zhuge Liang was approaching Guanzhong spread to the imperial court, Sima Yi, who had always guarded the land of Jingchu, was moved by the news. After dealing with the relevant matters, he hurried back to Luoyang on an eight-hundred-mile fast ride to face the saint, and took the initiative to ask Ying to take charge of the military power in Guanzhong and fight against Shu.In fact, all this seems to be nothing in the eyes of ordinary people.Because, Sima Yi's two reputations of "deep strategic, witty and good at fighting" and "serving the country with all his heart, regardless of himself" are unanimously recognized by the ruling and opposition parties.Many ministers called him the reincarnation of Zhao Chongguo, a famous general of the Western Han Dynasty.Naturally, his behavior today is completely loyal to the country.

However, Chen Qun didn't see it that way.He believes that Sima Yi is seeking to fight against Shu in person in the name of righteousness and loyalty, and the reality is that Daxing controls the military power in his hands.This is almost equivalent to directly asking the emperor for power!This kind of style of "across the world, who can give up me" is simply too ostentatious and conceited!Chen Qun knew that since Sima Yi took over the military power and had the "place to use his force", he has always been in the limelight and should not be underestimated!I remember the rebellion of Xincheng prefect Mengda three years ago. Sima Yi made a bold decision after getting the first-hand information to avoid delaying the battle and notifying the court beforehand. In one fell swoop, Meng Da and his rebellious party were wiped out, and made great military exploits.This time, the action of cutting first and playing later fully demonstrated Sima Yi's upright determination and improvisation, and he was really not inferior to the great ancestor Wei Wu of the year!Chen Qun, who is familiar with the past, carefully compared Sima Yi's actions with what he remembered about Wei Wudi's own way of doing things his own way, and found that the two were surprisingly similar!If Sima Yi seized more power, it would be like adding wings to a tiger, and I am afraid that he would be even more arrogant. How could this be a blessing for the community?Is it the blessing of the Wei family?Thinking of this, Chen Qun's heart sank, and his expression changed slightly.

At this moment, Chen Wen, the steward of his mansion, entered the study room, respectfully, and lowered his hands to report: "Lord Sikong, Captain Hua is now seeking an audience outside the mansion, saying that he has something important to discuss." The Taiwei Hua mentioned by Chen Wen is exactly Hua Xin, the head of the "Three Dukes" of this dynasty.Although Hua Xin is a high-ranking captain, he is only a senior adviser to the royal family who has the nominal military command power of "under one man, above ten thousand".Judging from his position, he should be looking for Chen Qun to discuss military strategy issues today.Chen Qun slightly pondered, and replied: "Please." At the same time, he stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked to the door of the study to greet him.

According to etiquette, Chen Qun should meet Hua Xin in the living room, but in order to show respect and closeness, he set the meeting place in the private study.When making this decision, Chen Qun had a special intuition that the matter Hua Xin had come to interview today must be extraordinary, and it seemed that it was better to keep it secret and safe.Then, in this Sikong Mansion, there is no place that is more secure and confidential than his study. A moment later, Hua Xin, who was over eighty years old and had white beard and hair, staggered up to Chen Qun, leaning on the purple bamboo stick bestowed by the emperor, with a smile on his thin face, and said deeply, "I'm sorry to bother you, Sir Sikong!" Lord Sikong actually met the old man in the inner room of the study, which shows that Lord Sikong treats the old man like a family member, thank you very much."

Chen Qun quickly stepped forward to help Hua Xin into the study and sat down. He said in his mouth: "Hua Taiwei came to the humble house to give advice at the age of eighty. Chen Qun was flattered. How dare he be rude? Actually, the Taiwei doesn't have to do it himself, just call Someone came to call me, and Chen Qun will come to teach me." Then, he served another cup of tea and handed it to Hua Xin. After Hua Xin sat down, he coughed a few times, adjusted his breath for a while, and then said: "It's a very important matter, how can I wait for Master Sikong to come to discuss it?" Chen Qun couldn't help but straighten his face when he heard his words, and asked solemnly. Said: "What can bother the Taiwei to come in person? I hope the Taiwei will show it clearly."

Hua Xin took a sip of tea slowly, calmed down, and then slowly said: "The old man came here today to discuss the selection of the current Guanzhong coach." Chen Qun said "Oh", and said lightly: "So it's about this matter." According to this seat, only one of General Sima and General Zhang He must be appointed. Both of them are generals with both wisdom and courage, and they should not have too many problems in dealing with the Shu bandits. Taiwei Hua does not need to worry .” After hearing this, Hua Xin's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Why is this old man worried that no one will deal with the Shu bandits?! What this old man is worried about is that His Majesty may abandon General Zhang Yun and take Sima Yi as the commander of Guanzhong."

"Oh?" Chen Qun was stunned, "Hua Taiwei thinks it's inappropriate for His Majesty to give up General Zhang He and take Sima Yi? Why?" Hua Xin put down his teacup, slowly raised his head, looked at the high roof of the study, After pondering for a long time, he said slowly: "The old man was a poor scholar in common clothes. Thanks to the kindness of the Taizu Emperor Wu Wu, he became a three-father in one fell swoop. Recreation is really nothing to repay! Now, the old man is very old, and he has been suffering from serious illness in recent years. I am afraid that he will pass away soon! But there is one thing that has always lingered in my heart. I dare not forget it. I just want to express it. I hope to find a bosom friend, so that the long-term stability of my great Wei foundation can prevent the lapse of time."

Chen Qun was in a daze, a little confused, and said, "What do you want to tell Lieutenant Hua? Please let me know." Hua Xin looked at him quietly, and his eyes suddenly became very deep. , his complexion gradually became serious, and he said slowly, "I am afraid that only Lord Sikong can resolve the matter that I said. Instead, he was laughed at by the Holy One. If he speaks nonsense indiscriminately, he may stir up troubles and bring disaster to the country... Alas, the world is vast, the old people look around in desolation, there are too few bosom friends, and even fewer people who agree with each other... Only Mr. Sikong is the Minister of Gu Ming of the late emperor. He is famous in the government and the public for his great loyalty and great sages. He is favored by everyone. He can make big plans to help the community and secure the Wei family. Therefore, the old man decided to tell Mr. Sikong about this matter, please Mr. Sikong. Be on the lookout and plan for a rainy day.”

Speaking of this, he paused for a moment, and then slowly said: "This matter is - Sima Yi must be prevented from winning greater military power, and he must not be allowed to be the commander of Guanzhong!" When Chen Qun heard it, although he had already vaguely guessed about it, but when he heard that Hua Xin said it so clearly in person, he couldn't help being shocked, and said in surprise: "Why?" "Master Sikong is well aware, so why bother to ask the old man?" Hua Xin looked at him deeply, and said slowly, "How many people in the ruling and opposition circles are as capable as Sima Yi? How many people are there who are as good as Sima Yi? How many people are there who are as good as Sima Yi in attracting people's hearts? As the saying goes, the eagle-like ministers rise from within the Xiaoqiang, and they are in a state of twilight, Wen Tianwu plays, but no one is vigilant!" A trace of horror appeared on Chen Qun's face, and he shook his head and said, "Hua Taiwei's words are wrong! General Sima has assisted the government for three dynasties, has been loyal to the country, and has made great achievements. How could he be the valiant minister that the Taiwei said? According to Chen Qun's opinion, he is indeed a well-known and highly respected minister of the country!" With a sound of "Dang", Hua Xin threw the teacup to the ground and smashed it to pieces.He got up angrily, and said angrily: "This old man has devoted all his heart and soul to telling the truth, but Lord Sikong returned me with a joke! This old man will take his leave!" After saying that, leaning on his purple bamboo stick, he walked out. "Wait a minute, Captain!" Chen Qun hurriedly stood up, stretched out his hand to stop him, and said solemnly, "Please sit down, Captain. I was rude just now. However, I can't talk about others' right and wrong with invisible doubts and untrue things." Ah! What the Taiwei said today must have something hidden, so I hope you can tell it frankly. Otherwise, if you regard Duke Zhou as Wang Mang and Huo Guang as Dong Zhuo, you will make a big mistake!" Hua Xin slowly returned to his original seat, calmed down, and said slowly: "Actually, not only the old man doubted that Sima Yi was Ying Yang's minister, even Emperor Wei Wu, the great ancestor, had doubts about him. " "Emperor Wei Wu?" Chen Qun was startled, "He also suspected that Sima Yi was a minister of Ying Yang? Then, why didn't he settle this matter thoroughly back then, but listed Sima Yi as one of the former emperor's assistant ministers? I don’t believe it.” He knew that Cao Cao, Emperor Taizu Weiwu, had always been lenient outside and jealous at home, and he was suspicious by nature. He remembered that Kong Rong and Yang Xiu were beheaded by him in one fell swoop when they showed their proficiency in writing, not to mention that he had already regarded him Sima Yi is an eagle minister who hides evil and plots evil?I definitely won't keep him in this world!However, why did the edict left by Emperor Wu when he passed away listed Sima Yi as the Minister of Gu Ming alongside him?This is really puzzling! "Back then, Emperor Wu had always been jealous of Sima Yi. It was only because he was rare and well-connected in the court that he was punished without a name, and he was dismissed without words. He has the right to manage military affairs. When Emperor Wu was dying, he summoned the old man to his bed for this matter, and gave the old man the top-secret task of supervising Sima Yi. In front of the old man, he warned the first emperor Wei Wendi, "Sima Yi is an eagle as a wolf." Gu, he is extremely talented and has ulterior motives. He must be reused, and he must be guarded against. No matter what, don't give him military power. Over time, changes will happen, and it will be a great disaster for the society.'" Hua Xin said here, but it was Eye circles gradually turned red, and he said in a choked voice, "Emperor Wu is still wise and wise! He has long expected that Sima Yi will eventually be a bad person. Later, under the reminders of the old man many times, the first emperor Wei Wendi had always appointed Sima Yi as one of the civil servants when he was alive. He never gave military power to his post. Only at the beginning of His Majesty's ascension to the throne, when the two bandits from Wu and Shu fought against each other, and the situation was critical, did he let Sima Yi let go to guard Jingzhou and take charge of his own affairs. From then on, he intervened in major military affairs and gradually allowed him to hold military power... …Now that the Great Sima Cao Zhen died of illness, he couldn’t hold back anymore, and dared to leave his post and go to Beijing to seize power… Isn’t Sir Sikong aroused vigilance about this?” Chen Qun listened to the whole content of his speech quietly, his face sank like water, motionless.He was silent for a long while before he slowly said: "I have remembered what the Taiwei said today. But only the heavens, the earth, you, and I know what you said, and no one else should know it. Please The Taiwei is silent and self-defense, don't talk about this lightly. As for everything else, I know what to do." Hua Xin stared at him deeply, and didn't say much, but a faint smile flashed in his eyes. In the past few days, in front of the gate of Sima Yi, the great general of hussars, many civil servants and military generals have come to visit.However, they were all "closed doors". As soon as they got out of the car and knocked on the door, they were stopped by the servants of Sima's mansion.When asked why, the answer was that General Sima was not in the mansion, and went out for a spring outing in the countryside. However, away from the hustle and bustle outside, the Sima Mansion study was peaceful.A large military topographic map of Wei and Shu was hung on the wall. The Guanzhong area on the map was drawn with lines with a fine brush, criss-crossing and dense like a spider web.In front of the map, an old man in green robes with a long beard reaching his chest, a lion nose and a tiger forehead, and a dignified appearance was standing quietly.He looked gloomy, thoughtful, and said nothing. Suddenly the door curtain was lifted, and a servant from outside the study bowed in and said: "The great general, the eldest son, and the second son come to see you." It turned out that the old man was Sima Yi, the great general of hussars who claimed to be going out for a spring outing in the palace, but was actually thinking behind closed doors about a strategy for the war against Shu.Hearing the servant's report, he showed a slight sullen expression on his face, thought for a while, and ordered: "Let them in!" The door curtain was another roll, and his eldest son Sima Shi and his second son Sima Zhao entered in awe, and stood a foot away from the desk with their hands down.The two brothers Sima Shi and Sima Zhao are very similar in appearance, but the difference is that the manners of the two brothers are very different: Sima Shi has a majestic and majestic demeanor, and his gestures are majestic;Neither of them had the arrogance and pomp of the dandy children of aristocratic families, but they were all capable, smart, high-spirited and very impressive.This is mainly due to the fact that their father always intentionally brought them by his side, went to wars in the north and south, went through life and death, and gained experience in all aspects in the political arena and on the battlefield.Their father taught them since they were young to take "the talents of the pillars and the tools of the community" as their lifelong ambition, actively develop their abilities and talents, and strive to become a generation of outstanding people.Therefore, the two brothers feel that they have benefited a lot from their father's side and have made great progress, which is far better than sitting in a study and doing nothing. At this moment, Sima Yi had already sat back on the bed covered with a tiger skin brocade mat, closing his eyes and resting his mind.Sima Shi and Sima Zhao brothers stood respectfully behind the desk, holding their breath, they did not dare to speak out.This is not because the two brothers are afraid of their father, but because of the iron-like strict family rules of the Sima family.When they were children, they clearly remembered that when their grandfather Sima Fang was alive, their father Sima Yi and uncle Sima Fu, even though they had already become officials and married, saw their grandfather still doing the same thing as they do today. , If you don’t order to sit, you dare not sit, if you don’t ask questions, you don’t dare to speak”, strictly follow the family rules and regulations.And this kind of earnest practice of "restraining oneself and returning to the rites" tempered the perseverance and solid willpower of the members of the Sima family, so they have always been known in the officialdom as "unwavering in the way, vigorous and upright". After a while, Sima Yi slowly opened his eyes and looked directly at the two sons: "Don't you know that when you are planning a great military plan for your father, you are the most afraid of being disturbed by others? Why do you still come here to ask for an interview?" Master Sima took a step forward, whispering Said: "Haier knows that my father doesn't like being disturbed by others. However, the ones who really want to see my father today are not Hai'er and Zhaodi, but Zhongshu Ling Sun Zi and Zhongshu Supervisor Liu Fang." "Sun Zi, Liu Fang?" Sima Yi's heart moved, his face changed slightly, "Where are they now?" Master Sima quickly replied: "The two adults are dressed in casual clothes, and their whereabouts are secretive. They came quietly in an old carriage. We are at the gate of Sima Mansion waiting for your father to summon you." Sima Yi suddenly stood up, and ordered: "Master, you go immediately to welcome the two adults into my study, and you must not neglect. Zhao'er, you immediately go to the front yard to find a few servants with strict tongues." Strictly guard within a radius of ten feet around the study, and no one is allowed to disturb, let alone snoop!" Sima Shi and Sima Zhao each responded, and went out. Sima Yi walked slowly a few steps in the study with his head down, then suddenly walked to the corner bookcase, took out a mahogany square box from it, and put it on the desk.Then, he stood at the door of the study, quietly waiting for Sun and Liu to come.In fact, the positions of Zhongshujian and Zhongshuling are only the fourth-rank official positions in the imperial court. Sima Yigui is a first-rank hussar general and censor Zhongcheng, so there is no need to greet Sun and Liu respectfully.However, Zhongshujian and Zhongshuling have always been the positions closest to the emperor in the central organization of the imperial court. All the decisions on military and state secrets, as well as the drafting of imperial edicts and imperial edicts are all done by them. But Sima Yi had to pay attention to it.In addition, Sun Zi, Liu Fang, and Sima Yi are all from the east of Yuzhou, and they have always had a close relationship with fellow villagers, so Sima Yi treats them differently from ordinary people.Especially Zhongshuling Sun Zi, like Sima Yi, was a disciple of Xun Yu, a Confucian great sage of the generation, and he usually made friends with his classmates, and was even more accepted by Sima Yi. Not long after, only the sound of footsteps could be heard, Sun Zi and Liu Fang, led by Sima Shi, had already arrived outside the door of the study.Sima Yi stepped out of the door step by step, stood outside, cupped his fists as a salute, and said with a smile, "It's a great honor for the two adults to come to our residence!" He suddenly went out to greet him, which surprised Sun and Liu slightly.Liu Fang hurriedly stepped forward to return the salute, and said: "Master Sima treated him with such great courtesy, he really killed Liu." But Sun Zi smiled lightly, stood where he was and bowed, and said, "Master Sima is a great general of hussars. His honor, but he came to the door for the two of us in person, he is really 'a corporal, and treats the virtuous with all respect', and he is worthy of being a wise minister of the country like Duke Zhou." "Sun Jun made fun of you! I don't dare to take it!" Sima Yi smiled and shook his head again and again, welcoming Sun and Liu into the study.As soon as Sun Zi entered the house, he saw the military topographic map of Wei and Shu hanging on the wall. He couldn't help being startled, secretly admiring Sima Yi's loyalty to the country.It's no wonder that this man can often put forward a lot of insights on the battle between Wei and Shu, which is inseparable from his speculation day and night about the military situation of the two countries!Seeing this situation, Sun Zi had even more admiration for this old school friend who was older than himself.When he was studying Wen Tao and Wu Lue under Xun Yu, he often heard Master Xun praise Sima Yi for being "smart and decisive, and he has made every strategy".Thinking of this, Sun Zi became more determined to help Sima Yi as the coach of Guanzhong to fight against the Shu bandits.Because only a veteran general like Sima Yi who is both wise and courageous, as well as resolute and determined, can truly implement the court's general plan for Shu.But today, half of the reason why he and Liu Fang left the palace and came to Sima Mansion in obedience to the emperor's will was precisely for this matter. After Sun Zi and Liu Fang sat down, they exchanged pleasantries with Sima Yi.During the conversation, Sima Zhao also came in after arranging guards outside the study, stood side by side with Master Sima, and listened attentively.Liu Fang leaned over to Sima Yi and asked with a smile: "Master Sima has been busy returning to the capital recently, did you ever spend a good time in the mansion for leisure and entertainment? Your lord has always been tired and hard in the frontier. After returning to Beijing, you must relax and pay more attention to rest. It is." Sima Yi shook his head, and said lightly: "Now that the Shu bandits are approaching the Guanzhong, and the powerful enemy is present, how can I stay out of the matter and just want to relax? After returning to Beijing, the old man has been inquiring about the news of the Shu bandits' march, and has been researching how to deal with it. Regarding Shu’s strategy of war, I never found time to visit the capital. Only the day before yesterday afternoon, on a whim, I went to Taiyuan Academy to have a chat with Dr. Wang Ji and Fu Gu of the Imperial College. Oh, there were still a few The soothsayers who came to Beijing to explain the vision of the "comet falling from the sky" were present, and one of them named Guan Ren, after seeing the old man's face, wrote a statement. Are you two adults interested in reading it?" "Oh? That sorcerer Guan Ren from Pingyuan County?" Liu Fang said in surprise, "Liu has heard for a long time that this man's skill in numbers is exquisite, and that he is very effective in fortune-telling and fortune-telling. Look." Sima Yi smiled slightly, took out a wooden slip from his sleeve, and handed it to Liu Fang.Liu Fang took a closer look and saw 20 big characters written on the wooden slips: "The roots of the mountain are strong, and you hold great power. With the help of noble people, you will surely achieve great success and live a long life." He read these 20 characters carefully, and then He raised his eyes and looked at Sima Yi's face carefully, and said slowly: "To tell the truth, Mr. Sima, Liu has always been fond of studying astrology and numerology, but he has some experience. I read Guan Ren's twenty-character assertion today. , Liu felt that he was extremely accurate." Sima Yi smiled lightly and said, "How can you see that?" "Master Sima, you know that the 'mountain root' in this assertion actually refers to the root of a person's nose." When Liu Fang talked about the study of astrology and numerology, it was like opening a chatterbox, talking eloquently, "In the study of physiognomy Among them, the root of the nose symbolizes the foundation and authority of a person. Master Sima's nose root is very well-born, as firm and towering as a mountain ridge. Naturally, he is the one with power, and he is destined to have a noble person to help him at any time..." Sun Zi listened to Liu Fang's words getting more and more outrageous, so he secretly tugged at the corner of his sleeve, coughed, interrupted Liu Fang's speech, and said, "Master Sima has a high position and authority, he I am a noble person, stand on my own feet, and look everywhere, so why do I need help from outsiders?" Liu Fang was pulled by Sun Zi's sleeve, and he immediately came to his senses, his eyes turned, and he laughed and said, "Brother Sun is right! Sir Sima, Liu is just talking nonsense, and my lord will just listen to it." Can!" "Where! Where!" Sima Yi stroked his long beard under his chin with the five fingers of his left hand, and laughed, "I don't believe the words 'great success' and 'longevity', but this 'noble person's help' is very accurate! Liu My lord, my lord Sun, aren't you two 'big nobles' who will do their best to help this old man do his best for the country without any worries? This old man is really grateful for the kindness and virtue of the two lords!" When Sun and Liu heard this, they even said they dared not.While stroking his beard and talking, Sima Yi winked at his brother Sima standing beside him.Brother Sima understood, so he moved the two wooden boxes from the east corner of the study and put them under the feet of Sun and Liu. Sun and Liu were a little puzzled, and looked at Sima Yi with puzzled eyes.But Sima Yi laughed and said, "My lords, these two wooden boxes contain some of the old man's thoughts, and I hope you can accept them." While he was speaking, Brother Sima had already opened two wooden boxes silently.In an instant, two exquisite, crystal-clear purple jade coral trees appeared in front of Sun and Liu.Generally speaking, corals are usually vermilion in color, but the purple and dazzling corals in the wooden box are really rare in the world for hundreds of years, and they are naturally extremely rare.Sun and Liu looked at it carefully, and they couldn't help being a little dumbfounded. They were speechless for a moment.Sima Yi smiled and said: "These two gifts are the spoils that I captured from the enemy when I conquered Wu Kou in the East. If you two adults value them, please accept them!" Instruct Sima Shi and Sima Zhao brothers: "Move these two wooden boxes to the carriage that the two adults came in, and be careful and secure." Brother Sima responded, each picked up a wooden box, and walked out lightly. Only then did Sun and Liu come to their senses, and they declined for a long while, seeing that Sima Yi was so determined, they had no choice but to agree.Sun Zi said with emotion: "The great general loves you so much, it makes the two of us feel ashamed." Sima Yi waved his hands, and said: "I know that the two adults are addicted to books, and I always like to collect all kinds of strange books and secret books. Here are two more gifts for the two adults." As he spoke, he reached for the mahogany box on the desk, gently opened it, and took out four small silk books, saying: "This book Although there are four books, there are only two types: one, the two adults will naturally know it, it is the pioneering work of Gui Guzi, the founder of the Warring States strategists; the second... can the two adults guess it?" When Sun Zi and Liu Fang heard it, their hearts were already full of enthusiasm. They didn't have any thoughts to guess, and said anxiously: "Master Sima, don't tease us anymore, please tell us quickly." Sima Yi smiled and evaded for a while before he laughed He said: "This second book is the book "Jiangyuan" written by Zhuge Liang, our great enemy of the Great Wei and the prime minister of Shu!" "Oh?" Sun Zi and Liu Fang were startled, "I have heard for a long time that Zhuge Liang is better than Guan Zhong and Wu Ruleyi, and is known as a Confucian scholar. His classics are naturally comparable to "Sun Tzu's Art of War"! But why didn't we Have you ever heard of when he actually wrote the book "General Garden"?" Sima Yi laughed a little smugly, and said, "Yes, Zhuge Liang has never publicly published his closed book that condenses his lifelong wisdom and knowledge. Mr. Sun and Mr. Liu, there are only four copies of this book in the world: One book was kept by Zhuge Liang himself in the secret room of the prime minister's mansion, and it will be released to the world after his death; the other book was specially dedicated to the false emperor Liu Chan by Zhuge Liang, hoping that he could study it carefully and use it to govern the country; The next two books are in the old man's wooden box. The old man will give them to the two adults." Liu Dafang was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.After hearing Sima Yi's words, Sun Zi's heart was shocked: This general Sima can even get such confidential and precious classics and materials as the head of the enemy country, he is really supernatural!At the same time, he already knew deeply in his heart: It seems that to Sima Yi, all the situations inside and outside of Shu, up and down, are like tattoos on the palm of his hand, and they are all in his field of vision!The ancients said: "Know yourself and know the enemy, and you will win a hundred battles." It can be seen that Sima Yi already has a well-thought-out idea of ​​how to defeat Shu.Then, he served as the coach of Guanzhong to fight against the Shu bandits in the west, and he really answered the old saying-"he deserves his name".Thinking of this, Sun Zi sighed, and said: "It seems that His Majesty's selection of Lord Sima as the coach of Guanzhong is really a wise move. Sun hereby congratulates Lord Sima in advance." "Master Sun, why did you say that?" Sima Yi was overjoyed—he finally heard the good news, but he said calmly, "Your Majesty really chose this old man as the commander of Guanzhong to fight against Zhuge Liang? " But Sun Zi didn't answer directly, his face straightened, and he asked solemnly: "Sun is bold and wants to ask Master Sima a question. If you are the commander of Guanzhong, what unique strategy will you have to fight against Shu?" After hearing this, Sima Yi looked at Sun Zi with his eyes like lightning, and said slowly, "This old man has no extraordinary plan." Sun Zi was startled when he heard it, and said in surprise, "Why?" Sima Yi saw the puzzled expression on his face, couldn't help being amused, laughed, and said, "Master Sun has already told the old man about the strategy of conquest of Shu, and didn't he know it?" Suddenly realized, he slapped his palms together, and said with a smile: "Lord Sima is really Sun's confidant! Thanks so much, Sun! Thank you, Lord Sima, for adopting Sun's strategy! Sun can't help but want to sing about it!" Sima Yi slightly With a smile, he stroked his beard and nodded in silence. Seeing the two of them talking inexplicably like Zen, Liu Fang was also dumbfounded.It took a long time before the two of them recovered from their understanding smiles.Seeing Liu Fang's doubts, Sun Zi straightened his face and explained: "A year ago, Sun Mou presented a strategy of conquest of Shu to His Majesty. You can win. You can't win by yourself, but you can win by the enemy. Now Wei is strong, Wu and Shu are weak, so we must stick to the dangerous points, garrison the frontier, wait for work with ease, wait for opportunities, fight if you can fight, and defend if you don't fight. Several years Afterwards, the power of the Wei State was as stable as Mount Tai, and the bandits of Wu and Shu were exhausted, so there must be a gap to take advantage of. At that time, they will drive straight in and be invincible, and great things can be achieved. Unexpectedly, Master Sima would keep Sun’s insight in his heart and regard it as a wonderful strategy. I’m really ashamed and happy!” Sima Yi laughed loudly: "Master Sun's strategy is a unparalleled strategy to defeat others without fighting. If I am the commander of Guanzhong, I will definitely implement it, and I am confident that it will be a complete success. When the time comes, I will personally submit it to you. Your Majesty has told the truth, and I will give credit to Lord Sun and Lord Liu for their ingenuity and secrets! At the same time, all the rewards that the old man received will be shared with the two adults. Heaven is above, if the old man violates this statement, he will be punished by heaven !" Sun Zi and Liu Fang stood up in a hurry, Sun Zi thanked: "Master Sima has found a place for us to use our small plan, we are already very grateful, how dare you expect Lord Sima to ask for credit on your behalf? Reward? Lord Sima, just let go and implement this strategy of conquest of Shu in the front, and we will do our best to help in the rear, so that Lord Sima will not be hindered in any way." Liu Fang also nodded repeatedly.Although these words were extremely modest, they were really from the heart of the two of them, without any falsehood or selfishness.Now, Sun and Liu implicitly believe that Sima Yi's success is equal to their success.Naturally, helping Sima Yi succeed is equivalent to helping them succeed. Sima Yi also stood up, and thanked you: "Since that's the case, I will thank the two adults on behalf of the common people in this world! Every battle is victorious, but it wastes people's money and kills countless people. Even if you win, it is not a joy; if you win without fighting, Since you can unify the world without laboring and disturbing the people, why not do it? Mr. Sun’s strategy, the merits of the country, benefit the people, isn’t it virtuous?” , Hearing Sima Yi's words, he couldn't help secretly delighting himself, feeling a little flustered, and pretending to say modestly: "Master Sima, don't praise Sun Mou any more, Sun Mou is ashamed." After a pause, he returned a few words Flattering words to Sima Yi: "If all the ministers of my great Wei group can be as loyal and diligent as Master Sima for the country and the people, then the emperor will be very fortunate! The people will be very fortunate!" Liu Fang also echoed a few words of sweetness, and suddenly his heart moved, as if thinking of something, he lowered his voice and said to Sima Yi: "However, although Lord Sima can be called a highly respected minister of the community, he is also suitable for the court and Guangtong. Dust, following the square is better. Recently, Hua Taiwei, Chen Sikong and other adults seem to be quite opposed to the appointment of General Sima as the coach of Guanzhong, and they are trying their best to ensure that General Zhang He is promoted to the coach of Guanzhong. If it were not for Liu and Master Sun There are many admonitions and disputes, and I am afraid that Master Sima will rarely show his general plan for conquering Shu!" At this point, he hurriedly raised his eyes to look at Sima Yi's expression, and saw that his face was as still as water, and he didn't know the depth, and said: "Of course, today Liu Speaking of this matter, there is absolutely no intention of asking Lord Sima for credit. Liu hopes that Lord Sima will communicate with Taiwei Hua and Sikong Chen in private, break down prejudices, and work together to help the Wei family!" Sima Yi listened to his words in silence, with a calm face as usual, and said with a faint smile: "Thank you, Master Liu, for reminding me. It's probably because the old man has been away with troops for many years and has lost communication with Captain Hua and Sikong Chen!" It's no wonder that Captain Hua and Chen Sikong are prejudiced against this old man! What Master Liu said is true, the old man will choose a day to meet with Captain Hua and Chen Sikong candidly, so as to clear up the past." Sun Zi also nodded in agreement, saying : "Lord Sima's move is very appropriate. However, Taiwei Hua and Chen Sikong will eventually realize the virtuous style of Lord Sima, who is vigorous and upright, and thus correct their one-sided views on Lord Sima." Sima Yi just smiled faintly, but his eyes became as deep as a pool of water, and he couldn't see to the end. At this time, Sun Zi suddenly winked at Liu Fang.刘放会意，咳嗽一声，起身踱到了书房门口站定，侧耳倾听门外动静，一副为人把风的模样。司马懿见此情形，不禁有些惊疑。他正欲发问，孙资已向他脸色一正，肃然说道：“司马大将军也许不知，前几日，郭太后在永安宫召见了华太尉、钟太傅、董司徒等数位元老大臣，提出要将其弟中垒将军郭表之职予以擢升，接掌去世的曹大将军空出来的大司马之位。同时，她又要求在朝纲国纪中添上'以孝治国'的说法，以此激浊扬清。不知司马大人对此有何高见？” 司马懿一怔，脸色立刻变得凝重起来。关于永安宫郭太后与当今陛下之间恩怨情结，他也是相当清楚的。但他万万没有想到，这段时间来郭太后与陛下之间的隔阂与矛盾恶化到今日这般境地！自去年四月以来，陛下就不再到永安宫向郭太后问安，这已显现了他俩之间的关系极其紧张。而郭太后召见诸位元老大臣示以“以孝治国”之言，更是在不动声色地用“不孝之名”来影射当今陛下。至于她要求提升郭表为大司马，则显然是在扩充郭氏实力，以备不测。这种种迹象表明，魏宫帝后两党的残酷斗争，已然浮出水面。孙资今日这么直截了当地问他这些敏感问题，分明就是在试探他在这场宫廷斗争中的立场表态。 一念及此，司马懿也面色肃然坚定有力地说道：“这些事老夫确实不知。但是，太后此举实在是不妥，老夫身为辅政大臣，必当于庙堂之上持理公然反对！先帝有诏，'妇人参政，乃乱国之本也。自今而后，群臣不得奏事太后，太后不得擅召群臣问政。后族之家不得当辅政之任，又不得横受茅土之爵。以此诏传后世，若有违背，天下共诛之。'大司马之位，非辅政大臣与国之重勋不得担任。郭表他何德何能何功堪当此位？ “所谓'以孝治国'之说，本就在我大魏'忠、孝、仁、义'四字朝纲国纪之中。老夫以为，应当四道并行，不宜单单偏重一个'孝'字，更何况还有那文武百官立身处世的根本——'忠'字高悬其上！先帝遗诏亦已表明，'忠'比'孝'更大！老夫明日上朝，便要请陛下重申先帝遗诏，警示群臣！” 孙资一听，大喜道：“司马公铮铮风骨，耿耿直言，足以彪炳千秋！有司马公这样的骨鲠之臣以身作则垂范于天下，担任我大魏社稷之栋梁，则天子完全可以垂拱朝堂而化流四海矣！”赞罢，他又极认真极严肃地说道：“既是如此，孙某也就放心了。司马大人，孙某要向您交代一件极机密极要紧的事情，请附耳过来！”司马懿一见，不敢大意，急忙附耳过去。孙资脸色凝重，以极低极低的声音在他耳畔悄悄说了几句话。 司马懿听罢，脸色大变，转过头来，惊讶地盯视着孙资，满脸疑云地问了一句：“圣意已决？！”孙资脸色肃然，迎视着他的双眼，一言不发，用力地点了点头。 司马懿紧盯着孙资：“朝廷禁军不可用吗？” 孙资的目光略略低了下去：“虽然内廷羽林军和锐士营有曹爽、秦朗等把持，但郭表他们也在其中设有暗线……若是调用内廷禁军，陛下有些担心打草惊蛇……” “唔……所以，陛下就想到了从外地藩镇调派死士，给郭党以惊雷一击？”司马懿明白过来，顿时心潮澎湃，难以自抑，便埋下头来在书房里急速踱了几个圈子，终于一咬牙站定了身形，缓缓说道：“好吧！老夫就让昭儿留在京师，任由孙大人差遣。孙大人所言之事，昭儿定会帮你办得天衣无缝。” “二公子看似儒雅温和，恐怕做不来这等杀伐决断之事吧？”孙资有些犹豫，“孙某有些担忧二公子难以当此重任。” “知子莫若父。昭儿随老夫出生入死历练多年，立身行事外柔内刚、气度沉雄，而且临机果断，从未失手。”司马懿慢慢捋须说道，“孙大人完全可以放心大胆地使用他。另外，老夫即刻密调江南锐士营中三千名亲信精兵伪装成市井之徒潜入京师，散布民间，万一事有突变，则可及时召用！” 孙资听罢，神色一敛，深深一躬，道：“司马大人不愧是值得陛下推心置腹、荣辱与共的社稷之臣。孙某代陛下谢过司马大人了。” “为天子分忧，为社稷解难，本就是老夫身为顾命托孤大臣之责，陛下于老夫何谢之有？”司马懿喟然长叹一声，躬身还了一礼，“孙大人，请转告陛下，无论将来发生什么事情，老夫都一如既往竭力支持陛下，赴汤蹈火在所不惜。”