Chapter 46 7. Cao Cao's conquest, courtesy first and soldiers later

Sure enough, five days later, a motorcade drove straight to the gate of Sima's mansion.The ones who came down from the dozen or so carriages were exactly a group of conscription envoys from the Sikong Mansion.They brought Sima Yi a book of conquest written by Cao Sikong himself and a generous dowry gift: two hundred pieces of brocade silk, four hundred buckets of grain, a pair of green luan jade discs and a box of rare books and secret books. This time the conscript envoy came from a real background: the chief envoy was actually Xu Yi, the elder of Sikong Mansion Xicao.In the official system of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Sikong was listed among the "Three Dukes", and he could start a government and manage affairs, that is, independently build a set of institutional teams.The Xicao Office is a personnel agency that is in charge of the appointment, removal and promotion of officials within the Sikong Mansion, and Xi Cao is the chief officer of the Xicao Office, and the Xicao Subsidiary is the executive deputy of the Xicao Office.Xu Yi is a famous Jiangdong scholar who was conscripted into the government by Cao Sikong after the Battle of Guandu.Obviously, Cao Sikong asked him to lead the team to conscript Sima Yi himself, with a very clear intention of probing his truth.

When Sima Yi was lying on the couch and was carried into the living room by Niu Jin and Sima Yin, Xu Yi, who was seated at the head of the guest table, couldn't help but frowned deeply: It seemed that Sima Yi had not recovered from his wind-related disease, so he How can you still apply for an official if you have limited mobility?However, could his appearance be a disguise?This point must be carefully verified!Otherwise, how to explain this trip to Cao Sikong? ... However, regardless of whether Sima Yi was really paralyzed or pretended to be paralyzed at this time, Xu Yi had to speak out solemnly the speech that Xu Yi had secretly prepared in his stomach.

After clearing his throat, Xu Yi pointed to an elder in Ge robes and a man in black at the guest table, and introduced to Sima Yi: "Mr. Sima, we and the group are specially ordered by Cao Sikong to come here on his behalf. I have hired you to become an official. The person who is accompanying me is Mr. Gao Zhan, the imperial physician of the inner court, and this righteous man is the commander Wu Mao who is guarding the convoy for this conquest." Gao Zhan, the elder in Ge robes, and Wu Mao, the man in black, both bowed to Sima Yi according to the etiquette. "My lords, please forgive me for not being able to get up to answer the salute..." Sima Yi supported his upper body with difficulty on the couch, and bowed to the three of them one by one.These simple actions made him so tired that he lay down again, and his forehead was already slightly sweaty.

Seeing this, Xu Yi was slightly surprised: Sima Yi's wind paralysis could be so serious?If this is really the case, it would be a pity—when he and Sima Yi looked at each other just now, he could vaguely feel that the light in his eyes was introverted, like pearls in a deep pool. This is a strange phenomenon full of ambition and talent!It seems that Cao Sikong, Xun Lingjun, and Doctor Yang Jun all favored him, and it really wasn't an exaggeration without evidence! "Mr. Sima, in my opinion, Cao Sikong is actually a man who is eager to seek talents, is tireless in his pursuit of scholars, and is a good gentleman! Do you know that Huaxin, a senior scholar of Qilu who lives in Jiangdong because of avoiding chaos, is only because of Cao Sikong's love?" Hearing that he has the reputation of being a great talent, he did not hesitate to use force to coerce General Sun Quan to let him return to the north..." Xu Yi was determined, and said eloquently, "It is myself who previously had the independence of living in seclusion to support his ambition and escape from the world. However, after reading a poem written by Cao Sikong by chance, he became excited and realized it thoroughly, and finally accepted the proposal and cast it in Cao Sikong's residence..."

When Sima Yi heard this, his body shook slightly, and he raised his head to look at him, with deep curiosity and inquiry in his eyes. "That poem is the "Haoli Xing" written by him a few years ago: "There are righteous men in the Guandong, and they raise troops to fight against the gangsters. In the early days, they met in Tianjin, but their hearts were in Xianyang. The army was not coordinated, and they hesitated and walked wild. Snobbery makes people The title of Huainan's younger brother is engraved in the north. The armor is full of lice, and all surnames die. The bones are exposed in the wild, and there is no rooster crowing for a thousand miles. One of the living people is one, and the thought of it breaks the heart.' "Xu Yi glanced at Sima Yi, saw that he was listening carefully, and continued, "The loyalty and benevolence in this poem are really overflowing and overflowing! Every time I think about it, I will I feel that I feel sorry for you! In life, if you are lucky enough to meet an adult and gentleman, you must run with him in the same way and help the common people. Why do you live together with the mountains and forests and beasts? Therefore, as soon as Sir Sikong’s book comes, this seat will I happily went there, thinking that if a fish returns to the water, a bird will enter the forest!"

Sima Yi listened quietly, nodding frequently and remaining silent. "In addition, Mr. Sima, Mr. Xu has also heard about your feat of 'enforcing the law with iron fists, eradicating corruption and eliminating rape' when you were the governor of Hanoi County in the fifth year of Jian'an, and you have always admired it." Xu Yi saw that Sima Yi's expression was slightly loose, Then he continued, "You probably don't know much about the current situation in Xudu City—since the beginning of this year, Cao Sikong entrusted Mr. Xun Ling and Mr. Mao Jie to take charge of the elections and reform the administration of officials. Scholars, although they are well-known at the time, but those who do not follow their own principles will never make progress: Zheng Gangji, Ming official admonitions, uphold solidity, denounce Chinese hypocrisy, adopt loyalty and integrity, abandon corruption, promote inferiority, suppress the party, and thus the world Scholars are not all self-motivated by honesty, although they are expensive and honorable officials, they dare not be overly obedient. It can be said that "officials are clean at the top, vulgarity is at the bottom, corruption is suppressed, and corruption is absolutely clean"! Mr. Sima, facing this situation Shengping ruled the world, which is rare in a hundred years, are you still apathetic and unable to hide?"

After hearing this, Mr. Sima was secretly excited: I was in the post of Ji Yu in Hanoi County, but I couldn't show my ambition due to the situation. Now Cao Sikong and Xun Lingjun took advantage of the time to clarify the administration of officials, which really fulfilled the ideal in my heart. Great wish!However, the north has not yet been settled, and my academic accomplishment has not yet reached a perfect state, so everything has to be discussed in the long run!So, he still had no choice but to pretend to be lying on the hospital bed, nodding slightly in approval but refusing to make a clear statement.

Xu Yi thought that his heart had been moved, and continued: "When I saw Mr. Sima today, I knew that you are truly a man of harmony, understanding and adaptability. The prejudice of being born in a family blinds him! You see, in today’s world, Xun Lingjun is a sage through the ages, Yang Taiwei is the crown of Qingliu, and Dr. Kong is a talent of the world. They still make friends with Cao Sikong and get along very well. How can the late-born juniors bind themselves to popular views? Besides, Sima Jun's elder brother, Sima Boda, is Cao Sikong's confidant and capable minister who has always relied heavily on him. There is a saying in the etiquette: "Brothers do what brothers do." In the sense of filial piety, Sima Jun should also go to the Sikong Mansion to share your brother's worries and take responsibility."

"Master Xu's words are sincere, I am so grateful for your kindness and understanding." Sima Yi finally spoke slowly, "And my elder brother has sent letters to enlighten and teach me many times, and I have long been willing to devote myself to serving under Cao Sikong's family, but myself This body really doesn't live up to expectations." After finishing speaking, he closed his eyes, looked at his lower body as stiff as a tree, with a sad look on his face, as if he was choked up, and didn't say any more. Xu Yi saw that the grief on his face seemed to be genuine, and after a slight change of thought, he turned his head and gestured to Gao Zhan, the imperial doctor sitting on his left side: "Gao imperial doctor, Sir Sikong invited you here this time because he hopes Can you carefully diagnose the symptoms of wind arthralgia that Sima Jun is suffering from? There may be a cure if you cut it off, please come forward and have a diagnosis."

Gao Zhan had been secretly observing Sima Yi's condition since he entered the living room.Now hearing Xu Yi's order, he pushed a one-foot-square cowhide suitcase from behind, held it in his hand, got up and walked towards the couch where Sima Yi was lying on. With a creaking sound, the cowhide case was opened, and Gao Zhan took out five or six long silver needles from inside, sandwiched them between the fingers of his right hand, sat on the edge of Sima Yi's couch, slowly stretched out his left hand, He kneaded the tendons of his legs gently. Seeing this situation, Sima Yin couldn't help but change his expression slightly while standing by the couch, secretly glanced sideways at Niu Jin who was standing on the other side, but saw that his face was as if nothing had happened.

Sima Yi was still lazily lying halfway on the couch, Ren Gaozhan's left hand was kneading along his legs and knees all the way, but he didn't respond like a wooden man. Suddenly, Gao Zhan's left hand stopped suddenly at the Huantiao acupoint on Sima Yi's right knee, and pressed the muscles around the acupoint—then his right hand moved suddenly, and everyone saw a silver light flash, and a long, thin needle was released. Deeply plunged into Sima Yi's Huantiao acupoint! "Not good!" Sima Yin cried out in his heart, his heart was raised in his throat - however, when he looked down, he saw that Sima Yi just hummed softly, and the silver needle was stuck in his right knee The acupuncture point didn't sway, and the right leg was still as stiff as a wood, and there was no response. Gao Zhan didn't make a sound, his right hand was rising and falling again, when the silver light was shining, silver needles were stuck on five or six heavy acupuncture points on Sima Yi's legs in an instant! However, his legs and feet still seemed to have lost any consciousness, as if he could not feel any stimulation or vibration at all. Gao Zhan stopped his hands at this moment, he seemed to have lost a lot of energy due to this series of violent and swift movements, he stretched out his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, and then quietly observed Sima Yi's reaction. After a long time, he saw that Sima Yi was still unconscious, so he asked him, "Sima Jun—how do your legs feel after these few needles? Is it painful? Is it itchy? Is it swollen?" Sima Yi closed his eyes and tried hard to savor it for a while, then opened his eyes, shook his head, and replied somewhat sadly: "Doctor Gao... It's as if these legs don't grow on my body at all... You The silver needle pierced in, and I didn't feel anything..." "Hmm..." Gao Zhan nodded slightly with a dignified expression, then gently pulled out the silver needles stuck on the acupuncture points on his legs and knees, put them back into his leather case, and slowly retreated to Xu Yi's side sit down on the seat. "Doctor Gao..." Xu Yi turned his head and asked Gao Zhan eagerly, "Look at Mr. Sima's wind paralysis..." "Mr. Sima is indeed suffering from wind arthralgia." Gao Zhan replied with certainty, "and his wind arthralgia is very serious: the veins in his legs are congested and the blood flow is blocked. Get well." "Alas..." Xu Yi sighed deeply after hearing this, and said with a look of regret on his face, "He was born with a strange talent, but he was born with a terrible disease and stumbled him - it is really a great misfortune in the world! Sima Jun, Xu feels sorry for you today." "However..." Gao Zhan seemed to have suddenly thought of something suspicious, and finally couldn't help but confide in it, "Master Xu, there is something strange about this matter, Mr. Sima is indeed suffering from wind paralysis, but he The tendon in his leg hasn't shrunk at all—Gao can still feel the elasticity and vitality of his muscles after pinching them just now." "What... what's going on here?" Xu Yi asked hurriedly after hearing this, "So, his wind arthralgia can still be cured?" Gao Zhan could only respond with a wry smile to his question. Only then did Sima Yi speak slowly: "Everyone doesn't know, my father has specially invited famous doctors from neighboring counties to give me a full-body massage every day in order to help me recover as soon as possible... This is nothing more than being a father who does his best to comfort his subordinates. Alas, I suffer from such a terrible disease, even if I have the heart to serve the country and be loyal, but I don’t have the means to fly, everything is just a dream. I can only resign myself to fate, The old man has come down." "Alas...Mr. Sima don't need to be sad." Xu Yi felt sad in his heart when he heard this, and comforted him, "There is a turning point in everything, misfortunes and fortunes are fickle - with Mr. Sima's great talent and great blessings, he will be able to turn danger into safety in the future. " However, Gao Zhan nodded and praised repeatedly: "Oh... so you are doing massage for relaxing muscles and activating blood every day! That's right! No wonder Sima Jun's muscles are so well maintained... Maybe it's just like Mr. Xu said , and one day there will be a miracle from the heavens!" At this time, Wu Mao, the commander of the convoy guards sitting on his left, looked at Sima Yi from afar, and just let out a cold snort from his nostrils, with a noncommittal look on his face.He would not doubt that Gao Zhan would cover up the fraud for Sima Yi, but he followed Cao Sikong's secret order and had his own secret method to find out whether Sima Yi was pretending to be sick.However, right now is not the best time for him to make a probe. Xu Yi finally got up first, led Gao Zhan, Wu Mao and others to leave the table, and said goodbye to Sima Yi who was lying on the couch: "Sima Jun, don't be discouraged, please rest and take care of yourself. We have treated Cao Sikong attentively today. Convey the intention of accepting the virtuous, and return to Xudu immediately. I will report all your situation to Cao Sikong truthfully——Cao Sikong is eager to love talents, and maybe he will give Xuan wheel chairs, just like King Qi hired you. Sun Bin usually comes to conscript you into an official position." "What's your virtue and your ability? How can you stand Cao Gong's kindness and grand ceremony?" Sima Yi heard Xu Yi's words on the couch, and immediately touched his chest and wept, until Xu Yi and others left the house after saying goodbye Still leaning on the back of the couch, mourning overwhelmed. In the living room, finally only Niu Jin and Sima Yin were left by his bedside.After a while, Sima Yi stopped crying, and slowly raised his head, the sorrowful expression on his face had long been wiped away, replaced by a look of concentration and meditation. "Second Young Master...you were really able to hold back just now..." Sima Yin couldn't hold back any longer, and exclaimed, "So those silver needles stuck in your leg...you didn't even frown." Sima Yi didn't reply right away, but glanced at Niu Jin, and said indifferently: "Just untie my acupoints..." Under Sima Yin's surprised and inexplicable gaze, Niu Jin responded, then bent down, turned his right palm over, exerted enough palm strength, and patted Sima Yi's back twice. I saw that Sima Yi's whole body relaxed suddenly, and his whole body suddenly glowed, which was completely different from the fatigue and weakness just now - what's more, he moved his legs, stepped off the ground, and sat firmly on the couch again. stand up. "Thank you, Niu Jin, for sealing all the acupoints on Yi's lower body with the unique knowledge of Xuanmen Qigong taught by Master Guan Ning. Otherwise, the few injections given by Doctor Gao would have made Yi grin his teeth in pain!" Sima Yi turned his face. , and smiled slightly towards Niu Jin, "Yi finally survived the public temptation they came to the door today..." "So that's how it is!" Sima Yin couldn't help but said happily after hearing this, "Now the Second Young Master has successfully passed the temptation of Master Xu and Imperial Doctor Gao, and you can live in the mansion with peace of mind from now on..." "It's completely possible to live in the mansion with peace of mind? According to Yiyi, I'm afraid it may not be possible for the time being." Sima Yi shook his head lightly, his brows furrowed slightly. .It's just that there seems to be something wrong with the way the team guard commander looked at Yi." "The commander of the convoy guard is an extraordinary martial arts master." Niu Jin said expressionlessly, "From the moment he entered the living room, Niu felt that his whole body was shrouded in evil spirit." Hearing this, Sima Yi raised his head and took a deep look at Niu Jin, with deep approval in his eyes: "Mr. Niu has observed him carefully! That's right. He broke into the Grand Master's Mansion in Luoyang to openly assassinate him. Dong Zhuo's great assassin. Yi had a relationship with him at that time. It's just that he doesn't recognize Yi now..." "This person must be guarded!" Niu Jin's speech has always been succinct, "He may repeat his old tricks and take advantage of others to spy on you. He is the last trump card that Cao Sikong sent to find out your true and false details." Sima Yi looked solemn, but nodded slowly and was speechless.