Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1339: Chapter 1291: Guiding the Situation

Let’s not speak of how cunning Sima Yi is, selling out Liu Xie’s team of allies. Just talking about Liu Xie himself, he’s pretty frustrated right now.

However, because Liu Bei is too far away, it’s impossible to direct his anger at Liu Bei. So, Liu Xie decisively channels his frustration toward this group of Han Loyal Ministers and then begins thinking of ways to accumulate power and seize control.

As for whose power to seize, it’s simple—among those around him with power are only Cao Cao and Ma Teng. Naturally, he can only target these two people.

”My intention is to pacify the world. Do any of you have a brilliant plan?” Liu Xie swept his hand in a show of dominance befitting a master of the world, addressing everyone present.

”We are willing to give our lives.” A group of Han officials shouted in unison.

Seeing this scene, Sima Yi was bewildered. Although he had long known that Liu Xie could not be propped up, he didn’t expect him to be so utterly unproppable, not even knowing ”If the ruler is not secretive, he loses his state; if ministers are not secretive, they lose their lives; if plans are not secretive, they fail.”

Sima Yi silently distanced himself from this group of people, afraid of being infected by this stupidity.

[No wonder the Emperor is so foolish; with such people for friends, how can he be wise?] Sima Yi thought with pity. With teammates like these, it’s already impressive that the Emperor has turned out like this.

[In light of the Han Court’s previous support for my Sima family, I should leave the Emperor a way out, to prevent utter devastation.] Sima Yi thought, tilting his head.

Sima Yi indeed harbored grand ambitions and was no less talented than others. Nevertheless, being a product of the grand and upright educational system of his aristocratic family, he still held a touch of reverence for the Han Dynasty, which Liu Xie represented.

”In my opinion, we might as well contact former Grand Commandant Patriarch Yang and Chief of Staff Minister Xun and Minister Zhong under Cao Sikong. With these three, we won’t be as powerless as we are now.” Sima Yi said with a smile. Even though he was two-faced, it didn’t prevent him from advising Liu Xie.

”Good, Zhongda, I’ll leave this matter to you.” Liu Xie, initially dissatisfied with having only obedient subordinates without strategists, felt greatly relieved by Sima Yi’s suggestion. Having both powerful aides and strategists is what makes a complete team.

”Your Majesty, my identity is special, and if I make friendly connections with Cao Sikong’s ministers, it might be difficult for me to extricate myself to face you.” Sima Yi said, bowing his head steadily, while inwardly expressing relentless disdain.

”I have some personal connections with Zhong Yuanchang.” Wang Cheng stepped forward to recommend himself.

”I don’t have much contact with Xun Wenruo, but I have communicated with his uncle.” Liu Cong bowed and stepped forward.

”Leave Yang Wenxian to me.” Dong Cheng strode forward and bowed.

As soon as someone suggested recruiting Xun Youi, Sima Lang, among others, Sima Yi could only helplessly roll his eyes. If this group’s actions succeeded, it would only be because their opponents had consumed Zhou Yu’s idiocy halo.

”Your Majesty, we should withdraw for now. The palace is likely infiltrated by people from other families; we need to be more cautious.” Sima Yi said, bowing his head.

”Alright.” Liu Xie, recognizing his own cleverness despite it being mostly petty, was genuinely cautious about his safety. Thus, he immediately dismissed everyone, advising them to attend to their respective duties unless significant matters arose.

As the group departed, Sima Yi, expressionless, headed to the Ministry of Works Office. As expected, they were also discussing Liu Bei’s official announcement.

However, unlike Liu Xie’s side, where they were upset about Liu Bei challenging imperial authority and overstepping ancestral rules, Cao Cao’s side didn’t think Liu Bei was wrong.

On the contrary, Cao Cao agreed with Liu Bei’s approach, rewarding merit and punishing faults. Of course, Cao Cao only agreed with Liu Bei’s style, not his actions that caused frustration.

Cao Cao’s side had consistently concluded that Liu Xuande’s official announcement aims to recruit capable ministers worldwide by high positions and to ensure that during the campaign against Yuan Tan, Cao Cao wouldn’t disrupt internally, thus tying him up with governmental affairs.

”What say you, Zhongda?” Cao Cao asked, seated at the head with his senior ministers, including Sima Lang, among them.

”Minister of Works, the matter that Minister of Works and others were discussing is precisely what Dong Cheng and others are plotting.” Sima Yi respectfully replied, surprising Sima Lang and causing him to reconsider the letter he had sent.

”Hahaha, isn’t it said, ’If plans are not secretive, they fail’? Zhongda, please sit, we’re also discussing how to respond. With the Northern Xianbei already moving south, Liu Xuande doesn’t think about fighting the outer barbarians but instead targets Yuan Tan, falsely claiming benevolence and virtue.” Cao Cao laughed, inviting Sima Yi to sit at the end while turning to express a touch of righteous indignation, scolding from a moral high ground.

”I’ve already ordered people to draft a proclamation condemning Liu Xuande’s lack of morality.” Du Xi bowed, though he held little hope.

That’s because few can out-argue Liu Bei’s side now. Liu Yan had established a professional debating team, and they were all renowned speakers of the era.

The two most famous debaters were Chen Lin and Mii Heng, one representing high cultural elegance, the other popular folk culture; one specializing in attacking the nobility, the other the common people.

The two of them combined, no one could withstand them. Fortunately, they mostly argued against each other, making it hard for others to intervene. However, no one knew why Liu Yan could always restrain them.

”Mere condemnation isn’t enough; our troops should also make some moves.” Cheng Yu suggested. Arguments alone resolved nothing, especially when they couldn’t out-argue.

”Since Liu Xuande wants us not to interfere, we must interfere, consult with Eastern Wu, and arrange an offensive stance at Wancheng!” Cao Cao, understanding strategy and tactics, knew the enemy doesn’t want him to do something, meaning he should absolutely do it.

”Alright, consider it a way to clear misunderstandings between us, laying the foundation for future alliances.” Xun Youi said after a moment of thought; their conflict with Sunx Ce’s army was considerable.

”Lord, please allow me to be the military advisor for this. I need confirmation.” Cheng Yu hesitated for a moment before suddenly volunteering.

”Alright.” Cao Cao nodded.

Though he didn’t understand why Cheng Yu insisted on personally being a military advisor instead of being a leading general as before, Cao Cao approved of Cheng Yu’s suggestion. Among those present, Cheng Yu was the one Cao Cao trusted the most, a true like-minded friend!

”We can start by unifying internally.” Xun Yu, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them, prompting everyone to sit up and listen.

”Since Liu Bei wants to provoke internal issues, we should fan the flames to accelerate exposure. The second battle between Yuan and Liu won’t end quickly, and Sheni Pei, being monopolistic, isn’t easily dealt with.” Xun Yu calmly stated.