Prologue 12: Each Finds Their Place (Part II)

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Shi Chong was not subjected to any mistreatment. After a series of strategic negotiations among various factions, he happily returned home, receiving treatment befitting a hero.

Shi Bao held a grand banquet at the Shi residence, inviting many from the great generals’ households to celebrate Shi Chong’s return. This high-profile display was exactly what Sima Zhao wanted, aiming to dispel the negative impact caused by his own regicide.

Figures like Jia Chong, Ruan Ji, and Zhong Hui honored Shi Chong by attending and “carrying his sedan chair” in a show of support.

Among the guests was Minister Pei Xiu, renowned for his expertise in physiognomy. He confidently declared that Shi Chong’s future would be one of blossoming wealth and honor, with limitless prospects.

Amidst such extravagant praise, Li Yin, who was usually reclusive and averse to socializing, was absent. However, it was known that during the negotiations that led to Shi Chong’s release, Li Yin had exerted considerable influence behind the scenes.

Whether Li Yin’s absence from the banquet stemmed from disdain for the self-congratulatory nobles or a desire to avoid entanglements was unclear.

After the guests departed, it was already midnight.

Shi Chong, having drunk little, went directly to Shi Bao’s study for a private discussion. His current status and demonstrated abilities had earned him a place within the family’s inner circle of confidants.

“The affairs concerning Shi Gandang are now entirely managed by Yang Hu, and we aren’t permitted to intervene,” Shi Bao said with a sigh. “I’ve heard that the marriage decree granted by the Duke of Gaogui Township to him is being taken very seriously by some, who wish to see it fulfilled. I suspect his life is safe and acquiring a beautiful wife won’t be difficult, but hoping to rise to great heights through this is pure fantasy. With Jia Chong and the grand general present, he will forever be suppressed.”

Shi Bao’s tone was heavy with resignation.

This adopted son was still merely an adopted son. The old method of controlling him through “troops” was no longer viable.

In other words, Shi Gandang could assist the Shi family, but he was no longer obliged to serve unconditionally.

Moreover, Shi Gandang had been busy with this matter, yet the rewards had gone to Shi Chong, effectively repaying a life debt. Future dealings would require careful accounting of favors.

Their relationship would remain that of adopted father and son, but nothing more.

Whether Shi Gandang could serve as Shi Chong’s advisor depended on his own wishes and Yang Hu’s plans.

“By the way, Shi Gandang’s wife is from the Li family…” Shi Chong asked in disbelief. The Li family lady was renowned for her beauty. How could Shi Gandang have won her?

“You guessed right. Li Yin has already declared that the marriage is set in stone,” Shi Bao said with a sigh.

Shi Gandang’s fortune was extraordinary; this marriage was like manna from heaven.

“How did he manage it? Even if the lady favored him, Li Yin is not someone to be trifled with. How did he pull it off?” Shi Chong was incredulous. Competing with Sima Yan for a woman—how could one describe such behavior?

He couldn’t understand or judge it. People have their own ambitions; as long as they’re happy, that’s enough.

“Where there’s sincerity, even metal and stone can be broken. Shi Gandang risked his life for this marriage decree. Even if Li Yin were a stone, he should have been moved. Let alone the lady herself. If you were ever willing to risk your life for a woman, she would follow you without hesitation,” Shi Bao sighed, understanding the Li family’s perspective.

The marriage decree from Cao Mao circulated in a small circle. Though affecting few, those involved wielded great influence—like Li Yin, Empress Dowager Guo, and even Sima Yan.

Sima Yan’s luxury bicycle had been forcibly locked up and taken home by someone else, which was quite unpleasant for him.

He was resigned, for he only wanted to ride it for fun, while the other party had paid for it and forbade others from touching it.

Under such circumstances, Sima Yan rarely used his financial power.

If he truly exerted himself, he could win—who could outcompete Sima Yan for a wife? But since he only wanted to play, he had no chance. Li Wan’s background forbade any complications.

If Sima Yan divorced his legitimate wife Yang and married Li Wan, the beauty could be his, but the position of crown prince might be lost—something he could not bear.

Someday, as emperor, he could build a harem for five thousand beauties. Why sacrifice his future for one woman?

Shi Chong instantly felt Sima Yan’s helplessness.

“The world has truly changed. Even the Son of Heaven can be killed in the streets by powerful ministers. The instigator shall have no descendants. Shi Gandang is right—the Sima family’s reign may not last long,” Shi Bao lamented, his face full of regret.

To be fair, many regarded Sima Yi as ruthless and ungrateful, but Shi Bao could not say that. Sima Yi was the great benefactor who had promoted him.

“Father, while imprisoned in the Yeting, I pondered deeply. Suddenly, a bright idea struck me—there’s something quite interesting,” Shi Chong said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips as he sat beside Shi Bao, eager to share.

“Sit and tell me,” Shi Bao said, gesturing to the cushion beside him, feeling elated. This ordeal had brought father and son closer—a perfect collaboration.

A strange light flickered in Shi Chong’s eyes as he whispered into Shi Bao’s ear:

“Father, it doesn’t really matter who becomes Son of Heaven in the future. As long as they are favorable to us, we won’t oppose them!

If our strength and connections are sufficient, we can ally with other families to control the court.

Even if the emperor is from the Sima clan or a royal prince holds power, it doesn’t matter—we can decide how politics is conducted.

And… who becomes an official.

If we nod, those who want office get promoted; if we shake our heads, they must step down.

Our word will carry more weight than the emperor’s. So why fight for that position?

Why emulate Sima Zhao in usurpation? Why be troublesome ministers?

Causing chaos in Luoyang!

As long as many key offices are held by our people, as long as scholars write poems praising us, as long as the commanders of the imperial guards are our friends or related by marriage, or are family members ourselves,

Then whoever wants to be emperor can have the throne.

We hide behind them, enjoying food and pleasure, leisurely rising through the ranks and enriching ourselves—what could be better?

Not just the Shi family—there’s the Jia, Li, Xun, Chen families, and more.

As long as we unite, what can the emperor do to us?”

Is this the speech of a loyal subject?

Shi Bao’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Shi Chong, suspecting his own son had been replaced by someone else.

“Are you plotting rebellion?” he demanded sternly.

“Father, how can you say that? I was recently an escort of the emperor—a loyal minister among the loyal!

I have never entertained thoughts of usurpation. I have no interest in the throne and wouldn’t want it even if offered!

I only want commoners and servants to toil, while the emperor and officials reap the rewards.

We, the noble families, sit at home waiting for the spoils, taking the largest share.

The government belongs to the Sima family, but those controlling it behind the scenes belong to us and many like-minded families.

The Shi family alone cannot achieve this, but united, supporting and praising each other, dividing offices so our offspring can be promoted blindly and easily.

How is this rebellion?

How is my idea wrong?

If a man does not look out for himself, he deserves destruction. I do not seek to overturn the Sima clan!”

Shi Chong brazenly declared his “perverse reasoning,” sending chills down Shi Bao’s spine.

“You are not wrong. It is my thinking that cannot keep up with this world,” Shi Bao sighed long after, a desolate smile mixed with bitterness and helplessness on his face. He offered no reproach.

Because Shi Chong was right.

Every word was truthful. The future might indeed be this way.

Especially after the Sima family’s public regicide, they had to share much power with equally noble families who supported them.

In exchange for these families executing their policies in government.

If this trend continued, the world Shi Chong described would come to pass.

It must be said, by personally engaging in the game and gaining fame, Shi Chong had gained greatly.

Experiencing life and death firsthand, he understood the emperor’s helplessness and limitations.

Afterward, Sima Zhao was pressured by noble families, resulting in Shi Chong’s release without a single hair lost, stepping on Sima Zhao’s face as he left prison.

This made Shi Chong realize the infinite pleasures of noble family politics and the immense power of their unity!

Indeed, united they were strong; the truly weak were the Sima family, who had lost the hearts of the people!

Now, every noble family member harbored a dark seed within, waiting for the right moment to take root, sprout, and grow into a monstrous tree overshadowing the sky!

At this moment, Shi Bao felt overwhelming fear and helplessness, knowing even he had unknowingly become one of them.

Even if he refused to play, many noble children desired to.

Shi Bao glanced at Shi Chong, sensing an indescribable eerie and malevolent aura on his handsome face.

Familiar yet strange.

…

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In a certain prison cell within the Yeting, Yang Hu handed Shi Gandang a bamboo slip documenting his household registration. It stated that Shi Gandang was no longer a subordinate “troop” of the Shi family, but a small landowner and self-cultivating farmer with one hundred acres outside Luoyang.

The estate had several tenant farmers.

“You, you, I don’t know what to say. It’s natural for a man to seek glory through achievements, but risking your life for a woman—this is the first time I’ve seen such folly. Truly unworthy,” Yang Hu teased Shi Gandang, who lay on a bamboo bed with his backside swollen and bruised from military baton strikes. The wounds looked terrible but hadn’t broken bones.

“Thank you, Lord Yang, for your mercy…” Shi Gandang weakly said, completely drained.

“You should thank me. There’s a technique to using the baton—not how many times you hit.

If you want to kill, one strike suffices.

If it’s merely punishment, a hundred hits means you rest ten days and walk again.

Which do you think you are?” Yang Hu smiled.

He was talkative and admired Shi Gandang. The phrase “To uphold righteousness and die for justice today” was not something anyone could proclaim.

“Listen, I’ll be honest. You have offended the Sima family. If you had ordinary skills, you’d only be a clerk copying documents and drawing maps under my supervision.

I am the Secretary Supervisor; you are my subordinate. Unfortunately, you have no rank or title and aren’t part of the court’s official roster. I grant you a salary and assign you to the Minor Treasury.

Thank yourself for being literate and educated, or many lives wouldn’t have been enough to endure your plight.”

Yang Hu’s lengthy words boiled down to one point: I saved you not out of kindness, but because I expect you to assist me.

“Thank you for your trust, Lord Yang. I will serve diligently once I’m released,” Shi Gandang said slowly, exhausted from speaking.

“Good. Rest well,” Yang Hu nodded and left.

Shi Gandang sighed; the pain in his backside nearly made him lose consciousness.

Jia Chong was right—coming here was like shedding a layer of skin without dying. Whether Shi Chong suffered inside was uncertain, but likely not, since he was one of the noble “heavenly dragons.”

Suddenly, Shi Gandang sensed someone removing his trousers!

He tried to turn over but heard a clear, cheerful voice from his blind spot:

“Don’t move, I’m here to apply medicine!”

It was Li Wan!

“Why are you here? Hiss… be gentle,” Shi Gandang winced, teeth clenched in pain as his wounds were touched.

“Sorry, sorry, this is my first time, I’m not skilled yet. Bear with me; it will get better,” Li Wan said cheerfully as she applied ointment to his backside.

“Are you embarrassed? No need, no need.

I’m your lawful wife, wed by imperial decree. Don’t be shy,” Li Wan smiled brightly. Her hand trembled, accidentally touching the wound, causing Shi Gandang to sweat coldly.

“Don’t scold me! I’ll be careful now!” she apologized nervously, carefully applying the medicine. After finishing, both were covered in sweat—one from pain, the other from nervousness.

“Next time, maybe someone else should do it…” Shi Gandang said with a helpless smile.

“That won’t do. I’m your rightful wife, granted by the emperor.

If you’re ill, it’s my duty to tend to you,” Li Wan said proudly, reminding him once more just in case.

Shi Gandang considered it. After all, she was from an official family—someone rare enough to reach this point. He chose not to complain.

No matter how poor, a family’s daughter would never be tasked with applying battlefield medicine. Li Wan had no qualms about visiting prison and tending to him personally—she was truly kind.

“Thank you, I feel much better,” Shi Gandang said earnestly. Li Wan’s face flushed with shyness, silencing her.

Soon, she found a topic, unable to help but complain:

“Alang, you don’t know, do you? Everything you did was credited to Shi Chong.

No, no, that’s not right.

I heard many say Shi Chong was brave and clever, and had a deep rapport with the emperor. But my father said it was all your doing.

Even the words you shouted in public and the poem you wrote were pinned on Shi Chong.

Now, the stories the noble children hear don’t even mention you—it’s all Shi Chong’s scheming and execution.

Shi Chong now enjoys both fame and fortune, praised as both loyal and filial, and he’s become magistrate of Xiuwu County.

In a few years, he’ll rise higher with an unlimited future.

And you? You got beaten with a baton, your backside bruised, lying in prison like a dead fish.

Sigh, it makes me want to cry,” Li Wan lamented, shaking her head as if Shi Gandang had suffered a huge injustice.

If Shi Gandang suffered, so did she.

It was enough to make one tremble with anger.

Li Wan secretly cursed the Shi family for their shamelessness. Shi Gandang’s reputation, earned through risking his life, had been stolen!

“If I don’t risk it, how could I marry you?

Forget what others say—I don’t care, and you shouldn’t either,” Shi Gandang replied calmly.

“You fool! If you want to marry me, come see me more often. I never said I wouldn’t marry you! Why risk your life?” Li Wan grabbed his hand, tears falling as she reproached him.

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