Sima Shi was imprisoned in a cold room in Cao Pi's house, and when he looked around, he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

There was a faint smell of dust in the room, the windows were closed, and the sunlight was blocked by heavy curtains, making the whole room look dark and oppressive.

The paint on the walls has peeled off, revealing the bricks and stones of Ban Pao, as if silently telling the vicissitudes of time. A simple bed was in the corner, the futon was messy, and it seemed that no one had made it for a long time.

A dim oil lamp sits on the table next to the bed, and the flickering light adds an eerie atmosphere to the room.

Sima Shi felt an indescribable loneliness and loneliness.

When it was almost dawn, Cao Pi woke up.

Cao Pi decided to talk to Sima Shi, and he secretly wondered how to start this conversation.

Cao Pi came to the door of the room where Sima Shi was being held. He took a deep breath and gently pushed open the old door. There was a creak from the doorshaft.

Cao Pi frowned and walked into the room where Sima Shi was being held. As soon as he entered the door, a strong musty smell hit his nose, and he couldn't help but wrinkle his nose.

I forgot that there was such a room at home.

Cao Pi's sudden arrival surprised Sima Shi very much. He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was hallucinating.

Sima Shi lay on the simple bed, looking tired, and his eyes revealed a hint of surprise and confusion.

Cao Pi looked at Sima Shi and asked solemnly, "Sima Shi, what do you think about the letter that pretended to be written by me?" ”

Sima Shi sneered, with a hint of helplessness in his voice: "I have already said everything I should have said." You can punish as much as you want, so why ask? ”

Cao Pi's eyes were cold, and he said bluntly: "Master Sima, you have committed a capital crime this time, and it is really an unforgivable crime. ”

However, Cao Pi had other plans in his heart. He knew Xi Yu's cunning very well, if he punished Sima Shi, wouldn't he fall into his trap?

In this way, Xi Yu must be snickering in secret.

Cao Pi's eyes were firm and decided to let Sima Shi go. He looked at Sima Shi and said slowly: "Sima Shi, although you made a big mistake this time, I decided to open the net and let you go." ”

When Sima Shi heard this, his eyes widened, and his face was full of disbelief. This result was completely unexpected, and he thought he was going to die.

But Sima Shi was very clever and soon understood Cao Pi's intentions.

His eyes flickered, and he said thoughtfully: "The reason why you don't kill me, Gong Cao, is that you don't want to kill them all. After all, you just killed my father, Sima Yi, and it is impossible to kill me easily. On the other hand, you don't want to fall into the trap of drama. ”

Cao Pi nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. At this point, the atmosphere in the room eased slightly.

"You're right, in fact, it doesn't matter what the reason is, the important thing is that I decided to let you go."

Sima Shi sneered: "What about you? Can you let me go? Aren't you afraid of drama? ”

"Quite simply, I'll create the illusion of a prison break." Next, Cao Pi told his plan.

Sima Shi naturally wanted to be released quickly, but he smiled contemptuously.

"But if you want me to be grateful to you, it's impossible."

"I don't need you to be grateful, I just need you to leave quickly."

"None of you can leave".

At this moment, the dark guard Qin Feng appeared at the door like a ghost.

His appearance made the already tense atmosphere instantly more solemn.

Qin Feng's figure looked extremely cold, like an envoy who had come out of the darkness.

His gaze swept over Cao Pi and Sima Shi like a sharp blade, and said coldly, "Don't think about anyone leaving." In addition, Sima Zhao is under my control at the moment. ”

Cao Pi and Sima Shi were stunned by this sudden situation, they looked at each other, and they didn't know how to deal with it for a while.

Qin Feng then told the two of them how to get Sima Zhao.

Cao Pi's face became extremely gloomy, he clenched his fists tightly, and said in a low voice: "Qin Feng, this is a matter between me and Sima Shi. Although Xi Yu wrote a letter of persuasion to surrender, I would never surrender. Even if it is a huge price, I will fight with Xi Yu to the end! ”

A trace of uneasiness welled up in Sima Shi's heart, and he secretly thought about what to do.

But under Qin Feng's cold gaze, his throat seemed to be blocked by something, and he couldn't speak for a while.

Qin Feng was disappointed by Cao Pi's attitude, he frowned, and there was a hint of disdain in his tone: "Cao Pi, your decision may have disastrous consequences. The actions of the Sima brothers have already affected King Xiyu, and they must pay for it. ”

Cao Pi's eyes flashed with a hint of determination, he straightened up, and responded without flinching: "I have my own measure, and I don't need you to interfere." ”

Qin Feng sneered, his voice echoing in the silent room: "Since this is the case, then I can only act according to the king's orders, Cao Pi, I knew that you would let Sima Shi go without permission." Qin Feng's voice was cold and tinged with a hint of mockery.

Cao Pi's face became ugly, he didn't expect Qin Feng to understand his thoughts so well.

When Sima Shi heard Qin Feng's words, he was immediately irritable. He didn't care about anything else, hurriedly caught up with Qin Feng, and asked eagerly, "Where is my brother Sima Zhao?" ”

Qin Feng sneered and replied unhurriedly, "Wait here, you brothers will naturally meet during the day." With that, he turned and left, leaving Sima Shi to pace anxiously in place.

Cao Pi was very angry, so he threw his sleeves.

"If he really deals with your brothers, I don't have any way, and you deserve this matter."

I don't want to worry about it anymore, so let's go back and rest.

Soon, the day dawned, and the sun shone through the clouds and sprinkled on the palace of Chang'an Xinggong.

The early morning sun also shines through the window and sprinkles on Liu Xie's bedroom.

Liu Xie slowly opened his eyes and sat up from the bed. The little eunuchs on the side had been waiting for a long time, and they quickly changed Liu Xie's clothes, their movements skillful and gentle.

Liu Xie stepped out of the dormitory and walked towards the main hall.

By this time, the ministers were already waiting in the main hall, and they stood respectfully aside, so quiet that they could hear the sound of breathing.

Liu Xie stepped onto the throne, his gaze swept over the ministers, and then he spoke: "I have decided to send troops to assist Xi Yu in attacking Cao Pi. ”

When the ministers heard this, their faces showed surprise. They didn't expect the Liu Association to publicly support Xi Yu so directly.

A minister stood up and said, "Your Majesty, Xi Yu is like a god in his army, and this attack on Cao Pi may not need our assistance. ”

Liu Xie smiled slightly, of course he knew Xi Yu's ability, but he still said firmly: "This is my decision, and it is also my way of showing my attitude." And I said that no one can object. ”

At this time, another minister stepped forward, he bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, is this move too risky?" We need to think carefully. ”

Liu Xie's eyes sharpened, he patted the armrest of the dragon chair hard, and said loudly: "I have made up my mind, there is no need to discuss it again." ”

The atmosphere in the hall became tense, and the ministers exchanged glances, but no one dared to raise objections.

Then we started working on other issues.

After the morning dynasty ended, the ministers walked out of the main hall, and they gathered in groups of three or five, talking in low voices.

"Your Majesty's performance today is really very different from the past." A minister sighed.

Another minister nodded and said, "That's right, in the past, Your Majesty was always submissive here, after all, this is not a real palace, and the emperor lives in a place where he is aggrieved, but now it is different, and His Majesty has become very majestic." ”

At this time, a young minister came over and said: "Actually, I think the reason why Your Majesty will show majesty is because he knows that his country is coming to an end, so he wants to win some face for himself at the last moment. ”

This view resonated with other ministers, who all agreed.

However, there were also some ministers who disagreed, and they believed that it was a good thing that Liu Xie had become dignified.

"I think that the majesty of His Majesty is not only for the sake of saving face, but also for us ministers to be more in awe of him, so as to better serve the country." An elderly minister said.

But the minister's words are not approved by everyone.

The country will be gone soon, and what else do you need to serve, but there are some things that need to be said to the end, and you can't say it too much.

Liu Xie immediately sent a force to assist Xi Yu.

After the troops left Chang'an, the march was bumpy, lined with rolling mountains and vast grasslands. The mood of the soldiers was as fluctuating as this journey.

"Why are we going to help Xi Yu? Isn't he himself amazing? One soldier couldn't help but complain.

"That's right, maybe we're just going to be cannon fodder and send us to death." Another soldier chimed in.

Such chatters rose one after another in the ranks, and the hearts of the soldiers were full of complaints.

At this time, a general came over on horseback.

He heard the soldiers' complaints clearly, so he said in a loud voice: "Brothers, although we may face danger on this expedition, it is also a good opportunity to make meritorious contributions. If we do great things, we may be richly rewarded. ”

The general didn't say it too obviously, and I believe the soldiers can understand it.

That is, Xi Yu will seize the country in the future, and they are doing things for Xi Yu now.

The general's words were like a shot in the arm, rekindling the hope of the originally depressed soldiers.

"yes, maybe we'll be able to make a name for ourselves!"

"For the reward, for the honor, fight!"

The soldiers' emotions gradually rose, and their steps became more determined.

When the general heard this, he was glad to see them.

In the guest room of Cao Pi's house.

Early in the morning, Qin Feng said to the dark guard and Yao Maoyu: "Take Sima Zhao out and leave openly like this." When the time comes, send a message to Sima Shi and ask him to come too. His voice was calm and firm.

Yao Maoyu nodded slightly, he agreed with Qin Feng's plan.

Qin Feng continued: "I will give a speech in the city to tell everyone that the king does not want war for the sake of peace, and chooses to let Cao Pi surrender. But Cao Pi was not happy at all, and the Sima family also got in the way. ”

A hint of cunning flashed in Qin Feng's eyes, he knew that such a speech would provoke the anger of the people and make them hate Cao Pi even more.

Yao Maoyu sensed that Qin Feng's idea was good.

"Take Sima Zhao with you, let's leave quickly."

So, they took Sima Zhao who was unconscious.

Anyway, the martial arts of the two secret guards are strong, and the people in the mansion can't stop them.

They left Cao's Mansion and walked through the bustling streets. People on both sides of the street looked at them curiously.

Qin Feng and the others came to a lively market. The streets are lined with stalls of all kinds, and people come and go, shouting and haggling.

Qin Feng saw that there were a lot of people here, and it was a good place to give a speech.

He took a deep breath, and then said in a loud voice: "Fellow villagers, I have something important to tell you. ”

His voice immediately attracted the attention of the people around him, and people gathered around.

Qin Feng first introduced his identity, he is the person next to Xi Yu, he is a secret guard, it is actually unreasonable to appear in front of everyone in front of everyone in such an open and honest way.

Qin Feng continued: "For the sake of our peace, King Xiyu hoped to avoid war and chose to surrender. However, Cao Pi rejected his kindness, which dashed our hopes for peace. His tone was filled with regret and anger.

Hearing this, there was a commotion in the crowd. Everyone's faces showed a look of dissatisfaction, and someone whispered: "How can Cao Pi be like this, he really doesn't care about our life or death." ”

Qin Feng continued: "What's even more hateful is that the Sima family is still messing around with the letter of surrender, and what they are doing is simply destroying the peace. ”

He then told the two Sima brothers about the letter.

This sentence was like adding fuel to the fire, and the emotions of the people were completely ignited. They scolded the Sima family one after another, and some even raised their fists to express their anger.

Qin Feng pointed to Sima Zhao who was carrying Yao Maoyu and said, "This is Sima Zhao, we are going to take him away now."

After that, he left with Yao Maoyu.

The people in the bazaar were still talking.

Qin Feng and Yao Maoyu took Sima Zhao into a small remote village. The village is surrounded by barren land, and the houses are dilapidated, as if forgotten by time.

The streets of the village are narrow and rugged, lined with low adobe houses with peeling walls and broken windows.

The open space between the houses is overgrown with weeds and looks particularly desolate.

There was no one in the village, and there was silence, as if there was no trace of life.

They chose a random house, and then threw Sima Zhao to the ground.

The secret guard said, "You two are guarding here, and I will go back and report to Sima Shi and ask him to hurry here." ”

After that, he left quickly.

After a night of tossing, Sima Shi's face was haggard, as if he had aged several years all of a sudden. There was deep pain and despair in his eyes.

He thought of Sima Zhao, tears rolling down his cheeks. Sima Shi's heart was full of self-blame and remorse, and he regretted that he had not protected his younger brother and let him fall into the hands of Qin Feng.

Sima Shi's body trembled slightly, and his heart seemed to be pierced by thousands of needles.

He didn't know what to do to save his brother, and the helplessness and anxiety in his heart were almost unbearable.

That's when the Dark Guard arrived.

"If you want to meet your brother Sima Zhao, then come with me."

Sima Shi looked at him viciously: "You are also the person next to Xi Yu?" ”

The dark guard nodded, and Sima Shi left with the dark guard, and he didn't know what would be the end waiting for him.

In Cao Pi's room, a guard hurried over and reported to Cao Pi about Qin Feng's speech at the bazaar.

"Cao Gong, the man named Qin Feng, gave a speech at the bazaar, which caused a lot of discussion. He said that Xi Yu wanted peace, but Cao Gong refused to surrender, and said that the Sima family was messing with letters. Now the people have a lot of complaints about Cao Gong! The guard said in trepidation.

After Cao Pi heard this, his face instantly became gloomy, he slapped the table hard, stood up, and roared irritably: "This guy dares to demagogue!" He's challenging Benhou's authority! ”

He paced back and forth, flames of anger burning in his eyes. The guards stood aside in fear, not daring to speak.

Cao Pi suddenly stopped, grabbed a plate, and slammed it on the ground, and the plate suddenly shattered into countless pieces. He then grabbed another bowl and smashed it to pieces.

Then, another guard came to report a message, and he was a little overwhelmed by the scene in front of him.

And this guard is connected with the secret agents of Chang'an.

So, Cao Pi asked, "What's the news, hurry up." ”

But the guards said that Liu Xie had already sent a force to assist Xi Yu.

Cao Pi's anger became more and more intense, his chest rose and fell violently, and his eyes revealed uncontrollable anger.

Of course, he understands Liu Xie's intentions, which is to openly express his support for Xi Yu to the world.

This was undoubtedly a provocation and insult to him, making him feel that his authority had been seriously violated.

Cao Pi secretly analyzed in his heart, he knew that whether Liu Xie sent troops or not would not have a substantial impact on the situation. However, Liu Xie's move dealt him a heavy blow in public opinion and damaged his image in the hearts of the people.

Cao Pi's heart was full of anger and unwillingness, he clenched his fists, his nails sinking deep into his palms.

"Get out of here immediately, Ben Hou wants to be quiet." Cao Pi roared loudly, so the guards who reported the news hurriedly walked out.

There was silence in the room. Although it was very bright outside, Cao Pi felt that he had fallen into a state of darkness, why had everything not been going well recently?

Is God really going to destroy himself?

He remembered his father.

The world scolded his father as a thief, and some people even scolded him as a thief.

But they were also ambitious at the beginning, and they also wanted to recover the Han family.

But why is it that all the disillusionment is in front of you?

He really didn't understand, he came to the door, looked at the sky, and kept asking in his heart. (End of chapter)