Xu Chu risked family feud and killed Sima's family according to Cao Cao's orders, but accidentally allowed Sima's master and Sima Zhao to escape and fell into the hands of Cao Hong.

Continuing the pursuit would easily expose Xu Chu, so Xia Houchong finally decided to stop there. In addition, the Sima brothers were sent to Soochow, and the matter gradually became unresolved.

Xu Chu slowly settled the swordsmen who participated in the annihilation of the clan that night and returned home. His brother Xu Ding also retired from his armor early and became an official, living in the Xu family to protect the clan.

Cao Pi suddenly wanted to take back Brother Sima, and he was very excited and attached great importance to it. Xu Chu returned home after work early the next morning, with doubts written all over his face.

Seeing that Xu Chu was not in good condition, Xu Ding hurriedly chased him into the bedroom and asked about the reason. Xu Chu then told everything about last night.

"Zhongkang, this is not good..." Xu Ding frowned.

"The roots of the Sima family have been uprooted. Those two brothers are really talented, but they are definitely not as good as Sima Yi. Brother, you are too worried." Xu Chu shook his head gently.

Xu Ding reminded: "Your Majesty attaches so much importance to it, Bao Buqi will not send people to investigate the matter thoroughly for the sake of the Sima brothers. Xiahou and the Cao family are originally from the same family. Xiahou Chong may have told your Majesty that when it comes to the last resort, your Majesty will abandon us."

These outsiders should take it for granted. They should know that accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger."

Xu Chu said solemnly: "Although your Majesty is not as talented and strategist as the late emperor, he is still much more tolerant to his ministers. In addition, I believe in Xiahou Ziman's character. If he hadn't planned for us, how could the Xu family be so peaceful?"

"Instead of looking forward and backward, why not discuss it with him? Your Majesty has such high regard for that 'Wuhou'. If it is not curbed in advance, there is no guarantee that the Sima family will not make a comeback..." Xu Ding suggested.

Xu Chu nodded lightly, "I am responsible for the guards of the Forbidden Palace and do not have time to leave Luoyang. Please hurry up and go to Qiao County to ask for advice. Most of the guards who have returned home are in Qiao County. I can help you with anything."

"

"Okay, brother, let's set off now." Xu Ding said goodbye to Xu Chu immediately and went out.

Cao Pi listened to Jia Xu's low-key advice and asked Chen Qun to select a junior official as an envoy at Shangshutai, and secretly went to Soochow to negotiate with Gao Miao. Xu Chu appointed two Su guards to accompany him according to the order, forming an envoy of less than ten people.

In early June, the mission arrived in Jianye and presented Cao Pi's letter.

Cao Pi affirmed Sun Quan's plan in the letter, saying that the matter still needed to be discussed with several important ministers, and vaguely stated that it was very likely to be used. The purpose of the mission was to pick up the Sima brothers and return them to Wei.

Wei Guo was willing to pay Sun Quan double the amount he spent on his brothers.

Sun Quan tentatively asked for a high price of 200 million, but the Wei mission readily agreed. At that moment, Sun Quan felt that his bid was too low, but he could not go back on his words in front of the mission, so he settled in the mission post house in person.

Stay and let him wait for further news.

While sending the envoy away, Sun Quan urgently summoned Hu Ke into the palace. He wanted to know the latest news about Wei. If something went wrong, there must be a monster. Sun Quan suspected that Cao Pi had other motives for rushing to pick him up.

Hu Ke had already learned about the visitor from Wei State and guessed that Sun Quan's summons was for the Sima brothers, so he entered the palace immediately after receiving the order.

When he saw Sun Quan, Hu Ke saluted with clasped fists, as if he didn't understand the reason.

"Marquis Wu and Marquis Wen have been in your camp for a while. How have they performed? Are they potential talents?" Sun Quan got straight to the point and directly focused the topic on the Sima brothers.

Hu Ke nodded, "The two brothers deserve to be from the Sima family. Their ability to comprehend is far better than ordinary people. They have performed extremely well in the camp. If they are carefully trained, they will definitely be the pillars of the country."

Sun Quan stroked his beard with empty eyes and affirmed: "You Gu guessed the same. Today, Cao Pi sent people to Jianye, intending to take back Brother Sima, and is willing to pay 200 million yuan. You have always had unique insights, can you help Gu analyze it? Sima’s hatred is probably the Cao family, Cao Pi’s behavior is really puzzling..."

"That person in Luoyang is so generous? Fortunately, the general's people have already focused on this mission and found out a lot of useful information." Hu Ke smiled slightly.

Sun Quan was overjoyed when he saw this, pointing at Hu Ke and praising, "We have to rely on you at critical moments, so what is Cao Pi's real purpose?"

Hu Ke clasped his fists and replied: "I heard that Cao Cao left a name for Cao Pi, saying that he asked Zhang Tianshi to predict the future. That man has the talent to know the world and the ability to turn things around. I asked Cao Pi to secretly look for him after he succeeds to the throne. He can help Wei Guo pacify the world. .”

"How can there be such a talented person in the world? Have you heard of this person's name? Why do I feel that this metaphor sounds familiar..." Sun Quan frowned.

"It's the word 'Wuhou'. It may be a name, or it may be a cousin..." Hu Ke smiled mysteriously.

Sun Quan was stunned and asked foolishly: "What do you mean, sir, who is the master of Sima?"

"The general doesn't know, the news came from the mission..." Hu Kezhi shook his head.

Sun Quan used his brain crazily, and his suspicious character made him doubt everything. Suddenly he saw Hu Ke, who was startled, "Did Zecheng know this earlier? Otherwise, how could he propose to use 'Wuhou' to express his character?"

Hu Ke bowed and clasped his fists, and replied seriously: "I'm afraid this matter is a secret within the Wei State. How could the general know in advance? If Xizuo hadn't been careful on the way, he wouldn't have been able to find out such secrets..."

"What you say makes sense." Sun Quan nodded, and then continued to ask: "Since Gu knows that Master Sima is the person Cao Cao is looking for, it is naturally impossible to let the two brothers return to Wei. It is appropriate for such a great sage to stay and help Jiangdong."

"Then how should the mission reply? Cao Pi should be sure to win. If Wei and Wu continue to be at odds with each other, outsiders will reap the benefits..." Hu Ke looked worried.

Sun Quan asked tentatively: "How about sending Sima Zhao back alone?"

"Uh...Sima Zhao's name is Wenhou..." Hu Ke said to himself, suddenly his eyes lit up, and he happily suggested: "Your Majesty, this is a good idea. Cao Pi should not know which of the two brothers is civilized and who is military, so we can give him some help." They'll change it again. Anyway, it hasn't been long ago and not many people know about it."

Sun Quan stroked his beard and nodded, "Ze Cheng is really quick-witted, and Li Daitao used his skills very well. Moreover, since ancient times, Wen has been at the forefront of martial arts. Cao Pi should not have any doubts, and I would be worried that Sima Zhao would spill the beans when he goes back..."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, Sima Zhao will eventually do the work. After several years of instilling hatred, the two brothers have developed hatred for the Cao family. They have repeatedly asked me to write to Chen Qun and ask for the details of the Sima family's extermination case, so I will not confide in my 'enemies'." Hu Ke was full of confidence.

"That's very good." Satisfied, Sun Quan picked up the wine glass and drank from it.

When Hu Ke stepped forward to pour wine, he reminded in a low voice: "If the king wants to keep Sima Shi, it is best to use a suitable excuse, and it is best to find a solution from the child."

"I know you have an idea, please tell me quickly." Sun Quan turned his head and frowned.

Hu Ke clasped his fists and replied: "The general mentioned last time that the king can accept brother Sima as his adopted son. The adopted son is unwilling to leave his adoptive father. This is the law of human ethics and nature. Cao Pi cannot force others to do anything, right?"

"Two brothers adopt one as their adopted son? Don't you think it doesn't make sense?"

"Talents are always a bit unique. Since Sima Zhao is the 'Marquis of Wu' in Zhang Tianshi's words, wouldn't it be more reasonable for him to do something different from ordinary people?"
Chapter completed!