novelaction Chapter 449 Clever people often don't live long.
Chapter 449 Clever people often don't live long.
"It seems you're willing to sacrifice your own family for the greater good?"
Although he inwardly despised him, Liu Bang outwardly displayed immense joy.
"It's not a matter of sacrificing family for the greater good. The actions of my two nephews are unworthy of being subjects of the Great Wei. I have always despised them."
"I didn't step forward before because I saw no hope and wanted to preserve my life so that I could have a chance to restore the Great Wei in the future. But now that Your Majesty has such talent, it is naturally time for this old minister to step forward."
Hearing the old man's words, most of the officials in the court were filled with contempt.
We're all people who work in the imperial court, so who doesn't know each other's background?
On the surface, you, Sima Fu, have indeed always stood on the opposite side of Sima Shi, but while you keep saying what you oppose, you never actually do anything against it.
Who doesn't know that you old codger are the contingency plan that the Sima family left behind in case their uprising failed?
What are you trying to do by pretending to step forward at this time?
Liu Bang was equally curious; he wanted to know what the old man's purpose was in stepping forward now.
"So, my dear minister, are you trying to tell me that although the Sima family wants to seize the throne, you, who come from the Sima family, are a breath of fresh air among them, unwilling to collude with them, and instead want to help me fight against them?"
Most people would find this statement strange.
Including Liu Bang himself.
But Sima Fu seemed not to have caught the joke in his tone and remained serious.
"This old minister knows that Your Majesty may not believe me, but I will prove it to Your Majesty with my actions!"
"When Sima Shi leads his army to attack the city, this old minister is willing to personally lead the army out of the city to meet the enemy, in order to show my loyalty!"
"Oh? I can accept personally facing the enemy, but you're so old, I'm afraid it would shorten my lifespan if I really sent you to war."
Liu Bang waved his hand repeatedly.
If Sima Fu were to die on the battlefield, that would be alright.
What I fear most is that this old man will lead his troops to defect to the enemy and then turn around and charge the city gate.
In his mind, he really didn't think that people from the Sima family could have any bottom line.
"How about this? I'll give you an imperial edict. You take it to Sima Shi's camp and persuade him to surrender. If you can convince your two brothers from your own clan to obediently submit, I promise to forgive and forget, and your position as Grand General will remain unchanged. What do you say?"
Sima Fu: "..."
"it is good!"
He truly hadn't expected Liu Bang to come up with such an outrageous suggestion.
But the words were just as grand and righteous, leaving him with no way to refute them.
If he refuses, Liu Bang can then follow up on the argument and suspect his ulterior motives.
Left with no other choice, Sima Fu could only nod in agreement.
Then he saw the eunuch draft the edict, Liu Bang stamp it, and in a short while, a complete edict was in his hands.
The skill with which he performed the move left countless people speechless.
Sima Fu only realized what was happening after he was escorted out of the palace by eunuchs.
He's been tricked!
In the imperial court, Sima Fu was driven away by a combination of coaxing and farewell. After such a farce, the remaining people all relaxed considerably.
At least they could be certain of one thing: His Majesty did not come with much killing intent today, nor was he here to interrogate them.
Even Sima Fu didn't die, let alone them.
Once Liu Bang sat back on the dragon throne, some people below gradually began to soften their stance.
"Your Majesty, although Sima Fu is not a good person, his concerns are not unreasonable."
"The garrison in the capital is only a few thousand men, and the supplies for defending the city are not sufficient. The current strength in the city is far from enough to stop the general's army."
"Moreover, the army in Xuchang has also made a move. The general has been silent for so many days, most likely waiting for the supplies to be delivered from there."
"Once the supplies arrive, the capital will be destroyed. Your Majesty, do you intend for us to be buried with the Great Wei?"
“We are willing to die, but if we all die, the entire Great Wei will surely be thrown into chaos, and what will happen when the people suffer?”
"Sending a few guards to assist in defending the city walls without knowing the situation is fine, but if we do more, our safety will be at risk!"
Once someone spoke up, a barrage of questions followed from the officials.
Since Liu Bang has chosen to speak frankly with them today, they will naturally not hold back as long as someone takes the lead.
Ultimately, they were worried that their efforts would be in vain. They had invested in the emperor, and if the capital were to fall, not only would all their efforts be wasted, but they would also be held accountable.
This is a losing proposition; let whoever wants to do it do it, since the vast majority of them are unwilling.
Hearing the complaints and questions raised by these people, Liu Bang actually breathed a slight sigh of relief.
We've achieved half of our goal.
Don't be afraid of their questions. As long as they are willing to communicate, there is a chance to fool them.
"Gentlemen, there are some things I cannot say now, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that my Great Wei may perish in the future, but it will never perish at the hands of the Sima family!"
"Sima Shi is not worthy!"
"If you are willing to trust me this once, when Sima Shi launches his next attack, you can all come with me to the city wall and see for yourselves. Then you will know the source of my confidence!"
Seeing his confident demeanor, the officials below exchanged bewildered glances once more.
For some reason, the tone sounded a little strange.
If I had to describe it, it would be a bit like the true intentions being revealed at the last moment.
But this morning at court, there were heart-to-heart talks, threats, and earnest words, all to let everyone see for themselves the offensive of Sima Shi's army.
What is His Majesty after?
Surely there can't really be a backup plan, right?
"Since it is His Majesty's decree, we will naturally obey."
"When the General launches the siege, I will personally go to the city wall!"
Seeing that no one was taking the lead, most people still had some doubts on their faces.
Left with no other choice, Chen Tai had to obediently step forward once again.
Seeing his desperate state, many people began to have doubts.
Just how much benefit did His Majesty promise this old fellow?
However, since Chen Tai has taken the lead, most people might as well just take a look and go for a visit.
Aside from a few who were still standing there, seemingly unsure of what to do, almost everyone else agreed.
"I am very pleased to see that you have all agreed!"
Liu Bang was completely satisfied.
However, the next moment, his face darkened again.
"Your Majesty, we have a different opinion!"
Apart from those who readily agreed, a small number of officials still hold opposing views.
Even though Liu Bang had made it clear that all they needed to do was go up to the city wall for a look, and they didn't have to do anything else, they still refused.
Those who still refuse at this point are either Sima Shi's men or truly intelligent people.
But clever people often don't live long.