The Enemy Can Go, So Can I

With the Jiangdong assassin case resolved by the thunderous hand of justice, the northern regions returned to stability. However, the power vacuum left by the Sima family remained, and as various factions vied for influence, the smear campaign against Sima Yi continued unabated.

Sima Yi's close friend Chen Qun, seeing the situation turn dire and fearing for the safety of Sima Shi and Sima Zhao, sought out Cao Pi to plead their case: "Great King, the bodies of Zhongda's kin are not yet cold, yet people continue to cast filth upon his name. This matter should end here. Based on Zhongda's past merits alone, he does not deserve such treatment."

"Changwen, return for now. This Lonely One will find a way. Rest assured."

After dismissing Chen Qun, Cao Pi immediately summoned the old fox, Jia Xu, to the palace.

Jia Xu had observed the mounting tensions within the State of Wei but had never offered counsel, sensing that the matter was tied to the Lady Cao clan and the infighting among the great clans; he had no desire to wade into such murky waters.

"Great King, you summoned me?" Jia Xu feigned ignorance.

Cao Pi stepped down from his seat and approached Jia Xu with feigned warmth, gripping his hands. "The Grand Commandant has always been a master of brilliant schemes. The current political climate is treacherous and shifting; if this continues, it will be detrimental to the State of Wei. Why not offer this Lonely One a strategy?"

"Er... allow this old minister to think." Jia Xu had initially suspected that Cao Pi was preparing to discard his tools once the work was done, but after observing for so long, he realized the culprit must be someone else—likely other high-ranking officials, as Cao Cao had never favored Sima Yi,