Sun Quan's Taboo Topic

The annihilation of the Sima family had such far-reaching consequences that Cao Pi consulted with Jia Xu multiple times on how to properly handle the aftermath.

Coincidentally, Chen Qun and Jiang Ji were looking to "rescue" the Sima Brothers, so the monarch and his subjects decided to play along, performing a coordinated act before the assembled court.

"Grand Commandant, please elaborate," Cao Pi said, feigning curiosity.

Jia Xu cast a furtive glance at Chen Qun before explaining, "If Sun Quan kills the Sima Brothers, it proves the assassins were indeed dispatched by him. We can use this as a pretext to launch a punitive expedition against Sun Quan. The Jiangdong Shi will surely no longer remain loyal to the Sun Family. Without the wealth, grain, and private armies of the Shi, Sun Quan will have no foundation for resistance. Leveling Jiangdong will not only avenge the Sima family, but the King of Wei can also easily recover Yang Province. This is killing two birds with one stone."

"Brilliant," Cao Pi nodded in affirmation.

"If Sun Quan does not kill the Sima Brothers, he must still provide the King of Wei with an explanation. Who exactly sent the assassins? If they are truly identified, will he punish them? If Sun Quan refuses to punish them, the King of Wei can still mobilize the army. If he does punish them, it will fracture the internal unity of Jiangdong, for anyone capable of harboring a grudge against Chief Clerk Sima is certainly no nobody. Sun Quan will face internal strife regardless. In any case, it is advantageous for the State of Wei," Jia Xu said, stroking his beard and nodding.

"The Grand Commandant is truly a man of great wisdom," Cao Pi praised him before the others, feeling a renewed sense of admiration