If You Don't Disdain Me, Let Me Be Your Adoptive Father

Lan Tian's new instructions had reached Hu Ke. Besides driving a wedge between the Han and Lu Clans, his other task was to make the Sima Brothers resent both the State of Wei and Jiangdong.

Sima Shi's proactive approach came as no surprise to Hu Ke.

Looking at the boy's youthful face, Hu Ke asked with a genial smile, "Young Master Shi, what brings you to see me? General Sun is still investigating the case involving the assassin who targeted your family. The King of Wei has sent people to hurry things along several times, but the mastermind behind the attempt was quite cunning, and Jiangdong hasn't found any leads yet. Shall we be patient? You're still so young. A gentleman's revenge can wait ten years."

"I know Manager Yu has remarkable connections. I have a question I'd like to ask you about, if it's convenient." Sima Shi cupped his hands in greeting.

"Go ahead, Young Master Shi." Hu Ke gestured for him to continue.

Sima Shi considered this for a moment, then asked, "Do you know how Grand Viceroy Lu died?"

"Uh, why are you interested in this matter, Young Master Shi?" Hu Ke asked in return.

"Please tell me the truth, Manager Yu. I truly want to know." Sima Shi bowed again.

Hu Ke stroked his beard and nodded. "This matter is as full of twists and turns as the case involving the Sima Clan. The King of Wei insists that the assassin came from the Jiangdong Faction, while the ministers of Jiangdong all believe that your family's enemy is somewhere in the north."

Sima Shi's eyelids twitched as he listened. After all, he was only thirteen. Though he had read a number of books, he lacked the ability to analyze matters and distinguish right from wrong. He