Guo Jian looked somewhat bewildered.
He desperately wanted to hide, yet lacked the resolve. He only dared to drink and take mineral powders, not feign illness outright and resign.
He feared General Xuande, feared the Empress Dowager, and feared Sima Shi even more.
Cao Mao's words had given him other ideas. He was somewhat tempted, but quickly dismissed the thought.
"No... no. If Father found out, he would never spare me."
That was exactly what Cao Mao wanted to hear. With a soft chuckle, he lowered his voice. "If you trust me, Uncle, I can help you."
"How would you help me?"
"I can tell the Empress Dowager you're gravely ill and ask her to dismiss you. If the order comes from her, General Xuande certainly won't see through it!"
Guo Jian still hesitated, unable to make a decision.
With such an indecisive disposition, he was destined never to accomplish anything great.
Cao Mao could only continue, "If you don't wish to resign, pretend I said nothing. I imagine General Xuande has his own plans. Surely he wouldn't lead his clansmen to their deaths."
"Consider what kind of man General Xuande is, and the illustrious Xiping Guo Family..."
"Enough!!"
Guo Jian cut Cao Mao off. Those were the very words he least wanted to hear.
What great family, what mighty clan? Why couldn't they wake up?
Had our family produced one of the Three Excellencies? Did we have a Grand General? The Empress Dowager was our sole claim to distinction, yet these people remained lost in their old dreams, imagining themselves still the colossal power entrenched in Liangzhou. They thought they had made the Empress Dowager what she was, and even wanted to bargain with a tiger for its skin...
Guo Jian gritted his teeth and finally made up his