Zhong Hui probably knew he could not persuade Cao Mao to join forces with the Grand General in a single attempt.
He said nothing more. After analyzing the current situation for Cao Mao, he hurried away.
Only after he left did Cao Mao look at his two Yellow Gate Gentlemen.
Zhang Hua looked thoughtful, while Wei Shu seemed dazed.
Cao Mao asked, "What do you think?"
Zhang Hua glanced at Wei Shu. Seeing that he had no intention of speaking, he said, "Your Majesty... Zhong Hui is not a man to trust lightly."
"Oh? You think he was deceiving me?"
"No. He may truly wish to assist Your Majesty, but he is arrogant, overbearing, and utterly willful. If Your Majesty trusts him too much, it will surely bring disaster."
Cao Mao gave a bitter smile. "You are quite right, Maoxian. But he is proud and unruly. Had I shown any hesitation just now, he would certainly have resented me, and then he might have plotted to harm me instead..."
Zhang Hua frowned. "Your Majesty need not worry. Zhong Hui is merely a gentleman of the court. If Your Majesty believes he harbors disloyal intentions, simply dismiss him!"
Cao Mao shook his head. "I would rather confront the Grand General head-on than have someone like Zhong Hui nursing a grudge behind my back..."
He looked at Wei Shu again.
"What do you think, sir?"
Wei Shu answered at once, "The worthy talents of the realm ought to assist Your Majesty. Is that something that needs a special discussion?"
Cao Mao laughed immediately.
He understood now, too. Of these two great talents, Zhang Hua was clever, but still too young. He had not been tempered by experience and had yet to grow into the pillar of the state he would later become.