Sima Shi's face, which would not have changed even if Mount Tai collapsed before him, changed at that moment.
Sima Shi had already formed many opinions of the emperor.
He thought this emperor rash, intelligent, and bold. Now he had another assessment to add.
Shameless.
So you came to my Grand General's Residence with all this fanfare to collect my inheritance?
Watching Sima Shi fall abruptly silent before him, Cao Mao spoke again. "Father-in-law, I know you can still strike and gravely wound the likes of Lu Yu and Gao Rou, but what use would that be?"
"Your condition has deteriorated this far. It pains even me to see it."
"Even if you killed Lu Yu, Gao Rou, and all the others now, what use would it be?"
"Once you're gone, they'll come rolling back, even fiercer than this time. Wouldn't our family be in danger then?"
"Does Second Father truly have the ability to face the current situation? Besides, Second Father's health isn't very good either. And if it falls to Anshi, can he manage?"
"Father-in-law, now that matters have reached this point, my family can no longer rise to power. Rather than expend all this strength fighting the Great Clans, why not leave it all to me? If you entrust your great undertaking to me, I will certainly lead them against these Great Clans and resolve the troubles within and threats without. That way, we would not fail Duke Xuanwen's ambitions!"
Hearing Cao Mao's words, so brimming with righteousness, Sima Shi could not regain his composure for a long time.
"If Your Majesty has nothing else to discuss, please leave."
Sima Shi ordered his guest out.
Cao Mao spoke again. "Father-in-law, do give it some more thought. It would harm neither of us. Anshi and I are the