"Brother, why did he come?"
Meanwhile, Sima Zhao sat beside Sima Shi, his face full of puzzlement.
He did not think Cao Mao had come to form an alliance. If he really wanted an alliance, he ought to have arranged it in private. Who went about such a thing with so much fanfare?
Sima Shi lay on his bed, his voice weak and breathless. Clearly, he had not revealed his true condition in front of Cao Mao earlier.
"He originally came to intensify the conflict between the great clans and us."
"Originally?"
"You mean he changed his mind after coming here?"
"Yes. I gave him a little scare, and he realized that if he intensified the conflict, I would drag him into it too."
Enduring the pain throughout his body, Sima Shi said with difficulty, "He has no intention of making a move at present. He probably wants to build up his own forces."
"Brother, then what is he thinking now?"
"He wants to bring the Sima Family under his control."
"What?!"
Sima Zhao sprang to his feet, his eyes full of fury. "How dare that brat?!"
But Sima Shi caught Sima Zhao's hand. "Do not be hasty... back then... Father also bowed his head before Cao Shuang. Forbearance... forbearance is not..."
"Brother, do not strain yourself. I understand, I understand. We must endure."
Seeing his brother's condition, Sima Zhao immediately changed his tune.
"Zishang, you are no match for the ministers."
As Sima Shi spoke, Sima Zhao wanted to argue, but did not know how to begin.
"Brother, what should we do next, then?"
"Do not panic. The ministers today are not united either... you are s... safe."
Sima Shi drew a deep breath and continued, "I fear you cannot hold on to the position of Grand General, but