"He really died."
Cao Mao murmured.
At first, when he heard about it, he did not even believe it.
He thought it was false. It had to be false.
But when everyone said so, and even the ministers had gone to pay their respects to him, Cao Mao began to believe it a little. Of course, he still did not entirely believe it.
This was not cowardice on Cao Mao's part. This was the highest respect he could offer his most powerful opponent.
He had to see Sima Shi buried underground with his own eyes.
Even though Sima Shi was only possibly dead, Cao Mao already felt much more relaxed. An invisible mountain weighing down on him was slowly crumbling at this moment, leaving him feeling wonderfully relieved, wonderfully relieved from head to toe.
It was as though the iron chains binding him had been undone, or as though a pair of hands covering his mouth and nose had loosened. Cao Mao could finally breathe deeply.
From the inside out, Cao Mao felt an unprecedented peace and tranquility.
Inside the Western Hall, Zhang Hua, Wei Shu, Cheng Ji, and the others sat on either side of him.
Seeing that Cao Mao had remained silent for a long time, they did not speak to disturb him either.
Cao Mao asked, "Are you certain Sima Zhao intends to observe mourning for his father and elder brother? That he will no longer concern himself with affairs of state?"
"That is what all the ministers are saying. Some say Sima Zhao volunteered, while others say he was forced. But I believe this was his own idea. Lu Yu could not possibly force Sima Zhao. Though Sima Zhao is talented, he is easily angered. With Sima Shi having just passed away, his emotions should be