At Cao Mao's blunt refusal, not a trace of displeasure appeared in Zhong Hui's eyes.
His eyes immediately lit up, and he fixed his gaze on Cao Mao's face.
His whole being sank into a kind of indescribable excitement.
"Food and clothing without worry, young and old alike provided for, no enemies abroad, no troubles within..."
"A golden age! Only this would be a golden age!"
"An unprecedented golden age! A true man could accomplish this!"
Had Cao Mao refused to join forces with the Sima Family over a personal grudge, Zhong Hui would certainly have turned against him. Such a man was no Sage King!
But when Cao Mao spoke of a more challenging goal, one that even made him look down on Sima Zhao's ambitions and thus refuse to join forces with him, Zhong Hui could only think: a true Sage King indeed!
Zhong Hui had never been one to fear difficulty. The harder the challenge, the more excited he became. After all, only by accomplishing such great things could he become a supreme worthy without equal in all history, past or future.
Cao Mao's ambition presented a far greater challenge than subduing the Great Clans and unifying the realm, and this was precisely in keeping with Zhong Hui's thinking.
Zhong Hui immediately changed his tune. "Your Majesty, there is no need to join forces!"
"Sima Zhao is strong on the outside but hollow within. He has none of his elder brother's talent! How could such a man deserve to join forces with us? With the two of us here, that is enough!"
Cao Mao looked earnestly at Zhong Hui. "Shiji, are you willing to assist me in bringing about such a golden age?"
"I shall certainly do everything in my power to assist Your Majesty!"
Zhong Hui