"Anshi!!"
Standing on his carriage, Cao Mao smiled and waved.
Sima Yan was standing with his younger brother Sima You outside the Grand General's Residence, waiting with utmost deference for the emperor to arrive.
At the sight of Cao Mao, Sima Yan's eyes lit up. He was about to call out when he remembered his mother's instructions, put away his smile, and performed a full ceremonial bow.
"Anshi, what are you doing?"
Cao Mao hurriedly helped him up, a hint of astonishment in his eyes.
Sima Yan hesitated to speak, his expression conflicted and his eyes filled with dejection.
Beside him, Sima You kept his head lowered, not daring to meet Cao Mao's eyes at all.
Cao Mao let out a long sigh. This day had come after all.
He understood that Wang Yuanji had probably given Sima Yan a last-minute lesson, making him see many things he had never seen clearly before.
Their family's schemes over the years, for instance, and the true relationship between their family and the emperor.
Sima Yan had still never participated in affairs of state. Sima Zhao had never let him take part in the family's schemes. Just as Sima Shi had protected Sima Zhao's reputation, Sima Zhao was protecting Sima Yan's.
But with Sima Zhao now absent from Luoyang and such a drastic upheaval in the Imperial Court, Wang Yuanji had probably been worried that Sima Yan would do something foolish and promptly given him a lesson in politics.
Sima Yan remained silent, no longer daring to say much to Cao Mao.
"Anshi, could it be that you no longer consider me a friend?"
Sima Yan shook his head. "That is not so."
Sima You grew anxious and hurriedly spoke up. "My elder brother is closer to Your Majesty than anyone. He has