Deng Ai sat in the carriage, his face solemn as he studied the imperial edict in his hands.
Cavalry rode ahead of and behind the carriage to clear the way as it headed toward Luoyang.
After receiving the emperor's edict and Sima Zhao's orders, Deng Ai understood that the General of the Guards was probably done for.
Deng Ai had opposed Sima Zhao's departure from the outset. He had submitted a memorial to Sima Zhao, earnestly urging him to remain with the Central Army and not go anywhere, leaving the suppression of the rebellion to him.
Yet Sima Zhao had later written back, saying something about rewards and promotion and telling him not to worry.
Deng Ai's face had darkened on the spot.
The General of the Guards had clearly taken his memorial as a request to go to Hebei and rack up military merit.
After that, Deng Ai had not dared submit another memorial and could only watch Sima Zhao leave Luoyang.
The previous orders he had received from the General of the Guards had still told him to prepare to provide support and block Guanqiu Jian's army if necessary.
Even then, he had known Sima Zhao intended to move against Luoyang. But these two orders now... yes, the General of the Guards had failed.
Deng Ai suddenly found himself rather missing the Grand General who had accepted every piece of advice he offered.
The General of the Guards had ignored his counsel, so he had no one else to blame for his present fate.
Now, although Deng Ai knew perfectly well that Sima Zhao had failed, he was powerless to help. What could he possibly do under these circumstances?
Was he supposed to claim that the emperor was holding the General of the Guards hostage and call on