Luoyang, the General of the Guards' Residence.
"Father!!"
"Second Father!!"
Sima Yan and Sima You stood together and bowed deeply to Sima Zhao.
Seeing his wife and children again filled Sima Zhao with an indescribable bitterness. He glanced at Li Chu, who stood a short distance away, and slowly closed his eyes.
"Rise."
The two stood up. After a moment of silence, Sima Yan asked, "Father, are you well?"
Sima Zhao immediately frowned and looked toward Wang Yuanji nearby.
Before his death, Sima Shi had told Sima Zhao that if their undertaking failed, he should not tell Sima Yan about their great enterprise. He should let him remain the emperor's loyal subject and focus on nurturing Sima You instead. The Sima Family would still have a chance to rise in the future.
But judging by this whelp's appearance, he clearly knew everything.
Wang Yuanji felt helpless. She had had no choice back then, afraid that Sima Yan might unwittingly become an accomplice against his father. Who could have known that the emperor would have no need of him at all and would deal with her husband so easily?
Sima Zhao let out a long sigh. He wanted to say something, but could not.
Sima Yan glanced at Li Chu by the door, seeming to understand something. He bowed to Li Chu and said, "Good sir, our family is having a reunion. Could you wait outside?"
Sima Zhao wanted to dissuade him, but it was already too late.
Yet to Sima Zhao's surprise, Li Chu actually nodded and said, "Yes!" Then he left, even thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
Sima Zhao looked at him in astonishment, then turned to Sima Yan.
Sima You said quietly, "Father, Elder Brother has grown very close to His Majesty lately and enjoys his great