Zhong Hui glanced at Xun Xu beside him without speaking.
Xun Xu was positively seething. What did I ever do to you??
We're relatives, for heaven's sake. Why must you make things difficult for me?
Clearly, Xun Xu had not inherited his mother's good looks.
But Xun Xu knew that Zhong Hui had rendered tremendous service earlier and had long since become the emperor's foremost trusted aide. At his age, serving as Attendant while concurrently overseeing the Imperial Secretariat was an unprecedented achievement, and whether anyone would ever match it was hard to say.
The post itself was outrageous. He headed the planning and was also responsible for execution-he practically devised his own plans and carried them out himself.
And this was merely his starting point. Xun Xu had no idea how His Majesty intended to reward him in the future.
Xun Xu did not want any conflict with Zhong Hui. He bowed to Cao Mao, then left.
Zhong Hui was still somewhat dissatisfied with him. He said again, "Your Majesty, this man can be employed, but he must not be entrusted with great responsibility. He delights in deceit and falsehood. Do not let him deceive you."
Cao Mao nodded to show he understood, and only then did Zhong Hui sit down beside him.
"Your Majesty, Zhuge Dan has replied."
Zhong Hui had been absent lately because he had been working to win over the Outer Generals stationed across the land. Hebei had been the first to be settled, and Zhong Hui had chosen Zhuge Dan as his second target.
Knowing Zhuge Dan's temperament, Zhong Hui had not resorted to threats or coercion, but had treated him courteously instead.
In truth, Zhong Hui held Zhuge Dan in considerable esteem.
After all, Zhuge Dan was a renowned gentleman of the realm