At that moment, however, Cao Mao's mind was not on the question of classical studies.
He had summoned two ministers that day.
One was the familiar Pei Xiu, and the other was Shi Bao, who had been confined to his residence.
Shi Bao had initially come to Luoyang seeking merit, but his luck had been truly terrible. No sooner had he left than a rebellion erupted, and the rebels were troops he had led.
Before Shi Bao could emerge from that shadow, the emperor launched a sweeping purge of officialdom, and he, a formerly corrupt official, was brought to account as well.
Under those twin blows, never mind promotion-he had failed to retain even his original office and noble rank. He had been reduced straight to a commoner and given the same treatment as Sima Zhao: confinement to his residence to reflect on his faults.
Receiving the emperor's summons that day filled Shi Bao with particularly complicated feelings.
He had no idea whether this would bring fortune or disaster.
Was the emperor going to execute me, or was he preparing to employ me again?
When he saw that the person coming along with him was Pei Xiu, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Although he did not know about appointments and dismissals at court, Pei Xiu was unlikely to be an official in the Ministry of Justice. Pei Xiu had too many ties to the great clans and was not, by nature, a particularly upright or unyielding man. He was the sort who would never do anything if he could avoid it. How could he possibly hold office in the Ministry of Justice?
Since he was appearing here alongside Pei Xiu, there should not be any problem... right??
Pei Xiu felt utterly helpless.
Lately, he had been summoned even more