"Anshi!"
"Never mind all that!"
Cao Mao sternly interrupted Sima Yan's thoughts.
Sima Yan looked utterly bewildered.
Weren't you the one who brought this up??
With righteous conviction, Cao Mao said, "I don't care what the General Who Conquers the West thinks, nor do I care what the Grand General thinks."
"To me, you are my Grand General, my Martial Marquis Anshi!"
"Don't trouble yourself over these matters. And don't speak of them outside, either. You know that whenever power is involved, some things become truly frightening."
"I was thinking that perhaps your trusted aides told you to visit me more often, saying it would benefit you."
Sima Yan froze. He was about to speak when Cao Mao interrupted him again.
"No need to explain!"
"Anshi, I regard you as my confidant and dearest friend. If it truly benefits you, then come and see me as often as you like. My Taiji Hall stands open for you alone."
"Your Majesty... I..."
"Enough, Anshi. Come, keep eating!"
Sima Yan lowered his head and resumed eating, his thoughts unknown, while Cao Mao talked as he ate. He seemed to hold the reins of the conversation throughout.
"Anshi, there's something I must tell you. You need to be a little wary of that Jia Chong."
"I keep feeling that the fellow seems unwilling to let us meet."
"When I first met him, I thought he was a worthy minister of the Imperial Court. Now, though, I feel he has ulterior intentions."
"Huh??"
Sima Yan looked up. "Why would Your Majesty think that?"
"Let's say no more about it. Just remember not to get too close to him. As I see it, his words and deeds don't match!"
"All right..."
Sima Yan left in a muddle, while Cao Mao furrowed his brow.
Zhuge Dan