Shuhan

Inside the main hall, the flickering candlelight shone on the magnificent beams and pillars, casting mottled light and shadows.

Outside the hall, the cold wind was blowing, making the copper bells on the eaves jingle, as if adding an uneasy melody to the tense atmosphere.

Cao Rui was wearing a dragon robe and sitting on the high dragon throne, his brows revealing a bit of worry and determination.

His eyes swept across the ministers standing in front of his highness. Each look seemed to be able to see into people's hearts, yet concealed an unspeakable heaviness.

"Who can be the general to resist the Han army this time?" Cao Rui's voice echoed in the hall, clear and firm, but also with a hint of imperceptible anxiety.

This is not just a question to the generals, but also a decision about the fate of the country.

Upon hearing this, the imperial teacher Zheng Cheng took a step forward.

"Guo Huai is capable of taking on this important task!" Zheng Cheng's voice was not loud, but every word he spoke was powerful, as if every word had been carefully considered.

Guo Huai is not only an exceptional martial artist, but also loyal and rootless, making him easy to control and unlikely to become a threat in the future.

When Cao Rui heard this, a light flashed in his eyes, which was an approval of Zheng Cheng's proposal and an affirmation of Guo Huai's ability.

However, as the king of a country, he could not easily reveal his inner thoughts, so he deliberately hesitated for a moment and asked, "Are there any other candidates?"

At this time, Xiahou Xuan stepped out.

"Your Majesty, the Prince of Yan is capable of taking on this important task!" Xiahou Xuan's words were filled with unquestionable firmness.

However, this sentence was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

Cao Rui frowned slightly, feeling unhappy.

How could Cao Yu, the Prince of Yan, whom he had tried to employ many times but always disappointed with his lack of ability, take on such an important responsibility?
He looked at Cao Yu, only to see a look of panic on his face, as he obviously had not expected to be nominated.

Encouraged by Xiahou Xuan, Cao Yu stepped forward with a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, how can I take on this task? Please choose someone more capable!"

Cao Rui did not respond immediately. His eyes wandered among the ministers, as if looking for an answer that would satisfy him.

At this time, Cao Yu seemed to remember something and hurriedly added: "Cao Zidan can take on this important task!"

There was a hint of urgency in Cao Yu's words, as if he wanted to get rid of his embarrassing situation by recommending others.

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui raised a complicated smile but did not comment.

Cao Zhen, the once glorious general, was deposed as a commoner because of a defeat. When his name is mentioned in the court today, it is more of a sense of irony and regret.

Just when the atmosphere was about to freeze, Shangshu Ling Chen Qun, a gentle, middle-aged man with deep eyes, slowly walked out of the queue.

His voice was calm but powerful: "Your Majesty, Sima Zhongda can be the candidate."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent and everyone's eyes were focused on Cao Rui, waiting for his reaction.

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, with a hint of sarcasm and disdain in his laughter.

"A prisoner in prison can become a general? Don't say that again!"

His voice echoed in the hall, and every word sounded like a mockery to Sima Yi.

Cao Rui knew very well that although Sima Yi was extremely talented, he had always been suppressed by him because of his arrogance.

At this moment, letting him serve as a general is like letting a tiger return to the mountains.

The atmosphere in the hall became tense and subtle again.

Cao Rui took a deep breath and said with a firm look, "Please take a good look at the selection of generals. The selection will be decided in three days!"

Although his voice was calm, it revealed an unquestionable determination.

This choice not only concerns the war situation, but also the future of Wei State.

As Cao Rui finished his words, all the ministers in the hall nodded their heads in agreement, each thinking of the right candidate in their mind.

Time flies and the court session is soon over.

The figures of the ministers gradually disappeared outside the palace gate, leaving only the heavy footsteps echoing in the empty hall.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines through the carved window lattices and shines on the smooth marble floor, mottled and colorful, like the setting sun on a battlefield, with a hint of ominous omen.

Cao Rui sat alone on the dragon throne. The manifesto to destroy Wei in his hand seemed like a heavy lead block, weighing down his heart and making it hard for him to breathe.

The determination and hatred revealed in those words made him feel a chill running from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, his scalp numbing and his heart feeling even colder.

"The foundation accumulated by three generations of the Cao family cannot be destroyed in my hands."

Cao Rui muttered to himself, looking into the distance with empty eyes, but his heart was like a turbulent sea with a myriad of thoughts.

At this moment, the State of Wei was facing an unprecedented crisis. The Han army was approaching the border, while the people in the country were in panic and morale was low.

He must find a way out, a way to save Wei from danger.

Just as Cao Rui was immersed in deep worry, the eunuch Bixie tiptoed into the hall. His steps were steady and cautious, for fear of disturbing the emperor's meditation.

"Your Majesty, Minister Chen Qun requests to see you." The voice of Bixie was low and clear, breaking the silence in the hall.

Cao Rui was slightly stunned when he heard this, and a trace of doubt arose in his heart: "What is Chen Qun doing here at this time?"

However, he quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice: "Xuan!"

Following the response of the evil-repelling savior, Chen Qun, wearing the official robes of the Shangshu Ling, slowly walked into the hall.

Chen Qun's face was serious and solemn, with a hint of wisdom and calmness revealed between his brows.

He bowed deeply to the emperor, his movements standard and solemn.

Cao Rui looked at Chen Qun in front of him and couldn't help thinking to himself: "This person must have something important to tell me when he comes here at this moment."

So he raised his hand slightly, motioning Chen Qun to stand up without any formalities.

After Chen Qun stood still, Cao Rui asked, "What is the matter with the Shangshu Ling?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qun took out a bamboo scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, saying in a firm and clear voice: "This is Sima Zhongda's strategy for defending against the enemy. Your Majesty, please take a look at it!"

His eyes were fixed on Cao Rui, as if he was trying to read something from the emperor's face.

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui couldn't help but frown, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

He was well aware of Sima Yi's talents and ambitions, and also understood that if this man was not used properly, he would become a serious threat.

However, the Wei State was in danger at the moment, and he could not completely rule out Sima Yi's advice.

"Sima Yi again?" Cao Rui was unhappy, but he still asked the eunuch Bixie to bring the bamboo slips.

Bixie carefully took the bamboo slips and gently spread them out in front of Cao Rui.

Cao Rui's eyes swept across the bamboo slips, and saw Sima Yi's strategies for defending against the enemy densely written on them.

His brows furrowed deeper and deeper, but he couldn't help but secretly admire Sima Yi's strategy.

However, when he saw the last suggestion, he could not help but sneer: "Since you want to fight, go and defend Chaoge. If Chaoge is lost, I will exterminate his three clans!"

Cao Rui's voice was cold and resolute, as if it was squeezed out from between his teeth.

Chen Qun looked at Cao Rui's expression and understood a little bit.

"Your Majesty, although Sima Zhongda lost Jibei, the country is in danger right now. If you can make good use of his talents, perhaps you can help the country."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui was silent for a moment and looked into the distance with a deep gaze.

At this moment, the State of Wei was standing on the edge of a cliff, and if it was not careful it would fall into the abyss.

And Sima Yi might be the straw that could pull them back.

"Okay, let's follow your plan." Cao Rui finally spoke.

With Cao Rui re-employing Sima Yi.

In a corner of Luoyang City, the high and thick walls of the imperial prison seemed to isolate all the noise and light in the world, leaving only dullness and depression.

However, in this dark corner, a long-lost light was about to appear. Inside the imperial prison, the dim torches flickered with a weak light, reflecting on the mottled walls.

Sima Yi, the former prominent figure, has spent several months here.

His face looked a little thin and his beard was a little messy, but his deep eyes still sparkled with an unyielding light.

He sat quietly in the corner, but his heart was surging.

Looking back on the more than half a year of imprisonment, every day was like walking on the edge of a knife, but he always believed that one day he would see the light of day again.

Finally, that day came.

"Mr. Zhongda, please stop!"

The jailer opened the heavy iron door, and a beam of dazzling sunlight came in, as if tearing the dark cell apart.

Sima Yi stood up slowly, his legs seemed a little stiff due to long-term imprisonment.

He squinted his eyes, trying to adapt to the sudden light.

When he was finally able to open his eyes, the scene before him warmed his heart - his family was standing outside the prison gate, anxiously waiting for his return.

Zhang Chunhua, his first wife, looked haggard, but her gentleness and determination remained the same.

She was wearing a skirt with fluttering sleeves, like a touch of bright color in this gray world.

At this moment, her eyes were red, and she had obviously cried many times, but she was trying hard to control her emotions and not let the tears fall again. Her hands were tightly twisting the corners of her clothes, revealing her inner tension and expectation.

The eldest son, Sima Shi, was a burly man with a heroic look between his eyebrows. He pursed his lips tightly, tears flashed in his eyes, but his eyes were full of determination and resolve.

The second son, Sima Zhao, was still young, but his father's features already bore some resemblance to his father.

He also had tears in his eyes, but he tried hard to blink his eyes to stop the tears from falling. He longed to see his father, longing for the long-lost warmth and support.

Jingshu, the woman in green, stood quietly behind the crowd.

Her face was extremely beautiful, but at this moment her face was covered in tears.

She had imagined the scene of Sima Yi's return countless times, but when the moment really came, she found that she could not control her emotions.

Her tears slid down like beads from a broken string, dripping onto her lapels, but seemed to also drip onto her heart.

When Sima Yi walked out of the prison gate, the dazzling sunlight made him unable to open his eyes for a moment.

He raised his hand and gently blocked the sunlight, and gradually he adapted to the light before him.

When he finally saw his family in front of him, he felt an indescribable excitement in his heart.

He walked quickly forward, and Zhang Chunhua and others also came forward.

"Father!" Sima Shi and Sima Zhao shouted at the same time, their voices choked with sobs, but full of joy and excitement. They hugged Sima Yi tightly, as if to firmly grasp this long-lost family affection.

Sima Yi comforted his family and a long-lost smile appeared on his face.

"It's all over, it's all over." Although his voice was a little hoarse, it was full of determination and relief.

This difficult time is over and they will embrace a new future together.

Zhang Chunhua wiped the tears from her face and tried to make her smile look more natural.

"Go home and welcome your father." Although her voice was still a little choked, she had regained her former gentleness and firmness.

Home is the warmest harbor. No matter how many storms they go through, they can always find comfort and strength here.

The group slowly left the imperial prison and started their journey home.

The sunshine shines on them, as if blessing them.

Sima Yi looked back at the dark cell, feeling a complex emotion in his heart.

When I returned home, everything seemed to have returned to its former tranquility and harmony.

Zhang Chunhua personally cooked and prepared a sumptuous welcoming banquet for Sima Yi.

The family sat together at the dining table, laughing and talking happily.

Sima Yi looked at his family in front of him, his heart filled with gratitude and happiness.

No matter how chaotic the outside world is, as long as the family is together, it is the greatest happiness.

However, there are often waves hidden beneath the calm.

Sima Yi knew very well that although he had regained his freedom, the road ahead would still be full of challenges.

He must act more cautiously to protect his family and this hard-earned peace.

As night fell, Luoyang City fell into silence.

Sima Yi stood in front of the window, looking at the starry sky outside, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

He recalled his past experiences and looked forward to the possibilities of the future.

At this time, Sima Shi walked quietly to Sima Yi's side and whispered, "Father, Mr. Chen is here."

Sima Yi's eyes flickered when he heard this.

He immediately ordered: "Please ask Mr. Chen to go to the quiet room in the inner room. I will go there immediately."

Sima Shi responded and left. After a while, he led Chen Qun into the quiet room in the inner house.

This quiet room is decorated extremely simply, yet it exudes an extraordinary atmosphere.

There are several landscape paintings in ink hanging on the wall, which look elegant and refined; there are several ancient books on the desk, which give off a faint scent of ink.

Sima Yi stood up, walked towards Chen Qun, and a long-lost smile appeared on his face.

"Long article, long time no see." There was some emotion and some intimacy in his words.

Chen Qun also smiled and responded: "Zhongda, how are you?"

The two smiled at each other, as if they had put all the unpleasantness of the past behind them.

After Chen Qun sat down, Sima Yi asked, "Zhongda came here this time, but has Your Majesty used my strategy?"

Although his tone was calm, his eyes revealed a sharpness, and he was obviously waiting for the other party's answer.

Chen Qun hesitated for a moment, then slowly said: "The situation in Wei is turbulent now, the Han army is approaching, and the people in the court are in panic. Although His Majesty is suspicious of you, in this critical moment, only you can save Wei from the water and fire, so I am willing to use Zhongda again."

Sima Yi breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this.

After a moment of silence, Sima Yi finally spoke: "Chang Wen, you and I both know that the Han Kingdom is strong and this road is difficult. But for the sake of Wei Kingdom and the people of the world, I, Sima Yi, have no choice but to do it. It's just that..."

There was a firmness in his words, but also a hint of helplessness.

"I just hope that Changwen can do more work in the court and win more support and trust for me."

Chen Qun nodded when he heard this. "Don't worry, Zhongda. Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my part for the State of Wei. I will do my best to negotiate in the court and win more support and resources for you."

His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was making a promise to Sima Yi.

The two talked again and discussed specific strategies to deal with the current situation.

Sima Yi put forward several practical suggestions, which Chen Qun also highly praised and recognized.

They seemed to have returned to the time when they fought side by side and planned for great achievements together.

When the conversation ended, it was already late at night.

Sima Yi sent Chen Qun to the door, and the two smiled at each other, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding.

I guarantee with my life that Wei will win this battle of survival! (End of this chapter)