nashuaworldcup Chapter 470 If there is only one person left in this world who is loyal to the Great Wei, it could o
Chapter 470 If there is only one person left in this world who is loyal to the Great Wei, it could o
The news that the major aristocratic clans had joined forces to request the Empress Dowager's decree to depose the emperor and reinstate Prince Cao Fang of Qi to the throne quickly spread throughout the entire Wei Dynasty.
Guanqiu Jian was stunned for a long time after receiving the news.
The most important reason he was determined to rebel against the Sima family was that Sima Shi had arbitrarily deposed Cao Fang from the throne.
It should be noted that Cao Fang was the successor handpicked by Emperor Ming, Cao Rui, and Guanqiu Jian was someone Cao Rui had personally promoted.
To repay Emperor Ming's kindness, he could never possibly associate with the Sima family.
However, the situation has changed somewhat now.
Although the Sima family still had some resources, their hope of turning the tide was already slim.
The major aristocratic families in the capital joined forces and reinstated the deposed Prince Qi, Cao Fang, to the throne.
Under such circumstances, even if Sima Zhao could reorganize the defeated army, and even if there were still generals loyal to the Sima family in the various border armies, it would still be impossible for him to return to his former overwhelming power.
Now Guanqiu Jian's position is somewhat awkward.
The gentry in the capital had already obtained an imperial edict from Emperor Cao Fang, demanding that he submit a memorial acknowledging his allegiance, relinquish his military power, and then proceed to the capital.
The imperial edict explicitly and implicitly indicated that as long as he was willing to relinquish his military power, the position of Grand Commandant would be a foregone conclusion.
"Zhong Gong, what are you hesitating about?"
Wenqin scoffed at the imperial edict.
He was puzzled when he saw Guanqiu Jian hesitate.
"The traitors and rebels have simply changed from the Sima family to various gentry families in the capital. You can't even see through something as simple as that?"
"Believe it or not, the moment you and I hand over our military power, we'll be imprisoned in the capital."
"Our foundation is not in the capital. If we rashly return, what good will it do if you become Grand Commandant and I become Minister of Works? Do you really think these official positions are of any use in the current court?"
Wen Qin understood this very well: once he relinquished his military power, he would become like meat on a chopping board, and when he would die would depend on when the powerful families decided to make their move.
Those who came from military backgrounds were never on the same side as them.
“I understand your concerns, but…”
"Emperor Ming has shown me great favor, and Prince Qi was the crown prince he personally appointed. With all the officials supporting his restoration, how could I possibly oppose it?"
This is where Guanqiu Jian's real dilemma lies.
Didn't he know that handing over military power was tantamount to courting death?
But he also knew the principle that a scholar would die for one who understands him!
His conflicted expression immediately provoked Wen Qin to curse him.
"idiot!"
"Didn't Emperor Ming want to see our Great Wei become a dynasty that lasts for a thousand years? He only made Cao Fang the crown prince because he had no better choice."
"If His Majesty had caught the eye of Emperor Ming back then, Prince Qi would never have been considered as the crown prince. The two are simply not on the same level!"
Who is Cao Fang?
He was left with two regents who were irreconcilable enemies. Anyone with a sound mind and some skill could easily find a balance between the two.
He used the discord between Sima Yi and Cao Shuang to consolidate his imperial power.
But what did Cao Fang do?
He listened to and believed Cao Shuang's words without question.
This is understandable, since they are all members of the Cao clan, it's normal for him to have some preferences.
What's abnormal is that not long after Cao Shuang took power, many people had already seen that he was ambitious but incompetent.
Despite having absolutely no ability, he wanted to suppress the aristocratic families that even Cao Pi dared not touch.
At that time, if Cao Fang had any sense at all, he should have abandoned Cao Shuang and appeased the powerful clans.
But he didn't, and continued to let Cao Shuang do whatever he wanted.
After incurring the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people, Sima Yi seized upon the resentment of the powerful clans in the capital and took advantage of the two men's trip to Gaoping Mausoleum to pay respects to their ancestors, using three thousand elite soldiers to completely turn the tide.
Then, as is well known, Cao Shuang surrendered after swearing an oath by the Luo River.
Even at this point, if Cao Fang had the ability, or if Cao Fang were replaced by the current emperor, the situation could still be easily reversed.
At most, it would mean giving the Sima family some benefits and rebuilding a force to stand in opposition to the Sima family.
But Cao Fang was just that cowardly.
With Cao Shuang dead, he completely lost his backbone and no longer dared to harbor any thoughts of rebellion against Sima Yi, Sima Shi, or Sima Zhao.
As a result, the status of the Wei royal family began to plummet.
“Zhong Gong, if that King Qi were a normal person, I would support you in handing over your military power to repay the kindness shown to you.”
“But now you have to listen to me. If you hand over your military power now, not only will we be imprisoned and killed, but the King of Qi will also be in danger.”
"Indeed, the Sima family has declined, but can you guarantee that if the situation in the capital continues to develop for a while, another Sima family won't emerge?"
If the emperor is incompetent, the powerful clans below will naturally have different ideas.
This is no longer the Han Dynasty. Since Cao Pi received the abdication, everyone has realized that the throne should be held by the capable.
No one can guarantee that after the various aristocratic families have divided up the spoils, another Sima family will emerge.
"Are we not going to obey the Emperor's decree?"
Guanqiu Jian frowned.
"Imperial edict? The capture of Xuchang, the search for Sima Zhao's whereabouts, and the subsequent gradual annexation of surrounding towns—which step wasn't an imperial edict?"
Wenqin's expression was strange.
“Zhonggong, you don’t really think that whoever is in the capital is the emperor, do you? In my opinion, that’s just a puppet at best. If we’re talking about the emperor, then it has to be the one in Chang’an!”
"Looking back on this journey, I see hope for the revival of the Great Wei in him. He even promised to grant my son Wen Yang a marquisate. No matter what you ultimately choose, I will not make a mistake with you!"
The meaning has been clearly expressed at this point.
If you, Guanqiu Jian, are truly so foolish as to support Cao Fang, then I, Wenqin, will not indulge your madness.
Guanqiu Jian was no fool; he naturally understood the meaning behind his words.
Of course, he could also understand the pros and cons involved.
Seeing Wenqin's resolute expression, he still found it difficult to make a decision, but he nodded.
“I understand. If you really want to go to the capital, I will hand over the entire army to you. I will not interfere with your choice.”
After that, he turned and left.
Watching his retreating figure, Wenqin opened his mouth, wanting to continue trying to persuade him.
But I've already said everything that should and shouldn't have been said.
No matter how much you try to persuade him, he doesn't know where to begin.
Moreover, he knew Guanqiu Jian's character.
If there is only one person left in this world who is loyal to the Great Wei and Emperor Cao Rui, then it can only be Guanqiu Jian!
……
"Wait a minute, when did you become obsessed with beautiful women?"
"And they even invented dozens of cruel torture methods? Slaughtering countless loyal ministers and generals?"
"Is this for official business?"