Chapter 34: The Depressed Sima Yi

  Zhuge Liang's greatest opponent in his life was Sima Yi. Due to Zhuge Dan's appearance, the two men's confrontation began ahead of schedule.

  Cao Cao summoned Sima Yi and said to him: "Sima Yi, you have always wanted me to give you a chance to show your worth. Now there is something for you to do, I want to see how you perform. The specific task will be arranged by Xun Yu."

  Simayu was overjoyed and thought that the time to display his talent had finally arrived, so he hastily knocked his head in gratitude. He said: "Thank you, Chancellor, for your cultivation; I will definitely do my best to complete this task."

  Cao Cao said: "You didn't ask what it was about and just agreed?"

  He firmly said: "Whatever the prime minister entrusts, I will do my best to complete it. Therefore, there is no need to ask first."

  Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction and said, "You may go."

  After Sima Yi left, Cao Jing said to Cao Cao: "Father, I want to ask you for something. I hope you will agree."

  He had never seen his daughter so solemn, and curiously asked: "Jing'er, if you have something to say, just say it. Don't mention the word 'please', as long as your father can do it, I will agree."

  She said with a blush but firmly: "I want to attend this auction and take a look at Dongwu."

  Cao Cao pulled her down beside him and said lovingly: "Jing'er, tell me why you want to go to Eastern Wu?"

  She said: "I've never been to Jiangnan, I heard the scenery is beautiful there, my daughter wants to take a look. This time is just an opportunity." As she spoke, her face turned slightly red.

  Cao Cao had seen countless beauties in his life and conquered numerous beautiful women, so he could see through his daughter's thoughts. He thought to himself that she probably wanted to take a look at Zhuge Jun because she heard Xun Yu say that Zhuge was handsome and elegant, with a good command of literature and a refined demeanor.

  As a legendary hero, Cao Cao manipulated the world with his palm, never caring about anyone's life or death, but he was particularly concerned about this daughter, pampering her to the extreme. He conquered the world, fought against heroes, and exhausted himself, but his daughter's tenderness was the haven of his soul, she was his Achilles' heel.

  Although he and Sun Liu are now in a hostile state, he is not worried that they will harm his daughter. He has captured Liu Bei's family and protected them with all his heart, allowing them to return to Liu Bei's side. Whether Liu Bei is truly benevolent or just pretending, he would never dare to harm his daughter and suffer eternal infamy. Sun Quan is also a heroic figure of the time and will not do such despicable things. Therefore, as long as there are skilled guards by her side, there is nothing to worry about in terms of safety, unless something unexpected happens.

  But if he didn't let her go, she would have a great regret for the rest of her life. He couldn't bear that. So he decided to agree to let her go.

  "He said lovingly: 'Jing Er, your father knows what you're thinking. If you want to go, then go. No matter what, your father will try his best to fulfill your wishes.'"

  Cao Jing excitedly hugged Cao Cao's shoulders and kissed his face with her tender little mouth, saying: "Father, you're so good."

  Cao Cao smiled contentedly.

  Simayu received the task from Xun Yu and decided to execute it personally. As a famous master of hidden strategies, he immediately had many ways to solve this matter.

  He selected some people from his confidants to arrange for the trip to Eastern Wu, and also selected 30 skilled men from Xu Chu's guard army to prepare for a possible armed solution.

  He wanted to hurry to Eastern Wu as soon as possible, understand the situation and take targeted measures. Just when he had arranged everything and was about to set off with a sense of pride, a secret order came from the Prime Minister's mansion, saying that Cao Cao's daughter, Cao Jing, would follow him to Eastern Wu, which immediately gave him a headache. He was supposed to carry out a secret mission, how could he bring Cao Cao's daughter, such a big burden?

  This is not the most frustrating thing, the secret order actually requires that no one should lay a hand on Zhuge Jun and his family. He was suddenly blinded. The main content of his plan was to kidnap Zhuge Jun, the inventor, which was a permanent solution, and secondly, to kidnap his family members and force him to hand over the glass formula. Now all the good roads are blocked. I really don't know what the prime minister is thinking?

  He came to Xun Yu with a sullen face, wanting to probe into the intentions of the Prime Minister. Xun Yu was also stunned for a while and finally guessed roughly. He smiled at Sima Yi and said: "You are talented, but you don't understand the affairs of young men and women. The Prime Minister's daughter is in her prime, going to Eastern Wu must be related to Zhuge Jun. This is one of the reasons why you can't take action against Zhuge Jun. Secondly, Zhuge Jun has a special status, he is not only the brother of Zhuge Liang but also will be the son-in-law of Eastern Wu. It's a big deal, not comparable to the glass formula."

  He looked at Sima Yi, who seemed to have gained insight, and continued: "Now you understand the importance of the matter. Your main purpose for this trip has changed to ensuring the safety of the Prime Minister's daughter. If you can provide her with an opportunity to interact with Zhuge Jun, that would be even better. As for the glass formula, if it can be done well, it will be a bonus; if not, it doesn't matter."

  Simayu suddenly enlightened, deeply bowed to Xun Yu and thanked him: "Thank you, Mr. Xun, for pointing out my mistake, I almost made a big mistake."

  After bidding farewell to Xun Yu, Sima Yi walked back to his own mansion, thinking along the way. Although this trip only needs to protect the Prime Minister's daughter to complete the task, he still wants to find a way to get the glass formula and let the Prime Minister know his means. Can't move against Zhuge Jun, can also use other methods.

  He made up his mind and regained his confidence.

  The idea of Zhuge Jin's auction will cause a great stir, which is beyond his expectation. For a time, various forces with different purposes gather in Eastern Wu.