The Lonely King 06

Sima Ci might truly feel he was getting old, as he sought out Fang Zhiyi privately once again.

"Ah, father-in-law, wasn’t it already settled? You should keep working—I can’t bear to let you go." Fang Zhiyi was feeding fish with two eunuchs by his side.

Sima Ci nodded subtly but still clasped his hands respectfully. "Your Majesty, this old minister came precisely for this matter. You are in the prime of your life, while I am advanced in years and fear I cannot assist you for much longer." Sima Ci had already calculated everything the night before. Now, he only needed to wait for his daughter Sima Ying to give birth to a prince. Then, he could arrange for Fang Zhiyi to "accidentally" drown, and the throne would rightfully pass to the Sima family.

Fang Zhiyi waved his hand dismissively. "Father-in-law, could you endure a few more years for me?"

Seeing Fang Zhiyi wasn’t taking the bait, Sima Ci grew impatient. "Your Majesty, my health truly cannot hold out much longer. I implore you to select other loyal and capable ministers."

Fang Zhiyi feigned sudden realization. "Loyal and capable ministers? Oh, father-in-law, is that what you mean?"

Sima Ci felt exhausted. This emperor was indeed rather simple-minded. Still, he patiently explained, "Your Majesty, this old minister wishes to promote two deputies. Once they are properly trained, I can retire in peace."

Fang Zhiyi nodded repeatedly, cursing inwardly: You old schemer, still playing games with me? You just want your sons to take over, don’t you?

"Does Your Majesty have suitable candidates in mind?" Sima Ci inquired.

Fang Zhiyi stroked his chin theatrically for a long moment. "Hmm... Now that you mention it, I haven’t given it much thought. With you around, I never had to worry about such matters."

Sima Ci secretly gloated.

"Perhaps I’ll consider it during the next court session?" Fang Zhiyi put on an air of exaggerated wisdom.

Sima Ci agreed. What does it matter if you look? You barely recognize half the court officials! But this matter couldn’t be rushed—if rumors spread that he was coercing the emperor, it would reflect poorly on him.

The closer one is to death, the more they care about their reputation. This saying fit Sima Ci perfectly.

That evening, as Sima Ci enjoyed a shoulder massage from his newly acquired concubine, a palace eunuch delivered a message.

"His Majesty has been sighing while pondering how to arrange things."

"Oh? What is he considering?"

"It seems he wants to directly promote Your Excellency’s two sons but fears objections from the court."

Sima Ci nodded. Well, at least he’s not completely stupid.

The eunuch kept his head lowered. "The Empress advised His Majesty, saying the eldest son of the Sima family is peerless in valor, while the second son is exceptionally brilliant. His Majesty appeared enlightened by her words. The Empress also suggested making broader personnel adjustments to avoid drawing suspicion from the court."

Sima Ci chuckled in amusement. Ah, so it was my daughter’s doing—that explains it. She’s clever, a shame she wasn’t born a man. He laughed heartily and ordered two silver notes to be given to the eunuch, who kowtowed gratefully before leaving.

A few days later, during court, Fang Zhiyi kept sighing while glancing at Sima Ci, leaving the latter baffled. Just speak already! Why sigh at me? Do I look like I’m on death’s door?

The ministers below were equally perplexed. Finally, Sima Ci coughed and, disregarding protocol, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, what troubles you today?" He failed to notice the flicker of vigilance in Fuhai’s downcast eyes.

Today is crucial—this fool better not ruin things!

"It’s nothing." Fang Zhiyi picked up a handkerchief and pretended to wipe tears. "The thought of you retiring, father-in-law, leaves me feeling hollow inside. What am I to do?"

Sima Ci didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This boy is... adorable! Absolutely adorable! He almost felt like telling his sons to spare Fang Zhiyi’s life in the future.

"Your Majesty, this old minister must retire, lest the people question my overreach. But even after stepping down, you may consult me anytime—everyone here can bear witness." Sima Ci had no choice but to coax the emperor like a child.

Only then did Fang Zhiyi feign a semblance of composure. Meeting Sima Ci’s gaze, he knew his acting had been thoroughly convincing.

"Today, We shall make some adjustments." Fang Zhiyi spoke slowly, scanning the court before settling on Sima Jue. As the second son, this one was as cunning as his father, unlike his simpler elder brother.

"Sima Jue, you... shall temporarily step down from your duties and assist your father more."

The moment these words were spoken, the ministers exchanged meaningful glances. Some immediately connected this to Sima Ci’s earlier resignation—clearly, he intended for his son to succeed him!

Officials who had long been suppressed inwardly lamented. Sima Ci has the emperor wrapped around his finger, and now he pulls this move. With the decree coming from the Son of Heaven, no one can accuse the Sima family of usurping power.

Sima Ci was mildly surprised but struggled to suppress a smirk. This boy truly has the Sima family’s interests at heart!

Fang Zhiyi then pointed at Sima Cheng. "Sima Cheng, you shall assume the role of Grand General. Do not disappoint me."

Military authority had always been in Sima Ci’s hands, and he still held the nominal title of Grand General. Now, with his younger son succeeding him as chancellor and his elder son taking over the military, everything aligned perfectly with his plans. He narrowed his eyes at his dazed eldest son. "What are you waiting for?"

Sima Cheng and Sima Jue knelt simultaneously to express gratitude.

"Rise, rise." Fang Zhiyi waved dismissively before naming a few others for routine transfers—some reassigned to different ministries, others given hollow promotions. But with the Sima family’s dominance, no one dared object.

Sima Ci had already received word of the plan. His main objective was achieved, and the emperor’s compliance pleased him. He would ensure no one disrupted this arrangement—any dissenters would regret it later.

Fortunately, the session concluded without opposition.

Back in the inner palace, Fang Zhiyi exhaled deeply. "Oh, Little Black, without you, I’m just winging it... Do you know how hard this is?" Damn it, when have I ever endured such humiliation?

Fuhai was puzzled. "Master, who is Little Black?"

Fang Zhiyi shot him a look. "Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. Have you arranged what I asked?"

Fuhai bowed. "Yes, Master. It’s been settled—someone will leave the palace today to handle it."

"By tonight, I want to know what those transferred officials are thinking."

"As you command." Fuhai gestured, and a eunuch scurried in—none other than the one who had earlier reported to Sima Ci. "Little Jinzi, go to Eunuch Li and relay His Majesty’s orders."

Little Jinzi bowed and hurried off.

Watching him leave, Fuhai marveled. Who would’ve thought the inner palace would one day return to the emperor’s control?