Chapter 92 The Conditions (1/2)

Chapter 92 – The Conditions

In the historical record, Sima Fang started his career as a minor official in Henei District, northeast of Luo Yang and southwest of Julu. He climbed up the ladder as an official and rose in rank to be the Prefect of Luo Yang later on. He was also the one that recommended Cao Cao to the Han imperial court.

He kept his low profile in his entire career and did not enjoy meeting any of his colleague outside of his workplace. He was also known to be humorless as he always remained serious and solemn throughout his life.

His eight sons were raised under his strict education. Even after they grew up, none of them dared to speak without his permission when they were under his presence, including Sima Yi.

…

…

”One, I want the right to possess a private army and an espionage team.”

”Two, I want the position as the chancellor of the entire Julu District!”

”Three, I want the annual wage of 5,000 gold a year!”

”Four, you and your father cannot tell me what to do! My jurisdiction is absolute and second to none!”

”… And, I want a legal resident inside the city. And I want tutors for my sons.”

Tong had a solemn face when he heard all the conditions that Sima Fang gave him.

If the listener were another governor of other cities, he would reject all of these conditions right away.

However, Tong had to weight if the value of the Sima Clan was worth the investment, or if the Sima Clan could be trusted.

'Can I tame Sima Yi and his descendants in the future if Sima Fang is this resolute?'

'No, I don't need to tame them. Even if they want to rebel, it will happen after I have unified the country. Sima Shi and Sima Zhao were cunning foxes. They will take over the country when it was at its strongest.'

'Once that time comes, I will probably be a geezer by then. In my timeline, they went against an incompetent emperor, so they had it easy. If they realize they are up against an undying emperor, what will they do?'

Tong was silent and pondered while he gazed into the eyes of the requester. Although he did not activate his aura skill, Tong's demeanor gave out a faint image of a prince. In addition, his eyes flickered a slight bit of Hell abyssal flame.

In secret, Sima Fang was shaken by the stare of Tong. The glare gave him goosebumps. It was as if a devil was staring into his soul.

'He's not even 20, yet his mental strength is this firm. An ordinary brat should have succumbed to my intimidation right away. And what's with the eyes of his! Why am I getting scared from looking into them!?'

Sima Fang glanced at Lu Zhi, who had been grinning from ear to ear while he was observing them.

'As expected of senior Lu. He picked up a gem and polished it to this extent.'

Seeing the smug face of Lu Zhi, Sima Fang thought that he probably raised this young man personally in secret for years. Otherwise, Tong would not have this kind of mentality or the faint sinister feeling that Sima Fang had detected inside of Tong's eyes.

While Sima Fang was deep in thought, Tong had made his decision.

”The first four conditions are too much. I can't accept all of them.”

Sima Fang harrumphed as he expected the answer. He made up those conditions in purpose, so Tong would refuse him. However, he was surprised that Tong accepted the last condition that he would provide education to his sons.

”How about we do it this way. Though I can't let you possess a private army, I can make you the director of the Department of Justice. Your job is to keep your subordinates, such as prosecutors and police in check. Their jobs would be capturing and prosecuting criminals, evildoers, corrupted soldiers, crooked noble officials … which including the city governor if he committed a crime that threatened the well-being of the citizens!”

Lu Zhi and Sima Fang were shocked by the latter part of the job description. It meant that if Tong or his father committed a crime, they could be prosecuted by the laws! This position was something that was higher than the chancellor that he had proposed.

”Are you serious? I can easily frame you and revenge for my son easily.”

Sima Fang continued glaring at Tong without hiding his hostile intent.

However, Tong smiled back at the man.

”If you really wish to actually frame or kill me, you wouldn't warn me like that.”