The Conditions

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 on 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."

"Hmm."

Sima Fang harrumphed again. He indeed never planned to take revenge because he knew that the death of Sima Xin was not Tong's fault. It was a natural casualty-of-war that they could not be avoided.

"Secondly, half of the garrison troops will be converted into a special unit called 'Police'. They are responsible for maintaining the order within the city. Unlike the private troops that you have to coordinate with the government army, this police unit is an independent force under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice. You don't have to participate in any battle outside of the city. That will be my job. You only need to keep your eyes on the people within the walls."

Lu Zhi opened his eyes wide in astonishment. Tong refused to give Sima Fang the right to recruit a private army, but he gave him the control of the garrison force instead. The authority of the latter was higher than what Sima Fang had initially asked for!

Sima Fang raised his eyebrows in bemusement after he heard the absurd suggestion. He was wondering if Tong actually tried to negotiate his conditions or he was just a stupid brat.

However, the job description was attractive to him. Being able to wield power in the government and prosecute criminals suited him best. It also fulfilled the fourth condition of his that he did not have to bow down to others as his position was equaled to a grand commander of an army.

"Are you sure you want to give me such an important position? We have just met and I don't have any experience with this kind of tasks."

"Well, didn't you just ask for a position that you can be second to none? I'm giving you something similar, so why are you hesitating now?"

The corner of Sima Fang's left eyebrow twitched. This brat was obnoxious.

'Are you refusing my demands or are you accepting them? Make up your mind!' Sima Fang complained in his heart.

"As for the wage, I can't give you that much. Or else, every official will protest and demand a similar wage. Secondly, you aren't responsible for the upkeep of the garrison forces because the city government will take care of those. So the maximum yearly wage I can give you is 2,000 gold a year. Is this alright with you?"

"Hmm, fine."

"Oh, I'll give you the right to form up assassin teams and intelligence teams. You see, our city is lacking a counter-spy division. It would be nice if someone can fill up this gap. However, you will have to foot the bills of the expense yourself if you want to use them for your private purposes. But if you want the city government to pay for the upkeep of the agencies, the position of the director of the intelligence agency will have to be given to someone else, and you will have no authority to control them."

"Fair enough."

"Well then, senior. Will you accept my terms, and will you work for me and my father?"

"Hmm."

Sima Fang pondered in silence. As an ordinary civil servant, it was tough to get any notable score for the promotion. Working for Tong seemed to be ideal for piling up achievements and experience for the next career advancement in the long run.

However, he was confused by the behavior of Tong. Why was he so resolute on getting him to join his ranks? There were other elite officials in the Capital, such as Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, or Tao Qian. Why was it him, but not those people?

He wanted to clear up his doubts, but Sima Fang was afraid that he might miss this chance if Tong changed his mind. He could not trust the mindset of a youth who was not even 20 yet.

"I accept. I will be in your care. However, I will be strict with my job! If I catch you embezzling the government fund or harm the citizens, I won't be lenient on you!"

Hearing Sima Fang's declaration and seeing his seriousness, Tong laughed. He did not mind the threat a slightest.

"That's more like it. I don't want a yes-man to be a director of the Department of Justice. I want someone with the balls that can stand up against the authorities! Senior Sima Fang, I want you to work as if you want to rebel against me! Find flaws in my city and flaws in my authority. Once you find one, abuse it to your heart content, so I will know what I lack!"

Sima Fang was astonished. He had never seen a noble who encouraged his subordinate to go against the employer. This was a first to him.

'This brat wants me to rebel? No, it was more like he wants me to fix his mess or find out if there is any. Haiz, such a cunning brat. Senior Lu, I think you picked up a wild snake rather than a gem.'

Sima Fang calmed down and retorted.

"Please do not jest. It will ruin my reputation if this gets out."

Lu Zhi stared at the two while he was listening to the weird conversation in bewilderment. Though he was puzzled how the conversation ended this way, he was glad that his junior decided to help Tong.

Then he switched his focus to Tong. During the entire conversation, Tong's rough behavior resurfaced again many times. He had to reeducate Tong about his manner toward seniors more seriously.

…

After the fateful meeting today, the Sima Clan joined Julu City, and Sima Fang was entitled as the director of the Department of Justice. His family members also moved into the city.

The members are his wives, 11-year-old Sima Lang, 2-year-old Sima Fu …

And 3-year-old Sima Yi.