Chapter 112

“So, you’re asking me to go to Nongse with you?”

Zhuge Liang, having received his escort mission, asked Zhang Lan, who had joined him in Hanzhong. Though the unexpected request for support was surprising, Zhuge Liang’s expression remained unshaken.

Instead of panicking, Zhuge Liang pondered the true intent behind Zhang Lan’s proposal.

Not taking things at face value and suspecting hidden motives wasn’t unique to Zhuge Liang. It was a professional habit shared by all strategists.

Seomak was a name Zhuge Liang knew well. In fact, all officials of a certain rank were meticulously recorded in Zhuge Liang’s mind, and Seomak was among those to be wary of.

A renowned governor trusted by the ethnic minorities, with no lack of actual ability. The fact that Wang Ping, a powerful figure, was sent only further confirmed Seomak’s reputation.

But would Zhang Lan go to such lengths to recruit him? Zhuge Liang would shake his head at that.

Zhang Lan was no longer the young bird waiting to fly under Pang Tong’s wing. She had long since soared into the heavens, joining the ranks of the stars.

In this Northern Expedition, Zhang Lan had been appointed as the supreme commander of the Guanzhong expeditionary force, placing her on par with Guan Yu, if only momentarily.

Of course, saying she was completely on par would be an exaggeration, but the fact that she had briefly become the second-in-command of the Shu Han military was undeniable.

Would such a Zhang Lan personally travel thousands of miles to recruit a governor, especially one already captured as a prisoner? Absolutely not.

Zhuge Liang knew that there was no distinction between high and low when it came to recruiting talent. There was even the story of Liu Bang, who rose from humble origins, apologizing to the commoner Yi Ji for his rudeness and lowering his stance.

However, Zhang Lan’s actions were somewhat excessive. Even though Wang Ping, clearly her trusted subordinate, had directly sought help, she still claimed difficulty and asked Zhuge Liang for assistance.

“Above all, the fact that Rear General herself finds recruitment difficult is questionable. That can’t be. Given the abilities I know she possesses, it should be no trouble at all.”

Zhuge Liang didn’t doubt Zhang Lan’s abilities for a moment.

He had been observing her closely for quite some time. From the day they first met over a decade ago.

Back then, she was merely of interest as a potential companion for Liu Shan, the future emperor. But now, he treated her as he would himself or Pang Tong.

Though her scholarly achievements were somewhat lacking, she had broad knowledge and an incredible eye for talent. Her eloquence was better than most scholars. She had more than enough ability to recruit Seomak.

“Given her friendship with Sima Yi, who had already defected, there must be a reason she asked me…”

Suddenly, like a flash of light, something dawned on Zhuge Liang.

“Indeed… that must be it.”

At Zhuge Liang’s muttering, Zhang Lan looked puzzled, as if asking what he meant.

But Zhuge Liang, busy confirming his judgment, didn’t notice her expression.

“The military’s status has risen too high after this Northern Expedition.”

The reason why Zhang Lan, who had reached near the pinnacle of the military, would take such action was paradoxically because of her position.

The success of the Northern Expedition was immense. The recapture of Chang’an City was a feat that even Guan Yu’s capture of Yangfan or Zhuge Liang’s Southern Campaign couldn’t compare to.

It was a war fought with the nation’s full strength, concluded with a perfect victory, its value beyond words.

The military’s status, having achieved such a great feat, had also soared to the heavens.

Their success was supported by the scholars who provided various forms of assistance from behind the scenes. However, such behind-the-scenes support is often forgotten.

Even the great chancellor Xiao He was never properly acknowledged by the generals. It was only because Emperor Gaozu had the discernment to give him due recognition.

Zhuge Liang had also achieved similar feats and enjoyed Liu Bei’s favor. But Zhuge Liang alone couldn’t compare to the entire military.

The Southern Campaign before the rebellion was hardly a pure military achievement, and the core of this Northern Expedition, the capture of Guanzhong, was achieved in an unexpectedly short time, leaving little credit for the logistical support.

In this situation, Zhang Lan, the undisputed greatest contributor to this Northern Expedition, bowed her head to Zhuge Liang.

What could this mean?

It was to maintain balance.

By placing Zhuge Liang above herself, a representative of the military, she subtly balanced the scales.

Without overtly offending the military’s pride, she used the pretext of recruiting enemies before the coronation to preserve the military’s dignity.

“Her foresight to prevent the military’s dominance. At the same time, her deep strategy to balance things subtly without revealing her intentions. Despite her young age… perhaps I underestimated her.”

Now, Zhuge Liang regretted not appointing Zhang Lan as the crown princess.

Though not openly disloyal, how could Zhuge Liang not know Liu Shan’s shortcomings?

Until now, he had watched over him, thinking he was still young and the son of Liu Bei. But now that Liu Shan was fifteen, Zhuge Liang had to accept that he was far from his father’s caliber.

If Zhang Lan had firmly supported Liu Shan, even if Zhuge Liang stepped down, there would have been little to worry about.

In any case, Zhuge Liang firmly believed his speculation was correct. If this wasn’t the answer to all his questions, what was?

If the other party was being so considerate, it was only proper to accept it without question. Zhuge Liang gladly nodded.

“Very well. This unworthy Zhuge Liang will accept the opportunity you’ve given me.”

If Zhang Lan knew the thought process behind this answer, she might have said, “The difference between a genius and a fool is just a sheet of paper.”

Of course, unaware of Zhuge Liang’s thoughts, Zhang Lan was simply pleased that Zhuge Liang could intuitively understand her intentions.

But to Zhuge Liang, her joy seemed to be about eliminating a potential threat to the nation.

Preconceptions could be terrifying.

§

When one hears the name Zhuge Liang, certain things immediately come to mind.

For example, the Red Cliff and the Empty Fort Strategy. As one grows older, the Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse, the Southeast Wind, and Kongming’s traps also become famous.

Those deeply interested in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms might mention the Memorial on the Northern Expedition.

But among these, one cannot overlook his debates.

In the novel, he successively refuted the opposition to form the Sun-Liu alliance at the Battle of Red Cliffs, and his sharp tongue alone caused Wang Lang to die of rage.

This wasn’t just in the novel. In historical records, Zhuge Liang thoroughly refuted Wang Lang, who had sent him a letter urging surrender.

His discussions about Cao Zhi, Emperor Gaozu of Han, and Emperor Wu of Han, or his impeachment of Li Yan by pointing out each mistake, showcased his natural eloquence.

And now, I was witnessing Zhuge Liang’s legendary eloquence in real-time.

“Though we served different masters, as comrades serving the Han, I have long heard of your name. I admired your virtue in comforting the people and embracing the ethnic minorities. I always regretted not having the chance to visit you for guidance. Those who met you before, like Ziyun and Mingjing, praised your integrity, and though I meet you for the first time today, it feels as if we’ve known each other for years.”

Zhuge Liang delivered this long speech smoothly and clearly, without stumbling or mispronouncing a single word.

“I too have long held respect for you, Master Zhuge. Seeing you in person, I realize the rumors were not wrong.”

Seomak was no less eloquent.

Despite Zhuge Liang’s probing, Seomak responded firmly.

“Such a virtuous and wise governor, why do you not follow the natural order? Many people still suffer. Why do you cut off external relations and rest on your talents? This only brings shame upon yourself.”

“Who are the suffering people? Are they not the result of war? You speak of the natural order, but how can the Wei imperial family, which peacefully received the abdication, not be the natural order? Following this, if we stop the war, will the people’s suffering not cease?”

Popcorn, I need popcorn.

The back-and-forth between these two was so thrilling. Perhaps it was because of Zhuge Liang’s reputation that I found it so engrossing.

Seomak’s direct hit, and Zhuge Liang’s immediate counter, as if he had been waiting for it.

“Cao Cao intimidated Emperor Xian during his lifetime. Who in the world does not know this? Cao Pi’s abdication was not peaceful but a usurpation by sword and blood, nothing more than a clay dragon or a straw dog.”

Since it was well-known that Cao Cao and Cao Pi had oppressed Emperor Xian, Seomak was at a loss for words.

Seizing the moment, Zhuge Liang continued.

“The lack of virtue in Cao Cao and Cao Pi is evident from their continuous defeats. Red Cliffs, Hanzhong, Jing Province, Guanzhong. When have they ever won? They are exhausted from constant defeats. We will now fortify our borders, focus on livelihoods, and let the people rest. We will stockpile supplies, train elite soldiers, and wait for the right moment. When Cao Pi’s lack of virtue causes them to split, we will attack in unison. Without burdening the soldiers with battles or the people with hardship, the world will be pacified.”

After emotionally arguing that Cao Pi lacked legitimacy, Zhuge Liang logically predicted Wei’s downfall.

As Seomak began to waver, Zhuge Liang grabbed his hand and spoke earnestly.

His slightly trembling voice seemed to prove his sincerity.

“With your virtue, comfort the people and correct the wrongs. Why ask about military affairs? The ruler is the boat, but the people are the water. You need not board the boat, but please keep the water clear.”

Even Seomak’s grandfather would have found it hard to refuse.

When the greatest scholar and chancellor of the time pleads so earnestly, how could anyone coldly refuse? One would have to question their humanity.

As the author of the Memorial on the Northern Expedition, known for moving people to tears, Zhuge Liang’s words struck a chord.

Finally, Seomak let out a long sigh, clasped his hands, and bowed to Zhuge Liang, agreeing to follow his lead.

After successfully recruiting Seomak through Wang Ping, me, and Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Liang asked me, “Mingjing, how was it?”

“Ah, truly Master Zhuge. I’m glad I asked for your help.”

“Haha, is that so? That’s a relief.”

Zhuge Liang laughed as if he had passed an exam.

He seemed to enjoy debates so much. He was a born debater.

‘Maybe I’ll ask him to write a recruitment letter later.’

Yes, that would be good.

And so, with different thoughts, we both laughed together.