Chapter 132

Han, Wei, Wu.

When the great battle, where the three kingdoms poured all their available forces, ended, the only one who could be called a pure victor was Wu alone.

Wu couldn’t surpass Guan Yu’s Yangfan, but they not only seized the four southern commanderies of Changsha, Guiyang, Lingling, and Wuling, but also took part of Nan Commandery, occupying two-thirds of Jing Province.

The Wuling Commandery they occupied this time wasn’t a land with great productivity, as it was mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities. However, Lingling Commandery was a different story. Its value was significant, with a population comparable to the Nan Commandery we defended.

Wuling Commandery also had its own value. The Han Dynasty had cooperated with ethnic minorities like the Wuling Man to cultivate the land, and the mere increase in land and population was an achievement to be proud of.

So, did the Han Dynasty gain nothing? That’s not the case either.

Although they lost the southern commanderies, they fully digested Yongyang Province and Guanzhong, and even included the Hatu region, where Wei’s influence was overwhelming, into their sphere of influence.

Losing the southern commanderies was painful, but defending Nan Commandery was encouraging. Holding the passage from Yi Province and Shangyong to Jing Province suggested that a return to Jing Province was always possible.

“Of course, we can’t do anything about Jing Province right now.”

Now was not the time to talk about revenge, but to rest.

While there were tangible achievements like a foothold for re-entering Jing Province, there were also intangible achievements.

It was the principle.

The principle of always upholding righteousness, even against ethnic minorities.

It was a meaningful achievement that reaffirmed the value of Liu Bei’s Han Dynasty, united under the banners of righteousness and virtue.

However, no war results in only good outcomes for everyone. While Wu gained unilateral benefits and Han had both gains and losses, Wei suffered unilateral losses.

First, they lost people. The loss of manpower was common to all three kingdoms, but Wei suffered too much damage without a single victory.

Zhao Chang died, the Southern Xiongnu and other subordinate ethnic groups disappeared, and tens of thousands of soldiers lost their lives. If there had been some achievement, it might have been a meaningful sacrifice, but there was none.

Their reputation was tarnished, and resources were wasted, so Wei’s internal situation must be quite dire.

A major restructuring of the power structure is likely. The military authority, which had been centered on relatives due to Cao Cao’s will, might shift to capable generals outside the family, following meritocracy.

In the original history, after Zhao Yu’s failed expedition against Wu in 228 and Zhao Jin’s failed invasion of Shu in 230, the military authority gradually shifted to the nobility.

But here, it seems Sima Yi and Jin Jun will rise to high military positions faster than that.

Enough about the war’s outcome.

I was on my way back to Chang’an City from Dongguan.

With the siege of Yangfan lifted, staying in Dongguan would be a waste of manpower.

Moreover, my father, who had been guarding Dongguan since the Northern Expedition, sent Zhao Yun back to Chang’an with me.

Upon returning to Chang’an, we were treated like triumphant generals.

From Liu Bei personally welcoming us outside the city gates to the flower petals and cheers from the people as we marched to the palace.

Whether it was truly spontaneous from the people is questionable, but the effort put into preparing this triumphant ceremony was genuine. It’s amazing how much was prepared in such a short time.

But Liu Bei went a step further. He even had me ride in the imperial carriage beside him.

Riding in the same carriage as the emperor was an extraordinary privilege. For someone not even a court official to sit beside the emperor? It was tantamount to the emperor publicly declaring this person as his favored one.

In the original history, Cao Pi appointed Meng Dal as a court official and gave him a seat beside him, but here, inviting me to sit with him was of immense value.

Cao Pi wouldn’t be unaware of the symbolism. While he might have liked Meng Dal’s appearance, it was also a show of favor, much like how we honored Hahu Mu with the title of Marquis.

The hospitality continued even after arriving at the palace.

“I have prepared a banquet for you all. Today, rest your weary bodies, and tomorrow, enjoy to your heart’s content.”

Though the banquet was to celebrate the return of the victorious generals, it seemed Liu Bei was the most excited.

Since his days under Lu Zhi, he preferred playing over studying. Old habits die hard. That nature hasn’t changed.

Even during the war against Liu Zhang for Yi Province, he held banquets for small victories and was scolded by Pang Tong.

He had to hold back due to his position, but now with justification, he must be determined to enjoy himself thoroughly.

I heard that with Lu Xun’s rapid advance, Yangfan was in crisis, and Guan Yu’s fate hung by a thread. The joy of saving Guan Yu must be immense.

But while Liu Bei the man might do that, Liu Bei the emperor should not.

“Your Majesty, may I dare to speak?”

“Oh, of course. Speak your mind.”

“Although our country repelled the combined forces of Wei and Wu with relatively few losses, the damage was by no means small. Moreover, while we repelled the enemy, we failed to hold the territory, so this cannot be called a complete victory for our country.”

As I spoke, Liu Bei’s smiling face slowly hardened.

Objectively, this war was a successful defense. However, losing Lingling Commandery, unlike Wuling Commandery, which was mainly inhabited by the Wuling Man, was quite painful.

The population lost with Lingling Commandery might be double the population gained by fully securing Liang Province.

Considering the soldiers who died fighting Lu Xun, it’s almost fair to call it a defeat.

“The war is over, but it’s not the end. They will invade again, and our country must prepare for battle. I humbly request that the funds for the banquet be saved to comfort the war-weary soldiers and lighten the burdens of the people.”

Some generals who were looking forward to the banquet might find my words annoying.

But those who speak the truth often face resentment. If I couldn’t bear that, I wouldn’t have spoken in the first place.

Fortunately, Zhao Yun was beside me. After pacifying Yi Province, he refused fiefdoms and set an example of putting public service before personal gain.

And Zhao Yun’s thoughts remained the same.

“Commander Wei is right. Fighting against invading enemies is a general’s duty, so comforting the people and soldiers should come before celebrating the generals.”

With Zhao Yun’s support, Liu Bei immediately nodded.

“I am ashamed. I was intoxicated by a small victory and forgot the greater cause. Though your military achievements are the greatest in the land, your loyal advice is also the greatest. I will gladly follow your words.”

“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless.”

Indeed, Liu Bei.

He is ready to accept his mistakes and correct them.

As a ruler, his attitude of listening is the most important virtue, which is why I could make my case.

Pang Tong, who was listening to our conversation, nodded approvingly at me and added,

“Your Majesty, many soldiers died in the southern commanderies. Their families need sufficient support.”

“The Grand Commandant is right. Not only that, I will personally hold a memorial service for the Governor of the Southern Commandery and his soldiers who died for the country and erect a monument. Grand Commandant, discuss this with the Chief Minister and prepare for it.”

“I will follow your command.”

With the banquet canceled, Liu Bei decided to go all out in another direction.

He planned to personally visit the soldiers to commend their efforts and erect a Martial Arts Monument in Chang’an City.

Indeed, no one knows how to win the people’s hearts like Liu Bei.

The emperor personally mourning the soldiers’ deaths, holding a memorial service, and erecting a monument for their achievements—who wouldn’t be moved?

Moreover, it wasn’t just a show; substantial rewards and support followed, making it natural to praise Liu Bei.

The reaction from the generals, who might have been dissatisfied with the canceled banquet, was better than expected.

Perhaps it was because they witnessed Liu Bei mourning the deaths of generals like Feng Shu, reciting their names one by one.

Generals always face death on the battlefield. Knowing that their families would be cared for by the state and their deaths honored by the emperor moved not just the soldiers.

Though delayed, the rewards and promotions would eventually come.

After erecting the memorial and Martial Arts Monument, Liu Bei addressed the assembled officials at court.

“We will return to Chengdu. The delayed rewards and promotions will be conducted there.”

It was decided that Grand Commandant Pang Tong would remain in Chang’an with my father, the Commandant of Ceremonies, to manage Guanzhong.

I was also included in the long-awaited return to Chengdu.

‘I wonder how my family is doing.’