Chapter 135

I don’t know how Zhuge Liang took it, but I quickly continued speaking.

“All of this is thanks to the Prime Minister laying the foundation of the Eight Array Formation, isn’t it? If it weren’t for the Prime Minister fighting at Hatu, even Jian Chao wouldn’t have survived.”

The latter part might have been a bit exaggerated, but the former was sincere.

The Eight Array Formation, improved by Zhuge Liang, was passed down to Ma Rong of the Qin Dynasty and later to Li Jing of the Tang Dynasty, where it was reborn as the Yuhua Formation.

Until Qi Jiguang created the Yuan Yang Formation, Zhuge Liang’s Eight Array Formation was the foundation of military tactics in Northeast Asia.

As such, Zhuge Liang’s Eight Array Formation is an achievement that holds value beyond the success it achieved during his lifetime.

At my words, Zhuge Liang shook his head lightly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

“I haven’t even properly faced off against Cao Wei yet, and you’re praising me so much. It’s embarrassing to hear.”

“I’m not just praising you; I’m speaking from the heart.”

Even I thought I might have gone a bit overboard.

“They say you resemble the people you like. I wondered who Liu Xiang resembled, being Ji Shang’s younger brother, but it seems he takes after you.”

“Liu Xiang? Are you referring to Ma Su, the Military Advisor?”

“Oh, you know him too? I brought him along as a Military Advisor during my last southern campaign. You must have heard about him then.”

“Ah, yes. I don’t know what happened to him afterward, though. But he likes me?”

“Don’t misunderstand. Liu Xiang admires those who have achieved merit in the military. He respects you, who rose to a high position despite being younger than him.”

What I pointed out wasn’t exactly that, but anyway.

‘Ma Su, to hear his name like this…’

Zhuge Liang’s ambitious first Northern Expedition against the overconfident Cao Wei. The most strategically complete and nearly successful campaign was ruined by that mountaineer. How could I forget?

It’s only natural to feel a bit uneasy hearing that Ma Su admires me. It’s not an overreaction.

But I couldn’t show such feelings in front of Zhuge Liang, who considers Ma Su like a younger brother. I hid my true thoughts and asked.

“Misunderstanding? Then how is Military Advisor Ma doing now?”

“He was recognized for his contributions in the southern campaign and was appointed as a General. Honestly, I would have recommended him for a military advisor role, but Liu Xiang wanted it so much.”

Unlike in the original history where Ma Su was used as a military officer, Zhuge Liang seemed regretful.

Well, in the original history, not only did the first generation of generals die one after another, but the Battle of Yiling also wiped out the second and third generations of rising stars.

But now, with Guan Yu still alive, Ma Chao and Zhao Yun still active, and the next generation of talents emerging much faster thanks to me, the military is almost at full capacity.

In such a situation, it’s incredibly difficult for Ma Su to rise to a high position, even with Zhuge Liang’s support.

‘Even if Zhuge Liang wants to push him, the military’s influence isn’t that great.’

At least with the southern campaign, Ma Su managed to get a general’s position, but whether Zhuge Liang will ever take to the battlefield again is questionable.

In such a situation, when I, a high-ranking military officer, showed interest, Zhuge Liang spoke with anticipation.

“Mingjing, as you know, Ma Su is Ji Shang’s younger brother and a talented individual no less than his brother. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to introduce him to you. What do you think?”

It’s always better to keep potential problems within a controllable area.

Rather than leaving him out of my sight and getting backstabbed, it’s better to keep him under my management.

“If the Prime Minister speaks so highly of him, I would be honored to have him.”

“Haha, you’re boosting my reputation again. Then I’ll send someone over soon.”

“I’ll be waiting with joy.”

Just a day after making the promise at Commander Wei’s office, Zhuge Liang sent word to come to his house the next day. The meeting was arranged just two days after the conversation.

It must be due to Zhuge Liang’s efficient spirit, but also his desire to help his beloved younger brother and a promising talent rise.

Anyway, my first impression of Ma Su was ordinary. Not in a bad way, but genuinely ordinary.

He broke the preconception of being a bookish type due to his past mistakes. He had a clean appearance and, surprisingly, seemed to have trained in martial arts, as his physique was decent.

Still, not comparable to the fierce generals. He gave off more of a strategist vibe than a civil official.

Ma Su politely greeted me with a bow.

“Ma Su from Xiang Province greets Commander Wei. I have deeply admired you, and it is truly an honor to have this time with you.”

“Commander Wei, Zhang Lan. I’ve heard much about your achievements.”

“Although I am older, as someone who has entered the military, how could I not use respectful language with Commander Wei? Please speak comfortably.”

“If you’re comfortable with it, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Watching me exchange greetings with Ma Su, Zhuge Liang, as the host and matchmaker, stepped in with a pleased expression.

“Haha, seeing Mingjing, a great pillar of Han, and Liu Xiang, who will follow in his footsteps, together makes my heart swell. Let’s go inside. I’ve asked my wife to prepare tea.”

Oh, will I get to see the famous Lady Huang in person?

It was a moment I looked forward to more than meeting Ma Su, but unfortunately, it was just a fleeting hope. Still, she might come out to see us off when we leave.

First, Ma Su. No matter how hard it is to like Ma Su, it’s impolite to ignore someone who greets me so warmly. For now, I should focus on meeting Ma Su.

As we talked, I felt my prejudices about Ma Su breaking down.

He’s definitely someone Zhuge Liang would call a talent. His words were logical, and his natural gestures exuded confidence.

Especially when explaining the Yuhua Formation he researched with Zhuge Liang, these qualities peaked.

“This is my understanding of the Yuhua Formation created by Commander Wei.”

I gave my honest opinion.

“Impressive. You’ve even considered how to efficiently move the triangular formation. Now I understand why the Prime Minister praised you so much.”

“It’s embarrassing to show off my shallow knowledge in front of Commander Wei, who created the Yuhua Formation.”

I had planned to take Ma Su under my wing even if he was a bit lacking, but there was no need for empty praise.

‘But why did someone like this do something like Jieting?’

The knowledge and eloquence that made Zhuge Liang think of nurturing him. He’s sharper than anyone in theory.

Even I, who knows what kind of person Ma Su is, think he’s a fully loaded talent. How could Liu Bei, who saw through Ma Su’s true nature, have…?

“You’re a General now, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“General… It feels a bit low compared to your contributions in the southern campaign.”

“Well, how could I question the position His Majesty has given me? His Majesty doesn’t hesitate to use capable people, so it must be my own inadequacy.”

Though he spoke of his own shortcomings, his body language was honest.

There was a hint of resentment towards Liu Bei, who kept him as a General despite his achievements, while others were promoted with lesser merits.

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang’s face turned uneasy. He must have been flustered. Ma Su showed dissatisfaction in front of me, whom Liu Bei calls his niece.

But since he didn’t outright say it like Yang Yi or Zhang Zun, I won’t make a fuss about his tone or context. If Liu Bei didn’t hear it directly, and only Zhuge Liang and I know, who will find out?

If I were a loyal subject of this era, I wouldn’t overlook even a slight slip of the tongue towards the Emperor, but I know better.

‘Now he’s more like the Ma Su I know.’

The self-righteous arrogance that doesn’t care about others. Like when he insisted on climbing the mountain despite Wang Ping’s warnings.

If he’s like this even between me and Zhuge Liang, whom he respects, how much more so when he’s the commander?

Being a commander isn’t just about implementing what you know. You need to accept advice from others and constantly reflect on yourself.

The extreme difference in evaluation between the illiterate Wang Ping and the eloquent Ma Su, recognized by Zhuge Liang, lies in this difference.

I left pointing out his mistakes to Zhuge Liang, who was stiffening beside me, and followed my original plan.

“Recently, Bi Wenwei, who was under me, was transferred to Chief Minister, so I’ve been looking for someone to assist me.”

I heard that due to the military achievements in the Northern Expedition and the Hatu battle, as well as building friendships with northern tribes, I was to be appointed as Chief Minister.

In the past, after hearing my evaluation of Zhang Wan, Liu Bei appointed him as Chief Minister.

But did Zhang Wan leave the Chief Minister position for another role? No, he didn’t. Zhang Wan also retained the Chief Minister position. The Chief Minister position is divided into left and right, with two people appointed.

“Liu Xiang, would you like to join Commander Wei’s office?”

At my proposal, Ma Su, unaware of his mistake, beamed and exclaimed.

“How could I refuse Commander Wei’s offer?”

And so, Ma Su’s transfer to Commander Wei’s office was decided. People can’t be fixed, but it’s better than leaving them as they are.

Surely, he wouldn’t leave the camp to go mountain climbing while I’m watching, right?