Chapter 136

After visiting Zhuge Liang’s private residence, a meeting was held shortly after. It was the first meeting since Liu Bei returned to Chengdu.

The long-delayed rewards and punishments, as well as matters that had been pending on Zhuge Liang’s end, were finally addressed.

There were also changes in titles. As Liu Bei ascended to the throne, I was promoted from Marquis to Second-Class Marquis due to my military achievements in the recent war, the same rank as my father.

“I heard you’ve been promoted to Marquis of Chenghxiang. Congratulations, Commander Wei.”

“Congratulations to you as well, Wen Wei, for becoming the Left Chief Minister.”

“I heard that even Zhang Wan, the Right Chief Minister, was recommended by you, Commander Wei. Both Chief Ministers owe their positions to you.”

“Let’s not say such things. It’s not my doing, but His Majesty recognizing your talents.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t say such things carelessly. If I’ve caused any concern, I apologize.”

Bi Yi was known for his friendly chatter and good nature, but he was far from being clueless.

Considering that Bi Yi, who was almost the only one close to Yang Yi, whom I had sent to Nanjing, was the very person who purged Yang Yi, it’s clear he had his own principles.

Though his standards for goodwill were more lenient than others, Bi Yi still had his own clear boundaries.

“Don’t worry. But still, be cautious. Chief Minister Zhang is a fair and upright person. If you show any sign of disrespect, it could sour your relationship.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Today was Bi Yi’s last day at Commander Wei’s Office, so it was only fitting to hold a small farewell banquet.

We held a modest gathering to bid farewell to Bi Yi and welcome Ma Su, with those remaining in the Lanling Army like Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, Bu Qian, and Guo Yi, along with Bi Yi and Ma Su, all attending.

After returning, Ma Su, who had been assigned to Commander Wei’s Office, seemed to be more cautious in his demeanor and speech, likely due to some reprimand he received from Zhuge Liang.

It’s good that he reflects quickly, but being scolded by someone everyone respects would naturally make anyone cautious. The question is how long this will last.

As the personnel changes were wrapping up, another invitation came from Zhuge Liang.

Though most major tasks were completed, knowing Zhuge Liang, he would find something to do even if there was nothing. This made me curious.

Last time, there was a clear purpose—introducing Ma Su—but this time, there didn’t seem to be any specific reason.

‘Still, if this helps him take a break from overwork, it’s a good thing.’

Or perhaps there was some major issue he wanted to discuss that I wasn’t aware of.

However, contrary to my expectations, Zhuge Liang didn’t bring up anything significant and simply engaged in casual conversation.

Of course, topics like the Eight Array Formation and the Yuhua Formation, as well as state affairs, came up, but they were just part of the flow of conversation.

After that, Zhuge Liang frequently sought me out. I couldn’t refuse, so meeting him became a regular part of my schedule.

But I couldn’t help but wonder why Zhuge Liang was being so kind to me.

Upon reflection, it made some sense. Looking back at my life, I had subtly accumulated a lot of goodwill with him.

First, personally, we were classmates and close friends. Professionally, I had saved Pang Tong, a key figure in our faction.

That alone made Zhuge Liang feel indebted to me, and together with Pang Tong, we had prevented the loss of Jing Province.

Moreover, during the Northern Expedition, we had even captured Guanzhong, the next step after Longzhong. From Zhuge Liang’s perspective, I had followed his blueprint and completed the picture. It must have been satisfying for him.

Up to this point, it still felt more professional, but teaching me the Eight Array Formation personally was a personal gesture.

And using his Eight Array Formation, I had achieved a great victory against the Wei army, killing Cao Cao’s son, Cao Zhang, who had destroyed my hometown of Xuzhou.

Thinking that his disciple had killed the son of his enemy must have doubled his satisfaction. It must have felt like indirect revenge.

Though it’s unclear whether Zhuge Liang truly harbored feelings of revenge, as a gentleman, he wasn’t a saint who forgave everything, so he must have felt some of that emotion.

At this point, it wouldn’t be strange if he saw me as his persona.

The Longzhong Plan and revenge. Both professionally and personally, I had realized Zhuge Liang’s aspirations.

In retrospect, I was the actor who perfectly executed the script written by the director, Zhuge Liang.

Of course, the Longzhong Plan wouldn’t truly be complete until we reclaimed Jing Province and recaptured Luoyang. But that wasn’t something we could achieve immediately.

With me, the highest-ranking military officer in Chengdu, and Zhuge Liang, the pinnacle of civil officials, frequently meeting, it was natural for rumors to spread.

Many tried to join our meetings, but with Liu Bei firmly in place and us firmly rejecting them, the rumors quickly died down.

Later, when I heard from close civil officials like Bi Yi and Yu Pa, the content of the rumors was quite something.

“The Prime Minister and Commander Wei both have a good eye for talent, so His Majesty has entrusted them with personnel authority.”

“Nonsense. The Prime Minister and Commander Wei are devising an unprecedented grand strategy to unify the land.”

“No, they’re discussing how to manage the land of Guanzhong gained from the Northern Expedition.”

“Do you really think the Prime Minister and Commander Wei would meet so frequently for just that? I heard from a servant that they’re planning to reclaim Jing Province.”

“Who’s that servant? If such a secret was leaked, it’s right to report it to the Prime Minister for punishment!”

While sharing the rumors, Bi Yi subtly asked,

“By the way, could you give me a hint about what you and the Prime Minister discuss?”

Nope, can’t do.

Even if Yu Pa had asked, I might have considered it, but if I told Bi Yi, everyone would know within half a day.

If we had indeed discussed important national matters, I might have told Bi Yi. He’s thorough when it comes to important issues.

But if it’s something that can be shared, his wide network would spread it far and wide.

“Hahaha, so that’s what happened. Bi Wenwei must have been upset. The last reaction must have been from Dong Xiuzhong, right?”

Xiuzhong was Dong Yun’s courtesy name.

Zhang Wan handled affairs fairly and with flexibility, while Bi Yi, though seemingly lax, was meticulous in his work.

However, Dong Yun, the last of the Four Ministers of Shu Han, was the embodiment of principle. His upright and rigid nature even made Emperor Liu Shan wary of him.

Unlike Zhang Wan and Bi Yi, Dong Yun had risen on his own and was now appointed as a Palace Attendant.

“That’s correct. It was Dong Xiuzhong. But shouldn’t we correct these rumors soon?”

“Hmm, rather than correcting them, how about we play along with them?”

“Pardon?”

“First, let’s go with the personnel rumors. What do you think of this recent personnel change? The edict has already been issued, so speak freely.”

With the acquisition of Yongyang and Guanzhong, previously nominal positions became key roles. As Liu Bei ascended to the throne, the restrictions on official positions were lifted, and the system was divided into Inspectors and Governors instead of Regional Inspectors.

From the Northern Expedition to the recent meeting, there had been a major upheaval in official positions.

The central administration hadn’t changed much since Liu Bei became emperor, but there were several personnel changes in the regions.

Yi Province remained under Zhuge Liang’s dual role as Inspector, while Jing Province retained Ban Jun as Inspector. My father’s position as Commandant of the Capital was relinquished, and Ma Liang was newly appointed.

The newly acquired Yong and Liang Provinces had Xu Mo and Sima Yi appointed as Inspectors, respectively, to recognize their excellent administration and to show favor to defectors.

The placement of Governors with military authority was also appropriate. In fact, most Governors were retained.

Apart from the central army’s four divisions and the Emperor’s personal guard, the positions of Grand General, General of Agile Cavalry, General of the Household, and Commander Wei were established, limiting the number of Governors.

Wei Yan as Governor of Hanzhong, Wu Yi as Governor of Guanzhong, and Li Hui as Governor of Neihang.

Additionally, Governors were placed in the eastern and western parts of Yi Province. In the east, Ba Province, Bi Guan was appointed as Governor of Sanba, while in the west, Shu Province, Li Yan was appointed as Governor of Shujun, rewarding the contributions of Yi Province’s officials.

Ah, and there are no separate Governors for Jing and Yongyang Provinces. Guan Yu, stationed in Jing Province, and Ma Chao, stationed in Yongyang Province, held dual roles as Governors.

With many ethnic groups but few taxable households in Yongyang Province, and only Nan Commandery remaining in Jing Province due to Eastern Wu, it was deemed excessive to appoint separate Governors. With Guan Yu and Ma Chao already there, why bother?

The Prefects and Commandants under the Inspectors and Governors were also appointed based on ability, so I had no particular criticisms.

“I see. Then let’s move on. The strategy to unify the land. Now that the first phase of the Northern Expedition has succeeded, have you thought about the next step?”

“I apologize, but I haven’t come up with anything concrete yet.”

“Apologies? Weren’t you busy traversing the land after the battle at Hatu?”

“Does the Prime Minister have any thoughts on this?”

In response to my question, Zhuge Liang nodded and replied,

“Indeed.”