Chapter 150

Of course, the Commander Wei’s Office has military maps.

Even someone like Commander Wei, who carries a crescent moon blade, would have continental maps prepared within the military office.

‘But mine is a special edition.’

The battle map, enhanced with my future knowledge, was a detailed three-dimensional representation of the terrain.

I personally supervised the craftsmen to create this masterpiece.

I even painted a few of them myself, though I only did a couple and left the rest to others.

In any case, the battle map I painstakingly created was finally serving its true purpose.

On the map, pieces representing various armies were placed, with the highest concentration being in Huainan.

The war, initiated by Sun Quan’s ambitious plan, was escalating into a full-scale conflict.

Unlike other regions, the massive armies of both states were gathered here, making the pieces densely packed.

I wonder if there’s any military office not on edge about the war in Huainan.

While the Wu delegation was staying within the Han Dynasty, that was the responsibility of the civil and foreign affairs officials.

The military office had to focus on its role, regardless of the delegation. That’s why Ma Dai, Bu Chuan, Guo Yi, Kang Yu, and Ma Su were all gathered here.

“Reports say Liu Song has gained the upper hand this time,” Kang Yu began, updating the battle situation.

“Last time, it seemed like Man Chong had the advantage, but Liu Song is indeed formidable.”

“Hmph, after Chibi, he fought bravely against our undefeated state. This is expected.”

Guo Yi, now comfortable speaking his mind, was subtly scolded by Ma Su.

Even though Liu Song is a formidable opponent, he’s still the one who killed many of our soldiers. Openly praising him isn’t ideal.

‘We had marriage talks, but they fell through.’

Neither side was serious about the marriage talks, so it was bound to end this way. It just ended sooner than expected.

Returning to the situation in Huainan, neither Wei nor Wu has gained a decisive advantage.

Initially, Sun Quan’s ambitious plan seemed to be working, giving Wu the upper hand.

Wang Ling, newly appointed as the Governor of Yangzhou, fell right into Sun Quan’s trap.

Even in the original history, Wang Ling made mistakes despite Man Chong’s warnings.

After defeating Wang Ling, Sun Quan advanced confidently.

He also secured victories against Yu Jeong, seemingly taking control of Huainan in no time.

However, when Man Chong entered the battlefield, the situation changed dramatically.

Surprisingly, Man Chong achieved a victory against Liu Song.

Man Chong’s current reputation is lower than in the original history due to my intervention altering the outcome of the Bansheng siege.

Despite this, he was promoted to a key position on the Wu front, thanks to Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao’s recommendations.

Alongside Wang Ling and Zhao Yu, Man Chong successfully countered Sun Quan’s plan.

While Sun Quan attacked Yu Jeong to unify the divided Lujiang army, Man Chong struck from the side, turning the tide.

Since then, it’s been a fierce battle between Liu Song and Man Chong.

Cao Biao, impressed by Man Chong’s unexpected success, appointed him as the Military Governor of Huainan.

Man Chong held the line against Liu Song until Cao Biao arrived with reinforcements.

However, even with reinforcements, Liu Song gained the upper hand, showing his capabilities.

“Even though Cao Biao has arrived, Liu Song’s victory makes it hard for Sun Quan to give up Huainan.”

“Securing half of Lujiang isn’t enough for the effort he’s put in.”

Still, gaining some territory is better than nothing. In the original history, they wouldn’t have even dreamed of such territorial expansion.

But Sun Quan, unaware of that history, must feel it’s within reach.

He probably wants to secure Jiujiang to fully control Yangzhou.

‘With Cao Biao personally leading the campaign, Sun Quan is also taking the field.’

Liu Song vs. Man Chong has turned into Sun Quan vs. Cao Biao.

A grand showdown that feels a bit anticlimactic.

But for our Han Dynasty, it’s a welcome development. If Sun Quan takes the field, we can worry less about reinforcements when reclaiming Jing Province.

Sun Quan has stationed Zhuge Jin and taken various measures to ensure our forces don’t turn against him, but it might backfire.

‘Zhuge Jin is quite capable. I hoped Zhuge Ge would cause more trouble, but he was quickly restrained.’

I wanted to let Zhuge Ge’s arrogance grow, but Zhuge Jin blocked him, rendering my plan useless.

Sun Quan didn’t assign Zhuge Jin to handle Jing Province and Han diplomacy for nothing. I expected this, but it’s still a bit bitter.

If Zhuge Ge had been more reckless, it would’ve been easier to argue for reclaiming Jing Province before Luoyang.

Though my expectations weren’t fully met, I’m not disheartened.

Zhuge Liang also prioritizes reclaiming Jing Province, and Liu Bei supports our plans.

With the right justification, we’ll reclaim Jing Province, then push into Jiao and Yang Provinces to divide the realm. Liu Bei’s determination is what matters most.

‘Zhuge Liang will handle the justification. My role was just to test Zhuge Ge’s tendencies and stir the pot.’

As I set aside my regrets and prepared to discuss other matters, Bi Yi arrived with news.

“A farewell banquet for the delegation will be held in three days. Since they came as a condolence delegation, the Emperor has ordered Zhang Shizhong and Commander Wei to attend.”

“Really? Of course, we’ll attend. But isn’t it unusual for the Chief Minister to deliver such orders?”

“Haha, I just offered to pass the message on my way out. It’s been a while since I visited the Commander Wei’s Office. Ah, my old seat is now Ma Su’s.”

Bi Yi, still feeling at home in the office, joked with Ma Su.

Even though he’s left the office, Bi Yi’s familiarity with the staff remains.

With Bi Yi joining the conversation, our discussion shifted from military strategy to casual talk.

Since reclaiming Jing Province is still a sensitive topic, continuing the discussion would’ve just been analyzing the battle situation. Ending it here was fine.

I told Bi Yi, but that was to ensure secrecy. Bi Yi knows what can and cannot be said.

It’s not that I don’t trust others, but Bi Yi’s control over non-verbal and indirect communication is unmatched.

In my life, only Liu Bei and Cao Cao have been better at it than Bi Yi.

Even Zhuge Liang sometimes lets his emotions show, but Bi Yi is subtly cunning.

‘When Yang Yi crossed the line, Bi Yi reported him without hesitation.’

Being thorough in official matters is a good thing, after all.

As the office staff prepared to leave, I asked Bi Yi if he knew about Zhuge Liang’s plans.

Given his high position as Chief Minister, I thought he might know, but his answer was brief: “I don’t know.”

“Perhaps he’ll reveal it at the banquet.”

“Probably. See you at the banquet then.”

“Yes, I’ll take my leave now. See you in three days at the banquet.”

And so, three days passed.