Chapter 152

Zhuge Jin had been cautious with his words and actions since entering the Han Dynasty. At first, it was a silence of condolence, but after understanding the political climate, he continued his reserved behavior even after the mourning period. Though recognized as a formal envoy and given official residence, Zhuge Jin’s demeanor remained unchanged. He avoided political discussions, engaging only in superficial conversations to build rapport, often laughing off serious matters in public settings.

Zhuge Jin realized that, given the current situation, even Liu Bei would find it difficult to launch an attack on Eastern Wu. The newly established Han Dynasty’s national policy was to prioritize stability, and there was an order to things. Cao Wei, which had usurped the throne of Emperor Xian, was their true enemy. Moreover, the Han Dynasty’s confrontation with Cao Wei was centered around Luoyang, the former capital of the Later Han. If the Han Dynasty could capture Luoyang and perform the imperial rituals there, Liu Bei’s mandate would be solidified.

Many were swayed by the value of Luoyang, believing it could mark the end of the chaotic era. Even Guan Yu, the second-in-command of the Han Dynasty and the pinnacle of the military, openly advocated for attacking Luoyang. Despite Liu Bei’s inclination to target Jing Province first, internal opposition made him cautious. With Cao Wei’s position weakening and Luoyang exposed, attacking Eastern Wu first would be unwise. Liu Bei’s reputation and authority would ensure compliance, but dissatisfaction would simmer, and doubts about his grand cause would arise.

Considering these factors, Zhuge Jin concluded that as long as he didn’t provide any pretext, things would remain stable. However, his plans were now crumbling.

“Lu Xun… the nephew of the Prime Minister, or rather, the Commander of Eastern Wu’s prayers, is trying to intimidate us with his meager strength?” Liu Bei expressed his displeasure, his tone calm but his anger palpable. The experience accumulated over six decades and the authority of the emperor made his presence overwhelming, even for Zhuge Ge.

“How could that be? How could a minor official from a small state dare to show such disrespect to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty? I only wish to explain why our state can defeat Cao Wei and to express our trust in your state. Please, Your Majesty, show the magnanimity of a dragon and understand my sincerity,” Zhuge Ge pleaded, his eloquence reminiscent of Su Qin or Zhang Yi.

Liu Bei scoffed, “Is that trust? Lu Xun, the Grand Commander, was involved in marriage talks with our Commander Wei and previously managed Jing Province. He is also the most talented military strategist in our state. Summoning him from Jing Province to Huainan was to discuss the marriage alliance with my lord and to propose an alliance with your state to repel Cao Wei. How is that not trust?”

Zhuge Ge’s fluent arguments swayed many in the hall, most of whom were Han officials. Sensing the shift in momentum towards rebuilding the alliance and attacking Luoyang, Zhuge Ge’s confidence grew. However, another voice interrupted the flow.

“Your Majesty,” Zhuge Liang’s clear voice, like a bell dispelling confusion, awakened the minds of those swayed by Zhuge Ge’s arguments. Whether due to his reputation or the power in his voice, Zhuge Liang commanded the room with just a few words.

“Proceed,” Liu Bei nodded.

“Zhuge Ge’s words are well-packaged, but they conceal malicious intent. Your Majesty, please do not take them seriously,” Zhuge Liang stated bluntly, shocking everyone, including Zhang Lan, who was familiar with Zhuge Liang’s harsh rhetoric but was still taken aback by his directness towards his own nephew.

“Prime Minister, your words are too harsh. Malicious intent? How can you say such a thing?” Zhuge Ge protested.

“If it’s not malicious intent, then it’s ignorance,” Zhuge Liang coldly declared. “Our Commander Wei compared you to Zai Gong, a warning to avoid reckless actions. How can you speak so recklessly before His Majesty?”

“Perhaps Commander Wei had other intentions,” Zhuge Ge countered.

“No. I have a deep friendship with Commander Wei and know him well. He does not mince words. Take his words at face value,” Zhuge Liang insisted, turning the conversation towards Zhang Lan, who nodded in agreement, though something felt off.

Zhuge Liang continued, “And His Majesty and I are already aware of your schemes.”

“Schemes?” Zhuge Jin, startled, stood up. Zhuge Liang glanced at him briefly before closing his eyes and reopening them.

“Bring it,” Zhuge Liang ordered, and his subordinate, Yi So, presented a secret report from Li Hui, the Governor of Nan Commandery, detailing suspicious movements of Eastern Wu troops in Jiao Province.

Zhuge Liang read the report aloud, emphasizing the need to secure the southern border. He then turned to Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Ge, accusing them of planning to disrupt the Han Dynasty’s rear while they attacked Luoyang.

“No! Our state would never scheme against yours!” Zhuge Ge protested, but Liu Bei raised his hand to silence him.

“Enough. Prime Minister, continue,” Liu Bei commanded.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Bring him in,” Zhuge Liang ordered, and a young man from Wuling Man entered the hall. Dressed in the unique attire of Wuling Man, his youthful face was marked with scars.

“Your Majesty, Emperor of Han! I am Sa Ye, son of Guan Shadu!” the young man declared, his Han speech still unpolished but understandable. He pleaded for help, explaining that Wuling Man was suffering under Sun Quan’s oppression and begged for Liu Bei’s aid.

This was Zhuge Liang’s true move. By highlighting the threat from Jiao Province and presenting the son of Sima Ga, who had died defending Gong’an City, Zhuge Liang solidified the justification for securing the rear before advancing.

The atmosphere shifted entirely to Zhuge Liang’s favor. He urged Liu Bei to make a decision, and the officials of the Han Dynasty echoed his call.

“Make a decision, Your Majesty!” they shouted.

Liu Bei stood, placing his hand on the sword at his waist. “Sun Quan’s envoys, step forward,” he commanded.

Zhuge Jin, feeling devastated, knew Liu Bei’s mind was made up. The envoys of Eastern Wu gathered in the center of the hall, and Liu Bei, with the vigor of a seasoned warrior, declared:

“If you truly wish to discuss virtue and uphold the Heavenly Principle, the first words from your mouths should have been mourning and remembrance for the dead. The Wuling Man, whom you despised and annihilated, were our people. The tens of thousands of soldiers you deceived and killed were the lifeblood of our state. You came under the guise of condolence, performing empty acts of mourning without genuine sorrow. As the Son of Heaven, I will personally uphold the Heavenly Principle for you.”

With a swift motion, Liu Bei drew his sword, the sunlight glinting off its blade as he slashed through the air.

“War!” he declared.