Chapter 190

The seemingly endless funeral of Guan Yu has finally concluded. The pain of loss still lingers deep within the Han Dynasty, but on the surface, it appears that everyone has picked themselves up and returned to their daily lives, fulfilling their respective roles.

The irony of this “daily life” being the constant preparation for war is perhaps a reflection of these chaotic times, where abnormality has become the norm.

During the harvest season, the Lanling Army, which had been temporarily away from my command, returned. They did not come through the usual route from Xiang Province via Shangyong or Hanzhong, crossing the Jin Ling Mountain Range, but rather through Wuguan.

How did they, under the command of Bu Chuan and Ma Su, who were stationed under Wu Ban to keep Xu Huang of Nanyang Commandery in check, manage to cross Wuguan? The answer came from their report.

“The Cao bandits have begun relocating the civilians of Nanxiang and Nanyang Commandery.”

Bu Chuan, filled with anger, vented his frustration. The policy of relocating civilians—in an era where population equated to national strength—meant that whenever Cao Wei found it difficult to defend a territory, they would boldly move the people away. There was a precedent when Liu Bei seized Hanzhong, and Cao Wei took the civilians with them.

Even if we were to capture Nanxiang or Nanyang Commandery now, without people, the land would hold little value.

Despite fighting so desperately and losing Guan Yu, a pillar of the Han Dynasty, it feels unjust to gain nothing in return.

“It seems they intend to abandon the area entirely. They must know we are preparing for war, so they are focusing on defensible positions,” Ma Su, maintaining his composure, added.

Nanyang Commandery, a flat plain with no significant geographical features, is difficult to defend, especially with the threat of attacks from three directions: Yangfan, Shangyong, and Wuguan. Given the issues with Wancheng, it seems they have acknowledged the difficulty of defending Nanyang and decided to abandon it.

“However, if our forces reach Luoyang, they will have no choice but to engage.”

“Indeed, just the presence of His Majesty before Luoyang will exert immense pressure.”

If things go as Ma Su and Bu Chuan predict, it would be a welcome outcome, but I doubt it will be that straightforward.

‘If Sima Yi intended to exploit Liu Bei’s desire for revenge by capturing Guan Yu, he must have considered the possibility of our forces advancing to Luoyang. Even if we reach the gates of Luoyang, he will likely choose to fortify the city and defend, refusing to engage in open battle.’

Sima Yi, who had previously avoided engaging in battle despite Zhuge Liang’s desire for a decisive confrontation, will likely focus on defending the gate regions to prevent us from reaching Luoyang. Even if we break through and reach Luoyang, he probably won’t engage in a full-scale battle.

However, I chose not to share these concerns with them. They are tired from their long journey. There’s no need to burden them with such worries.

It’s better to let them rest and recover before subtly bringing up these thoughts.

“Anyway, you’ve worked hard. Take some time to rest and recover your strength.”

They must have already heard the news of next year’s campaign to avenge Guan Yu, as Bu Chuan asked with a solemn expression, “So, are we to stay stationed in Guanzhong for now?”

“With the Guanzhong Governor and General at Gogi both away, we will fill the void.”

To be precise, my father, the General at Gogi, is in Chang’an, but his main forces are in Hadong Province, so it amounts to the same thing.

The Wei Army is preparing their defenses in anticipation of our large-scale offensive, but we can’t predict when they might launch a surprise attack. If they do, the Lanling Army will need to remain in Guanzhong as a support force.

‘This is just a precaution. I doubt the Wei Army would be foolish enough to attack.’

But we won’t just be idly waiting in Guanzhong. We’ll assist with the harvest, though not to the extent of full-scale farming, to help with the increased production due to the political situation.

With no pressing internal affairs to attend to, I and the Lanling Army took a long-awaited rest, occasionally helping with the harvest.

Ma Liang, handling the administration of Guanzhong, and Pang Tong, overseeing the preparations for next year’s war, were too busy with their respective duties to pay much attention to me.

Ma Liang, in particular, was overwhelmed with the additional administrative responsibilities after Pang Tong shifted his focus to war preparations, resembling Zhuge Liang’s workload. As a result, reinforcements were sent from Chengdu, and Emperor Liu Bei himself attended daily councils, diligently managing state affairs.

Among the officials sent from Chengdu to Chang’an was someone I knew well.

“Wen Wei! It’s been a while. You’ve put on some weight since staying in Chengdu.”

“Haha, I’ve been living comfortably. I suppose that’s why the Prime Minister sent me.”

The representative of the reinforcements from Chengdu was Bi Yi, who had accompanied me on the Northern Expedition. Bi Yi joked that Zhuge Liang sent him to get some exercise, but in truth, there was no better choice.

With the stamina to follow me on campaigns, experience in handling the practical affairs of Chang’an and Guanzhong, and the ability to multitask across various duties, Bi Yi was the perfect candidate to assist with Guanzhong’s administration and prepare for next year’s war.

But Bi Yi wasn’t the only familiar face.

“My, it seems you’ve forgotten my face.”

“Good heavens, is that really Zhang Baiqi?”

It was Zhang E, whom I had sent south with Ma Chong. He had been away for three years since Zhuge Liang left for the southern campaign.

Zhang E, whose skin had once been a typical yellowish hue, was now almost unrecognizably tanned.

Even though the south is warmer, this was an extreme change. I hadn’t even recognized him until he spoke.

‘Perhaps it’s because I didn’t expect Zhang E to be here, but still…’

As I stared in shock, Zhang E laughed heartily.

“The southern sun is no joke.”

“Even so, to this extent? You must have suffered greatly outside.”

“There was no choice. To fully win over the fierce Qingqiang tribes, I had to lead by example.”

“Qingqiang?”

Now that I noticed, the troops accompanying Zhang E and Bi Yi were uniformly dressed in blue, much like the Lanling Army in their ceremonial silk cloaks.

Seeing the soldiers in their unified blue attire, a forgotten name suddenly came to mind.

The Wudang Flying Army.

A special ethnic unit formed by Zhuge Liang from the Qingqiang tribe, also known as the Green Elders, who were relocated from the south to Shu. Renowned for their martial prowess, they were also called the Five Tribes Commanders, but more commonly known as the Flying Army. In the original history, they achieved fame under the command of Wudang Commander Wang Ping.

“Yes. The Prime Minister personally selected these warriors from the Qingqiang tribe to form the Five Tribes Commanders. Their martial skills are so exceptional that they are also called the Wudang Flying Army. I have been appointed as their Wudang Commander.”

Originally, Wang Ping would have led this unit, but due to his rapid promotion beyond the original history, the role fell to Zhang E, who had joined the southern campaign.

“You’ve gained your own troops since leaving the Lanling Army. A little sunburn is nothing compared to winning people’s hearts. Congratulations.”

“I’m still not worthy of leading the Lanling Army. But I’ve heard rumors that Commander Wei has been traveling the land, accumulating military achievements. Yet, Commander Wei still has snow-white skin and fair arms.”

Snow-white skin and fair arms—both expressions praising the beauty of pale skin.

While I don’t particularly enjoy compliments on my appearance, coming from Zhang E, who had been with the Lanling Army since its early days, it felt different.

“You’ve been in the warm south and come back not only tanned but also more talkative.”

“Haha, is that so?”

“You’ve gained some ease. It’s good to see.”

We are all growing.

Zhang E, Bi Yi, and I. Still young, we continue to develop and improve.

Even in places I cannot see, the seeds I’ve sown are growing into mighty trees that will support the next generation of Han. This realization fills me with pride.

“By the way, did you come to see me right after meeting His Majesty?”

“Yes. Today, I will rest, and starting tomorrow, I will assist with administrative duties. As for Wudang Commander Zhang, he has been temporarily assigned under Commander Wei until his formal appointment is issued.”

“Is that so? Then I should show you where the Wudang Flying Army will be stationed. No, let’s go together. I’ll guide you personally.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary. A subordinate will suffice.”

I shook my head and stood up.

“After such a long time apart, I won’t let it end with just assigning a subordinate.”

“It’s not that, but someone is coming to see Commander Wei…”

As Zhang E tried to dissuade me, a voice from outside interrupted him.

“Mingjing, are you there?”

This voice…? Recognizing it, I called out for the person to enter, and the door opened to reveal a guest.

He had a refined appearance, tall stature, a headband, a pure white robe, and a white feathered fan in his hand.

“Have you been well?”

With a clear and gentle voice, there was no doubt—it was Zhuge Liang.