Chapter 22

Liu Bei, who had captured Luocheng, hosted a grand gathering just as he had when he took Fuxian.

In the original history, Luocheng was a traumatic space for Liu Bei, where Pang Tong died and delayed the capture of Yizhou by a year. However, here it was the opposite.

Although Pang Tong was unfortunately hit by an arrow, he got up unharmed without any complications like tetanus, and they even captured the troublesome Zhang Ren and Liu Xun. How could they not be happy?

With no defeats during the invasion of Shu and everything going as planned, a jubilant Liu Bei gathered his generals to discuss the treatment of the captured enemy generals.

The captives, though prisoners, were not bound by any ropes.

Liu Xun, Liu Zhang’s son and the overall commander, entered first, followed by Yu Gui, Deng Xian, Leng Po, and Zhang Ren, one by one.

Unlike the others who knelt on their own, Liu Xun and Zhang Ren stood firm, prompting the soldiers to force them to kneel.

But before the soldiers could kick them, Liu Bei raised his hand to stop them.

“Leave them be. You may rise as well. Although I had conflicts with Liu Zhang and fought, I would not harm his subordinates recklessly. I know you were only fulfilling your duties. Will you not use your talents for me?”

As soon as Liu Bei suggested surrender, Yu Gui, Deng Xian, and Leng Po quickly prostrated themselves in gratitude.

“How could we not follow when you offer even a defeated leader a chance?”

“We will serve Lord Liu of Jingzhou with all our might.”

“I have served the wrong master until now. I finally see the true lord.”

These minions sure know how to talk. Don’t they think it’s disgraceful to grovel like that just to survive?

Anyway, they would only be suitable for minor positions like Commandant. I watched their antics indifferently before shifting my gaze to the two who still refused to kneel.

Liu Bei, with his keen eye for talent, brushed aside the surrender of Yu, Deng, and Leng and turned to Zhang Ren.

“Lord Zhang Ren, what about you? Will you not join me in achieving great things?”

“…How can you call seizing a relative’s land a great undertaking? This old man would rather die than serve two masters. Go ahead and behead me.”

Liu Bei, filled with regret, tried to persuade Zhang Ren again.

“Lately, I’ve been recalling old memories. Something similar happened before. When we captured Lu Bu, many, like Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, became prisoners and stood before me and Cao Cao. All offered to surrender, but only Gao Shun remained loyal and died with Lu Bu. But look at now. Those who surrendered, like Zhang Liao, have made their names known throughout the land. How many remember Gao Shun? Lord Zhang Ren, think again.”

“I have nothing more to say.”

As Zhang Ren firmly closed his mouth, Liu Bei sighed.

The trait of a lord: a strong desire for talent.

The founding lords of Wei, Shu, and Wu—Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan—all had an exceptional desire for talent.

Cao Cao mourned Dian Wei’s death more than his own son’s.

Liu Bei almost lost Zhao Yun while trying to save his son, abandoning Liu Shan.

Sun Quan grieved as if he himself were ill when Lu Meng fell sick, even secretly making a hole in his house to watch over him.

Their love for their talented subordinates was indeed unique.

“Why do you seek death when your lord Liu Zhang and Liu Xun are still alive? I will give you and Liu Xun a place to rest. Take your time to think things over.”

In the original history, with Pang Tong dead and the fall of Luocheng dragging on, Liu Bei might have executed them to boost morale and break the enemy’s will. But now, Liu Bei had plenty of leeway.

With no need to kill them, Liu Bei placed them under house arrest and finally spoke to Liu Xun.

“Although I had conflicts with your father, how could I, as a member of the Han imperial family, harbor ill will? I will ensure your comfort. If you have anything to say, let me know anytime.”

Though he said ‘anything,’ it roughly meant ‘accept the tide and persuade your father to surrender if you feel like it.’

Even if Liu Xun surrendered, as Liu Zhang’s eldest son, he couldn’t be placed in a high position. Just as Liu Bei was about to move on, he narrowed his eyes as if noticing something strange.

“Oh ho… So that’s how it is. Liu Xun, why do you keep looking at my niece?”

Liu Bei’s niece? That’s me, isn’t it?

As if to ask what that was about, Liu Bei looked at Liu Xun instead of Zhang Ren, and their eyes met. Liu Xun quickly turned his head to avoid my gaze.

Seeing his ears turn red, I felt something rising in my stomach even though I was empty.

‘I should wear a mask or something, really.’

As I showed my displeasure, Pang Tong, sitting beside me, stifled a laugh and shrugged his shoulders.

I feel like I’ve seen that somewhere before. Déjà vu?

Regardless, Liu Bei seemed determined to tease Liu Xun and laughed heartily.

“I thought I had only captured Liu Xun’s body, but it seems I’ve captured something else too. With such popularity already, you’ll have a hard time ahead. What do you say, Ran? Since it’s come to this, why not marry my Adou as we agreed?”

Wait. He’s not teasing Liu Xun but me, this guy. But why are you making such a shocked face?

“My lord, the generals are gathered here. Please maintain decorum.”

“Ahem, right. Let’s discuss this later in private.”

Was he serious and not joking? Sigh, I better prepare something to say so I don’t get caught off guard.

Anyway, after sending Zhang Ren and Liu Xun back, Liu Bei seated those who had surrendered at the lower seats and gestured to the attendants.

As the prepared food and wine were brought out, the military discussion on the treatment of prisoners quickly turned into a banquet.

Ah, by the way, I’m having tea instead of wine. Even though I’m of marriageable age, at 14, I’m still a minor here. Why? Because I haven’t received my courtesy name yet.

But then, marrying as a minor seems normal here. I just can’t get used to this early marriage custom.

Liu Bei seemed particularly cheerful today. Didn’t he get scolded by Pang Tong last time he held a banquet after capturing Fuxian? Well, Pang Tong did scold him once but then joined the banquet, so it might not matter.

This time, Pang Tong, relieved after checking the divine will, was enjoying the banquet in sync with Liu Bei.

Perhaps because the first major battle at Luocheng went smoothly, the generals seemed generally relaxed.

After a few rounds of drinks, Liu Bei raised his cup and spoke contentedly.

“The first-class contributor of this Luocheng battle is undoubtedly my niece, General Zhang Ran. How can we not hear of her heroic deeds?”

I don’t dislike banquets, but I don’t particularly enjoy them either. I was just holding on for the fun of watching famous figures, but suddenly, the spotlight was on me.

Still, my inner show-off couldn’t resist, so I stood up with my teacup.

Clearing my throat, I was about to spin a tale when a voice interrupted me.

“My lord, this is not appropriate.”

What’s this now?

“Although General Zhang contributed to the capture of Luocheng, it was beyond the role of a General. For a woman to meddle in military affairs is to violate the great and righteous way.”

It was Zhang Zun, the Jingzhou Commander who followed Liu Bei into Shu. His words shocked the banquet hall.

Does this guy have no sense? Is he completely devoid of reading the room?

Amidst the generals’ bewildered gazes, Zhang Zun held his head high as if he were some noble scholar.

Even I, the person in question, was left speechless. Liu Bei, wiping the smile off his face, glared at him.

“General Zhang Ran not only protected Advisor Pang but also restored the disrupted military discipline and turned the crisis into an opportunity to capture Luocheng. How can you say that is not the duty of a General! Are you belittling her just because she is a woman!”

Liu Bei’s voice grew louder and more intense, echoing through the hall. His anger towards someone who slandered his beloved niece, who led the charge to capture the city, exploded as he slammed his wine cup on the table.

Bang!

The spilled wine soaked his hand, but Liu Bei paid no heed as he issued a command.

“Immediately dismiss this man from his position! I trusted my judgment in keeping him close, but this time, I was wrong.”

Having dismissed the Commander, Liu Bei, still fuming, seemed ready to say more but, seeing me, took a deep breath to compose himself.

After calming down, Liu Bei spoke in a stern tone.

“Generals, listen well. I will make this clear now. From now on, anyone who discriminates against or slanders my niece, Zhang Ran, for being young or a woman, will not be forgiven. I do not intend to shield her just because she is my niece. But anyone with a brain knows how great her contributions in this battle were and how exceptional her abilities are. I am not saying to blindly support her. If there are legitimate faults, who would dare to stop you from criticizing her? I am not saying that. I am saying to judge based on ability, not age or gender. Do you all understand?”

“Yes, my lord!”

The generals responded in unison.

After his long speech, Liu Bei finally calmed down a bit and wiped his wine-soaked hand with a cloth handed by an attendant.

“Ran, I’m sorry you had to see that. I apologize to the generals as well.”

“Not at all, Uncle. I am only grateful for your consideration.”

“Indeed. My lord’s words go beyond personal affection for a relative; they aim to prevent opposition for the sake of opposition and to give those with outstanding abilities the treatment they deserve. Is this not the virtue of a lord?”

Fa Zheng, who was as smooth-tongued as Liu Bei’s own tongue, spoke.

Fa Zheng indeed had a unique talent for perfectly matching his superior’s mood. It wasn’t mere flattery, making his eloquence all the more special.

“Now, everyone, raise your cups! On this joyous day, let’s not be gloomy.”

“My lord! Then let me perform a sword dance to add to the festivity.”

“Oh, isn’t that Wen Chang? Good, show us your skills.”

“Yes, my lord!”

Wei Yan’s sword dance, this is something to look forward to.

In the novel, he tried to kill Liu Zhang during a sword dance at the Hongmen Banquet, but how would it be in reality?

As the few musicians began to play, Wei Yan started his sword dance.

And to put it bluntly, it was rather underwhelming.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but it felt like watching a thug in a historical drama. Still, it was a decent spectacle here, and the atmosphere improved.

‘I should show them the real deal.’

With my inner show-off rising due to the anticlimactic performance, I stood up.

“Uncle, though unintended, the banquet became tense because of me, and Commander Wei has gracefully lightened the mood with his sword dance. Please allow me to reciprocate.”

“Oh ho, if our niece steps forward, how can we not watch?”

I don’t know professional sword dances, but having seen Wei Yan’s, I roughly understood what it entailed.

Combining Kendo forms with Longsword techniques, a sword dance is a piece of cake.

‘Ah, this is fusion swordsmanship.’