Chapter 24

Ma Chao Mengqi.

In the Romance, he was called the Golden Horse of Xiliang, and among the Qiang people, he was revered as the Divine Might Heavenly General, a legendary figure of his time.

Taking over his father Ma Teng’s legacy, he stood tall as a warlord of Xiliang. Despite repeated defeats by Cao Cao, he maintained his formidable reputation until his death, wielding significant influence over the Yi tribes.

In Yi Province, where interactions with the Yi tribes were frequent and coexistence was common, Ma Chao’s fame was beyond words.

If he were to join, even Liu Zhang would have to admit there was no hope left and raise the white flag. But could Pang Tong or Liu Bei have thought of that?

“Isn’t Ma Chao under Zhang Lu’s command?”

Currently, Ma Chao was a guest general under Zhang Lu, who ruled Hanzhong. Since Zhang Lu had long been at odds with Yi Province, Ma Chao was naturally a potential enemy.

I knew that Ma Chao and Zhang Lu were at odds, and that Ma Chao, feeling threatened, had fled from Zhang Lu. However, due to the focus on Yi Province, the intelligence gathering on Hanzhong had been neglected, so others were unaware of these internal details.

Especially since Hanzhong was essentially a theocratic state ruled by the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, led by Zhang Lu, making proper intelligence collection difficult. Of course, unlike the current relentless advance without a single defeat, in the original history, after joining reinforcements, a prolonged war was fought, but anyway.

An information asymmetry had arisen between me and others. Since I couldn’t reveal where I got the information, I had to make up plausible explanations.

“Ma Mengqi is like a wolf. He is not the type to be content with Hanzhong and not aspire to greatness like the petty Zhang Lu. By now, he must be in conflict with Zhang Lu and in a difficult situation. If our lord extends a hand, he will gladly take it.”

“Hmm, your words have merit. Let’s discuss this with the military advisors.”

Liu Bei then called Pang Tong and Fa Zheng to review my proposal, but it didn’t last long.

The reinforcements from Jing Province had finally arrived in Chengdu.

§

“Sent to save Adou, but ended up in Xichuan, you reckless fool.”

Those were my father’s first words upon seeing me.

Looking back, I had done something unforgivable to my family. While stopping Lady Sun’s plan to kidnap Adou and going to Gong’an was one thing, leaving a letter and rushing off to Yi Province must have been bewildering for them.

“Your friend took good care of you.”

“Huh?”

“Ban Jun, that friend of yours. He came personally and passionately explained why you went to Yi Province. I thought he had feelings for you. If I hadn’t heard that you have a wife and a good relationship, I would still be suspicious.”

“Seungmyeong…”

My conscience prickled. I hadn’t sent a single letter after entering Shu.

To explain, I was busy. I was preoccupied with saving Pang Tong, and apart from the Battle of Luocheng, I hardly had any days off. And during the only prolonged battle at Luocheng, I was too focused on saving Pang Tong to have any leisure.

“Anyway, you achieved great merit, right?”

“Ah, yes. I worked hard.”

“No need to be modest. The story of the Little Wise Lady protecting Pang Tong from Liu Xun’s attack and displaying outstanding bravery to capture Luocheng is well-known in Yi Province.”

“Ahem, that, father, the nickname Little Wise Lady…”

“Recently, you even defeated Wei Yan, right?”

“It was a sparring match.”

“From what I heard from my elder brother, you held back, but even in a real battle, it wouldn’t have been much different. My elder brother isn’t great at fighting, but he has a sharp eye for skill.”

In a real battle, Wei Yan would have shown his true strength, but I didn’t think I would lose. As I answered with a positive silence, Zhang Fei smiled slightly and patted my head.

“You’ve worked hard. Indeed, it’s been a few years, and you’ve grown so much.”

“I’ll grow even more.”

“Right. You’re the daughter of Zhang Fei, the Fierce, so you should be at least eight feet tall.”

In the Later Han, one foot was about 23 cm, so my current height was a bit over seven feet. In fact, this was already much taller than the average adult male, making me exceptionally tall among women.

But compared to my father, who was just under 190 cm, I was still short.

“My elder brother spoke a lot about you.”

My father spoke emotionally, uncharacteristically.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him so happy. He was even happier than when we won at Chibi. From what I remember, the last time he was this happy was when he obtained Kongming.”

To that extent? Liu Bei, who succeeded after three visits and even called it a ‘meeting of minds.’ I don’t think I compare to Kongming.

Was it because of my father’s influence? Even though we’re not blood-related, he calls me his niece and treats me like family. Plus, I was once chosen to be his daughter-in-law, so it’s natural to feel like real family.

“Thank you. For bringing a smile to my elder brother.”

“Doesn’t my uncle smile often?”

“Ran-ah, how many years do you think I’ve been with my elder brother?”

My father was born in 165, and Liu Bei personally named him Yi De, so they must have known each other since at least 20 years old. If they’ve been together since around 180, that’s already 34 years.

“Over 30 years.”

“Yes. It’s been 35 years this year. Although we’re not blood-related, my elder brother, Guan Yu, and I are brothers. I can tell whether my elder brother is genuinely smiling or just putting on a show for others.”

The bond between Liu, Guan, and Zhang was genuine. The later rumors that Liu Bei intentionally abandoned Guan Yu in a crisis or that there was discord were just nonsense.

Of course, something might have happened in the last few years, but hearing my father’s heartfelt words, it didn’t seem likely. Right. Guan Yu, who left the giant corporation Cao Cao for the startup-like Liu Bei, and Liu Bei, who pulled out the business pillar when Guan Yu died, became gods and emperors through that single act of loyalty.

The conversation with my father after so many years was mostly like this. My father asked, I answered, and my father spoke. Fathers are like that in any era. A personality with warmth hidden beneath a gruff exterior.

As we exchanged stories, an officer delivered Liu Bei’s summons.

“Father, I should go now.”

“Hmm. Alright.”

Since we were already in armor and armed, we left immediately without further preparation.

As we were about to leave the tent, my father called my name.

“Ran-ah.”

“Yes?”

“You’ve become very beautiful.”

The awkward compliment from my father.

When others said it, it felt uncomfortable and irritating, but hearing it from my father felt different. It wasn’t unpleasant. A warm, fuzzy feeling spread. Maybe family compliments are different.

Well, anyway, it wasn’t bad. Really.

“Ah, yes…”

“Ahem. Right. My elder brother must be waiting. Let’s go.”

§

Entering the central large tent, Liu Bei’s residence and meeting place, we saw that the seats were sparsely filled, so we weren’t late.

At the head was Liu Bei, with the Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix standing behind him. The seat to his right, naturally, was my father’s, and across from him, surprisingly, was Fa Zheng.

Perhaps divided into civil and military officials, the generals stood following my father, while the officers stood beside Fa Zheng.

“Everyone is here. This time, we have gathered to discuss the report from the reinforcements and the proposal made by Military Advisor Zhang Ran.”

Hmm, it’s not bad to be the center of attention. Actually, wherever I go, I attract attention, but that’s because of my looks, so it’s different from now.

As Zhuge Liang’s report began, the attention shifted away from me, but some still glanced at me secretly. Yes, this is what’s unpleasant.

Yi Province was practically in Liu Bei’s hands. Unlike the original history, without a single defeat, Liu Bei’s army’s momentum intimidated many into surrendering and complying.

The fact that Liu Bei surrounded Chengdu half a year earlier and didn’t take long to meet with Zhuge Liang and the follow-up forces was due to these circumstances.

“Then, let’s move on to Military Advisor Zhang’s proposal. The suggestion to bring Ma Chao to our side. Does anyone have anything to say?”

“I, Li Hui, have something to say.”

“Oh, Li Hui. Speak.”

Li Hui was from Jianning Commandery in southern Yi Province. He was on his way to Liu Zhang when he correctly read the situation and joined Liu Bei. Why do I remember him? Because he was the one who persuaded Ma Chao to surrender to Liu Bei.

“I heard that Ma Chao has left Zhang Lu and is now with the Di tribes in Wudu. I will personally go and bring him to our lord’s side.”

“Good. I trust you with this task.”

“Thank you.”

Liu Bei glanced at me as if to ask if this was enough. Probably, the information that Ma Chao was with the Di tribes wasn’t something Li Hui found out on his own, but Liu Bei had investigated after hearing my proposal. I had also received that information separately.

Li Hui being chosen as the right person was likely because Liu Bei had already marked him. I have no complaints about this. Li Hui was indeed the right person to bring Ma Chao over.

But we can’t stop here.

“Military Advisor Zhang Ran has something to say to our lord.”

“Speak.”

“Although Ma Chao is in Wudu, I heard he is alone. To truly welcome him, we must also take in his family and followers in Hanzhong.”

The reaction wasn’t great. While accepting Ma Chao was one thing, going out of our way to bring his family and followers seemed unnecessary.

The Sleeping Dragon, Young Phoenix, Fa Zheng, and Liu Bei probably understood why I was saying this, but they still asked me.

“Is it necessary for us to take such risks?”

“There are three benefits.”

“Speak.”

“First, we can win Ma Chao’s true loyalty. Ma Chao has suffered the tragedy of losing his family repeatedly. If we save his last remaining family, Ma Chao will be deeply grateful and loyal to our lord.”

“But Ma Chao abandoned his own family and fled.”

“With all due respect, even Emperor Gaozu made such a mistake when in danger. After being scolded by Marquis Xiahou Ying, he reflected and granted him a fief. Ma Chao had no one to scold him, so how can we say he doesn’t love his family?”

If we say Ma Chao has no family love, then Liu Bang is also a cold-blooded man without family love, which is a very disrespectful rebuttal. But since Liu Bei didn’t say anything, the atmosphere allowed it to pass.

By the way, Xiahou Ying, who scolded Liu Bang for trying to abandon his children, is also my direct ancestor. Though from my mother’s side.

With no further objections, I moved on to the second point.

“The second benefit is that by taking care of the families of surrendered generals, we can enhance our lord’s virtue.”

Everyone nodded at such a righteous statement. Virtue was Liu Bei’s greatest justification and practical benefit. Who would oppose enhancing it?

“The third and final benefit is the general Pang De under Ma Chao’s command.”

“Pang De? Isn’t he Ma Chao’s vanguard? I heard his martial prowess rivals Ma Chao’s.”

Pang De, the White Horse General. A fierce warrior who fought valiantly against Guan Yu, even hitting his forehead with an arrow. In terms of martial prowess alone, he could rival the Five Tiger Generals of Shu.

Unlike Ma Chao, who, after burning out, didn’t achieve much after surrendering to Liu Bei, Pang De surrendered to Cao Cao and made a name for himself. We can’t let a talent like Pang De go to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao’s desire for talent is famous, but Liu Bei is no less a collector of talent. Liu Bei seemed more attracted to the idea of recruiting Pang De than the first two benefits, as he pondered deeply.

“But unlike Ma Chao, his family and Pang De are in Hanzhong. Zhang Lu won’t let them go.”

“We can go and rescue them. Form a small elite team to secretly bring them out of Hanzhong. Even if pursued, a small team can evade and return safely. Once we enter Wudu, the enemy won’t pursue further.”

Namely, the Ma Chao Family Rescue Mission.

Just like Zhao Yun rescued Adou and Lady Gan at Changban, this time we’ll rescue Ma Chao’s family. Why leave out Pang De? Pang De isn’t a rescue target but a rescuer. To protect Pang De, we’ll need Guan Yu or my father.

“I will go personally. Please allow me.”

“Ran, you personally?”

“I proposed this, so I should go.”

“But sending you on such a dangerous mission…”

As Liu Bei hesitated, a firm voice echoed in the tent. A deep, resonant voice like a bass singer’s.

“Let her go.”

It was my father.

“Yi De?”

“If she says she can go, she must be confident. Even if she fails, it will be a lesson in knowing her limits.”

“Aren’t you worried, Yi De? When Zhao Yun went to rescue Adou, my heart was in my throat. Ran is your daughter.”

“Before being my child, she is a subject who has joined my elder brother’s great cause. How can I, as a fellow subject, stop her from enhancing our lord’s virtue and strengthening our power? Let her go.”

“Yi De…”

Before being an elder brother, before being an uncle, Liu Bei was a lord. No matter how precious family is, a lord must prioritize the great cause and the hopes of those who follow him over family ties.

A king is such a being. To stand above others means to treat those beneath you equally. If you show special favor to blood relatives or those you cherish, who would offer sincere loyalty?

Liu Bei closed his eyes tightly. He sighed deeply and spoke.

“I will allow it. Tell Li Hui to inform Ma Chao that we will bring his family to him.”

Once decided, he never retreated. If he decided to give trust, he never looked back. That was Liu Bei.

“And Military Advisor.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Take General Zhao Yun with you. Zhao Yun has experience rescuing Adou and will be of great help. General Zhao, will you follow the order?”

“Of course, my lord. I will assist the Military Advisor and ensure the mission’s success.”

“It would be unreasonable for General Zhao to follow Military Advisor Zhang Ran’s orders. I appoint Military Advisor Zhang Ran as General. This is a temporary position based on her accumulated merits, and a formal position will be granted after merit evaluation.”

“I will not disappoint you, my lord.”

A general. Now I am a general. The minimum condition to lead a unit and exercise independent operational authority, I have finally achieved it.

And Zhao Yun too. Now, even if I want to fail, it will be difficult.

“Choose the necessary personnel and report back after discussion.”

“My lord, please allow me to join as well.”

“Wen Chang, you too?”

“Although I am inferior to the two generals, I will not be a burden.”

“Good. I will remember your dedication.”

Wei Yan too? This is really an all-star team.

Zhao Yun and Wei Yan. Plus, Pang De will join in Hanzhong. The rescue (escape) mission led by legendary generals whose biographies are prominently featured in the Wei and Shu records. This is a big event worthy of the Romance.

“Sniff, my blood is boiling.”

“Yi De, restrain yourself. If you move, they will notice.”

By ‘they,’ he probably meant not only Liu Zhang holed up in Chengdu but also Zhang Lu, who would notice. Being such a famous figure with distinctive features like size and voice, it’s hard to miss.

Not knowing how the situation in Hanzhong would unfold, Zhao Yun and I formed a unit in a day and reported to Liu Bei, who immediately approved.

And the next day, before departure, we gathered, and Liu Bei sent additional personnel to wait for us.

“Jin Dou, styled Shuzhi.”

My lord, isn’t this too much?

This is beyond an all-star team; it’s the Avengers.