Chapter 32

In the summer of the 20th year of Jian’an (215 AD), Chang-ran led her troops towards the Paser Army. Crowds gathered like clouds to catch a glimpse of her beauty. Chang-ran recruited Ma Chong, Gu Bu, and Wang Ping as her subordinates, luring Fu Hu, Du Ho, and Yuan Yue to one place and killing them all. Thus, the Paser Army, which had not yet escaped Liu Bei’s sphere of influence, found stability. Liu Bei was greatly pleased and promoted Chang-ran to the rank of 4th-grade Guangwei General, granting her subordinates official positions and rewards based on her recommendations.

From “The Chronicles of Chang-ran in the Book of Later Han”

§

Chang-ran’s victory was not only a tale in itself but also spread rapidly throughout Yi Province due to political reasons.

The year 215, the 20th year of Jian’an, was a busy year for Cao Cao, Sun Quan, and Liu Bei.

Cao Cao aimed to seize Hanzhong.

Sun Quan sought to reclaim land from Liu Bei.

And Liu Bei sought to govern Yi Province while defending Jing Province.

The conflict between Liu Bei and Sun Quan over Jing Province escalated to the brink of disaster, known as the Yiyang Standoff.

When Sun Quan sent Ye Meng to occupy Changsha and Guiyang, Liu Bei personally traveled to Gong’an in Jing Province, marking a significant issue.

In this tense situation, the news of Chang-ran’s victory was like rain in a drought.

Liu Bei actively spread the news to showcase their strength and gain an upper hand in negotiations with Sun Quan over Jing Province.

However, when did the common people ever consider the political maneuvers of their superiors when spreading rumors?

As it had always been, especially in these chaotic times, there was a lack of entertainment.

Such rumors became their media mix, and the people eagerly spread them, adding their own imaginations.

The Pa tribes, as well as regions suffering from the Yi tribes, actively sought to cooperate with Liu Bei. Hearing of the Pa tribes’ sudden defeat, the Yi tribes feared similar calamities and withdrew.

Liu Bei, seemingly determined to promote Chang-ran, elevated her rank to Guangwei General not long after appointing her as Yiwei General.

He fully accepted Chang-ran’s recommendations, granting official positions to those who had achieved merit.

Guangwei General Chang-ran. Cavalry Commander Ma Dai. Infantry Commander Yu En, Gu Bu. Marching Sima Ma Chong. And Gate General Wang Ping.

Chang-ran’s army, having gathered talents from the Paser campaign, doubled in size without discord as surrendered Pa tribes and people who heard of the victory joined, establishing a well-organized system.

The hierarchy, considering salaries and positions, was Chang-ran, Ma Dai, Yu En, Ma Chong, Gu Bu, and Wang Ping.

Though Wang Ping’s position as Gate General was not a full general rank, it was a deputy role under Chang-ran’s direct command, which everyone understood given his expertise in leading Pa tribe soldiers.

Though it was regrettable not to be closest to Chang-ran, they were also Han Dynasty military officers before being her followers.

However, Ma Dai, Yu En, Gu Bu, and Ma Chong’s faces showed subtle dissatisfaction.

“I still don’t understand,” Ma Dai said bluntly.

“I always support Guangwei General’s decisions, but this time, it feels excessive.”

“I agree,” Gu Bu nodded.

Yu En and Ma Chong, though not speaking, did not object, indicating their agreement with Ma Dai and Gu Bu.

Their grievance was simple: “Why is the General personally tutoring Wang Ping?”

Chang-ran had taken on the role of Wang Ping’s tutor, giving him one-on-one lessons.

“With the recent appointment as the magistrate of Tanggeohyun, the General is already busy. How can she…?”

“Haha, it’s probably temporary,” Ma Chong added.

Yu En also spoke up: “Wang Ping is from Tanggeohyun, so there’s that.”

“Deoksin and Huyeon are not pleased. Wang Ping was Fu Hu’s…”

“Commander Ma,” Ma Chong quickly interrupted Ma Dai’s inappropriate remark.

Ma Dai, regaining his composure, apologized for his slip.

Wang Ping, though once Fu Hu’s subordinate, had his sins severed by Chang-ran’s sword in front of everyone.

Mentioning Fu Hu now would be akin to challenging Chang-ran’s authority.

Ma Dai and Gu Bu fell silent, but their dissatisfaction remained unresolved, prompting Ma Chong to sigh inwardly.

‘Ma Dai and Gu Bu are both excellent generals. To show jealousy rather than competitive spirit, how fearsome is Guangwei General?’

However, when Ma Chong visited the temporary official residence to assist, seeing Chang-ran and Wang Ping alone, he couldn’t help but frown.

Realizing he too felt envy, Ma Chong laughed wryly.

‘Haha, I’m no different.’

Though to varying degrees, everyone following Chang-ran harbored such feelings, whether desire or admiration.

Ma Chong believed his feelings were purely admiration for the one who had opened the path to success for him. He wanted to believe that.

Chang-ran was a towering tree, too high to climb, and even looking up at her could break one’s neck.

§

“Huh? Me tutoring Wang Ping?” I tilted my head at Ma Chong’s advice.

Indeed, I had been spending considerable time with Wang Ping recently.

Partly due to fan sentiment, like with Zhou Yu, but also because Wang Ping, being from Tanggeohyun and of mixed heritage, provided valuable administrative assistance. Officially, I was also his tutor.

However, Wang Ping and I didn’t spend most of our days together.

Both of us were extremely busy. Wang Ping, as Gate General, had to manage the army, attend my lessons, advise on Tanggeohyun’s governance, and train personally. Even 26 hours a day wouldn’t be enough.

Yet, Ma Chong’s point was understandable. With both of us busy, our private time was limited, making it seem like we were always together.

“Yes, General. Historically, favoring surrendered generals to encourage others to join is common. But excessive favoritism can provoke resentment among existing officers.”

Ma Chong wasn’t wrong. The term “relative deprivation” exists. If someone new suddenly receives all the favor, dissatisfaction is inevitable.

Even when Zhuge Liang first joined Liu Bei’s army, Guan Yu and my father had their complaints. Though that’s from the Romance.

“I might have been too focused on Wang Ping. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll be more careful.”

With Tanggeohyun’s household survey and conflicts between the Pa and Han people mostly resolved, I planned to reduce my meetings with Wang Ping. Perfect timing.

I thought the favoritism issue would fade, but rumors are like living creatures, and I underestimated how they could twist.

The favoritism rumor spread from officers to soldiers, morphing into something absurd: ‘Guangwei General fell for Wang Ping and tried to raise him as Gate General but gave up due to status differences.’

“My head hurts…”

The rumor started with the Pa tribes.

Yes, they had once looked down on the weak Han people but were utterly defeated by them. Subdued by awe, they sought something to ease their defeat.

Wang Ping, who had fought bravely and seemed favored by me, became their proxy satisfaction.

Their feelings were pitiable, but this crossed the line.

“Capture the rumor’s instigator and issue a proclamation that spreading false rumors will not be tolerated.”

Displeased by the scandal, my subordinates acted swiftly.

They quickly captured and punished the rumor’s originator, and the rumor died down.

However, this incident drew unwanted attention to my marriageable age.

“General, will you not marry?” Yu En asked.

Surprised by the question from my most exemplary officer, I remained silent. Yu En bowed and apologized.

“If the question was impolite, I apologize.”

“It’s fine. It’s about that age.”

Honestly, if someone else had asked, I might have been annoyed, but Yu En’s serious demeanor made it seem like a political question.

To describe my subordinates: Yu En is the model student council member. Ma Chong is the friendly, all-around popular guy. Ma Dai is the active sports club member. Gu Bu is the quick worker who helps others. And Wang Ping is the top student with a sharp tongue.

Though all are model students, their personalities and specialties vary.

Yu En and Wang Ping are both quiet, but Yu En speaks with respect, earning admiration, while Wang Ping is blunt.

Ma Chong and Gu Bu get along well with others, but Ma Chong smiles and lets things slide until a line is crossed, while Gu Bu helps others realize their mistakes by setting an example.

Digressing, I deflected Yu En’s question.

“If I find someone I like, I’ll marry. If not, living alone isn’t bad.”

Having rejected the guaranteed position of Empress with Yu Xian, even as my feminine identity strengthens, only an exceptional man would satisfy me.

“What should your partner be like?”

“My partner? I don’t seek perfection. But they must excel in something. In virtue, like my lord; in martial arts, like Guan Gong; in strategy, like Zhuge Liang.”

It was a statement that marriage was unlikely. I didn’t foresee the impact of my casual remark.

The next day, seeing all soldiers training diligently, I thought, ‘Training is going well.’ Seeing Ma Chong, Wang Ping, and Gu Bu holding a classics reading session, I thought, ‘Civil and military skills are important. Since Wang Ping can’t attend my lessons, they’re accommodating. Very commendable.’

However, when a letter from my father arrived, I began to sense something was amiss.

[Daughter, I know of your second uncle’s lofty martial skills, but seeing you mention him instead of me, your father, was complex. I too respect and follow your second uncle, but the pinnacle of martial arts you’ve seen must be me, right? It’s disheartening…]

‘What is this?’

Thinking it was a twisted version of my past with Lady Son, I quickly wrote an explanation to my father.

But the next day, another letter arrived, this time from Pang Tong.

[Mingjing, though I cannot boast of a scholarly foundation as vast and profound as Zhuge Liang’s, I have traversed battlefields with you. I heard from Zhuge Liang that you’ve never properly conversed with him. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t fully displayed my talents in our conversations. Hence, I will soon make time for a deep conversation with you…]

‘What, a married man… no, is this a competitive spirit towards Zhuge Liang?’

By now, I seriously pondered the impact of my casual remark.

Then, a letter arrived from Jing Province, from Ban Jun and Guan Yu.

Ban Jun’s letter contained similar content to Pang Tong’s and continued our past conversations. Guan Yu, pleased, filled his letter with compliments about my discernment.

But the highlight was undoubtedly Liu Bei’s letter.

Unlike the lengthy letters on silk, Liu Bei’s was a thin bamboo slip. With few characters, its content was brief but chilling.

[I will raise Xian to be a gentleman of deeper virtue than myself.]