Chapter 73

In the year 220, also known as Jian’an 25, it could aptly be called “The Year of the Meteor Shower.”

In the original history, countless people died this year. Even though history has twisted now, whether fewer or more will die remains uncertain, but it seems there won’t be a significant difference.

As soon as the new year dawned, stars began to fall like rain. It started with the deaths of renowned figures from the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu.

On Sun Quan’s side, Lü Meng, who surprisingly survived longer than in the original history, finally met his end, possibly due to the new assignment of the Hefei Siege.

Lü Meng, who had shown a miraculous recovery, died in Hefei after a glorious last stand alongside Zhou Yu, Pan Zhang, Zhou Tai, Sun Jiao, and Xu Sheng. Sun Quan himself took charge of the funeral procession, showing his respect.

If Sun Quan hadn’t lost his mind, he might have been remembered as a hero comparable to Cao Cao or Liu Bei, given his showmanship in personally leading the funeral of a subordinate.

In Shu, Rear General Huang Zhong passed away. His death was less shocking as everyone knew he had exhausted himself in the Hanzhong Campaign and had been weakening day by day.

Liu Bei, saddened that Huang Zhong’s son Huang Se had died young, posthumously honored Huang Zhong with the title of Marquis Gang.

The deaths of Lü Meng and Huang Zhong, the Grand Commander of Wu and one of Shu’s Five Tiger Generals, respectively, caused significant ripples, but compared to the news from Wei, it was like a breeze before a storm.

The death of Cao Cao, King of Wei, sent shockwaves across the entire realm, surpassing even national boundaries.

Even in Shu, where mourning for Huang Zhong was ongoing, discussions about Cao Cao’s death were more fervent.

The debate was whether to send a condolence delegation to Wei or not.

“Absolutely no condolences!” argued Huang Quan, ironically, who would later defect to Wei after the disastrous Battle of Yiling.

Huang Quan, who had opposed Liu Bei’s entry into Shu, always made decisions based on justification.

Many supported Huang Quan’s stance, but surprisingly, a significant number, led by Yu Pa, argued for sending a condolence delegation.

“Are you so caught up in justification that you forget the practical situation? This is a golden opportunity to understand Wei’s internal affairs amidst their chaos,” Yu Pa argued, showcasing his pragmatic approach.

Yu Pa’s authority was not inferior to Huang Quan’s. He had contributed to Shu’s governance alongside Zhuge Liang, Yi Jeok, Fa Zheng, and Yi Yan, and had proven his abilities.

Considering his rise to Chief Minister after Fa Zheng’s death, Yu Pa was arguably one of the top civil officials.

“You only see one side and ignore the other. Our nation’s foundation is built on justification. Sending a condolence delegation would be too short-sighted,” countered Yi Jeok, another of the five who helped establish Shu.

The debate was intense, with Yu Pa, Yi Yan, and others advocating for pragmatism, while Huang Quan, Yi Jeok, and Ma Liang opposed, prioritizing justification.

With Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Fa Zheng remaining silent, the chaos in the Great Hall only grew.

Surprisingly, I, having been promoted to Rear General after Huang Zhong’s death, was the highest-ranking military officer present. Yet, I chose to remain neutral.

‘This isn’t my place to intervene. Sending a condolence delegation is more of a civil matter. No need to make enemies by speaking out of turn.’

With the Lanling Army half-disbanded and the need to reorganize, my head was already spinning.

Ultimately, whatever Liu Bei decided would be final.

“Enough. I’ve heard your opinions. This is not a matter to be decided lightly. I will consider it further and make a decision by the next council,” Liu Bei declared, dismissing the assembly.

As the officials left, they continued to discuss in small groups.

I approached Pang Tong to seek his opinion.

“Military Advisor Pang.”

“Rear General, no need for formalities. What do you think about this matter?”

“Hmm…”

Pang Tong glanced around and said, “This isn’t the place to discuss. Let’s go to my house.”

Pang Tong, having returned from Jing Province, had been given a residence by Liu Bei, but he chose a smaller house instead.

Entering Pang Tong’s residence, his son Pang Hong greeted us.

“You have a fine son,” I remarked.

“He still has much to learn. He wants to enter official service, but I told him to study more.”

Pang Tong and I discussed the condolence delegation and the broader strategy of the Northern Expedition.

“We need at least two years to prepare for a stable campaign, but if we push, we could launch next year,” Pang Tong calculated.

As we delved into the Northern Expedition’s grand plan, Pang Hong interrupted to announce Mi Zhu’s arrival.

“Our discussion will have to wait. Next time, we should include Zhuge Liang and Fa Zheng,” Pang Tong suggested.

Agreeing, we prepared to meet Mi Zhu, who had arrived to pay his respects.

“Forgive me for disturbing you,” Mi Zhu said, bowing deeply.