The three who betrayed Shu during Sun Quan’s invasion of Jing Province: Mi Fang, Shi Ren, and Ban Jun. Their fates twisted greatly, leading to completely different outcomes.
Ban Jun deceived, Shi Ren cooperated, and only Mi Fang truly betrayed.
Thus, Ban Jun was recognized for his merit and rose to the position of Jing Province Governor, Shi Ren received the post of Prefect, while Mi Fang, who was transported to the capital, was stripped of all his official positions.
This was Liu Bei’s final act of consideration for a founding hero who had shared life and death with him since Xuzhou, and it was possible because Mi Fang’s betrayal ultimately caused little damage.
Ah, by the way, it was surprisingly Guan Yu’s recommendation that led to Ban Jun’s appointment as Jing Province Governor.
I had written a petition to appoint Ban Jun as a Minister like Yu Pa, but perhaps having realized something from this incident, Guan Yu relinquished his position as Governor of Jing Province and recommended Ban Jun for the role.
Since the Governor position has no military authority, Jing Province’s military power remained with Guan Yu, while administrative authority went to Ban Jun, effectively splitting the roles.
According to Ban Jun’s letter, Guan Yu even personally apologized for previously neglecting him, which was truly astonishing.
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei rejoiced, saying, “Yunchang has now even surpassed Lian Po!”
Lian Po, a renowned general of the Warring States period, initially resented Lin Xiangru, a civil official of humble origins, for holding a higher position than himself. However, after realizing Lin Xiangru’s true worth, they reconciled and became inseparable friends.
The story of “Carrying thorns to plead guilty,” where one bears thorns to ask for forgiveness, originates from this.
And Guan Yu wasn’t the only one to perform such an act of contrition this time.
Mi Zhu also tied himself up and kowtowed, pleading guilty for his brother Mi Fang’s crimes, saying it was his fault for not properly educating him.
“No, why do you do this? Our lord has already said you bear no guilt. Please, raise your head.”
“Though our lord has shown me mercy, how can I be without blame? I failed to properly guide my brother, hindering the great undertaking of our nation. I can only plead guilty.”
Mi Fang, the main culprit, was placed under house arrest by Liu Bei’s order, unable to leave or meet anyone.
The pitiful sight of Mi Zhu pleading for his brother’s forgiveness and seeking to rectify the wrongs made my heart twist.
I knew Mi Fang would betray us. Perhaps there was a way to prevent his betrayal from the start.
But I chose to abandon Mi Fang, believing it to be more efficient.
“I too…”
I bowed deeply to Mi Zhu, who was bowing in apology, and said, “I am sorry. I used Mi Fang. Knowing of his betrayal, I let it happen. If General Anhan bears any fault, then so do I.”
“The betrayal was my brother’s doing. How could I blame Rear General for exploiting it?”
As we began to compete in who could bow deeper and apologize more sincerely, Pang Tong stepped in to mediate.
“Hahaha, this will never end. Instead of doing this at the door, let’s go inside.”
Mi Zhu couldn’t refuse the host’s words.
Our conversation continued until sunset.
After wrapping up matters with Mi Zhu and promising to meet Pang Tong again, I returned home to find Yeon-yi waiting for me late into the night.
My little sister, who had grown so much in my absence, came running out to me.
“Sister!”
“You’re still awake?”
“Ah, what time do you think it is?”
“And mother?”
“She went to bed first.”
I felt a sense of relief at her words. The day I returned to Chengdu, my mother hugged me tightly.
Her voice, asking if I was hurt and if I had suffered, still carried the affection she had for me.
But every time I felt this relief, it was surely because I carried guilt towards my mother.
Her gaunt face, the sorrow etched there, was my doing, the work of my own hands.
“Sister, are you thinking about that again?”
Was I making a sad face without realizing it? Yeon-yi placed her hands gently on my cheeks and made me look into her eyes.
“Umm. No. Just a little tired. Let’s go in. It’s still cold.”
Forcing a smile, I pushed my sister’s back. My face, no longer facing Yeon-yi, was probably making the same sad expression as before.
Yeon-yi, who received her courtesy name last year, was being considered as a candidate for a political marriage in my stead.
The reason I could roam the continent freely, spreading my wings of dreams, was because of the hidden sacrifices and devotion of my family.
Without Yeon-yi, I wouldn’t have been able to avoid living as Empress Jing’ai, and because I entered the military to pursue the revival of Shu Han, I gave up the path of saving Xiahou Yuan.
Perhaps it’s my overreaction.
Maybe it’s just the way of life for people living in this era, this world.
But the guilt I feel towards them never washes away.
“Yeon-yi.”
“Yes?”
“Shall we go to the market together tomorrow?”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“I want to go!”
Excitedly chattering about what to wear and when to leave, Yeon-yi bubbled with energy.
Her adorable actions made me stroke her soft hair. A faint smile, like the moonlight, appeared on my face.
‘I guess I’m looking forward to it too.’
§
A few days later, a court assembly was held.
Having spent most of my time with Yeon-yi recently, I took out my official robes for the first time in a while. As a military officer, I usually had no reason to wear them.
Of course, I had the authority to establish a general’s office, but with Wang Ping, Ma Chong, Gu Bu, Yu En, and Wang Sha all operating independently, there was nothing to open.
Still, it was fortunate that Zhang E, Ma Dai, and Bu Chuan remained. Military affairs could be left to Zhang E, cavalry to Ma Dai, and infantry to Bu Chuan. Any shortage of talent would have to be filled anew.
In any case, the officials gathered in the great hall for the assembly were quietly exchanging opinions, curious about what decision Liu Bei would make.
“The King of Hanzhong arrives!”
As Liu Bei entered, all the officials, including myself, paid our respects.
“Gentlemen, raise your heads. Let us begin the assembly.”
There were three main items on the agenda for the current grand assembly.
The first was the selection of a consort for the crown prince. In the original history, there was a predetermined candidate, so it passed without issue.
But this time, I had not only refused but also risen to the position of Rear General in the military, prolonging the matter.
Upon becoming King of Hanzhong, Liu Bei appointed Liu Shan as crown prince. At the time, he hadn’t given up on me, so the position of crown princess was left vacant, but now even that was difficult.
As Liu Bei aged, the officials grew uneasy about the crown prince remaining unmarried.
However, Liu Bei used his authority to forcibly delay the matter.
Among the officials, the prevailing opinion was to make my younger sister the crown princess, but Liu Bei, who usually listened to his ministers, turned a deaf ear at times like these.
It was a testament to Liu Bei’s persistent obsession, having made Zhuge Liang and Yu Pa his own people.
The second item was internal governance, to fill the empty coffers and restore the devastated livelihoods now that the war was over.
The repair of the Dujiangyan irrigation system was a prime example, where Zhuge Liang’s true abilities shone.
Under his leadership, each official performed their duties diligently, so most of the assembly proceeded in a reporting format, with only a few items requiring Liu Bei’s approval.
And the third, most pressing issue was the recent matter of Cao Cao’s condolence delegation.
At the end of the assembly, Liu Bei finally spoke about the condolence delegation.
“The matter of the traitor Cao Cao is something we should welcome with open arms and rejoice. However, he at least maintained the facade of serving His Majesty the Emperor, but his son Cao Pi is of a vile and violent nature, making us worry for His Majesty’s well-being. Therefore, I intend to send a delegation under the guise of condolences to observe the situation. I hope you understand that our purpose is not to mourn Cao Cao’s death but to pay respects to His Majesty.”
Though he added various explanations, the gist was that he would send a condolence delegation.
However, with the string of victories and the authority Liu Bei had built over the years, no one dared to oppose.
“Messenger Han Yeom, step forward.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Take silk and cloth, along with this letter, and convey our intentions to Cao Pi.”
“I humbly accept your command.”
After Liu Bei made his decision, all state affairs flowed smoothly.
An excellent founding monarch, capable ministers, and stable borders created a perfect harmony.
Just as everything seemed to be going well, a report arrived from Han Yeom, who had been staying in Shangyong awaiting Cao Pi’s response. Along with Cao Pi’s reply.
And the contents of that reply once again turned the great hall of Chengdu upside down.
Whether to show off his literary talent, Cao Pi’s reply was filled with ornate phrases, but the essence could be summarized briefly.
[I hear that girl Chang-ran is quite pretty? Let me see her face, and I’ll accept your condolences if she comes.]
Typical Cao Pi.
What a madman.