Chapter 75

“This insolent brat!!”

It was Liu Bei’s extreme anger, something not seen in a long time. It was the first time since the incident with that tactless fool who made inappropriate remarks.

Liu Bei, clutching the reply letter sent by Cao Biao as if he wanted to tear it apart, still not satisfied, threw it to the ground.

The reply letter, made of silk as expected from Cao Biao, rolled on the floor. Liu Bei, pushing the letter at his feet away, leaned back on his throne and shrugged his shoulders.

The great hall was engulfed in a cold silence, with not even a breath heard, due to Liu Bei’s rare extreme anger.

“What are the eunuchs doing? Quickly remove that abomination from my sight.”

Calling the eunuchs instead of the officials in charge of documents was Liu Bei’s way of expressing that he did not consider Cao Biao’s reply as a proper diplomatic document.

The officials, not wanting to bear Liu Bei’s wrath, remained silent without attempting to stop him.

“My lord, please calm down first.”

Except for one person.

While Fa Zheng and Pang Tong were hesitating whether to step forward, the only one who could act calmly in the great hall was Liu Bei’s chief strategist, Zhuge Liang.

“Military advisor. You heard it too, didn’t you? The content sent by that arrogant brat. If he weren’t Cao Cao’s son, he would be nothing but a mere commoner, unable to distinguish heaven from earth…”

“Rather, this is something to be happy about.”

“What?”

Oh, Liu Bei can make such an expression towards Zhuge Liang. Thinking about the reason makes it funny but also somewhat satisfying.

Despite Liu Bei’s anger, Zhuge Liang remained as calm as ever. Bowing with a dignified posture, he spoke in a composed tone.

“Although Cao Cao managed to settle things to some extent before his death, there are still many hidden problems within Wei. Cao Biao, as Cao Cao’s successor, must resolve these issues, but judging by his qualities, it seems unlikely. The enemy ruler’s incompetence is our country’s fortune, so it is something to be happy about.”

“Hmm, your words make sense, military advisor. But this insolent brat is still unforgivable.”

Thanks to Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei’s perfect anger control device, Liu Bei regained his composure and calmed his tone.

“Since things have come to this, tell Han Yeom to return to Chengdu.”

At Liu Bei’s words to make the condolence delegation’s dispatch as if it never happened, the faces of the opposition faction brightened. Nodding slightly, they seemed to agree. Watching their faces, I stepped forward to the center of the great hall.

“My lord, please send me as the condolence delegation.”

At my words, as the person designated by Cao Biao, Liu Bei, unable to get angry, asked with a bewildered expression.

“What are you talking about? You heard Cao Biao’s words too, why are you saying such things?”

“The words of a mere man should be as important as gold, but my lord, you are the King of Hanzhong. A king’s words should be heavier than heaven. Moreover, my lord, you have already used the condolence delegation’s justification to check on His Majesty’s safety. Although I am grateful for your concern for me, people will criticize prioritizing personal feelings over righteousness. Please do not let me commit the disloyalty of tarnishing my lord’s dignity because of me.”

At my lengthy explanation, Liu Bei hesitated and pondered.

Even if it were others, with the person involved saying this, Liu Bei would find it difficult to refute.

Besides, Cao Biao had not yet shown his true colors. At most, this reply letter incident.

Of course, from my perspective, knowing Cao Biao’s true nature, it might seem like a gamble. But there was a calculation behind this. Currently, Wei is in a transitional state after Cao Cao’s iron-fisted rule and Cao Biao’s succession.

Thanks to Cao Cao’s proper handling before his death, Wei is like a dormant volcano with boiling magma inside.

In such a situation, would Cao Biao harm the condolence delegation that he himself agreed to receive? From then on, Wei would lose all justification and dignity, becoming nothing but a band of thieves.

Would figures like Jia Xu, Sima Yi, Hua Xin, and Zhong Yao, who clearly know this, let Cao Biao act recklessly? Especially since he hasn’t even ascended to the throne yet?

And even if Cao Biao is a madman, he is still somewhat rational and listens to Jia Xu and Sima Yi.

But dealing with Cao Biao, one can never be sure. He did many crazy things in the original history. Enjoying banquets and luxury during Cao Cao’s mourning period, who knows what he might do to the condolence delegation.

‘If that happens, I’ll just take Cao Biao hostage.’

For that, I planned to bring along some fierce generals if I went as the condolence delegation. Bang Deok, who fought alongside me several times, would not refuse if I asked.

By the time I finished organizing my thoughts, Liu Bei, who had kept his mouth shut for a long time, finally spoke.

“I understand your admirable heart and concerns. But it’s hard for me to make a cold judgment. Therefore.”

His words were neither permission, refusal, nor postponement.

“I will leave the decision of whether to send you to someone who can judge more fairly and neutrally than anyone else.”

Regarding the condolence delegation, without expressing approval or opposition.

Excluding personal feelings towards me.

A person who can make a wise judgment based on reason.

Such a person, I could only think of one.

And Liu Bei was the same.

“This matter, I leave it to you, Kongming. You two, have a detailed discussion and report the decision to me. The court is adjourned.”

§

After the court session, I had a private meeting with Zhuge Liang. In Zhuge Liang’s personal office, the strong scent of tea and ink hinted at the owner’s personality.

Instead of immediately bringing up the condolence delegation, Zhuge Liang first brought up light conversation. A simple icebreaker.

“It’s already been ten years since I first saw the Rear General. I didn’t expect you to grow so splendidly.”

“Please lower your words. It’s too much.”

“Not at all. The Rear General is qualified. You can be confident.”

Zhuge Liang’s words did not seem like mere flattery to break down my guard. Being too straightforward, it was hard to detect any ulterior motives, but now I faintly felt his sincerity.

“Frankly, I did not predict Sun Quan’s betrayal. The filial piety and public form that defeated Cao Cao in Hanzhong were the same. But one person was different. Many wondered why he gave up Hanzhong, where great achievements could be made, and went to Jing Province.”

If Pang Tong had taken charge of the Hanzhong campaign, would Fa Zheng have risen to such a high position?

Fa Zheng got the opportunity because Pang Tong, anticipating Sun Quan’s betrayal, chose to go to Jing Province instead of participating in the Hanzhong campaign.

“I knew that the Wu-Yue alliance would eventually turn its back, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. But the Rear General, along with the advisor, warned against Sun Quan. If the Rear General hadn’t been there, and if the advisor had suffered in the fallen city, our country would have been in a very difficult situation due to Sun Quan’s betrayal.”

Zhuge Liang’s words accurately referred to the original history’s flow. The fact that none other than Zhuge Liang recognized my achievements was an incomparable, overwhelming emotion.

To suppress the rising corners of my mouth and the indistinct cheer that might be laughter or tears, I clenched my trembling lips.

“Clearly, the Rear General has a justification for going as the condolence delegation that I do not know. So, I do not intend to judge the Rear General with my limited insight. I only wish to listen.”

Zhuge Liang asked.

“What is the Rear General’s true intention in going as the condolence delegation?”

Although he said he only wanted to listen, Zhuge Liang seemed to already know everything, looking at me with a faint smile full of composure.

As we talked about each other’s true feelings, a scene from the novel suddenly came to mind.

“I think, military advisor, you already know my intentions.”

“Perhaps.”

“Then how about writing it on our palms and showing it at the same time?”

Suggesting the anecdote from the novel where Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu discussed the fire attack, Zhuge Liang put down the crane-feather fan he was holding.

“An interesting proposal. Very well. I have brought writing tools for reports, so we can use those.”

The preparation was quick. Zhuge Liang and I silently wrote characters on our palms.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes. Let’s count to three and show.”

At my question, Zhuge Liang put down the brush and started counting.

When Zhuge Liang counted to three, we both showed our palms simultaneously. And on both palms was the same character.

The character for “north” (北).

“Indeed.”

Seeing the character on my palm, Zhuge Liang nodded as if his expectations were confirmed.

Yes. The reason I want to go as the condolence delegation. The intention is none other than the northern expedition.

Before the northern expedition, understanding the terrain, fortresses, and public sentiment of that land will undoubtedly have a significant impact. And most importantly, I need to see with my own eyes how much the original history has changed due to my intervention.

Only then can I establish the grand strategy for the northern expedition based on the knowledge I have.

“It’s a journey to Ye. The opportunity to see even the heartland of Wei is surely the first and last.”

No lengthy explanation was needed.

Hearing one, knowing ten. Zhuge Liang, who understands ten from hearing one, grasped all the details from my short words.

And so, my condolence journey was decided.