Chapter 8

The battle of Nan Commandery ended with a complete victory for Sun Quan. Following the miraculous triumph at the Battle of Red Cliffs, the consecutive victories in the Nan Commandery battles made Liu Bei and Sun Quan realize that Cao Cao was no longer an invincible force they couldn’t resist.

And at the same time, they also realized they needed each other.

Especially Zhou Yu, who witnessed Zhang Fei’s remarkable performance, offered the southern part of Nan Commandery to Liu Bei to strengthen their alliance. While the Nan Commandery battles were in full swing, Liu Bei, who had seized the four commanderies of Xingnan, also sought to unite their families through marriage with Sun Quan’s younger sister.

In contrast to the busy post-war negotiations on both sides, I was semi-detained, forbidden from even training under the pretext of injury.

“I’m really fine.”

In fact, staying still like this made me feel even more sluggish. But perhaps because I had bled, Zhang Fei sternly warned me that if I disobeyed this time, he would refuse to teach me martial arts.

Unable to lose Zhang Fei, the greatest teacher, I had no choice but to keep my distance. And one more thing.

‘So Zhang Fei can make such an expression too.’

The look on Zhang Fei’s face as he saw my wounds—it seemed he was deeply concerned.

No matter how chaotic these times are, where children are treated like tools and life is undervalued, in the end, a father is still a father.

My body’s recovery ability seems to have reached the limits of human capability. Despite being grazed, the spear wound had already almost healed. The scar might remain, but it didn’t hinder my movement at all.

“Ah… I want to go out.”

Zhang Fei was busy with post-war matters and hadn’t come back since he left. Should I read a book or something? In my past life, I studied Chinese characters and passed the third level, and now with Chang-ran’s memories added, I could read Chinese characters as if they were my native language. Chang-ran was so intelligent that she had already memorized several classics.

“Then how about you go out?”

An unexpected reply came to my muttering.

Turning my head, I saw a robust man in his early thirties standing at the entrance with a calm smile.

“Who are you?”

“Hmm, for now, let’s say I’m not from Yu Xian’s private troops but from General Zhang Fei’s daughter. I am Ye Meng, serving under General Zhou Yu.”

“Ye Meng?”

“Oh, you know me? Yes, that’s my name.”

Crazy.

Why is Ye Meng here? Did he also join the army under Zhou Yu during the Nan Commandery battle? It seems so, but my memory is hazy. Since Zhou Yu is alive, it must be before the famous incident of his rapid rise, but it’s not the Oh Ye Meng era either.

As I looked at him with caution, Ye Meng, perhaps sensing my wariness, showed his palms and spoke.

“Haha, don’t be so wary. I’ve properly received permission from General Zhang Fei. Ah, I apologize for suddenly entering.”

Since Zhang Fei had given permission, it would be strange to argue, so I stood up and bowed.

“I apologize for my rudeness.”

“Then let’s consider our mistakes settled.”

Ye Meng also clasped his hands and bowed. This isn’t the foolish Ye Meng of the past. Recognizing that Ye Meng had grown through his rapid rise, I tried not to show hostility and spoke.

“By the way, what brings you here?”

“Ah, I was late to explain. Someone is looking for you.”

“Looking for me? It must be General Zhou Yu.”

Since Ye Meng is using honorifics and the only person who would send Ye Meng as a mere errand boy, aside from Zhou Yu, would be Sun Quan. The possibility of Sun Quan coming here to see me is extremely low, so it must be Zhou Yu.

Ye Meng nodded.

“That’s right. I was ordered to bring you as a guest, so please follow me.”

“If my father has given permission, how could I refuse? Please lead the way.”

Following Ye Meng, who walked ahead, the cold winter air filled my lungs as I stepped outside. The unique scent of winter air filled my nostrils.

At the end of 209 AD, as Cao Cao’s fierce advance slowed and Zhuge Liang’s plan to divide the world into three finally took shape, why did Zhou Yu summon me?

“Sit down.”

In the room where only the two of us remained after Ye Meng left, Zhou Yu offered me a seat. As I sat in the indicated spot, Zhou Yu prepared something from the corner of the tent.

“Can I help you with anything?”

As I stood up and asked, Zhou Yu smiled lightly and said.

“It’s my hobby, so just wait comfortably.”

Zhou Yu was not only skilled in military strategy and martial arts but also well-versed in poetry, literature, and music. It seemed there was one more thing to add to that list—tea ceremony.

The term “tea ceremony” is used in Japan, but in China, it’s called “tea art,” right? If the etiquette of drinking tea is included in the “rites” of poetry, literature, and music, then perhaps it doesn’t need to be added separately.

Zhou Yu’s skill in brewing tea showed that it wasn’t his first time. It wasn’t as formalized as modern tea ceremonies, but if there was a proper way to brew tea in this era, it would surely be as Zhou Yu did.

Though it was certainly different from what I knew, the aroma was nostalgic in its own way. I enjoyed the subtle fragrance of the tea. Memories of being obsessed with tea during a period of insomnia floated up.

The tense string of tension loosened as it soaked in the tea’s aroma.

Even in front of Zhou Yu, I closed my eyes comfortably.

The muscles on my face, which had been stiff from being in front of Zhou Yu, relaxed, forming a faint smile.

Then, with a clink, Zhou Yu set down the cup, and I opened my eyes.

“I apologize. The tea aroma was so good that I couldn’t help it. You really brew tea well.”

“Hoho, you flatter me.”

Even as he said that, Zhou Yu’s face showed considerable pride.

Following Zhou Yu, I lifted the cup and smelled the tea aroma. A rich fragrance wafted in. It was distinctly different from the chamomile tea I drank for insomnia.

I remember reading somewhere that in ancient times, tea was used more as medicine than a beverage. If it’s medicine, it’s not bad.

After smelling the aroma, I took a sip, letting the taste linger in my mouth. Hmm, it’s definitely a bit bitter. Good thing I like bitter tastes. If I had a sweet tooth, I might have frowned.

“You drink well. Do you usually drink tea? You seem quite familiar with it.”

“Huh? Ah, I have some experience.”

“Really? It’s a taste children usually don’t like.”

Zhou Yu’s tone softened, pleased that I enjoyed the tea he brewed.

“How’s your injury?”

“It’s healed. I must take after my father.”

“Haha, indeed. General Zhang Fei is naturally tough.”

After that, Zhou Yu chatted lightly about various topics.

From what it’s like for a woman to live in a military camp to the recent Nan Commandery battle.

Just as the conversation seemed to be flowing smoothly and about to end.

“I have a son your age.”

Zhou Yu suddenly brought up the topic.

“His name is Zhou Shun. Unlike you, he’s a delicate child. But like you, he has an outstanding appearance.”

With Zhou Yu as his father, it’s astronomically unlikely for his son to be unattractive.

One of the few handsome men recorded in history, even nicknamed “Mei Zhu Lang.” Seeing him in person, it’s clear that the standards of beauty haven’t changed much from ancient to modern times.

Even if born in modern times, Zhou Yu’s looks alone could sustain him. His son, Zhou Shun, must be the epitome of a delicate, sickly pretty boy.

“If you’re willing, how about meeting my son?”

“Huh?”

A father directly asking a woman if she’d like to meet his son? Regardless of the era, it means one thing—he’s considering her as a potential daughter-in-law.

I feigned ignorance and subtly expressed my refusal.

“My elder brother also has a delicate constitution, and I’ve heard it’s not good to move around carelessly. I fear it might harm the young master.”

“Then you can come with me.”

His tone was incredibly gentle. If I were a genuine young girl without memories of a past life, I might have been completely swayed by Zhou Yu’s words.

With his deep understanding of music, Zhou Yu knew exactly how to use his voice. Combined with his unparalleled beauty, he was a mesmerizing man.

But unfortunately, my mind is more male.

“I apologize, but I’m still young and cannot leave my parents’ side. Please understand.”

“What if I get permission?”

Zhou Yu was persistent. From what I remember, Zhou Yu’s son married Sun Quan’s daughter. That wife, Sun Luban, was one of the most notorious villains in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which is why I remember. Just as Liu Bei and Zhang Fei became in-laws, Zhou Yu and Sun Quan also became in-laws to strengthen their relationship.

But to include me in that? His intentions were too obvious.

“Even if I follow your wishes, my father will never leave my uncle’s side.”

It was an extremely direct statement. Even if I married your son, Zhang Fei would remain loyal to Liu Bei, not Zhou Yu and Sun Quan. Zhou Yu’s eyes widened, and he suddenly burst into laughter.

“Ahahaha! So, that’s how you see it? That I brought this up to lure General Zhang Fei? Well, it’s not entirely false, but it’s not just that.”

“Huh?”

Zhou Yu’s response completely missed my expectations, and I made a dumbfounded sound.

Zhou Yu looked at me gently, as if finding me cute, and spoke.

“To be honest, I want you. I want you to become my daughter-in-law. Lord Sun proposed a marriage between Shun and your daughter, and I intended to follow through, but after seeing you, my thoughts changed.”

It didn’t seem like he was using me as bait to draw Zhang Fei to his side. Is he serious? Was Zhou Yu also skilled in acting? I don’t recall that.

As I was racking my brain to discern the truth of his words, Zhou Yu leisurely asked a question.

“You refused the marriage proposal with General Yu Xian’s son, right?”

How did he find that out? No matter how good his intelligence network is, finding out something like this is strange.

“Ah…!”

“So it’s true.”

“You were testing me.”

“I’m sorry. But this is also a lesson. From now on, be careful with things like this. Even when dealing with those you think are allies, think twice and respond cautiously.”

It was understandable that Zhou Yu knew about my engagement to Yu Xian. While arranging the marriage between Sun Quan’s sister and Liu Bei to pursue the Sun-Liu alliance, Zhou Yu must have considered his son.

But he didn’t know about the broken engagement and deduced the answer from my reaction.

“I can vaguely understand why you made that decision. If you marry my son, such things won’t happen. Shun is certainly a smart child, but his body is too weak for the battlefield. The roles inside and outside will switch. You will lead the private troops on the battlefield, and Shun will assist the family and lord from within. On the other hand, following Yu Xian, you will continue to be tested. Whether you are suitable as a general or as the wife of Yu Xian’s heir.”

Zhou Yu’s words didn’t seem entirely wrong. No matter how much merit I achieve, the label of being a woman will always follow me. Probably until I’m old enough that even a late marriage would be difficult.

And by then, the establishment of the Three Kingdoms would be over, so during the time I should be most active, there’s always the risk of being stopped at any moment.

As I couldn’t refute, Zhou Yu, determined to convince me completely, continued.

“I promise. If you become the daughter-in-law of the Zhou family, the Sun-Liu alliance will never be broken.”

A promise to maintain the alliance as long as Liu Bei doesn’t betray first. It’s Zhou Yu’s word. Sun Quan would surely follow his intention.

Honestly, it’s an appealing offer. If only Zhou Yu doesn’t die suddenly. And if I accept his offer and pay close attention to prevent his death, it might actually be possible to save Zhou Yu.

But I couldn’t nod.

“Thank you for the excessive favor you’ve shown me.”

“Then…….”

“But I must apologize for not being able to accept your favor.”

Zhou Yu’s eyes trembled slightly. Did he not expect the refusal? Or is he genuinely disappointed that he can’t welcome me into his family?

Under Zhou Yu’s questioning gaze, I thought to myself.

‘But, your lord is Sun Quan.’

Initially a promising ruler but gradually becoming a mess, an alcoholic. Serve the second most terrifying lord after Cao Pi? With Guan Yu and Zhang Fei aside, Liu Bei is an ideal lord, and Yu Xian, who is swayed by his subordinates’ words? Why would I?

But I couldn’t give such an answer to Zhou Yu, so I chose an appropriate response.

“A gentleman does not serve two masters. Though I am a woman, I wish to follow the great path, so I cannot betray the loyalty I’ve sworn to Yu Xian.”

“Is that so? What a pity.”

Zhou Yu closed his eyes and murmured softly. His face was so pitiful that I felt guilty.

I should leave quickly and return. If I’m by Zhang Fei’s side, he won’t say anything more.

“It’s getting late, Lord Zhou. I should take my leave.”

“Alright. If you change your mind, come find me anytime. I’ll always be waiting.”

Hmm, he has a wife and children, and I understand he sees me as a potential daughter-in-law, but it still feels weird hearing such words.

Meanwhile, I maintained my manners, bowed, and left Zhou Yu’s residence without haste.

Taking a deep breath of the cold winter evening air, I felt much more at ease. As I got further from Zhou Yu’s residence, I stopped and looked back.

The lights were still on in Zhou Yu’s residence, as if he hadn’t gone to sleep yet.

“It seems we’re not fated in this life.”

Still, Zhou Yu, I did like you.

If we part ways this time, we probably won’t meet again.

So, I hope we can part with only good memories.

“It was an honor.”

I offered a farewell he wouldn’t hear and sorted out my feelings from my past life.

Now, I am Chang-ran.