Chapter 85

The day after winning the bet with Cao Biao, Cao Biao immediately announced that the emperor’s permission had been granted. Of course, that permission was probably something Cao Biao himself had issued, not the emperor.

However, the number of people allowed to meet the emperor was limited to three. After internal discussions, it was decided that I, as the chief envoy, Han Yeom as the deputy envoy, and Zhao Yun, who had the highest reputation among us, would attend the imperial audience.

And so, the imperial audience took place. I had some expectations, considering the emperor’s title, but when I actually faced Emperor Xian, there wasn’t much about his appearance that stood out.

Whether it was Sima Yi or Cao Biao, they tried to offer me the position of Imperial Guard Commander, but I declined with a plausible excuse. The Wei faction might use this as a pretext to undermine our legitimacy, but there was nothing I could do about it.

‘I can’t really accept it, can I?’

It wasn’t just an honorary position; the Imperial Guard Commander was a close bodyguard to the emperor. It would be like a leash tying me to the imperial palace.

Apart from offering me the position, Emperor Xian showed quite a bit of interest in me. It seemed he was curious about a woman being a general. I answered his questions sincerely as he asked about various things.

“Are you really not considering becoming the Imperial Guard Commander? I can even grant you the title of Marquis.”

At first, it was a formal offer, probably prompted by someone else, but now it was a sincere request from Emperor Xian himself.

Seeing the emperor, who stood above all, lower himself like this made me feel a bit sorry for him. But there was only one answer I could give.

“I humbly decline.”

Emperor Xian sighed with clear disappointment at my answer. But he seemed to understand his own situation and my position, so he didn’t press further.

The audience concluded like that. There was no mention of the Hanzhong King’s petition, which hadn’t been approved, or Liu Bei’s previous titles of Imperial Uncle and Left General. It seemed to be an unspoken agreement to let it slide.

But just the fact that we had met the emperor strengthened our legitimacy. After all, what kind of crazy emperor would formally receive envoys sent by a rebel leader?

Although their attempt to offer me a position might offset some of our gains, it was still to our advantage.

After the audience, we prepared to return. And a new member joined our delegation.

“I’m Yu Jeong.”

“I’m Yu Hye.”

They were Liu Bei’s two daughters. Since they had been taken as hostages in the bet, it was only right to return them after our victory.

Moreover, they had long been abandoned by Liu Bei, so they had little value as hostages.

Perhaps out of some respect for his rival, Cao Cao didn’t bestow any special favors on them. But even so, they wouldn’t be treated as Liu Bei’s daughters.

Having grown up in Wei for over ten years, it was obvious they would be met with suspicion if they returned.

Their identity as Liu Bei’s daughters was already blurred, and suddenly being sent to Shu must have been confusing for them. They weren’t that old, and they looked about my age, so it was understandable.

If you were a modern person, you’d know how much early upbringing influences one’s values. I left the preparations for the return journey to others and focused on comforting the two.

I was wary of Cao Biao pulling more tricks, but perhaps he had run out of schemes, as there were no further disruptions.

Instead, we had visitors. Most were politely turned away by Han Yeom, but some couldn’t be dismissed.

One of them was Xiahou Ying, who now stood before me.

“It’s been a while.”

In terms of family hierarchy, he was like an uncle to me, but in reality, he was younger than me. Perhaps considering my position as an envoy, he spoke politely.

Xiahou Ying, who had matured since I last saw him in Hanzhong two years ago, now carried a bitter smile instead of the intense hatred he once had. As the prodigy of the Xiahou family, he must have gained some insights.

At fifteen, in an era where one had to grow up quickly, he was no longer a child.

“You’ve grown a lot.”

It wasn’t an empty compliment; Xiahou Ying was now a head taller than before.

He was still shorter than me, but that was because I was nearly 170cm, which was considered quite tall for the time. Xiahou Ying was close to the average height for adult men.

With a complicated expression, unsure whether to be happy about being complimented by his nephew, Xiahou Ying soon composed himself and spoke.

“I’ve thought a lot during this time.”

He continued, “Looking back, I realize why I hated you so much. We were each just fulfilling our duties in our respective positions.”

“…I also regret the death of your uncle.”

“Is that so? Yes, I understand now. That you returned my father’s remains was an act of respect towards him.”

Xiahou Ying bowed his head to me.

“Though it’s late, I thank you for your kindness and respect.”

“You’re too kind. Please raise your head.”

“That’s why I want to repay your kindness.”

Xiahou Ying whispered a secret very carefully.

“Be careful of Yu Hye.”

“Yu Hye?”

When the name of Liu Bei’s daughter, who had been captured by Cao Cao, was mentioned, I frowned.

“She’s a fake.”

“…How do you know that?”

“I serve as a secretary under the King of Wei. It’s quite easy for me to overhear palace gossip.”

Looking into Xiahou Ying’s clear eyes, it didn’t seem like he was lying.

“Yu Hye is meant to turn you into a traitor within your ranks. Even if it fails, planting a spy inside will bring many benefits. Even if the spy is discovered, it doesn’t matter. They can just claim that you cooperated in planting the spy.”

True to his reputation for intelligence since he was seven, Xiahou Ying explained without hesitation how Wei could benefit from Yu Hye being a spy and how it could damage me and Shu.

“Why are you telling me this?”

If discovered, it wouldn’t end with just Xiahou Ying. It could lead to charges of treason and the extermination of his entire family.

“Do you remember Marquis Gong?”

Marquis Gong was the posthumous title Cao Cao had given to Zhao Hong. As the one who killed him, how could I forget?

When I nodded solemnly, Xiahou Ying furrowed his brow and spoke with a voice filled with anger.

“Marquis Gong was a loyal subject and a relative of the Cao family. Even the late emperor shed tears. But the King of Wei was different.”

“Don’t tell me…”

“Yes, he was happy. He even held a feast on the anniversary of Marquis Gong’s death. That’s something no ruler of a nation or head of a family should do. How can I stand by while such a person harms another relative?”

Cao Biao hated Zhao Hong. The reason was absurd. It was because Zhao Hong refused to lend him money. Or maybe it was silk.

But Cao Biao had a history of borrowing money and not repaying it. With his credit in the gutter, Zhao Hong probably didn’t want to lend him anymore.

Holding a grudge over this, Cao Biao tried to kill Zhao Hong, despite everyone around him劝阻.

Even Cao Cao’s wife, Empress Wu Xian, and Cao Biao’s wife, Queen Guo, intervened and managed to stop him, but it showed just how insane Cao Biao was and how much he hated Zhao Hong.

This time, he even went as far as to insult the dead. He truly was a man of unparalleled madness.

“I consider this as repayment for saving my life and returning my father’s remains.”

They say you should repay kindness twofold, but Xiahou Ying had repaid me several times over.

When I acknowledged his words, he smiled slightly, clasped his hands, and bowed.

It was both a farewell and a gesture of sending me off.

“Take care on your way back. I probably won’t see you at the farewell ceremony, so consider this my send-off.”

Not long after my meeting with Xiahou Ying, I passed through the gates of Ye.

§

Though it was once the edge of the world, it was now a frontier that many paid attention to—Tianshui Commandery.

Tianshui was currently divided between two forces. South of the Wei River was controlled by Liu Bei, while the north was under Cao Wei.

While Guan Yu was making history with his northern campaign, Ma Chao attacked Tianshui in a pincer operation. Ma Chao’s offensive was fierce, but thanks to Yang Fu’s efforts, Wei managed to hold him off at the Wei River.

Truly, Ma Chao and Yang Fu had a bitter rivalry, each being the other’s nemesis.

Ma Chao vented his frustration at Yang Fu, who repeatedly blocked his path, but capturing Jixian, where Tianshui’s administrative center was located, was still a significant achievement.

Delighted at securing a stronghold that would be crucial for future northern expeditions, Liu Bei appointed Wang Sha, who had shown exceptional ability under Zhang Lan, as the governor of Tianshui.

Ma Chao’s influence over the Qiang people and Wang Sha’s ability to integrate different ethnic groups.

The combination of strength and diplomacy, authority and trust, created a synergy that made Tianshui, despite being a border region between Wei and Shu and a mix of Han and other ethnic groups, surprisingly stable.

For the common people, this was a blessing and happiness, but for those with grand ambitions who dreamed of making a name for themselves in the conflicts between Wei and Shu, it was somewhat disappointing.

Knowing that causing chaos for the sake of war was the act of scoundrels, they quietly waited for their time.

And here, one such young man was waiting.

“General! The condolence delegation is on their way back. They’ve reached near Luoyang.”

“Is that so?”

The young man called “General” put away the bamboo scroll he was reading and stood up.

Standing at 8 chi (184cm) tall with a well-trained, robust body and a handsome, manly appearance, he was the very image of a heroic figure.

The young man looked at a crude but detailed map he had made himself, covering Yongyang, Sili, and Guanzhong.

“Finally, the storm is approaching.”

Like a great bird riding the storm, the young man had been waiting for the wind.

The name of that wind was Zhang Lan. Her ability to recognize talent was comparable to Liu Bei’s, and her boldness in employing young talent was akin to Emperor Wu of Han, who had promoted Huo Qubing.

“But will she come to Tianshui? She could just go down to Jing Province.”

“Since when does the storm blow as we wish? If it heads elsewhere, we’ll have to draw it here.”

The young man was confident. He believed in his own abilities and qualities.

Because if it was Zhang Lan, she would recognize the grand ambition he held.

The young man rose from his crouched position, ready to announce his presence to the world.

The world would soon know of his existence.

They would remember his name.

The name was Jiang Wei.