Chapter 87

The observer is always noticed by the one being observed.

When Chang-ran heard about Kang Yu’s identity from Wang Sha, Kang Yu also realized that Chang-ran had arrived.

“Just as the leader said, it happened.”

“You’ve been with the leader for more than a day or two, and you still doubted him?”

“Just believe in him.”

“No, it’s not that I didn’t believe…”

As Kang Yu’s plan succeeded, his subordinates erupted in chaos.

They had been with Kang Yu since he inherited his father’s position as a middle-ranking officer after his father’s passing. They were well aware of Kang Yu’s intelligence.

However, they were half-doubtful whether it would work on someone as significant as Chang-ran. Yet, Kang Yu did not disappoint their expectations this time either.

“Leader, what should we do now?”

With even greater trust and respect, the subordinate asked, but Kang Yu’s response was surprisingly lackluster.

“Nothing.”

“Huh?”

“There’s nothing more to do. Just wait quietly.”

By the time Chang-ran arrived at Tianshui, Kang Yu’s plan was essentially complete.

Her arrival meant she understood the message Kang Yu sent and was interested in it. Surely, she would do something to summon him.

And just as Kang Yu expected, a change came.

Near the trees where Kang Yu and his subordinates had hung jade stones instead of fruit, a sign was hung on an untouched, ordinary tree.

The sign read “Fuxiang Tree,” as if it were the tree’s nameplate. Seeing this, Kang Yu spoke to his subordinates.

“You all should return now.”

“Huh? What about you, Leader?”

“I must wait.”

Kang Yu looked up at the tree where he had hung the jade stones. Though the stones were gone, making it no different from any other tree, to Kang Yu, it seemed as if a nest had been built on it.

“Waiting for the phoenix.”

After sending his subordinates away, Kang Yu leaned against the trunk of the Fuxiang Tree and sat down.

The autumn sky was clear, and the mountain breeze rustled the leaves, creating a serene melody.

It was said that Jiang Taigong sat by the river with his fishing rod, waiting for the years to pass. Then, he would play his reed flute and wait for the phoenix. It suited him, sharing the same surname Jiang.

The sound of the reed flute joined the chorus of the wind and grass. As Kang Yu closed his eyes and let time pass, he felt a shadow fall over his face and opened his eyes.

What met his gaze was a beauty as radiant as a blooming flower. The woman, transitioning from a girl to a lady, had a refreshing yet enchanting presence. Kang Yu, though he already knew her, couldn’t react properly.

Every time the wind blew through her hair, a faint fragrance mixed with the scent of grass erased Kang Yu’s thoughts.

Perhaps his dazed expression was amusing. She smiled softly and spoke.

“Are you Li Zhu?”

The emperor, who cherished jade, sent a minister named Li Zhu to guard the Fuxiang Tree growing nearby.

Just as Kang Yu had invited Chang-ran by emulating the emperor’s legend, Chang-ran also referenced it to summon Kang Yu. Understanding her intent, Kang Yu stayed upon seeing the Fuxiang Tree sign.

Still in a daze, Kang Yu opened his mouth as if entranced.

“Yes. I summoned you.”

“Why?”

Chang-ran’s voice held no resentment or anger toward the bold youth who had summoned her. Her tone was firm but considerate, warm, and though low, clear and transparent, even giving a sense of excitement.

And above all, it was pleasant to hear. Just the fact that she was speaking to him made him endlessly happy.

Thus, Kang Yu, forgetting even that he should stand, overlapped his voice with hers, which still seemed to linger in his ears.

“Because I wanted to let you know.”

It wasn’t about seeking fame or recognition.

Rising to a high position? Good. But that’s not unique.

Gaining widespread fame? Good. But that’s not enough.

Kang Yu desired something greater.

Immortal honor.

Eternal fame.

He wished to be as renowned as Jiang Taigong, as heroic as Jing Ke, and as virtuous as Zhang Liang.

This was Kang Yu’s distant dream.

Thus, Kang Yu laid bare his deepest, unspoken thoughts. And Chang-ran listened intently, seriously and reverently, fulfilling her duty as a listener.

When Kang Yu’s mouth closed, the roles of speaker and listener reversed.

“Ten years ago. There was a foolish girl. Before those the world called heroes, she boldly declared. She would not be someone’s wife but a general who would make her name known.”

“That was…”

“Yes. My story. But my true heart was different. I had a higher dream. Just like you. In that, we are quite similar.”

As she spoke, Chang-ran suddenly reached out her hand. Realizing he was still leaning against the tree, Kang Yu quickly took her hand and stood up.

Their gazes met. As his eyes, which had been looking up, lowered, Chang-ran asked.

“I haven’t even heard your name yet.”

“Ah, Kang Yu, my name is Kang Yu. My courtesy name is Baiyue.”

Hearing his courtesy name, Chang-ran rolled the pronunciation on her tongue a few times.

“The first promise… Did you not want to forget the promise you made to yourself?”

“Correct.”

“Then make a second promise with me.”

“A promise…”

“Yes. A promise to achieve great things together and leave our names in history. How about it, will you join me?”

This promise was the reason Kang Yu had summoned her to Tianshui, and it was his dream. Kang Yu did not hesitate. There was no reason to.

With strength in their clasped hands, Kang Yu declared his vow from the depths of his soul.

“Gladly, I will join you.”

“This is our promise. These clasped hands are our pledge.”

The second promise made with a handshake.

Now, if they let go of these hands, the promise would remain in their hearts.

Feeling the warmth fade from his hand, Kang Yu felt a sense of loss. Though the touch was rough, the warmth had enveloped not just his skin but his heart.

But Chang-ran, seemingly not feeling the loss, pulled her hand away and placed it on her waist.

“Is your mother in Jixian?”

“Yes. But how did you…”

“Why? I’m taking her son with me, so I should pay my respects to her.”

Chang-ran urged him to lead the way, pushing him forward.

In the original history, Kang Yu joined Zhuge Liang, leaving his family behind and earning a reputation as an unfilial son. But here, a different story would unfold.

At Kang Yu’s home, Chang-ran greeted his mother.

“Hello. Are you Kang Baiyue’s mother?”

“Yes, but… who are you?”

“Ah, I am…”

As Chang-ran began to introduce herself, Kang Yu, usually confident, followed behind her, acting shy.

Seeing her son’s unusual behavior, the mother let out a near-scream and quickly ran out.

“Oh my! You’ve finally come to your senses. Yes, a man should marry soon and give me grandchildren. That’s filial piety!”

“Mother, that’s not it…”

“Enough, you rascal. Oh dear, what a sight I’ve shown. Such a noble lady… This won’t do. I must bring something. All we have is water, what should I do…”

Clearly mistaking Chang-ran for Kang Yu’s prospective bride, the mother’s words made Kang Yu nearly foam at the mouth as he shouted.

“Mother! This is the Rear General of the Great Han! She’s not what you think!”

Watching Kang Yu and his mother bicker from a distance, Chang-ran chuckled. But not for long. Before the misunderstanding escalated further, Chang-ran stepped in to mediate.

The mother, realizing Chang-ran’s true identity, apologized, but Chang-ran brushed it off lightly.

“I came to seek your permission to enlist your son.”

What parent would stop their son from taking an official position? Unless it was in an enemy state.

Though Kang Yu had once served Wei, that was no big deal. Rather, his mother, worried about his future due to past failures, gladly accepted Chang-ran’s offer.

After receiving permission, Kang Yu cautiously spoke.

“I apologize. You must have been uncomfortable.”

“Not at all. Don’t worry about it. By the way, how about moving your mother to a safer place in Nanjing?”

In case Jixian was retaken by Wei, it wouldn’t hurt to prepare. Thinking of Xu Shu’s precedent, Chang-ran suggested this, and Kang Yu responded positively.

“Would that be alright?”

“Of course. I’ll inform Shengzong separately.”

Chang-ran spoke with a constant smile.

Though he had heard she wasn’t one to smile much. Kang Yu, slightly puzzled, asked.

“But, Rear General. Are you sure about appointing me as a Rear General’s Office official?”

“Do I not have the authority to appoint staff in the military office?”

“But I’m just a newcomer with no achievements.”

Chang-ran’s smile faded as she opened her eyes slightly, as if questioning his lack of confidence.

“I pride myself on my ability to judge people.”

“That’s well-known.”

“In this world, the phoenix’s daughter has appeared, but the dragon’s son has yet to be seen.”

The phoenix gives birth to the luan bird, and the dragon to the qilin. They are said to bring peace and herald the birth of sages.

“But.”

Chang-ran’s eyes, fixed on Kang Yu, were filled with an intense, unshakable trust that even Kang Yu couldn’t fully understand.

“Not anymore.”