Chapter 89

After finishing the banquet at Nanjing County, we hurried back to Chengdu.

When we left Chengdu, it was late spring in March, but now it was full autumn.

As the harvest season ended, the golden fields shed their splendor, and the trees, adorned with lush fruits and colorful leaves, began to strip away their ornaments.

Both people and nature were busily preparing for the approaching winter as we arrived in Chengdu.

After completing the purification rituals, Han Yeom attended the court meeting to report on the condolence delegation.

There was no need to delve into the internal affairs of Cao Wei during the meeting.

The information shared was suitable for all officials to hear, such as the current state of Emperor Xian and the overall political climate of Cao Wei.

I mainly delivered the report, with Han Yeom supplementing where necessary.

The recruitment of Kang Yu was unrelated to the condolence delegation, so the report concluded with the news of bringing back Liu Bei’s two daughters.

“Returning safely is already enough, but bringing back my two daughters is a great achievement. I am pondering what reward to bestow.”

“I merely fulfilled my duty and do not seek any reward.”

“Excessive humility is not proper etiquette. Overly modest superiors diminish the achievements of their subordinates. Do not refuse, Mingjing.”

The phrase “excessive humility is not proper etiquette” comes from Mencius. Liu Bei’s words seemed to genuinely acknowledge the great merit of the condolence delegation.

“I will discuss with others before announcing the rewards for the condolence delegation.”

“Your grace is boundless.”

Deciding on the appropriate reward was indeed a dilemma. For Han Yeom and other delegation members, a promotion would suffice, but for those like me and Zhao Yun, who already held high positions, promotions were not feasible.

Simply offering material rewards would feel insufficient. Thus, the only remaining option was a noble title.

Titles like Marquis or Marquis of a specific region. Zhao Yun, given his past achievements, would likely be granted the lowest rank of Marquis. Bang Deok might end up with just a promotion.

That leaves me.

‘What level of marquis title would be appropriate?’

Surprisingly, my gender was not an issue, as there were precedents. For instance, Emperor Gaozu of Han once enfeoffed his sister-in-law as the Marquis of Yin’an, and the wife of Xiao He, one of the Three Heroes of Han, was also granted a marquis title.

Thus, enfeoffing me as a marquis was not problematic. The discussion would only revolve around the appropriate rank within the marquis hierarchy.

‘At most, it would be a difference between Marquis of a Commandery or Marquis of a Region.’

The hierarchy of marquises generally followed the order: Marquis of a Commandery, Marquis of a Region, Marquis of a Prefecture, Marquis of a District, and Marquis of a County.

Currently, Ma Chao was the only one in Shu Han holding the title of Marquis of a Commandery. Even Guan Yu and my father were only Marquis of a County.

Of course, if Liu Bei ascended as emperor, the highest rank of Marquis of a Commandery would be granted, but that was still a future event.

The issue lay there.

Ma Chao, being a warlord by birth, was different. I, born and bred as Liu Bei’s loyal follower, with my father being a Marquis of a County, would cause complications in the lineage if suddenly granted the title of Marquis of a Commandery.

Thus, the title I would receive would likely be Marquis of a County. This was a foregone conclusion. However, delaying the reward was a way to show our seriousness in discussing and honoring achievements.

Granting the title immediately might give the impression that my achievements were only worth that much.

I had no complaints. Liu Bei was someone who remembered such things and would take care of them later.

Of course, this was limited to those within his circle, but once you were in, Liu Bei took special care of you.

Just as he accumulated Guan Yu and my father’s merits and rewarded them generously upon declaring himself emperor, I too might rise to Marquis of a Commandery or even Marquis of a Region when the time came.

As the court meeting ended and I left the palace, I unexpectedly encountered someone. Judging by their expression and the surrounding situation, they seemed to have been waiting for me.

I hid my awkward expression and greeted first.

“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Despite being fourth in military rank, the one I had to greet first was the Crown Prince, Liu Shan.

Liu Shan smiled brightly and approached me with quick steps.

“Yes, indeed. I am diligently studying scholarship and virtue under my father and Military Advisor Zhuge.”

“That is commendable. Your efforts to cultivate the qualities of a ruler are impressive.”

“Recently, Military Advisor even praised me for my quick learning! Father also said that if I continue like this, I will surely surpass him in virtue!”

It was like a golden retriever wagging its tail, eagerly seeking praise from its owner.

‘Well, a retriever. Good-natured, but perhaps too good-natured…’

Liu Shan wasn’t a bad person. The problem was his susceptibility to influence. However, as a future ruler, failing to discern the right people to surround himself with was a significant shortcoming.

Looking at Liu Shan’s sparkling eyes filled with expectation, I awkwardly responded.

“Yes, that’s impressive.”

“I will surely accumulate greater virtue than my father.”

“To surpass our lord in virtue, you must continue to diligently pursue your studies.”

Liu Shan’s expression showed a hint of disappointment. It wasn’t intentional, but a natural reaction. This alone showed how far Liu Shan had to go.

I understood what he wanted to say, but it was uncomfortable for me.

Even though he was known as an incompetent ruler in history, he hadn’t done anything wrong yet. Seeing his crestfallen expression made me feel somewhat guilty.

‘But giving false hope would be no different from cruel optimism.’

As I stood there, unsure how to respond, someone came to my rescue.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

It was Zhuge Liang, who had been entrusted with Liu Shan’s education by Liu Bei.

“Have you completed the assignments I gave you?”

“Ah, there’s still a bit left…”

I thought Liu Shan would leave, but instead, he protested to Zhuge Liang.

“But I can finish them within the deadline, so can’t I enjoy a little leisure?”

“Indeed, Your Highness’s argument is not without merit. I have no intention of interfering with that.”

“Then…”

As Liu Shan’s stiff expression melted into a smile, Zhuge Liang remained stern and resolute.

“However, I must discuss important state matters with the Rear General. Your Highness, please release the Rear General for now.”

“Must it be now?”

“My apologies, but as you know, Chief Minister’s health is not good. We cannot delay important matters, not knowing when his strength might fail.”

I was already worried since Fa Zheng hadn’t appeared in this court meeting. It seemed history was following its course.

If his cause of death was overwork, perhaps Pang Tong, Ban Jun, and Ma Liang could share the workload to prevent it. But if it was illness, there was little I could do.

I had advised boiling water and frequent handwashing, but I was no Hua Tuo, and future knowledge was of little use here.

As I swallowed my bitterness over Fa Zheng’s condition, Liu Shan finally bowed his head, unable to overcome Zhuge Liang’s barrier.

“Understood…”

“Knowing when to yield is also a virtue of a gentleman. Your Highness has matured another step.”

Zhuge Liang offered words of comfort, praising Liu Shan’s growth.

Encouraged by the consolation, Liu Shan clenched his small fists and looked straight at me, raising his voice.

“…But you must come find me after state affairs are done. You must!”

As a subordinate, I couldn’t refuse, so I had no choice but to nod.

“Yes, I will. I will inform you later.”

“Then I will be waiting. Military Advisor, you always work hard for state affairs. I will return now to finish the assignments you gave me.”

“Take care.”

Zhuge Liang’s perfect etiquette and graceful demeanor truly exemplified what it meant to be noble.

After seeing off Liu Shan, I followed Zhuge Liang. We were to discuss important state matters. It was likely the military council where Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Fa Zheng would gather.

The reason for summoning me was probably to hear about the situation in Cao Wei through the condolence delegation. Just being part of this made my heart race.

Facing a historic moment, Zhuge Liang spoke calmly, seemingly unperturbed.

“His Highness the Crown Prince misses the Rear General greatly.”

“Is that so?”

“It seems the memories from his childhood are deeply ingrained.”

“It was indeed a memorable event.”

“I have no intention of interfering with the Rear General’s marriage, but following our lord’s wishes is not a bad idea.”

“Huh?”

“Though it may sound disloyal, the Crown Prince is still very young. If the one to be his consort is someone like the Rear General, who has strong principles and understands righteousness, there would be nothing to worry about.”

Though he said he had no intention of interfering, Zhuge Liang’s words carried significant weight.

If Zhuge Liang decided to support Liu Shan, could I really escape? A chill ran down my spine.

‘It’s a relief he remains neutral.’

Having been on edge, I felt more at ease as we approached the door to the room where the grand strategy would be discussed.

For security, there were no attendants. Zhuge Liang personally opened the door, revealing the faces of those already seated inside.

Pang Tong, Fa Zheng, Huang Quan.

The top military strategists of Shu Han were all gathered.

And with Zhuge Liang and me joining them.

“Today, we have gathered to discuss the Northern Expedition.”