Vol 2 Chapter 15 (1/2)

Volume 2 Chapter 15: Don’t tell me this is the edict in the sleeve

“Big brother, you’re so amazing, I can’t believe you’re now part of the royal family!” Yi De immediately slapped my back and said these words of praise after I told everyone what I had seen and heard at the palace back at the inn.

“*Ke* *Ke*… I don’t think it’s a big deal actually. After all, I did see that the eunuch declared it to the Emperor because he couldn’t be bothered to search.” As I said so, I widened my eyes to let them know how obvious that eunuch was, “But for some reason, no one else saw through it and of course, neither did the Emperor.”

When I think about how his father was manipulated and used as a figurehead by the Ten Regular Attendants and He Jin, that kid’s (Emperor Xian of Han) behaviour doesn’t seem too strange.

(TL: Ten Regular Attendants were 10 eunuchs and He Jin was a general. Google to find out more, I can’t summarise all this information within 50 words or less. They won’t be featuring in the story.)

“But I didn’t think that Emperor Xian of Han was just a kid only 4 or 5 years of age.” Yun Chang nodded as she said so. “And so the fate of the world lies in that kid’s hands?”

Ah, indeed. But I must say, that kid’s mucus is really sticky. He is also definitely meant for greatness… Not.

“Since the Emperor is still young, then the one who rules over the Imperial Court is–” Feng Xian intentionally left her sentence hanging.

Feng Xian probably means Meng De.

“Though I don’t know what Meng De’s plans are, but she has her own way of doing things and I believe she has her reasons for them.” I said as I exhaled.

“But my lord,” Zhang Liao said as she walked up to me, “We should have our own way of doing things as well.”

Un? What do you mean.

“There are many ways to support the Han.” “Lord Cao Cao has her own methods but they may not be able to save the Han.” “what Zhang Liao means is that we should have our own view of things and not move according to Lord Cai Cao’s will.” The Xu state 3 explained. It really is good having the 3 of them around. Every time I have doubts, they will always explain the situation to me without me having to ask.

But my own view huh. To be honest, I really haven’t been doing much thinking up till now.

“Don’t worry, I have my own considerations as well of course.” I gave an ambiguous answer for now, “But since we came to Xuchang, let’s enjoy the security and stability and leave other thoughts aside for now.”

“… To be blunt about it, I feel like we are being confined here.” Yun Chang said with a sharp look in her eyes.

Confined huh, this phrase is quite appropriate for this situation. But on the other hand, we have nowhere else to go anyway.

“Maa, Meng De said she just wanted my company. In that case–”

“That’s even worse!”

Before I could finish saying ‘In that case, let’s take as that for now’, Yun Chang cut me off with raised eyebrows. Everyone else seemed to agree with her.

Looks like Yun Chang really feels that staying here for long isn’t good. Though I feel that Meng De might have wanted to confine me, I am sure that she has no intention to harm me.

“Xuan De, just by looking at your expression now we know that you don’t understand what Yun Chang means by that.” Gan Qing, who was quietly sitting in the back all this while, suddenly pipped up. Everyone else seemed to agree as well.

“Un? I understand.”

“Hai~~~ If Xuan De says this, that means you don’t understand.” Gan Qing sighed as she shook her head while everyone wore helpless expressions.

“Un? What is–”

“Excuse me, is the Liu Bei, Governor of Yu state here?” Just as I was about to clarify what Gan Qing was talking about, a signaller came in and interrupted.

“Un? Looking for me?” I pointed at myself as I asked, “Who is it? Is it Meng… Imperial Chancellor Cao?”

“No, the one who is seeking your presence is the State Uncle Dong Cheng.”

“State Uncle!”

(TL: Dong Cheng is the father of the favourite consort of Emperor Xian of Han.)

Yun Chang and Zhang Liao seemed pretty shocked at hearing State Uncle but I have no idea what that t.i.tle means.

“What is that Uncle summoning me for?”

I don’t even know him, what could he want with me? Ah, it could be that he wants to get to know me and get some benefit. I am after all the Imperial Uncle now.

“I don’t know. Please make your preparation. I will be your guide.” As he said so, the signaller went to wait outside.

Un… Since he already invited me, might as well go.”

“I’ll be leaving then. If there’s nothing to do, you girls can go look around the city.”

“Big brother!” Just as I was about to leave, Yun Chang called me from behind.

“Ah? What is it?”

“When you meet the State Uncle, big brother must make sure to be polite and courteous and not make him feel like you are slighting him.”

“… Umm, who is the State Uncle?” I couldn’t help but ask when I saw Yun Chang’s serious look.

“Dong Cheng–” Zhang Liao ran over and said in a small voice, “– Is the father-in-law of the Emperor Xian of Han!”

Father-in-law?

Wait! Don’t tell me that little brat is married already!!

I was still wondering if he wanted to curry favour with me but now it looks like I should be the one currying favour with him.

“… Alright, I got it. I’m leaving now.”

“Big brother, why don’t I go with you.” Yun Chang said, still worried about me.

“Eh, it will be alright. I know the basic niceties at least. I’ll be going now, you all can take it easy for now.” As I said so, I followed the signaller out.

Eh? Where’s the signaller?! Why didn’t he wait for me!! I really hate those fellows, they never bring good news and think too much of themselves.

It took me a long whole before I found the signaller and make it to the State Uncle’s place.

“Ah~” I sighed in relief when I neared the door.

I must say, this place really is impressive. From outside I can see many grey tile roofs. As expected of the father-in-law of the Emperor.

*Dong* *Dong* *Dong* I knocked softly on the big door 3 times and heard the soft sound of footsteps coming from inside.

— *Chiyaa*, the door opened by a crack.

“Who is it.” The one who opened the door asked secretively.

I was about to just head on in when I remembered I should give my greetings first and bowed as I did so, “Liu Bei, Governor of Yu state, has come to answer an invitation. Please do notify the State Uncle.”

He thought for a bit before replying as he opened the door. “Come on in.”

I looked around the house and saw that there were quite a few people around already and they were all sitting in the courtyard. Seems like they’re waiting for me.

“Ah~~~~ Imperial Uncle Liu, I’ve been waiting for so long~~~~”

Right in the center was an old man with a long beard who got up and welcomed me in the moment he saw me.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you…” I nodded nervously, not knowing what to say, “Umm, you must be the State Uncle right.”