Vol 5 CH Extra 1 (1/2)

VOLUME 5 EXTRA STORY PART 1

“Hahaha, I didn’t think Meng De would fall so easily.” Ben Chu cackled as they came back from battle. When I looked at the people behind her, apart from Zhang He, everyone else seemed overjoyed.

“Eh?” I gave a surprised gasp, and didn’t believe what Ben Chu said, “What did you say, Ben Chu? Meng De lost?”

At my question, Ben Chu seemed to be even happier as she sat down on the main seat, “That’s right. After a few battles, her resources were mostly drained, and in the most recent battle, we were able to deal a decisive blow to her main forces.”

As Ben Chu said so, she raised her wine cup which the other officials followed suit as well, “Feng Ji, you were instrumental in this. It’s thanks to your supply routes and ambushes.”

“Ah, ah… Your retainer was just doing what she is supposed to.” Feng Ji was caught off-guard by Ben Chu’s praise and hurriedly raised her cup as well, which the surrounding soldiers filled for her.

“That was all thanks to advice from Lord Tian Feng.” Ju Shou muttered the truth under her breath with a look of dissatisfaction.

“Ju Shou! n.o.body will you think you are dumb if you don’t speak!”

“Alright alright, let’s stop fighting now that victory is within our grasp.” Ben Chu smiled stiffly as she drank from her cup, “Tian Feng is unreasonable and unruly at times but she is a loyal retainer and a talent. I’ll let her out when I get back. Come, everyone. Drink!”

As she said so, Ben Chu raised her cup and everyone else followed suit and toasted to Ben Chu. I was included of course, but I wasn’t too happy with this outcome.

Meng De… Is going to lose huh? That ingenious Meng De is going to lose just like that?

When I realised this, I felt like my heart was in turmoil for some inexplicable reason. As I raised my neck and delivered wine down my mouth, I felt that this wine was difficult to swallow.

“Ju Shou, does Meng De have a chance of overturning this situation?” Ben Chu asked when she finished her wine.When Ju Shou heard this, she put down her cup and thought for a moment.

“If Cao Cao attacks Wu Chao, she might have a chance to win. But with the forces Cao Cao has left, I doubt she can defeat the garrison at Wu Chao.”

“I see…” Ben Chu’s smile seemed to diminish somewhat as she nodded.

“My lord, why don’t we bolster the garrison at Wu Chao just in case?”

“No need for that,” Ben Chu shook her head, “We’ll leave it as it is. I doubt she will dare to launch an offensive anyway.”

When she finished, Ben Chu raised her cup once more and downed its contents.

“Hai, Meng De ah Meng De. I’ve finally defeated you.”

I was sitting closer to Ben Chu so even though she muttered this under her breath, I could hear it clearly. I looked at her when I heard this, and saw that she was smiling but she seemed lonely for some reason.

“Xuan De.”

“Ah… Yes.”

Without any warning at all, Ben Chu called out to me.

“After you’re fed and watered, go over to Meng De and ask her to surrender immediately. I’ll let her live if she does so.”

“En?” I was surprised at what I heard, “You want me to go?”

“Yes, it will be easier to do this if it’s you.” Ben Chu said as she raised her eyebrows, and continued in a serious tone, “If she does not surrender, then we will fight to the death tomorrow at noon.”

And so, I came with Zi Long to the Cao army encampment and delivered an introductory letter to the guards at the gate and waited for a moment. When I raised my head to look at the guard posts, I found that there were few guards around.

“Ah, it’s Imperial Uncle.” A voice came from a side gate that opened nearby.

I looked over and saw a girl with flowing hair, wearing plate armour walking over. What made her stand out was a black eyepatch she wore.

“Ah, Yuan Rang. It’s been a while.” I said as I returned Yuan Rang’s salute and bow.

“Yes, it has been a long while since we’ve met.” Yuan Rang said as she got up. She didn’t seem to be in good shape. Her only eye had dark circles below. Looks like things are really looking bad.

“Have you both come to see Meng De?”

“Ah, yes.” I nodded.

“We came here with a message and we also wanted to see Meng De.”

“I see. Hu~” Yuan Rang put her hands on her hips as she sighed with a tired smile.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure Meng De will be happy to see Xuan De. Come in.” Yuan Rang turned around and led us in when she finished.

“Do we need to leave our weapons outside?” I asked.

“It’s fine,” Yuan Rang raised a hand and waved it without turning back, “There’s no need for that now.”