Vol 6 Chapter 1 (2/2)

“I’m fine with this.” What’s up with Ben Chu today? All she’s been talking about are such trivial things. “I’m quite surprised you came to see me today. Shouldn’t you be busy with packing up as well?”

I’m not too sure but the commanders should be just as busy as the rank-and-file with other procedures and administrative work. So it’s strange that she has the time to come and visit me now.

“What is this huh~” Ben Chu was clearly unhappy when she heard my words and pursed her n.o.ble lips as she pointed down at me, “As the descendent of a n.o.ble and ill.u.s.trious family, and as General-in-Chief, I’ve come to see what it’s like for the common people. Yet, not only have you spurned my goodwill, you dare to be so rude!”

“No no no, I don’t mean that at all&h.e.l.lip;” I stammered as I frantically pushed Ben Chu’s finger to the side as I tried to explain myself.

“Hmph!” Ben Chu retracted her finger and twisted her slim waist and turned away, “I actually wanted to chat with you for a bit before I leave for Xuchang but look at the att.i.tude you’re showing me.”

Oh? That’s all? You just wanted to chat with me?

“I was just surprised, that’s all.” I smiled helplessly and went behind the table to take some tea leaves that Gong You had bought before, “If it’s just to chat, I am of course more than happy to.”

“Ah, you don’t need to make tea. I’ll be leaving soon.” Ben Chu stopped me, and swept her outer coat and sat down on my wooden bed, “Another 3 relatives have come to join me over these couple of days so I have to entertain them later.”

Seeing that Ben Chu didn’t want tea, I kept the tea leaves and sat on a small stool beside the bed.

Relatives huh? It’s clear that they came to ride on the back of Ben Chu’s success.

“Are you close with them?”

“No, not really. They’re just children after all.”

And they’re still kids huh&h.e.l.lip;

“You don’t need to entertain such opportunistic relatives.”

“I can’t do that. Whether or not I’m close to them, they’re family after all. Now that I have achieved success, it’s normal for them to join my side.”

As she finished, Ben Chu placed her hands close to the brazier beside the bed. Ben Chu’s hands were very white and looked bright red under the light of the fire. Her hands were also slightly stiff from the cold, probably because they were exposed for a long time. The reason why they were exposed was probably because she had to attend to administrative work.

“When does Ben Chu intend to head to Xuchang?”

“Tomorrow.”

“So suddenly?”

“Un, I stalled for time at the beginning because I thought that Meng De would up to something funny on her side but she actually prepared everything to receive me so quickly.” Ben Chu’s eyes were alit with rage as she said so, probably unhappy at how swift Meng De acted and felt that she had lost out to Meng De again.

“But whatever it is, Ben Chu has finally fulfilled her wish right.”

“Eh? Why’s that?” Ben Chu was surprised at my comment.

“As the descendent of the Yuan family, whose forebears all held the 3 Excellency positions for 4 generations, wasn’t it Ben Chu’s wish to directly support the Son of Heaven in a similar position?”

“Un&h.e.l.lip; I guess you’re right.” Ben frowned as she considered what I said for a moment before smiling in agreement, “Now that you mentioned it, perhaps it’s best if I can get to Xuchang as soon as possible. That way, I can get a grasp of Meng De’s movements earlier and prevent her from doing anything funny.” Ben Chu seemed to be in high spirits as she said so and began cackling.

But this way, Meng De and Ben Chu will be 2 strong opposing factions in Xuchang, seeing as they both have outstanding warrior generals and administrative officials.

But why did Meng De choose to settle things this way? She was clearly in the position to make a decision that would have led to a better outcome for her side.

“Aiya aiya, I came here to have a relaxing chat with Xuan De but we ended up talking about such serious matters.” Ben Chu shook her head as she realised what we’d been talking about and got up and walked over to where I was.

She bent down and touched her forehead to mine. Because her gown wasn’t figure hugging, it sagged when she bent down, revealing her mountainous cleavage right before me.

“U, umm&h.e.l.lip;”

“Xuan De, I’ll never forget the debt I owe to you for the Battle of Guandu.” Ben Chu smiled. This smile was different from the usual elegant smile, and exuded shyness and warmth. “I swear by my lineage that I will repay this debt one day. As long as you have need of me, come h.e.l.l or high water, I, Yuan Shao Yuan Ben Chu, will do anything to a.s.sist you.” Ben Chu got up when she finished.

“I, I didn’t do anything&h.e.l.lip;” I stammered shyly as I waved my hands. I really didn’t think that I did anything that was worth having Ben Chu swear to help me at any cost.

But Ben Chu clearly wasn’t of the same opinion as I.

“No, Xuan De taught me a lot of things, and helped me realise a lot of things as well.” Ben Chu said in a serious tone, and placed her palm on her chest before she continued, “Perhaps if I hadn’t spoken with you back then, my fate now would be very different.”

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