Vol 6 Chapter 2 (1/2)

VOLUME 6 CHAPTER 2: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS MY FAREWELL WITH YUAN SHAO (2)

After a few days, Zi Long returned to Liyang in a Roman-like triumphus fas.h.i.+on. Before she even reached the city, she’d sent a courier ahead who was in very high spirits, which made me guess that Zi Long must have achieved much in her recruitment efforts. And so, I went out to wait for her return with high expectations.

As I looked down from the city tower, Zi Long’s s.h.i.+ny armour caught my eye. Just as eye-catching was her confident smile, and the ma.s.sive crowd behind her.

Just like that, the troops under my command have increased by more than 1,000.

I was still in disbelief and asked Zi Long how she did it, but all she said was that she did it the usual way. Honestly, I’m really surprised at the outcome. I never thought that a new faction like mine with no money, reputation or authority could gather so many people just by Zi Long’s efforts alone. I wonder if I was just underestimating myself or if Zi Long’s tongue was simply too glib.

But it does make sense if you think about it in the context of this era, where gender equality has been in place since the Shang dynasty and armies have both men and women. In this way, recruiting 1 spouse might net you the other or even the whole family. Even though they will be constantly on the move, being able to live, and die, together might be something comforting in such troubled times.

After all 1,500 or so of my troops were gathered before me, I delivered a speech to them much like how I did back in Zhuo commandery. For some reason, hope seems to be a fresh concept to them and they liked it very much, seeing as they were all in high spirits by the end of it. Of course, guilt a.s.sailed me as always seeing them so excited at my words.

“Won’t Xuan De command the troops himself?” Zi Long asked me, at which sweat streamed down my face as I smiled stiffly and couldn’t reply.

Me command troops? I’d rather handle military affairs. Even though I delivered the speech to them, I still decided to leave the command to Zi Long. I’m not someone like Han Xin who can come up with strategies and tactics with any number of troops after all.

And a few more days after that, Gong You returned.

When she came back, she was clearly utterly exhausted. Her expression seemed the same as how it usually was but one could tell that she was devoid of strength. Leaving aside everything else, Gong You’s eyebags were dark. She probably hasn’t had much sleep these few days.

When I saw this, I hurriedly got a cup of tea for Gong You.

“M, my lord…”

“Don’t say anything, have a seat first.” Gong You’s expression wavered when she saw me bring tea to her but I stopped her and made her sit down first.

“Hu~,” Gong You let out an uncharacteristic sigh and crumpled onto a nearby chair. She saluted me and received the tea with trembling hands which she sipped, and then quickly set down her cup, “… My lord, General Guan Yu seems to have left Xuchang.”

“Eh? Already?”

“Un.” Gong You nodded, “It seems like they left soon after we told them of our whereabouts before the Battle of Guandu began.”

“Then what about now? Where are they now?” My voice grew louder as I got more agitated at Gong You’s words.

“I don’t have concrete information on their present whereabouts.” Gong You shook ger head, and nodded resolutely immediately after as she continued, “But I am sure that General Guan Yu and the rest are headed for the southern most city in Lord Yuan Shao’s domain, Runan.”

Runan… It’s somewhere at the border of Ben Chu’s territory right.

“Then have you heard any news about Yi Dr?”

“… I regretfully apologise.” Gong You tried to get up and bow in apology but I hurriedly grabbed her arms to stop her as she had already done everything she could.

“Rest easy first Gong You. I’ll take care of everything else for now and we can think of that later.” At this moment, I was more concerned about Gong You. She’s always been serious about her work to a fault, and doesn’t take care of herself enough. It is especially so for missions of critical importance that her actions can be dangerous to herself.

“My lord, I suggest that we should start moving immediately and head to Runan first before eventually heading further south.”

“Eh?

Just then, Gong You grabbed on to my sleeve and looked at me. The seriousness in her eyes was even more p.r.o.nounced because of her tiredness and this gave me a shock.

“Lord Yuan Shao has not said it yet, but she probably intends to have you follow her to Xuchang. The only reason why she hasn’t mentioned it is because she hasn’t made the necessary arrangements. If we wish to eventually build a domain of our own, we cannot stay in Hebei which has now stabilised and must reunite with the other generals as soon as possible and travel further south…”