Vol 7 Chapter 37 (2/2)

Zhu Zhi was all smiles, but I felt weird looking at her like that. Zhu Ran, on the other hand, was sitting there quietly in a daze, and only nodded slightly when she saw me.

These 2 people aren’t very fun to hang out with.

Thereafter, the rest of them took their seats. After giving a quick summary of Gan Ning’s situation, it was just as I guessed. Whether it was my lord, Zi Jing or Zhang Zhao, they were all pleased with Gan Ning.

(TL: In the original, Gan Ning was exiled in name to an island to appease Ling Tong.)

From the beginning till the end of my summary, I could feel a vicious gaze from Ling Tong. In particular, when our lord paid tribute to Ling Cao, I could feel like Ling Tong’s chopsticks were about to fly out at Gan Ning.

But good thing that she didn’t do anything. Probably because she felt like it would be highly improper to do so in such a situation, and when our lord is in such high spirits.

I have to say, Ling Cao really did bring her daughter up well. At the very least, she’s better than Zhu Zhi by far.

“Xing Ba (Gan Ning’s courtesy name), Jiangdong is your home from now on. If there is anything, you can always look for me–”

“Ahem… My lord has much to learn and study.”

“Ah, of course. When I’m resting.” My lord hurriedly added on more words when she heard Zhang Zhao’s words and looked back at Zhang Zhao to see that it was alright. Only when Zhang Zhao picked up her chopsticks again did my lord heave a sigh of relief.

“Yes…” Gan Ning nodded and saluted.

“Alright, no need for that. It’s a little odd to salute at the dinner table.” My lord said with slightly raised eyebrows as she waved at Gan Ning.

“Well then, let’s begin.”

Finally, the words I’ve been waiting for. When she finished, I hurriedly picked up my chopsticks and began picking food to eat. As for the ones beside me, they were famished as well and began gobbling down copious amounts of food.

Whilst eating, I found that my lord’s way of eating has changed and she is a lot more refined than before. Looks like she’s picked up a lot from Zhang Zhao’s teachings.

As I thought about this, I picked up a bowl of food and started shoveling food into my mouth.

Ah… Should I change how I eat as well…

… Probably not.

The thought crossed my mind before I remembered that I was just a military personnel and did not have any civil appointments yet so I felt that I should enjoy eating like this while I still can.

“Speaking of which, has my lord decided on who to lead the garrison of Jiangxia?” I suddenly remembered that the issue of Jiangxia city hadn’t been resolved yet and asked, “If you haven’t made a choice, then you can let sister Dong be the Administrator and let Gan Ning be her aide. I believe that choice of personnel will be perfect.”

Gan Ning was familiar with this area and sister Dong happened to need a change of environment. It’s better for her to move to a splendid area such as Jiangxia city with its picturesque scenery than have her stay in Shouchun or Wu commandery which are filled with her memories of Lord Sun Jing.

But just then, I felt something touch the back of my neck, and I turned around and found that it was Pan Zhang’s braid.

Geh! I got a shock and felt angry soon after as I shot her a stare. She was unperturbed and began to signal at me with her hands.

Looks like she’s reminding me to raise the matter of rewards.

Of course, I haven’t forgotten about this.

Honestly, whether I raise the matter or not, we will get rewards. But when the one giving them is Zhang Zhao, rewards can be very scant and there are even times when all the ones who have achieved merits have gotten are several bags of rice.

But if we raise to our lord, she will very likely reward us more lavishly and Zhang Zhao never disagrees with it when our lord bestows rewards.

“Un… About this…” But at my question on the appointments at Jiangxia, our lord stammered and began to scratch her ear nervously.

Un? Has she guessed that I am about to talk about rewards?

“About the matter of Jiangxia city,” Just then, Zi Jing spoke up, and paused for a long while before he continued, “We have decided to abandon Jiangxia city and return it to Liu Biao through diplomatic channels.”

“Eh?!” I was thoroughly shaken by these words and all thoughts of asking for rewards flew out of the window.

What is this? We paid so much in blood to take the city and now we’re giving it away empty-handedly?!

“My lord! Is that true?”

“Un… Regretfully, that is how it is going to be.” My lord was shocked at my sudden question and shuddered before she continued with a bitter smile, “But now that the one who killed my father is dead, I’m satisfied.”

“But–”

But we lost so many troops in this battle.

I had a lot to say but they were all stuck in my throat. I didn’t want to ruin the scene and make things awkward after all.

“Lord Lu Meng, calm down.”

“Lord Zhu Zhi, did you know of this beforehand?”

“Of course not, I too just heard of it.” Zhu Zhi said as she sat upright and placed her hands on her thighs, “But when you think about it, it does make sense.”

“Make sense?” I didn’t get it, why would you lay siege upon a city and take it only to abandon it shortly after?

“Lord Lu Meng, I was the one who put this suggestion out. No need to stare at her.” Just then, Zhang Zhao who was sitting opposite me spoke up softly.

<script>