Vol 8 Chapter 3 (2/2)

“Yes, she is currently in Yingchuan.”

“I heard that there is a rebellion there as well, and General Xiahou is attending to it with Yu Jin.”

“Oh~ I know.”

Even though the north has been unified, it is only in name and there is still much internal strife. With uprisings happening here and there, how am I supposed to begin my southern campaign when I can’t even get a short rest?

“Yue Jin, Li Dian, if I said that we will launch an offensive on Jing state within the next 3 months, what do you think?”

“60 marks, my lord.”

“65 marks, my lord.”

“Un, I got it, no need to explain further.” I extended a hand to stop them from giving their a.n.a.lyses, and bowed, “It’s been a tiring time for you both so go and have an early night. I’ll give you both a few days of leave starting tomorrow so get some rest.”

When they heard me say this, they both bowed and saluted me before turning around and leaving.

The reason why I stopped them from saying what they wanted to say is because I know what they were going to say.

Because I am of the same opinion.

If my subordinates are of the same opinion, then it should be fine to delay it. I thought, feeling relieved inside.

Personally speaking, I hoped the world could give me a month or 2 of leave.

But conflict is about to begin in Jing state huh. The flashpoint will be at Jiangxia. Huang Zu is there and Sun Quan has a grudge with her, so this battle will be an especially b.l.o.o.d.y and violent one.

… Hai, Xuan De. Why do I get the feeling that you will be pulled into it? Is it a misconception or is it because I’m used to you being pulled into such things?

As I thought about this, I couldn’t help but to picture that troubled face of Xuan De’s as he gets dragged into the mess. And behind him are his beloved companions who protect him with a smile, and will never let harm come to him. This is probably what they mean by the saying ‘heaven always provides for the good’.

My mood got better when I thought of such things. Compared to Xuan De’s life, I can’t really say that mine is a lot more tumultuous. All I can say is we both have our own problems.

As I lay on my bed, I could not feel sleepy at all. For me, closing my eyes has become something difficult to do.

If it were before, I wouldn’t be afraid of any a.s.sa.s.sination plots but now I feel eyes on me everywhere I go. The feeling I get is antic.i.p.ation for my fall, and hope for a new round to begin again. I know. I have become important. Far more important than ever before.

I won’t let these people get their way. I have my path to walk. Even if, as I predicted, it gets windier and winder, and more difficult to continue on.

Ah…

Sometimes, I will think back to the days of the Dong Zhuo campaign. Back then, I didn’t feel so burdened, nor did I have so much troubles, and I could stand with the feudal lords, the people, and the troops.

Wherever I went, there were allies, and I felt invincible no matter who I had to face.

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