Vol 8 Chapter 11 (2/2)

I really don’t understand it.

“In any case, we must make sure that this expedition goes perfectly, uncle.”

“Un, alright,”

I nodded as I understood what she was implying. But when I think about what she meant on the surface, I began to worry again.

“But what is the status at Jiangxia now? What are our chances when we get there?”

Our opponents are the generals of Jiangdong after all. Naturally, I didn’t say this as it might hurt my side’s reputation if I did.

“The same answer as before, I don’t know.” Liu Qi said as she lightly shook her head, “Knowing how Huang Zu is like, she probably won’t give us a report on the situation even after we’ve reached Jiangxia. She is like me and distrusts others similarly. Everything in Jiangxia is decided solely by her.”

“Huang Zu… Huh?” I muttered under my breath.

“Why? You’ve heard of her?”

“Ah, a little.”

The first time I heard this name was back when I heard about uncle Sun Jian’s death. Based on my game knowledge, I remember that Huang Zu did accomplish some other feats but in the end, he was still just a minor character and I can’t remember the details. In short, the only impression I have of Huang Zu is a generic big, burly man.

But from how things look, Liu Biao’s guess should be right. The reason why Sun Quan is attacking is to seek vengeance for her father. If that’s the case, then I’m helping the side that’s in the wrong.

I had such cordial ties with Bo Fu and received a generous welcome in Jiangdong but now I’m helping their sworn enemy. I’m completely turning my back on Bo Fu and the rest, and am going against my values as well.

Wu, I feel terrible just thinking about it.

“But don’t worry, uncle. Huang Zu is a cold person but she’s very adept at defending cities. Huang Zu has been defending Jiangxia for several years now and there hasn’t been any issues.” She lowered her head as she said so, “Of course, this is under the a.s.sumption that any other unrest doesn’t crop up.”

“Unrest? Like?”

“It could be anything, mutiny for example, or betrayal by her subordinate generals for example.”

“Eh! Isn’t that very serious?,”

“Un… It is, but she seems to be used to such things already and has been able to deal with them thus far.” Liu Qi spoke in a rather relaxed tone as though it wasn’t serious at all, “But that means that when we get to Jiangxia, we will be under Huang Zu’s command.”

“Eh! On what grounds! By right, reinforcements should have some flexibility to move! Why should we listen to her commands?” Zhou Cang who was beside me had been listening wordlessly thus far, but when she heard this, she lost it. It was a little odd after all, since we brought them all the way here only to be placed completely under her command.

“Though we may be reinforcements, the guarding general is Huang Zu. She has experience with defending cities so naturally she’ll be the overall commander. But I have heard that the generals of reinforcing armies have had their command tallies taken away from them forcefully, resulting in Huang Zu gaining full command rights of the reinforcements.”

“Isn’t that very dangerous?!”

“That’s very dangerous, no?!”

Zhou Cang and I yelled out at the same time. Though I was prepared for Huang Zu to be a little forceful, I felt that she was a paranoid and overbearing person just listening to Liu Qi’s description.

“Is that so? We’re all used to it already.”

“Why?” I don’t understand.

“Because Huang Zu has always defended the city effectively.” She said as a matter of factly, and then came close once more, “Honestly, I’m actually hoping that Huang Zu takes away our command tallies, That way, we can be away from Cai Mao’s personal troops temporarily at least.”

“That is a good thing, but– Aren’t you afraid Huang Zu might turn on you?”

Consolidating the command rights might be a problem no matter who holds them, right?

“Hmph.” Liu Qi actually laughed softly when she heard this.

“I might believe it if it was someone else but Huang Zu will definitely not turn on me.”

“Why the confidence?”

“Because–” Liu Qi opened her mouth and was about to slowly explain to me why but just then, the sound of cannon fire in the distance drowned put Liu Qi’s voice.

And thereafter came war cries in the distance.

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