Vol 8 Chapter 64 (1/2)

VOLUME 8 CHAPTER 64: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS A SECRET LATE NIGHT RENDEZVOUS (12)

Liu Bei POV

“But is it really alright to hand command over to me?”

“Didn’t you say that I can seek your help anytime? Presently the quality and moral of the Xiangyang city garrison is quite lacking so I’m seeking your a.s.sistance.” He shook my hand vigorously as he said so, so vigorous it was that I actually felt a bit dizzy, “Blood brother, please do not refuse.”

“Jin Sheng! You better think this through!”

“Aiya, there’s no point in suspecting my blood brother any further.”

Lady Cai was now extremely agitated and had her fists balled up in front of her. As I looked at her, I realised that what she was worried about was undoubtedly the inheritance struggle between Liu Cong and Liu Qi. If I were to receive command of the Xiangyang garrison, given my position in the inheritance issue, it will likely be difficult for Cai Mao’s side to ever come on top.

To be honest, even though I already decided to support Liu Qi, I hadn’t actually thought about doing anything. Now that I am going to receive the command rights of the Xiangyang garrison, it is likely I will be involved in direct clashes with Cai Mao’s faction. This is not something desirable in the least.

But what made me surprised was that Liu Biao has not actually discussed his inheritance issue with me yet. And I’m also doubtful as to whether Liu Biao is seriously considering this when he is barely even middle-aged.

… Alright, since I’ve already decided to help Liu Qi, I’ll–

“Lord Governor, please pardon me for speaking out of turn, but you cannot grant the command rights to Xiangyang’s garrison to my lord.”

“Un?”

“Eh?”

Just as I was about to nod in agreement, Liao Hua suddenly spoke up and turned Liu Biao down. It wasn’t just Liu Biao, even I was deeply puzzled as well.

“Attendant, may I ask what is wrong with this arrangement?”

“It is very inappropriate,” Liao Hua said as she saluted and shook her head, “As your Lady has said, if you hand over the command rights to Xiangyang’s garrison to my lord, tongues will wag amongst the ordinary citizens. We may not have the intentions, but it will be difficult for all of us then.”

“That’s right, that’s right! You better think this through, Jin Sheng!” Lady Cai was instantly reinvigorated when she heard this and began to gesture excitedly as she spoke to Liu Biao.

I hadn’t recovered from the surprise of this sudden speech and when I looked at Liao Hua, I saw that her face was perfectly calm, as though she’d said all this without thinking. One other thing to mention is that I have not yet told them about the inheritance struggle between Liu Qi and Liu Cong.

“Un…” After listening to them, Liu Biao frowned and seemed to be at a loss once more.

It was clear that he needed my a.s.sistance no matter what and he felt that Xiangyang was of paramount importance which is why he wanted to hand it to me.

“… Lord Governor, what do you think about this?” Liao Hua spoke up softly once more as she took one step forward.

“Un? Does the attendant have any good suggestions?”

Liao Hua took another step forward.

“I don’t think it’s a very good suggestion,” liao Hua said as she raised her hand with her palm faced upwards, “It is widely known that Jing state is expansive and rich with resources. On top of that, it is strategically located and is a place which will undoubtedly be a battlefield one day. Leaving aside Xiangyang, there is also Jiangling which could be attacked in the near future. Should Jiangxia’s negotiations fall through, then Jiangxia is yet another problem.”

“It is as you have said.” Liu Biao nodded in agreement with Liao Hua. It was clear that Liao Hua had thoroughly convinced him.

I stood at the side and looked at Liao Hua, and wondered what she was trying to get at. She didn’t look at me and continued.