Vol 8 Chapter 95 (2/2)

“But what’s the important matter which they wish to discuss?” I asked again out of curiosity. It’s the Jiangdong people after all. If they say it’s something important then there’s definitely something behind it.

“The other side didn’t clarify themselves, only that they wish to continue discussions in person.” Liu Biao continued and then turned to Yi Ji, “What do you think? What is their purpose for coming here?”

If Zhou Yu and Lu Su are behind this visit, then they must be thinking about how they can extract as much benefit out of this as they can. Especially Zhou Yu, she hates losing out after all.

“Your retainer does not know. But from what Han Song said in the last report, Jiangxia city will be returned.” Yi Ji said in a strong tone of voice which made her usual calm and emotionless voice even more weird, “But from our prior exchanges, they have expressed their unhappiness at our deployment of Imperial Uncle.”

Ah… Why must you mention me here?

When I heard this, I felt like there was going to be more trouble again. Liu Biao is sometimes overly thoughtful and if he reads too much into this, then I’ll have to go to great lengths to explain myself all over again. And I don’t have the time to do so as I’ll be leaving for Xinye imminently.

But when I looked up at Liu Biao, he did not seem to be in deep thought as I expected. Instead, he just nodded with a melancholic expression, as though he agreed with the Jiangdong representatives, “Hai, they’re right.”

He actually agreed…

“No, elder brother, I don’t mind at all.” I hurriedly said and waved my hands. I have to be careful here with what I say no matter what.

“It’s fine. Yi Ji, if they mention this again, please seek their understanding on this matter.” Liu Biao said to Yi Ji.

“Yes.” Yi Ji acceded immediately. At the end of the day, I still have no clue what the important matter is.

“Eh? Come to think of it, is it fine for Yi Ji to be here?” Liu Biao suddenly called out loudly as though he just thought of something, which gave me a shock, “Shouldn’t your side still be busy with the preparations? I did indeed send you an invitation but I didn’t expect you to be able to make it so early.”

“Most of the work has been completed. The doc.u.ments themselves have all been prepared by the young mistress and Lord Wen Ping.” Yi Ji said calmly.

Looks like Yi Ji is rather experienced in administrative work. Speaking of which, I can imagine Liu Qi having trouble writing the beginning introductory niceties like I did when I started out.

Well, I still don’t know how to write them.

“I see. You’re all quite fast huh. Especially since I heard that Qi’er and Wen Ping have also reached.” Liu Biao said and looked relieved as he raised the wine jar to his mouth– “Un? Is it empty?”

The wine jar was tilted completely but not a single drop of wine came out. We’ve been at it for quite a while now so it’s reasonable that it’s empty now.

“I’ll help you get some more wine.” Yi Ji said and made to get up but was immediately stopped by Liu Biao.

“Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll go and get it myself.” Liu Biao said as he waved his hands.

“Eh?”

Eh?

It wasn’t just Yi Ji. I too was shocked at Liu Biao’s words. Based on his personality, this was something that should have been handed to Yi Ji but yet, he has insisted on doing it personally.

“What’s so surprising?” Liu Biao said as he looked at our, ah probably just mine, expressions and smiled stiffly, “Yi Ji just came and has probably been working all morning so why should I trouble Yi Ji further?”

“… Many thanks to my lord for his understanding.” Yi Ji immediately lowered her head and bowed and saluted.

Liu Biao only smiled in response before heading into the back of the room which should be where wine was stored. Even when he was walking, I found that he still made sure not to let his bloodied sleeves be seen.

Could Liu Biao’s actions be a sudden show of kindness before death? Not that he isn’t kind, but people tend to express these feelings more when they are near death.

Looks like Liu Biao wants to leave a good name after all.

— Lord Imperial Uncle!

Un? Just as I was a.s.sessing Liu Biao, Yi Ji suddenly called out to me in a whisper.

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