Vol 9 Chapter 3 (1/2)
VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 3: DON’T TELL ME THESE ARE THE VARIOUS REACTIONS (3)
Meng De POV
When I raised my eyes, I saw Ma Teng was deep in thought and frowning as she said, “… Commandant of the Guards huh?”
“If you’ve received it, then that makes things easier.” I nodded and smiled as I continued, “As the Commandant of the Guards, you are one of the 9 Ministers and am only second to the 3 Dukes. Not a bad role at all right?”
“It’s not bad indeed, but why?” Ma Teng said with a meaningful expression , probably because she has realised my intent in doing so.
But even so, I can’t possibly say outright that I am doing so just so I can take away your command rights.
“Haha,” I only lightly laughed in response.
“I’m going out of my way here to promote you like that.” I put on a show of melancholy before continuing, “Lord Ma Teng has fought many battles, in particular with the Qiang barbarians. Your service to the nation has been outstanding. It’s time you take your place in Imperial Court and enjoy your retirement.”
“Lord Cao Cao, those words are a little inappropriate.” Just as I finished, Ma Teng opened her mouth immediately and refuted me, “The troubled times have yet to end and there needs to be someone stationed up north to guard our borders. Xi Liang is impoverished but the commoners live together harmoniously and support each other so I have enjoyed my time there. If I should take my place in Court, the people and the garrison troops might curse my name.”
Un… I understand now. She is adamant on not giving up her command rights. In that case, it’s clear that her plan was to quickly reject the appointment and leave quickly.
Though I was mentally prepared for this, I’m still a little disappointed now that I’m faced with this reality. Oh well, it’s fine even if I let Ma Teng go for now. She’ll eventually slip up in Xi Liang anyway–
Meng De!
— Wu!
Just as I came to a decision to play the long game with Ma Teng, the sight of Xuan De’s corpse at the bottom of the river flashed in my mind.
In an instant, the horrible feeling I had before filled my heart once more. I had difficulty breathing and closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see the figure of Xuan De in front of me. But when I closed my eyes, a wave of nausea hit me and i hurriedly grabbed on to the table.
“My lord…”
“It’s fine, I’m alright.” I stopped Cheng Yu, who was carrying tea back, from coming over to help me. It would be far too unsightly to be supported after this show of weakness.
“… Lord Cao Cao, this is…” Even Ma Teng was shocked.
I raised my hand and waved, “I’m fine, it’s just fatigue from overworking myself. It’s nothing, nothing at all.”
These words were both for Ma Teng and myself. No matter what, I must recover from this sorry state immediately.
… Haa… Huu… I took deep breaths and waited patiently for my nausea to pa.s.s. After about 3-4 seconds, I finally got past the worst.
And immediately after I recovered, a voice from deep within me started resounding in my head.
Cao Cao, don’t you know? Liu Bei is already dead. The only one left who can save the world is just you.
Are you going to be so relaxed even under these circ.u.mstances? By when will you bring peace to the world if you are so relaxed?!
It’s time to hasten your pace.
Just then, my mind was fully awake. And I felt truly lonely and anxious.
I then opened my eyes and looked at the big woman in front of me and a
fter a while, I no longer felt intimidated by her anymore.
“Lord Cao Cao, are you alright?”
“I feel much better. Thank you, Lord Ma Teng, for your worry.” I said, feeling extremely calm and looked at Cheng Yu as I shook my sleeves. Cheng Yu understood what I meant and nodded before bringing the tea to me, which I took a short sip from.
“Lord Cao Cao, on the matter of my Court appointment, shall we leave it for now?” Ma Teng impatiently said between sighs.
*Gudu*– Haa…
Even though it’s summer, I don’t feel hot from drinking this hot tea. How strange.
“Lord Cao Cao? Shouldn’t you be putting your tea down and listening to me?”