Vol 9 Chapter 4 (2/2)

“Even if you don’t want to interrupt me, you shouldn’t have been eavesdropping.” I laughed as I shook my head, “Never mind, tell me what you are here for.”

“Yes,” She nodded and continued, “Lord Kong Rong is requesting an audience.”

“Oh? He’s here again?”

Ah, my head is starting to hurt when I think of Kong Rong. Ever since he came to the capital, he’s been locking horns with me on many issues, from my restrictions on liquor to the territories I grant.

“Well then, what’s the problem this time?” I asked softly and calmly though my emotions were already beginning to rampage.

“He seems to have heard of our preparations to move south and came to dissuade us.”

“He actually made a move before I made a decision about moving south. He really doesn’t let things get by him huh?” I said and sighed, feeling very vexed.

We were only just beginning the preparations. What does he want? He’s a scholar and an elder so I can see why we have so many disagreements. But I’d like to see how he plans on stopping me today.

“Where is he now?” I asked.

“He is in the lounge in the reception hall.” Xun Yu said, “We received him separately from Lord Ma Teng.”

“Un, good.” I nodded and got up from my seat. What they did was right. But from things went this time, it might have been better for that Kong Rong to see my resolve.

Not that I’m afraid to repeat myself.

“Let’s go. I’ll go and meet that fat scholar.” I said and shook my sleeves once more before making my way with Xun Yu following behind.

“… Imperial Chancellor, I might be speaking out of turn, but I hope that the Imperial Chancellor can end this nicely.”

“I will do things appropriately this time.”

When I finished, it seems like Xun Yu understood what I meant and frowned as she looked at me, “… Imperial Chancellor, could it be that you’re–”

Looks like she guessed it.

“Xun Yu, you don’t need to guess any further. I said I would deal with things appropriately and they will be.” I said and stopped reading Xun Yu’s expressions as I proceeded ahead with my hands at my back, “Of course, everything depends on how Kong Rong treats me later.”

“…” Xun Yu didn’t reply but I could feel slightly heavier breathing than normal which meant that she was deep in thought. After a few paces, Xun Yu wordlessly caught up and followed behind me.

When I saw this, I quickened my pace. It’s different now after all and I can’t afford to pa.s.s my time leisurely anymore.

My meeting hall and reception hall aren’t too far apart and are really only separated by a soundproof wall. Past that is the adjoining room to the reception hall.

“How can we continue like this!” Just then, Kong Rong’s yell could be heard.

“Un? What? Is there anyone else in the room?”

“No, there shouldn’t be anyone.”

Xun Yu’s face was calm as she replied me. Looks like this has been going on for some time now. I can see why he’s doing this. His existence isn’t very strong after all so if he wants to draw the attention of others, apart from directly barging into one’s house, it can only come during his turn to speak in Court.

“Hai~” I sighed. Unlike my discussion with Ma Teng, I don’t need to scheme and plot when facing Kong Rong. This sigh is just a small way to vent my frustration on having to deal with this d.a.m.ned scholar.

“Let’s go.” I said after I made my resolve and rounded the corner before making my way towards the entrance and ascending the steps.

“Imperial Chancellor Cao!” Just as I took my second step, Kong Rong came charging over with that laughably bloated body of his that was adorned with a goatee that didn’t suit his face at all.

“Lord Kong Rong need not stand on ceremony.”

When I heard his yell, I hurriedly dodged his kowtow. Of course, he still knelt down. I also know that he is doing this for the sole sake of fulfilling proprieties and that he doesn’t think much of me at all.

I continued to walk forward until I came to my seat and turned around before sitting down. When I looked ahead, I saw Kong Rong struggling to get up and looking at unhappily as he came over.

“Lord Kong Rong, please sit.” I saluted and signalled for him to sit down. Kong Rong lightly nodded when he saw this and tidied all of his clothing piece by piece before saluting me. He then took 3 steps back, took a big round, took another 2 steps back and then gingerly sat down.

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