Vol 9 Chapter 10 (1/2)
VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 10: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE AWAKENING OF LIU BEI (3)
Liu Bei POV
“Un… I see.” He nodded and said these words which left me wondering what led to them.
“Teacher Sima, may I ask if you know anything about what has happened at Xinye? My companions are there and I don’t know what they might do if they think that I am dead.”
“Xinye? You mean the city to the north?”
“That’s the one!”
“I believe they should have gotten news of your death by now.” Sima Hui nodded, “Not just them, I’m afraid the whole world already knows that you are dead.”
“Eh?!”
It’s only been 10 days. Shouldn’t the transmission of communications be slow in this era? It took so much effort and time just to get a letter from Xiangyang to Jiangxia yet this news has spread so far so quickly?!
“There’s no need to be so surprised. Though Imperial Uncle Liu isn’t one of the strongest feudal lords, your status and acts have earned you fame nationwide. Your subordinates are all renowned heroes as well. A tattle there, a tale here and soon it will have spread throughout the country. It won’t just be your companions in Xinye. I’m afraid that Cao Cao to the north, Sun Quan to the east, and the father-son pair of Liu Yan and Liu Zhang to the west, all of these parties should know of it by now.”
Un… This can’t be good news.
Though it’s the first time I’m experiencing this, my intuition under such critical situations has been rather accurate. And my gut feeling is that having news of my death spread this far and wide cannot bode well.
I have a strong feeling that if I don’t do something soon to rectify the situation, something might happen and it might eventually become something I can’t stop.
“Teacher Sima, I’m going to go to Xinye…” I said as I tried to get up once more. But just as I was about to leave the bed, I could feel like my body was becoming deadweight and I wasn’t able to lift myself up fully.
Geh… After struggling for a while, I gave up and lay back down.
“I know Imperial Uncle is concerned for his friends but please don’t be too hasty.” Sima Hui said as he pulled back his sleeve and pressed 2 fingers against my wrist. He then closed his eyes and concentrated as he felt my pulse.
After some time, he opened his eyes.
“Your vital signs are mostly normal and colour has come back to your face. Your body is still weak but you should be much better after you have some food.” He said as he nodded and looked at me, “If you must leave, then rest for one day at least before leaving tomorrow.”
“Ah… Alright. Many thanks to Teacher Sima.”
“No need for thanks.” He smiled stiffly, “I’ve heard of your exploits and adventures. Your journey must have been very difficult.”
Hahaha… We both laughed at this.
“Maybe my luck isn’t very good.” I said, thought I felt that this was more of a prank that history was playing on me. As though I was made to go through all this because Liu Bei ought to go through these experiences.
Of course, I didn’t expect that Dilu couldn’t make the jump.
“Hmhm, luck huh…” He laughed at what I said, “I don’t feel that is the case.”
“Eh?”
I couldn’t help but feel surprised at his response. He doesn’t really act the part really well but he’s still a hermit scholar after all. Could it be that he knows something already?
As I looked at him, I began t
o feel anxious. If he manages to get what I’m thinking and what my origins are, then I’m not sure how to respond.
“Imperial Uncle,” He said softly after sinking into silence for a moment, “What you lack is a wise and judicious retainer.”
“Eh?”
Before I could react, the curtains at the doorway of the room parted and Xiang Lang came in with tea.
“Teacher, Imperial Uncle, tea is here.”
“Hoho, good.” Sima Hui said and then held the back of my head as he gently helped me up, “Come, Imperial Uncle. Wet your throat before you have a drink of tea.”
“Ah–”
“Here, for you.”
I wanted to keep questioning him but then Sima Hui quickly brought the tea to my face and urged me to drink so I had no choice but to oblige first.
Thereafter, it was as if our prior discussion never took place.
Dinner was naturally made by Xiang Lang. Even though she looks disinterested in everything, she’s actually rather good at cooking.
“How is it?”