Vol 9 Chapter 11 (1/2)

VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 11: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE AWAKENING OF LIU BEI (4)

Liu Bei POV

I was going to mention Yi De as well but changed my mind halfway through as she’s not the Zhang Fei who can take on a hundred men at a time now.

“Keke, I have heard of the various exploits by all the individuals you just named.” Sima Hui laughed and then shook his head. He then got up and paced about beside me with his hands at his back.

“Sun Qian and the other 2 from Xu state are just book smart administrators. Chen Gong might possess well-rounded intellect but she isn’t willing to use it and she has a tendency to hold back and not give it her all. I believe this covers your administrative retainers.” He said as he patted my left shoulder.

“Guan Yu and Zhao Yun are more than capable enough as fighters but their intellect is limited in the sense that while they may be more than capable enough to see through and even counter enemy tactics, they will be unable to react effectively to more larger-scale. strategic moves. As for Lu Bu. she is difficult to control and easy to predict. It will not be easy but a good trap can deal with her appropriately. I believe this covers the warrior generals you mentioned.” He said as he patted my right shoulder.

“All the generals and retainers you mentioned have great qualities but also clear weaknesses. Dare I ask who can be considered wise and judicious amongst them?” He said as he held my shoulders and lowered his head to look at me from up close. I felt a little peeved by this and turned away. When he finished, he got up and returned to his seat.

“So I should look for said wise and judicious retainer now?”

“That is correct.” He nodded. From his expression, it was clear that he was waiting for me to say this. I do admit that what he has said thus far is correct and I am indeed looking for someone that fits that description right now.

“Imperial Uncle, did you know–”

“Hai~ I still don’t know where Zhuge Liang is right now too~”

“*Ke* *Ke* *Ke* *Ke* *Ke* *Ke*” Sima Hui violently coughed at my words.

“Ah! Teacher Sima, what’s wrong?!”

“*Ke* *Ke* *Ke* *Ke*… No, please wait.”

I went over to rub his back but he grabbed my arm tightly before turning to look at me with a face of disbelief, “You, how did you know this name?!”

“Eh?” I was rather bewildered at this question of his and frowned as I wasn’t sure how I ought to reply him, “That’s… Isn’t that person very famous?”

“Eh?!” He seemed very surprised, so surprised that he reacted completely out of character.

What’s the matter…

Ah!! Right! Zhuge Liang should still be a hermit at this time! Now that I think about it, it seems like someone called Water Mirror gave Liu Bei some recommendations and only then did Liu Bei learn of Zhuge Liang…

“Ah… Umm… I just happened to hear of some rumours.” I stammered once I realised this.

“… Un~” Sima Hui nodded after sinking into silence for a moment, all the while staring at me, “Looks like that Crouching Dragon has finally met a good lord.”

(TL: Crouching Dragon is Zhuge Liang’s t.i.tle or nickname of sorts.)

Eh?

When he finished, he stared at the ground and continuously slapped his thighs with both hands. His breathing was a little heavy and he seemed rather gloomy.

“Umm… Is there anything wrong?” I asked, curious at why he reacted like this.

“Un? Ah, it’s nothing.” He anxiously said and waved at me

with a stiff smile, “I’m just a little shocked. I didn’t think that someone else apart from Master Pang De and I would know of the existence of a sage like Kong Ming, much less someone like you Imperial Uncle.”

(TL: Kong Ming is Zhuge Liang’s courtesy name.)

“Ah, no, no. I just heard some rumours, that’s all.” I hurriedly emphasised my point once more.

“Un un, this can’t be helped. Indeed, compared to us, the hidden dragon is far more formidable. Master Pang De and I might have intentionally or unintentionally publicised Kong Ming’s qualities, and so Imperial Uncle learned by word of mouth.”

I vigorously nodded, “Yes, that is likely the case.”

“As the saying goes, if you can get 1 of the 2, the Crouching Dragon and the Fledgling Phoenix, you can bring peace to the world. I wonder if Imperial Uncle knows of the Fledgling Phoenix if he knows about the Crouching Dragon?”

“Ah… I do not know and hope that you will be kind enough to teach me.”