Vol 9 Chapter 33 (2/2)

Eh? With Gongsun Zan? Could it be that Gongsun Zan said similar words?

“In any case, Lord Huang Zu shouldn’t listen to Xuan De.” Before I could ask Zi Long, she turned and spoke to Huang Zu, “Just do everything you can and use your head as much as possible.”

The bowls and gourd filled with liquor came just as she finished and Zi Long took a long draught, giving a long, satisfied sigh after she did so.

“Un…” Huang Zu nodded and seemed like she was still deep in thought.

What Zi Long said was definitely a lot more helpful than what I said. Now that I am alive again, I must continue working hard, I thought as I finished the wine in my bowl in 1 go.

“Alright, now that we are fed and watered, we should get moving as soon as possible.” Seeing that I had finished my liquor, Zi Long said as she got up, “There’s still one final stretch before we get to Xinye and it will be good to get there as soon as possible.”

I was about to say that myself.

When she finished, Zi Long made her way to her horse in no time at all while Yuan Zhi went to keep her stuff and pack up. Huang Zu, on the other hand, stopped thinking and took 2 more sips before putting her gourd back at her waist.

As I looked at Huang Zu, who was the only other person at the table, I felt that I ought to speak to her.

“Lord Huang Zu,” I said as I stood up and went to where she was, “Though it was just a misunderstanding, thank you very much for standing up for me before.”

“Un? That’s fine. It’s just a misunderstanding after all, and we resolved it.”

“Ah, yes.”

Huang Zu continued to fiddle with the gourd the whole time and never raised her head to look at me. As I looked at the face which appeared now and then underneath her long fringe, I felt that it was time for me to tell her what Liu Biao told me about her.

“Lord Huang Zu, did you know? When I returned to Xiangyang, elder brother was very sad to hear that you’d died.”

“…” When I finished, it seemed like Huang Zu completely stopped moving and quietly listened. When I looked at her eyes, I saw surprise, relief and regret. So, I decided to tell her what I wanted to tell her the most–

“You must know that elder brother thought of you as his own daughter.” As I said so, I s.h.i.+fted my gaze away from her face and walked a few steps away from Huang Zu before continuing softly, “So please don’t say hurtful things like you’d rather be executed. If it’s elder brother, he will only be happy that you survived.”

“… Thanks.” A soft, but clear voice came from behind. When I heard this, I felt that I had achieved what I wanted and went over to my horse.

Huang Zu followed behind a little while later but she never spoke about this. Nevertheless, I feel that I have delivered the message. If not, she will not have an expression that looks like she cannot wait to return to Xiang Yang.

Even if for a while more, I hope elder brother can remain well.

Meng De POV

Xuan De really is dead.

I can finally accept this reality after a short period of dealing with it.

But I have to admit, that in this period, I had a really tough time forgetting that man who did not have any special traits. I just simply could not forget him.

But if I am unable to forget Xuan De, then I will not be able to take a step out as I need to. Nor will I be able to accelerate my plans.

So, I have forgotten. Forgotten the pain and sorrow, as well as the happiness and joy. As well as everything else in between.

“Meng De.”

“Un?”

A rather anxious voice came in outside. After I answered, I looked out and saw a one-eyed girl who was wearing just cloth clothing walking towards me.

“Yuan Rang huh?” I felt like my mood was disrupted and s.h.i.+fted my gaze back to the chair, “What is it? Did you have any doubts about what we decided during today’s Court session?”

“Ah, no. I’m 100% clear on the deployment to the south.” Yuan Rang frowned somewhat and stopped several paces before me as she lowered her head and saluted. Why is she being so formal to me? This is very uncharacteristic of her.

“So what is it?” I asked again.

“Un…”

“Just spit it out, don’t think about it any further. Look at how anxious and hesitant you are.”

At this point, I could guess that Yuan Rang was not here to nag at me and raised my head to look at her as I waited for her to say what she was here for.

When she saw this, she very quickly delivered her reason for coming here, “Meng De, I’m actually here on behalf of our Imperial Court colleagues.” Yuan Rang took a deep breath and continued, “Meng De, haven’t you been executing a few too many people lately?”

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