Vol 9 Chapter 60 (1/2)

VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 60: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS A BANQUET IN XINYE (12)

Liu Bei POV

Could she really be unwell?

“Ah, umm. Lord Zhang Fei–“

“My lord need not say too much. It’s just a minor stomach ache.” Just as I was about to say something, Yi De closed her eyes and looked very pained as she interrupted me, “I’m very happy today that my lord was able to return and I am in agreement with what was just discussed and will definitely be around tomorrow. That’s it.”

“Ah…” I had more to say but Yi De had already left hurriedly with her bowl and plates. I thought of stopping her but felt that it might be a little forceful to do so. Looks like whatever Yi De is going through, she does not wish to tell us.

Un… I am still rather worried but there is nothing I can do for now. I will just have to wait for tomorrow and consult Hua Tuo when she is awake.

I sighed when I realised this and looked about. Zi Long and Chen Dao seem to have left, as did Yuan Zhi, seems like only Gong You is left.

“Gong You, do you need me to help you?”

“… No need.” Gong You said and made her way to the door as though she were floating, her body stiffened up as though she were deathly afraid of dropping something, “Goodnight my lord.”

“Ah, goodnight.”

Ah, now that everyone is gone, I should–

“Imperial Uncle.”

“Wah!” With no warning at all, a rather loud female voice came from behind me which gave me such a shock that I held my chest and sank to the ground weakly. When I turned back, I saw that it was Huang Zu, “It’s you huh… Lord Huang Zu, please don’t scare me like that, will you?”

“I had no intention of scaring you. I just happened to be standing behind you for a long while now.”

So you were preparing to scare me then? Hu… I shook my head and tried to clear away my fear as I helped myself up with a chair.

“So what business does Lord Huang Zu have with me?” I said as I looked at Huang Zu. Her eyes had a lot of fight in them which made it difficult for me to discern what she was after.

Could it be that she had difficulty sleeping, or that she is hungry, and she is here to complain to me? No, that cannot be possible.

“Lord Huang Zu, if there is something I can help you with, please feel free to tell me.” I did my best to smile so that she could sense my friendliness, “Since you’re returning to Xiangyang tomorrow, feel free to seek Mi Zhu Mi Zi Zhong for any supplies you may need.”

“Un.” Huang Zu nodded. From her expression, it seems like this is not the issue and I am beginning to feel a little awkward from her stare.

“Ah, I do have something to ask of you. As you heard from Yuan Zhi before, we intend to hide the truth about my survival for as long as possible.” I decided to emphasise this with her since the chance arose so that there was no miscommunication there, “I hope that when Lord Huang Zu returns to Xiangyang, you will not spread this news. Even if elder brother should ask you, please refrain from telling him the truth.”

“Un.” Huang Zu nodded once more but it was clear that she had something to say. Her stare was so intense that I was feeling very uncomfortable.

If this were anyone else, they would have broached the topic which they wanted to cover by now already but Huang Zu is different. She just stands there and stares at you. Well then, let’s try to crack this nut. I do not have too much stamina to put up with this for too long after all.

“Umm, Lord Huang Zu, how was today’s dinn

er–”

“Dinner was delicious but I had no appet.i.te. That’s not important, Imperial Uncle, I have something to discuss with you.”

Just as I was about to play a game of chicken with Huang Zu, she interrupted me and finally spoke about what she wanted to say.

Alright, fine, I thought as I gathered my thoughts, tidied my clothing and readied myself to listen to what she had to say, “Alright, Lord Huang Zu, go ahead and–”

“I plan to defend Xinye for the time being.”

Eh? What did she just say? Alright, I will admit that I did hear what she said and am just unwilling to accept what I just heard. This applies to most other times with the others as well.

“Umm, could Lord Huang Zu repeat–”

“I plan to garrison at Xinye for the time being with Imperial Uncle and fight the Cao traitor together.”

Ah… Looks like I did not mishear indeed.

“But aren’t you…”