Vol 9 Chapter 87 (2/2)

“Un?”

I did not bother to explain to her why it had to be so, as it’s nothing nice to discuss anyway. All I did after that was merely make the resolve in my heart to be able to withstand at least 5 attacks by Guan Yu after she becomes serious.

And for me to be able to withstand those attacks, my weapon will have to be resilient enough as well.

Yes, in the next battle.

Liu Bei POV

Though the first battle had just concluded, we did not have any time to rest at all. Meng De’s second wave of troops came attacking in no time at all and we have prepared a new strategy to deal with them and are now getting ready to meet them in battle outside the city.

— If only that was the truth.

“My lord, you’re zoning out again.”

*Papapapa*

Wu! Zi Zhong’s abacus made rather crisp and loud sounds that made me regain my senses. I lowered my head in shame and looked over at her.

“Don’t look ay me, look at your books.”

Wu! I hurriedly buried my head into the 2 bamboo scrolls and tried to read the books on governance and politics that were in front of me written in the official script.

As everyone has seen, I have been cooped up in the room for 3 days since the battle ended. Lessons have been ongoing non-stop by the Xu state 3 who seem to be trying to make up for my 1 month absence within days.

Hai… Why are the battles not continuous 1 after another like in the stories I read? Battles are dangerous but it’s much better than slow-acting suicide like this.

And why am I reading books on governance and politics? Can I start with books on easier subjects and written in regular script? The people who wrote this, why do they have to write it in such a roundabout way?

“Ah, Xuan De is still busy with lessons huh?” A voice came from behind me but I did not dare to look up. Zi Zhong is the strictest of the 3 and any small action could invite her wrath.

“Ah, it’s Lord Zhao Yun huh?” Zi Zhong could look over unlike me and called out to the person who came.

Un? Zi Long?! The embers of hope came to life in my heart. If it’s Zi Long, she should sympathise with me when she sees all these bamboo scrolls.

“Good afternoon, Zi Long.” I greeted her calmly as I continued to look at the bamboo scrolls.

“Good afternoon.” Zi Long said as she walked over to my left, “Un… Looking at bamboo scrolls huh? Ah, they’re quite a lot huh?”

I saw Zi Long pick up a scroll from the stack and begin looking at it. Even if it’s Zi Long, she should feel that this is too much.

— This is too much, I was thinking of practicing martial arts with Xuan De too.

Please say this. I would rather learn something I will use in a few days’ time than this.

“Un…” Zi Long grunted as she continued looking at the scroll. She then began to speak up and I held my breath expectantly–

“Alright, Xuan De will be studying here for now then. It’s not urgent on my side anyway.” Zi Long said words that dashed my hopes and continued with more words that replaced my hope with despair, “If it gets really tight, I’ll just have to use time for sleeping to practice martial arts. It’s cooler at night anyway and the cold air should help Xuan De’s empty brain absorb stuff better during his studies.”

Wu! What is that Zi Long saying! Y, you… Do you want me to die of exhaustion?!

But I could not protest as I was fearful of angering Zi Zhong.

“Hahaha~ Keep working hard, Xuan De~” Zi Long laughed out loud from her heart and patted my back, which further fanned the flames of my rage.

“Alright, I’ll be leaving first then. I have to go and see my troops.”

“Un? You weren’t there earlier? It’s already– Almost noon now.” Zi Zhong asked after approximating the time.

“Ah, it’s fine. Chen Dao is over there.”

Is it really alright for you to use her like this?

“Honestly, Chen Dao has been a really great aide ever since I promoted her.”

She has helped you do a lot of your work right… I complained inside on behalf of Chen Dao.

Zi Long then saluted us before leaving. Soon, her footsteps grew softer and softer until they were gone.

“Hai…” Zi Zhong sighed when she left. I looked at her from my periphery vision and saw that she was busy at work with 3-4 account books opened up and an abacus. Looks like she’s busy at work with Xinye’s budget.

I initially thought that Zi Zhong’s sigh was my misconception but her sighs came repeatedly.

“This isn’t good for yourself, my lord. You still have martial arts practice tonight too.”

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