Vol 9 Chapter 120 (1/2)

Chapter 120

VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 120: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE AFTERMATH OF OUR DEFEAT (7)

Liu Bei POV

“Even though I was given the chance to lead the troops, not only did I not gain an advantage for us, we even suffered heavy losses. What a truly sorry performance for a commanding officer. *Pa*!” Feng Xian said calmly but since she hit the water again, she must be feeling very bitter inside.

I wanted to say something but before I could, Feng Xian spoke up again in a louder tone, “In the end, I’m just a warrior who knows nothing but fighting. What right does someone like me have to say that I hate battles!”

Feng Xian… I really did not know what I should say and merely sat there and listened quietly. We have been through a fair number of battles now and I know full well that saying things like ‘you win some, you lose some’ are merely words used to console the losers. At some point, losing will mean total defeat and no amount of consolation will be of use then.

Feng Xian really does not like battles but when she has to do it, she hopes to do the best she can. She also undoubtedly has confidence in her abilities but being defeated in this skirmish must have dealt quite the blow to her pride. At the very least, I could not feel the domineering and a.s.sured aura that Feng Xian usually projected. Instead, I could feel something more akin to regret and responsibility.

What can the me of now, under such dire circ.u.mstances, the me who stand beside everyone, do?

…

I guess what I can do is a lot simpler than I ever imagined.

As I came to a decision, I got up, made my way to the entrance and took a deep breath before saying slowly, “Wen Yuan, you’re both here huh?”

I decided to begin the solo play with this opening. When I finished, I could hear some splas.h.i.+ng sounds from behind the curtain. It seems like Feng Xian is a little frantic after hearing my voice. Good thing I did not risk it and reply immediately.

“Wen Yuan, Lord Huang Zu is looking for you.”

“Un~” After I finished, I replied with a simple grunt in a falsetto and took a few steps that gradually became lighter to make it seem like Wen Yuan was leaving.

“Ahem.” I cleared my throat and slowly made my way into the tent. With every step I took, I could feel my heart racing ever faster.

“… Xuan De? You’re here?” Feng Xian asked from behind the curtain.

“Ah, I just did.” I had to make sure I did not break into peals of laughter when I replied and even nodded along. Even if Feng Xian could not see this, it helped me believe my own lie, “Un? Feng Xian, you’re…”

“Ahhh…” Feng Xian said as splas.h.i.+ng sounds could be heard again, “I’m b-bathing over here.”

“Ohh, alright, I’ll just sit down here then.” I said and made my way to the furthest stool and sat down, feeling very guilty at what I was doing. I still had 2 cloths that I was using just now to wipe my face. When I saw these, I hurriedly tossed them onto the table where the other cloths were.

“W-why did Xuan De come to the encampment?” Feng Xian continued to ask. I do not know if it is out of nervousness but it seems like she’s speaking faster than usual and in a more delicate voice. Of course, this is just my own opinion and it could be a misconception from my swirling emotions right now

“I came here to check on you both.” I replied honestly, “You both just finished the battle after all and I thought I’d come to say a few words with you both.”

…

Feng Xian did not reply to this. Which is more or less what I expected as it was clear fr

om what she said before that she was rather depressed about how the battle had went. At the same time, I a, specially acting out this bad play for the sake of speaking to her about this.

“Xuan De… I–”

“Feng Xian, I think you did very well in this battle.” I interrupted her and told her what I wanted to tell her first just as she was about to speak.

“Eh? … Did very well?” She asked, seeming rather puzzled as she was probably convinced that she had done badly.

“Yes,” I said as I nodded, “If it weren’t for Feng Xian, our losses would be far greater.”

“Eh? But… If I hadn’t led the charge too far and got too engrossed in engaging with the enemy generals, the enemy would not have been able to flank and surround us.”

“It’s not just you. Wen Yuan too is responsible for this.” I said and got up.

“No, Wen Yuan isn’t to be blamed for this. Not only was she fighting, she was also commanding the troops and was overwhelmed.” Feng Xian said calmly, seeming rather gloomy as she said so. My guess is that she’s going to say what she just did before.

“Compared to Wen Yuan… I’m just a simple warrior–”

“And so what if you are?” I quickly interrupted her. Looks like my guess was on the mark.