Vol 10 Chapter 41 (1/2)
Chapter 41
VOLUME 10 CHAPTER 41: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS RETURNING TO XINYE (6)
Liu Bei POV
When I looked up, I saw that Sima Hui had left the mansion. Even so, I saluted him and gave my reply, “Un, may we meet again.”
Despite what he said and what I had concluded, I still said what I felt. Even if there is no longer any fate between us now, there might be again in future. At least, that is what I hope.
Alright, enough about that now. I have a route to Zhuge Liang. Now I need to look for her. But first, let me think, what were the circ.u.mstances like when Liu Bei went to visit Zhuge Liang?
It should be the ‘3 Visits to the Thatched Cottage’ right? And since Sima Hui told me not to take too many people with me, who should I bring? It’s not a very important decision but I should use someone who is as normal as possible as a precautionary measure.
Un, I shall start my preparations today and leave for Longzhong by the day after tomorrow.
“My lord, what are you doing gesturing about and talking to yourself?”
Eh?!
Hearing a voice from the side, I turned and saw that it was Chen Gong, “Ch-chen Gong?”
“My lord, you’re in my way.”
Un? Ah. Only now did I realise that I had been thinking aloud in the doorway of the inner courtyard.
“Sorry about that.” I said as I scooted over to the side and gave Chen Gong s.p.a.ce to walk through.
“What’s up with my lord? You’re always talking to yourself and acting up.” Chen Gong said as she walked past me with a stack of bamboo scrolls in hand, “If you’re sick then go and see Hua Tuo. Don’t go and cause havoc all day long like a madman.”
“I am not!”
“Alright, cut the c.r.a.p. Follow me back to the main hall now.”
Wu. An ominous premonition filled me when I heard this but I still did as Chen Gong said and followed her. I really hope those bamboo scrolls consist of completed work and Chen Gong is just looking to have a chat with me.
*Dang* She set down the big stack of bamboo scrolls on the table in the main hall and turned to me, “My lord, get these deployment and reorganisation doc.u.ments done as soon as possible. The goal is to have the troops to be sent to Fan city ready to set off by this afternoon… Un? My lord?”
So those scrolls are really for me huh… Wu…
“My lord, don’t doze off! *Pa* *Pa*!”
“Ah, it hurts.” I groaned when she smacked the bamboo scrolls on my head. When I looked up, I saw Chen Gong’s irritated look.
“Even though it was my lord who made me rush the work for this, you’re showing me this sort of att.i.tude now that I’ve gotten everything ready.”
“Ah… Ah, sorry about that.” I hurriedly apologised and lowered my head before scrambling over to the bamboo scrolls and began my work. In between scrolls, I looked up at Chen Gong and decided to explain myself, “I was just thinking about certain things just now so I didn’t notice you.”
“Really…” Chen Gong gave a long sigh and frowned slightly, “As a feudal lord, being distracted is no excuse for not doing a good job of things.”
“Alright, I’ll do my best…” I said, feeling dismayed and deflated. But it was true that deploying more troops over to Fan city was something very important as the sooner they got there, the sooner Fan city’s development and defences could be improved.
“Now that we have a lot more troops deployed to Fan city, if the enemy comes, they will definitely come for Xinye first.”
“Un… We do indeed have a
shortage of manpower in Xinye.” I said and sighed, “But this can’t be helped. Fan city is much more expansive and is easier to develop. And who knows when Meng De will attack again?”
“We have to take it one step at a time huh?” Chen Gong said with dissatisfaction.
“That’s better than not moving at all right?”
“So spineless. Hmph.” Chen Gong said with disdain and huffed at me before turning away. At this, all I could do was smile stiffly.
Why is Chen Gong so strict at these times? But then again, she’s not wrong.
“But really, you’ve contributed greatly in recent times. Many thanks.”
“… What are you thanking me for? I shouldn’t have done anything worthy of that of late.”
“No, you’ve done a lot.” I smiled as I continued my work, “During the battle, you were working on the fortification works and created many traps. And it was also thanks to your personality that our plan worked. That is why I need to thank you.”
Chen Gong really has been a great help. Back in Jiangxia, she was also a great help in many ways. And now, in Xinye, I see her involvement in many ways as well.
“Hmph, there’s no need to thank me– Oi! Your brush stopped!”
“Ah, oh. Sorry.” I hurriedly returned my attention to my work and stole a glance at Chen Gong who was standing there with her back to me.
“Hai, that’s why I say…”
“Un?”
“My lord still has a long way to go before he becomes a proper lord.”
“I suppose.” I said and smiled in agreement with what Chen Gong said.
“But let me say this first, everything I’ve done is not for you and is just for myself.” Chen Gong said as she came towards me, her shoes making a loud clatter that made it difficult for me to concentrate on my work. I looked at her and she smiled as she pointed at herself, “My lord, my goal still remains high officialdom and being able to leave my name in history. Right now, I’m but a mere aide with no t.i.tle but one day, I will ascend to the peak.”
She then pointed at me, “So, even if it’s for my sake, I want my lord to work harder.”