Chapter 409 (1/2)

“Milord!” The soldiers escorting Liu Mang knelt towards Liu Biao.

“Your Majesty King of Shu. Your presence in Xiangyang has been an honor. I have been looking forward to this for a long time!” Liu Biao approached before Liu Mang could say anything. Although Liu Mang was forced to come to Jingzhou, Liu Biao still had to receive royalty according to etiquette.

“Uncle, there is no need to be like this!” As Liu Biao showed courtesy, Liu Mang had to reciprocate. After all, he was the one that is requesting for help. Just as Liu Biao addressed Liu Mang as royalty, Liu Mang addressed Liu Biao as his senior. Even though Liu Mang was of higher rank, Liu Biao was still the Emperor’s uncle.

“Come, come. Let me introduce you to my subordinates. This is Kuai Yue Kuai Yidu!” Liu Biao said as he pointed towards a scholar.

Liu Mang’s eyes lit up. “Teacher Kuai Yue. I have heard of your distinguished name before. It is truly a blessing for me to have met you today!”

“I don’t deserve such praise!” Kuai Yue replied as he subconsciously kept his distance. It was not that he refused to become intimate with Liu Mang. He simply knew that Liu Mang had already offended many people. He did not want to partic.i.p.ate in that mess. Liu Mang also did not really care that Kuai Yue gave him the cold shoulder. With Jia Xu present, another additional sly fox would not be much difference.

“And this person here is Cai Mao Cai Degui.”

“Military Advisor Cai? It is an honor to meet you!” Liu Mang was extremely respectful to Kuai Yue but did not give such a huge reaction when greeting Cai Mao. He did not bother showing so much manners to a general that was weaker than a merchant.

“Hmph.” Cai Mao was no interested. He was simply present as courtesy. He also didn’t expect Liu Mang to show him any courtesy as he had schemed against Liu Mang before. However, the difference in att.i.tude showed towards him and Kuai Yue still made him feel uncomfortable. After all, he and Kuai Yue were supposed to be equals.

Liu Biao saw Cai Mao’s expression and laughed lightly. Even though he also felt uncomfortable, he was still able to be cordial.

Liu Biao proceeded to introduce the other generals and scholars to Liu Mang. Liu Mang took note of a few of them but he also did not spare a glance to some others. Amongst all of the ones introduced, one of them had been his friend. This was Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue’s little brother. Kuai Liang had showed Liu Mang goodwill so Liu Mang had responded politely. Liu Mang then looked for Pang Tong but ended up feeling disappointed as Pang Tong was absent.

“Let’s go! Your Majesty, we have prepared a banquet for you to welcome your arrival. Let us go drink our fill!” Liu Biao was already old. Standing at the gates for too long would be too tiring for him. So, he invited Liu Mang in to drink and chat merrily.

While everybody looked joyous on the outside, they were scheming on the inside. Cai Mao, Huang She and the Lumen Academy were all hostile towards Liu Mang.

When Liu Mang entered the building, the banquet had already been prepared. Jingzhou was so prosperous that there were over a hundred dishes prepared for the banquet.

“Come! Your Majesty! Let me offer you a cup as a representative of Jingzhou!” Liu Biao spoke.

“I don’t dare. Uncle, you are being too courteous to me. When I was in Yangzhou, I heard my father-in-law say that there are only three heroes in this world that would make feel inferior.

“The first was Zheng Xuan.” The person Liu Mang spoke of is a Chinese philosopher following Confucianism in the late Han dynasty. His concept of Confucianism would eventually become mainstream for centuries. “Zheng Xuan had even studied abroad. Even when old, he continued to pa.s.s down his teachings and had at least eight hundred disciples! This is a person that can be described as a hero!” Everyone nodded towards Liu Mang’s words.

The scholars all respected Zheng Xuan. While the generals may not understand who Zheng Xuan was, the man was still a reputable person whose name had spread far and wide. So, the generals also nodded along with the scholars.

“Zheng Xuan is truly a hero!” Liu Biao agreed. Zheng Xuan was more influential than Pang Degong.