Chapter Seventy-Five: Conversation

The two entered the wooden house. Zhuge Liang took out two rush mats. “Please sit, Libationer.”

Jiang Wen and Zhuge Liang knelt and sat down.

Jiang Wen smiled and said, “Though you, Master Kongming, dwell in seclusion here, you seem to know all the affairs of the world. I suppose you are preparing to emerge from retirement?”

“Though I am but a scholar, I bear my country in my heart. To care for the world is my duty,” Zhuge Liang replied with a gentle smile. “But with your talents, Libationer, you surely see through Sun Jian’s ambitions. Why then do you assist him in usurping the Han?”

“Now the Chancellor serves the Emperor with utmost devotion. In days past, he risked his life to rescue the Emperor, assassinate the traitor Dong Zhuo—such loyalty cannot be called usurpation.”

Zhuge Liang shook his feather fan. “Such actions are merely using the Emperor as a figurehead, hollowing out the Han’s authority. Is this not the conduct of a rebel?”

Jiang Wen replied, “The Han dynasty is on the verge of collapse. Without the Chancellor’s efforts to turn the tide, the Han would have long since been renamed as Dong Zhuo’s kingdom.”

“Dong Zhuo murdered the Empress Dowager, and his founding of a new regime is something the world can unite against. But Sun Jian, holding the Chancellor’s post and wielding imperial power, is far more dangerous than Dong Zhuo, who is but a madman and the laughingstock of the realm,” Zhuge Liang said. “The Emperor is not a child, yet Sun Jian monopolizes power, refuses to return command of the troops, and recruits renowned scholars to his side—clearly he harbors ambitions to seize the throne.”

“Such a minister cannot be deemed loyal.”

“Master Kongming, your words are sharp. But look across the land—every lord clings to power and sharpens their armies,” Jiang Wen looked at Zhuge Liang. “The foundations of the Han are rotten to the core. This situation is not like Wang Mang usurping the Han. During the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, the people suffered terribly, and the hearts of the realm are scattered. What this world needs is destruction and renewal, a new king. If the Chancellor cannot accomplish it, his eldest son Sun Ce surely will!”

“We scholars long for nothing more than peace in the realm.”

“Peace in the realm,” Zhuge Liang smiled, “Libationer, you truly have a mind above convention. If a non-Liu claims the throne, the world will unite against him. Libationer, at that time, I fear it will not be peace, but endless chaos.”

“But that is when you, Master Kongming, will be needed all the more. I know you possess astonishing talent. In this world, the Chancellor, Lü Bu, and Yuan Shao are the great powers. If you assist the Chancellor, peace can be restored all the sooner!”

Zhuge Liang shook his head. “My reputation is but the praise of friends. Beggars in the market have little regard for me. I do not possess the great talent you speak of, Libationer.”

“Fine horses are common, but wise judges are rare. Now, with you as the fine horse, I can be your judge!”

“Libationer, please return. I am weary and wish to rest.” Zhuge Liang issued his polite dismissal.

Jiang Wen rose and bowed to Zhuge Liang. “I will return to seek you again, Master Kongming. My wife has prepared some wine for you. I hope you will not refuse.”

After returning the gesture, Zhuge Liang watched Jiang Wen depart the thatched cottage. Taor waved to Jiang Wen, and Zhuge Liang stood atop the wooden steps, waiting until Jiang Wen boarded his carriage before returning inside.

“Master, you went to such trouble to see him. What did you talk about?” Taor asked.

Jiang Wen sighed, “I invited him to emerge from retirement, but he is so proud and aloof, always holding himself above others. No matter what I say, he refuses.”

Taor, a little frustrated, said, “Then why bother inviting him? You’re a high official, going to him in person—that’s giving him all the respect one could ask for. Besides, I think you’re the moon, and he’s just... a firefly, not even a star!”

Jiang Wen smiled, ruffling Taor’s hair. “Everyone in this world deserves respect. Deliberately disparaging others and elevating oneself is the act of a fool—it only leads to defeat.”

“When armies face each other, what cannot be lacking are generals, strategists, and respect for the opponent!”

“Xiang Yu, the Hegemon King of Chu, underestimated Liu Bang and ended up taking his own life.”

He gently pinched Taor’s cheeks, noting how rosy and adorable she looked, and couldn’t help but plant a kiss. Taor’s face flushed brightly, shyly unable to speak.

“Tonight as well, Master?” Taor murmured, her gaze darting away shyly.

“What, didn’t you have enough pleasure last night?” Jiang Wen teased.

“It’s because it was so nice, so tonight too...”

Jiang Wen embraced Taor, utterly doting. “Of course. I’m still waiting for you to give me a chubby little baby!”

Their carriage rolled on toward Xiangyang. Taor lay on Jiang Wen’s chest, dozing lightly. The city guards made way, letting them into Xiangyang.

Because of Diao Chan, Jiang Wen was now somewhat reluctant to return to the Jiang residence—he simply couldn’t handle it.

He truly didn’t know how to face this woman. Her beauty was breathtaking, enough to captivate without even spending time together.

Jiang Wen wouldn’t let himself be lost in such softness; it would only lead to decay. If he truly wished to live harmoniously with Diao Chan, he would have to resign his post and find a place to retire.

Then, as a man without office or position, he would no longer be watched by Sun Jian, and Diao Chan would not have to obey any of Sun Jian’s orders.

But could he really let go? Jiang Wen had already sworn oaths with Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Lü Meng—breaking his promise would be the most shameful thing.

He lifted the carriage curtain, his expression stirring. “Shopkeeper, do you know where Zhou Yu’s residence is?”

He saw a slender young girl, petite and charming, her skin milky white, her large eyes lively and bright.

“Stop the carriage.”

“Yup—”

The carriage halted by the roadside. Jiang Wen got down, waking Taor, and walked up to the girl, appraising her beauty.

“This lady may be pretty, but do you have to stare so much?” Xiao Qiao said haughtily.

“Too bad you’re so small, or you might be my type,” Jiang Wen replied with a faint smile. “Your name, miss?”

Xiao Qiao rolled her eyes. “You look decent, but your words are as crude as any ruffian. Get lost. I wouldn’t be interested in you.”

Jiang Wen chuckled, while Taor behind him pursed her lips, feeling a surge of hostility toward the girl.

“If you tell me your name, I’ll tell you where Zhou Yu’s residence is.”

“Really?” Xiao Qiao’s eyes sparkled. “Alright, my name is Xiao Qiao. But don’t try anything—I already have someone in mind. And my sister is set to marry the Chancellor’s son, so don’t even think about her.”

“These two claim they haven’t found someone, but now girls are coming to them on their own. Still, Cai Wenji’s charm shouldn’t be greater than Da Qiao’s.”

“Hey, are you lying to me?”

“If you want to find Zhou Yu, just follow this street and you’ll see Zhou’s residence. But the neighboring mansion belongs to a rogue general—be careful.”