Volume 1 Chapter 14: Dont tell me that the last chapter of volume 1 is the break up of the feudal lordcoalition

After the enemy saw that Sishui Pass was taken, they burnt down Luoyang and kidnapped the Son of Heaven to Changan.

(TL: Son of Heaven is another means of saying the emperor. The Chinese, Koreans and Japanese (and probably most other Asian races) all like to proclaim legitimacy for their royal families by claiming lineage from the gods.)

(TL: This is actually what happened in the original. Dong Zhuo fled to Changan after Hulao Pass was taken with Lu Bu. Lu Bu slept with a chambermaid that was fancied by Dong Zhuo (in history) or Dong Zhuos concubine Diao Chan (in fiction), was encouraged to betray Dong Zhuo and was also used as a stress ball by Dong Zhuo. All this ended up pushing Lu Bu to kill Dong Zhuo.)

Haah?! During the journey to Luoyang, it was already sweltering hot, and this late piece of news added a big tub of oil onto our rich young mistress Yuan Shaos simmering temper. If Luoyang is burnt down, then what are we still going there for huh?!

Ben Chu, we are almost there already, and we cant just ignore the fire in Luoyang. We must send our troops to put it out. It is, after all, the capital city. Meng De who was close to Yuan Shao quickly said to her. There is enough time for us to put out the fire before we chase down the enemies who fled to Changan.

Chasing? Still? Yuan Shao really was feeling insufferable as she spat out only 2 words in reply before turning to look at the other feudal lords All of them looked horrible. On seeing this, Yuan Shao let out a sigh of irritation, Taking Sishui pass took us half a day, finding Hulao Pass took us half a day before we found that we wasted our time, and now that we are finally nearing Luoyang and victory, this happens~~~

Judging from that, young mistress Yuan Shao doesnt want to continue the campaign.

Huh We still have to go to Changan? Gongsun Zan supported her forehead which was not yet fully healed as she said irritably. Think about me for once, my home is at You state! The road back home seems so much longer now.

Be thankful, at least the distance you face is physical. If I want to go home, I have to travel thousands of years.

My lord, we must seize this opportunity offered to us on this campaign and remember landmarks in this area. When we advance into the Central Plains, it will be useful My lord, are you even listening?!

Zi Long was giving useful advice to Gongsun Zan from behind while Gongsun Zan couldnt be bothered to listen Ah, Gongsun Zan was reduced to tears again from Zi Longs scolding Hai~~~ When will she learn

But shes right in a way, recently all weve done is march and its really too much. Han Fu lay down lazily on her horse. She seems to be talking with us a lot recently, Id originally wanted to score some merits, but my Pan Fengs recent form isnt too good.

Isnt he always in bad form then? And its not my place to say this, but if youd used Zhang He more, you would definitely have achieved some merits.

But after listening to them, it looks like not just Yuan Shao but the vast majority of the feudal lords do not wish to march on anymore as the effort and suffering of marching just didnt seem to be worth whatever merits they could achieve. Add to that their being away from their own territories for a while now, being a little homesick is pretty normal.

(TL: Marching is no joke Especially as an ordinary soldier, you have to carry typically 10-15kg load on you besides your weapon and wear heat trapping kevlar And you have to remember that in that era, food and water isnt so accessible.)

Maa, we will put out the fire Uncle Sun Jian, Ill leave this colossaltask to you.

Haa?! Uncle Sun Jian was terribly unwilling. On what grounds? Every time we go into battle, Im always leading either the vanguard or the shock troops, and now we have to put out the fire Im the first to go as well! You, how can you bully someone to this extent?

Aiya, uncle Sun Jian. When we meet the Son of Heaven, Ill sing more praises of you then. Yuan Shao quickly tried to placate Sun Jian on hearing his objections.

But everyone knew, that those words were not much more than an empty promise as they werent even close to the Son of Heaven.

Hmph, really Ill go Ill go. Sun Jian couldnt be bothered to argue further and brought his troops out of the main body and sped up towards Luoyang.

What sort of attitude is that huh Yuan Shao looked at the distant Sun Jian with dissatisfaction, Little sister, as the on in charge of logistics, dont give him the full amount he has been allocated later.

I know, big sister. Yuan Shu and her older sister looked at each other and they both gave an evil laughter.

Meng De, who was beside, saw it all but she didnt say a word and only shook her head.

I feel that this coalition will break up soon.

By the time we reached Luoyang, the fire was almost out.

Though the fire was out, the city could no longer be considered a city. Instead of ruins, it would be more appropriate to call what remained charred soul. Corpses couldnt be seen clearly but there was always a pungent scent of burnt meat that hung about in the air that made one feel disgusted and chilled to the bone. Several feudal lords were even adamantly unwilling to enter the city and set up camp outside.

Those fellows, how could they have burnt something down so thoroughly

Even though I knew it would be fruitless, I let my little sisters and Feng Xian and the rest see if there were any survivors buried under the wreckage. I, on the other hand, went with Hua Tuo to treat those whod been saved.

As I predicted, the people they saved were few and most were badly burnt. Id never thought Id see such a grotesque sight again after Hua Xiongs death, and the overpowering nausea once again returned.

Burnt skin cannot heal, if you want to heal it, you need to do skin grafting But the resources and condition of patients here are too poor, this skin is most likely Hua Tuo started tearing as she said so, and she quickly used her arm to wipe them away when she realised it. Aiya, only at this time am I grateful that my eyesight is poor, or it would be unbearable to see these peoples wounds.

Hua Tuo laughed bitterly, and I could feel her deep sense of helplessness as a doctor who could not heal her patients.

Xuan De, youre here Where are the rest?

Un? Its Meng De Ah. I stopped short because I saw 2 clear streaks of tears on Meng Des alabaster face Maa, I wont ask about that. I let the others go and check if theres anyone trapped.

Even though you know you probably cant save anyone, you still sent people anyway Huh? As I expected, we are quite similar. Meng De smiled confidently, though I cant tell if she is faking it.

You let your people go and search for survivors as well?

Why not? In this gargantuan city Luoyang, there should still be survivors out there who need help. Though we may not save anyone, we should probably be able to save someone.

Maa, that is true Un? Isnt that uncle Sun Jian?

Uncle Sun Jian was walking hurriedly towards Yuan Shaos tent, not even bothering to wipe off the ash covering his face.

Hahaha, look at you

Not long after he entered the tent, young mistress Yuan Shaos condescending laughter could be heard.

What sort of attitude was that.

Xuan De, lets go listen to what theyre saying. Meng De said after pondering for a moment and then pulled me toward the tent by the arm.

Eh? Whats there to listen about?

Could it be that Meng De has a bad habit of watching people get made fun of?

No I just feel that Sun Jian seems a bit suspicious. Meng De walked over to the side of the tent and pressed her ear to the surface. I just hope Im thinking too much.

And the moment I pressed my ear to the tent

Returning to your hometown because of an illness? Young mistress Yuan Shaos voice rang out.

Uncle Sun Jian is leaving? Now I remember, in history he left because

Un, recently Ive been constantly tired out, and I really want to return to my daughters.

Alright, you can leave But as the coalition leader, I will have you leave behind the jade seal you found.

Jade seal As expected, Sun Jian found the Imperial Jade Seal while he was putting out the fire at Luoyang when he went on ahead of us.

What?!! How, how did you know!

Of course someone told me Alright, hand it over quick.

No way, this is the only loot Ive gotten from this campaign! Ive already decided to gift it to my daughter when I get back home!!

Though it really doesnt matter to me, why is the Imperial Jade Seal being casually treated as a toy?

A gift for your daughter! How wasteful can you be huh!!

Thats right, young mistress Yuan Shao, please explain it well and good to uncle Sun Jian.

Let me tell you! That is the Imperial Jade Seal, the jade used to make it should be priceless. Instead of giving it to your daughter and recklessly wasting a gift from the gods, why dont you let me extract some value from it and make some jade bracelets and rings from the jade material.

Youre recklessly wasting gods gift as well!!

A, anyway Ive already decided it, no need for anymore words! Well see who dares to stop me!

Hmph, well see how it goes then.

Uncle Sun Jian started stomping out the moment he delivered his angry words Sounds like he is coming out now.

Xuan De, lets go. Meng De pulled me to the front of the tent where Sun Jian was mounting his horse. Wen Tai, youre roo hasty. You could have hid the jade seal first and then leave after everything had passed~~~

(TL: Wen Tai is Sun Jians courtesy name.)

Un? You heard it all? Maa, forget it Your words make sense but Im concerned that something might happen with so many feudal lords around. Uncle Sun Jian broke into a smile as he finished. Maa, whatever the case, at least I have a souvenir for my daughter when I get back.

Looks like he really is planning to give it to his daughter

Sun Jian got ready to leave the moment he finished but I hurriedly stopped him.

Un? Is there anything Lord Liu Bei?

Umm, though I have no basis for this, I think uncle Sun Jian No, Lord Sun Jian should not go through Liu Biaos territory on your way home.

Un? Sun Jian was surprised when he heard me but he broke into a smile as he said, I know very well what kind of person Liu Biao is. Besides self-preservation, he doesnt care about anything else. So he wont do anything to me!

I had more to say but Sun Jian had already rode off into the distance upon finishing what he had to say.

I just hope it goes as he says

But now that Sun Jian, the only one who knows how to lead the shock troops is gone, what do we do? I said as I looked at the by now far off uncle Sun Jian.

These words were directed to both myself and Meng De as I felt she had already predicted and planned for this.

What to do? Meng De turned to me and gave a truly bitter smile as she said, Do nothing.

Eh?

Meng De did not explain any further and entered Yuan Shaos tent.

Based on a reliable source this time, we know that Dong Zhuo is dead already! On the same noght, Yuan Shao gathered the feudal lords and said these farcical words. This is all thanks to the hard work of everyone here. As for Changan, we can leave them be as they will probably destroy themselves. Alrighht, have a good nights rest and tomorrow we can be all on our way home.

As soon as she finished, the feudal lords could be seen to be brimming with joy. From the very beginning till now, this was the first time they were all in such a good mood. Though they had not attained much in this campaign, finally being able to go home at this point was perhaps a great blessing.

And yet they did not know, that Dong Zhuo was long dead, and that this tenuous coalition had long lost its reason for existence.

Xuan De, did you hear. Yuan Shao said we can go home already! Gongsun Zan happily repeated this great news that everyone already knew as she tugged on my sleeve.

Ah, that really is great. I was too lazy to say much, nor was there any value in doing so anyway.

Everyone, I would like to say a few words. Just then, everyone became silent while Meng De smiiled as she stood up and raised her wine cup. From the very beginning, it was my intention to rid our nation of a traitor when I issued a call to arms. And so, I, and the Imperial Court, am both grateful for everyone who was driven to answer my call by your loyalty to the Imperial Court. But truly, the one who has been the most instrumental to our success is not me, but our coalition leader Yuan Shao Yuan Ben Chu.

Eh? Maa, i, its what I should do anyway. Yuan Shao stammered in response.

Ben Chu is too humble. Meng De followed up after Yuan Shao and continued. Now Dong Zhuo is dead. Of course, this result is not independent of everyones hard work. We have gathered from all corners of the country for the sake of ridding Dong Zhuo together At the start, the words Dong Zhuo is dead were on the walls of Sishui Pass. We thought it was a scheme then Why? Because we had not attained what we had set out to achieve

When they heard this, quite a few feudal lords lowered their heads in guilt as they felt that they had been thoroughly read.

What we want Is not something as simple as Dong Zhuos death. We want a stable Imperial Court and a peaceful nation. Meng De stopped to catch her breath, Am I right to say this, everyone?

This time, everyone seemed relieved that their ugly ulterior motives were not seen through and smiled as they went right, right.

Maa forget it, I said a bit too much but let me finish this with a toast! Everyone, please! Meng De raised her head and downed her cup in one go as soon as she finished.

I followed suit as well and raised my cup Ha~~~~ This liquor was strong enough, unlike the one I had in Zhuo commandery.

The majority however, left their cups untouched and just sat where they were motionlessly.

Ha~~~~ Im a little tipsy and will be excusing myself first. After finishing her drink alone, Meng De exited the tent.

Meng De had left, but there was no cheer whatsoever in the tent.

Maa, maa, its not getting any earlier so lets head off to bed. Yuan Shao gave a few dry laughs and dispersed the feudal lords on seeing the awkward atmosphere.

I exited the tent and looked for Meng De, who was already preparing to leave.

Meng De, youre

There are still the remnants of Dong Zhuos forces in Changan so Im bringing my own troops to save the Son of Heaven. Meng De said as she mounted her horse.

You persuaded Yuan Shao to break up the coalition when you went to find her.

Un, theres no way the Son of Heaven can be saved with the feudal lords who will only hold me back . Meng De said mercilessly. In any case, farewell. I believe we will meet again.

I looked at Meng De and I saw that her usually confident smile was slightly diminished.

Maa, I think so too.

Meng De merely chuckled in reply before she rode off and brought her own troops, which werent all that many, out of the west gate, in the direction of Changan.

By the time we woke up the next day, most of the feudal lords had already left. Though its natural that nobody would want to stay for long.

Gongsun Zan had offered to let me go with her earlier. Though it was a good idea, I still felt that You state was a little far and had no choice but to part with Gongsun Zan.

As they left. Zi Long was muttering things like Ahh~~~ What a waste, if only it were Lord Xuan De or My lord, please learn from him and so on Which made me feel that Gongsun Zan was really pitiful.

The person herself on the other seemed unperturbed by this and was still happily calling out to me as she left, Bye bye~~~ My childhood friend~~~~

Maa, she is a naturally big hearted person, to the point where she can accept everything that comes.

And so we began to pack and get ready to leave thereafter.

Lord Xuan De, were almost done. Feng Xian walked over as she pulled the Red Hare along with her injured arm.

Un, I got it Eh? You havent left? I asked.

Eh? Leave Why? She seemed surprised at my question.

What I meant was, you dont need to follow me anymore. I calmly explained. The coalition is no more and the trainwreck is over. The shadows cast by Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuos deaths should have dissipated by now and you can follow your own raison dtre from now on.

Though our time together was short, I keenly understood that Feng Xian was different from the Lu Bu Lu Feng Xian I knew before. Feng Xian enjoyed a good fight but she also loved peace, and was an upright person; she was brave and fierce in combat but also had a cute side to her.

Even though this is just me saying it, I am more than willing to acknowledge her as the real Lu Bu.

What is Lord Xuan De saying? Isnt my raison dtre right here? Feng Xian said as a matter of factly, upon which Zhang Liao smiled from behind. Moreover, Zhang Liao has been speaking of a lot of good things about Lord Xuan De recently.

Eh? But. I was at a loss as to what to do on hearing Feng Xians words.

As for myself, I too feel that staying with Lord Xuan De is better, that I can truly see the world for what it is as long as Im at Lord Xuan Des side.

Feng Xian said as she looked straight at me with resolute eyes. Although I really cannot meet the glance of such a beautiful girl head on.

. Hai, they really think too highly of me.

Maa, since youre willing to follow me, I dont have any objections.

Many thanks, Lord Xuan De. Feng Xian said. Upon finishing she prepared to kneel down but I quickly rushed forward to stop her.

Eh eh eh! Dont need to be so formal about it The one who should be grateful is me.

And so Lord Xuan De is now my lords lord. Zhang Liao seemed to be very happy as well. From now on, Ill have lots of time to chat with my bosom friend.

Bosom friend? Yun Chang?

My bosom friend, I must say, your lord has indeed made the right choice. Yun Chang nodded with a look of satisfaction as she spoke to Zhang Liao. Big brother may not have much of a name now but Im sure he will achieve great things in the times to come.

Whats with this pressure?

And so, we now formally have another 2 members huh? Yi De said as she counted with her fingers.

Eh? Eh? Which 2? Is it Lord Pan Feng and Lord Han Fu? Hua Tuo squinted and looked about.

Its a good thing theyre gone.

If those 2 joined us, that would be bad.

But speaking of members, members of what? Maa, never mind, if I ask, theyll probably tell me a bunch of incomprehensible things.

(TL: Your harem duh. Yun Chang even brainwashed Zhang Liao so all you neeeded to do was to focus on Feng Xian.)

Seeing them happily discussing away, I took out the feather fan.

Before I knew it, it had been a while since Ive been here but I still have no clue on how to go back home

Maa, Ill leave future matters to the future. As I said at the very beginning, now is not yet the time for me to stop.

Alright, let us get going. I said as I kept the feather fan and clapped to get their attention.

And Yi De, Yun Chang, Hua Tuo (Zhang Jue), Feng Xian, Zhang Liao looked at each other before laughing and facing me with a helpless smile

Go where?!~~~~~

Haha, what a recurrent problem.

I too was infected by their laughter and smiled as I gave the reply I always did.

Who knows?! Walk first think later!