Meng De POV

After we had gathered back at camp and counted our losses, I found that even though the battle went almost perfectly for our side, we didn’t really get a decisive advantage.

Though we did reduce their numbers by a lot more than our losses, our troop morale is spent. Our supplies are running low as before, and the Qing state soldiers are getting restless as Zhang Xiu’s loyalty is beginning to waver.

As for Cao Hong, her arm was no good by the time she made it to the city. I have no choice but to send her to Professor Ma Jun and see if she can do anything.

(TL: Ma Jun is a mechanical engineer and scientist. Yes you read that right, an engineer and scientist in AD 200+. No, technology isn’t going to go all haywire here. Ma Jun was an innovator who came up with normal useful mechanical stuff related to gears and hydraulics. The honorific used here is 先生 which is Mr or sensei so I translated it as professor.)

But fate bestowed by the heavens is truly unpredictable. It has only been 1 day since we left the encampment but Feng Xiao who had been attending to military affairs is already…

I clenched my fist as I paced up and down outside Feng Xiao’s room.

Hai, Feng Xiao, is this where your path will end?

After a short while, the military physician came out and I hurriedly went up to ask him how she was but when I saw his helpless look, I could already guess what the answer would be.

“Physician…”

“I know what the Imperial Chancellor wants to know. Physician Hua Tuo has attended to Lord Guo Jia’s problems before and instructed Lord Guo Jia not to tire herself or get agitated.” The physician shook his head as he continued, “But it’s easier said than done. With a war going on, everyone will inevitably have a lot of work on their hands and it is impossible to convince Lord Guo Jia to wind down and rest.”

“But before we set out, Feng Xiao clearly said that she would leave everything to Man Chong…”

Ah.

Now that I think about it, could that be Feng Xiao’s will? The one who’s always been busy with work was Feng Xiao as usual after all.

“C, can I go and see Feng Xiao?”

“… Un.” The physician nodded at me with a sorrowful look as he replied.

I took a deep breath, tidied my clothing, and stepped in.

“Feng Xiao, I’m here to see you.” I said so the moment I entered and when I turned my head, I saw Feng Xiao in a white gown sitting up on the bed. Her face was, by now, pale as a sheet.

“What is my lord saying now? You’ve been pacing about outside for a while now. Are you trying to irritate me to death?”

“How could I have such an intent…” When I heard Feng Xiao’s sarcastic words, I felt much more sorrowful than put off and bowed deeply as I saluted her.

“What deeds and merits have I accomplished that the Imperial Chancellor is showing such courtesy to me?” Feng Xiao said as she got out of bed, wore her plain cloth shoes and came to help me up.

“Haha, don’t come and act all polite with me.” I laughed as I held her hands.

Her hands were trembling, and her hands touched me, I felt a distinct chill on my arms. What cold hands. They are so much colder than how they usually are.

“Hai~ I’m really envious of the cold hands Feng Xiao has. When summer arrives, it would be great to have Feng Xiao by my side.”

“Haha, my lord really knows how to joke. How could I possibly last till summer?”

Feng Xiao only laughed self-deprecatingly as my words of support and bent down to help me up.

“I’m actually very happy that my lord has come to see me. I have the important mission of conquering Wuhuan after this so I’m afraid I won’t be able to see everyone again.”

“Feng Xiao, you don’t actually have to bother with Wuhuan. Just stay and rest. I’ll put someone else in charge.” As I finished, I wanted to gesture to summon a subordinate general in but Feng Xiao grabbed my hand and stopped me.

“No, this is the path I have chosen. Even if I have come to the end of it, I will keep walking.” Feng Xiao smiled and set aside her usual sarcastic, mocking look, revealing a kind expression for the first time. She then continued as she looked at me, “Come on my lord, you should smile. This face doesn’t seem like you at all.”

I don’t know what kind of face I have on now but it’s probably a difficult and uneasy one. Showing a natural-seeming relaxed expression can sometimes be impossible.

“…” I sank into silence, and didn’t want to accept the reality before me. If it weren’t for my status and the need for face, I would have thrown a tantrum and made a scene by now.

But, I am Cao Cao.

“Alright, I got it, I won’t stop you. If you want to go to Wuhuan then go.” I smiled and grasped Feng Xiao’s hands as I resolved myself to give her a final farewell.

“My lord, before I set off, I have some words of advice.”

“Un, go ahead, Feng Xiao.”

“First, Xun Yu and Cheng Yu are extraordinarily talented individuals. They should be promoted and can be relied on when I’m not around anymore. Secondly, though this battle may have ended in a draw, the north is more or less ours. I advise you to focus on Jing state in the south before taking Xichuan and thereafter Sun Wu. Thirdly Liu Bei may seem unremarkable but he will definitely leave his mark in history and you must guard against him. The world is still in chaos and whatever path you should take, whatever is right or wrong; in the end, it is my lord’s decision…”

*Ke*!! *Ke* *Ke*!!!

After finis.h.i.+ng everything she wanted to say in 1 breath, Feng Xiao violently coughed and blood flowed out from between her fingers as she tried to cover her mouth.

At this, I could only hug Feng Xiao tightly and silently rub her back.

“Un, I got it. You don’t need to say any more…”

Feng Xiao’s coughing continued for a while, and eventually stopped but she continued to tremble uncontrollably.