The Battle of Guandu was so intense that even now, a few days after it all ended, I could still see it clearly in my mind.

In the past few days, many of Ben Chu’s subordinates clamoured for her to attack but Ben Chu did not do anything. Though she said she wanted to rest and recover, I get that the feeling that she has some other motive. That said, the losses were tremendous and though her troops still outnumbered Meng De’s, the numerical advantage was greatly reduced.

Yan Liang’s back and throat were pierced, and if she were any ordinary person, she would have probably died but she was able to make it back to the main encampment and the physicians were able to save her. The only permanent damage she suffered was to her vocal chords.

But for Yan Liang, what troubled her more was that she could not drink liquor.

Besides all this, the betrayals have had a very detrimental impact on troops morale. Guo Tu was executed on the spot while Zhang He was currently locked up and awaiting trial but she probably can’t escape an execution.

As I mentioned before, Ben Chu probably had a reason for calling a temporary ceasefire and this probably was a result of her interaction with Meng De while the 2 of them were fighting.

To the both of them, it was an imperative to win the Battle of Guandu yet Meng De has not acted either since that day even though it isn’t clear who has won. If there isn’t some conspiracy behind by the 2 of them, then it must mean that the Battle of Guandu is over.

“Ow! Xuan De, can you not get distracted?!”

“Ah! S, sorry, Zi Long.” I got a shock from Zi Long and continued wrapping the bandages carefully and gingerly.

That day, Zi Long had taken on Xu Huang, Yue Jin and Li Dian on her own while carrying the burdensome me along. After several dozen bouts, Zi Long was still standing strong and stayed on until the reinforcing troops were able to arrive. Despite being outnumbered and having to drag a burden along, Zi Long only sustained several slashes on her arm.

“Xuan De, this is the last time I’m doing something like this. I will not do something stupid like this another time.”

“Un, I won’t do this again.” I smiled bitterly and then curiosity piqued me and I asked, “Come to think of it, what do you think about those 3 people’s martial prowess?”

“Those 3 huh. The leader, the one with the cold face is extraordinarily strong. I couldn’t read her moves at all. The one behind with a hat and a lighthearted expression is not as good, you can tell that she just has a self-taught style. The weakest one is the one with a hat and a serious face. Every move of hers feels very rigid and predictable, as though they were taken straight out of a military training manual.” Zi Long said and then started laughing, “To be honest, it was actually better for me that they all came at once. If it were just cold face, it would have been even more difficult to read and antic.i.p.ate what she would do. On the other hand, because you were behind me, most of the attacks were directed at you so it was easy to predict where the attacks were going to come from.”

So their primary target was me huh. But now that I think about it, if I happened to die by a stray sword or spear, Zi Long could have just retreated after that.

“In any case, thanks Zi Long. It’s been hard on you.”

“Whether it’s difficult or not doesn’t matter. Xuan De has to understand who he is.”

Eh?

Zi Long ignored her half-bandaged state and saluted me when she finished.

“You are now my lord, and I may protest your orders, I must obey them in the end. So Xuan De should not mind such things.”

She only raised her arms after she finished. I, however, was embarra.s.sed and moved by what she said and my hands that continued to bandage her began to tremble.

“… I’m back. After counting the numbers, we have about 1-200 casualties but we should be able to replenish these numbers over the next couple of days.” Just then, Gong You who had been busy with military administrative affairs and logistics came back.

She looked at Zi Long’s injuries and began to lecture me again, “… My lord must remember not to ever endanger yourself again. Both I and General Zhao Yun are responsible for this gaffe.”

“Ah, I got it. Thanks for your concern, Gong You.”

Gong You nodded, and then went to the side to help make tea.

At least it was just Gong You. If Yun Chang were around, she would probably talk my ear off.

“Ah, my lord, Lord Yuan Shao’s courier just came to look for me and asked you to come to the main tent in a while for some important matters.”

“Eh? Me?”

Gong You nodded.

Important matters? And she’s seeking my advice?

I actually haven’t seen Ben Chu these few days. After we all returned to camp, she stayed by Yan Liang’s side. Thereafter, I heard that she personally went to speak to some rank and file officials and troops but heard no further news after that.

That is to say, this meeting will be the first time I’m seeing Ben Chi after the battle.

I wonder why Ben Chu is looking for me, I thought as I entered the main tent.

“Ah, Imperial Uncle is here.”

When I entered, I was greeted with familiar faces all round. On the left was Feng Ji and Shen Pei, on the right was Tian Feng and Ju Shou, perhaps Xu You was in some corner too. Feng Ji was currently standing with the support of Shen Pei as she couldn’t sit. The one who first addressed me was also Feng Ji.

In front was Ben Chu who was holding a piece of silk in her hands and had a curious expression on her. She didn’t look sad but she wasn’t happy either. It felt like she was just calm. The seat that Ben Chu was sitting on no longer had any elevation, and the decorations were much plainer.

“Umm, what is it that Ben Chu has summoned me for?”

Sensing the tension in the atmosphere, I didn’t dare to dawdle and went straight into the issue at hand.

“Un…” Ben Chu sighed and raised the hand which held the silk and shook it in the air, “I got a letter from Meng De’s side today. The contents were basically requesting me to surrender and in return, I will be appointed General-in-Chief.”

“Eh? General-in-Chief?”

“My lord, I must say this. Though the position of General-in-Chief is 1 of the 3 Excellency positions, it is only important in name. Back when the first Emperor built the nation, he created the position of Grand Commandant which was the previous name of General-in-Chief but never really established a role for the position. Cao Cao’s plan to appoint my lord as General-in-Chief is nothing but a cheap ploy to appease you while taking away your lands and power.”

Tian Feng ignored me and came up to put her view across. Looking at the others, I think this isn’t the first time she’s saying this.

When Ben Chu saw this, she calmly raised her palm to Tian Feng.

“Yuan Hao, let’s listen to Xuan De’s view first.” As she finished, she looked at me and waited for my answer.