After a few days, Zi Long returned to Liyang in a Roman-like triumphus fas.h.i.+on. Before she even reached the city, she’d sent a courier ahead who was in very high spirits, which made me guess that Zi Long must have achieved much in her recruitment efforts. And so, I went out to wait for her return with high expectations.

As I looked down from the city tower, Zi Long’s s.h.i.+ny armour caught my eye. Just as eye-catching was her confident smile, and the ma.s.sive crowd behind her.

Just like that, the troops under my command have increased by more than 1,000.

I was still in disbelief and asked Zi Long how she did it, but all she said was that she did it the usual way. Honestly, I’m really surprised at the outcome. I never thought that a new faction like mine with no money, reputation or authority could gather so many people just by Zi Long’s efforts alone. I wonder if I was just underestimating myself or if Zi Long’s tongue was simply too glib.

But it does make sense if you think about it in the context of this era, where gender equality has been in place since the Shang dynasty and armies have both men and women. In this way, recruiting 1 spouse might net you the other or even the whole family. Even though they will be constantly on the move, being able to live, and die, together might be something comforting in such troubled times.

After all 1,500 or so of my troops were gathered before me, I delivered a speech to them much like how I did back in Zhuo commandery. For some reason, hope seems to be a fresh concept to them and they liked it very much, seeing as they were all in high spirits by the end of it. Of course, guilt a.s.sailed me as always seeing them so excited at my words.

“Won’t Xuan De command the troops himself?” Zi Long asked me, at which sweat streamed down my face as I smiled stiffly and couldn’t reply.

Me command troops? I’d rather handle military affairs. Even though I delivered the speech to them, I still decided to leave the command to Zi Long. I’m not someone like Han Xin who can come up with strategies and tactics with any number of troops after all.

And a few more days after that, Gong You returned.

When she came back, she was clearly utterly exhausted. Her expression seemed the same as how it usually was but one could tell that she was devoid of strength. Leaving aside everything else, Gong You’s eyebags were dark. She probably hasn’t had much sleep these few days.

When I saw this, I hurriedly got a cup of tea for Gong You.

“M, my lord…”

“Don’t say anything, have a seat first.” Gong You’s expression wavered when she saw me bring tea to her but I stopped her and made her sit down first.

“Hu~,” Gong You let out an uncharacteristic sigh and crumpled onto a nearby chair. She saluted me and received the tea with trembling hands which she sipped, and then quickly set down her cup, “… My lord, General Guan Yu seems to have left Xuchang.”

“Eh? Already?”

“Un.” Gong You nodded, “It seems like they left soon after we told them of our whereabouts before the Battle of Guandu began.”

“Then what about now? Where are they now?” My voice grew louder as I got more agitated at Gong You’s words.

“I don’t have concrete information on their present whereabouts.” Gong You shook ger head, and nodded resolutely immediately after as she continued, “But I am sure that General Guan Yu and the rest are headed for the southern most city in Lord Yuan Shao’s domain, Runan.”

Runan… It’s somewhere at the border of Ben Chu’s territory right.

“Then have you heard any news about Yi Dr?”

“… I regretfully apologise.” Gong You tried to get up and bow in apology but I hurriedly grabbed her arms to stop her as she had already done everything she could.

“Rest easy first Gong You. I’ll take care of everything else for now and we can think of that later.” At this moment, I was more concerned about Gong You. She’s always been serious about her work to a fault, and doesn’t take care of herself enough. It is especially so for missions of critical importance that her actions can be dangerous to herself.

“My lord, I suggest that we should start moving immediately and head to Runan first before eventually heading further south.”

“Eh?

Just then, Gong You grabbed on to my sleeve and looked at me. The seriousness in her eyes was even more p.r.o.nounced because of her tiredness and this gave me a shock.

“Lord Yuan Shao has not said it yet, but she probably intends to have you follow her to Xuchang. The only reason why she hasn’t mentioned it is because she hasn’t made the necessary arrangements. If we wish to eventually build a domain of our own, we cannot stay in Hebei which has now stabilised and must reunite with the other generals as soon as possible and travel further south…”

Gong You finished saying what would have been equivalent to a week’s worth of words for her in 1 breath. Clearly, she was very serious about it. The hands she held me tightly with were shaking, and it felt like she could pa.s.s out in the next second. But even so, she still looked at me with resolute eyes, in the hope that I could make a decision here and now.

Could it be because she has detected a sense of comfort in my heart? A sense of comfort in the days I’ve spent here, that has led to thoughts that maybe going on like this wouldn’t be too bad after all.

Of course, waiting here for Yun Chang and the rest was an option, but it was a coward’s choice, and I would never amount to anything if I stayed. As Liu Bei, I can’t stop here.

“Un, Gong You, I understand.”

“My lord?”

I caressed Gong You’s pale cheeks. Her cheeks were smooth back in Xu state but after all she’d been through, there were cuts and dust on them.

“Gong You, it’s been really hard on you.”

“… No, this is my duty, and I should be doing this much at least.” Gong You did not complain at all. How is someone as weak and useless as me worthy of such loyalty?

Yes, I need to bid farewell with Ben Chu soon.

Later on I went to find Zi Long to explain what I’d decided but who knew that Gong You had already discussed this with Zi Long beforehand and everyone was already packed up and ready to leave Liyang anytime.

In that case, there’s nothing more to say.

On the way to Ben Chu’s tent, I happened to b.u.mp into Xu You who was just coming out and said hi to her. Xu You was the same as always, and wore many layers of clothing. Her existence felt stronger now, but not by much.

“Because Ben Chu is going to Xuchang, I’m following as well. We 3 are going to be together again, hehehe~” Xu You was truly happy, and her laughter felt like it came from the bottom of her heart.

From what I know, Xu You doesn’t meet a good ending at all in actual history. Not only does Xu You have a reputation for being a traitor, his way of doing things is seen as audacious. I really wonder what exactly changed to have brought about such a drastic change in character?

But perhaps, that’s how she really is.

To loosen up my tense feelings, I tried to think about various other things and entered Ben Chu’s tent.

“Is it Xuan De?” Ben Chu called out to me even though she still had her back to me.

She was currently wearing a plain white robe, which looked like it was pretty cooling. It seems like fabric in this era is a little thin as many important parts of Ben Chu’s gorgeous figure could be seen behind the translucent robe, making her even more alluring and I really didn’t know where to look.

“Un, I’ve come.” I saluted in reply.

“Why is Xuan De being so formal? It’s unlike you.” Ben Chu said as she grabbed 2 wine cups and made to pour wine for the both of us.

“You don’t come here often so we should have a good drink when we have the chance.”

“Ah, about that, I’m not here to drink with you.” Seeing that the situation was fast becoming complicated, I stopped her and took a deep breath before I continued, “I came here today as I have something important to tell you.”

“… Is that so.” Ben Chu said, as her elegant smile began to look a little stiff.

Just as I was about to continue, Ben Chu spoke up first.

— Are you going to head south?