Meng De POV

Seeing that she was visibly moved, I felt that I could help her make the decision and nodded as I made my way towards her.

Cheng Yu, who was in front of me, made her way forward with me as well until I patted her shoulders and gestured to her to walk by my side, her dagger glistening as she did so.

When I looked up, I found that Ma Teng looked calm now and her frown was somewhat alleviated. Apart from her hands, she’s practically motionless. She looked at me, and I her as well. Compared to when we met eyes before, there’s a lot less antagonism than before.

The sound of her fingers toying with her blade filled my ears. She’s probably still thinking about it.

After a few moments, she seemed to come to a decision and her hand flew up as her dagger landed into the pillar near the entrance with a dull thud.

She sighed and saluted rather humbly, “If joining Court and offering up hostages can prove my loyalty to the Great Han, then so be it.”

“Good. That’s very good.”

What a waste of all my saliva.

“But,” She bowed as she said so, “Please let my daughter continue to govern Liang state for the time being. Liang state troops are fiery and external threats are ever-present. Someone who is more experienced and has the necessary prestige should take charge for now.”

“That can be done. The daughter you are referring to would be your eldest daughter, Ma Chao Ma Meng Qi right?”

She seemed stunned when she heard me say her daughter’s full name.

“Relax, I did not do a full investigation into you. I only know her name from rumours.” I smiled. Immediately, I withdrew my smile, took a step forward and leaned towards Ma Teng as I said, “Of course, I can know a lot more if I wish to.”

The second part was part-bluff. I have the confidence I can do it if I need to.

“Un…”

But even these half-truths made Ma Teng look at me with a hint of fear in her eyes.

Perhaps I ought to just take away everything.

This thought sprang to mind as the notion of utterly crus.h.i.+ng her came to mind. But when I thought about it, what Ma Teng said isn’t wrong. It will likely be very troublesome to decide who to send in lieu of Ma Teng so I might as well use one of her people for now.

“That’s fine. I understand.” I nodded and smiled as I saluted Ma Teng who was looking terrible by now.

“Well then, Liang state will be left to your daughter for now. This is conditional upon your joining Court as an official and severing all communications with said daughter. These are troubled times after all, so there are taboos to avoid.”

I made sure I was crystal clear and with every word, I could see that her grip tightened. Only when I finished did she loosen her grip, as though she were enduring something. She then saluted me and lowered her head, “Alright. Many thanks to Imperial Chancellor Cao for this.”

Hu… I couldn’t help but heave a sigh of relief at Ma Teng’s words. Until she voiced her a.s.sent, I still wasn’t 100% confident about it. Only by ceaselessly pus.h.i.+ng and forcing her have I come this far.

“Well, that’s that then.” I nodded, “Cheng Yu, please send Lord Ma Teng out.”

Cheng Yu sheathed her dagger and kept it before bowing to Ma Teng and gesturing her to leave. When Ma Teng left, she turned back and looked at me with eyes filled with rage. When she saw that I was looking at her as well, she turned her head away with a ‘hmph’ and left. Though this means that she isn’t afraid of me, a

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t least she knows I’m not easy to deal with.

Good, very good. From the looks of things, even if I hasten my pace, I think I can make it. Now, only I can save the world and the Great Han.

Even if this leads to–

“Imperial Chancellor.” While I was occupied with my own thoughts, a voice came from the rafters. I don’t need to look. If Cheng Yu just left, then there’s only one other possible candidate.

“Xun Yu, what is the matter?” I threw aside my thoughts and shook my sleeves as I displayed a calm and collected expression. Because of what transpired before, especially my angry tirade at Ma Teng, my clothing was a little untidy and unbecoming.

“It’s–”

“Whatever you have to say, say it after you come down.” I interrupted Xun Yu and pointed at the floor, “You’ve been a strategist for a while now and have been promoting and leading other officials. Why are you still like this?”

“Yes.” She acknowledge the order and landed in a kneeling position on the ground, “I saw that the Imperial Chancellor was still in the midst of her discussions and thought that raising this would be improper so I didn’t interrupt.”

“Even if you don’t want to interrupt me, you shouldn’t have been eavesdropping.” I laughed as I shook my head, “Never mind, tell me what you are here for.”

“Yes,” She nodded and continued, “Lord Kong Rong is requesting an audience.”

“Oh? He’s here again?”

Ah, my head is starting to hurt when I think of Kong Rong. Ever since he came to the capital, he’s been locking horns with me on many issues, from my restrictions on liquor to the territories I grant.

“Well then, what’s the problem this time?” I asked softly and calmly though my emotions were already beginning to rampage.

“He seems to have heard of our preparations to move south and came to dissuade us.”

“He actually made a move before I made a decision about moving south. He really doesn’t let things get by him huh?” I said and sighed, feeling very vexed.

We were only just beginning the preparations. What does he want? He’s a scholar and an elder so I can see why we have so many disagreements. But I’d like to see how he plans on stopping me today.

“Where is he now?” I asked.

“He is in the lounge in the reception hall.” Xun Yu said, “We received him separately from Lord Ma Teng.”

“Un, good.” I nodded and got up from my seat. What they did was right. But from things went this time, it might have been better for that Kong Rong to see my resolve.

Not that I’m afraid to repeat myself.

“Let’s go. I’ll go and meet that fat scholar.” I said and shook my sleeves once more before making my way with Xun Yu following behind.

“… Imperial Chancellor, I might be speaking out of turn, but I hope that the Imperial Chancellor can end this nicely.”

“I will do things appropriately this time.”

When I finished, it seems like Xun Yu understood what I meant and frowned as she looked at me, “… Imperial Chancellor, could it be that you’re–”

Looks like she guessed it.

“Xun Yu, you don’t need to guess any further. I said I would deal with things appropriately and they will be.” I said and stopped reading Xun Yu’s expressions as I proceeded ahead with my hands at my back, “Of course, everything depends on how Kong Rong treats me later.”

“…” Xun Yu didn’t reply but I could feel slightly heavier breathing than normal which meant that she was deep in thought. After a few paces, Xun Yu wordlessly caught up and followed behind me.

When I saw this, I quickened my pace. It’s different now after all and I can’t afford to pa.s.s my time leisurely anymore.

My meeting hall and reception hall aren’t too far apart and are really only separated by a soundproof wall. Past that is the adjoining room to the reception hall.

“How can we continue like this!” Just then, Kong Rong’s yell could be heard.

“Un? What? Is there anyone else in the room?”

“No, there shouldn’t be anyone.”

Xun Yu’s face was calm as she replied me. Looks like this has been going on for some time now. I can see why he’s doing this. His existence isn’t very strong after all so if he wants to draw the attention of others, apart from directly barging into one’s house, it can only come during his turn to speak in Court.

“Hai~” I sighed. Unlike my discussion with Ma Teng, I don’t need to scheme and plot when facing Kong Rong. This sigh is just a small way to vent my frustration on having to deal with this d.a.m.ned scholar.

“Let’s go.” I said after I made my resolve and rounded the corner before making my way towards the entrance and ascending the steps.

“Imperial Chancellor Cao!” Just as I took my second step, Kong Rong came charging over with that laughably bloated body of his that was adorned with a goatee that didn’t suit his face at all.

“Lord Kong Rong need not stand on ceremony.”

When I heard his yell, I hurriedly dodged his kowtow. Of course, he still knelt down. I also know that he is doing this for the sole sake of fulfilling proprieties and that he doesn’t think much of me at all.

I continued to walk forward until I came to my seat and turned around before sitting down. When I looked ahead, I saw Kong Rong struggling to get up and looking at unhappily as he came over.

“Lord Kong Rong, please sit.” I saluted and signalled for him to sit down. Kong Rong lightly nodded when he saw this and tidied all of his clothing piece by piece before saluting me. He then took 3 steps back, took a big round, took another 2 steps back and then gingerly sat down.