NOVEL WEB Chapter 116 - The Military
Chapter 116. The Military
Zhao Yun’s eyes glaring at me were anything but ordinary.
A fierce blue light flickered in her gaze, as if she were in battle.
“Brother, what do you mean by this? About the strategist’s… oh, oh, oh, goodness, I can’t even say it out loud, it’s so embarrassing.”
“I, too, would like to hear it, Master. What exactly happened?”
“……”
Don’t worry. I didn’t actually pet her.
Even trying to explain would sound strange. Yeah, better to just keep quiet and avoid making things worse.
Fortunately, Sima Yi snorted and jumped into the conversation.
“Well, this isn’t the time for such things, is it? Right now, time is of the essence, so let’s not dwell on these trivial matters.”
Despite her words, both of them continued to glare at me for a while but eventually turned their heads, clicking their tongues under Sima Yi’s subtle pressure.
Saved. Kid, I’ll repay this favor someday…!
While I was sighing in relief, Sima Yi unfolded her fan and spoke again.
“So, what’s your plan now, Uncle?”
She said this while glancing at Haryeong.
As if trained, Haryeong jumped up and brought over the bamboo slips piled in the corner, holding them in both hands.
“As I understand it, you don’t seem particularly pleased with General Cao’s actions, correct?”
“Yeah.”
I nodded with a serious expression.
I was well aware that war was inevitable in these times. I also knew that the other side struck first.
However, the start of this war was ultimately born out of deceit.
If my whereabouts hadn’t been hidden, this war would never have happened.
Yes, it was time to accept it.
Cao Cao betrayed me.
And it was all for her own greed.
“I can’t stand being used by anyone.”
“…Sigh, I understand. But pulling out now isn’t an option. This war began with us as well, so we have to at least fulfill our duties.”
“What are those duties?”
“When General Cao’s forces reach Hedong, a messenger will come. Until then, we need to defend Hongnong Commandery and create a foothold to advance toward Henan and Henei. However, it won’t be easy. We first need to deal with Yuan Shu’s main forces stationed in Nanyang. And the Little Conqueror and the Tiger of Jiangdong are still around too.”
“So, the immediate duty is to hold Hongnong Commandery.”
“Yes, until the messenger from General Cao arrives. After that, we’ll meet her. Since she betrayed us, she has no reason to keep us bound.”
However, Sima Yi continued.
“But if, by any chance, General Cao decides not to let us go, a worst-case scenario could unfold.”
I understood what this kid was getting at right away.
“In the worst-case scenario, we’ll have to sever ties with Cao Cao’s forces too.”
“Yes, and that would leave us with no place to stand in the central plains. Therefore, there’s only one conclusion.”
—Shrrrk!
Sima Yi unfurled one of the bamboo slips that Haryeong had brought.
It displayed a map.
“A place unaffected by Chang’an and Luoyang. Yizhou would take too long as we would need to pass through Hanzhong, and crossing to Yizhou requires going through either Chang’an or Luoyang. Jingzhou is also out, as is Wuling, Lingling, and Guiyang—all territories of Jiangdong. From what I see, the best option would be to seek refuge with the Governor of Shangdang in Bing Province. The second-best option is to rely on the Inspector of You Province. The least favorable option would be to depend on Yuan Shao’s forces that occupy Hebei.”
I folded my arms and nodded.
I also had no intention of reconciling with Cao Cao’s forces anymore.
“We should conclude this matter after talking with Cao Cao.”
“Understood. Regardless, the most pressing issue at hand, as I mentioned earlier, is to hold Hongnong Commandery until the messenger from Cao Cao arrives. If Hongnong falls, even Her Majesty’s safety could be at risk. While I care little for Cao Cao’s forces, if Yuan Shu gains control of Her Majesty, their power could grow uncontrollably. After all, Her Majesty is nothing more than a puppet right now.”
That frail little girl.
I didn’t want to engage in a meaningless battle, but under the current circumstances, we couldn’t retreat either.
It was a true dilemma.
“Alright, I understand. What’s the current war situation?”
Sima Yi opened another bamboo slip.
“Yuan Shu’s forces have likely completed reconnaissance on us. Soon, the main force will come. And that main force is…”
Sun Jian’s army.
Upon hearing this, a murderous aura emanated from Zhao Yun.
“I see. Given that they’re stationed in Nanyang, it’s likely they’ll take the lead.”
“Yes, just as Commander Zhao Yun says. Additionally, the Little Conqueror holds a grudge against us.”
“A grudge?”
I tilted my head, and Sima Yi sighed deeply, her eyes narrowing into crescent shapes.
“Someone tarnished the once formidable teeth of Sun Jian.”
Ah, right.
Now that I think about it, that old man lost an arm to me.
“Sun Jian is probably just as desperate for revenge as we are. With our invasion, he now has a good excuse.”
“Got it.”
“Just to make it clear, please don’t overexert yourself this time. If your condition worsens, feel free to step back from the front lines. I can handle things from there.”
Though saying that, you probably won’t listen, right?
Sima Yi spoke with a furrowed brow.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Don’t worry. If you judge that, I’ll listen.”
“…What did you say?”
“I said, if you want me to step back from the front lines, I’ll do it. That’s if our little strategist deems it necessary.”
“…Uncle, are you drunk?”
“No, you little brat.”
This one was as cheeky as ever.
Still, she wasn’t entirely wrong.
Up until now, I had said I would trust her, only to act on my own several times.
But now, it was different.
We were fighting together.
Besides, everyone here was strong enough to survive on their own.
“I can still fight. This isn’t a lie. My body has recovered to some extent, and I can definitely contribute to our strength.”
“…”
Sima Yi’s eyes widened. She briefly raised the corners of her lips.
Though she quickly hid that playful smile behind her fan, so the moment to enjoy it was brief.
“Ha, haha! Got it. Feels like I finally have a sharp sword in hand. Excellent, I’m thrilled. Let’s re-evaluate our tactics. Oh, and there’s another variable.”
“What is it?”
“That hairy beast you brought along.”
—Kuuul…
Lü Bu was sleeping soundly again.
Clearly, she thought it was none of her business.
Finally, smack!
I smacked Lü Bu hard on the back.
“Gaah! Damn… are you crazy?!”
“What the hell are you leisurely sleeping for?”
“This damn bastard… I’ve done my part! I kept up my end of the lousy deal with you.”
“So where are you planning to go? Cao Cao’s camp is just nearby.”
“Dunno, man. I’ll just go back home or whatever. Ah, by the way.”
Lü Bu grumbled but then turned her gaze toward Sima Yi.
“Where are my subordinates? Especially that bastard Zhang Liao.”
“Oh, that remarkable warrior? Unlike you. I was truly amazed. A great warrior like him quietly hiding his fangs under someone like you.”
“What? You damn brat, you keep crossing the line. Are you asking to get killed?”
Unfazed by Lü Bu’s murderous glare, Sima Yi slipped behind me, using me as a shield, and continued.
“He’s marching with Cao Cao’s forces. As are all your soldiers from Bing Province.”
“Huh? Why are those bastards doing that?”
“Because General Wen Yuan is an honorable warrior. He’s been supporting us wholeheartedly to repay the kindness received from our Unryong Army.”
“Tch, damn bastard. Doing useless things.”
Lü Bu sighed and shook her head, as if that behavior was typical of Zhang Liao.
“So, what are you going to do? Leave now? But it won’t be easy at the moment.”
“…”
Lü Bu looked at me silently.
“Fine, then. Let’s see that Little Conqueror or whatever they call him. I’ve been through hell because of him.”
“You sure about this, Yeo?”
“What? You don’t want me around?”
“What are you talking about? I’d feel quite lonely without you now.”
“…Hmph.”
I meant it.
After spending so much time together, Lü Bu and I had developed a deep bond.
After living together for months, I couldn’t even imagine my side without Lü Bu.
“Are you sure you want to leave? Something feels off.”
With those words, Sima Yi ended the military meeting.
And a week later.
In the distance, the banners of Sun Jian’s army appeared.