"Let's go. Let's pay a visit to Sun Bofu. Shiyuan, I haven't seen him in a long ti. I wonder how I'll feel eting him this ti. During the battle on the Yangtze River, we barely crossed paths. This ti, let's gauge our strengths against each other!" Zhuge Liang's calm words surged with unparalleled enthusiasm. Other than Pang Tong, who had sched against him to near death, no one else could stir him so deeply.
Though Taishi Ci was the commander of the army, he showed no intention of rebuking Zhuge Liang for the rare act of issuing direct orders. Whether in terms of Zhuge Liang's identity, abilities, or age, Taishi Ci had no thoughts of arguing with him.
After all, it was rare for Zhuge Liang to act so openly. It was evident that the upcoming encounter with Pang Shiyuan bore significant connections to past grievances, a twist in relationships that Taishi Ci found quite intriguing.
As Zhuge Liang stepped out of the tent ahead, Zhang Song was already standing outside, waiting.
Back then, before understanding the truth, Zhang Song had expressed considerable dissatisfaction with Zhuge Liang's words. But once events unfolded precisely as Zhuge Liang had predicted, Zhang Song would no longer qualify as a sage if he remained stubbornly defiant.
Thus, upon learning of Zhuge Liang's arrival, Zhang Song decisively ca forward to make ties with him. As for the past discord, Zhang Song could only remark that he had underestimated the brilliance of the Central Plains.
"Secretary-General Zhuge, I ask your forgiveness for Ziqiao's earlier doubts," Zhang Song bowed respectfully, his forr arrogance entirely gone, now addressing Zhuge Liang as an equal.
"Assistant Officer Zhang, such formalities are unnecessary. Earlier, I rely had the advantage of being an observer," Zhuge Liang promptly stepped aside, hesitant to receive Zhang Song's salute, and quickly explained himself. Whether it was true or not—who could truly know?
"Kongming, there's no need for this. Song's oversight was his own doing, compounded by Zichu and Zizhong being nearby. Underestimating the talents of the Central Plains led to this defeat. Alas, Zizhong fell to Sun Ce, and Zichu ended up lost among the rebel forces. Ah~" Zhang Song sighed deeply, carrying a tinge of gloom. A loss was a loss; any excuses were aningless—they were three against one, and still lost.
Zhuge Liang fell silent as well. Three against one, with all three being top sages, each skilled in strategy or political insight. When intellect reaches a certain level, adaptability ensures no glaring weaknesses. To lose like this was owing not just to negligence but to overconfidence as well.
"Assistant Officer, let us refrain from lantation. Liu's trusted aide is blessed and will surely be fine. Zizhong would likely not wish to see us so overco with remorse," Zhuge Liang said with quiet implication.
"Kongming, rest assured. My coming here is to form an alliance with Lord Xuande. Among the Liu Clan's remaining branches with strength, my lord holds Yizhou's Heavenly Palace, while your esteed leader commands Qing and Xu—joining forces to restore the Han Dynasty!" Zhang Song declared with moral fervor.
At this mont, Zhang Song still bore loyalty towards Liu Yan. Additionally, following Liu Zhang's ascent, within a year he had exerted efforts to unify Yizhou's forces. Though partially owing to the influence of Zhang Song, Yan Yan, Zheng Du, Zhang Ren, Gao Pei, and others, it remained true that Liu Zhang swiftly resolved to reclaim Hanzhong after consolidating his dominion.
Thus, from any vantage point, Zhang Song, ng Da, and their allies harbored no thoughts of rebellion. Despite Liu Zhang's weak disposition, he continued to actively develop Yizhou and even supported the reclamation of Hanzhong.
Reflecting further on Zhang Song's towering stature, comparable to Cao Cao's, and the unflattering visage akin to Pang Tong's, he might well be counted among the ugliest n of his ti—yet he still held the title of Assistant Officer.
From this perspective, dismissing personal failings, Liu Zhang proved adequate as a Provincial Governor and even as Yizhou's local ruler—his only flaw being his timid nature.
Zhang Song and ng Da harbored no ambitions of unifying the realm. At most, they dread of land grants and territorial rule. If Liu Zhang could reclaim Hanzhong, for Yizhou's scholars and warriors, rely observing the grand sches of the world would suffice. That said, seizing opportunities for personal gain would always be welco.
With such motivations, Zhang Song's intentions towards Liu Bei were no more than mild scheming—seeking shelter beneath a mighty tree. But now, his aim was to help Liu Zhang tether Liu Bei firmly while also entertaining thoughts of achieving great rits following sacrifices of troops.
"My lord Liu Xuande is dedicated to restoring the Han Dynasty, so even without Assistant Officer Zhang's ntion, I would have initiated this proposal. As for the alliance charter, once my rear army arrives, Assistant Officer Zhang will naturally be able to witness it," Zhuge Liang said with a faint smile.
"Very well. As of today, our army is willing to follow the commands of General Taishi," Zhang Song offered a respectful bow towards Taishi Ci.
"Since we are allies, why speak of orders and commands? Mutual support is only natural," Taishi Ci replied with a smile.
"General, Sun Ce's army has co forth to challenge us!" A ssenger hurriedly arrived and saluted Taishi Ci.
"Assistant Officer Zhang, would you like to accompany ?" Zhuge Liang asked with a smile, while Taishi Ci chuckled as he observed.
[Zhuge Liang's standing is truly remarkable—so much so that Taishi Ci, as the chief commander, often defers to his decisions. Furthermore, for an alliance between Lord Xuande and my lord, he is capable of handling matters autonomously.] Zhang Song mused as he watched Zhuge Liang's deanor, his thoughts churning.
When Taishi Ci and Zhuge Liang led their respective trusted aides out of camp, Yan Yan also erged with his troops in tow.
The Yizhou Army, having been relentlessly pursued by Sun Ce, suffered few actual losses but had been largely scattered. Without a secure camp previously, there was no opportunity to rally the routed soldiers. Now that the situation had stabilized, Yan Yan had regrouped several thousand soldiers. Though morale was low, they still had the strength to engage once more.
"General Yan!" Zhuge Liang greeted Yan Yan at the camp gates with a smile and bowed respectfully.
"And this gentleman is...?" Yan Yan asked in puzzlent, looking at Zhuge Liang standing a half-step behind Taishi Ci. Although Zhang Song had ntioned Zhuge Liang to Yan Yan over the previous days, he had not given a clear depiction of him.
"Military Advisor Zhuge," Zhang Song pointed to Zhuge Liang, his unseemly face eerily calm.
"General Yan thanks Military Advisor Zhuge," Yan Yan said earnestly, dismounting and kneeling on one knee, showing no trace of disrespect.
"General, quickly rise!" Zhuge Liang hastily helped Yan Yan up, feeling unworthy of such grand deference.
"Many thanks to Military Advisor Zhuge for rescuing my army in its ti of crisis," Yan Yan said with solemn sincerity.
"It was rely a fortunate coincidence; such exaggerated gratitude is unnecessary!" Zhuge Liang replied hurriedly.
With Yan Yan's heartfelt acknowledgnt, the previously strained relations between Liu Bei's army and the Yizhou army dissipated entirely. Yan Yan expressed his willingness to join forces with Taishi Ci in combating Sun Ce in the upcoming battle.
With this assurance, Zhuge Liang no longer harbored worries about orders and command. He could see that Yan Yan belonged to the breed of trustworthy individuals. Having said such words, he would undoubtedly act upon them.
It was worth noting that Zhuge Liang's earlier concern had been that the Yizhou Army might suspect them of exploiting the chaos for personal gain. Now, it seed the situation had turned entirely favorable. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian) to vote for recomndations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian for reading.)
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