After delivering the letter, Ma Su returned cheerfully to resume guarding the gate, leaving the generals inside the hall staring at one another.
"Another letter?"
Kongming smiled. "It must be that Lu Zijing of Jiangdong. Thinking it over, only he would write to me in such a concealed manner."
"Military Advisor, Lu Zijing serves under Zhou Yu as a staff officer. Could it be that he writes to persuade our elder brother to go to Jiangdong and take a wife?"
Kongming shook his head and sighed.
"The light screen once stated that Gongjin, the Grand Commander, would fall ill and die at Baqiu during the campaign toward Shu. At Red Cliffs, I observed Zhou Gongjin from afar, a hero of towering ambition who sought to swallow the realm whole. As for Lu Zijing, his grasp of grand strategy surpasses even Zhou Gongjin."
Guan Yu and Huang Zhong were momentarily at a loss, while Zhao Zilong showed a thoughtful expression.
Only Zhang Fei slapped the table and burst into laughter.
"I get it! The Wolong and Fengchu of Jiangdong aren't of one mind this time!"
Kongming smiled. "Yide is correct. If my guess is right, Zhou Yu must be strongly advocating the use of the Wu Marquis's sister as bait, intending to trap our lord, this true dragon, within Jiangdong. Lu Zijing, on the other hand, likely writes to explain the stakes to us while secretly communicating with the Wu Marquis. He does not wish harm upon our lord."
Guan Yu and Huang Zhong exchanged glances, still unable to follow the leaps in reasoning.
Zhang Fei waved his hand dismissively.
"What's so complicated? It's like when I sold meat back in Zhuo Commandery during a famine. The one who raises prices to make a quick profit is Zhou Yu, while the one who lowers prices to help the people and build long-term business is Lu Zijing."
"Now it's like Zhou Yu and Lu Zijing agreed to raise prices together, but Lu Zijing, unwilling to oppose him openly, secretly sends word to the starving folks not to buy the expensive meat."
Kongming laughed. "An apt comparison."
"Military Advisor, next time just call me General Zhenglu," Zhang Fei said with a grin.
Kongming tapped him lightly with his feather fan, then opened the secret letter and nodded.
"As expected."
He bowed slightly. "In that case, my lord may consider making the trip. This journey will likely be fraught with danger yet ultimately safe. My lord need only confide his hardships to Lu Zijing. The Wu Marquis and the Jiangdong clans will not make things difficult."
"Let us observe for now," Liu Bei concluded.
More importantly, ten days remained until the next broadcast of the light screen, and fifteen days until the New Year.
The screen had already hinted that it would speak of Shu Han. Liu Bei was unwilling to miss it under any circumstance.
As for the reply, Liu Bei swiftly composed it. He first recalled the achievements of the Sun-Liu alliance, then emphasized Cao Cao's vast territory, horse-breeding lands, and military strength. Finally, he expressed his admiration for the Wu Marquis's sister, while suggesting that instead of traveling to Dantu, perhaps the marriage could be held at a more neutral location. He also mentioned that the approaching Spring Festival made travel inconvenient.
The letter was sealed and entrusted once again to Ma Su.
While giving instructions, Liu Bei clasped Ma Su's hand warmly, asking whether guarding the gate was cold or tiring. His concern filled Ma Su with excitement.
Watching Liu Bei win hearts, Zhang Fei shifted closer to Guan Yu.
"Will Ping'er return for the New Year?"
Guan Yu paused, then replied calmly, "A general must act as such. If he alone returned, how could he command respect?"
Guan Ping was currently stationed in Changsha, suppressing bandits and settling refugees.
Zhang Fei fell silent.
After a moment, he asked, "Does Ping'er lack capable aides at his side?"
Guan Yu's expression softened. "Before the Battle of Red Cliffs, a young man named Wei Yan joined the army. Quick-minded and bold in warfare, he shares a strong rapport with Ping'er. The two support each other well."
Zhang Fei inwardly scoffed.
You didn't even smile when talking about your own son.
But mention this Wei Yan and suddenly you look like a proud father.
At that moment, he heard the Military Advisor's voice.
"…this side hall needs to be expanded."
Zhang Fei immediately agreed. "It should be expanded! Last time we watched the light screen, we were all starving! Best if each of us has our own table. Watching without wine was a real regret!"
Everyone turned to look at him.
Huang Zhong coughed lightly. "General Zhang, the Military Advisor meant expanding his residence's side hall for Lady Huang to conduct mechanical work."
Zhang Fei laughed awkwardly. "I heard that! I just think this hall also needs expanding. What if Jian Yong and Mi Zhu return? There won't be enough space!"
This reminded Liu Bei.
His subordinates were not only these generals. They were gathered now merely because Nanjun had just been secured.
Jian Yong was in Jiaozhou, building ties with Wu Ju. Mi Zhu was traveling for trade. Both would return before the New Year.
And there was also Sun Qian, who had followed him since Xuzhou, diligent yet often overlooked.
As well as Pang Tong, soon to arrive, and Ma Chao in the future.
After a brief calculation, Liu Bei made his decision.
"Expand it."
However, the hall was too important. Large-scale construction might disrupt the descent of the light screen. Thus, a compromise was chosen: remove the door and build an additional room connected outside.
When Jian Yong and Mi Zhu returned before the New Year, they were stunned by the unsightly structure.
"Lord, if funds are lacking, I shall go out tonight. I hear there are pearl oysters along the Jiaozhou coast," Mi Zhu said earnestly.
Jian Yong, however, was intrigued. "My lord, is this a new architectural style?"
Liu Bei pulled them to sit and sighed. "These past two months, I have received heavenly favor in the form of an auspicious sign…"
Jian Yong leapt to his feet. "Who dares speak such bewitching nonsense to my lord!"
Mi Zhu frowned. "If my wealth is needed for the army or the people, take it freely. But if it is for charlatans, not a single coin shall be spent!"
Liu Bei could only laugh bitterly.
"I truly have received an auspicious sign…"
"My lord, you have been deceived!"
"My lord, you simply wish for a larger residence again!"
"…."
Liu Bei gave up entirely.
"Xianhe, Zizhong, return home and rest. Come here the day after tomorrow to witness the auspicious light screen."
He left without another word.
Jian Yong whispered, "There must be a treacherous flatterer at my lord's side."
Mi Zhu added, "Even Kongming cannot restrain such a person?"
They exchanged a glance.
"Once we return, we prepare. Such a villain must be executed."