TL: Big plot developments.
Liu Bei POV
Night had fallen and I was beginning to tire but I had to enter the city and give my goodbyes to the civilians. There are probably 10,000 or so households in Xu state city and they were all waiting outside their homes with torches as they waited to speak with me in turn.
I really didn’t expect something like this.
I haven’t spent all that much time here but I have grown attached to this place and its people. Seeing the civilians line up and give their goodbyes made me feel a profound sadness.
Only now did I understand the complicated expressions of my little sisters before. Yun Chang and Yi De probably did not come along with me as they couldn’t bear to see this.
From what I can remember, Liu Bei never returned to this place ever again after leaving. I’m afraid I too, will never see this city once I leave.
As I thought so, I finally shook hands with the last of the civilians and returned.
“Ah, big brother is back.” Yi De’s vision was extremely good and she spotted my figure as I ascended the building as she lay down on the city walls. I raised my head to meet her glance and waved at her.
“Is that so,” Yun Chang walked out of the meeting room when she heard Yi De’s holler and flicked her hair as she smiled at me, “How was it? Have you said goodbye to all the civilians?”
As I walked up the building step by step, I didn’t say anything and only smiled bitterly in response. Yun Chang and Yi De probably understood how I felt and didn’t ask further.
They probably feel the same way after all. Xu state city is probably akin to a home for us. As the first place that accepted Liu Bei, we have many attachments to this place.
“Ah, have the troops been deployed already?” I asked, hoping to alleviate the heavy atmosphere.
“It’s all done. The wagons have also been loaded up.” As before, Chen Deng’s thin voice came from behind me.
“Un, thanks.” I said as I turned and bowed toward the heavier and taller youth. “It’s a little late to be saying this but thank you and apologies for the trouble in having us here.”
“No need for that, Imperial Uncle is old man Tao’s benefactor, and ours as well by extension.” He said as he bowed respectfully, making me feel at a loss, “If it weren’t for my father’s weak const.i.tution, we would definitely follow you.”
That’s right, Chen Deng is not my companion, but he is also not my enemy.
As Chen Deng said so, he made to leave. As I looked at his back, I really couldn’t think of words to say to make him stay.
But Yun Chang did, “Come with us along with your father,” Yun Chang said as she took a step forward, “Big brother will definitely treat you both well.”
Chen Deng stopped and turned as he revealed a rarely seen smile.
“Imperial Uncle’s immediate future is uncertain and there will definitely be some rough times ahead. For me, filial piety is the most important and I must think about my father.” Chen Deng bowed once more before continuing, “I, Chen Deng, am also not an exceptional talent. Imperial Uncle is virtuous and there will definitely be others who are wiser, more capable and willing to serve you.”
Yun Chang seemed to have more to say, but I gave her a glance to tell her not to say anything more. There is no point forcing someone to do something they don’t want to after all.
Perhaps Chen Deng feels that he can only achieve the life he wants in Xu state city. In that case, it’s not a question of ambition but one of lifestyle.
As I watched Chen Deng disappear into the night, I sighed and smiled, feeling that it was a waste.
“Big brother.”
“Un? — Hot!”
I turned when I heard Yun Chang called me and got a hot jug in my face. When I looked carefully, there was a big ‘酒’ written on a piece of paper stuck on the jug.
“It’s our last night, let’s have some wine,” Yun Chang smiled, with several bowls in her other hand, “It’s already heated up.”
Why are we still drinking when we need to leave at dawn, this will definitely cause problems.
Though I really ought to say that…
“Alright~” Though I really ought to refuse, I still received the bowl.
“Waiii!! I’m so thirsty after not having much wine these few days~~~” Yi De was really elated and took an even bigger jug out from behind her. Looks like she intends on drinking straight from the jug.
Even though we’re all clearly underage… Eh, never mind. As long as we don’t get drunk.
We took our drinks and sat down in the meeting room. Yun Chang poured a bowl for me which I took a sip… Ah, so strong! And so warm~~
“This must be from Xuchang!” This strong, familiar taste is something only Xuchang’s wine has.
“That’s right, we are down to our last 2 jugs,” Yun Chang said as she took a swig herself, “Ha~~ The wine from that place is still the best after all.”
*Gudong* *Gudong*…
“Yi De, take it easy. Don’t finish everything now when we’ve only just started.”
“Hahaha~~~” I couldn’t help but laugh as I looked at Yun Chang and Yi De under the influence of alcohol.
I poured myself another bowl and looked at the snowy night lit up by the full moon as they continued noisily. Tao Qian and Han Fu’s faces floated up in my mind, as well as various things that happened in Xu state. Many deep and profound feelings overwhelmed me and I drank to forget them.
Ah~~~ If only the Xu state 3, Feng Xian and Zhang Liao were here to drink as well… If Meng De were here, that would be even better~~
And so, for some reason, the long night seemed to become both enjoyable and endless.
Un…
I opened my eyes and slowly blinked as I stirred and regained consciousness.
Ah, my head hurts. It feels like my head is about to explode.
Where am I?
I looked about and saw that the surroundings resembled my personal room. Speaking of which, this is my room. Eh? How did I end up sleeping on the floor?
What time is it?
I looked outside and saw that it was still very dark out… Looks like it’s still early and I can sleep a little more.
… Un?
“Ah!!” I yelled out as cold sweat streamed down as I suddenly remembered something very important.
We need to leave by dawn to get out of here before Meng De reaches Xu state with her troops.
We’re late!
What time is it? What time is it now?!
In, in any case I should quickly find Yun Chang and Yi De first…
“Un~~” “Ahen~~”
Eh?
Just a few paces away from me– That is, on my bed, came the peaceful breathing of 2 sleeping girls.
… Don’t tell me.
After a short moment of silence, I turned and looked at my bed.
“Ah!~~~~” I yelled out once more.
It was exactly as what I feared. On my bed were 2 naked girls. And they weren’t just anyone, it was Yun Chang and Yi De.
“…”
I silently felt my body. As expected, my clothes have left me.
What have I done now?!