“Big brother, you’re so amazing, I can’t believe you’re now part of the royal family!” Yi De immediately slapped my back and said these words of praise after I told everyone what I had seen and heard at the palace back at the inn.
“*Ke* *Ke*… I don’t think it’s a big deal actually. After all, I did see that the eunuch declared it to the Emperor because he couldn’t be bothered to search.” As I said so, I widened my eyes to let them know how obvious that eunuch was, “But for some reason, no one else saw through it and of course, neither did the Emperor.”
When I think about how his father was manipulated and used as a figurehead by the Ten Regular Attendants and He Jin, that kid’s (Emperor Xian of Han) behaviour doesn’t seem too strange.
(TL: Ten Regular Attendants were 10 eunuchs and He Jin was a general. Google to find out more, I can’t summarise all this information within 50 words or less. They won’t be featuring in the story.)
“But I didn’t think that Emperor Xian of Han was just a kid only 4 or 5 years of age.” Yun Chang nodded as she said so. “And so the fate of the world lies in that kid’s hands?”
Ah, indeed. But I must say, that kid’s mucus is really sticky. He is also definitely meant for greatness… Not.
“Since the Emperor is still young, then the one who rules over the Imperial Court is–” Feng Xian intentionally left her sentence hanging.
Feng Xian probably means Meng De.
“Though I don’t know what Meng De’s plans are, but she has her own way of doing things and I believe she has her reasons for them.” I said as I exhaled.
“But my lord,” Zhang Liao said as she walked up to me, “We should have our own way of doing things as well.”
Un? What do you mean.
“There are many ways to support the Han.” “Lord Cao Cao has her own methods but they may not be able to save the Han.” “what Zhang Liao means is that we should have our own view of things and not move according to Lord Cai Cao’s will.” The Xu state 3 explained. It really is good having the 3 of them around. Every time I have doubts, they will always explain the situation to me without me having to ask.
But my own view huh. To be honest, I really haven’t been doing much thinking up till now.
“Don’t worry, I have my own considerations as well of course.” I gave an ambiguous answer for now, “But since we came to Xuchang, let’s enjoy the security and stability and leave other thoughts aside for now.”
“… To be blunt about it, I feel like we are being confined here.” Yun Chang said with a sharp look in her eyes.
Confined huh, this phrase is quite appropriate for this situation. But on the other hand, we have nowhere else to go anyway.
“Maa, Meng De said she just wanted my company. In that case–”
“That’s even worse!”
Before I could finish saying ‘In that case, let’s take as that for now’, Yun Chang cut me off with raised eyebrows. Everyone else seemed to agree with her.
Looks like Yun Chang really feels that staying here for long isn’t good. Though I feel that Meng De might have wanted to confine me, I am sure that she has no intention to harm me.
“Xuan De, just by looking at your expression now we know that you don’t understand what Yun Chang means by that.” Gan Qing, who was quietly sitting in the back all this while, suddenly pipped up. Everyone else seemed to agree as well.
“Un? I understand.”
“Hai~~~ If Xuan De says this, that means you don’t understand.” Gan Qing sighed as she shook her head while everyone wore helpless expressions.
“Un? What is–”
“Excuse me, is the Liu Bei, Governor of Yu state here?” Just as I was about to clarify what Gan Qing was talking about, a signaller came in and interrupted.
“Un? Looking for me?” I pointed at myself as I asked, “Who is it? Is it Meng… Imperial Chancellor Cao?”
“No, the one who is seeking your presence is the State Uncle Dong Cheng.”
“State Uncle!”
(TL: Dong Cheng is the father of the favourite consort of Emperor Xian of Han.)
Yun Chang and Zhang Liao seemed pretty shocked at hearing State Uncle but I have no idea what that title means.
“What is that Uncle summoning me for?”
I don’t even know him, what could he want with me? Ah, it could be that he wants to get to know me and get some benefit. I am after all the Imperial Uncle now.
“I don’t know. Please make your preparation. I will be your guide.” As he said so, the signaller went to wait outside.
Un… Since he already invited me, might as well go.”
“I’ll be leaving then. If there’s nothing to do, you girls can go look around the city.”
“Big brother!” Just as I was about to leave, Yun Chang called me from behind.
“Ah? What is it?”
“When you meet the State Uncle, big brother must make sure to be polite and courteous and not make him feel like you are slighting him.”
“… Umm, who is the State Uncle?” I couldn’t help but ask when I saw Yun Chang’s serious look.
“Dong Cheng–” Zhang Liao ran over and said in a small voice, “– Is the father-in-law of the Emperor Xian of Han!”
Father-in-law?
Wait! Don’t tell me that little brat is married already!!
I was still wondering if he wanted to curry favour with me but now it looks like I should be the one currying favour with him.
“… Alright, I got it. I’m leaving now.”
“Big brother, why don’t I go with you.” Yun Chang said, still worried about me.
“Eh, it will be alright. I know the basic niceties at least. I’ll be going now, you all can take it easy for now.” As I said so, I followed the signaller out.
Eh? Where’s the signaller?! Why didn’t he wait for me!! I really hate those fellows, they never bring good news and think too much of themselves.
It took me a long whole before I found the signaller and make it to the State Uncle’s place.
“Ah~” I sighed in relief when I neared the door.
I must say, this place really is impressive. From outside I can see many grey tile roofs. As expected of the father-in-law of the Emperor.
*Dong* *Dong* *Dong* I knocked softly on the big door 3 times and heard the soft sound of footsteps coming from inside.
— *Chiyaa*, the door opened by a crack.
“Who is it.” The one who opened the door asked secretively.
I was about to just head on in when I remembered I should give my greetings first and bowed as I did so, “Liu Bei, Governor of Yu state, has come to answer an invitation. Please do notify the State Uncle.”
He thought for a bit before replying as he opened the door. “Come on in.”
I looked around the house and saw that there were quite a few people around already and they were all sitting in the courtyard. Seems like they’re waiting for me.
“Ah~~~~ Imperial Uncle Liu, I’ve been waiting for so long~~~~”
Right in the center was an old man with a long beard who got up and welcomed me in the moment he saw me.
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you…” I nodded nervously, not knowing what to say, “Umm, you must be the State Uncle right.”
“Ah, indeed I am.” The old man nodded, his face all smiles.
There were both men and women all around, and I highly doubt that any of them are small fries.
“Ah, greetings everyone. I am Liu Bei Liu Xuan De…”
“No need to introduce yourself, we’ve all seen you in Court.” Some guy that looked like a rich young master said.
“Ah, un. Yo, you’re right.” I smiled nervously.
“No need to be so uptight about things. By seniority, you are my peer.” The State Uncle saw that I was being too reserved and hurriedly got me a seat, “Putting in that eay, I can be considered your older brother.
No way will I admit an old man like you as my older brother!
Though my thoughts were as such, I still had to smile at him.
“Haha, yes, yes.” Sweat dripped down my face as I did so as I kept the words which should not be said inside.
“Though your rank as an official may not be high, as a royal relative, we have pay heed to your words.” An official wearing plain clothing chipped in from the side.
What a weirdo, I can’t give you anything so why are you kissing my ass?
“State Uncle, since Liu Yu Zhou has arrived, let us begin discussing the matter at hand.” Just as I was tired out from having to deal with these high level officials, a clear female voice rang out and diverted attention away from me.
(TL: This guy NEEDS women to save him every time LOL!)
I looked in the direction where the voice came from and saw a formidable looking woman clad in beast hide armor sitting there drinking tea. Her shoulder length hair was curly probably because she doesn’t wash it often and her sharp eyebrows were always raised. Her eyes were big but the pupils were small, and when you looked into them it felt like you were looking into the eyes of a beast.
“Un? Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet.” She thought I was waiting for an introduction when she saw me staring at her and began introducing herself, “I am Ma Teng, Administrator of Western Liang. I look forward to getting along with you.”
Ma Teng?! Even Ma Teng is here? If my memory is correct, she should be residing in Western Liang.
That’s terribly far.
“Ah, ah, well then, let us begin.” State Uncle seemed to have recalled something and took out a piece of silk from his sleeve, “A few days ago, the Emperor personally gave me an edict which I snuck out by hiding it in my sleeve. I haven’t opened it yet nor have I let it leave me– Of course, this is all a secret.”
State Uncle gestured for us to come up and see for ourselves and we all gathered over.
These people… Are so tall! I can’t squeeze in at all.
“What!” Someone suddenly shouted.
“Softer will you, Prince! If that traitor Cao hears it, we’ll be done for!”
Tr, traitor Cao!?
(TL: They actually use 曹贼 where the second word is thief or criminal but it doesn’t carry across the meaning so well so I used traitor.)
“General Ma Teng, what’s written on it?” I went up to Ma Teng and hoped that she could quickly tell me what was written.
“It says to assassinate Imperial Chancellor Cao.” Ma Teng said with a look of dismay as she looked at the crowd.
What!
“E, Emperor Xian of Han wants us to kill Imperial Chancellor Cao.” I uttered under my breath. “But why?”
“Because Cao Cao is effectively the ruler now.” State Uncle answered me. “She has the Imperial Court and the Emperor under her thumb, what place is there for us, true blooded Han royals?”
“That’s right, just because that little lass saved the Emperor from Chang’an, she got so cocky.”
“We’ll teach her a lesson now.”
Everyone slowly gathered around and affirmed State Uncle, except Ma Teng.
“Are you all idiots?” Ma Teng sat by the side and said with raised eyebrows, completely ignoring the atmosphere. “Look at this writing, how does it look like a kid’s? If I had to say it, it’s obvious that this edict is fake…”
“Ma Teng! I called you here today to help me, not to create a mess.” State Uncle warned as his expression instantly darkened from his previous kind smile.
“… Hmph, this is stupid.” Ma Teng said and made to exit the house. “Though I don’t like Cao Cao, I don’t like you lot even more.”
“You, where are you doing?!” Someone frantically yelled.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell on you lot. I’m just heading back to the inn to rest.” As she said so, she walked off without looking back.
“Now that you know of it, whether you participate in it or not, you will be included in the participant name list. When the time comes, we will all face the same fate!” State Uncle threw a threat at Ma Teng who had already reached the door.
“… Whatever you want.” Ma Teng said as she stared back coldly, and slammed the door behind her.
“This Ma Teng… I thought it would be easy to get her to join our side, but who knew she would be so difficult to handle…” State Uncle slammed the table in anger as he stared at the creaking door, and then turned to me. “Imperial Uncle, as a royal relative, you will be supporting us right.”
… Ah, I get it now.
These people just want to pull Meng De down because they can’t stand watching her consolidate more power day by day. Even if you don’t think too much about it, there’s no way that kid would write such words.
I looked at them, and felt very uncomfortable from the bottom of my heart. Un, as expected, I must back out of this.
As I finished gathering my thoughts, I opened my mouth to refuse. “I–”
“No need for words Imperial Uncle, we’ve already written your name for you.” As he said so, he didn’t even wait to listen to me and wrote my name in a roster.
“No, I–”
“Pay the dues, 5 silver taels.”
You’re collecting money for this!!
“I, I don’t have money.”
(TL: My women, who are the ones with money, aren’t here.)
“Then we’ll put it on your tab.” As he said so, he made a mark on the roster. “Al right everyone, disperse.”
“No, what I mean is–”
Everyone seemed to have had an agreement to leave quickly and stealthily as they did not bother to listen to me at all. In a short time, I was the only one left in the main hall with State Uncle.
“…” What the heck is this huh~
“Ah, Imperial Uncle, you can take it easy. I have a banquet to go to this afternoon so I’ll be leaving now.” As he said so, State Uncle left as well.
Alright, now it’s just me. Even if I steal something now no one will see but I won’t do something like that of course.
But!! Don’t tell me it’s all decided already, I haven’t even agreed!!!
Hai~~~~ Forget it, I’ll tell them properly next time.
“Big brother, you’re so amazing, I can’t believe you’re now part of the royal family!” Yi De immediately slapped my back and said these words of praise after I told everyone what I had seen and heard at the palace back at the inn.
“*Ke* *Ke*… I don’t think it’s a big deal actually. After all, I did see that the eunuch declared it to the Emperor because he couldn’t be bothered to search.” As I said so, I widened my eyes to let them know how obvious that eunuch was, “But for some reason, no one else saw through it and of course, neither did the Emperor.”
When I think about how his father was manipulated and used as a figurehead by the Ten Regular Attendants and He Jin, that kid’s (Emperor Xian of Han) behaviour doesn’t seem too strange.
(TL: Ten Regular Attendants were 10 eunuchs and He Jin was a general. Google to find out more, I can’t summarise all this information within 50 words or less. They won’t be featuring in the story.)
“But I didn’t think that Emperor Xian of Han was just a kid only 4 or 5 years of age.” Yun Chang nodded as she said so. “And so the fate of the world lies in that kid’s hands?”
Ah, indeed. But I must say, that kid’s mucus is really sticky. He is also definitely meant for greatness… Not.
“Since the Emperor is still young, then the one who rules over the Imperial Court is–” Feng Xian intentionally left her sentence hanging.
Feng Xian probably means Meng De.
“Though I don’t know what Meng De’s plans are, but she has her own way of doing things and I believe she has her reasons for them.” I said as I exhaled.
“But my lord,” Zhang Liao said as she walked up to me, “We should have our own way of doing things as well.”
Un? What do you mean.
“There are many ways to support the Han.” “Lord Cao Cao has her own methods but they may not be able to save the Han.” “what Zhang Liao means is that we should have our own view of things and not move according to Lord Cai Cao’s will.” The Xu state 3 explained. It really is good having the 3 of them around. Every time I have doubts, they will always explain the situation to me without me having to ask.
But my own view huh. To be honest, I really haven’t been doing much thinking up till now.
“Don’t worry, I have my own considerations as well of course.” I gave an ambiguous answer for now, “But since we came to Xuchang, let’s enjoy the security and stability and leave other thoughts aside for now.”
“… To be blunt about it, I feel like we are being confined here.” Yun Chang said with a sharp look in her eyes.
Confined huh, this phrase is quite appropriate for this situation. But on the other hand, we have nowhere else to go anyway.
“Maa, Meng De said she just wanted my company. In that case–”
“That’s even worse!”
Before I could finish saying ‘In that case, let’s take as that for now’, Yun Chang cut me off with raised eyebrows. Everyone else seemed to agree with her.
Looks like Yun Chang really feels that staying here for long isn’t good. Though I feel that Meng De might have wanted to confine me, I am sure that she has no intention to harm me.
“Xuan De, just by looking at your expression now we know that you don’t understand what Yun Chang means by that.” Gan Qing, who was quietly sitting in the back all this while, suddenly pipped up. Everyone else seemed to agree as well.
“Un? I understand.”
“Hai~~~ If Xuan De says this, that means you don’t understand.” Gan Qing sighed as she shook her head while everyone wore helpless expressions.
“Un? What is–”
“Excuse me, is the Liu Bei, Governor of Yu state here?” Just as I was about to clarify what Gan Qing was talking about, a signaller came in and interrupted.
“Un? Looking for me?” I pointed at myself as I asked, “Who is it? Is it Meng… Imperial Chancellor Cao?”
“No, the one who is seeking your presence is the State Uncle Dong Cheng.”
“State Uncle!”
(TL: Dong Cheng is the father of the favourite consort of Emperor Xian of Han.)
Yun Chang and Zhang Liao seemed pretty shocked at hearing State Uncle but I have no idea what that title means.
“What is that Uncle summoning me for?”
I don’t even know him, what could he want with me? Ah, it could be that he wants to get to know me and get some benefit. I am after all the Imperial Uncle now.
“I don’t know. Please make your preparation. I will be your guide.” As he said so, the signaller went to wait outside.
Un… Since he already invited me, might as well go.”
“I’ll be leaving then. If there’s nothing to do, you girls can go look around the city.”
“Big brother!” Just as I was about to leave, Yun Chang called me from behind.
“Ah? What is it?”
“When you meet the State Uncle, big brother must make sure to be polite and courteous and not make him feel like you are slighting him.”
“… Umm, who is the State Uncle?” I couldn’t help but ask when I saw Yun Chang’s serious look.
“Dong Cheng–” Zhang Liao ran over and said in a small voice, “– Is the father-in-law of the Emperor Xian of Han!”
Father-in-law?
Wait! Don’t tell me that little brat is married already!!
I was still wondering if he wanted to curry favour with me but now it looks like I should be the one currying favour with him.
“… Alright, I got it. I’m leaving now.”
“Big brother, why don’t I go with you.” Yun Chang said, still worried about me.
“Eh, it will be alright. I know the basic niceties at least. I’ll be going now, you all can take it easy for now.” As I said so, I followed the signaller out.
Eh? Where’s the signaller?! Why didn’t he wait for me!! I really hate those fellows, they never bring good news and think too much of themselves.
It took me a long whole before I found the signaller and make it to the State Uncle’s place.
“Ah~” I sighed in relief when I neared the door.
I must say, this place really is impressive. From outside I can see many grey tile roofs. As expected of the father-in-law of the Emperor.
*Dong* *Dong* *Dong* I knocked softly on the big door 3 times and heard the soft sound of footsteps coming from inside.
— *Chiyaa*, the door opened by a crack.
“Who is it.” The one who opened the door asked secretively.
I was about to just head on in when I remembered I should give my greetings first and bowed as I did so, “Liu Bei, Governor of Yu state, has come to answer an invitation. Please do notify the State Uncle.”
He thought for a bit before replying as he opened the door. “Come on in.”
I looked around the house and saw that there were quite a few people around already and they were all sitting in the courtyard. Seems like they’re waiting for me.
“Ah~~~~ Imperial Uncle Liu, I’ve been waiting for so long~~~~”
Right in the center was an old man with a long beard who got up and welcomed me in the moment he saw me.
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you…” I nodded nervously, not knowing what to say, “Umm, you must be the State Uncle right.”
“Ah, indeed I am.” The old man nodded, his face all smiles.
There were both men and women all around, and I highly doubt that any of them are small fries.
“Ah, greetings everyone. I am Liu Bei Liu Xuan De…”
“No need to introduce yourself, we’ve all seen you in Court.” Some guy that looked like a rich young master said.
“Ah, un. Yo, you’re right.” I smiled nervously.
“No need to be so uptight about things. By seniority, you are my peer.” The State Uncle saw that I was being too reserved and hurriedly got me a seat, “Putting in that eay, I can be considered your older brother.
No way will I admit an old man like you as my older brother!
Though my thoughts were as such, I still had to smile at him.
“Haha, yes, yes.” Sweat dripped down my face as I did so as I kept the words which should not be said inside.
“Though your rank as an official may not be high, as a royal relative, we have pay heed to your words.” An official wearing plain clothing chipped in from the side.
What a weirdo, I can’t give you anything so why are you kissing my ass?
“State Uncle, since Liu Yu Zhou has arrived, let us begin discussing the matter at hand.” Just as I was tired out from having to deal with these high level officials, a clear female voice rang out and diverted attention away from me.
(TL: This guy NEEDS women to save him every time LOL!)
I looked in the direction where the voice came from and saw a formidable looking woman clad in beast hide armor sitting there drinking tea. Her shoulder length hair was curly probably because she doesn’t wash it often and her sharp eyebrows were always raised. Her eyes were big but the pupils were small, and when you looked into them it felt like you were looking into the eyes of a beast.
“Un? Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet.” She thought I was waiting for an introduction when she saw me staring at her and began introducing herself, “I am Ma Teng, Administrator of Western Liang. I look forward to getting along with you.”
Ma Teng?! Even Ma Teng is here? If my memory is correct, she should be residing in Western Liang.
That’s terribly far.
“Ah, ah, well then, let us begin.” State Uncle seemed to have recalled something and took out a piece of silk from his sleeve, “A few days ago, the Emperor personally gave me an edict which I snuck out by hiding it in my sleeve. I haven’t opened it yet nor have I let it leave me– Of course, this is all a secret.”
State Uncle gestured for us to come up and see for ourselves and we all gathered over.
These people… Are so tall! I can’t squeeze in at all.
“What!” Someone suddenly shouted.
“Softer will you, Prince! If that traitor Cao hears it, we’ll be done for!”
Tr, traitor Cao!?
(TL: They actually use 曹贼 where the second word is thief or criminal but it doesn’t carry across the meaning so well so I used traitor.)
“General Ma Teng, what’s written on it?” I went up to Ma Teng and hoped that she could quickly tell me what was written.
“It says to assassinate Imperial Chancellor Cao.” Ma Teng said with a look of dismay as she looked at the crowd.
What!
“E, Emperor Xian of Han wants us to kill Imperial Chancellor Cao.” I uttered under my breath. “But why?”
“Because Cao Cao is effectively the ruler now.” State Uncle answered me. “She has the Imperial Court and the Emperor under her thumb, what place is there for us, true blooded Han royals?”
“That’s right, just because that little lass saved the Emperor from Chang’an, she got so cocky.”
“We’ll teach her a lesson now.”
Everyone slowly gathered around and affirmed State Uncle, except Ma Teng.
“Are you all idiots?” Ma Teng sat by the side and said with raised eyebrows, completely ignoring the atmosphere. “Look at this writing, how does it look like a kid’s? If I had to say it, it’s obvious that this edict is fake…”
“Ma Teng! I called you here today to help me, not to create a mess.” State Uncle warned as his expression instantly darkened from his previous kind smile.
“… Hmph, this is stupid.” Ma Teng said and made to exit the house. “Though I don’t like Cao Cao, I don’t like you lot even more.”
“You, where are you doing?!” Someone frantically yelled.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell on you lot. I’m just heading back to the inn to rest.” As she said so, she walked off without looking back.
“Now that you know of it, whether you participate in it or not, you will be included in the participant name list. When the time comes, we will all face the same fate!” State Uncle threw a threat at Ma Teng who had already reached the door.
“… Whatever you want.” Ma Teng said as she stared back coldly, and slammed the door behind her.
“This Ma Teng… I thought it would be easy to get her to join our side, but who knew she would be so difficult to handle…” State Uncle slammed the table in anger as he stared at the creaking door, and then turned to me. “Imperial Uncle, as a royal relative, you will be supporting us right.”
… Ah, I get it now.
These people just want to pull Meng De down because they can’t stand watching her consolidate more power day by day. Even if you don’t think too much about it, there’s no way that kid would write such words.
I looked at them, and felt very uncomfortable from the bottom of my heart. Un, as expected, I must back out of this.
As I finished gathering my thoughts, I opened my mouth to refuse. “I–”
“No need for words Imperial Uncle, we’ve already written your name for you.” As he said so, he didn’t even wait to listen to me and wrote my name in a roster.
“No, I–”
“Pay the dues, 5 silver taels.”
You’re collecting money for this!!
“I, I don’t have money.”
(TL: My women, who are the ones with money, aren’t here.)
“Then we’ll put it on your tab.” As he said so, he made a mark on the roster. “Al right everyone, disperse.”
“No, what I mean is–”
Everyone seemed to have had an agreement to leave quickly and stealthily as they did not bother to listen to me at all. In a short time, I was the only one left in the main hall with State Uncle.
“…” What the heck is this huh~
“Ah, Imperial Uncle, you can take it easy. I have a banquet to go to this afternoon so I’ll be leaving now.” As he said so, State Uncle left as well.
Alright, now it’s just me. Even if I steal something now no one will see but I won’t do something like that of course.
But!! Don’t tell me it’s all decided already, I haven’t even agreed!!!
Hai~~~~ Forget it, I’ll tell them properly next time.
