MTLNOVEL Chapter 79 - Awakening (3)
Chapter 79. Awakening (3)
“How delightful. I haven’t felt this way since I was a child, but talking with you, Master Manbo County, it feels like I’ve returned to those days.”
“I’m not joking.”
“Hahaha! Yes, of course. I had no intention of belittling your great cause, Master Manbo County. I hope you don’t misunderstand.”
As she said, Jia Xu had no intention of mocking him.
Rather, such pure ideals were far more pleasing to hear than any other grand cause.
Human nature was inherently virtuous, and those who steadfastly upheld it were the true assets of the world.
So, while she didn’t fully understand what “Martial World” was, it was clear that this man had the determination to create a certain kind of world, setting aside the complexities of politics.
Ambition, after all, was the drive and the source of all things.
This man would climb to great heights. That much was certain.
“Relax your face. When you raise your eyebrows so fiercely, it becomes intimidating.”
“It’s a habit when I’m drunk.”
“Hahahaha!”
But no matter how funny it was, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Jia Xu took a deep breath and regained her composure.
“I see. So, whatever proposals are made, you’ll just go your own way.”
“Exactly.”
“It’s all as you please. The expression might be crude, but I truly admire it. I hope you see that will through to the end.”
“I was going to do that anyway.”
“Very well, then.”
Jia Xu patted her waist and stood up.
“I’m sorry for keeping such a busy man.”
“It’s not a bother. Besides, I got free drinks, didn’t I?”
This man would not stand on any side.
He had no ambition for the world, nor did he possess any loyalty.
Yet still, he would advance.
For a better world than the one we have now.
Yes, to create a world filled with martial arts and chivalry, borrowing his words.
So, there was no need to bind such a person with imperial commands.
But one thing.
If there was one thing that bothered her…
“Now that I think about it, you don’t seem to be in good health, do you?”
“……”
At Jia Xu’s question, Unryong remained silent.
Unryong was lost in his thoughts, uncertain where to begin explaining, but Jia Xu’s thoughts were different.
Her sharp eyes narrowed further.
She had seen him unable to hold a sword properly, coughing up blood and collapsing.
She had heard that his injuries were severe, but for him not to be able to hold even a single sword?
This was clearly not a normal injury.
Moreover, his attitude.
It was clear that he wanted to hide it.
Jia Xu spoke to confirm her suspicion.
“If you’re in such poor health, I can arrange for a physician. If I explain the situation to General Cao, she will surely accept without hesitation—”
“Hold on, wait a minute.”
Unryong broke out in a cold sweat.
He had promised his subordinates, Cao Cao, and Zhang Yang that he would not hold a sword again until his body had fully recovered.
He had no need for more nagging.
“I appreciate the offer to get a physician, but please don’t mention this to General Cao.”
“……Why is that?”
“It’s complicated to explain.”
Ah.
Jia Xu sighed.
She hoped it wasn’t true, but it seemed it was.
Now she understood why he had been spouting such unrealistic ideals earlier.
When humans draw closer to the end, they tend to harbor even greater dreams.
“……In that case, I will discreetly introduce you to a physician. That much should be fine, right? As a martial artist, you should at least know the state of your own body.”
“I know my condition better than anyone.”
Unryong smiled faintly.
To Jia Xu, that smile looked pitiful.
“Well, whatever happens, happens. It’s not your concern.”
“I suppose so……”
Jia Xu nodded slowly.
“Then, before I go, I have one last question.”
“What is it?”
Jia Xu crossed her arms behind her back and looked down at Unryong.
“I’m not exactly sure what ‘Martial World’ means, but you described it as a romantic era filled with martial arts and chivalry. So, is that world in a state of peace?”
“I’m planning to create a world where at least no child goes hungry.”
“I see…… A hero indeed, worthy of the name.”
“Don’t praise me too much. I’m not as great as you think I am.”
Unryong, like Jia Xu, stood up.
Limp.
Jia Xu caught a fleeting glimpse of Unryong limping.
She let out a deep sigh.
“Whatever the cause, ideals are important, but if you fail to achieve them in your lifetime, it would be a great loss, wouldn’t it? Take care of your health.”
Jia Xu patted the man’s shoulder.
Unryong made a sour face.
“Anyone would think I was on my deathbed. Besides, I don’t care about achieving anything in my lifetime. A will carries on regardless. I just made a promise to my brothers during the war—to reclaim the way of Jianghu. So, if I die, the ones left will handle it somehow.”
“Ah…… I see. You’ve already planned ahead. Master Manbo County, you are truly deep-hearted……”
“Tsk, well, thanks for the drinks. Take care on your way back. Oh, and once again, don’t tell anyone I trained here in the woods.”
“……I won’t. Don’t worry.”
***
“……Master Wenruo?”
“Ah, yes.”
Cao Cao was flustered as she watched Jia Xu, her eyes reddened before her.
She had summoned Jia Xu for a meeting, but seeing her with such a gloomy expression was understandably confusing.
Jia Xu quickly rubbed her eyes as if nothing had happened and smiled brightly.
“I showed you a sorry sight.”
“No, you are a minister of the Han royal family. Surely you bear concerns that even I cannot fathom. It is proof of your loyalty.”
“Loyalty is something that must always exist. The Han Dynasty is like a parent to all the people. But this is not about that.”
“……I will not inquire further into your personal affairs. So, why did you request to see me?”
Cao Cao, regaining her usual stoic expression, asked.
Jia Xu smirked.
“This Jia Xu is a person without a place.”
“Master Wenruo, you were a celebrated scholar in Dong Zhuo’s army. You are too modest.”
“The only reason I was with Dong Zhuo was because the young Emperor was there, and to ensure my own safety. It is not something to boast about.”
“I see.”
Cao Cao nodded, continuing.
“So, did you seek me out merely to test my loyalty? You are, after all, a minister of the Han royal family.”
“How could I, of all people, doubt the loyalty of a hero?”
“You have a knack for speaking in circles. Get to the point; I am busy.”
“The reason I am serving as a minister now is merely to care for the confused young Emperor.”
“I see.”
“But with various local warlords beginning to seize power, my thoughts have changed somewhat.”
“Indeed, the land is teeming with traitors.”
“Traitors, you say. Quite right.”
“But agreeing so readily could make you no different from a traitor yourself.”
“General Cao, you have a surprisingly mischievous side.”
“There is nothing to fear. I merely stated the facts.”
Cao Cao smiled faintly.
“But now I understand why you called me here. You are searching, aren’t you? Searching for a land to roam. The Emperor is young, and you are unsatisfied.”
“Yes, that is correct.”
She knew all too well that simply supporting the weak Emperor would change nothing.
In other words, unless she took action, the dark future of the Han Dynasty would never change.
Thus, she sought out Cao Cao.
To see if this woman had the qualities to contain her.
And the moment she met Cao Cao, Jia Xu realized.
“……Indeed, she is one who walks the path of a tyrant.”
There was an odd aura about Cao Cao.
Even in the presence of a royal minister, she revealed her true nature without hesitation.
This indicated that she was well aware that the royal family posed no threat to her.
If it had been the usual Jia Xu, she would have joined without hesitation.
Those who walk the path of the tyrant each pursued their own unique sense of beauty.
But now…
“……Actually, before meeting you, General Cao, I met Master Manbo County.”
“……What?”
For the first time, Cao Cao’s previously calm expression began to crack.
“Where did you see him? I specifically told him to stay put in bed. How is his condition? He didn’t do anything to offend you, did he?”
“I merely treated the hero of Chang’an to a drink. I found him to be a truly extraordinary man.”
“You’re absolutely right. He is extraordinary. A truly unique individual.”
Cao Cao’s face lit up.
It was clear she cherished the man deeply.
Which made Jia Xu’s expression grow all the darker.
“It seems you do not approve of him. Your face does not look pleased.”
“That’s not the case at all. In fact, I was deeply impressed by the ideals he holds.”
“I see.”
Cao Cao smiled.
“I feel the same. It is thanks to that man that I have come this far. So, I too intend to hold onto the same ideals. While unrealistic, dreaming is a great strength of humanity. At the very least, I intend to share that dream with him.”
Up until a moment ago, Cao Cao exuded the spirit of a tyrant.
But as soon as the man was mentioned, she wore a benevolent smile.
So that’s how it is.
Jia Xu realized that the man was a key figure within the coalition forces.
Thus, she asked.
“……But if, just if, something were to happen to Master Manbo County? This is hypothetical, of course. One never knows what might happen. After all, ideals borrowed from another can be quite perilous.”
“……Hmm.”
It was at that moment.
Jia Xu’s shoulders shivered.
What was this?
It was cold.
The air sank heavily, and her breath hitched.
Jia Xu cautiously met Cao Cao’s gaze.
“That kind of talk, even in jest, is not pleasant.”
“……My apologies.”
“Forget it.”
Panting, Jia Xu clutched her left chest.
If Cao Cao ever learned the truth about the man, what would become of her?
Dong Zhuo.
No, Jia Xu saw the potential for her to become an even greater traitor.
Jia Xu knew everything.
She knew full well that the man didn’t have much time left.
Threats, by nature, had to be kept close to understand them.
Jia Xu spoke.
“……Recently, the Governor of Nanyang’s movements have been unusual.”
“Hmm, yes. I am aware of that as well.”
“You already knew?”
“It wasn’t difficult. Information holds a value comparable to hundreds of gold and silver treasures.”
As she said, ever since installing the Emperor, Cao Cao had been gathering intelligence from all directions.
She was well aware that once the Emperor was enthroned, she would become a prime target.
“You will need soldiers. Soldiers who understand the terrain of the Colonel of the Sili Commandery Headquarters better than anyone.”
“Indeed.”
Thus, under the full moon, Jia Xu bowed her head to Cao Cao.
***
Meanwhile, in Luoyang, the sound of a zither played softly, and the elegant silken movements of women unfolded.
“What do you intend to do, Governor?”
“Hmm?”
Sun Jian asked Yuan Shu, who was in the midst of indulging in pleasure.
“If we sit idly, the coalition forces, including Cao Cao, will only continue to grow uncontrollably. The hearts of the people are now solely turned towards Unryong, that man. Even if the Emperor lacks legitimacy, if they build their forces around him, it will be dangerous.”
“You have a point. That group bothers me more than the half-witted fool in Bohai.”
“If you and I combine our strength, we can put things right.”
“Indeed.”
Yuan Shu nodded, taking a swig from his wine bottle, seemingly bored.
Undeterred, Sun Jian continued.
“Therefore, provide troops and grain supplies. They have yet to fully reorganize. The moment Cao Cao hastily proclaimed the enthronement of the Emperor, we had our justification. We must seize them before the people’s unrest grows any further.”
“But rumors abound that the lowborn wretch is unmatched with a sword in all the land. Can you handle that?”
“He’s just a brat. If he’s the same man I saw in the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition two years ago, he won’t be able to defeat me.”
“Hmm, then he truly is a remarkable figure! Very well, I will support your troops. Combined with your forces, it will be a significant army. No matter how powerful the coalition, they will struggle. Bring me that lowborn’s head, and I will personally take the field.”
“Do that. This time, I trust you.”
“Hmm.”
Yuan Shu sneered at Sun Jian’s calm gaze.
Then, he caressed the imperial seal placed beside him.
He was the third son of Grand Commandant Yuan Feng, belonging to the illustrious Yuan family, which had held Three Excellencies titles for four generations.
Unlike the fakes, he was the true legitimate heir of the Yuan family.
Thus, it was only fitting that the world should fall into Yuan Shu’s hands.