Mythical Three Kingdoms

Liu Yan glanced over the crowd present, including Zhuge Liang, whose interest was evident in their eyes. Indeed, it was as the saying goes, ”A gentle and fair lady is a gentleman’s good match.”

”Diao Chan.” Liu Yan gave a thumbs-up solemnly and then spoke.

”That’s also true.” Lub Su, Chen Xi, and others nodded, all agreeing with this judgment. There was obviously a political inclination, but it was unavoidable. Diao Chan’s actions conformed to the loyalty and filial piety concepts of the era. Moreover, she was a beauty. Even if not superior to Cai Yan and Zhen Mi, she was firmly in the first place.

”So it seems Lyu Bu has already secured four first places. Except for the first place in civil officials, which I guess Zichuan has taken, Lyu Bu has already taken the top spots in military generals, weapons, steeds, and beauties.” Li Youu said indifferently.

”No helping it, as far as martial force is concerned, there’s nothing to argue about, anyone who disagrees can come forward to challenge. As for weapons, isn’t it simply placing the strongest person’s weapon at the top? Regarding the steed, Red Hare is surely the first. Anyone can challenge if they disagree. The title of the world’s most beautiful woman might have some objections, but what Diao Chan has done ensures that when beauty is a matter of preference, she is first.”

As Liu Yan said this, he was helpless. He did want Xuu Zijiang not to list Lyu Bu as the first, but if not first, then you have to come up with someone convincing for everyone. While it’s true that Lyu Bu’s character and quality are poor, when it comes to martial prowess, well, except for the resurrection of Xiang Yu, there really was no way around it.

”What about the first place in civil officials?” Zhuge Liang relieved the senior ministers of their awkwardness. Everyone was interested, but no one wanted to broach the subject, so it was a perfect time for Zhuge Liang to speak up.

”Not sure, Xuu Zijiang favors Zichuan, but hasn’t given a definite answer yet and is still hesitating.” Liu Yan glanced at Chen Xi before speaking, and everyone else showed understanding.

”Zichuan, why are you smirking?” Jia Xu immediately asked upon seeing Chen Xi’s expression.

”The Civil Official List won’t be published, at least not until we’ve pacified the north,” Chen Xi said with a smile. ”Xuu Zijiang isn’t confident either; he’s still worried we might lose.”

”If we win, everyone’s ranking will rise.” Chen Xi said smilingly. ”I estimate that many of Yuan Jizhou’s strategists have quite high rankings by now. Once we defeat them, the rankings will be easier to determine.”

Upon hearing this, everyone laughed aloud. ”Let’s defeat them first! After defeating them, all of our rankings will rise quite a bit!”

”As for the title of young genius, Kongming is currently at the top now. Xuu Zijiang’s evaluation is extremely high. Initially, Xuu Zijiang’s recommendation was Fa Xiaozhi, but after hesitating for some time, Xuu Zijiang still felt that including Fa Xiaozhi among young geniuses was too overbearing.” Liu Yan said with a smile, sharing what he knew.

”That guy Fa Xiaozhi really would be somewhat overbearing to place among young geniuses.” Jia Xu spoke, and others in attendance nodded repeatedly. Fa Zheng’s abilities had basically matured. Among those present, he was at most less experienced, but in terms of basic abilities, he was already on par with them.

Zhuge Liang’s expression clearly showed his displeasure, and he decided to make an effort to perform well lately. Fa Xiaozhi had made it onto the Civil Official List, which was far more valuable than their Young Genius List.

”Approximately when will the list be released?” Zhuge Liang asked with uncharacteristic urgency.

”The timing is uncertain, but the General Ranking, Weapon Ranking, Beauty Ranking, and Steed Ranking have already been announced,” Liu Yan spoke with a smile. ”The Young Genius Ranking will take some more time, and as for the Civil Official List, although it won’t take as long as Zichuan suggested—until we pacify Hebei—the required time won’t be short either.”

”That’s good to hear.” Zhuge Liang nodded. Since there was still time, he would then find a way to get onto the Civil Official List and Young Genius Ranking. As for the top spot, he would leave it to...

Two figures flashed through Zhuge Liang’s mind, one with a dark face and thick eyebrows, with a nose that flared upwards, and the other with the stare of an eagle and the stride of a wolf, able to glance over his own back. The thought of these two men couldn’t help but bring a smile to Zhuge Liang’s lips. While they were still oblivious to the rankings, he should quickly integrate himself into the Civil Official List and let those two vie for the Young Genius title...

[You know, looking at it this way, Sima Zhongda and Pang Shiyuan really are quite amusing.] A smile unwittingly appeared on Zhuge Liang’s face, [Mount Tai is great indeed, to know of such news in advance. I suppose when those two show up on the Young Genius Ranking and I appear on the Civil Official List, those two fellows might just die of frustration.]

Zhuge Liang suddenly felt the urge to take this opportunity to strike a severe blow to Pang Tong and Sima Yi. Ever since his birth, among his peers, it was Pang Tong and Sima Yi who always irked him. Although Fa Zheng was also a source of annoyance, Fa Zheng was easy to dismiss when out of sight. But the other two left a lingering presence in Zhuge Liang’s mind...

”Kongming seems to be quite excited,” Chen Xi touched his chin and asked with curiosity, ”Does the Young Genius Ranking include only those who aren’t married yet?”

”It seems so...” All were taken aback. Liu Yan thought for a moment and then spoke, after all, Xuu Zijiang’s definition of ”youth” was rather vague. Chen Xi and Zhou Yu were one thing, but it would seem unfair for Zhuge Liang to be on the Young Genius Ranking as well—just as much as it would be for Fa Zheng to bully people!

”Kongming, if I recall correctly, you have a fiancée, right?” Li Youu pondered before speaking. He had high hopes for Zhuge Liang and wished to teach him everything he knew.

”Master Li, indeed, I do have a fiancée, but she resides in Jingzhou and is only fourteen this year,” Zhuge Liang said somewhat sheepishly.

”I’ll write you a marriage proposal when we return. Jingzhou is a place of chaos and strife, not fitting for any lady. Which family’s daughter is it?” Li Youu declared assertively.

Li Youu had no sons and only two daughters. He treated Zhuge Liang like a closed-door disciple. Had it not been for Zhuge Liang mentioning his engagement, Li Youu would have liked to betroth his own daughter to him and teach him everything he knew. Even if they were not master and disciple, someone would carry on his legacy and the Li Family tradition would not be severed.

”The legitimate daughter of the Huang Family,” Zhuge Liang said with a wry smile. Yet, he did not refuse—the thought of Huang Yueying, even without considering her looks, evoked Zhuge Liang’s admiration for her intelligence.

”Congratulations, congratulations!” Chen Xi was the first to offer insincere congratulations to Zhuge Liang with a clasped hand gesture. It was customary for their group, who had all been betrothed at a very young age, as was the norm for the era.

”I’m reminded of the tragedy of Fa Xiaozhi,” Jia Xu sighed. Like Li Youu, he too had taught with affection. Every teacher likes a smart student. But the unfortunate Fa Zheng...

A collective sigh arose. The tragedy of Fa Zheng was beyond words; at his age, having the status of a Prefect he should have been highly sought after as a husband. Nonetheless, when his luck turned, he was second to none in misfortune... (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at . Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)