Mythical Three Kingdoms

After the Xuanyuan Cauldron swept across the land with its imposing aura, the actions of Cao Cao in Yongliang began to accelerate gradually.

At this moment, Sima Lang had already used a special channel to infiltrate Liangzhou, preparing to activate the hidden measures he had planted before. After all, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Bei were all in position.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Ma Teng and Hann Sui had improved significantly, thanks to the deterrent power of Pang De and Ma Chao under Ma Teng’s command, as well as the camaraderie preserved from their time of shared hardships.

Having suffered losses against Fan Chou and Zhang Ji together, tasting defeat, licking wounds, and enduring the darkest times side by side, the past resentment between the two had dissipated significantly.

More importantly, Hann Sui finally lowered his pride and clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of Ma Teng’s wife. Although Hann Sui was indeed implicated, after hearing the explanation, Ma Teng understood that the incident was laden with accidental factors.

Despite Hann Sui’s reputation as the cunning strategist of Nine Curves, there was genuinely no need for him to plot against Ma Teng’s wife—the event was more about unintended circumstances.

Previously, Hann Sui had directly claimed responsibility out of reluctance to provide explanations. After all, why explain to an enemy? But now, having sworn brotherhood, Hann Sui no longer wished to leave any lingering thorn in Ma Teng’s heart that could one day explode.

After Hann Sui candidly laid everything bare, Ma Chao, though still displeased, was no fool. He could discern the truths embedded in Hann Sui’s words. As a result, while Ma Chao remained wary of Hann Sui, his grudge was not as murderous as before.

With so many twists and turns, Hann Sui and Ma Teng had finally achieved a comprehensive alliance. They no longer maintained superficial relations and instead began earnestly working together to strengthen their forces to prevent themselves from being consumed by the increasingly powerful Li Jue.

However, even with their combined efforts, the gap in strength between them and Li Jue’s forces remained too vast. Furthermore, Li Jue had begun exploiting the benefits of excavating the Zhengguo Canal, vigorously developing irrigation systems across the Guanzhong Plains, earning ever-growing popularity among the local populace.

To be honest, in times of prosperity, the common folk placed great importance on the Emperor. But in times of chaos, they cared little for the Emperor, favoring instead those who could ensure their survival.

Following a casual suggestion from Zhong Yao, Li Jue suddenly realized that the loyalty of the common people was his true amulet. He thus embarked on grand-scale irrigation projects in Guanzhong, reclaiming wastelands and promoting farming settlements.

He excavated auxiliary canals such as the Transport Canal, Dragon Head Canal, White Canal, Lingji Canal, and Zhengguo Canal, restoring and revitalizing ancient or ineffective water systems. In just two years, the entire Guanzhong was transformed back into a land of verdant plains, even attracting settlers from Jingzhou, Yuzhou, and Yanzhou.

Of course, Li Jue’s barbarian nature left him with no reverence for the Aristocratic Families of Guanzhong and Long. He acted decisively and without hesitation, which further contributed to the growing acreage of farmland in Guanzhong.

Suffice it to say, were it not for his prior desecration of the Imperial Mausoleum and oppression of the Emperor, Li Jue’s achievements at this point would have earned him the title of a wise minister in any era. However, even accounting for these misdeeds, millions of grateful common folk praised Li Jue, and his reputation in Guanzhong remained stellar.

As for the desecration of the Imperial Mausoleum, the common folk had not personally witnessed it. Regarding rumors of his oppression of the Emperor—they cared little, considering the Emperor irrelevant compared to their food and livelihood during chaotic times.

Naturally, Ma Teng and Hann Sui hoped Li Jue’s fame wouldn’t continue to rise unchecked. After all, Guanzhong was different from other regions.

Guandong’s warriors weren’t ordinary fighters, nor were the Land of Three Qins’ righteous men mere boastful braggarts. If Li Jue’s influence continued to grow at this rate, Guanzhong would be overflowing with people willing to lay down their lives for him!

Unfortunately, while Hann Sui was considered a prominent sage in Longxi, compared to Central Plains’ bold and cunning heroes, his gap in strategic acumen was notable. He had few effective measures against Li Jue’s straightforward and impactful methods of winning public support.

”Report!” On a certain day, as Ma Teng and Hann Sui were drinking gloomily and pondering how to tackle Li Jue, Pang De suddenly rushed in.

”Ling Ming, what’s the matter now?” Hann Sui turned to look at Pang De and sighed.

By now, Pang De was no longer a nameless soldier but had risen to the rank of General of the Household under Ma Teng’s command, leading his own troops. It was clear that any matter he came to report wouldn’t be trivial—though they were unsure whether it would involve another rebellion.

”Sima Boda, the Imperial Attendant, has arrived,” Pang De replied respectfully.

Pang De bore little animosity towards Hann Sui or anyone in particular. His focus remained on indulging his life’s ambition—to fight on the battlefield, regardless of who stood as his opponent or commanded him, pursuing only his own satisfaction.

”Sima Boda?” Hann Sui furrowed his brow. ”Isn’t he a confidant of Li Jue? What’s his purpose here?”

”Hmph, invite him in. I’d like to see what tricks Li Jue is playing!” Ma Teng snorted coldly, referring to Li Jue disrespectfully by name.

”Invite him in, but don’t be discourteous,” Hann Sui instructed Pang De.

Soon, Sima Lang was led in by Pang De. Interestingly, Pang De felt an immediate sense of affinity toward the courteous young man upon sight, prompting him to personally report the arrival. This allowed Sima Lang to meet Hann Sui and Ma Teng swiftly instead of being left waiting for days.

”Greetings to the General Who Conquers the East and the General of the West.” Sima Lang smiled and bowed respectfully to Ma Teng and Hann Sui.

”Boda, I didn’t expect you to come to Jincheng,” Hann Sui remarked, observing Sima Lang’s gentle demeanor. His earlier intent to vent dissipated as he forced a faint smile tinged with reluctance.

”Why shouldn’t I visit Han Dynasty territory?” Sima Lang sighed deeply and cast a peculiar gaze at Hann Sui.

”The Han Dynasty may be in decline, yet countless righteous men still strive to protect it—whether it’s the passionately indignant Liu Clan of Imperial blood, generals like Ma Teng and Hann Sui constrained by rising tyranny while working tirelessly for national affairs, or ordinary souls patiently enduring servitude under villains, awaiting the chance… such as myself!” Sima Lang’s sharp eyes locked onto Hann Sui and Ma Teng.

At that moment, Hann Sui and Ma Teng were struck as if by lightning, and it took them a long while to recover, staring at Sima Lang intently. Ma Teng slapped the table and sneered, ”What bold villain dares slander General Li? He’s sung in praise by the people of Guanzhong!”

”Nothing but the schemes of naive commoners,” Sima Lang replied calmly. ”Previously, I infiltrated his forces to prevent you two from directly clashing with Li Jue. Alone, you’ve no chance of defeating him. Fortunately, Minister Zhong provided cover for me, or else I’d have implicated His Majesty in shared disgrace!”

Hann Sui was startled and stared at Sima Lang with eyes flickering, uncertain whether his intentions were genuine or deceitful.

”You might doubt my loyalties to Li Jue, but I believe you’ll recognize these two objects.” Saying this, Sima Lang reached into his sleeve and pulled out two items. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for access.)