Mythical Three Kingdoms

Hann Sui gazed at the two items in Sima Lang’s hands with a look of puzzlement, while Ma Teng appeared utterly stunned. He finally understood why he had encountered Zhong Yao and why he had left Chang’an in such a peculiar manner.

”It seems General Ma has ascertained my identity. This jade pendant should be familiar to you—it is an item that belongs to the Emperor himself. During your time in Chang’an, you and General Hann must have seen it. As for this scroll, I believe you still recall Minister Zhong’s words?” Sima Lang calmly handed the two objects to Ma Teng.

”Minister Zhong once said, ’This item was gifted to me by Middle Official Cai; it is his most treasured possession.’ Furthermore, I accidentally left a fingerprint on it, which nearly led Minister Zhong to kill me. My swift return to Xiliang was only possible because Minister Zhong disliked me...” Ma Teng slowly lifted his head to look at Sima Lang, then turned over the bamboo slip which indeed bore his fingerprint.

”General, do you now understand why everything seems so coincidental?” Sima Lang asked as he gazed at Ma Teng.

”I understand.” Ma Teng stared blankly at Sima Lang. No wonder that time he had unexpectedly damaged Zhong Yao’s beloved book scroll. No wonder he returned to Jincheng so seamlessly. No wonder Li Jue hadn’t acted rashly—it turned out that loyalists to the Han Dynasty had always been holding things together.

Ma Teng took a deep breath, doing his best to calm the tumult within his heart. The items Sima Lang presented and the words he spoke allowed Ma Teng to start seeing something else—the hope for the revitalization of the Han Dynasty.

Of course, Ma Teng wasn’t merely excited about the restoration of the Han Dynasty; he also saw immense personal gain. If he could rescue the Emperor from peril during such turbulent times, then rank and title would surely follow. In doing so, he could also successfully revive the Ma Family of Fufeng.

”Minister Sima, please rest for a while. I will accept this matter, but regarding the issue of mobilizing troops, I ask Boda for patience in the next few days. Liangzhou is a harsh land; rallying my forces will not be an easy task.” After a brief moment of thought, Ma Teng turned to glance at Hann Sui, realizing that this matter required thorough planning with him, and thus addressed Sima Lang.

”Please act swiftly, General. These two objects are left in your care. Additionally, before departing, Minister Zhong asked me to deliver a message to you both: Cao Mengde has issued proclamations across the land, admitting former errors. He has now joined hands with General Liu to enter Sili in support of the Emperor.” Sima Lang calmly presented Emperor Liu Xie’s jade pendant and Zhong Yao’s most cherished book scroll to Ma Teng.

Having said this, Sima Lang showed no intention of lingering and promptly turned to leave, entrusting the decision entirely to Ma Teng and Hann Sui.

In truth, Sima Lang understood quite well that Ma Teng and Hann Sui essentially had no choice left, especially now that the opportune moment had arisen. For Hann Sui, hailed as the Sage of Xiliang, the moves on the figurative chessboard were visible, and he would undoubtedly make an all-out effort.

[This is Xun Wenruo, indeed. No matter the circumstance, he never concedes. If he wishes to continue, he naturally conjures pieces one after another. Yuan Liu’s actions in response to Lord Cao Mengde’s entry into Sili were all anticipated long ago. Even turning the enemy’s power into leverage demonstrated true genius—something created from nothing, indeed!]

Sima Lang strode decisively out of Ma Teng’s main hall, showing no concern for his own life or death. By this point, the situation had spiraled beyond Ma Teng and Hann Sui’s control. Whether for self-preservation, power, or family revitalization, both men had no choice but to support the Emperor!

Ma Teng touched the jade pendant and, after pondering for a long time, finally asked, ”Wen Yue, what do you make of this?”

”I don’t even know what’s going on right now,” Hann Sui replied irritably. Of course, this was merely an excuse; he had already grasped the essence of everything but required deeper consideration.

”Here’s what happened...” Ma Teng slowly recounted the events of his prior alliance with Li Jue and subsequent journey to Chang’an. Naturally, influenced by Sima Lang’s words, Ma Teng interjected many subjective assumptions.

For instance, he elevated his opinion of Liu Xie, attributing all these arrangements to the Emperor’s capable subordinates while praising Liu Xie’s patience and his ability to wait for the opportune moment. It seemed Zhong Yao, Sima Lang, and others had successfully infiltrated Li Jue’s inner circle.

”So that’s how it is. The Emperor may be young, but he is evidently a sovereign of great talent and virtue, held back only by prevailing misfortune.” Hann Sui sighed to himself after hearing Ma Teng’s account. ”It seems the first attempt to eliminate Dong Zhuo was also the work of the Emperor himself. However, after using an ambush to kill Dong Zhuo, he realized his own lack of strength and thus disguised his intentions…”

”So, Wen Yue, what’s the situation this time?” Ma Teng asked, his expression grave. ”What should we do?”

”If Sima Boda’s statement is entirely accurate, then the revival of the Han Dynasty hinges on this singular action.” Hann Sui stroked his small beard thoughtfully before responding.

”That significant?” Ma Teng exclaimed in shock.

”If Cao Mengde and Liu Xuande have truly mobilized their troops, then Li Jue’s forces will undoubtedly be left scrambling. Should we choose to act in this pivotal moment, Li Jue will struggle to defend both fronts. Once the Emperor successfully seizes Chang’an and holds it for a few days, Li Jue will be defeated.” Hann Sui spoke with admiration.

”More importantly, do you realize the roles Sima Boda and Zhong Yuanchang play within the Xiliang Army?” Hann Sui asked, posing an unusual question.

”They could be considered Li Jue’s closest confidants. After all, Zhong Yuanchang has provided Li Jue with numerous outstanding strategies. The restoration of Guanzhong’s grain stores owes much to Zhong Yuanchang’s planning.” Ma Teng thought briefly before answering.

”Indeed, they are trusted confidants. When a faction loses its core figures, how can it possibly survive? Li Jue hasn’t only enhanced his reputation in Guanzhong but also lavished much favor upon Zhong Yuanchang for appeasement. And Zhong Yuanchang himself is a planner…” Hann Sui smirked bitterly. ”If he betrays them, Li Jue’s foundation will be utterly ruined.”

”Then we set out to support the Emperor?” Ma Teng asked, satisfied with Hann Sui’s judgment, which clarified matters.

”Precisely. We march to support the Emperor; this is the perfect opportunity. Were we not stationed near Yongzhou, we might not have such a favorable chance.” Hann Sui smiled wryly. ”Guanzhong’s continuous improvements to its irrigation network and its restoration to fertile lands as of old—these efforts were likely all to prepare the Emperor’s robes!”

”Hiss~” Ma Teng drew a sharp breath, realizing the profound truth in Hann Sui’s remarks. If the Emperor successfully eliminates Li Jue and his forces, then the Guanzhong and Long Region would firmly fall under imperial control. With this stronghold as his base, the Emperor could very well sweep across the entire realm!

”Thus, now is our optimal moment. The probability of success is high. Presently, our assistance will be akin to delivering coal in the depths of winter,” Hann Sui stated intently as he stared at Ma Teng.

”Your ancestral family was among the Twenty-Eight Generals of Yuntai, steadfastly loyal to the Han Dynasty. Surely you feel pained by the current affairs of the Han and the Ma Family of Fufeng. Should this endeavor succeed, the Emperor will undoubtedly grant extensive rewards to his ministers, an outcome beneficial on all fronts.” Before Ma Teng could respond, Hann Sui followed up with another incisive remark. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)