Mythical Three Kingdoms

”Let’s not discuss how much truth there is to this claim; even if it were true, what qualifications does your Ma Clan have to stand on equal footing with my lord? Do not overestimate yourselves.” Fa Zheng shook his finger as he spoke. Some people simply cannot see their own place!

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao froze for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, ”Indeed, I have acted recklessly. The Ma Clan truly does not have the qualifications to sit as equals to Lord Xuande. To be more precise, we lack even the qualifications to compare ourselves to Cao’s faction. The Ma Clan has overestimated its own standing, and this is precisely the root of our family’s calamities!”

”Correct, that is indeed the root of your family’s calamities.” Fa Zheng nodded in agreement, then allowed a bitter smile to flit across his face, ”By the way, I only spoke out of boredom. Do you think I have anything left to pursue at this moment?”

This time, Ma Chao suddenly froze again, silently repeating Fa Zheng’s words to himself. Finally, he nodded. It was true—Fa Zheng had nothing left to pursue.

If he truly desired the Wang Family Heir Daughter, merely speaking up would suffice. The Wang Family, even at the risk of offending the Ma Clan, would definitely offer her to him. Moreover, the Wang Family Heir Daughter would undoubtedly behave with the utmost obedience. A family like the Wang Family does not hold any value for Fa Zheng’s talents. At best, she might evoke anger and pity—anger at her inability to improve her circumstances, pity for her misfortune. Thus, saying nothing and doing nothing might even retain some shred of dignity for the Wang Family.

As for saving face, whether pertaining to the age of double decades or the honor of a Marquis, who had ever dared insult Fa Zheng’s reputation? The Wang Family? Laughable! Everyone aware of the matter understood that the Wang Family was blind and foolish!

”Moreover, you and I both know that whatever I do has little bearing on whether you become antagonistic toward us. Ultimately, it will be the Ma Clan that decides whether to oppose us, not me. My grudges hold minimal weight.” Fa Zheng spoke indifferently.

Ma Chao acknowledged this as the truth. If the Ma Clan leaned toward Liu Bei, Fa Zheng would never let personal grievances hinder public duties. As for his resentment, it would only manifest as minor obstructions to the Ma Clan in other areas. In public affairs, it was evident that Fa Zheng would not act excessively.

Regarding potential conflict between the Ma and Fa Clans under Liu Bei’s command, was it even worth mentioning? Liu Bei’s subordinates, both civil and military, were far from united. Each had their own factions and allegiances. The notion of universal harmony was absurd—alliances were merely regulated to ensure disputes remained constructive under overarching authority.

”It seems you understand me. I’m just searching for someone to help me pass the time. The Wang Family is too weak, and I cannot bring myself to vent my anger upon truly irrelevant individuals. But targeting you and your clan—now, that I can fully accept.” Fa Zheng spoke with unmistakable honesty, causing Ma Chao’s temper to flare uncontrollably.

”Are you not afraid of bringing trouble upon your family?” Ma Chao had already forgotten the purpose of his visit, glaring directly at Fa Zheng as he posed the question.

”Let’s not forget—I have no family to concern myself with. I live alone without kin or clan pressures.” Fa Zheng casually shrugged. ”And besides, can you truly bring trouble upon me? In terms of martial force, I am no match for you. But you’re standing before me now, and here”—Fa Zheng gestured toward his head—”is what truly matters.”

What Fa Zheng did not realize was that with news of his ennoblement spreading back to his hometown, distant relatives were already traversing mountains to seek refuge under his wing at Mount Tai. This exemplified the saying: ”When poor in busy marketplaces, none inquire; when rich in remote mountains, distant kin arrive.”

At this moment, Ma Chao wished nothing more than to thrust a spear through Fa Zheng’s chest. Yet, he restrained himself. To kill Fa Zheng here would be to sentence the Ma Clan to irrelevance in the histories of both Cao and Liu.

”You need not worry. My redeeming quality is that I distinguish clearly between the public and private spheres. Moreover, your Ma Clan holds intrinsic value, so you don’t need to fear that I will truly strike with lethal intent.” Fa Zheng cocked his head and laughed, a laugh so chilling that it sent shivers down Ma Chao’s spine.

”Let us set aside other matters for now. I can offer the solution to the Ma Clan’s predicament—what can you offer me in return?” Fa Zheng, having straightened his thoughts, said this as calmly as if the hours spent toying with Ma Chao had entirely dissipated his prior resentment.

Indeed, the nature of resentment is such that the more fiercely the aggrieved party retaliates—perhaps even managing to humiliate the instigator—the deeper the grudge festers. Yet here, Fa Zheng found that his efforts to provoke Ma Chao had met with little resistance, rendering the act of harboring resentment meaningless.

”I…” Ma Chao opened his mouth but hesitated, unable to form a reply. Was there anything Fa Zheng truly wanted? Nothing came to mind.

”It seems there’s nothing.” Fa Zheng smirked, his expression revealing a sentiment of inevitability. Then, he waved his hand dismissively and continued, ”I was merely asking on a whim. You needn’t take it seriously—even I don’t know what I truly want. But your Ma Clan’s predicament is actually very simple to resolve.”

”How do we resolve it?” Ma Chao’s face lit up with joy, completely abandoning their earlier clash. His concern for his clan remained paramount.

”It’s quite simple. The Qiang and Hu submit to strength; demonstrate to them what a true strongman looks like.” Fa Zheng spoke calmly.

”What kind of strategy is that? If the Ma Clan had the ability to do so, we would have united Yongliang long ago.” Ma Chao retorted angrily, his dissatisfaction etched in his features.

”Before revolting, the Qiang and Hu will undoubtedly gather their forces. At that time, petition the Emperor for the chance to handle the matter yourself. Go alone. Confront their gathering of over a hundred Qiang clans’ fiercest warriors and defeat them all single-handedly,” Fa Zheng remarked nonchalantly.

”Ah…” Ma Chao’s jaw dropped, unable to respond.

”Afterward, lead three thousand of your most valiant soldiers against the ten thousand fiercest warriors the gathered Qiang clans can muster. As long as you achieve a sweeping victory, the Qiang and Hu will naturally submit. These two acts alone will suffice.” Fa Zheng said, unwaveringly staring at Ma Chao.

Fa Zheng had carefully analyzed the makeup of the Qiang and Hu. If Ma Chao truly accomplished both feats, his Qiang heritage would position him as the new King of Qiang—or perhaps not a crowned king, but an uncrowned one, a true sovereign without title among the Qiang.

”While the second act is difficult, it is still achievable. However, the first act is nearly impossible. Defeating one Qiang warrior might be feasible, but two more will rise in his place, followed by even more—the thought of overpowering the entire group is absurd.” Ma Chao chuckled bitterly. Should the Qiang and Hu invade the Sanfu region, their most devout and fearsome warriors stationed at the altars would undoubtedly emerge.

”Whether it’s possible or not is none of my concern.” Fa Zheng replied indifferently, ”I’ve provided the solution. General Ma, do as you see fit.”

Ma Chao clasped his fists in salute. Reflecting on the dire plight the Ma Clan faced, he realized this truly was the only viable solution. Only by elevating himself as the Qiang’s uncrowned sovereign could he command their loyalty. Without strength, every other plan was futile.

As Ma Chao prepared to leave, he hesitated briefly before speaking, ”I will remember this day. One day, I will surely repay you.”

”Do as you wish.” Fa Zheng waved his hand dismissively, showing not the slightest concern.

Watching Ma Chao’s distant figure, Fa Zheng smiled bitterly. Standing too high in the realm of power had become unbearably dull. Choosing the Ma Clan as his target for misplaced anger had been a deliberate decision; their robust strength made them a worthy adversary to occupy his time.

Yet, exerting himself repeatedly in pursuit of progress, Fa Zheng finally turned back to see all he had once chased reduced to mere illusions of the past. The rivals who had once driven him forward had, imperceptibly, disappeared behind him, vanishing from sight altogether.

[How utterly dull. Ma Chao, I hope you can achieve something. The Ma Clan is no longer worth my attention; even my misplaced anger has grown weak. Once, I thought your clan’s vast resources would be entertaining—now, I find it all painfully tedious…](To be continued. If you enjoyed this novel, visit qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)