The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 415 Kongming presents Zhongda with women's clothing and comments on his poor appetite and troublesome affairs; Liu Bei is seriously ill, and A Dou fulfills his filial duties.
On the banks of the Wei River.

Meanwhile, the Wei army, having just suffered a defeat, was in low spirits.

Sima Yi ordered his troops to set up camp along the river, digging deep trenches and building high walls, preparing for a long-term stay.

The scouts reported to the Han camp, and Zhuge Liang, upon hearing the news, remained silent and pondered.

Wei Yan, a subordinate of the general, stepped forward to request permission to fight:

"Sima Yi has just suffered a defeat and has lost his courage."

"Yan Yuan is willing to lead his elite troops to challenge them in battle; we will surely capture this scoundrel!"

Zhuge Liang lightly pointed with his feather fan:
"Wen Changke can lead three thousand iron cavalry to Wei Village to engage in a verbal battle."

"If Yi doesn't come out, we can expose all her shortcomings."

Upon receiving the order, Wei Yan led his troops to the front of Wei's camp, where they arrayed themselves and began to hurl insults.
"Sima, you old scoundrel! You call yourself a famous general of the Central Plains."

"To cower in place and not come out, is that the behavior of a true man?"

Inside the Wei army camp, all the generals glared angrily and held their swords.

Lieutenant General Xiahou He said angrily:
"Prime Minister! The Qi general is so arrogant, this humble general is willing to leave the camp and fight to the death!"

Sima Yi sat calmly in his tent, holding a military treatise in his hand:

"The courage of a common man is not the way of a general."

"Order: Anyone who dares to speak out in battle will be executed!"

Seeing that the Wei army did not come out, Wei Yan's cursing grew even louder:

"Everyone says that Sima Yi feared the Han like a tiger, and seeing it today, it is indeed so!"

"You'd better lay down your arms and return to your farm to avoid disgracing Wei Zhuang's reputation!"

The curses reached the camp, and the Wei generals all blushed.

Sima Zhao couldn't help but offer his advice:

“Father! The Qi army’s insults have outraged the entire army.”

"If we continue to refrain from fighting, it may damage morale..."

Sima Yi threw the letter onto the table:
"You only know one side of the story!"

"Zhuge Liang, relying on the strength of our nation, challenged me to a decisive battle."

"Now that we have built deep trenches and high walls, advancing step by step, is this not better than a reckless battle?"

He then ignored the generals' requests to fight and personally supervised the construction of the camp.

He then ordered his soldiers to dig three trenches, each 15 feet deep and over 20 feet wide.

They took soil to build a rampart, two zhang high, with an arrow tower on top.

Watchtowers stood at the four corners of the camp, each manned by a hundred archers.

The gate to the village was equipped with three layers of deer antlers, and a hidden pit was concealed inside.

They also set up a 20-mile-long water fortress along the Wei River, with warships patrolling back and forth.

Sima Yi inspected the camp daily, and if he found any weak points, he immediately ordered them to be reinforced.

He also ordered his soldiers to plant vegetables and raise livestock as a long-term plan.

On this day, news suddenly arrived that a Han envoy had arrived.

They claimed to be acting on Zhuge Liang's orders to deliver gifts.

Sima Yi ordered him to be led into the tent.

The envoy presented a large, ornately carved box with utmost respect.

Sima Yi ordered the box to be opened in public. Inside was a woman dressed in white mourning clothes, with a letter on top.

The book states briefly:

"Zhongda became a general and commanded the troops of Sichuan."

"They did not think of donning armor and wielding weapons to determine the victor."

“Nai Ganku guards his earthen nest, carefully avoiding swords and arrows; how is he any different from a woman!”

"Now we have sent someone to deliver a headscarf and plain clothes. If you do not go to war, you may accept them with two bows."

"If one still has a sense of shame and the spirit of a man, then one should return to the enemy as soon as possible and go to the front lines on schedule."

Upon seeing this, all the generals in the tent paled.

Xiahou Ba drew his sword and roared angrily:

"How dare Zhuge Liang insult my commander-in-chief like this!"

Sima Yi remained expressionless, simply unfolding and reading the letter quietly.

Upon reading it, Sima Yi was furious, yet he still laughed loudly, looking up at the sky:

"Does Kongming see me as a woman?!"

She happily took a headscarf and put it on her head, then donned a white mourning garment, and looked at herself in the mirror:

"It fits perfectly, it fits perfectly!"

The generals were astonished, and Sima Zhao hurriedly said:

"Father! Zhuge Liang has humiliated us in this way, and the entire army is outraged."

"I am willing to fight and wipe away this great humiliation!"

Sima Yi calmly replied:

"Zhuge Liang wanted to provoke us into battle, but his plan has run out."

Therefore, he ordered someone to fetch a set of finely crafted fishing gear and a set of purple clay teaware, and said to the messenger:

"Reporting to your commander."

"Since you have given me a woman's scarf, I shall emulate the pleasures of women in fishing and brewing tea."

"I am sending you fishing gear and tea set in return, hoping that the Commander-in-Chief will temporarily cease military operations."

"Fishing on the Wei River, sipping tea and discussing military strategy—what could be more delightful?"

After the envoy left, Xiahou Ba said angrily:

"How could the Prime Minister truly act like a woman?"

Sima Yi removed his headscarf and threw it on the table, sneering:

"Han Xin endured the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs, but ultimately achieved great things."

"What are these mere women worth mentioning?"

"Zhuge Liang wanted to provoke me into battle, but I refused to comply."

He then ordered a banquet to be held.

She was wearing a headscarf and plain clothes, and was feasting with the generals.

The messenger handed over the fishing gear and tea set that Sima Yi had gifted to Zhuge Liang.

The crowd was puzzled, so Zhuge Liang explained to them:
"This is Sima Yi's way of refusing my challenge to battle."

Sima Yi readily accepted the persona Zhuge Liang had given him and turned it into his own advantage.

The subtext is:

It must be tough for you, Commander-in-Chief, to be so busy with military affairs, managing countless matters every day.

He was deeply alarmed that she still cared about him.

I have heard that the Central Plains are magnificent, but even though my Sichuan region is impoverished, it also has its elegant things.

Since the Grand Commander is in such a good mood, he has gifted me women's clothing in the hope of 'quietness,' and the word 'quiet' is a homophone for 'peace.'

In return, I presented this set of fishing and tea utensils, hoping that the Governor-General could enjoy fishing on the banks of the Mian River in his spare time from military duties.

Or sit quietly and enjoy tea at Dingjun Mountain, remaining calm and patient.

Do not overwork yourself; take good care of your health.

You laugh at me for being "timid as a woman," so I compare myself to "a free-spirited cloud and a wild crane."

You equate "stillness" with feminine timidity, while I elevate "stillness" to the Taoist concept of "governing by non-action" and the wise man's "composure and unhurriedness."

Zhuge Liang accepted the fishing gear and tea set that Sima Yi had given him with a smile, and ordered his men to store them carefully.

As noon approached, the cook served the meal.

Zhuge Liang then invited the Wei envoy to sit at the same table.

Then the cook brought out a pot of steaming chicken soup.

The soup was a clear yellow color, and a black-boned chicken was stewing inside.

It is also seasoned with medicinal herbs such as angelica and wolfberry, giving it a wonderful aroma.

Zhuge Liang personally served soup to the Wei envoy and said with a smile:
"Zhongda gave me fishing gear and tea set, and advised me to take care of my health."

"Please reply: Liang takes great care of himself every day and dares not fail your kindness."

Having finished speaking,
He sipped a mouthful of chicken soup, looking quite content.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he asked the Wei envoy:

"How has Zhongda been eating lately? How many meals a day has he been having?"

The Wei envoy dared not deceive him and respectfully replied:

"My prime minister rises early and retires late, personally handling all matters, large and small, in the army and elsewhere."

"Their daily diet consisted of only a few liters of rice."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang paused slightly with the spoon in his hand, and sighed softly:
"With little food and many troubles, how can one last long?"

He then said to the attendant:

"Bring me my treasured Ginseng and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder."

In this world, Zhuge Liang received the true teachings of the divine physician Dong Feng in Jiaozhou.

Therefore, he also knew some medical skills and was good at preparing medicinal diets.

Soon,
The servants presented several medicine packets.

Zhuge Liang personally appointed the Wei envoy:
"This is what Liang uses for daily health maintenance; it can replenish the middle and boost qi."

"Please pass this on to Zhongda, and tell him that Kongming can eat a chicken every day and is in good health."

"I hope Zhongda will not overwork himself and will take good care of himself."

After the Wei envoy bowed and left, the generals in the tent all looked puzzled.

Jiang Wei asked first:

"Why does the Governor tell you the truth?"

"If Sima Yi truly dies from overwork, wouldn't that be a blessing for our army?"

Guan Xing also echoed:
"Exactly! If Sima Yi dies, the Wei Kingdom will lose a pillar of strength."

"Our army can now conquer the Wei Kingdom in the south."

Zhuge Liang put down his spoon and gently waved his feather fan:

"Boyue and Anguo only knew one aspect, not the other."

"Since the massacre of the Li family, Sima Yi's desire for revenge has grown stronger day by day."

“I am showing him leisure now precisely to inspire his will.”

Seeing that the generals were still confused, Zhuge Liang slowly said:
"The best strategy in warfare is to win hearts and minds."

“Sima Yi will be even more anxious when he sees that I eat and drink normally and am in good health.”

"The more eager a person is to seek revenge, the more likely they are to reveal their weaknesses."

Jiang Wei suddenly realized:

"So the commander-in-chief was deliberately feigning composure to appear calm and collected!"

Zhuge Liang nodded:
"Since Sima Yi could endure the humiliation of being a woman, it shows how deep his cunning was."

"But hatred is like a poisonous fire, most easily burning the heart."

"My presenting medicine today to demonstrate my health is precisely to add fuel to this poisonous fire."

Inside the Wei army's main tent, candlelight flickered.

Sima Yi sat on the couch, his robe draped over his shoulders, staring at the medicine packet Zhuge Liang had given him in return, his expression complex.

What else did Zhuge Liang say?

Sima Yi asked in a deep voice.

The envoy bowed and replied:
"General Zhuge inquired about the Prime Minister's diet and daily life, and learned that the Prime Minister ate no more than a few liters of food a day."

He then sighed and said, "With so little food and so much trouble, how can this last long?"

"Therefore, I was specially instructed to present these restorative medicines, and also... and also..."

The messenger hesitated for a moment, then said, "He also said that he can eat a chicken every day, so please be sure to take care of your health, Prime Minister."

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi looked up to the sky and sighed:

"Kongming, you know me too well!"

Sima Zhao said urgently:

"Father! How can we take the medicine given to us by Zhuge Liang so lightly?"

"There might be a trap!"

Sima Shi also advised:
Even if it is not poisonous, it should not be taken rashly.

"Please have the military doctor examine you first."

Sima Yi waved his hand and said:

"Although Zhuge Liang was an adversary, he was not a despicable person."

"However, to put your minds at ease, we will summon the army doctor to examine you."

The military doctor carefully examined the powder, tasted a small amount himself, and reported back:
"This is a superior Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder, with an exquisite formula, which can cure the Prime Minister's chronic illness."

"If taken on time, it can replenish qi and nourish the mind and heart."

Everyone was stunned.

Sima Zhao was puzzled:
Why did Zhuge Liang give his father such good medicine?

Sima Yi remained silent for a long time before finally saying:

"...This is a strategy to win hearts and minds."

"Kongming showed me composure and gave me good medicine, but in reality he wanted to unsettle my mind."

Despite this, Sima Yi still took the medicine as instructed.

However, after several days, the illness did not improve; instead, it became increasingly severe.

The generals were anxious and began to question the military doctor.

The military doctor sighed:

"Even the best medicine needs to be paired with a good mental medicine."

"The root of the Prime Minister's illness lies in his heart."

"If the knot in one's heart is not untied, even the most miraculous medicine will be ineffective."

Sima Zhao asked urgently:

What's bothering your father?

Sima Yi leaned against the couch, his face haggard.
"Zhuge Liang knew I was eager for revenge, so he waited for me to tire myself out."

“I cannot sleep at night when I think of the hatred of the Li family being wiped out.”

"now……"

He paused to catch his breath, "Now I am forty-six years old, and I am growing old."

"But even the hope of revenge is becoming increasingly faint."

"I...I really can't think of a way to defeat Zhuge Liang..."

Speaking of this,

Sima Yi suddenly coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and fainted.

Chaos erupted immediately inside the tent.

The military doctor immediately administered acupuncture.

After a long while, Sima Yi slowly woke up.

Sima Zhao wept and said:
"Father! Why torment yourself like this?"

"Zhuge Liang was wise, but he was not a god."

"If we proceed slowly and methodically, we will surely have a chance of victory!"

Sima Yi weakly shook his head:
"You do not know... Zhuge Liang's most terrifying aspect is not his wisdom and strategy."

"Instead, he was a student of Li Yi and had the ability to see through people's hearts."

Sima Yi had fought against Li Yi in his early years.

It is very clear that Li Yi's greatest skill, rather than his intelligence, lies in manipulating people's hearts.

Zhuge Liang clearly learned the essence of it.

This act of gifting medicine only intensified Sima Yi's anxiety.

"He knew I was eager for revenge, so he used a slow approach to counter my haste."

Knowing I am suspicious, he gave me good medicine.

"Knowing my pride, he feigned composure..."

"His series of actions have made me very uneasy."

"In Kongming, I seem to see the shadow of that person."

"Although he has long since retired from politics, I will still feel anxious as long as he is alive."

"I am not afraid of your ridicule, but I feel uneasy whenever I think of him."

After another bout of coughing, Sima Yi continued:
"I have never encountered such an opponent in my entire life."

"He seemed to be able to see through my every thought and every calculation."

"Faced with such an opponent, I only feel... I only feel powerless..."

Sima Shi and Sima Zhao exchanged a glance, and the generals in the tent also looked at each other in bewilderment.

They didn't know that Sima Yi was referring to Zhuge Liang.

He is still that political monster who has stepped down from the front line, yet still wields considerable influence over the world.

The tent was completely silent.

None of the generals expected that the usually dignified and aloof prime minister was under such immense pressure.

suddenly,

Sima Yi forced himself to sit up:
"Bring me paper and a pen!"

The servant hurriedly presented it.

Sima Yi quickly wrote the message and handed it to Sima Zhao:
"Send it to Chengdu immediately and request the King to send more grain."

"Then issue another order to all battalions: dig deep trenches and build high walls, and strictly guard against any outings."

"Zhuge Liang wants to wear down my teacher, but I'll just have to see who can outlast me!"

The generals took orders and left.

Sima Yi sat alone in his tent, gazing at the medicine packet given to him by Zhuge Liang, and muttered to himself:

"Kongming, you attack me with your mind, so I will respond with steadfast defense."

"Let's see in the end whether you run out of food supplies in Guanzhong first, or I am crushed by the hatred of this family and the country first."

Outside the tent, the autumn wind howled, swirling up countless withered leaves.

A stubborn flame reignited in Sima Yi's eyes.

This battle of wits has extended from the battlefield to the deepest recesses of the soul.

Both of these unparalleled masters knew the final outcome.

Perhaps it will happen at the moment when one of them is completely exhausted.

Inside the Han army's main tent, the lights were on.

Zhuge Liang was discussing military matters with his generals when a scout suddenly reported:
"Sima Yi built extensive camps and cultivated land along the Wei River, preparing for a long-term stay."

Jiang Wei said angrily:
"Sima Yi's move is clearly aimed at gradually encroaching on Guanzhong!"

"If left to run unchecked, it may become a major threat."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, gazed at the sand table for a long time, and then said:
"Order: Starting today, the vanguard shall advance thirty li."

"We set up camp along the north bank of the Wei River, facing the Wei army across the river."

An uproar immediately erupted in the tent.

Wei Yan was the first to offer his advice:

"General, please reconsider! Our army already faces difficulties in supplying food and provisions."

"If we push the front line further, supply will become even more difficult."

"Why not concentrate our forces and fight Sima Yi to the death!"

Guan Xing also echoed:
"General Wenchang is absolutely right."

"This humble general is willing to be the vanguard and will surely break through the Wei camp!"

Zhuge Liang shook his head:

"Sima Yi has built deep trenches and high walls, intending to lure us into attacking."

"If we attack rashly, we will play right into their hands."

He pointed to the sand table, "They want to compare consumption, so I will compare consumption with them."

"Order: Each camp shall follow the Wei army's system, dig deep trenches, build numerous arrow towers, and prepare for a long-term standoff."

War is always about using one's strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses.

Zhuge Liang's current advantage lies in the support of a strong national power.

Therefore, he was definitely trying to outlast Sima Yi, and there was no need for him to launch an attack.

First, this does not conform to the principle of avoiding the strong and attacking the weak in Sun Tzu's Art of War.

Secondly, in ancient times, the defender always had the advantage over the attacker.

For Zhuge Liang, needlessly increasing his own battle losses would be a losing proposition.

Fei Yi was deeply worried:

"However, grain transport from Guanzhong is difficult, and I fear it cannot last long..." Zhuge Liang said calmly.

Therefore, a two-pronged approach is needed.

"While holding firm to their position, they also submitted petitions to the imperial court."

He then summoned the clerk:
"A memorial is being prepared to petition Your Majesty."

"The war in Guanzhong is at a stalemate, and we need to allocate more grain and supplies."

"Please allocate 300,000 shi of stored grain and another 50 million qian of silver as military funds."

The generals still had many doubts.

Jiang Weidao:
Even if we receive provisions and supplies, it will take time to transport them.

"If the Wei army attacks during this period..."

Zhuge Liang was confident and prepared:
"Sima Yi has just suffered a defeat and dares not venture out lightly."

"and……"

He smiled slightly, "I already have a plan."

Three days later,
The Han army advanced thirty li, building a continuous line of camps along the river. Zhuge Liang personally led the troops at the front, commanding with unwavering resolve.
"A watchtower must be erected here, five zhang high, to observe the movements of the Wei army."

"A hidden trench was dug here, and barbed wire was installed inside."

"The pontoon bridge here appears to be for crossing the river, but it is actually a feint."

Sima Yi saw this from Hebei and was filled with surprise and doubt:
Was Zhuge Liang not worried about the supply of provisions?

He then urgently summoned all the generals:

"The Qi army's advance must be part of a cunning plan."

"All battalions should be on high alert, especially at night, to prevent them from raiding the camps."

However, the Han army simply held their ground and conducted daytime drills.

They make a ruckus at night, but don't actually fight.

Sima Yi became increasingly suspicious and dared not act rashly.

……

Inside the Chang Le Hall of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, candlelight flickered.

Liu Bei, who was over sixty years old, leaned against the dragon bed, his face thin and his eyes sunken.

Only his eyes still occasionally flashed with the sharp light of the past.

He held the memorial sent by Zhuge Liang from Guanzhong in his hands, his brows furrowed.

It says:

"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant Liang, am filled with trepidation and respect, and humbly report this to Your Majesty:"

"Your subject has been ordered to oversee Yong and Liang provinces, relying on the might of Heaven to punish the rebellious barbarians."

"The three armies are loyal to each other, and the soldiers are of one mind."

"Since the expedition last year, we have repeatedly defeated the Wei army at the Wei River."

"Wei general Sima Yi fears our military might, so he has fortified his defenses and dares not fight again."

"The western bandits are now terrified and have retreated to their fortified camps."

"Most of Longyou and Guanzhong have been recovered. This is all due to Your Majesty's great fortune and is a sign of the restoration of the Han Dynasty."

"However, I observe that Sima Yi is shrewd and calculating, and although he has suffered repeated defeats, his vitality has not diminished."

"I recently heard that they have conscripted a large number of laborers to dig three layers of trenches and build nine layers of fortifications along the Wei River."

"Furthermore, the camp was stretched out for thirty miles with deer antlers, clearly indicating an intention to maintain a prolonged stalemate."

"Although the land of Wei is barren and the people are poor, it is located in the land of abundance, and its granaries still have stored grain."

"I fear that if this drags on for too long, it may lead to a stalemate."

"I have studied the terrain of Guanzhong and found that it has been plagued by wars since the Qin and Han dynasties."

“Due to neglect of water conservancy, fertile fields have turned into barren soil.”

"Although we followed Zhao Chongguo's method of military farming and diverted the Wei River to irrigate the wasteland, the wheat seedlings were just sprouting and had not yet reached the autumn harvest."

"Compared to the fertile land of Yizhou, where multiple harvests are possible in a year, it is truly difficult to match."

"The army's current food reserves are only enough for three months, the armor and weapons are worn out and need to be replaced, and two or three out of ten arrows are lost."

"Your Majesty, with your wisdom, we know that the strength of the Han Dynasty far surpasses that of the usurper Wei Dynasty."

"However, during the long expedition to deliver supplies, the soldiers were hungry and the horses had no fodder."

"When Emperor Gaozu pacified Guanzhong, Xiao He was stationed there and provided him with a constant supply of provisions."

"Emperor Guangwu revived the Han Dynasty, and Kou Xun made great contributions in managing the affairs of state and planning."

"I dare not compare myself to the sages of the past, but only offer my foolish loyalty."

"I humbly request Your Majesty to order the imperial treasury to allocate 300,000 shi of grain and send it to the army."

"I also request that 50 million coins be allocated from the treasury to fund the repair of armor and weapons, and to provide relief for the wounded and the injured."

"I have ordered my soldiers to take turns cultivating the land, and the rice seedlings are gradually growing in the thousands of acres of new fields along the Wei River."

"When the wheat ripens next year, the army can be self-sufficient in half of its food."

"Furthermore, a trade market was organized between the Qiang and Hu peoples in Longxi, where salt and iron were exchanged for cattle and sheep to supplement military supplies."

"However, in the long run, we still need the imperial court to provide continuous assistance."

"The situation in the Northwest is currently very volatile; it is time to remain cautious and wait for the right opportunity."

"If there is no shortage of provisions and supplies, I will follow Tian Dan's example in defending Jimo and encourage the soldiers to hold the camp firmly."

"When the Wei army has an opening, then we will employ Han Xin's strategy of attacking Chencang and lead our fierce forces straight to Chengdu."

"To restore the Han Dynasty and unify the land is my ambition that I have never forgotten, day and night."

"Tears stream down my face as I write this, my eagerness to receive orders is overwhelming!"

"Your subject Zhuge Liang respectfully reports to the Grand Commander of Yong and Liang."

"...Announce Chen Xiang."

Liu Bei's voice was slightly hoarse, yet it still carried an undeniable air of authority.

Soon,
Chen Deng strode in and bowed respectfully:
"Your subject Chen Deng pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Liu Bei handed the memorial to his attendant, who then passed it on to Chen Deng, and slowly said:

“Yuanlong, Kongming is locked in a stalemate with Sima Yi in Guanzhong, and his supplies are running low.”

"As the prime minister, could you possibly procure some supplies to support the front lines?"

Chen Deng carefully read the memorial, his face showing difficulty:
"If Your Majesty desires it, it is certainly available."

"Last year, the great locust plague in Hebei consumed a lot of money and grain for disaster relief."

"If we were to transport grain to Guanzhong now, the journey would be long and the losses would be considerable, which would likely be another significant expense..."

Liu Bei suddenly started coughing violently, and his attendants rushed forward to pat his back.

He paused for a moment, then raised his hand to stop Chen Deng:

"Never mind the size of the expense, just tell me if you have it or not?"

Chen Deng bowed:

"If Your Majesty desires it, it is certainly available... but..."

"All right!"

Liu Bei nodded, his tone resolute:
"Since we have it, let's send it over!"

"Kongming's military strategies were never empty words."

"If it is said to be in short supply, it must be urgently needed."

"I accept the decree."

Chen Deng bowed again, but did not immediately leave, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Liu Bei seemed to see through his thoughts and sighed:

"Does Yuanlong think I've been too lenient with Kongming?"

Chen Deng hurriedly said:

“…I dare not.”

"Although the national treasury has surplus grain, we must also consider the long-term perspective."

"long?"

Liu Bei suddenly sat up, his eyes flashing like lightning.

"Without Zhuge Liang blocking Sima Yi in Guanzhong, how could we talk about the long term!"

"When I was starting out with Ziyu, Yunchang, and Yide, did I ever care about these things?"

Speaking of his old comrades, Liu Bei coughed again.

This time, he coughed up a little blood.

The servant was greatly alarmed and hurriedly handed over a silk handkerchief.

Upon seeing this, Li Yi hurried forward:

"The autumn wind is bleak and most likely to hurt people."

"Your Majesty's body is of utmost importance and should be taken very seriously."

Liu Bei waved his hand to stop the eunuch from offering him tea, and forced a smile:
"...Ziyu is overthinking it."

"It's just an old ailment I developed when I was young. It flares up for a few days every autumn. It's nothing serious."

"Well, it's strange, really."

"It didn't flare up in the past few years, but it's become very painful in the last two years."

"I don't know why."

After saying that, he took a sip of tea.

Soup dripped from the corner of his mouth, and a servant took out a silk handkerchief to wipe it away for him.

Li Yi frowned, noticing that although Liu Bei was wearing a thick fur coat, his knuckles were slightly white from trying to suppress his cough.

The eunuch added another fox fur coat for Liu Bei, and the silver charcoal brazier inside the hall was burning brightly.

Yet, it seemed unable to dispel the weariness between the emperor's brows.

After the political affairs were discussed, Li Yi quietly went to the Imperial Medical Bureau.

Hua Tuo was pounding medicine when he saw Li Yi arrive, and he quickly got up to greet him.

"Mr. Yuanhua".

Li Yi dismissed his attendants and asked in a low voice:
"His Majesty seems to be increasingly unwell lately. What is the situation?"

Hua Tuo sighed deeply and led Li Yi to the inner room:

"Since Your Excellency has asked, I dare not conceal the truth."

"Your Majesty's health... appears outwardly fine, but in reality, it is hollow inside."

"In his youth, he fought on all sides, leaving him scarred and suffering from a hidden illness."

"Because His Majesty is in good health, the decree has not yet been issued."

"However, as His Majesty ages, his physical strength declines, his organs deteriorate, and hidden ailments begin to appear."

"In addition, with the affairs of state pressing upon him, His Majesty spends his days sitting in the palace reviewing memorials, which takes a huge toll on his health."

"When one is young and strong, this can be ignored."

"Now that I'm over sixty, I'm suffering from a variety of ailments."

"Just as an old tree inevitably withers and its leaves fall in autumn."

Li Yi asked urgently:
Is it possible to cure it completely?

This……

Hua Tuo frowned and shook his head:
"If one is in their prime, they may be anesthetized with Mafeisan (麻沸散)."

"Open the abdomen and cleanse the intestines to remove the rotten parts and promote new growth."

"However, Your Majesty is advanced in years and your health is declining. I fear you may not be able to endure the pain of surgery."

He took out a medical record and said, "At present, we can only treat it with ginseng, astragalus and other mild tonics."

"But the Prime Minister is also knowledgeable in medicine, and should know that 'medicine is poison'."

"Every medicine has some degree of toxicity, and long-term use will inevitably damage the liver and kidneys."

"Such treatment will only... only delay things."

Li Yi remained silent for a long time, then looked out the window with his hands behind his back.

The ginkgo leaves in the courtyard fell like rain, as if time were passing by.

"Is there really no other way?"

Li Yi's voice was slightly hoarse.

Hua Tuo pondered for a moment:

"Unless...unless one can calm one's mind and stop worrying about state affairs."

"But is this something Your Majesty can do?"

Li Yi was dejected.

He knew Liu Bei's temperament well; even when he was frail and sickly, he would still insist on governing the country.

I recall the time we first met in Xuzhou, when we roamed the world freely.

Now, even heroes in their twilight years cannot escape the erosion of time.

"What you say today comes from your mouth and enters my ears."

Li Yi concluded, "I hope that you will do your utmost to prolong His Majesty's life."

"As for the rest... that's up to fate."

Hua Tuo bowed and agreed.

Li Yi walked out of the Imperial Medical Bureau and saw the autumn sun setting in the west, casting long shadows on the palace walls.

He suddenly remembered that Zhuge Liang was still fighting a bitter battle in Guanzhong, while undercurrents were already surging in the court, and he felt a heaviness in his heart.

that night,

Li Yi sat alone in his study, writing a letter to Zhuge Liang.

But he didn't mention Liu Bei's illness at all, only saying:

"All matters in the court are well, Kongming, do not worry."

"The war in Guanzhong was entirely due to your planning."

After sealing the book, Li Yi gazed at the northern starry sky and murmured to himself:

"Kongming, I hope you can achieve complete success soon."

The autumn wind swept past the eaves, accompanied by a mournful whistle.

It was as if heaven and earth themselves were sighing silently for the hero's twilight years.

The next morning, Li Yi went straight to the East Palace without having breakfast.

When the palace servants saw that it was the Prime Minister, they hurriedly led him into the inner courtyard.

Under the paulownia tree in the courtyard, Crown Prince Liu Shan and his concubine Zhang Xingcai were playing with an infant.

Although the child was the eldest son, he was not born to Xingcai.

He was born to Lady Wang, a maidservant of Xingcai, and was named Liu Xuan.

Upon seeing Li Yi arrive, the couple hurriedly stepped forward with their child to pay their respects.

"What brings you here today, Prime Minister?"

Liu Shan asked with a smile, while the baby in his arms babbled.

Even the stars smile:
"Has the Prime Minister eaten breakfast?"

"The cook has just made some candied fruit cakes and is about to send them to the Prime Minister's residence."

Li Yi, however, showed no joy. He glanced at the infant briefly and then said to Xingcai:
"This old minister has confidential matters to discuss with the Crown Prince. Please ask the Crown Princess to leave for the time being."

Xingcai, observing people's words and expressions, knew that something important was about to happen.

He hurriedly ordered the wet nurse to take the child away, and then curtsied.
"I'll take my leave."

After Xingcai left, Liu Shan respectfully asked:
"What teachings did the Prime Minister give you?"

Li Yi looked directly at Liu Shan, his voice heavy:
"His Majesty has been unwell recently. Is the Crown Prince aware of this?"

Liu Shan nodded:

"...Your subject understands."

“I just went to the palace to pay my respects the day before yesterday, and Father Emperor even held Xuan’er in his arms.”

"Knowing that His Majesty is unwell, why did you not stay by his bedside?"

Li Yi's voice gradually deepened.

Liu Shan was taken aback:
“This! Your Majesty, what you say... Your son has been diligent in inquiring about my well-being every day.”

Li Yi, with his hands behind his back, sighed:
"This old minister does not mean that the Crown Prince is unfilial."

"However, Your Majesty is advanced in years and is currently unwell."

"The Crown Prince should be served medicine day and night; how can he be merely asked how well he is being treated each day?"

Seeing that Liu Shan still did not understand, Li Linran said:

"Let's abandon the plan I originally intended to have the Crown Prince inspect Hebei next month."

"The trip to Hebei is cancelled, effective today."

"The Crown Prince shall reside in the palace and attend to His Majesty's side, and shall not leave lightly."

Liu Shan was taken aback:

“This… Your Excellency, the locust plague in Hebei has just subsided, and the people are eagerly awaiting the Emperor’s comfort.”

"And the ancestral worship ceremony at Mangdang Mountain is in two months, but Father Emperor is not feeling well."

"As the crown prince, I shall perform the ancestral rites on behalf of my father."

"The matter of Hebei can be handled by a minister."

“The ancestral worship ceremony can also be performed by members of the imperial clan on their behalf.”

Li Yi resolutely said, "The Crown Prince should announce to the outside world: His Majesty is unwell."

"A son should fulfill his filial duty and dare not leave his side even for a moment."

Do you understand?

Although Liu Shan was puzzled, he still bowed and agreed:
"Your subject will obey the Prime Minister's command."

The cooks had already prepared the meal, and Xingcai came personally to invite them:

"Your Excellency must be tired; please have some tea and snacks."

Li Yi originally intended to take his leave, but seeing Xing Cai's sincere invitation, he had no choice but to take his seat.

The banquet was filled with delicacies, but Li Yi only touched a few bites before getting up to take his leave.

After seeing Li Yi off, Liu Shan said blankly:
"Your Excellency is acting very strangely today..."

After inquiring about the reasons, Xingcai pondered for a moment:

"I may be able to fathom some of the Prime Minister's profound meaning."

"The Crown Prince should immediately enter the palace to attend to the ailing prince; there should be no hesitation."

Liu Shan frowned:

"But you just gave birth, and Xuan'er is still an infant. How can I bear to leave?"

Xingcai said seriously:
"With so many servants at home, why should the Crown Prince have to trouble himself?"

"Your Majesty is the foundation of the nation. The Crown Prince's filial piety is the key to stabilizing the hearts of the people."

"The Prime Minister's move must have a deeper meaning, and the Crown Prince should follow it."

Liu Shan hesitated and said:
"But..."

"Prince!"

Xingcai suddenly knelt down.

"Though I am foolish and dull, I know the Prime Minister's good intentions."

"If Your Majesty is unwell..."

"With the Crown Prince not by our side, wouldn't we become a laughingstock to the world?"

"Please summon the Crown Prince to the palace immediately!"

Liu Shan hurriedly helped Xingcai up and finally made up his mind:

"In that case, I will go to the palace now."

"Thank you for taking care of everything at home."

On that day,

Liu Shan then moved into a side hall in the palace, where he served Liu Bei medicine day and night.

The reputation of the "Crown Prince's filial piety" quickly spread throughout Luoyang, so fast that it seemed to be spreading naturally.

It was as if we had received advance notice, and once we learned of it and confirmed it...

Immediately, the Crown Prince's good name was spread in an organized and large-scale manner.

However, some discerning people in Beijing have already sensed something else in this.

Upon learning that Liu Shan had entered the palace, Li Yi sat alone in his study, gazing at the map of the land.

murmured:

"...Your Majesty, this empire was won by you and me together."

"No matter what happens in the future, this old minister will swear to defend the Han dynasty to the death."

"I also hope that you can understand my good intentions."

The autumn wind rises again outside the window, sweeping away the yellow leaves that cover the courtyard.

An undercurrent concerning the very foundation of the nation,

Beneath this seemingly ordinary act of filial piety lies a quiet undercurrent.

(End of this chapter)