Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 270 Hakitong, how could you do this?

[Zhuge Kongming, you rascal!]

Suppressing the emotions rising in his heart, Pang Tong looked at Kongming and exchanged glances.

Kongming understood that Pang Tong was telling him to follow his lead, remain silent, and leave everything to him.

Kongming understood!

He immediately stopped talking and gave him a meaningful look: "Now we'll see how Brother Pang performs."

Pang Tong nodded. Both of them were very satisfied with each other's attitude and ideas, and felt that their cooperation was seamless.

So, Kongming remained silent, while Pang Tong, meeting the King of Han's gaze, spoke eloquently, replying:

"Kongming's talent is no less than that of Tong."

If I am the king's left arm, then Kongming is his right arm; if I am the king's seat, then Kongming is his carriage.

Now, with our hearts and minds united, we are perfectly aligned, and together we will surely ensure that Your Majesty's dynasty will be secure for a thousand autumns."

Kongming: "???"

No, Pang Tong, what are you talking about?

This isn't what we agreed on!!!
He quickly interrupted, "Brother Pang, we've only met by chance, why are you being so formal!"

We've only just met, don't get me into trouble!

As he spoke, he hurriedly said to Yuan Shu:

"Brother Pang's noble character and integrity have elevated me to a high position, for which I am deeply grateful."

However, Liang knew that he was of shallow talent and lacked virtue, and his knowledge was too limited. He was afraid that he would delay the great cause of the King of Han. How could he be worthy of being compared with Brother Pang?
The King of Han may not know this, but my elder brother has always been fond of me and may have spoken highly of me before the King. In reality, I know myself well; my reputation is far too great and I am not worthy of it.

If there is any important task now, only Brother Pang's talent might be able to shoulder it. I am already extremely fortunate that I will not cause trouble; how could I dare to share a high position with him?

But these words had a different meaning to Pang Tong.

Kongming, you dare not share a high position with me because you're worried about causing me trouble?
Oh, Kongming, you haven't seen my talent, Pang Shiyuan. You're my right-hand man, so why shouldn't I take you along?

Undeserving of its reputation? Overrated? What's so difficult about that?

At worst, I'll come up with six plans myself, give you three, and secretly pass them on to you to tell the King of Han.

Besides, to be my deputy, Pang Tong, and to advise the King of Han, I don't need a smart person. No matter how smart they are, they can't be as smart as me.

That's exactly the kind of person I need—not particularly smart, but knowing when to advance and retreat, and possessing self-awareness.

Compared to working with those who despise and despise me in the future, Kongming, you are a rare friend. I, Pang Shiyuan, am now safe.

He immediately stepped forward, interrupting Kongming again, and explained to Yuan Shu.

"King of Han, Kongming is a humble and polite man, respectful and dutiful."

To conceal one's talents and keep them hidden, to hold one's sword in one's hand and keep its edge concealed—this is what is meant by keeping one's abilities hidden, and this is the way of the ancient virtuous gentleman.

If he cannot be given an important position and complement his talents, the leader will deeply regret it.

Zhuge Liang: ? ? ?

Who's being humble! Pang Shiyuan, where did that arrogant attitude you had when you first met me go? Show it to me! Keep looking down on me! I don't need to be valued. Please, just keep despising me.

"Brother Pang, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise."

"With such a despicable nature, clinging to life in this chaotic world, how can I bear such a reputation?"

Seeing that the two of them were still trying to defer, and were acting like businessmen praising each other and pulling each other along, how could Yuan Shu not understand?
Zhuge Liang was humble? He compared himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, so how could he think he was inferior to Pang Tong?
Today's behavior is clearly an attempt to conceal one's true abilities!

This shows their ambitions lie elsewhere; they don't want to contribute to the country.

Yuan Shu smiled and raised his hand to interrupt them, saying:

"No need to say more, I am well aware of the talents of Kongming and Shiyuan."

Last night, I dreamt of a wise and talented person. I saw an immortal send a dragon and a phoenix into my arms, saying that if I could obtain one of them, I could obtain the world.

Today, I am honored to have you two together. You possess extraordinary talents and aspirations to help the world. You are both worthy to be my disciples, and I will call you Crouching Dragon and Young Phoenix!
"To be famous throughout the world!"

Upon hearing this, Pang Tong was overjoyed.

It should be known that the current King of Han is so famous and powerful that he is known throughout China, and his eldest disciple Lu Xun is also famous throughout the land.

In particular, not long ago, Lu Xun led 20,000 troops, defeated Cao Cao's army, forced Li Dian to surrender, destroyed a country, and became famous throughout the world.

People all consider Xun to be "extraordinary".

If one were to take the King of Han as one's teacher today, and be bestowed with the title of "Young Phoenix," along with the phrase "a wise minister who appears in a dream," obtaining even one of these qualities would be enough to gain the world.

With the King of Han's current fame, I, who was previously unknown and often met with disdain and indifference, will truly become famous throughout the world in a single day.

This is a common practice among scholars to comment and seek fame; the King of Han is using his reputation to promote himself!
Upon their first meeting today, the King of Han not only disregarded his appearance but also acted with friendliness and approachability, actively seeking to promote himself and build his reputation.

With such a noble title and such favor, what more could one ask for?

Pang Tong cupped his hands in greeting and said, "This student, Phoenix Chick, pays respects to my teacher."

After speaking, he saw that his little brother Kongming was still standing there dumbfounded, seemingly lost in thought, looking completely bewildered by this favor.

Pang Tong sighed inwardly, thinking that Kongming's temperament still needed tempering. Fortunately, he had me today, otherwise Kongming would have missed this opportunity.

Thinking this, he quickly pulled Kongming over to kneel down together, while winking at Kongming, "Kongming, what are you standing there for? Quickly call him teacher."

Kongming: "."

Kongming seemed speechless and choked with emotion, unsure of what to say, and looked at him with a very resentful gaze.

Is this some kind of deception? A virtuous minister appearing in a dream? A celestial being bringing a dragon and phoenix into your embrace? King Han, are you just spouting nonsense?

What a coincidence! Who exactly told the King of Han that either Pang Tong or I could win the world?
I stay at home every day, remaining unknown, so who made the King of Han hear about my reputation?

Considering that he studies at home every day, knows his own talents, has the ability to recommend himself to the King of Han, and harbors a desire for merit and opportunity, there is only one such person.
Brother, is this how you betray your younger brother?
He had originally thought that, as the saying goes, a subject chooses his lord, and a lord also chooses his subject. On their first meeting, the King of Han should test his strategies and discuss important matters of the world.

No matter what kind of spell his elder brother had cast on the King of Han, as long as Pang Tong performed well at this moment, he could pretend to know nothing.

With such a stark contrast, he could establish an initial impression of being a good-for-nothing in the eyes of the King of Han.

But what is the situation now?
Who would grab someone's hand the first time they meet and insist that they are some unknown young man, a hidden dragon or a phoenix, and that whoever obtains them will gain the world?
Dreaming of immortals at night? King Han, you look quite like an immortal to me. Are you trying to tell fortunes by feeling bones here?
Brother! Eldest brother!!! What exactly did you say to the Prince of Han that made me so bewitched?
Seeing Kongming's complicated expression and speechless silence, Pang Tong, who was standing beside him, was extremely worried about him and hurriedly apologized to Yuan Shu.

"Teacher, Kongming is too excited and speechless for a moment, but he still respects and loves you. Please don't take offense."

Yuan Shu had long guessed that Kongming intended to hide his talents and run away, so why would he be surprised?
He looked at Zhuge Liang and spoke with a smile.

"Today is a joyous occasion, why should we find it strange?"
"Kongming, your brother left in a hurry just now, and the game of chess wasn't finished yet. Why don't you take over and play a game to test your skills?"

Kongming's eyes lit up, and he thought to himself, "They've arrived!"

The test of talent, though late, is coming!
Although the test was not on policy essays but on chess, which is similar to Jia Yi's meeting with Emperor Wen, where he asked about ghosts and gods instead of the common people, I must remember that I was meeting with the King of Han.

Hmm. That's very Yuan Shu.

Whether it's strategy or chess, as long as there's a test, my plan can still proceed smoothly.

Kongming feigned arrogance, saying, "I am an expert in chess, and I shall test my skills now."

He intended to boast, but when actually playing chess, he would appear foolish and incompetent, thus giving the King of Han the impression that he was all talk and no action.

But once he sat down at the chessboard, he realized why his elder brother had fled so hastily. The King of Han's chess skills... well, let's just say they were beyond description.

Wow~ Even if I've acted incredibly stupid, how can I possibly lose?
No wonder my brother wanted to run away. I couldn't give in no matter what. What kind of situation is this?

Unfortunately, there was Pang Tong next to me, giving me hints here and there, such as "This should be placed here," "Why not place this one there?" pointing and telling me not to make any moves that seemed too fake.
That's really a difficult situation.

Losing to the King of Han is much harder than winning against him.

Kongming, after much effort, managed to lose the game in a fairly even match and resigned.

"The depth of Han Wang's chess skills is unparalleled in Liang's life."

As for why Kongming, who clearly wanted to show off and demonstrate his stupidity, was evenly matched with the King of Han, why did he?
Kong Ming: "QAQ!"

With Liang's talent, he really couldn't think of a weaker move.

Kongming's plan to conceal his talents 2.0 has once again failed midway.

Judging from the expression on the King of Han's face, he did not seem to think he was stupid at all. On the contrary, he felt grateful to have found such an evenly matched opponent.

He looked at Kongming with great satisfaction and nodded slightly.

"I am well aware of Kongming's talent."

He has lived up to my expectations, and is worthy of the title "Wulong" (Sleeping Dragon), the wise minister who appeared in my dream.

Kongming: "."

I've played chess so poorly, how can you still see that I have talent?

Can someone who's terrible at chess be called a brilliant talent in a dream?
How could you, King of Han, have managed to select talent so arbitrarily for so many years, and your power not only did not perish but flourished? Could it truly be the will of Heaven?
Seeing that the two had finally finished their game, Pang Tong, who had been watching the whole game from the sidelines, was extremely anxious. How could people play chess like this?

At the same time, he couldn't help but think to himself, "Kongming is truly an honest man. If he says that he is not worthy of his reputation, then he really is just a name without substance."

The way the game was played reveals a lot; he clearly has self-awareness and has treated the leader with sincerity from beginning to end.

Meeting Pang Tong's eager gaze, the King of Han did not disappoint him, setting up the chessboard again to test his abilities.

Kongming really didn't want to watch another "evenly matched" game of chess, so he took the opportunity to leave.

Anyway, Kongming is now protected by armored soldiers, so he can't escape. The King of Han then agreed.

However, to Kongming's surprise, he had only just left the main hall and hadn't gone far when he heard someone calling from behind.

Looking back, I was surprised to see that Pang Tong had already come out.

Kongming was surprised, "You lost?"

So fast? How did you do that?
Pang Tong was surprised, "Why do you say that, Kongming? With my talent, defeating you is as easy as taking something out of a bag. How could you, Master, be my match!"

"What? You won? And you won so easily in such a short time?"

"Hmmmm~"

Pang Tong proudly raised his head!

Kongming: "."

Oh no, everything's in chaos.

Pang Tong won easily, and the King of Han will certainly not be pleased with him.

He considered himself to be on par with the King of Han, and was regarded by the King of Han as a rival with whom he shared mutual respect.

Comparing the two, one must take it seriously.

Despite all their scheming, who could have known that the King of Han would actually select officials through chess?

Look at the mess this has made; Kongming is truly exhausted.

Sure enough, Pang Tong smiled and announced the appointment of the King of Han to him.

"Kongming, your teacher has appointed you as a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, to stay by his side and learn military and political affairs."

From now on, you will be responsible for handling and making decisions on all government affairs first, and then submit them to your teacher for correction and marking to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.

This is because your teacher is intentionally trying to guide and teach you.

Kongming: "???"

What the hell?
It's called learning, but in reality, isn't this equivalent to me deciding all matters of state and military affairs, while the King of Han is only responsible for reviewing and checking them?
For a moment, Kongming was even a little confused: did the King of Han value him, or was he simply trying to slack off?
“唉
"The King of Han holds me in such high regard, but with my talents, I truly fear I may fail to live up to His Majesty's expectations and delay the affairs of state."

With a deep sigh, Kongming saw Pang Tong raising his chin and smiling arrogantly, and he knew exactly what Pang Tong was thinking, so he asked in response.

"Brother Pang, what is your position?"

Pang Tong, who had been eagerly awaiting this answer, replied.

"The teacher was amazed by Tongzhi's talent and chess skills, and said that he had no one left to teach me."

He then appointed me as Military Advisor and Chief Military Officer, to advise on military affairs, and to train alongside the troops, hoping that I could learn and grow through experience in battle.

Zhuge Liang: "."

Isn't that the end of it?
There are already so many strategists in Yuan Jun's army. It's clear that the King of Han is closer to and values ​​him more. How can he possibly escape now?
Tong! Your performance has greatly disappointed Liang.

A first meeting, two games of chess. Regardless of whether some were happy or some were sad, at least on the surface, the two were chatting and laughing, settling down in Yuan's camp.

The following day, with the appointment issued, Zhuge Liang began to handle government affairs for Yuan Shu.

Looking at the stacks of colorful stationery containing records of government affairs, Zhuge Liang came up with another plan!
As long as one is lazy, negligent, and makes mistakes in many government policy decisions, one will appear as if one is beyond redemption.

If this is true, then the amount of work Yuan Gong had to review each day was even greater than what he did himself.

If this continues, Yuan Gong will be utterly disappointed in himself!

With this in mind, Zhuge Liang's third plan to conceal his talents, unwavering in his resolve, was thus launched.

then
"Is Brother Kongming here? I have nothing to do, so I'd like to come and chat with you."

It turned out that the war had long since ended and Yuan's army was preparing to return home, so Pang Tong, as the military advisor, naturally had nothing to do.

Unfortunately, he was new to the area and, apart from Kongming, a familiar face in Yuan's camp, he didn't know who else to visit, so he came to Yuan's camp for a visit.

As Kongming welcomed him into the government office, Pang Tong naturally saw Kongming's "meticulous" handling of government affairs, and immediately frowned.

"Brother Kongming! This is a matter of national importance, how could you handle it like this?"

Well, I forgot. Brother Kongming often said that he lacked talent and was merely a figurehead.

It's quite an achievement that you managed to handle things this well.

"It's alright, this is a piece of cake for Tong. Just leave it to me. We've known each other for a long time, how could Tong just stand by and watch you get punished by the teacher?"

As Pang Tong spoke, he grabbed a chair, picked up a pen and ink, and began to handle the matter for Kongming.

Kongming: "???"

"Brother Pang, isn't this inappropriate?"

"No need for further words. Brother Kongming has treated me with sincerity. Do you really want to just stand by and watch your teacher expel you from the sect?"

Kongming's Plan to Conceal His Talents 3.0: A Major Failure!

(End of this chapter)