It Wasn’t a Martial Arts World, but the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 24. Gongsun Zan’s Proposal

“What are you plotting?”

Liu Bei, along with two other girls, poured drinks in front of me.

Behind them stood a man, who, at first glance, resembled Sun Jian, with sharply slanted eyes and a fierce expression.

“Why so stiff, man? The march is over, so let’s have a drink. And with the battle right ahead, we have more than enough reason to drink. Come on, drink up! Drink!”

“Yide… please, control yourself a bit.”

Zhang Fei was already gulping down her drink, her face flushed red, while Guan Yu, watching her, rubbed her face in embarrassment.

Beside me, Zhang Yang, although she didn’t show it outwardly, was visibly displeased.

It made sense.

We were about to head to the battlefield soon, and the sight of someone guzzling wine was hard to tolerate.

Of course, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Gongsun Zan had only taken a single sip and then quietly sat back down.

“This is my elder brother, Gongsun Zan, Governor of Beiping. Thanks to him, I, as a royal relative, have a reason to be here.”

Liu Bei pointed to the man, who grinned widely and extended his hand.

“I am Gongsun Zan. I’ve heard much about you, Governor Unryong of Manbo County. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“The honor is mine, Governor.”

I gave a formal, rote reply as I shook his hand.

His hand was rough and calloused, the hand of a warrior.

“I’ve been wanting to meet Governor Zhang Yang too. I’d love to know your secret to gathering such excellent guests.”

“It’s nothing. I’ve just been lucky.”

After greeting Zhang Yang, Gongsun Zan also exchanged pleasantries with Wang Kuang, Governor of Henei, and Kong Rong, Chancellor of Beihai.

“The decisive battle is upon us. Tomorrow, we will change history.”

Gongsun Zan spoke.

“To topple the traitor Dong Zhuo, we must capture Hu Lao Gate. It’s an essential goal, a mission we cannot fail. That’s why I’ve arranged this gathering to make a small suggestion.”

His tone was dignified, but there was something unsettling about it.

“Before I proceed, I want to make it clear that I do not intend to offend Governor Zhang Yang, Governor Wang Kuang, or Chancellor Kong Rong.”

“Please, speak your mind. A conversation is like a fruit in midsummer—it’s sweetest when it’s not fully ripe. There’s no need to be overly cautious. After all, it’s just a suggestion.”

Zhang Yang replied with a smile, though her words were laced with thorns.

In essence, she was saying she’d listen but not necessarily act on it.

Undeterred, Gongsun Zan continued without showing any sign of displeasure.

“Actually, I’d like to make some changes to our formations.”

“Formations?”

Before Zhang Yang could furrow her brow and ask for more details, Wang Kuang jumped up.

“What nonsense is this! The formations have already been decided! How can you propose changes to the formations established by the leader of the coalition so easily?”

“Do you know what lies within Hu Lao Gate?”

Gongsun Zan, unfazed, calmly pressed on.

“There is a tiger there. No, a monster.”

“If you’re talking about Lü Bu, that woman, who doesn’t know of her? ‘Peerless Warrior of the World!’ ‘Lü Bu, unmatched among men!’ We’ve heard her name more than enough! But now, we’re about to hunt that monster. That’s why the formations were set as they are!”

“I’m well aware.”

“Then why are you spouting such absurdities?”

Gongsun Zan stroked his beard, smiling faintly.

“A fierce beast needs a handler worthy of it.”

The meaning was clear.

In other words, Zhang Yang and Wang Kuang would be wasting their time trying to deal with Lü Bu.

He was saying that someone more qualified—himself—should face her.

While saying this, he cast a sideways glance at me, though I couldn’t quite understand why.

For me, it was actually fortunate.

Even if I didn’t want to fight Yeo, my body wasn’t in top condition.

Even that brief moment of opening the Gate of Opening had left me with muscle aches, joint pain, and soreness all over.

“You certainly have a roundabout way of speaking.”

Zhang Yang said, her eyes briefly scanning me as soon as she spoke.

“I thought I was being quite clear.”

Gongsun Zan’s tone had grown haughty.

At that moment, Liu Bei stepped forward from beside him.

“This is the first I’ve heard of this, elder brother.”

“Xuande, this is not your concern.”

“But the coalition is founded on mutual trust. If we change the structure based on personal feelings, it will undermine that foundation.”

Liu Bei said this while still smiling.

It was a bit unnerving.

Why does she always keep that smile on her face?

“What was the purpose of forming this coalition? Isn’t it for victory? We each have our own cause. So do I. And I will not compromise my will, no matter how rude I may seem.”

“But, elder brother—”

“Xuande, enough. I am addressing them.”

Gongsun Zan’s will seemed as firm as his words.

Wang Kuang clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“I oppose this. It looks to me like you’re simply eager for glory. What do you think, Governor Zhang Yang?”

“…”

Zhang Yang closed her eyes for a moment. Then, she looked directly at me.

What did that gaze mean?

It was a look of concern.

“Governor Gongsun, can you promise us victory if you take the lead?”

“Yes, I give you my word. I, Gongsun Zan, will defeat the Peerless Warrior.”

“Then do as you wish.”

“…Governor Zhang Yang!”

Wang Kuang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

I was just as surprised.

No matter how weak-willed Zhang Yang might be, I didn’t think she was the type to accept such a brazen request.

If she had been, she wouldn’t have hesitated when I came to her for help in the beginning.

She had her own convictions.

So why?

“We will rearrange the formations. Governor Wang Kuang and Governor Gongsun Zan will lead the vanguard, while I, Zhang Yang, and the other warlords will follow behind to provide support. The vanguard will take charge and lead us.”

“Agreed.”

Gongsun Zan nodded with satisfaction and drained his cup.

“I’ve heard some unsavory rumors about you, Governor Zhang Yang, but it turns out they were just rumors. You’re a true hero.”

With that, he stood and left.

Wang Kuang, clearly displeased with Zhang Yang’s decision, threw down his cup and stormed out.

Liu Bei, with a worried expression, looked at us.

“Sister, do you really think that man is fit to be a hero?”

Zhang Fei, her face now completely red from the many bottles she had emptied, asked Liu Bei.

“…Elder brother, who studied with me, was undoubtedly a true hero. But…”

Liu Bei bowed her head toward us.

“I never imagined he would bring up such a matter. I apologize on his behalf.”

“Why should you bow your head? Raise it.”

“I arranged this meeting.”

“Even so, you had no knowledge of this. Liu Bei, as a member of the royal family, you shouldn’t lower your head so easily.”

“Even if I am of royal blood, wrongs must be corrected. Otherwise, even the sturdiest tree will rot from the roots.”

“Ugh, sister! Stop with the self-pity! What about Governor Zhang Yang, who accepted the proposal?”

Well, turns out this drunken fool can make a valid point sometimes.

“…You’re right. We’ll take our leave now. If there’s any anger, I hope you can let it go.”

Even in her departure, Liu Bei did not forget to lower herself.

That kind of defeatist attitude made her seem weak on the surface.

But her smile never wavered, not even as she bowed her head.

“Well, we should get going too. It’ll be dawn soon, and we need to prepare.”

Zhang Yang stood up as well.

I grabbed her hand firmly.

“…Eek! What, what now?”

“It’s not that.”

I didn’t understand.

Why had Zhang Yang accepted this proposal so easily?

Even someone as thick-headed as me could see it.

It was a blatant act of disrespect toward us.

“…Unryong.”

In response to my question, she simply held my hand gently.

“I saw you during the march. You’re not in top condition, are you?”

“…”

Chills ran down my spine.

How had she figured it out?

There’s no way anyone could tell just by looking.

“Your walking was strange. You weren’t limping, but it was clearly different from usual. And sometimes, you grimaced.”

“What are you, a psychic?”

“…I just happened to notice you.”

Is this some kind of cheesy confession line? Is she trying to flirt with me?

Seeing my suspicious look, she sighed as if exasperated.

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s… unsettling. Ow, ow, ow! Wait a second, my hand’s going to break!”

“So, you accepted the proposal because of me?”

I asked, my voice calming down.

She simply smiled faintly.

“Well, that’s part of it, but I also saw merit in his words. The Governor of Beiping has absorbed the northern tribes into his forces, and his power is formidable. If he’s confident in victory, there’s no need for us to shed unnecessary blood.”

She seemed relieved as she spoke.

“Our ultimate goal is to defeat the traitor Dong Zhuo. To restore the Han Dynasty in the name of loyalty. Beyond that, there’s no need for personal grudges. If we can preserve our forces, all the better.”

“You’re so by-the-book.”

“You may not know, but I’ve always been this way.”

I let out a sigh.

“Whatever. Just don’t do it again. I may not be much, but I won’t run away from a fight.”

“…I will keep that in mind.”

Finally, she let go of my hand and, carefully rubbing hers, bowed her head slightly.

With Unsam already assigned to the cavalry, the rest of us were positioned in the main force.

***

Dawn broke.

The coalition forces marched toward Hu Lao Gate.

They headed for the battlefield, where the winds of blood awaited them.