Spring at the Academy (7)
When Guo Jia came to Xinya, the Cao Cao army asked us for answers on three matters, and we racked our brains to respond from the Yuan Shao army's perspective as thoroughly as possible. Condemn Cao Cao for the Xuzhou Massacre. Pretend to be bandits to lure their army down first. Since Yuan Shao's son was killed by one of Cao Cao's subordinates, use that to demand bloody revenge. Bring the army down to Heodo without reason and seize it. Brand Cao Cao a traitor to weaken his position in the court and drive him out. The current emperor lacks the legitimacy to lead the Han imperial house, so put forward someone who can truly lead it and create two Han states.
"No, Yuan Shao cares so much about legitimacy on the surface—what if he keeps doing that?"
"Just blame the plundering and such on his subordinates."
"Yuan Shao will shed tears as he beheads the culprit."
"Ah, what a tragedy—personal misconduct. And then he takes good care of the remaining family. How touching the picture that paints!"
We came up with so many strategies to send to Cao Cao. Her head would ache trying to prepare for all of them, but at least it was better than the anxiety of not knowing—better to have a plan and some peace of mind. We might have been a bit too blunt in our writing, but Cao Cao must have appreciated our insights into her movements.
That's why she sent two whole boxes of gold!
"We've received two boxes of gold as a gift. What should we do with it?"
"Donate it to the academy?"
At Sima Hui's words, I dove straight onto the boxes to defend them.
"No way. This is what our kids earned."
"Exactly. This is consulting fees for a great general seeking wisdom. It's separate from the academy."
"I was just kidding. No need to get so serious—I won't take it."
Thankfully, we saved the gold from Sima Hui and the academy. It helped that Cao Cao had donated a suitable amount in her daughter Jo A-man's name separately.
"How should we divide this gold so word spreads that we shared it fairly?"
"Master, buy a few bottles of liquor and split the rest evenly!"
"Ooh…!!"
Following Pang Tong's perfect suggestion, I bought up as much liquor as one gold ingot could get, and that day we closed the academy doors. Sima Hui, Sima Yi, Seo Seo, Pang Tong, and Zhen Jun all drank together.
"Hahaha, pour more!"
…
…
…
That's all I remember after that. When I woke up and tried to open the academy, I decided to close it instead.
Closed for the day.
We took an unscheduled day off from the academy, but we were thrilled anyway. Earning this much money just for using our brains under the guise of consulting fees! What a sweet deal—minimal work, maximum pay! I felt proud watching Suyeon Academy's assets grow day by day.
But one thing weighed on my mind: the third topic Cao Cao wanted advice on—Xuzhou. I had no solution for it.
A prominent scholar from Xuzhou who could serve the Cao Cao army despite the Xuzhou Massacre. She wants to appoint such a person as Xuzhou Governor.
How was I supposed to find someone like that? Xuzhou natives in Jingzhou hated Cao Cao so much they wouldn't even glance north where she was. Even ordinary folk scowled at her name. "He's the most loyal subject under heaven now—why did he commit such atrocities back then?" That was as charitable as it got—one in ten, maybe. "That bitch who should be drowned in shit" was child's play by comparison.
Those who'd lost family or relatives to Cao Cao were especially bitter. The moment they heard I was close with her famous officers, some packed up and fled even further south from Xinya. Xuzhou people's resentment toward her ran that deep.
Who could I recommend as Xuzhou Governor in that climate?
"Liang. You're from Xuzhou, right?"
"Yes. What do you want to ask?"
"Your uncle or other relatives?"
"Lifelong Xuzhou folk, yeah."
We realized someone very close by, in an unexpected place, fit the bill perfectly. So I met with the man himself, Zhuge Xuan, and explained the situation.
"Me as Xuzhou Governor…?"
"Yes, sir."
"Why on earth?"
He was Zhuge Liang's uncle and head of the Zhuge clan, and since I had him as a disciple, I told him everything.
"Lord Cao wants a proxy to govern Xuzhou. But the people won't be dragged into war again. Of course, if attacked, we'd defend—but few would target Xuzhou."
"Defending against enemies is the governor's duty, sure. But that's not what concerns me."
Zhuge Xuan asked me seriously.
"Going to Xuzhou myself is no issue. If His Majesty commands it, I'd go gladly—whether as Inspector of Xiapi, Governor of Xiapi, or Xuzhou Governor."
"Then…?"
"What worries me are my clansmen here in Jingzhou."
"……"
I understood his feelings immediately.
"Just you go, sir?"
"Yes. Xuzhou is still too dangerous. Can't take young children there recklessly."
The Zhuges had only just put down roots and settled. Some like Zhuge Liang weren't married yet, but his older sisters were all wed and their kids were weaning and toddling. Taking them to Xuzhou was risky. I got that completely.
"We've decided to live in Jingzhou. If His Majesty names me directly, duty demands I go—but what of my family? Hm?"
Zhuge Xuan was demanding something from me.
"Sigh. There are so many concerns about going to Xuzhou…"
"I understand, sir."
Since I'd proposed him for Xuzhou Governor, he expected compensation fitting the role.
"I'll take responsibility."
"Ho?"
"I'll take responsibility for the Zhuges staying in Jingzhou. Even after you leave, sir, I'll ensure they live as comfortably as in Xuzhou."
"You mean…?"
"Exactly that. I'll take responsibility."
Xuzhou could become a battlefield. Recommending him as governor meant I bore the consequences—no matter if they pushed me to persuade him.
I've already taken two boxes of gold from Cao Cao.
Was this how Lü Bu felt taking supplies from Yuan Shu? Unlike him, my conscience started aching deep down—I couldn't just shut up and swallow it.
"Though adopted, I'm part of the Huang and Cai clans. I may teach at the academy, but I act as clan deputy in place of our often-traveling head. Our lands adjoin the Zhuges', so we can live as neighbors."
"Hm…"
Zhuge Xuan folded and unfolded his fan repeatedly. I waited silently for his decision.
"Very well."
Finally, he decided.
"I'll accept Xuzhou Governor."
I sighed in genuine relief.
Now the gold boxes from Cao Cao were truly mine.
"It's an honor to directly help Xuzhou folk, especially with an imperial edict. Refusing would be disloyal."
"Phew, good."
"One condition."
"Name it."
"You promised to protect my clan while I'm gone? A mere pledge won't do. We need something firm, binding."
"Name it."
Zhuge Xuan proposed seriously.
"Marry Liang."
…
"…Pardon?"
"Why so surprised? Didn't your father already convey it? I met her once in Xuzhou."
"You met in Xuzhou?"
"Yes. She was divining, so I greeted her, and she said Hwang Wol-yeong and Zhuge Liang were fated by heaven. The fortune-teller agreed it was the natural way."
His words nearly made my mind snap.
"No, really…?"
"Of course. What do you lack? Smart, capable, fit from farming, rich, fine clan."
"I'm an orphan."
"An orphan reached this position—your ability's proven."
Ah. Shot myself in the foot.
"Above all, who else in the world could handle our Liang but you?"
"Can I handle her?"
"She trusts and follows you—what's the problem? Unless… you don't like our Liang?"
Zhuge Xuan gripped his brush upside down.
"Ah! Now I'm too worried to leave Jingzhou. What a shame…"
"N-no! It's an honor. Marrying a girl like Liang."
An honor. Of course it was.
The issue was my prearranged marriage—I couldn't decide easily.
"Sorry, but I already have a betrothal…"
"No worry there. Old Master Huang is working tirelessly. Marriage is for elders to arrange—kids just make eyes, hold hands at night, and consummate."
"…What?"
"Don't you get it?"
He looked at me pitifully and continued.
"Old Master Huang is dead serious about your marriage. As for the Sima girl you're worried about, I hear he's gone to Henei."
"……"
"He wants grandsons soon. Hahaha!!"
Huang Shengyan, you bastard…!!