White Horse Escort and the Scholar Ambush
The guy in green clothes is the protagonist, right? -1
Lately, Kongming ajusshi has been super busy.
Ever since Liu Bei started treating him with such high regard, his mouth's been glued to his ears every time I see him.
I get it, though. After holing up here for years buried in books, anyone would be thrilled if someone showered them with praise like that.
"Good morning, young miss. Did you sleep well?"
"Did you get a good night's rest, Zhao Yun ajusshi?"
I poked my head out from the side building to greet him.
Liu Bei ajusshi assigned someone to watch over me.
Zhao Yun.
The badass who charged into enemy lines during Liu Bei's retreat from Cao Cao to rescue Liu Shan.
Historically, Zhao Yun is the standard-bearer guy—the loyal bodyguard who carries the command banner everywhere.
Just assigning him to me shows how much Liu Bei relies on Kongming ajusshi.
That standard-bearer role isn't for just anyone. They pick from noble families right from the start.
Loyalty is a given. No betrayals allowed, so the standards are sky-high, and it's hereditary.
I learned that in the late Han wars, if the command banner fell, morale hit rock bottom. It's a crucial job.
"Has Zhao Yun ajusshi received any official position yet?"
He gave an awkward smile at my sudden straight ball.
"I haven't accomplished anything noteworthy yet."
"Not yet, huh."
Up until Liu Bei's death, Zhao Yun just carried the banner, but under Kongming ajusshi's military system, he gets repositioned as a key commander.
Liu Bei must've really, really liked him to keep him on banner duty only.
Anyway, thanks to saving Adu, Zhao Yun ends up taking full charge of the banners...
Hanging around with a guy who's destined for promotion draws some suspicious looks.
"How is our little Soyoung so good with people!"
Pat pat.
Huang Yueying's fussing has only gotten worse by the day.
Whenever I hear "How is she so...!", a chill runs down my spine first.
She's got something she wants from me, and since the couple's pushiness is rubbing off, she nags the hell out of me.
When I'm home and feel that gaze, I hide in the silkworm shed or under the kitchen floor.
But today, I've got Zhao Yun with me.
"Is the lady also well-rested?"
"Ahem, we're endlessly grateful for General Liu's thoughtfulness in assigning you. How have you been faring, Lord Zhao Yun?"
"It's like a palace built in the mountains—truly comfortable. I'll serve without fail."
What do I do? I almost feel bad for Zhao Yun ajusshi.
Huang Yueying has such a fierce aura that everyone avoids her.
"Ahem, with such a reliable guard assigned, General Liu's judgment must be impeccable."
"Lady Huang's inner beauty matches her outer grace perfectly, so it's only natural she'd captivate Master Wolryong."
"Ah! You think so too, Lord Zhao Yun! How did I only notice such a man now?!"
Zhao Yun ajusshi was a pro at handling people.
On day one, he scanned how Kongming and Huang Yueying flirted, and now he's openly flirting back like he's got their vibe down.
As I watched intently, the arrow soon turned to me.
"Shouldn't you head to the academy soon?!"
"Do I have to go?"
"Hmm... maybe not? What should we do then, Soyoung?"
"I'll head out."
Yungzhong life? Nothing special.
I flat-out refuse to use servants, so I do everything myself.
I always tie my hair back. That prickly feeling on my nape bugs me.
I trim my bangs not to pass my eyebrows. Hate the itch.
I layer two outfits. Sometimes I miss the scorching hot world with global warming.
Then I don my scholar's robes—Chen Soyoung's signature item.
True to a wealthy household, there's a fancy makeup kit in a lacquered box, all colorful and pretty...
Aaah. This is vermilion and cinnabar. High-end stuff made with iron oxide.
No wonder beauties die young. Skip the powder.
Once I'm somewhat presentable, I fold the bedding neatly, dust it off, align the edges perfectly, and done.
Suddenly craving to wash the sheets.
Yesterday, a moth the size of my palm barged in, and Zhao Yun ajusshi came running at my scream.
What was it called? Tinkerbell? Anyway, fairy residue on the sheets feels gross.
"Soyoung!"
"Ack! Coming!"
Time limit hit.
Huang Yueying goes through a two-stage ignition process to fully activate, but she's still at stage one, so I gotta move fast.
I fix the loose threads on my robes, stare in the mirror, and puff my cheeks with lip smacks for no reason.
Comb the messy bits, spin around to check, all good.
Stand on tiptoes to look a bit more imposing and head out.
Oh. There's a guy who can give me an objective once-over.
"Do I look okay?"
"Same as always."
Zhuge Jun snapped back, scratched his head, and left.
He's been extra curt lately—puberty hitting late?
Zhao Yun, watching, urged me to hurry.
"Young miss, shall we depart?"
"Thanks. Take good care of me."
With Zhao Yun ajusshi's escort, hop in the carriage, done.
Don't forget to smile sweetly at the coachman.
Always be kind to people.
*
"What've you been up to lately?"
As the carriage rolls, Zhao Yun ajusshi rides alongside.
His horse is an unusual color—pure white.
First white horse I've seen in real life.
"Young miss! The wind's strong—I can barely hear!"
"My dad in Xinyang! What’s he been up to?!"
"Please wait a moment, young miss! Let me adjust my posture!"
Zhao Yun ajusshi rides like a pro.
I know zilch about horsemanship, but hands-free? Impressive.
Maybe he can shoot arrows while riding too.
Zhao Yun ajusshi brought his horse close to the carriage.
"Your father is learning horsemanship! General Zhang Fei loves it, so the military gear might go under him!"
World's end. Can't picture Dad on a horse.
Haven't seen his face in a while, but I trust he'd ace anything short of space or lava.
Stuff like concentration camps or Imjin War popped into my head, but I just snickered.
"Why do you serve General Liu Bei, Lord Zhao Yun?"
"I'm from Changshan. Grew up under corrupt officials' tyranny. General Liu's virtue stood out, so I seized the chance to serve."
Zhao Yun ajusshi in silver armor on a white steed.
Frankly, he didn't achieve much fame relative to his rep.
Doesn't matter. He never betrays. Icon of humanity, right?
"With your talents, you could achieve great things, yet guarding a kid like me in these mountains won't help your future."
"Why speak so harshly? Just talk normal."
"Fine. Not home anymore anyway."
We'd tacitly agreed to minimal formalities.
It's comfy, good for both sides.
"Teach me to ride later?"
"Too soon to ride solo. Looks easy, but your thighs need massive strength."
True.
Even sitting in this carriage, my butt aches—on a horse, it'd be gone.
Zhao Yun ajusshi gripped the reins again, flashing a grin.
"About what you said earlier—don't worry. I'm glad General Liu trusts me with this important duty."
"W-Well, it is important. How long have you been riding?"
"All my life."
What's Changshan like?
Can't imagine. This white horse too.
"First time seeing someone on a white horse."
"Horses turn white with age. But this one's been white since birth—feisty temperament. Predicts you'll want a ride next."
"You mean give me a lift?"
"Spot on."
Was gonna ask exactly that.
Change topics.
"Know what they talk about between Kongming ajusshi and General Liu Bei?"
"Heard he met Lord Liu Qi. Hope things go well in Xunan. But General Liu hesitates to raise troops—worried we'll miss the chance."
If he had that dual-wield charisma vibe, it'd be different.
Still, between puppet Liu Bei and this benevolent one, I prefer this—gotta cut him slack.
Even as "benevolent Liu Bei," facing him felt superhuman.
Never thought a blank face could convey so many emotions, but he did.
"It'll work out. I prefer the king's way over hegemony."
Zhao Yun nodded and slowly pulled away from the carriage.
The world's unchanged.
The Triple Go-and-Return ended sloppily, and Liu Bei half-agreed to Kongming ajusshi's easy Jingzhou grab.
No clue how many standing troops Liu Qi has, but a beautiful script's unfolding.
But... lacks kick. The kick.
"We've arrived! Good work today, young miss."
The coachman announced.
"Young miss? Time to get down."
Zhao Yun urged.
Grab one sore-cat cushion and walk...
Ha, something feels off.
Zhao Zilong never betrays.
But you academy folks?
...You guys?
Can't let our Kongming ajusshi work himself to death.
"Why're you rushing around like that?!"
"Follow me!"
A fun idea hit.
Good. Let's do it now.
I boldly kicked open the central hall door. About twenty scholars were reading sutras, and there—four guys I recognized.
Decisions are best quick.
So I blurted it out.
"Nobody move!!! From now on, any scholar who moves is a traitor!!!"
They stared blankly, not getting it.
"Lemme explain step by step. Let's have a nice, long chat."
In their gazes—full of awe?—I calmly continued. Awe? Whatever, call it awe.
"Let's take some time to discuss the great causes and justifications our gentlemen should uphold!"
Time to pitch. Can't let you go to Cao Cao with eyes wide open.
I see the grind ahead—gotta drag you into this startup. It's the humane thing.