Mythical Three Kingdoms

"They have come to welcome Zhuge Kongming," Chen Gong smiled and said to Zhang Liao and Gao Shun. Although for people like them, it was almost an open secret that Li Youu was actually Li Ru, those below their rank would have no way of knowing such things.

"How could those three be so easily subdued?" Zhang Liao asked in confusion. After all, he had worked with them and knew their personalities. "With their personalities, no matter how many benefits Grand Commandant Liu offered, it would not be to this extent."

"Just watch," Chen Gong smiled mysteriously and did not elaborate. After Dong Zhuo’s fall in Xiliang, Li Youu was as revered as a Retired Emperor. Li Jue and others were already generals loyal to these two. Although Dong Zhuo brought chaos to the land, no one could deny that he never treated his Iron Cavalry poorly!

For these unlettered soldiers, notions of right and wrong hold little meaning. Since Dong Zhuo treated them well, no matter his wrongs, they would staunchly support him.

To speak of righteousness to these low-ranking soldiers is futile. In their hardest times, the state provided no aid, while Dong Zhuo led them to forge the strongest reputation from Xiliang. Who could blame them for fighting for Dong Zhuo now?

"General Guann, order the troops to form ranks, ready to receive the visitors with a vanguard and rear guard," Zhuge Liang, though aware of Chen Xi’s purpose in bringing them here, nonetheless issued precautionary commands out of caution.

The Xiliang Iron Cavalry, under Li Jue’s command, quickly galloped to a distance of about two hundred paces from the Han Army, where Li Jue reined in his horse. In the next instant, all the Xiliang Iron Cavalry came to a swift halt, their movements nearly identical.

"Move out," Li Jue, with Guo Si and Fan Chou and the Parthian Diplomat, directed Duan Wei to lead a few horses carrying treasures and proceeded forward with a handful of others.

Witnessing this, Zhuge Liang ceased his precautions, though the formation remained intact, casting a slightly puzzled glance at the approaching delegation.

A mere two hundred paces, and Li Jue’s group quickly made their way to the front. Duan Wei pointed to a young boy sheltered in the vanguard of the army. Li Jue, contemplating to himself, decided to show respect to Zhuge Liang, dismounted, and saluted in Zhuge Liang’s direction, "Greetings, Military Advisor Zhuge."

This truly startled Zhuge Liang. Although he had long suspected that Li Youu was Li Ru, he had not anticipated that Li Ru would still command such reverence in Xiliang. Dong Zhuo had been deceased for several years, and Li Youu had not appeared there for many years either, yet these people still showed such respect for him.

As for other reasons, Zhuge Liang dismissed them the moment they dismounted to salute, recognizing that this most inconceivable reason was the most likely one under the circumstances.

"Zhuge Kongming, greetings to all the generals!" As the other party had shown respect, Zhuge Liang acted courteously, dismounted, walked over, and respectfully returned the salute.

At this moment, Sima Yi’s eyes revealed a hint of jealousy towards Zhuge Liang. He understood that no amount of planning was useful in this situation. If the Xiliang generals supported Zhuge Liang, then Zhuge Liang not only had wisdom surpassing everyone present but also had superior strength.

[Sure enough, an excellent mentor!] Sima Yi almost sighed to the heavens. No wonder Chen Xi said that even if he supported them, it would be in vain. This was the domain of the Liangzhou people, and Military Advisor Zhuge’s teacher had prepared everything long ago.

Meanwhile, Sun X Quan was nearly dumbfounded. Though his strategic abilities could not compare to others, even he could see that with Li Jue and others extending such great courtesy to welcome Zhuge Liang, it was evident that they completely aligned themselves with Kongming’s faction—whom Sun X Quan despised the most among them.

At this moment, Sun X Quan’s aversion to Zhuge Liang peaked; what he coveted, Zhuge Liang had shown no desire for, yet it was bestowed upon Zhuge Liang. This sensation deeply displeased Sun X Quan.

"Come, come, come, Military Advisor Zhuge. This is a map we made during this period," Li Jue took out a large map from behind his steed and presented it to Zhuge Liang with both hands, a gesture grand enough to leave Zhuge Liang somewhat bewildered.

Initially, Zhuge Liang thought he would need to expend considerable effort to stabilize various factions and only then could he wield his power effectively. Yet, Li Jue and his group demonstrated such strong support right away, even surrendering all their power as soon as he arrived.

"And this, a peculiar item from Kushan. Use Inner Qi to absorb it, and it enables you to comprehend all languages and converse with others," Li Jue handed Zhuge Liang a box. These treasures were acquired back when that group of envoys was eliminated, and Li Jue managed to obtain only a dozen of them.

"And this gentleman," Li Jue waved at the Parthian Envoy, who came over eagerly and respectfully saluted Zhuge Liang. The Parthian Envoy felt reassured by the Han Empire dispatching such a significant military force.

"This is a Parthian Envoy whom I brought along to welcome you," Li Jue casually said with a pat on the Parthian Envoy. After having spent enough time with Li Jue, the envoy understood his personality; otherwise, such behavior would have definitely led to a fallout.

"Thank you, General, for your generous kindness," Zhuge Liang returned the salute with great respect.

Knowing much as he did, Zhuge Liang understood how precious the gifts from Li Jue were. The Kushan trinket could decipher all languages, and the presence of the Parthian Envoy underscored the significance of the gifts.

Sima Yi, still unaware of the intricacies involving Kushan and Parthia, found the trinket, reputed to decode all languages, to be of extreme interest, regretting only that it was gifted to Zhuge Liang.

"Hahaha, what kindness? We are just trying to curry favor so we can rely on you in the future. We’ve nearly been defeated a few times lately due to the lack of a Think Tank. We depend on you now!" Li Jue laughed heartily, then urged Zhuge Liang to use the bead. Zhuge Liang did not refuse and absorbed one with Inner Qi.

"Come, come, say a few words in other languages," Li Jue brought the Parthian Envoy over and prompted him to speak some foreign phrases.

The Parthian Envoy, recognizing that Li Jue lacked certain common knowledge yet did not intend to insult the Parthians, had no objection. Thus, he spoke in six or seven different languages, and Zhuge Liang was indeed able to understand every one after absorbing the bead.

"Truly a rare marvel in the world," Zhuge Liang praised, "Thank you, General."