Chapter 030: Foreshadowing

Wei Ba opened his mouth, finally understanding why Wei Feng was so delighted. Yet, as he pondered, a sense of sorrow crept in. People say that when fellow townsmen meet, their eyes fill with tears. But his father, even after traveling a thousand miles from home, managed to turn all his compatriots into enemies—a true rarity.

“How could it be like this?” Wei Ba realized as soon as he spoke that he’d made a mistake. Did this even need to be said? Was he expecting his elder brother to admit, “It’s because our father’s temper is so foul, he’s offended everyone”? Sure enough, he caught the half-amused, half-mocking look in Wei Feng’s eyes. Embarrassed, Wei Ba chuckled, swung his arm around Wei Feng’s shoulder, and said, “Let’s go home first and properly entertain Fu Xing tonight. If possible, let’s win him over to our side. I doubt Liu Yan will tolerate him any longer—he may strike against him at any moment.”

“That’s certain. That’s why I suggested inviting him to dinner tonight. Otherwise, deaths in the barracks are all too common.” Wei Feng nodded in agreement. He thought for a moment before continuing, “Honestly, Ba, you’re now more adept at causing trouble than both of us—you dared strike Liu Yan. That won’t do. Clearly, one bodyguard isn’t enough, I’ll have to ask Father to assign a few more experts to you. Otherwise, sooner or later, someone will ambush you and leave your corpse in the wilderness.”

“It won’t get that bad, will it?” Wei Ba shrank his neck, feeling Wei Feng was exaggerating.

“Not that bad? Let me tell you, you were lucky Liu Yu, that good-for-nothing, was the one who acted today. If it had been someone smarter, challenging you outside the barracks, even if Dun Wu is formidable, a few cavalry charging could take your head in one sweep. By then, even if Father intervenes, he can’t revive you. Sure, private fights are illegal, but they’ll throw a couple of servants as scapegoats, and the real culprit won’t lose a hair. You’d die for nothing.”

Wei Feng paused, then added, “I’ve done that twice myself.”

Damn, these soldiers really are ruthless. Wei Ba felt a chill run down his spine.

“Of course, the safest way is to rely on yourself.” Wei Feng kept his arm around Wei Ba as they walked, talking animatedly. “You were frail as a child, your foundation wasn’t solid, so it’s a bit late to master profound martial arts, but learning some self-defense is still possible. Dun Wu excels at those underhanded tricks—ask him for advice when you have time. Dun Wu, did you hear that? Show Ba a couple of your life-saving moves.”

Dun Wu responded dully, “Yes.”

“You rascal, not willing?” Wei Feng laughed and scolded, “Relax, I won’t shortchange you. If he gains more skills, it lightens your load. Protect him well, and your benefits won’t decrease in the future.”

Dun Wu scratched his head, “You misunderstand, Young General. It’s not that I don’t want to teach, I just can’t think of moves suitable for Young Master Ba right now.”

“That’s not my concern,” Wei Feng shrugged carelessly, still holding Wei Ba’s shoulder, speaking with great enthusiasm.

The three brothers returned to the camp. Wei Yan was drilling his troops, over two thousand men split into squads, their shouts and cries shaking the sky. Wei Yan stood with his hands behind his back, silently watching the soldiers below. Only when Wei Ba and the others approached did he turn, casting a casual glance at Wei Ba, “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Wei Ba replied honestly, “No injuries, just my palm aches a bit.”

“Your palm?” Wei Yan raised an eyebrow, “What happened to your palm?”

“He slapped Liu Yan, probably too hard, hurt his own hand!” Wei Feng laughed, recounting what he’d seen in Zhuge Liang’s tent, ending with a chuckle, “Liu Yan’s face was swollen on one side, his eyes red as peaches from crying—quite pathetic.”

“That useless fool, what’s he got besides his face? There’s nothing worth praising.” Wei Yan dismissed it with a sneer, “I wouldn’t bother hitting that face—don’t want to get powder all over my hands.”

Wei Ba rolled his eyes, then put on a cautious look, “Father, I’ve caused trouble. Please punish me.”

“What trouble?” Wei Yan watched the soldiers drill, “Just this? Isn’t it all settled? What’s there to punish?”

“Not that.” Wei Ba lifted his eyelids, keeping a safe distance from his father. “I struck Liu Yan and displeased the Prime Minister. I fear he might make things difficult for you in the future, perhaps even veto your plans.”

Wei Yan’s brow arched as he turned to look at Wei Ba, clearly touched by the issue Wei Ba raised. Wei Ba lowered his head, feigning shame but inwardly delighted. His real aim in clashing with Yang Yi, reporting to Zhuge Liang, and debating with Zhuge Qiao was to test and provoke Zhuge Liang. By angering him now, he hoped to “vaccinate” the situation; if Zhuge Liang later rejected his father’s plans, both sides would attribute it to this conflict, easing the psychological blow and preventing a sudden eruption.

It was like inoculation. The conflict with Liu Yan and the effort to win over Fu Xing were just side benefits. Liu Yan was useless; Zhuge Liang kept him close for reasons Wei Ba couldn’t yet fathom, but using Liu Yan to probe Zhuge Liang’s temperament was perfect. If Zhuge Liang sided with Liu Yan, the lofty image Wei Ba held of him would collapse instantly, and he’d have to reconsider his path.

“He won’t. The Prime Minister governs impartially, never letting minor issues affect the affairs of state.” Wei Yan pondered a moment, then shook his head, “You’re overthinking it.”

Wei Ba sighed inwardly; his father was still so self-assured, utterly unaware that Zhuge Liang’s romantic idealism surpassed even his own confidence. There was no way he’d listen to the Ziwugu plan. But these words couldn’t be spoken in front of so many; he’d have to find a private moment to explain it slowly.

“Father, are you free tonight?”

Wei Yan thought for a while, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. “Fu Rong guarded the late Emperor and died at Xiaoting—a true hero. Since you’ve befriended his son, it’s only right for me to attend.”

“That’s wonderful,” Wei Ba breathed a sigh of relief.

…

In the Prime Minister’s main tent, Zhuge Liang was writing swiftly with his brush, speaking in a calm voice, “Wei Ba is not like Wei Feng. Though he’s frail, he is quite shrewd. If I’m not mistaken, today’s actions by Wei Feng were probably his instructions. His striking Liu Yan before me was not impulsive, but purposeful. Though I can’t quite discern his intent.”

“What could possibly elude the Prime Minister?” Ma Su, seated opposite, smiled, his gaze full of admiration. Thirty-eight years old and in his prime, Ma Su had accompanied Zhuge Liang to Hanzhong to begin the long-planned northern expedition; fame and success were within reach, so his spirits were high and his mind sharp. “Liu Yan is merely a favorite, kept to appease the old ministers who followed the late emperor. Letting him suffer a little is no matter. But Wei Yan’s arrogance is troublesome. In military operations, unity and obedience are paramount. If someone disregards orders or acts arrogantly, that’s dangerous.”

Zhuge Liang’s brush paused for a moment, then resumed, finishing the last few characters with steady strokes before setting it aside and massaging his sore wrist. He pushed Wei Ba’s new ledger and abacus toward Ma Su, “This is Wei Ba’s invention. Take a look. Also, the iron spade is his idea. Moreover, he discussed the northern campaign with me today.”

Ma Su raised his head in surprise, laughing, “A mere youth, not even grown, dares to prattle about warfare before the Prime Minister—he knows nothing of the world!” He paused, then added, “I suspect these are actually Wei Yan’s opinions.”

Zhuge Liang smiled lightly, “That’s my thought as well.”

“So what did he say?”

“Not much, just that though our forces are many, they’re mostly untested recruits, so we shouldn’t confront Wei’s army directly but should rely on surprise tactics. Naturally, he also emphasized new technologies and inventions—his own contributions.”

Ma Su burst out laughing, “Just as I expected. Wei Yan wants a separate command, doesn’t he?”

Zhuge Liang was silent for a moment. “It’s no surprise he thinks so. With the current forces in Hanzhong, many would consider only a few qualified for independent command. Wei Yan, promoted by the late Emperor and guarding Hanzhong for nearly a decade with thousands of elite troops, certainly has the opportunity.”

Ma Su scoffed, “These brutes only know how to fight, not the true art of warfare. They’re fit only to be subordinate commanders, to fight on the front lines—not for leading armies and winning campaigns! Having them act as your claws and teeth is already a stretch.”

Zhuge Liang smiled silently at him, then, after a moment’s thought, said, “Even so, Wei Yan’s strength is considerable. In employing people, we must not let minor grievances disrupt state affairs. Have Wen Wei (Fei Yi) advise Lord Wei (Yang Yi) not to compete with Wei Yan for petty gains. As for Wei Ba’s bookkeeping method, I find it worthwhile.”

Ma Su acknowledged, flipping through the ledger and tapping the abacus, laughing, “You’re quite right, Prime Minister. Though the boy is unrefined and uncultured, these two inventions are indeed impressive. Of course, if he knew your talents, he wouldn’t be so arrogant.”

Zhuge Liang smiled, “You overstate it, Youchang. I hardly have time to compete with him in such matters.”

Ma Su quickly bowed, “My words were careless—please forgive me, Prime Minister.”