Rest Period 4

I quickly added, not sure how Zhuge Liang had taken it:

“It’s all thanks to the foundation you laid with the Eight Formation Diagram, Chancellor. If you had fought at Hetao instead of me, Cao Zhang wouldn’t have even survived.”

The latter part was a bit of an exaggeration even to my own ears, but the first part was sincere.

The Eight Formation Diagram improved by Zhuge Liang was passed down to Ma Long of Jin, then inherited by Li Jing of Tang and reborn as the Six Flower Formation.

Until the creation of the Mandarin Duck Formation by Qi Jiguang, Zhuge Liang’s Eight Formation Diagram was the foundation of East Asian battle formations.

As such, Zhuge Liang’s Eight Formation Diagram was an achievement with value beyond how much it actually accomplished during his lifetime.

At my words, Zhuge Liang shook his head lightly and looked embarrassed.

“I haven’t even properly fought Cao Pi yet, but you praise me so much. It’s embarrassing to hear.”

“I’m not exaggerating, I’m telling you my honest thoughts.”

Even I think I might have spoken a bit too highly.

“They say you become like the person you like. I wondered who Liu Shang took after despite being Jiang Wan’s brother, but it seems he takes after you.”

“Liu Shang? You mean Adjutant Ma Su?”

“Oh, you know him too? I took him as an adjutant on my last Southern Campaign, so you must have heard then.”

“Ah, yes. I don’t know what he’s been up to since then. But he likes me?”

“No, don’t misunderstand. Liu Shang admires those who have entered military service and achieved merits. He reveres you for reaching a high position at a young age while having your abilities recognized.”

That wasn’t quite what I meant when I pointed it out, but anyway.

‘Ma Su, to think I’d hear that name like this.’

How could I forget the name of the mountaineer who utterly ruined Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition against Wei, which had fallen into carelessness and arrogance? It was the Northern Expedition with the highest strategic completeness, and in reality had been on the verge of success.

It’s probably natural to feel a bit chilled hearing that such a Ma Su admires me. It’s probably not an overreaction.

But I couldn’t show such feelings in front of Zhuge Liang, who considers Ma Su like a younger brother. Hiding my true thoughts, I asked:

“What do you mean misunderstand? So how is Adjutant Ma doing now?”

“He received the rank of General of the Chariot and Cavalry for his merits in the Southern Campaign. Honestly, I’d prefer to recommend him for military affairs rather than as a general, but that’s what Liu Shang so desperately wants.”

Unlike in the original history where he had employed Ma Su as a military officer, Zhuge Liang seemed regretful.

Well, in the original history, not only had the first generation of generals died one after another, but the Battle of Yiling had wiped out the new talents who were to lead the second and third generations.

However, now Guan Yu is alive and well, Ma Chao and Zhao Yun are still active, and thanks to me, talents to lead the next generation have emerged much faster.

The military is, so to speak, on the verge of saturation. In this situation, it’s extremely difficult for Ma Su to achieve merits and rise to a high position.

‘Even if Zhuge Liang wants to push him, the military’s influence isn’t that strong.’

Ma Su at least got a general’s rank thanks to the Southern Campaign, but it was questionable whether Zhuge Liang would have a chance to go to the battlefield in the future.

In this situation, when I, a high-ranking military official, showed interest, Zhuge Liang spoke with expectation:

“As you know, Mingjing, Ma Liu Shang is Jiang Wan’s younger brother and an excellent talent no less capable than his brother. If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce you two. What do you think?”

It’s always said that potential problems should be kept within a directly controllable area.

Rather than keeping him out of my sight and getting backstabbed, it seemed more comfortable to put him under my management.

“If he’s such a talent that you speak of him like that, Chancellor, I would like to ask for the favor.”

“Haha, you’re making me look good again. Then I’ll send someone soon to arrange it.”

“I’ll be waiting with pleasure.”

Just a day after making the promise at the General of the Guards’ Office, Zhuge Liang sent word asking me to visit his home the next day. The meeting was arranged in just two days after bringing up the topic.

It’s probably partly due to Zhuge Liang’s efficient mindset, but it must also show how much he wants to help the career of his beloved brother and talent he’s keeping an eye on.

Anyway, my first impression of Ma Su when I first met him was ordinary. Not in the sense of the banality of evil or anything, but truly purely.

He had a neat appearance that broke my preconception that he would look like a bookworm who only survived due to nepotism. Moreover, he seemed to practice martial arts as his body was quite fit.

Still, not to the level of comparing with great generals. He gave off a stronger impression of a strategist than a civil official.

Ma Su politely cupped his hands and greeted according to etiquette:

“Ma Su of Jingzhou greets the General of the Guards. I have deeply admired you for a long time, and it is truly an honor that you have taken the time to meet me.”

“I am Zhang Ran, General of the Guards. I’ve heard much about you from the Chancellor.”

“Though I may be older, how could I receive polite speech from the General of the Guards as one who has entered military service? Please speak comfortably.”

“If you’re comfortable with it, I won’t decline.”

Zhuge Liang, who had been watching our introductions with pleasure from the side, stepped forward as the host and matchmaker:

“Haha, seeing Mingjing, who has become a great pillar of Han, together with Liu Shang who will follow in his footsteps makes my heart flutter. Come inside. I’ve already asked my wife to prepare tea.”

Oh, can I see the famous Huang Furen in person?

It was a more anticipated moment than Ma Su, but unfortunately it ended up being in vain. Still, she should come out to see us off when we leave, so I can see her then.

For now, Ma Su comes first. No matter how difficult it is to like Ma Su, it’s not polite to ignore someone who welcomes me like this. It was right to focus on meeting Ma Su for now.

As we conversed, I felt my preconceptions about Ma Su breaking down.

He is certainly worthy of being called a talent by Zhuge Liang. His words were logical and well-organized, and his natural gestures exuded confidence.

These traits reached their peak especially when he explained about the Six Flower Formation he said he had researched with Zhuge Liang.

“This is as far as I’ve researched the Six Flower Formation created by the General of the Guards, in my own way.”

I gave an honest assessment:

“Impressive. You’ve even considered how to move the triangular formations most efficiently. I can see why the Chancellor praised you so.”

“I’m just embarrassed to be showing off my meager knowledge to the General of the Guards who created the Six Flower Formation.”

Originally, I was planning to praise Ma Su’s potential and bring him under me even if he was a bit lacking. But there was no need for empty words.

‘But why did a guy like this do something like Jieting?’

Knowledge and eloquence that made even Zhuge Liang want to nurture him. He’s more well-versed in theory than anyone.

Not just Zhuge Liang, but even I who knows what kind of person Ma Su is think he’s a bright talent full of intelligence, but Liu Bei who saw through Ma Su’s true nature is really…

“You said you’re a General of the Chariot and Cavalry?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“General of the Chariot and Cavalry… it seems a bit low compared to your merits in the Southern Campaign.”

“Hmm, how could there be any objection to the position bestowed by His Majesty? His Majesty doesn’t hesitate to use capable people, so it’s only that my qualities are lacking.”

Though his words speak of his own inadequacy, this guy’s body is honest.

Others get promoted even with slightly insufficient merits, but there was a hint of resentment towards Liu Bei in his behavior for keeping him as a General of the Chariot and Cavalry despite his military achievements.

Seeing that, Zhuge Liang’s face turned to a bewildered expression. He must be flustered too. Ma Su showed such discontent in front of me, whom Liu Bei calls his niece.

But I have no intention of nitpicking his tone or context when he’s not openly speaking out like Yang Yi or Zhang Zun. It’s not like Liu Bei heard it directly, so who would know if just Zhuge Liang and I keep quiet about it?

A loyal subject of this era might not forgive even a slight slip of the tongue towards the emperor, but me, well, you know.

‘Now he’s more like the Ma Su I know.’

Selfish arrogance that doesn’t care about his surroundings. Didn’t Wang Ping try so hard to dissuade him at Jieting, but he still climbed the mountain?

If he’s like this even between me and Zhuge Liang whom he says he respects, it goes without saying how he’d be when he’s the commander.

The qualities required of an army commander are not just implementing what one knows. One must also know how to accept advice from others and constantly reflect on oneself.

This was the difference that led to such extreme evaluations between Wang Ping, who was illiterate and couldn’t read, and Ma Su, who showed off intellect enough to be recognized by Zhuge Liang.

Leaving it to Zhuge Liang, who was frowning next to me, to point out his mistake, I followed my original plan:

“Recently, the Feiqi Wei under me was transferred to Shangshu Puye, so I was looking for someone to assist me.”

I heard he would be appointed as Shangshu Puye in recognition of his military merits from the Northern Expedition and Battle of Hetao, as well as for building friendships with the northern nomadic tribes.

It was also the position Liu Bei had appointed based on my assessment of Zhang Wan in the past.

Does that mean Zhang Wan is leaving his position as Shangshu Puye for another post? That’s not the case. Zhang Wan is maintaining his position as Shangshu Puye. This is because Shangshu Puye is divided into left and right, appointing two people.

“Liu Shang, would you like to join the General of the Guards’ Office?”

At my offer, Ma Su smiled broadly, seemingly unaware of his mistake, and exclaimed:

“How could I refuse the words of the General of the Guards?”

And so Ma Su’s transfer to the General of the Guards’ Office was decided. They say people can’t be fixed, but this is better than leaving him be.

Surely he won’t abandon his post to go mountain climbing while I’m watching from behind?