Chapter 762: A Meeting of Equals

"Let’s go and meet Sun Bofu. Shiyuan, it’s been a while since we last saw each other. I wonder what it will feel like this time. During the Battle of the Yangtze, we didn’t cross paths, but now that we meet again, it’s time to see who’s better!" Zhuge Liang spoke with calm words, but beneath them surged an intense passion. Apart from the thorn in his side, Pang Tong, no one could stir his emotions like this.

Though Taishi Ci was the army’s commander, he did not rebuke Zhuge Liang for issuing direct orders. Whether it was due to Zhuge Liang’s status, his ability, or his age, Taishi Ci had no intention of opposing him. After all, it was clear that Zhuge Liang’s rare behavior stemmed from the deep connection he had with Pang Tong, and to Taishi Ci, this interplay of personal grievances was somewhat amusing.

As Zhuge Liang exited the tent, Zhang Song was already waiting outside. While Zhang Song had initially harbored resentment toward Zhuge Liang’s earlier remarks, once events unfolded as predicted, he had no choice but to set aside his pride. A true strategist could not afford to cling to misplaced arrogance.

Upon realizing Zhuge Liang's insight, Zhang Song immediately sought to make amends. Any remaining animosity dissolved, replaced by admiration for Zhuge Liang's wisdom. He approached Zhuge Liang, bowing with respect and humility.

"Master Zhuge, I must apologize for my earlier doubts," Zhang Song said, bowing deeply. His attitude had completely changed, with none of the arrogance from before, speaking to Zhuge Liang now as an equal.

"Zhang Beijia, there’s no need for such courtesy. I merely had the advantage of being an outsider to the situation," Zhuge Liang quickly sidestepped the bow, not daring to accept such formal respect, and offered a humble explanation. Whether he was right or wrong, who could truly know?

"Master Kongming, you’re too modest. It was I who was careless. With Zi Chu and Zi Zhong beside me, I underestimated the talents of the Central Plains. My brother Zi Zhong has fallen to Sun Ce, and Zi Chu is lost in the chaos of battle. Alas..." Zhang Song sighed deeply, visibly frustrated. Defeat was defeat, and no excuse could change that. Three strategists against one, and they still lost.

Zhuge Liang remained silent, as there was little to add. Three top-tier strategists—though each had different areas of expertise—should not have lost so decisively. The defeat was partly due to overconfidence and a failure to remain vigilant.

"Let us not dwell on the past, Beijia. Liu Cong’s fate is in the hands of the heavens, and Zi Zhong wouldn’t want us to wallow in regret," Zhuge Liang gently advised, steering the conversation in a more hopeful direction.

"Rest assured, Kongming. I came here to forge an alliance with Lord Liu Bei. The three powerful clans of the Liu family must unite to restore the Han dynasty. My lord holds Yizhou, the land of abundance, and your lord controls Qing and Xu provinces. Together, we can revive the Han!" Zhang Song declared with righteousness and fervor.

Zhang Song’s loyalty to Liu Bei and his vision of a united Liu family were sincere. With Liu Bei holding strategic lands and Liu Zhang governing the fertile Yizhou, Zhang Song believed that an alliance between the two would ensure the restoration of the Han dynasty.

"My lord Liu Bei is indeed committed to restoring the Han. Beijia, even without your proposal, I would have initiated the alliance. When my forces arrive, you will see the alliance formalized," Zhuge Liang responded with a slight smile.

"Then, from this day forth, our army will be at General Taishi’s disposal," Zhang Song replied, bowing to Taishi Ci.

"As allies, we support each other. There is no need to speak of command, only mutual aid," Taishi Ci answered with a smile.

"General, Sun Ce’s forces are approaching for battle!" A messenger rushed in, reporting to Taishi Ci.

"Zhang Beijia, would you like to accompany me?" Zhuge Liang asked with a smile, while Taishi Ci looked on in amusement.

Zhang Song, observing Zhuge Liang’s demeanor, found himself deep in thought.

As Zhuge Liang and Taishi Ci led their personal guards out of the camp, Yan Yan also emerged with his soldiers. Though Yizhou’s forces had been heavily pursued and scattered by Sun Ce, many soldiers had merely fled rather than perished. Now that they had re-established a camp, Yan Yan had managed to rally thousands of these scattered troops. Though their morale was low, they were once again battle-ready.

"General Yan!" Zhuge Liang greeted Yan Yan with a respectful bow as they approached the camp’s gate.

"Who is this?" Yan Yan asked, looking puzzled at the young strategist standing half a step behind Taishi Ci. Though Zhang Song had mentioned Zhuge Liang, he had not given a detailed description.

"This is Master Zhuge," Zhang Song introduced Zhuge Liang with a calm expression.

"General Yan thanks Master Zhuge for his aid," Yan Yan immediately dismounted and knelt on one knee, showing great respect.

"Please, General, rise. I am unworthy of such a grand gesture!" Zhuge Liang quickly moved to help Yan Yan to his feet, uncomfortable with the excessive formality.

"Thank you, Master Zhuge, for saving my army from disaster," Yan Yan said solemnly.

"I was simply in the right place at the right time. I do not deserve such gratitude," Zhuge Liang humbly replied.

With Yan Yan’s heartfelt expression of gratitude, the bond between Liu Bei’s forces and Yizhou’s army solidified. Yan Yan earnestly declared his willingness to join Taishi Ci in battle against Sun Ce.

Hearing this, Zhuge Liang felt reassured. He could see that Yan Yan was a man of honor, and his words carried weight. Zhuge Liang’s earlier fear—that the Yizhou forces might view them as opportunists—was now completely alleviated. The situation could not have been more ideal.

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