Mythical Three Kingdoms

After the Xuanyuan Cauldron’s momentum swept across the land, Cao Cao in Yongliang began to accelerate his actions.

At the same time, Sima Lang had already utilized special channels to enter Liangzhou, preparing to activate the contingencies he had laid down before, now that Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Bei had all made their moves.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Ma Teng and Hann Sui had significantly improved, owing not only to the deterrence of Pang De and Ma Chao under Ma Teng’s command, but also to the camaraderie that remained from enduring hardships together in the past.

They had together suffered losses at the hands of Fan Chou and Zhang Ji, shared defeats, nursed their wounds, and endured the most painful periods. Much of the former enmity between the two had already dissipated.

Most importantly, Hann Sui swallowed his pride to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of Ma Teng’s wife. Although Hann Sui was indeed partially involved, Ma Teng came to understand that the incident was largely driven by unexpected factors.

Despite Hann Sui’s reputation as the ”Master of Nine Curves,” it truly wasn’t necessary for him to plot against Ma Teng’s wife, as the event stemmed more from incidental causes.

As for why Hann Sui initially claimed responsibility, it was purely out of indifference to provide explanations—given that they were enemies at the time, why bother explaining? But now that they had become sworn brothers, Hann Sui did not want to leave any lingering resentment in Ma Teng’s heart that might one day erupt.

After clearing the air, although Ma Chao remained dissatisfied, he was not entirely devoid of sense. He could discern the truth in Hann Sui’s words. Thus, while Ma Chao still harbored some grievances against Hann Sui, he no longer felt compelled to kill him at all costs.

With these changes, Hann Sui and Ma Teng fully reconciled. The two no longer feigned cordiality and instead began earnestly strategizing to strengthen their forces, seeking to prevent the increasingly powerful Li Jue from turning back to devour them.

Despite their alliance, the combined strength of Ma Teng and Hann Sui still paled in comparison to Li Jue’s forces. Moreover, as Li Jue began realizing the benefits of excavating the Zhengguo Canal, he aggressively improved irrigation and water systems across the Guanzhong Plains, boosting his reputation among the common people.

To be honest, in times of prosperity, the common folk placed considerable importance on the Emperor. In times of chaos, however, they cared less about the Emperor and more about whoever could secure their livelihoods.

Following an offhand suggestion from Zhong Yao, Li Jue came to a sudden epiphany that the people were his amulet. Thus, he devoted himself to large-scale water conservancy projects in Guanzhong, opening up farmland and encouraging military-civilian farming settlements.

He excavated auxiliary canals to the Zhengguo Canal, including Cao Canal, Dragonhead Canal, White Canal, Lingji Canal, and others. In two short years, he managed to restore the Guanzhong region to its former idyllic, fertile state. People even fled from Jingzhou, Yuzhou, and Yanzhou to settle in Guanzhong.

Of course, Li Jue, this so-called barbarian, showed no reverence for the Aristocratic Families of Guanzhong and Long. He seized land wherever he wanted, with no reservations, which contributed to the incremental expansion of fertile fields in Guanzhong and Long.

Speaking of which, considering Li Jue’s current accomplishments—excluding his excavation of the Imperial Mausoleum and oppression of the Emperor—he would undoubtedly be hailed in any era as a ”worthy minister.” Yet even with the desecration of the mausoleum, several million people now had ample food to eat, making Li Jue highly acclaimed within Guanzhong.

As for the mausoleum excavation, ordinary people never personally witnessed it. Rumors of his mistreatment of the Emperor also seemed trivial compared to their daily survival. They had neither seen these acts themselves nor held the notion of the Emperor as more important than their own sustenance in such turbulent times.

Naturally, Ma Teng and Hann Sui were reluctant to see Li Jue’s growing fame continue unchecked. After all, Guanzhong was not like other regions.

The generals of Guandong should not be underestimated, nor should the heroes of the land of the Three Qins be dismissed lightly. If Li Jue’s influence continued to grow, countless commoners in Guanzhong would willingly lay down their lives for him!

Unfortunately, while Hann Sui was recognized as one of the foremost sages of Longxi, his strategic acumen still paled in comparison to the great heroes of the Central Plains. Against Li Jue’s simple yet effective strategy of winning the people’s allegiance, he had no adequate countermeasures.

”Report!” On a certain day, as Ma Teng and Hann Sui sat drinking in frustration, mulling over how to counter Li Jue, Pang De suddenly burst in.

”Ling Ming, what significant matter has arisen?” Hann Sui turned his head to look at Pang De and sighed.

Pang De was no longer the obscure soldier of the past. Now a General of the Household under Ma Teng, leading his own army, any matter requiring his report would certainly not be trivial. One could only hope that it wasn’t news of yet another betrayal.

”Minister Sima Boda has arrived,” Pang De replied, bowing slightly.

Pang De harbored neither strong affection nor dislike toward Hann Sui. His sole aspiration was to devote his life to the battlefield, indifferent to both his enemies and his lord, as long as he could fight to his heart’s content.

”Sima Boda?” Hann Sui furrowed his brow. ”Isn’t that Li Jue’s confidant? What is he doing here?”

”Hmph, let him in. I’d like to see what tricks Li Jue is up to!” Ma Teng snorted coldly, openly addressing Li Jue by name.

”Show him in, but ensure no offense is given,” Hann Sui instructed Pang De.

Pang De swiftly brought Sima Lang inside. For some inexplicable reason, Pang De felt an instant affinity for the courteous young man upon meeting him, even taking it upon himself to personally announce Sima Lang’s arrival. Without Pang De’s intervention, Sima Lang would have undoubtedly been left outside for days.

”Greetings to the General Who Conquers the East and the General of the West,” Sima Lang said with a gentle smile, bowing to Ma Teng and Hann Sui.

”Boda, I did not expect you to come to Jincheng,” Hann Sui remarked, observing Sima Lang’s serene demeanor. Whatever feelings of frustration he’d harbored earlier seemed to dissipate, leaving only a faint, reluctant smile tugging at his lips.

”This is Han land. Why shouldn’t I come?” Sima Lang sighed deeply, his gaze toward Hann Sui carrying an inscrutable expression.

”Though the Han Dynasty is in decline, countless righteous souls still strive for its preservation. Among them are passionate members of the Liu Clan, figures like General Ma and General Hann, who reluctantly yield to powerful traitors yet tirelessly labor for the greater good, as well as those like myself—unknown, biding their time within the enemy ranks.” Sima Lang’s eyes bore into Hann Sui and Ma Teng.

At that moment, Hann Sui and Ma Teng felt as if struck by lightning. It took them some time to recover, their gazes fixed on Sima Lang. Ma Teng slammed his hand on the table and chuckled coldly. ”Where did this scoundrel come from, daring to slander General Li? Are you ignorant of his renown among the commoners of Guanzhong?”

”It is but the work of simple ploys,” Sima Lang replied calmly. ”Last time, I infiltrated the traitor’s ranks to prevent you from clashing head-on with Li Jue. With your strength alone, you’re no match for him. It was only under Minister Zhong’s cover that I avoided implicating His Majesty in the process!”

Hann Sui’s expression flickered, his eyes scrutinizing Sima Lang as uncertainty clouded his thoughts about the man’s true intentions.

”Perhaps you suspect I am one of Li Jue’s underlings, but I believe General Ma will recognize these two items,” Sima Lang said, pulling two objects from his sleeve. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote with recommendation or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)