Chapter 100: Biding One's Time in Silence

The turn of events had taken both Meng Da and Wei Ba by surprise. Wei Ba’s original intention had been simple: to defeat Pan Zhang, to curb his arrogance, and simultaneously suppress Meng Da’s arrogance, thus gaining an advantage in the impending conflict between Wu and Shu. He never imagined the soldiers would be so ruthless, slaughtering all of Pan Zhang’s personal guards in one fell swoop.

If Meng Da had sincerely surrendered, that would have been one matter—all blame could be placed squarely on him. But now that Meng Da had revealed how Zhuge Liang had betrayed him, it was clear he would never surrender again. So what was to be done? Should they truly exchange lives with Meng Da?

Wei Ba’s mind was in turmoil. The situation had escalated too suddenly, and he was entirely unprepared. Had he foreseen this, he would never have entered Fangling City.

Rubbing his brow, Wei Ba forced a bitter smile. “So, it seems you’re determined not to surrender to our Han dynasty?”

Meng Da retorted, “What do you think?”

Wei Ba shook his head. “General Meng, to be honest, I never expected things to spiral like this. I have no better solution. It’s too complicated—beyond my capability. The only thing I can think of is to kill you all and then break out, hoping to escape in time. If we make it, fine; if not, so be it. As for the quarrels between Wu and Shu, I no longer care.”

Meng Da’s expression darkened instantly.

By telling Wei Ba this, Meng Da was subtly applying pressure, hoping to cloud Wei Ba’s judgment so he could persuade him to follow his own plan. In his eyes, no matter how clever Wei Ba was, he was still young and inexperienced; handling a matter involving multiple parties’ interests was far beyond his ability. Yet, Meng Da had only guessed halfway—Wei Ba indeed lacked experience, but he had a solution Meng Da could not accept.

“I’ll kill you all first, then make a break for it. If we get out, great. If not, then forget it. As for the petty disputes between Wu and Shu, that’s no longer my concern.”

Wei Ba could afford to be reckless, leaving all consequences to Zhuge Liang, but Meng Da could not. If they acted this way, regardless of the outcome, Meng Da’s life would be forfeit.

Quickly, Meng Da waved his hand. “Don’t be hasty. This situation hasn’t reached the point of no return.”

“There’s still a way out?” Wei Ba was skeptical.

“Of course there is.” Meng Da glanced at Pan Zhang. “He and his son aren’t dead, are they?”

“They shouldn’t be—just knocked out.”

“That’s good.” Meng Da wiped the sweat from his brow. “This is merely a misunderstanding, and Pan Zhang provoked you first. The casualties are only a handful of personal guards. I don’t believe the King of Wu would turn against the Han over something so trivial. Of course, there will be some disagreement, but as long as the Chancellor sends someone to explain, this matter can be resolved.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Do you think I’d lie to you?” Meng Da was nearly in tears with anxiety. He feared Wei Ba would insist on his breakout plan, forcing Meng Da to come up with a counterproposal. Dealing with such reckless hotheads who risk their lives so casually was truly difficult.

“So what will you do?”

Meng Da gave a helpless smile. “What else? I have no choice but to return to the Han. Only then will I have the strength to resist Wu and Wei.”

“And the Chancellor...?”

“All’s fair in warfare,” Meng Da ground his teeth. “I’ll just have to swallow this bitter pill. Luckily, my life was spared by Sima Yi. That’s already a blessing; I dare not hope for more.”

Wei Ba studied Meng Da carefully. Beneath Meng Da’s seemingly carefree words, he sensed a deep-seated hatred. There would surely be a deadly struggle between him and Zhuge Liang in the future. But that was Zhuge Liang’s concern. For now, Wei Ba’s primary focus was to escape. Given Zhuge Liang’s cunning nature, Meng Da’s end was inevitable.

“If that’s the case, General Meng, please make the arrangements. But don’t stray too far from me.” Wei Ba grinned. “You know I’m quite nervous right now.”

Meng Da was speechless. You’re nervous? I’m even more so.

Meng Da summoned a medic to examine the injuries of Pan Zhang and his son. Although Pan Zhang appeared calm, his wounds were severe. Wei Ba’s punch to his chest had disrupted his heartbeat; a subsequent knee strike had dented even his sturdy breastplate, breaking two ribs and puncturing his left lung. Every cough brought a spurt of blood. Pan Ping looked worse than he was—his shoulder was badly hurt, but otherwise, he was relatively unscathed.

Using a mix of pressure and persuasion, Meng Da explained the dire situation to Pan Zhang: if he wished to live, he must control his men and keep the incident within the courtyard secret. Survival was paramount; justice could be pursued later. If he refused to swallow this bitterness, Meng Da promised a swift and painful end.

Pan Zhang coughed up blood, unable to speak. Pan Ping, terrified, nodded repeatedly. Meng Da then announced that Pan Zhang had arrived to assist, the guests were well-received, and he would remain in the city for several days. With Pan Ping’s presence and Pan Zhang publicly appearing atop the city walls, along with Meng Da’s generous hospitality, the Wu troops outside showed no suspicion and happily awaited events.

Wei Ba swiftly dispatched messengers to Zhuge Qiao, urging him to come and provide support. The truth could be concealed from the Wu army momentarily, but not forever. Ultimately, force would be required to expel the Wu troops from Xin City.

...

Zhuge Qiao was beside himself. Half an hour earlier, he had received reports from Zhou Yu and Zhang Xi that Wei Ba had entered Fangling and was drinking with Meng Da as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary. Before Zhuge Qiao could decide whether to advance into Fangling or wait for further orders from the Chancellor’s office, another messenger arrived. The situation in Fangling had changed drastically; tension was at a breaking point.

“What on earth is going on? First, they lure the Wu army into Fangling, now they’re fighting fiercely with Pan Zhang?” Zhuge Qiao’s eyes reddened as he growled softly, “Does he not realize this could trigger a conflict between the Han and Wu?”

“That’s just how he is—action before thought,” Yang Wei sneered.

“Yuan Xiu, watch your words,” Zong Yu, who had been deep in thought, frowned and stared at Yang Wei. “This happened suddenly. I’m sure Wei Ba didn’t expect this outcome. Was there time for you to carefully consider the situation?”

Yang Wei dared not argue and turned away in frustration.

“I’m telling you, the Wei family is fiercely protective of their own, especially Wei Ba after this achievement. If you speak ill of him in front of Wei Feng, I can’t guarantee what he might do.”

Yang Wei’s face froze, half grateful, half annoyed, as he glanced at Zong Yu.

Zong Yu then turned to Zhuge Qiao. “If Wei Ba’s account is true, then the current casualties are only Pan Zhang’s personal guards—nothing major. Pan Zhang lacks foresight, but King Sun Quan of Wu is a different man. I will go to Fangling to soothe tensions. You must report immediately to the Chancellor’s office. If the Chancellor deems it necessary, I can also travel to Wuchang to meet with the King of Wu and explain the matter.”

Zhuge Qiao nodded helplessly. At this point, there was no other choice.

“Additionally, the army will advance rapidly on Fangling,” Zong Yu continued. “A blessing in disguise, perhaps. This might be the perfect opportunity to compel Meng Da’s surrender and reclaim the three eastern counties.”

Zhuge Qiao looked uncertain, gazing doubtfully at Zong Yu.

Zong Yu sighed inwardly before explaining, “Wei Ba wounded Pan Zhang, and Meng Da is the local lord. He cannot evade responsibility. If he wants to negotiate with the Wu, he must rely on the Han. We’ve already taken Shanyang and Xicheng; he dares not speak out. Even Fangling, he must consider the Chancellor’s mood. Otherwise, he will face attacks from Han, Wu, and Wei all at once. Can he survive that?”

Zhuge Qiao suddenly understood and quickly agreed. Zong Yu set out immediately with a small retinue, while Zhuge Qiao sent urgent dispatches to the Chancellor’s office in Mianyang and instructed Zhao Guang in Anyang to expedite a fresh shipment of grain to Fangling. Whether battle would break out remained uncertain, but preparations had to be thorough.

...

Upon seeing Zong Yu, Wei Ba finally exhaled in relief. Although only three days had passed, the pressure had nearly crushed him. He dared not close his eyes when sleeping, fearful Meng Da might suddenly betray him, escape, and send men to ambush him. Though Wei Ba spoke boldly, the thought of dying so easily unsettled him. Having survived once already, he was determined not to perish now. Meng Da would not die with him, and he certainly did not want to die alongside Meng Da.

If it weren’t for six months of martial training under Zhao Yun that had tempered his resolve, Wei Ba might have broken down. Seeing Zong Yu had brought him a surge of emotion—he even felt like crying.

Zong Yu, experienced and pragmatic, quickly negotiated with Meng Da and proposed a solution. Wei Ba didn’t know the details, but in the end, Meng Da politely escorted him out of Fangling City. Once outside, Wei Ba fled with Dunwu and the others, unwilling to remain any longer.

On the way, he encountered Zhuge Qiao’s army coming to meet them, as well as his older brother Wei Feng. Wei Feng thoroughly inspected Wei Ba several times, relieved to find no injuries. Grinning broadly, he said, “A Ba, Huan’er is yours.”

Wei Ba was baffled by the cryptic remark. After a moment, he asked, “What did you say?”

Wei Feng relayed what Lady Zhang had said: “Mother said since you distinguished yourself this time, Huan’er is your reward. How about that? Satisfied?”

Wei Ba was embarrassed. “I don’t want her. She’s yours—I can’t just take someone from you. Besides, I never intended to take her as a concubine.”

“You don’t like her?” Wei Feng teased, winking. “Do you secretly sneak peeks at her backside?”

Wei Ba’s face flushed crimson. “Just looking a couple of times doesn’t mean I want to take her as a concubine. What kind of logic is that? If I saw a beauty on the street and glanced twice, would I have to marry her?”

Wei Feng scratched his head, looking at Wei Ba in confusion. He just couldn’t understand Wei Ba’s logic—how often do you see beauties on the street anyway? ———— Please recommend and favor!