Chapter 059: A Brilliant Scheme (Second Update, Please Vote on Sanjiang)

Chapter 059: An Exquisite Plan (Second Update)

Zhao Yun asked several questions, and Wei Ba answered each one. If he knew the answer, he gave it; if he didn't, he admitted as much. Zhao Yun didn't say much, but his eyes revealed that he was pleased with Wei Ba's responses.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside the tent. Zhao Yun's grizzled eyebrows rose, and he immediately stood, his hands folded before his chest as he stepped forward. Wei Yan was also surprised and followed suit, standing respectfully behind Zhao Yun. Only Wei Ba was slow to react, still confused as to what was happening, when the tent flap lifted and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang entered at a measured pace. He glanced around and smiled, saying, "Wen Chang, such a joyous occasion, yet you didn't notify me?"

Wei Yan smiled awkwardly. "Prime Minister, you are burdened with affairs of state. I dared not trouble you over such a minor matter."

Zhuge Liang smiled gently. "Ah, Wen Chang, that's where you're mistaken. With Ba's talent, and after receiving General Zhao's instruction, his future achievements will not be inferior to yours. Now, you are a formidable general of our Han, holding Hanzhong for ten years, causing enemy nations to tremble. In time, Ba will go further, expand our territories, and earn noble titles and command—such a day is surely not far off."

Wei Yan could not hide his delight, his face beaming with joy, as if Wei Ba had already attained the honors Zhuge Liang spoke of.

Wei Ba hurried forward, pulling the dazed Wei Feng along, and bowed deeply. "I am grateful for the Prime Minister's praise. I wish to study under General Zhao, to learn diligently, so that father, brothers, and I may all follow the Prime Minister's lead and render service to the Han."

He spoke deliberately—not too fast, to ensure clarity, and so that Wei Feng could keep pace. Though Wei Feng was unprepared, he had followed his father for years and was familiar with such formal phrases. He joined Wei Ba, speaking in proper form.

Zhuge Liang laughed and said to Wei Yan, "Wen Chang, you are fortunate indeed, blessed with fine sons; your family will flourish, and your house will prosper."

Wei Yan grinned broadly, glanced at his sons, and clasped his hands. "Thank you for your auspicious words, Prime Minister. I hope to work alongside you to fulfill the late Emperor's wishes."

Zhuge Liang nodded, then turned and gestured. Ma Su entered, carrying a tray. On the tray lay a bright red brocade, atop which was a flawless, snow-white jade. Ma Su smiled and announced, "Upon hearing that General Zhao is to accept the son of the General of the North as his disciple, the Prime Minister was delighted and specially chose a piece of jade bestowed by His Majesty as a congratulatory gift."

Zhao Yun and Wei Yan were astonished and hurried to bow, saying in unison, "Prime Minister, this is too much."

Zhuge Liang shook his head. "It is fitting, it is fitting. I believe His Majesty, upon hearing of it, would also find this most appropriate. General Zhao, Wei Ba is a fine uncarved jade—take care to hone him well, and nurture him into a general broad-minded and resolute, brave and shrewd."

Wei Ba was startled by these words and instinctively lifted his eyes to meet Zhuge Liang's smiling gaze. He smiled nervously, then felt it was somewhat inappropriate and quickly lowered his head. Zhuge Liang regarded him naturally. "Ba, you are blessed. Not only do you have a good father and wise mentors, but now you have General Zhao as your master. Your future is boundless. Remember this: 'A gentleman's virtue is like jade.' Strive to be a talent useful both to the state and your family."

"I shall obey the Prime Minister's teachings and never forget them," Wei Ba replied, then paused. "Prime Minister, as the saying goes, 'United we stand.' My abilities are limited, and I fear I may not fully inherit General Zhao's skills. If I could learn alongside other worthy peers, encouraging one another, perhaps we might achieve more."

Zhuge Liang's gaze sharpened. "You mean..."

Wei Ba had spoken on impulse. Zhao Yun was the last of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu Han; no matter how robust, he likely wouldn't live much longer. Once he passed, his skills would be lost. Even if Wei Ba worked hard, what could he inherit in just a few years? Besides, Zhao Yun himself had little chance for glory; even if Wei Ba matched him, what then? But if Zhuge Liang allowed Zhao Yun to teach openly, even to three or five disciples, it would be better than just Wei Ba alone. Even if Zhuge Liang harbored future misgivings, they wouldn't all fall upon Wei Ba. Shu Han lacked talent, and founding a military academy was the best way to cultivate it—didn't Chiang Kai-shek have Whampoa, and our party have the Anti-Japanese Military Academy?

He carefully explained his thoughts. Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment, then turned to Ma Su. "See, this child is clever. With just a word, he proposes a fine plan. If so, how could Han ever lack talent?"

Ma Su agreed, "Prime Minister, Wei Ba's idea is excellent and merits careful consideration."

"Indeed." Zhuge Liang stroked his beard and smiled. "Only, General Zhao may have to work hard."

Zhao Yun clasped his hands. "I await your orders, Prime Minister, even unto death."

"This is a matter of great import; let me deliberate further. For now, let us proceed with Wei Ba's apprenticeship. General Zhao, I have brought wine and lamb for you—surely you won't refuse us the honor of witnessing the ceremony?"

"How could I?" Zhao Yun replied with a smile, turning to arrange the preparations.

The tent was bustling and lively, but Wei Ba felt a chill in his heart. From Zhuge Liang and Ma Su's tone, he sensed they were not truly receptive to his suggestion—the idea of a military academy had already been stillborn. He did not know why Zhuge Liang opposed it, for it was a proven strategy in later generations.

Wei Ba had no time to dwell on it. Zhao Yun took his seat, and under Wei Yan's guidance, Wei Ba stepped forward to perform the apprenticeship rites—presenting wine and bowing his head. Zhao Yun accepted these gestures and offered a few words of counsel. The ceremony complete, Wei Ba was about to rise when Wei Yan placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, stepping forward and clasping his hands. "General Zhao, my son is eighteen this year and has not yet received a courtesy name. I had intended to wait until his twentieth birthday for the capping ceremony..."

Zhao Yun’s eyebrows rose, his gaze sharp as he glanced at Wei Yan. Wei Yan, catching the hint, promptly turned to Zhuge Liang and bowed. "Prime Minister, might I request that you bestow a courtesy name?"

Zhuge Liang laughed and said to Ma Su, "You see, you see, this father does not name his own son, nor does he ask his son's master for one, but comes to test me instead. Truly inappropriate."

Ma Su replied, "It is a sign of the trust that the General of the North and the General of the East place in you, Prime Minister. Please, for their sake, bestow a name. I believe Wei Ba will become a great man and will not disappoint the sentiment behind your gift today."

Zhuge Liang shook his head repeatedly, but Wei Yan insisted. Finally, Zhuge Liang stood and paced a few steps, thinking for a while. At last, he said to Wei Yan, "Wen Chang, I do not know why you named your eldest son Feng, your third son Wu, and your second son Ba. But I think that force is easily lost, and dominance fades; the way of might is not the way of kings. A name should temper his spirit. As Confucius said: 'A gentleman is like jade.' Let his courtesy name be 'Zi Yu'—Jade Son."

Wei Yan was overjoyed and said to Wei Ba, "You rascal, thank the Prime Minister for bestowing your name!"

Wei Ba grumbled inwardly. Gentleman like jade? He just wants to curb my domineering spirit, doesn't he? Yet, though he was full of complaints, this was not the place for them—he bowed and gave thanks. From then on, he would be known as Wei Zi Yu.

The apprenticeship ceremony, along with the naming and capping ceremony, involved both the General of the East, Zhao Yun, and the General of the North, Wei Yan—two major figures—and with the Prime Minister himself in attendance, the event became a gathering not large in scale but of the highest rank. The banquet was held in Zhao Yun's camp; though the wine was modest and the lambs few, the atmosphere was lively, and nearly all prominent figures in the camp attended.

Ma Dai and the young woman were also invited.

The girl observed Wei Ba, who stood behind Zhao Yun, respectful and full of joy. Her mind was full of questions, but she could not ask them and simply sat behind Ma Dai, quietly watching.

After several rounds of wine, as the true protagonist of the day, Wei Ba naturally had to serve wine to the elders present. He stood, straightened his robe, and Peng Xiao Yu struggled to carry a yellow-glazed ewer to him. As she handed him the vessel, she blinked and whispered, "Young General."

Wei Ba saw the look in her eyes and knew she had something to say. Taking the ewer, he leaned in, following her cue, and blinked as well. Peng Xiao Yu smiled, her lips pressed together, and whispered, "Young General, better to resolve enmity than to create it. Take this chance to apologize to Captain Ma."

Wei Ba was surprised and looked at Peng Xiao Yu, who lowered her eyes and stepped aside. Wei Ba hesitated—was it appropriate to apologize in front of so many people? He pondered as he went down the line, serving wine to Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, Staff Officer Ma Su, General Wu Yi, and others, until he finally reached Ma Dai.

Seeing Ma Dai's expressionless face, Wei Ba suddenly decided to follow Peng Xiao Yu's advice and apologize. He set down the wine cup and ladle, clasped his hands to Ma Dai, nodded to the young woman, and spoke—not loudly, but enough for those present to hear.

"Captain Ma, Miss Ma, on Yangping Mountain that day, I spoke rashly and judged others, showing disrespect in my words regarding the late General Ma, the late General Zhang, and the late General Guan. Though I meant no harm, I was discourteous. Here and now, I apologize to Captain Ma and Miss Ma." —Seeking votes for Sanjiang, recommendations, and favorites!