The Three Kingdoms: Hindsight is 20/20, and the Three Revivals of the Han Dynasty

October, Zhuoxian County.

Night had fallen, and only one room in the government office remained lit.

The candlelight flickered restlessly, casting the shadow of Zhuge Liang writing furiously at his desk on the wall.

Bamboo slips were stacked in layers on the table, and the brush was dipped in fresh ink.

Zhuge Liang would sometimes furrow his brow and pause writing, his gaze piercing through the bamboo slips as if he were thinking about something a thousand miles away; at other times, he would write furiously, the rustling sound of his pen never ceasing.

The night was deep, and Zhuge Liang was completely unaware that even the dinner that his servants had quietly served had long since gone cold.

Tap, tap, tap.

A few soft knocks on the door broke the silence of the night.

"Please come in."

Zhuge Liang didn't even raise his head; his gaze was fixed on a certain pass on the unfolded map, his vermilion brush hovering in his hand.

The door hinges groaned slightly, and a chill ran through the room.

Looking up, one could see Liu Bei, wearing a black cloak and carrying a food box, walking in slowly.

As Liu Bei approached the desk, he immediately noticed the weariness and slight bluish tinge under Zhuge Liang's eyes.

Liu Bei gently placed the food box on the corner of the table. Feeling sorry for the food, he said with concern, "Strategist, it's so late at night. You must not exhaust your energy like this. Your health is the foundation."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang put down his pen, pressed his throbbing temples with his fingertips, stood up and bowed: "I was unaware that my lord would come in person so late at night. I have failed to greet you properly and ask for your forgiveness. However, the affairs of state are still unresolved and I bear heavy responsibilities. I dare not relax for even a moment."

"Strategist, there's no need for such formalities." Liu Bei gestured for him to sit down, then glanced at the untouched, now cold food beside him and sighed, "The phrase 'working day and night without eating' is most fitting for you. While being diligent in your duties to the king is certainly advisable, you must also take care of your health; that is the only way to ensure long-term success."

Zhuge Liang was deeply moved, but also felt a little ashamed. He replied gently, "I am deeply grateful for your concern, my lord. I only fear that my talents are too meager to help you restore the Han Dynasty as soon as possible, so I dare not slacken my efforts in the slightest."

Seeing that Zhuge Liang was sincere, Liu Bei sat down calmly opposite him, his gentle gaze revealing his understanding.

Liu Bei glanced at the map spread out on the table, then changed the subject, his tone becoming casual: "I know the strategist's heart is steadfast. However..."

He paused, then looked at Zhuge Liang with a questioning gaze, "Life in this world involves not only national affairs but also family matters. Strategist, you are now in the prime of your life; do you have any plans regarding family matters?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang's face showed a slight hint of doubt, but he immediately became serious and replied without hesitation: "The Han Dynasty has not yet been restored, and the world is in turmoil. I have no intention of having a family. As for this matter... I have never even considered it."

Liu Bei keenly noticed the fleeting look of melancholy in Zhuge Liang's eyes, and secretly thought that this confirmed what he had heard before.

With a slight upturn of his lips, he pressed on unhurriedly, "Oh? Strategist, your words seem somewhat insincere. I recently heard something that you were deeply infatuated with the daughter of Huang Chengyan, a renowned scholar from Miannan, when you were in Xiangyang." His thoughts exposed, a glint flashed in Zhuge Liang's eyes, only to be quickly replaced by a deeper sense of helplessness.

After a moment of silence, Zhuge Liang finally sighed, "Alas... what my lord said is true. Huang Gong's daughter... is both talented and virtuous, beautiful and intelligent, and I... do indeed have feelings for her. However..."

His tone became incredibly heavy: "Now the Han dynasty is in decline, and the land is shattered. Since my lord has not abandoned me and entrusted me with such an important task, I should devote all my efforts to helping my lord restore the great cause. At present, the war has somewhat subsided, but the foundation is still in its infancy. This is the time when everyone should be of one mind and ready for battle. Moreover, Jingzhou is far away, separated by thousands of mountains and rivers. If I were to discuss marriage at this time, firstly, in this chaotic world, we would be separated by distance, making it difficult to take care of each other; secondly, it would be difficult to balance public affairs and private matters. If I were to mistreat or disappoint the beauty because of my mistake, how could I have peace of mind?"

After listening quietly to Zhuge Liang's heartfelt words, Liu Bei's eyes revealed deep satisfaction and a gentle smile.

Seeing that Zhuge Liang had revealed his true feelings so clearly, Liu Bei stopped beating around the bush, took out a silk scroll from his bosom, and gently pushed it in front of Zhuge Liang: "I deeply appreciate and admire your sincere heart for the country, strategist. However, you are overthinking this matter."

Pointing to the silk scroll, he added, “This is a reply from Lord Huang, delivered by express courier from Jingzhou today. I originally intended to give it to the strategist tomorrow, but after asking my servants, I learned that the strategist has not yet gone to bed. So I decided to take advantage of this fine night to visit you, both to bring you warm food and to give you a surprise.”

"Huang Gong's reply?!" Zhuge Liang was suddenly stunned, incredulous. He hurriedly unfolded the silk scroll and read it quickly by the flickering candlelight.

His expression changed rapidly with each word: from initial astonishment and shock to unbelievable joy, and finally to indescribable shock and emotion, his fingertips holding the silk book trembling slightly.

"My lord... this... what does Lord Huang mean..." Zhuge Liang raised his head, his voice choked with emotion, a clear light shimmering in his eyes. "Lord Huang actually said... he knows I care deeply for the affairs of the state, and he also knows that the current situation is difficult to justify... However, he suggested... that the first four of the 'Six Rites'—betrothal, asking the name, accepting auspicious gifts, and presenting betrothal gifts—can all be done in Jingzhou... while the 'setting the date' and 'welcoming the bride' can wait... until the world is more settled, or when Jingzhou and our location are no longer inaccessible... then we can discuss and decide... this... this arrangement..."

Liu Bei nodded with a smile, his eyes filled with understanding and satisfaction: "That's exactly right! Lord Huang is truly a man of great wisdom and integrity. He knows your aspirations and has great faith in your pure and noble character. The purpose of this is to first establish your status through the four rites, making our mutual intentions clear and eliminating any worries you may have later. When the situation is more stable and both places are more convenient, we can complete the formal rites and you can then marry your beloved. This way, we can both uphold ancient rites and ensure your status is established, without hindering our current great cause of restoring the dynasty. It is truly a win-win strategy!"

"My lord, how can I repay this kindness and affection!" Zhuge Liang stood up, bowed deeply, his expression sincere and excited. If it weren't for Liu Bei's secret assistance, would Huang Chengyan have replied with this letter?
Liu Bei helped Zhuge Liang up and smiled gently: "Strategist, there's no need for this. Now that we are of one mind to restore the Han Dynasty, your family affairs are also something I'm concerned about. This arrangement is very good, so you can rest assured and not let down Lord Huang's trust and expectations."

Zhuge Liang nodded vigorously, a relieved smile on his face: "I will do my utmost to repay the kindness of my lord!"

After calming down, the two sat down again.

The tense atmosphere dissipated, and the room became even warmer.

Looking at Zhuge Liang's radiant face filled with joy, Liu Bei felt relaxed and began to chat about everyday matters: "It's interesting," Liu Bei said in a light tone, "Recently, Xianhe has been going to ask Cai Dajia for advice on playing the zither every day."

"Oh? Brother Xianhe is also proficient in this art?" Zhuge Liang was somewhat surprised.

Liu Bei shook his head with a smile: "No, no. Every time Xianhe goes there, he sits upright and bows solemnly before the zither table, saying that he admires Bojie's superb zither skills and wants to learn from his style. He is willing to go to great lengths to ask Cai Dajia to accept him as a student on behalf of Bojie."

Liu Bei's eyes held a mischievous smile. "However, in my opinion, it's probably not just about the music."

Zhuge Liang couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this: "Brother Xianhe is naturally unrestrained, so it's not surprising that he would do such a thing. However, Lady Cai is no ordinary woman; how astute is she? How much of Brother Xianhe's 'sincere desire to learn' is truly genuine... I'm sure she already knows perfectly well?"

The two looked at each other and smiled knowingly, finding Jian Yong's slightly clumsy little scheme amusing.

After the lighthearted conversation, the topic returned to important political matters. (End of Chapter)