Uneasy daily life

Isshiki Hachiman (?) sneered, "You have many forces, but my forces are no less numerous!"

With a wave of his hand, several voices rang out in support of his loyalty and dedication.

"Ha ha……"

Miura Hon's proud smile: "Without the power of an emperor, how many people can you persuade to work for you? How many people can you persuade to sacrifice their time for the country? How many people can you persuade to stay and keep you company while you toil away at your desk instead of going on vacation?"

Isshiki Hachiman (?): "Everyone can do it!"

However, his voices of loyalty and service were somewhat subdued.

Miura Hon'chi: "Back then, when the court held discussions and grand celebrations, we were confined to the meeting hall, starting at sunrise and ending at sunset, unable to share the joy with the people."

Isshiki Hachiman (?): "We can too!"

The calls for loyalty and service have grown weaker.

Miura Hon's words: "Now that the celebration is over, we must clean up the mess and restore the school's appearance. We have no time to spare."

Isshiki Hachiman (?): "We really want to serve everyone!"

Silence fell.

Perhaps out of embarrassment and anger, Isshiki Hatake (?) questioned, "Do you think you can do that?!"

Miura Hon'ichi did not answer, but simply raised his hand and waved it lightly.

"This humble general, Ebina Hime, is willing to go through fire and water for the Queen!"

"To worry about the Queen's troubles before she worries, and to enjoy the Queen's pleasures after she enjoys them!"

"Dedicate yourself to the end of your life and die!"

"The one who acted as the emperor in place of Yuan Chu was indeed the first emperor!"

"To herald the arrival of spring, crimson blossoms stretch across the three thousand miles, reaching to the horizon!"

Ichiro Yu (?) was speechless.

"This is the prestige of a distinguished family. My relationship with you, my lord and my ministers, is one of mutual understanding and friendship. How can you compare to me?"

Miura Hon's proud words: "What is formed by force will inevitably diminish gradually and eventually collapse, like a candle flame for a time. What is formed by mutual understanding will be solidified day and night, eventually becoming a radiant sun that lasts forever. How can a candle flame compete with the brilliance of the sun?"

"Damn it... my white horse has gone and never returned..."

Isshiki Iroha (?) suddenly realized that her real name was Isshiki Hakukei: "So be it, so be it, the White Horse Cavalry, we'll follow each other to the death..."

He left the stage dejectedly.

The forces of the One Color Feather were wiped out.

Miura Hon'ichi did it effortlessly, taking it all for granted. She happened to notice Chitanda Gentoku and couldn't help but ponder.

This is indeed a capable person. Although he doesn't have the family wealth to contend for the world, he can be a person who gets things done.

Ultimately, the world belongs to the noble families...

"In the end, the world belongs to the victor."

As one act ends, another begins, one person slowly stepping onto the stage.

Miura Hon's expression turned serious.

The only person who can stand in my way is you...

Mengde under the snow!

Chapter Eighteen: Ten Victories and Ten Defeats

Yukino Yukinoshita went on stage with her speech.

She watched as Miura Yumiko left the stage with a black line on her face, then turned her gaze to the white figure holding the microphone. Instead of giving a speech immediately, she directly teased the host who was adding so much drama: "Should I call you Mr. White, or should I call you Miura Hon-hachi?"

When Isshiki Hajime took the stage to give her speech, the host imitated Sagami Minami and relentlessly nitpicked at her. When Miura Yumiko took the stage, he imitated Isshiki Hajime again and asked her questions, just like a teacher asking a candidate a soul-searching question at a defense session.

Why did you come to this conclusion?

What advantages do you have compared to others?

Can your theory be supported by examples?

Where is your evidence?

The student council election, which should have been a proper event, was turned into something bizarre and ridiculous. What's even more absurd is that no one stepped in to stop it—teachers, principals, deans of students, why are you all just watching?

Yukino Yukinoshita is used to having her mind full of punctuation marks when she's in front of Shirokage, usually '?' and '!', occasionally '#' and '~'.

"After years of friendship between ruler and subject, I naturally support Lord Xue." The white-clad figure shouted into the microphone, "Lord Xue can easily destroy the insignificant Miura Honcho. What is there to worry about?"

"According to your script and the way you address me, it seems that's how it is," Yukino Yukinoshita said calmly. "Gongsun Zan attacked the Yellow Turbans, Yuan Shao destroyed Gongsun Zan, and then I destroyed Yuan Shao?"

You're Yuan Shao!

Yumiko Miura sat in the audience, her face full of exasperation.

Bai Ying said seriously, "No, no, I don't create characters for the plot, I only create plots for the characters. Does Xue Gong think he is inferior to Miura Honcho?"

"What a lame attempt at provocation." Yukino Yukinoshita stepped to the front of the stage, shifting her gaze from the noisy host to the densely packed Soubu students below, and stated bluntly, "Speaking of popularity and reputation, I'm certainly not as good as Miura-kun. I usually keep to myself and rarely mingle with groups that are supposed to be 'big family,' and I don't like to laugh out loud often, so naturally, people don't feel close to me..."

"but!"

The host interrupted, "Today, Miura Hon's ten defeats and Yuki's ten victories mean that even though Shao is strong, he is powerless!"

"?"

Yukino Yukinoshita slightly raised her eyelids, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. She glanced sideways at the host who had disrupted the election, her expression stern yet imposing, her voice cold and mocking: "What do you mean by ten wins? What do you mean by ten losses? If you have nothing to say, I'll punish you by making you feed the horses!"

"Please allow me to explain in detail, Master Xue!"

The strategist bowed respectfully, paced back and forth, and surveyed the room, saying: "Miura is obsessed with formalities to display his nobility, while you, sir, follow your heart and act according to your own nature—this is superior in principle; Miura forms cliques and appoints people based on personal connections, while you, sir, are able to select and appoint based on both talent and virtue—this is superior in virtue; Miura craves empty fame and seeks to spread his influence throughout the world, while you, sir, value practicality and are not bound by the opinions of others—this is superior in humility; in the past, at the cultural festival, you were the chairman of the executive committee, and Miura was an executive committee member, ranking above and below each other—this is superior in position; Miura has only a fleeting reputation and frequents places of drinking and feasting, while you dislike extravagance and care about the affairs of the common people—this is superior in principle." "Your virtue is superior; since the first year of high school, Miura has been arrogant and conceited, all talk and no action, while I, Gong, personally participate in politics and handle all matters, which led to the flourishing of the cultural and sports festivals, this is superior in merit; Miura's academic performance is among the best, but yours is even better, not just one or two, this is superior in wisdom; the sacred vessel is without a master, the position is vacant, and Miura wants to take it over, with unwavering sincerity and determination, while you have had the ambition to achieve great things since you were humble, this is superior in will; although Miura aspires to the throne, he has other intentions, wanting to use power for personal gain and make Yeshan his empress, while you, Gong, are single-minded, wanting to take power and fulfill your responsibilities to prove that you have not betrayed your original intention, this is superior in sincerity..."

"With such a victory or defeat, you will surely become the ruler of the world!"

The strategist's words carried weight and authority.

Yukino Yukinoshita was stunned for a moment. She looked at her speech and wondered if the other party had been peeking at it. Her speech was indeed based on facts and her ability to speak and act so far. However, Hakuei compared her to Miura Yumiko and exaggerated it into a ten-win-ten-loss story. However, given Hakuei's understanding of her, it was not surprising that he could guess part of her speech. After all, what part of her was not completely clear to Hakuei?

In comparison, his own speech seemed rather bland and lackluster.

Yumiko Miura's fists hardened; she felt an urge to rush onto the stage and kick someone off—what does "Nayazan as Empress" even mean?! I'm betting against myself; if I win, I'll confess to Hayato again… I swear!

She had no problem with Yukino Yukinoshita, but she had a lot of problems with the person next to Yukino Yukinoshita!

"Wait a minute." Yukino Yukinoshita noticed the blind spot. "Isn't this supposed to be nine wins and nine losses? What about the one win and one loss? Have you run out of ideas and finally can't come up with anything?"

The strategist smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "To win the hearts of the people, one must first win their hearts! Miura has many soldiers and generals, but they are like ants and bees, unfit for great use. Although you have few soldiers and generals, your men are all willing to give their all, even unto death. The world will surely choose you over Miura. If you don't believe me, just look at Yuihama—Yuihama is Miura's retainer and also a close friend of yours. Tell me, who does Yuihama want to make the ruler of the world?!"

All eyes and camera lenses focused on Class F of Grade 11, following the strategist's words, glances, and gestures.

Yui Yuigahama stared wide-eyed, frozen in place, wishing she could disappear on the spot!

I thought Xiao Bai was busy with something big, so he didn't have time to find his own bad luck... I never expected that he was just looking for his own bad luck while he was busy with something big!

Yumiko Miura glanced at him with a slight twitch in her eye, only to be met with Yui Yuigahama's bewildered expression.

On stage, Yukino Yukinoshita frowned slightly and said, "Alright, host, please step aside and mute your microphone. It's my turn to speak next..."

"Miura was ambitious and disregarded the dilemma of his subordinates. He lacked magnanimity. However, Lord Xue was righteous and thoughtful. He did not seek temporary fame and thus put Yuihama in a difficult situation. This is the spirit of Jin Sheng!"

The strategist shouted in a deep voice.

Yuigahama Yui: “?”

Miura Yuko: "?"

Yukinoshita Yukino: “?”

Yukinoshita Mengde and Miura Honchatsu clashed! Miura Honchatsu had a large army and many generals, and his family had a long-standing reputation. Yukinoshita Mengde had a well-trained army and brave generals, and had repeatedly made great achievements. Both sides had their strengths. As the war spread, it was difficult to determine a winner, and the two sides were locked in a stalemate.

Under the snow, Mengde possessed an unwavering will to win, daring to be the first in the world and contend for supremacy. Without the conviction of certain victory, how could he have accomplished anything? Even in the face of a perilous and dangerous situation, the desire to dominate must not be extinguished, only then can one persevere to the end and realize one's ambitions!

In order to win, Cao Cao consulted his advisors under the snow.

The strategist calculated for a moment and said with a smile, "Lord Xue is benevolent and righteous. When he raises his arm to call for action, the whole world follows him. People of insight abandon Miura and support Lord Xue. Therefore, he is invincible in battle and unbeatable in attack."

What does this mean?

As Mengde pondered under the snow, he suddenly heard a soldier report.

"Yuki-kun! Yuihamako has come all the way to seek refuge!"

The strategist waved his fan, cupped his hands, and said, "Congratulations to Lord Xue on your great victory!"

Overjoyed at the sight of the snow, Mengde rushed out of his tent.

After the war, Miura Hon's army was defeated and the people were scattered. Yukinoshita Mengde gathered the troops of the world and became a powerful ruler of the Central Plains, only one step away from the throne!

Ultimately, those who win the hearts of the people win the world. Miura Honmatsu was arrogant and his relationship with his subjects was unsuitable, causing internal strife among his subjects. He could gather people but could not lead them. It can be said that he was both made and destroyed by his prestigious family background!

A poem says: "Four generations of high-ranking officials, the world looked up to them; virtuous ministers and famous generals came from all directions. But the balance of power was lost, causing chaos in people's hearts; their grand ambitions were but a dream, leaving only regret."

With the Central Plains secured, the world is within reach.

Yuki no Naka de expressed his feelings about this: "Now I have destroyed most of the feudal lords in the world. The day when I pacify the world is just around the corner... If I ascend the throne as emperor, I will carry out reforms, disregard past grievances, select virtuous and capable officials, and bring peace to the world."

"Excellent," the strategist laughed. "As expected of Lord Xue, my admiration for you is like a surging river, never-ending..."

Yukinoshita Mengde interrupted, saying, "I wish to appoint Chitanda Xuande as one of the Nine Ministers. Once she has made meritorious contributions, she can be promoted to the rank of the Three Dukes."

The strategist nodded and said, "That's excellent."

Under the snow, Mengde gazed at his strategist, his eyes thoughtful, unfathomable as a deep abyss: "I have heard that Chitanda Xuande is your niece?"

"The claim that he is the emperor's nephew is just hearsay and rumors circulating in the marketplace, and it is difficult to verify."

The strategist remained unfazed.

Under the snow, Mengde seemed to be referring to something: "Recently, I had a dream..."

The strategist suddenly realized, "Could it be that three horses are eating from the same trough?"

"No."

Under the snow, Mengde shook his head slightly: "In my dream, I saw the ground covered with snow, a pure white expanse."

The strategist was overjoyed and congratulated him, saying, "The heavy snow covering the ground signifies that Lord Snow is about to rule the world; this is an auspicious omen!"

"At first, I also thought this was an auspicious omen, but after thinking about it carefully..." Mengde asked meaningfully under the snow, "With the snow covering the ground, do you know what is on the snow, my dear minister?"

The strategist guessed, "The sun, moon, stars, the blue sky, and the universe?"

“No,” Mengde said softly under the snow. “The ground is covered with snow, and everything on it is white.”

The strategist shook his head and said, "Lord Xue should be concerned for the people of the world. How can he be confused by the unpredictable nature of ghosts and gods? Since ancient times, prophecies and rumors have always been driven by ulterior motives, meant to disturb people's minds. It is not that prophecies and rumors can predict the future, but rather that people's minds are misled and they have no choice but to respond! As the sage said, 'The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits.' This is not because ghosts and gods are terrifying, but because people's minds are truly frightening."

"The priority at present should be to pacify the country, ascend the throne, and rebuild the nation."

"That makes sense."

The land was gradually unified amidst the people's clamor, and various warlords took turns fighting, only to be defeated and killed one after another.

Sagami Minami was defeated by recklessness and shortsightedness; Isshiki Hakukei was defeated by a weak foundation and insufficient prestige; Miura Motohatsu was defeated by a lack of achievements and excessive self-interest; Chitanda was defeated by excessive sincerity but insufficient ability...

Heroes come and go, and everyone seems to be a protagonist, but in the end, they become mere supporting characters. The continuous turmoil has exhausted the world, making people yearn for unification and peace.

One wave washes away another, and finally, standing atop the crest of the wave, the one about to seize power is…

Mengde under the snow!

On the screen, Yukino Yukinoshita successfully won first place in the votes, and the final result was displayed.

"Thank you to all my classmates and teachers for your trust, which allowed me to be successfully elected as the student council president..."

As Yukino Yukinoshita was giving her final speech, she had a feeling that things wouldn't end so simply. While delivering her thank-you speech, she kept glancing at the white figure out of the corner of her eye.

After she finished speaking, she paused slightly, then turned to the other person and said bluntly, "Bai Jun, at this perfect moment for a plot twist, you should be ready to perform, right? What do you want to do? Are you planning to be Zhuge Liang, who conquered Wei and restored Han, or Sima Zhongda, who swallowed Wei and unified Jin?"

"Hmph... As expected of a hero, you actually saw through my plan ahead of time."

The white-clad figure, who had been smiling, instantly changed his expression, his gaze turning deep and unfathomable.

Such praise seems no different from mockery.

Yukino Yukinoshita said meaningfully, "So, in that case, the role that Haku-kun plays in the script is Sima Zhongda? I'm sure everyone is also curious: now that the election is over according to the procedure, how did you become the student council president without participating in the election?"

"By the divine right of kings, and through the legitimate abdication of the throne, I have quelled the chaos in the world and brought peace to the world. My achievements surpass those of Cao Cao!"