I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 226 - 18: Liu Bei Meets Gu Chen and Vows to Restore the Han Dynasty

Chapter 226: Chapter 18: Liu Bei Meets Gu Chen and Vows to Restore the Han Dynasty

——Nanyang.

Since Zhuge Xuan passed away years ago, Zhuge Liang has been living in seclusion in Longzhong.

He refers to himself as "Wolong" (Crouching Dragon).

This behavior naturally drew most people’s disdain.

Even knowing that Zhuge Liang was taught by the Gu Clan, such arrogant talk still made people dissatisfied.

Only those familiar with Zhuge Liang believed in his abilities.

And Liu Bei was one of them.

Liu Bei attached great importance to this meeting with Zhuge Liang.

Upon reaching Longzhong, he dismounted and walked, showing his sincerity.

This made Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun somewhat unwilling.

Liu Bei’s reputation was not low at the time.

Even though he was dependent on Liu Biao, he was still a lord of the realm and a heroic leader.

The most crucial point is—

His reputation among the people was very high.

Everyone across the land had heard of Liu Bei’s "benevolence."

In contrast, Zhuge Liang had no official reputation.

Guan, Zhang, and Zhao were all close confidants of Liu Bei, so how could they be content?

"Brother, this Zhuge Liang is inferior to you in status and age; your personal visit is already enough to show sincerity."

"Why must you dismount?"

Guan Yu frowned slightly, looked at Liu Bei, and said.

Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei also nodded, clearly agreeing with Guan Yu’s words.

But Liu Bei shook his head and said solemnly, "In the past, King Wen of Zhou personally pulled the cart to meet Jiang Ziya."

"Even King Wen treated great talents this way, so why shouldn’t I, Liu Bei?"

Liu Bei’s attitude was very resolute.

Upon hearing this, no matter how unwilling they were, Guan, Zhang, and Zhao had to remain silent.

The four of them continued walking through the forest.

Liu Bei had walked this road twice already and was very familiar with it.

When he once again saw the familiar cottage, his expression grew more complex.

Clang! Clang! Clang!....

He slowly walked forward and knocked on the door knocker.

Soon, a young boy opened the door.

Before Liu Bei could speak, the boy smiled and said, "Lord Xuan De, please come in, my master has been expecting you." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Hmm?"

Liu Bei was taken aback and couldn’t help but ask, "Did Mr. Zhuge already know I would come?"

"My master told his friend..."

The boy did not hide anything and smiled even more, "If Lord Xuan De truly has the desire to restore the Great Han, you will definitely come."

"My master even made a bet with his friend that Lord Xuan De would definitely come."

"Today is the last day."

"Sure enough, Lord Xuan De has come."

Hearing this, Liu Bei’s surprise deepened.

Without any hesitation, he quickly followed the boy into the cottage.

Before entering, he heard a clear laugh from inside the cottage.

At that moment, a trace of nervousness flashed across Liu Bei’s face. He adjusted his attire and slowly walked in.

Inside the cottage, Zhuge Liang was having a lively chat with Xu Shu.

Seeing Liu Bei enter.

Zhuge Liang smiled calmly and said to Xu Shu, "Yuan Zhi, what do you think?"

"Kongming is indeed wise; it seems I have lost."

Xu Shu shook his head helplessly, but still maintained a smile on his face.

He had long wanted to join Liu Bei.

Liu Bei’s reputation for benevolence attracted many people.

However, he was stopped by Zhuge Liang.

Because of the precedent set by Gu Xi, Zhuge Liang now had very high standards for wise lords.

To him.

If Liu Bei truly is a wise lord, he would certainly come to Longzhong.

At first, he didn’t believe it.

After all, having failed to meet him twice, losing face by doing so is something lords wouldn’t endure. Who would come a third time?

It was clear that he lost.

"Liu Bei pays his respects to both of you, sirs."

Liu Bei did not lose any courtesy and greeted them as if unconcerned about his own status.

"Greetings, Lord Xuan De."

Both returned his greeting with clasped hands.

Zhuge Liang then introduced Xu Shu, smiling slightly, "Lord Xuan De, don’t blame him. Yuan Zhi has long wanted to join you, but I held him back."

"A wise bird chooses a tree to perch on; how could I fault the gentlemen?"

Liu Bei’s expression remained unchanged, and only after a servant brought a straw mat did he sit down.

He intended to directly ask for strategy.

But Zhuge Liang first laughed and spoke, "It’s been many years since I’ve seen the general. Today we meet again, let’s drink and recall past times."

Liu Bei immediately suppressed the words in his heart and nodded slightly.

The three drank wine.

Zhuge Liang never once spoke about the current situation.

They only talked about past events.

Liu Bei occasionally responded.

Until after three rounds of drinks, Zhuge Liang finally looked at Liu Bei: "Lord Xuan De, you seem silent. Are you dissatisfied with the wine in this humble cottage?"

"Please, forgive me, sir." Liu Bei clasped his hands and sighed, "I am merely saddened in my heart."

"Although the two of you reside in this humble cottage, there is still an aura of peace here."

"Yet now, our Great Han is in turmoil, and lords are dividing the land."

"I am devoted to supporting the Han Dynasty, hence the sorrow in my heart."

Saying this, Liu Bei paused, looked at the two with a complex gaze, and rose to bow deeply, "I am willing but incapable; however, both of you have the talent to save the world."

"I implore both of you to advise me."

The atmosphere suddenly changed.

Xu Shu stared intently at Liu Bei, his eyes shining brightly.

Though it was their first meeting.

He could already completely sense Liu Bei’s sincerity.

Liu Bei’s actions were rare qualities in the current age.

But he said nothing, lest he overstep his bounds.

"Please rise, Lord Xuan De." Zhuge Liang stood quickly to help Liu Bei up.