Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1202 Kongming's ostentation and Zhongda's restraint

As dawn broke, with dew still clinging to the grass in the courtyard, Dong Bai accompanied Ma Chao, leading Ma Yue by the hand, to pay their respects at Ma Teng and his wife's courtyard. Ma Yue was unusually well-behaved today, her little hand tightly gripping Dong Bai's fingertips, glancing up at her every now and then, her eyes no longer showing the usual aloofness, but rather a hint of dependence.

Upon entering the hall, they met Ma Teng and his wife. Seeing the three of them come in, the old lady smiled first: "So early in the morning, everyone's all dressed up." Her gaze fell on Dong Bai holding Ma Yue's hand, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes.

After exchanging greetings, Ma Yue was pulled to the old lady's lap, who patted his head and asked, "I heard about what happened last night. It was utter nonsense!"

Ma Yue blushed, snuggled closer to the old lady, but still nodded obediently, "Mmm..."

Upon hearing this, Ma Teng burst out laughing, put down his teacup, and said, "You little rascal, you know how to pick your time. You've ruined your father's wedding night."

The old lady smiled and tapped his forehead: "It's a good thing your mother is kind-hearted; anyone else would have thrown you out long ago."

Dong Bai stood to the side, her face flushed, and said softly, "Mother is joking. Yue'er is very well-behaved and didn't make a fuss at night."

Ma Yue peeked out from the old lady's arms and said in a clear voice, "Mother sang for me last night, and she sang so beautifully!"

Hearing this, the old lady's heart softened. She took Dong Bai's hand and patted it, saying, "Good child, I'm sorry you've been wronged." She knew that Ma Yue had lost his mother at a young age and was sensitive. Dong Bai's treatment of him showed that he truly cared about the child.

Ma Teng nodded, his gaze towards Dong Bai now showing more approval: "From now on, I'll have to trouble you to take care of this child."

The family chatted and laughed, while the palace maids outside the hall listened to the commotion and whispered among themselves. "Have you heard? The young master slept with the new princess last night, and she even sang him a song." "Indeed, the new princess looks so kind, and she really dotes on the young master." As these words spread, those in the palace who had initially been observing the situation, seeing how Dong Bai had won over Ma Yue's heart so easily upon entering, realized that this new princess was no ordinary woman, and that she was truly sincere towards the young master. Their previous thoughts of taking advantage of the situation quietly faded away.

The news spread throughout the civil and military officials of Xiliang by morning. Everyone nodded in approval. To be able to set aside one's pride and cherish one's husband's child on one's wedding night—such magnanimity and benevolence were enough to earn everyone's trust. From now on, with such a mistress in the Xiliang royal palace, harmony and prosperity are assured.

The family had a lively breakfast. Ma Chao wanted Ma Yue's Youlin Army to participate in the review next year as well. Ma Yue insisted on inviting Dong Bai to visit his Youlin Army, so the mother and son went together. Ma Chao then went to the reception room.

The reception room had lost the smell of alcohol from the previous night. Li Ru, Xu Shu, and others were already waiting there, ready to report the details of yesterday's banquet to Ma Chao.

“My lord, the envoys from all sides were received according to protocol yesterday,” Li Ru stroked his beard, his voice steady. “The Cao family sent Cao Ang and Sima Yi. The Cao family will be related to us by marriage in the future, so they are quite close. Liu Bei’s envoys from Jingzhou were Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang. Although General Guan is taciturn, he was concerned about the livelihood of the people in Xiliang. Master Kongming inquired in detail about the agricultural and sericulture policies, which seemed to be of interest to us. As for the Central Plains gentry represented by Yang Biao, they do indeed have the intention to surrender. This matter still needs Your Majesty’s consideration, after all, Your Majesty has always been quite strict with the aristocratic families.”

Xu Shu added, "Your Majesty, Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang frowned several times at yesterday's wedding, so they probably had some complaints."

Ma Chao nodded and pondered, "Don't worry about the Cao family. I heard Cao Cao's headache has lessened considerably. In any case, we're about to become related by marriage. They're currently having conflicts with both Yuan Shao and Lü Bu. When the time comes, we can have Gongjin from Jiangdong secretly provide some assistance. As for the surrender of the Central Plains aristocratic families, there's no rush. They're always opportunistic. Now that Lü Bu has just been defeated, they've started having other ideas. Anyway, we'll be inspecting the entire army next spring. Let them stay here and observe. This will make them less opportunistic and more sincere. If they genuinely surrender and can be like the Lu family of Jiangdong, treating the people without harming them and even benefiting them, then accepting them is not a bad idea. As for my senior brother in Jingzhou, his subordinates attacked me against his wishes. Ultimately, they were each serving their own masters. I've always known my senior brother's magnanimity. Even if we face each other on the battlefield in the future, as long as we don't harm the people or commit acts of cruelty, there's no need for a head-on confrontation now. Appropriate exchanges and ensuring the people feel they're getting something in return are the most important."

After his staff had received their orders and left, Ma Chao straightened his robes and said to his attendants, "Summon the envoys from all sides to come in for an audience."

Inside the reception hall, incense wafted through the air. Ma Chao, dressed in a brocade robe, sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below. Cao Ang, clad in silver armor, stood tall and imposing, but the young man standing beside him was different—slender with deep-set eyes. Though appearing to be only in his early twenties, his gaze held a calmness beyond his years. This was Sima Yi, the second son of the Sima family of Hanoi.

"The Second Young Master Sima?" Ma Chao nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry. The name was indeed familiar; Li Ru had mentioned that the Sima family had a son who was meticulous and thoughtful, but had always kept a low profile.

Sima Yi stepped forward, bowed respectfully, his movements precise and flawless, his voice neither too loud nor too soft: "Junior Sima Yi greets the King of Liang." He lowered his eyes, his posture extremely humble, devoid of any youthful arrogance, only exuding a cautious and modest humility, "Junior has just begun his training under the tutelage of Prince Zixiu (Cao Ang's courtesy name), and there are many things I do not understand. I hope the King of Liang will guide me in the future."

Seeing that he spoke appropriately and was young yet discreet, Ma Chao secretly praised him, but said only lightly, "Since you are following Zixiu, do your job well and do not disappoint your family and the Cao family's expectations."

"This junior will keep in mind the teachings of the King of Liang." Sima Yi bowed again and returned to his original position. He never looked up at Ma Chao from beginning to end, keeping a low profile like a shadow.

The gaze shifted to Yang Biao, whose face was now flushed with pride. He cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "The King of Liang is newly married, and the Western Liang region is flourishing; truly a blessing for the world. Yesterday, observing the King of Liang's rule, the people are at peace, and the officials are efficient and upright. He is truly a reincarnation of the Duke of Zhou, a model of the virtues of Yao and Shun..."

The praise poured in like a tidal wave, but Ma Chao merely raised his hand indifferently: "Lord Yang, you flatter me. I was only doing my duty." He had always kept his distance from aristocratic families, and Yang Biao's overtures were simply because he valued the current power of Xiliang. He was far from being truly open and honest with Yang Biao. Seeing his calm demeanor, Yang Biao knew when to stop and awkwardly withdrew his words.

Finally, the question fell on Liu Bei's representative. Guan Yu still had that ruddy face, his phoenix eyes slightly lowered. The words of apology he had spoken yesterday for the Xiangyang incident seemed to still be stuck in his throat. Today, upon seeing Ma Chao, his lips moved, but in the end, he didn't say them, only letting out a slightly muffled breath.

"How have you been lately, Senior Brother?" Ma Chao took the initiative to speak, breaking the deadlock.

Guan Yu suddenly looked up, his face flushing even more, as if he were somewhat flustered. He replied in a gruff voice, "My brother is well and has specially ordered me and Mr. Kongming to come and offer our congratulations."

Zhuge Liang, standing to the side, gently waved his feather fan and smiled warmly: "My lord often remembers the old friendship with the King of Liang. When he spoke of working with the King in Chang'an, he always said that the King of Liang was the bravest in the army. Now that Xiliang is stable and the people are loyal, it is truly a haven in a chaotic world. When my lord was in Jingzhou, he also often took the King of Liang as a model to rectify the administration and appease the people."

His words were composed, praising Ma Chao, mentioning the old friendship between Liu Bei and Ma Chao, and subtly referencing Liu Bei's actions in Jingzhou. Every word was appropriate, and his tact was just right.

Ma Chao listened and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "Mr. Kongming, you flatter me. My senior brother is kind-hearted. With you assisting Jingzhou, the region will surely be at peace. Please give him my regards. If you have time, you are welcome to come to Xiliang for a gathering."

"I will certainly convey this to my lord," Zhuge Liang replied with a bow.

When Ma Chao met the two talented young men, Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang, he couldn't help but feel delighted. He then asked them many questions about civil administration and the current situation, and they answered them one by one.

Ma Chao's gaze swept between Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, producing a steady, soft sound.

When he looked at Zhuge Liang, a hint of admiration shone in his eyes—with a gentle wave of his feather fan, he could articulate the advantages and disadvantages of Jingzhou's water conservancy, and also speak earnestly of Liu Bei's benevolent rule, every word radiating the sharp wit of "man proposes, God disposes." Especially when discussing how to appease the displaced people of Jingzhou, his statement, "First, ensure their shelter; then, provide them with ample food; finally, invigorate their spirits," was clear and logical, even prompting Yang Biao, standing to the side, to nod in agreement. This kind of sharpness, like a drawn sword, was so bright that no one dared to underestimate him.

Looking at Sima Yi, his eyes remained lowered. When Ma Chao asked him questions, he only responded with a few low voices, never saying more. But Ma Chao understood perfectly well that when Zhuge Liang was discussing the resettlement of refugees, Sima Yi's fingertips were secretly calculating under his sleeve. That subtle movement revealed a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages. This ability to conceal one's sharpness was, in a place teeming with talent like the Cao family's, the safest way to survive—Guo Jia was too sharp, Xun You was steady but somewhat conservative, and Sima Yi's "not talkative, but calculating" nature truly allowed him to secure a place among them.

“Kongming’s talent is like the midday sun, bright enough to illuminate the way forward,” Ma Chao suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but it made the hall quiet for a moment. “As for Young Master Sima…” He paused, looked at Sima Yi, who suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then lowered his head again, “like a star in the night, seemingly dim, but able to guide people to find their way.”

Upon hearing this, even Zhuge Liang was slightly taken aback, then clapped his hands and laughed, "Your Majesty has a discerning eye! Young Master Sima is indeed a hidden talent, but the time is not yet ripe." Sima Yi then cupped his hands to his forehead, his voice slightly louder than before, "Your Majesty flatters me, I am unworthy of such praise."

Ma Chao waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the two men, but his mind was perfectly clear—this chaotic world was like a grand chessboard. Some loved to play the red pieces, striving to gain the upper hand at every turn; others were adept at using the black pieces, concealing their strength and playing it safe. Zhuge Liang's "revealing" was because Liu Bei needed a sword to cleave through the chaos; Sima Yi's "concealing" was because the Cao family's situation was currently uncertain, and there was a great talent ahead of them. Ultimately, being able to choose the right way to live in the right circumstances was itself a great talent.

Everyone nodded in agreement with Ma Chao's assessment of the two men, and even the two men themselves did not find anything wrong with Ma Chao's evaluation of them. Although Ma Chao did not look much older than them, he had been famous for a long time, having made a name for himself in his early years. Over the years, he had dominated the world and no one could rival him. Now, he had grown into a regional overlord, ruling the northwest, dominating Chang'an, and looking down on the world.

This brief meeting was quite pleasant, and Ma Chao secretly took notice of these two talented young men. Ma Chao's insights and perspectives also surprised the two men, who had only thought of him as a pure warrior, unaware that he possessed profound knowledge and far-sighted vision, far surpassing that of ordinary people.