Everything Was the Eunuchs' Fault

On the other side, after returning to his quarters, Liu Bei's excitement had mostly faded. After all, he was already in his thirties, and after drifting about for half his life, his temperament was indeed steady enough.

"Second Brother, why do you think Sima Wang is willing to help us so much?" There were only two people beside him. If he did not ask Lord Guan, there was truly no one else he could ask.

"No ill intent!" The answer was simple, clean, and forceful.

Fortunately, Jian Yong, who had been away for seven or eight days, returned just then, dusty and travel-worn. After washing up, Liu Bei carefully recounted everything that had happened over the past few days. Jian Yong was just as baffled. He was skilled at diplomatic communication and logistical management, but when it came to devising strategies, he was somewhat out of his depth.

"Since that Sima Wang is so friendly toward Xuan De, then just associate with him more. There's no harm in that."

Liu Bei nodded. He also felt that Wang Xuan was very friendly toward him and refreshingly straightforward, without the arrogance common to scions of aristocratic clans. It was not just him—even Guan Yu and Zhang Fei liked Wang Xuan very much.

The next day, Wang Xuan went to Zhang Miao's residence. Although Zhang Miao had brought Wang Xuan to several banquets recently and acted as if they had met too late in life to part again, both men knew the truth. For now, they were merely collaborators. Zhang Miao could not command Wang Xuan.

Wang Xuan's taking the initiative to visit surprised him somewhat. The two entered the study, and after waving for the servants to leave, Zhang Miao asked directly, "Why have you come to see me today, Zaizhi?"