Jiang Siming knew this fellow simply wanted to seize the opportunity to earn merit, secure an official position, and then go elsewhere to build up his strength.
After all, without the court's support, he had neither money nor influence. Where could he recruit soldiers?
Although Jiang Siming knew why Liu Bei had come, he readily agreed and was just about to welcome the three men into the army.
Another soldier came running over.
"Report, Prime Minister! Thirty li outside Chenliu, a large army has been spotted approaching. Its banners bear the character 'Cao.'"
"Grass? Oh, Cao, is it?"
Jiang Siming nearly misunderstood. Cao—then it was definitely Boss Cao.
He truly hadn't expected Cao Cao to come as well.
"Brother Siming, Brother Siming! I've missed you terribly!"
The moment they met, Boss Cao came over with a face full of "sincerity," looking as though he had just seen a long-lost good brother.
Jiang Siming wasn't nearly as happy as he was. He and Cao Cao had only met twice, and they had eaten one meal together—at a brothel, no less.
How did that make them brothers? He had no choice but to call himself the elder brother, though. Who could blame him when this kid was older than he was?
But since Boss Cao insisted on putting on this act, Jiang Siming couldn't do anything about it.
"Brother Mengde, it's been a long time. You're as dashing as ever."
"Alas! How could I compare with your brilliance, younger brother? Back when Yuan Shu and I first met you, you were merely a scholar. Who would have thought you were actually an undercover agent planted by the Son of Heaven, transforming into the Prime Minister, second only to the emperor? I'm thoroughly impressed."
Jiang Siming waved his hand and said, "There's no