Facing Jiang Siming's greeting, Gongsun Zan looked rather awkward.
After all, before he allied with Liu Bei and Cao Cao, he and Jiang Siming had still been allies.
The two sides had even carried out trade. Gongsun Zan exchanged warhorses for grain, successfully easing You Province's already severe food shortage.
Gongsun Zan had been quite happy to make that deal, and he had also been grateful to Jiang Siming.
After all, Jiang Siming had once helped drive Cao Cao away for him.
Yet now, he had become Jiang Siming's enemy.
"King Ming, I can only pay my respects from here." Gongsun Zan still cupped his hands and spoke politely to Jiang Siming.
Jiang Siming smiled and said, "I still can't figure it out, Boygui. Cao Cao is your enemy, so why are you helping him? I did you a favor, yet you want to oppose me."
Gongsun Zan's expression grew complicated. He cleared his throat and said, "I am loyal to the Han Dynasty."
But before he could finish, Jiang Siming interrupted him. "Do you think I'll believe that nonsense? Do you know why I, who have always called myself 'I, the Lone One,' am using 'I' with you? It's because I regarded you as a friend, as a brother."
Jiang Siming's words left Gongsun Zan deeply ashamed. He had already felt that he had wronged Jiang Siming, and now he felt even more uncomfortable.
"Actually, I understand you too, Boygui. After all, you're afraid that once I unify the realm, I'll turn around and deal with you. It would only be natural for you to rise up in resistance."
Jiang Siming suddenly became considerate.
"Thank you for your understanding, King Ming." Gongsun Zan was secretly delighted. As long as Jiang Siming did not reproach him indirectly, that was enough.