General of the Academy Liu Xuande

"Gao Boping isn't qualified?" Zhang Fei cried out.

Liu Bei and Lai Gong beside him were also astonished. Although Gao Shun didn't have battle records as dazzling as Guan and Zhang, he was undoubtedly among the very best when it came to leading troops.

"Who could do it, then?" Liu Bei was intrigued.

Lan Tian rose from the table and gazed out at the distant scenery, speaking thoughtfully. "The Military Academy is nothing like an ordinary school. It's a place for training officers, with the power to stir the cosmos and shake the eight directions. So its director must not only be exceptionally capable but also utterly loyal to the state. Otherwise, it would be like raising a tiger."

Zhang Fei immediately understood. He poured himself a cup of wine and teased, "Tsk, tsk. I was wondering who you meant. Ziyu, why not just say you want the job? No need to act all mysterious."

"What does Ziyu have in mind?" Liu Bei pressed.

If Lan Tian wanted to become the Grand Libationer of the academy, there was no need for him to take such a long detour. But a position commanding such powerful military authority could easily arouse a ruler's suspicions. With a rebellious heart, its holder could immediately carve out an independent domain.

Lan Tian had originally planned to write to Liu Bei and explain his idea, but now that he had come to Chengdu, it would be better to discuss it in person—and doing so would show his sincerity.

"Cao Pi usurped the Han and declared himself emperor. Brother-in-law, you are now King of Hanzhong, and one day you will surely inherit the throne. To prevent the Military Academy from becoming a target of criticism, I suggest that you—or the future heir—serve as its Grand Libationer. Then