Though Not Parental Grace, It's Like Rebirth

"Mm. From the moment Sir made the first sand table, I became utterly fascinated with it, so I put more thought into it in my spare time." Deng Ai nodded with a smile.

Jiang Wei was greatly astonished. During his stay in Xiabian, he had only caught a fleeting glimpse of it and assumed it had been made by Zhang Fei. He had never expected it to be another creation of Lan Tian's.

"Just what kind of person is your teacher? Why does it feel like his influence is everywhere?" Jiang Wei voiced the question of his soul.

Deng Ai answered solemnly, "Sir knows astronomy above and geography below—a rare genius not seen in a thousand ages. But he keeps a low profile and has no desire for fame, so he remained unknown all these years, until Sun Quan's surprise attack on Jing Province."

"No wonder General Lan has only made his name known these past two years. I fear the King of Hanzhong's current position must also owe a great deal to General Lan, does it not?" Jiang Wei asked again.

"The King regards Sir as one of his own limbs. His standing is nearly equal to General Guan's," Deng Ai said.

"No wonder his prestige is so high." Jiang Wei nodded in understanding, then added another question. "Since General Lan possesses such talent for governing the world, is there anyone in this world whom he admires?"

Deng Ai replied, "Sir holds chancellor Zhuge in the highest esteem."

"Then Sir Crouching Dragon must be no ordinary man either." Jiang Wei sighed as he stroked the edge of the sand table.

Seeing Jiang Wei staring blankly at the sand table, Deng Ai knew that he too was a kindred spirit who loved military affairs, so he did not disturb his