Zi Shou was naturally imitating Cao Cao by warming wine with green plums.
His aim was to find a pretext to release Ji Chang. With an appreciation for heroes as his justification, persuading the court officials would be easier.
Of course, releasing him was one thing; killing him was another.
Once Ji Chang was halfway home, he would send men to assassinate him, then pretend the news had leaked, exposing how he had openly released the man only to secretly kill him. That would firmly establish his treachery.
People still had lines they would not cross in this era. No Feudal Lord had ever sent men to assassinate a rival lord. Assassinations were mostly private undertakings, such as those by Mai Zhi, Mai Yun, or the refugees incited by monsters.
Now, Zi Shou was going to be the great villain who crossed that line.
But Ji Chang remained silent for a long time.
Who was a hero?
He truly could not fathom King Zhou's intent and dared not answer lightly. He only said with utmost caution, "Forgive my limited knowledge. I cannot recognize a hero."
Zi Shou fell silent too. You're not playing along!
Look how well Liu Bei played along-a professional straight man! Once he'd flattered Cao Cao into a good mood, hadn't he slipped away?
"Do not be overly modest," Zi Shou said sternly.
Ji Chang cupped his hands. "Only through Your Majesty's grace have I preserved this battered body, but I truly have never met any of the world's heroes."
"If you have never met them, surely you have heard of them?" Zi Shou pressed.
Ji Chang took a small sip and cleared his throat.
"Nor have I heard of any."
Zi Shou: "..."
This man doesn't know how to hold a conversation.
There was no helping