"Censor Sima, you have exhausted your mind over affairs of state, toiling day and night. I deeply admire you."
After hearing this, Sima Yi felt his face burn, for the only reason he stayed up late handling government affairs was to win the Son of Heaven's favor.
Yet Zhuge Liang had taken it as devotion to his duties.
"It is merely my duty as a subject."
Sima Yi coughed lightly and deliberately assumed an indifferent expression. "So you... so Kongming is a disciple of Master Water Mirror and Pang Gong. No wonder you possess such talent."
"But what did you mean when you said you looked forward to it?"
This was the first time he had heard of Zhuge Liang's background and origins. He had never expected him to be a disciple of the renowned Pang De Gong and Master Water Mirror.
Sima Hui was also a member of their Sima clan. As his disciple, Zhuge Liang indirectly shared a bond with their clan as well.
"Looking forward to it means exactly that."
Zhuge Liang smiled faintly, his youthful face gradually lighting up with spirit. "A man born into this world should seek to use all his learning and talents to save the world and bring peace to its people, leaving his name in the annals of history!"
"We now live in troubled times, with the Han Dynasty in decline."
"But fortunately, Heaven has not abandoned our Flourishing Han. It has sent us such a wise and mighty ruler as His Majesty, and given me an opportunity to fulfill the ambitions in my heart."
"I look forward to assisting His Majesty in pacifying these troubled times, restoring the realm, reviving the glory and prosperity of our Great Han, and forging a golden age!"
"That is my heart's desire!"
Sima Yi