Zhuge Liang shook his head and said solemnly, "With your talent, Sima Yi, and Duke Wen's valor, Ma Chao is nothing but a clay rooster or a tile dog before the two of you."
"It is just a pity that I have so many affairs to attend to and cannot accompany the army to punish the rebel. A real pity."
Although Zhuge Liang's words were all compliments, they grated on Sima Yi's ears, deepening his impatience.
"What exactly have you come for? If you only want tea, forgive me for not keeping you company."
Sima Yi prepared to rise and leave the hall.
He still had a mountain of work on his hands. Where was he supposed to find so much idle time to sit here chatting with Zhuge Liang?
"Be patient, Sima Yi."
Zhuge Liang smiled faintly. Dropping the circumlocution, he set down his tea bowl and said, "I came precisely to tell you my plan for defeating Ma Chao."
"Silence!"
Sima Yi flew into a rage at this and glared at Zhuge Liang. "Zhuge Village Fool! How dare you humiliate me like this?"
"Even if I ultimately fall to Ma Chao and His Majesty calls me to account, that will be the fate I deserve. It has nothing whatsoever to do with you!"
"And I certainly do not need your help!"
Sima Yi had immense pride. When Zhuge Liang had previously broken the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation that had barred his way, it had dealt him a considerable blow.
Now Zhuge Liang actually claimed he wanted to tell him how to defeat Ma Chao. Clearly, he had decided that Sima Yi could not defeat Ma Chao by his own strength!
He was looking down on him!
Zhuge Liang's smile faded as well. Frowning, he said, "The campaign