Chapter 618
Chapter 618
Liu Mang had really underestimated Jiang Wan. The Lumen Academy was the largest knowledge seeking institution at Jingzhou. It can be said that all of the top scholars and evildoers studied there.
These people include Xu Shu, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong and more. All of them were famous.
In other words, being a disciple studying at the Lumen Academy was no easy feat. It was something they could be proud of. At Jingzhou, the reputation of studying at the Lumen Academy was very useful. As for the Jiang Wan, he was not just a student. He was a graduate and only the really accomplished ones could and would leave the Lumen Academy. One must also remember that there are plenty of people over thirty that could not graduate from the Lumen Academy.
“Then why did you go to Xinye?” Liu Mang asked. Jingzhou also wanted to retain their talents and there would be plenty of jobs there. Why leave Jingzhou at all?
“I wanted to find a worthy ruler and support his great ambition!” Jiang Wan boasted. In that era, ambition would naturally mean ruling the land.
“Are you so confident?” The conceited are either the truly talented or the foolish.
“If I can find a worthy ruler I can help him achieve his ambition!”
“You came to Xinye to look for a Lord? Why did you not go to the government office?” Liu Mang asked. There would be people waiting to receive talented individuals like Jiang Wan. Yangzhou was lacking officials.
“Haha. This is a long story.” Jiang Wan then told Liu Mang about his wasteful expenses during his journey. He ran out of money before he could reach Yangzhou and had to come here.1
“Who is your teacher?”
“Who is your teacher?”
“My teacher is Master Sima Wei.”
“Master Shuijing?” Liu Mang’s impression of Jiang Wan may have risen and yet he still found himself underestimated Jiang Wan. “Who is Zhuge Kongming and Pang Tong Pang Shiyuan to you?”
“You know Senior Zhuge and Senior Pang?” Jiang Wan asked skeptically.
“You are really are Master Shuijing’s disciple.” Liu Mang sighed. If the Lumen Academy created talents then Master Shuijing was their greatest achievement. “Did you come to Yangzhou to rely on the King of Shu Liu Mang?” Liu Mang finally asked.
“Yes, but now I have changed my decision! Now… Yes, I want to go to Yuzhou and become the Left General’s subordinate!”
“The Left General Liu Bei?” Liu Mang frowned.
“Yes. I want to help Yuzhou develop and conspire against Yangzhou. I want that King of Shu to regret! Brother Han, how about you follow me? I am sure the Left General would appreciate your martial skill and my knowledge! If we work together, there is no need to worry about ruling the land.” Jiang Wan said excitedly. He did not notice Liu Mang’s killing intent.
Liu Mang did not know who Jiang Wan was but he knew that he was a talent on the same level as Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong. Pang Tong alone was enough a problem. It would be a huge problem if Jiang Wan were to join up with the enemy as well. Liu Mang could not help but grab the hilt of his sword. He just needed to kill Jiang Wan and there would be no problems.
“What’s wrong? Brother Han, are you not willing to go?” Jiang Wan asked again.
“Yes. I don’t want to go. I am staying in Yangzhou.”
“Brother Han wants to join up with the King of Shu Liu Mang? What is so good about him? He is just arrogantly throwing his weight about!” Jiang Wan assessed.
“Have you met the King of Shu before?” Liu Mang asked skeptically.
“No.”
“Then why do you say so?”
“I judge this based on his subordinates. If Xinye is like this, what about other places?” Jiang Wan curled his lips.
Hearing this, Liu Mang’s killing intent dropped. He realized that he could not blame Jiang Wan. The fault lies in his corrupted subordinates that undermined his good intentions.
“Brother Jiang, I will give you an explanation for Hao Liu’s matter. As for going to Yuzhou, can you make a decision after meeting with His Highness the King of Shu?” Liu Mang asked as he slowly reached for his sword. If Jiang Wan refused then he would be left without a choice.
“Alright.” Jiang Wan nodded. He did not realize that his decision had just saved his own life. “Do you all know His Highness the King of Shu? Or perhaps you all know someone who serves him?” Jiang Wan started to guess from the fact that Guan Hai and Zhou Cang became enraged when he spoke badly of the King of Shu. Though Liu Mang said nothing, it was quite evident that Liu Mang was also unhappy about it.
“You will find out soon.” Liu Mang did not explain too much.
“Master. The troops are here.” Guan Hai shouted as he approached Liu Mang.
“So they are finally here.” Liu Mang mumbled. He did not run because he was waiting for Hao Liu. He wanted to see who was supporting Hao Liu and wanted to pull out the corruption from its root. It was fortunate that Liu Mang was here today. Otherwise, Jiang Wan would be working for Liu Bei causing Yangzhou to suffer casualties.
“Eh? Brother Han. What is that?” Jiang Wan asked when he noticed the telescope in Guan Hai’s hands. “Can you allow me to look at it?” Jiang Wan saw Guan Hai using it and say that people were coming. After a while, people really did come. Jiang Wan was very interested in the telescope.
He wanted Guan Hai to let him use it but Guan Hai only harrumphed and ignored him. Jiang Wan could only turn to Liu Mang instead.
“That is a telescope. You will be able to use it in the future. For now, follow me to greet our guests.”
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1. His story seems different now (as opposed to getting robbed). Also that is a really short story.