Chapter Twenty-One: Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Zhaolie of Han

History books? Well, well, it seems Zhuge Liang is about to evolve into a godlike figure. Originally, Zhuge Liang was nearly invincible, single-handedly elevating the impoverished Liu Bei to the throne of Emperor Zhaolie of Han. Now, with the backing of historical records, the restoration of the Han dynasty seems imminent.

“Mr. Kongming, it’s true that such books exist, but the script of the Eastern Han differs greatly from what we use now. I’m afraid you won’t be able to read it.”

Earlier, while researching the Western Han, he had also checked the Eastern Han’s materials. The Western Han primarily used the small seal script, while the Eastern Han favored clerical script—both quite different from simplified characters.

“No matter, I can learn.”

Well said, Zhuge Kongming. Saying that was as easy for him as eating or drinking water.

“Very well, but books might be inconvenient. How about I prepare a device called a ‘mobile phone’ for you?”

“A mobile phone?”

“It’s something I carry. It can store books and is extremely portable.”

With that, Zhang Bo began demonstrating the device. After watching, both Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang’s eyes sparkled with amazement. The Eastern Han recorded history on bamboo slips, but compared to this phone, it was trivial.

“Besides, the phone can serve as a flashlight to illuminate the road at night. Not only that, it has a simple compass to help determine direction—truly an indispensable tool when traveling.”

Indeed, hearing Zhang Bo’s description, Liu Bei’s interest was piqued.

“Shopkeeper, how much does this cost?”

“One gold coin.”

Liu Bei’s expression grew slightly awkward. That was rather expensive. Yet, just imagining the vast library he could carry, he decided to acquire it.

Seeing Liu Bei’s pained look, Zhang Bo guessed that his purse was tight. After all, Liu Bei had no territory of his own and was merely passing time in New Wilds under Liu Biao.

In that case, Zhang Bo thought he could buy something cheaper and practical for him—like a flashlight and a high-quality compass. Though the phone had these features, it was costly, and its versions were rudimentary compared to professional tools.

He had seen powerful flashlights that could turn night into day when switched on; turning one on in the dead of night might even scare people. As for the compass, it was compact, palm-sized, and essential for marching and warfare.

“Brother, brother!”

Hearing the familiar voice, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang turned their heads. Four people entered the farmhouse. Liu Ju and Huo Qubing recognized each other and focused their attention on the two middle-aged men who were strangers to them.

Though dressed simply in silk, the two men exuded an aura far beyond ordinary people—one radiated overwhelming dominance, the other bore a restrained brilliance.

Liu Bei’s gaze fixed on the imposing middle-aged man, his heart already guessing his identity. Yet, to be sure, he glanced at Zhang Bo, who subtly nodded in response.

Without hesitation, Liu Bei sprang up, ignoring his attire, and swiftly knelt before Liu Che.

“Your unworthy descendant Liu Bei pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Looking down at the kneeling Liu Bei—who appeared even older than himself—Liu Che furrowed his brows. To be honest, Liu Bei’s appearance was unimpressive: long hands, large ears, not handsome at all.

Still, after a brief frown, Liu Che spoke.

“You must be Liu Bei, seventeenth-generation descendant of King Zhongshan, Liu Sheng.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Liu Bei replied.

“Rise and speak freely. Tell me in detail about the current situation in the Eastern Han.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon, the forces of the two Han dynasties gathered around a stone table. The conversations split into two groups: one with Liu Che and Liu Bei, the other with Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Liu Ju, Zhuge Liang, and Zhang Bo.

Seeing the large company, Zhang Bo pulled out an essential conversation tool—sunflower seeds.

“Brother, what is this?”

“These are sunflower seeds. Watch how I do it.”

Zhang Bo immediately demonstrated how to crack and eat them. The group quickly learned, and soon the room filled with the steady crackling sounds.

Meanwhile, Liu Che and Liu Bei discussed matters. After hearing Liu Bei’s report, Liu Che’s face darkened to its deepest shade.

He never expected anyone to be so audacious as to seize the emperor’s authority to command the lords.

Though enraged, Liu Che felt powerless. If only they could bring the mighty Han cavalry with them to the Eastern Han, he would fear no adversary.

But the problem was the limited number of people they could bring.

After repeated trials, Liu Che discovered that palace guards could hardly reach this farmhouse. They entered from one end of the cave and exited the other, never coming here like these people.

Therefore, Liu Che planned to question the shopkeeper.

“Shopkeeper, I have a question I hope you can answer.”

Zhang Bo, still cracking seeds, was puzzled—why was Liu Che involving him in their discussion about Eastern Han?

“Your Majesty, please speak.”

“I’ve tried bringing palace guards here, but all attempts failed. Why is that?”

Can’t bring people? That didn’t seem right.

Then why could Liu Ju bring Liu Che, Huo Qubing, and Wei Qing? And why could Liu Bei bring Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang?

Zhang Bo scanned the group and noticed something: he could name everyone present.

Perhaps only those recorded in history books could come to his farmhouse.

It seemed very likely.

After informing Liu Che, the emperor showed an enlightened expression.

Liu Bei was stunned to hear this. If only those whose names appeared in history could be brought, then the number Liu Che could bring would be limited.

“Your Majesty, I don’t need many troops. I only hope you will visit the Eastern Han once, gather loyal ministers of the Han, and surely we can rival the treacherous Cao.”

“Xuande, it’s not as simple as you think. How could a mere visit from me rally everyone? They wouldn’t believe such nonsense; they’d think it’s your ploy. Although I cannot lead troops to help you wipe out Cao Cao directly, I will support you with the Han’s national strength.”

Liu Bei realized he had oversimplified matters.

Not to mention Cao Cao and Sun Quan, who held their own territories, even his own relatives like Liu Biao and Liu Zhang might not believe him.

Just as Liu Bei felt disheartened, he recalled something.

According to history, they managed to divide the realm with Cao Cao and Sun Quan relying solely on themselves. Now that they knew the future, they could restore the Han dynasty on their own.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your guidance. I understand now.”