Crouching Dragon: The Journey of Zhuge Liang sample (Act I) -- T. P. M. Thorne
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“…Not always,” Kongming sighed. “Today, my brother challenged me on the reputation of Lord Liu… I must wonder if there is any truth in his interpretation, and decide whether that will affect my decision to assist him. I must heed my own words as well, and not ally myself with Sun Quan simply because it will reunite us in Jiangdong.”
“You have much to ponder,” Yueying murmured.
“Yes… and you have nothing to ponder, with regards to our happy home,” Kongming insisted. “We have each other, and when Heaven blesses us, it will be when the time is right. Neither of us are at fault… it is Heaven’s will. …And to me, you are beautiful within and without… let no man say otherwise.”
Yueying tightened her embrace slightly, and the two sat quietly, wrapped in their own thoughts about the future that lay ahead of them.
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9
Zhuge Jin returned to Jiangdong after staying in his old home for a few days. Kongming pondered the encounter, but it was not long before he would be left pondering another.
“…Someone walking over the bridge,” Zhuge Jun said as he approached his brother Kongming, who was sat reading an old text that was etched into a bamboo scroll.
“…Ma Liang…?” Kongming supposed without looking up; he had been expecting a visit from his sworn brother for a few days.
“No… ‘Mister Yes’,” Jun chuckled as he disappeared again.
“…Master Sima Hui…!” Kongming realised: he got up and rushed to greet the noted gentleman, who had travelled from the southern region of Jing province.
“…Ah, Kongming!” Mister Sima hailed. “All is well…?”
“Very,” Kongming replied as he bowed in respect to the old gentleman. “My wife is currently visiting her father… we are both well, and…”
“Very good, yes! Very good!” Mister Sima replied cheerfully.
“And Jun is well, as you know,” Kongming continued. “Ma Liang visits a lot… I still haven’t been back to Xinye in any…”
“Very good, yes!” Mister Sima interrupted. “Yes, yes… very good!”
“…What brings you to my humble thatched cottage, Master…?” Kongming prompted, as he was aware that the pleasantries could become monotonous.
“I received a visit,” Mister Sima proclaimed. “I spoke to Lord Liu Xuande!”