Jiang Wei drank alcohol for the first time in the Bamboo Forest Elegant Garden. Everything had settled, and today he wanted to seek an answer from his strategist.

Since the surrender of Deng Ai and Zhong Hui, their expressions had changed drastically after meeting the strategist.

Rumors about the identity of the strategist, Prime Minister Cao, had quietly spread.

Fortunately, the Emperor didn't believe it.

Jiang Wei didn't believe it either.

But the strategist refused to return to Yi Province, which caused some trouble. There were many insignificant people around, and he couldn't take risks.

Today, he came to persuade the strategist to return together.

When he arrived at the garden, he heard a cough again.

"Sir, are you feeling unwell?" he asked nervously.

These few days, the strategist's appetite had worsened, hinting at the recurrence of an old ailment.

Zhuge Liang raised his hand to indicate that he was fine and poured wine for Jiang Wei. "I was injured three years ago, and the injury hasn't completely healed. I was in a hurry to travel, and the southern region was scorching, which left some sequelae."

"Do you remember General Han Tu that I taught you?"

Instinctively, Jiang Wei nodded. "I will remember it in my heart."

Zhuge Liang poured more wine.

"Did you learn how to grill fish that I taught you last time?"

This time, Jiang Wei was a bit embarrassed.

Zhuge Liang smiled. "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. General, you should focus on eating."

The wine cup emptied and filled again.

Zhuge Liang casually picked up a small pepper and ate it with a crunching sound, catching Jiang Wei's attention.

"When Prime Minister Mengde met Lord Xian twenty-six years ago, I, too, met the Prime Minister when I was twenty-six. It is truly a manifestation of fate and cannot be investigated."

A faint flush appeared on Jiang Wei's pale face, as if he also remembered something.

From the time he left until now, it had been exactly twenty-six years.

Zhuge Liang slowly adjusted his tone and started singing a ballad in a strong wind.

Jiang Wei listened attentively, filled the wine, and asked, "Strategist, the Emperor has sent another letter, saying he is preparing to travel soon and come to Hanzhong. Are you really not considering returning to Yi Province?"

Zhuge Liang smiled. "Yi Province has young people to do young people's things. It's time to let them work hard and become strong. Only then can they excel on the battlefield... As for me, I still have things I want to do."

What else did he want to do?

Zhuge Liang chuckled, not knowing if it was true or false. "Last time, I said I wanted to see Sima Zhao dance. I think it would be quite interesting."

Jiang Wei was somewhat surprised and wanted to speak, but suddenly felt drowsy. There was something wrong with the wine.

Zhuge Liang's coughing became more intense, and his pale face almost blended with the dark clouds behind him.

"If we meet again next time, I won't send medicine. I'll give you a great gift, Gongyue."

Jiang Wei tried hard to stay awake. In fact, from beginning to end, he never asked about the strategist's identity. He wanted to hear it from the strategist's own mouth. He wanted to know...

For so many years, he had been like Kuafu, chasing after the unattainable scorching sun. He wanted to repay the kindness of six years with a lifetime.

And finally, this last sentence became clear.

A hand rested on his shoulder.

"Gongyue, you've worked hard."

Twenty years of early rising and late rest, it felt like a fierce battle. And now, it was time for a long sleep.