“Is something the matter? Why did you want us to stop the carriage?” Jia Xu smiled at the leader of the troops, ignoring the housekeeper. If Liu Mang could only see Jia Xu’s face, he would say that the viper was spitting its poison again. In other words, someone is about to suffer.
“We suspect that an escaped criminal is within your carriage. So, everyone has to get off for an inspection!” The leader of the troops replied. He initially believed that the housekeeper speaking was enough but since he was asked, he had to reply.
“I see.” Jia Xu nodded. “In that case, we should also assist as good citizens of Jingzhou. Everyone, get ready to get off the carriage!”
“Understood!” Jia Xu’s subordinates nodded. The housekeeper felt irritated when Jia Xu ignored him but felt satisfied after hearing Jia Xu’s reply. He wanted to arrest them as he came pursuing people. However, they were not criminals and neither was his group Xiangyang defenders. He only had the guts to do this because he was backed by a powerful master.
The housekeeper thought of arresting them but after waiting for a while, there was still no movement.
“Why have you not gotten off? Do you want us to use force?” The housekeeper asked.
“Oh. I almost forgot. Young man. You are pursuing a criminal but do you have a search warrant?” Jia Xu asked as spread open his hand.
“A search warrant?” The housekeeper was stunned. This was something the authorities brought with them when chasing down criminals. As they were only a noble’s private army, they had no such thing. Just as soon as he was about to say that they don’t have a search warrant, the leader of the troops interrupted to say that they do have a search warrant.
“Hm?” The housekeeper looked at the leader of the troops with doubt. However, he also nodded as he was also part of the same group.
“We have a search warrant so please get off the carriage and let us inspect!”
“Hm?” Jia Xu could not help but look at the leader of the troops. The leader was truly a clever person. Jia Xu initially expected to say that they did not have a search warrant. He could then scold them for asking to inspect without a search warrant and make them lose face. However, the leader of the troops said that they do. He was also the one that threatened to use bows earlier. This person was truly talented.
“Can you show me the search warrant?” Jia Xu now had better opinion of the leader but he still remained unmoving.
“How could we show you something important like a search warrant?” The housekeeper shouted.
“Haha. If you don’t have a search warrant, then forgive us for not complying!” Jia Xu laughed.
Meanwhile the leader of the troops frowned at the housekeeper who was more of a hindrance.
“You can try!” Jia Xu’s eyes narrowed. Two of his subordinates were protecting the carriage while the other two were by his side, giving off killing intent.
This killing intent made the leader of the troops become vigilant. It was the kind of killing intent only people who had killed plenty of others in war would have. While he realized that the one in the carriage was not a simple person, he had no choice as the person they are trying to capture is too important.
“You dare to rebel? You really don’t know how to appreciate kindness!” The housekeeper cockily replied and raised his hand. His private soldiers moved to surround Jia Xu and was prepared to draw their swords. He gave a complacent smile. All he needed to do was wave down his hands and everyone would be arrested. At that time, he could do whatever he wanted. After all, he had thirty people on his side while the other group only had four people.
However, the leader of the troops did not think that way. The leader waved his hands and commanded the troops to withdraw instead.
“Deng Tian! You?” The housekeeper shouted in confusion.
‘So his name is Deng Tian.’ Jia Xu thought to himself.
“Shut up! I am the one with the final say here!” Deng Tian said to the housekeeper.
“You! Deng Tian! Don’t be shameless!” The housekeeper shouted back with his face red. How could the leader of the troops speak to him this way in public?
“Housekeeper Huang. I have to listen to you at home but outside, you have to listen to me!” Deng Tian did not concede. The two of them stared at each other. As Deng Tian was a warrior while the housekeeper was a weakling, the housekeeper eventually shrank back.
“Fine! Deng Tian! You better remember this! You are from a fallen family! If it was not because of the Young Master, you would have already died several times! Yet you dare act this way!” The housekeeper glared at Deng Tian.
“I can only repay the Lord’s kindness with my life but what does it have to do with a housekeeper like you?” Deng Tian asked bluntly.
Deng Tian was from the Deng Family in Nanyang. They were one of the big families in Jingzhou that used to serve Wang Rui. Wang Rui treated the family well like how Liu Biao treats the Cai Family. At that time, Deng Tian was the heir of his family. Unfortunately, good things don’t last forever. After Wang Rui was killed by Sun Jian, the Deng Family was crushed by Liu Biao. Despite all that, they could still persevere because of their large savings. However, the greedy Cai Family took this opportunity to hit them while they are down. Even if they had Liu Biao’s support, they could only arrest the Deng Family at most. That was why the Cai Family decided to get someone else to do the deed.
At that time, Zhang Ji had lost a battle at Zhili. He took the Xiliang troops away from Zhili and entered Jingzhou. His first stop was Nanyang.
The Cai Family watched as the Deng Family fought back Zhang Ji for tens of days. Just as Zhang Ji was about to withdraw to find a different place to rob after suffering heavy losses, the Cai Family opened the gates to Nanyang. It was easy to imagine what happened next.
The Deng Family and their men were all killed by Hu Che Er. Deng Tian who had been studying in Jingzhou was the only survivor of the Deng Family. His family is dead while his property had been given to the Cai Family as a reward for their meritorious service. The Deng Family also took Zhang Ji with them to the afterlife.
That wasn’t all. Nanyang was captured but who was the one that opened the gates? While even idiots knew that it was not the Deng Family that opened the gates, they got blamed for it anyway because they were already dead. Deng Tian became the guilty party and got arrested. Deng Tian was only spared from execution because Huang Zu stepped forward to plead leniency for Deng Tian. Liu Biao also knew that this was the Cai Family’s plot but he himself was drooling at the Deng Family’s wealth. He took at least sixty percent of the Deng Family’s wealth to prepare his army. In fact, more than half of the provisions in Jingzhou originally belonged to the Deng Family.
As Liu Biao needed the Huang Family to keep the Cai Family in check, he gave Huang Zu face and spared Deng Tian.
However, there were also conditions. Deng Tian had to become the Huang Family’s servant. Everything that belonged to the Deng Family now belonged to others.
Deng Tian laughed bitterly at the comment about him being from a fallen family. Only he understood the sorrow of being the only survivor in his family. Although he was starting to rebuild his family by finding a wife and getting a son, this sorrow was not something that he would ever forget.
Liu Mang listened to Kuai Ran’s explanation about Deng Tian in the carriage. Before this, Deng Tian and Kuai Ran were acquaintances but after the Deng Family was destroyed, Kuai Ran never saw Deng Tian again. He never expected Deng Tian to be with the Huang Family now.
“The Deng Family of Nanyang?” Liu Mang frowned. He had not considered the nobles from Nanyang at all.
“They can also be called the Deng Family of Xinye and the Deng Family of Yangtze!” Kuai Ran spoke with regret. The Deng Family used to be that big but ended up like this after someone’s plot.
“It is fortunate that Deng Tian is now married and has a child named Fan. It is a fortune within the misfortune for them to have a successor!”
“Deng Fan?” Liu Mang initially did not want to say anything about this as it was common for families to be ruined and replaced by other families in this oppressive era. However, the name of a person made Liu Mang excited.
“Deng Fan!” Liu Mang shouted and suddenly grabbed onto Kuai Ran, causing Kuai Ran to feel pain.
“Brother Wang!” Kuai Ran was slim and small sized. How could he endure Liu Mang’s strength?
“Sorry. Sorry.” Liu Mang finally realized that he was crushing Kuai Ran and quickly let go. However, he was still unable to hide his excitement and asked if it is because of “His writings become examples of excellent, his conduct served as a role model” within the Fan1.
“Hm? Does Brother Wang know Brother Deng Tian?” Kuai Ran looked at Liu Mang skeptically. His hand was red from being grabbed by Liu Mang. If it had been anyone else, Kuai Ran would have already gotten mad. However, Liu Mang was his savior so he tolerated it.
Kuai Ran felt skeptical as he only found out about how Deng Fan was named after asking around. He found out that Deng Tian had passed by Yingchuan when he was studying and saw the inscription on Chen Shi’s tomb which said, “His writings become examples of excellent, his conduct served as a role model”. That was why his son was called Deng Fan.
“That’s right! Hahaha! Deng Fan! Deng Ai!” Liu Mang laughed as though he was mad, prompting Kuai Ran to check if Liu Mang had really gone mad. Who in the world is Deng Ai?2
“Haha! I have found a treasure! Brother Kuai! Have you graduated?” Liu Mang laughed and then asked Kuai Ran.
“Hm? Why do you ask?” Those that graduated pretty much means they could start assuming personal responsibility and can take disciples. Kuai Ran could already be considered a great teacher as he, Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang were fellow apprentices. He was only embarrassed to claim himself as such as the others have already become famous while he was still idling.
Although he was not as talented and cannot be compared to the others, he had already graduated and could govern. That was why Kuai Ran replied in affirmation.
“Good! Brother Kuai! There is something I must request of you!”
“A request?” More questions appeared within Kuai Ran. He did not know what Liu Mang wanted to do but he would definitely grant Liu Mang’s request as Liu Mang saved his life.
“If Brother Wang wants my life, I also would not say anything!”
Liu Mang was puzzled. If he killed Kuai Ran, Kuai Yue would go after him. What would be the point of that?
“I don’t need Brother Kuai’s life. I just need Brother Kuai’s help in accepting a disciple as I am currently unable to!” Liu Mang was the King of Shu and the Lord of Yangzhou. He had a high position but it was not one he could reveal easily. If he did, his plans would be ruined. On the other hand, Liu Mang did not want to pass on Deng Fan, or rather, Deng Ai. So, Liu Mang could only ask Kuai Ran for help.
“Accepting a disciple? Who is the lucky child that can unexpectedly call Brother Wang his teacher?” Kuai Ran assumed that Liu Mang meant that he had not yet graduated and can’t accept disciples when he said that he was unable to do so.
“It is Deng Tian’s son, Deng Fan!” Liu Mang replied.
“Huh?” Kuai Ran was stunned. He knew what kind of person Deng Tian was. Although Deng Tian had talent, he was not that amazing. On top of that, Deng Tian was now only one of the Huang Family’s servant. Why would Liu Mang want to accept Deng Tian’s son when they have never even met before?
“Would it be too difficult for Brother Kuai?” Liu Mang can’t help but frown when he saw Kuai Ran’s stunned expression. Would it be necessary for him to reveal his identity?
“No! Not at all!” Kuai Ran quickly shook his head. Kuai Ran had high status as the heir to the Kuai Family and people would find glory going to him. However, Kuai Ran detested such things. That being said, Liu Mang had saved his life and also helped him get together with Yan Ran so he would not decline.
“Why does Brother Wang have to do all this for Deng Fan?” Kuai Ran could not understand because of this point. Liu Mang had never even met Deng Fan before and yet he wanted to accept Deng Fan as an apprentice to the extent that he had to request for a favor.
“It is destiny. It is decreed by fate.” Liu Mang could only laugh and reply this way. Fortunately, the people during ancient times believe in such things. Kuai Ran also stopped probing further after hearing Liu Mang’s reply.
Liu Mang felt secretly delighted when he saw Kuai Ran looking disdainful. How was Kuai Ran supposed to know that Deng Fan would become a famous person in the future? He, Jiang Wei and Zhou Buyi were amongst the greatest intellectual talents for the later parts of the Three Kingdoms era much like how Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu were talents for the earlier parts of the Three Kingdoms era.
Liu Mang only knew that Deng Fan was also Deng Ai. He had thought that Deng Fan was from Xinye but did not expect him to actually be from Nanyang. He only realized that Xinye was very near Nanyang after hearing Kuai Ran’s explanation and believed that he was not mistaken.
In the original history, the Deng Family was an influential family from Xinye but Deng Ai’s family background was not written in detail. Deng Ai was orphaned from a young age and lived in the Central Plains that had a lot of conflict and powerful people. However, Deng Ai’s father was currently alive in front of Liu Mang. It was probably due to a butterfly effect as Cao Cao should have originally conquered Nanyang instead of it being occupied by Liu Bei. It was fortunate that Deng Ai originally received good education which allowed him to become influential in the future.
When Cao Cao attacked the Central Plains, he moved the common people to the North. Deng Ai and his mother were moved to Runan where they become farmers. Deng Ai had the ambition to change his fate and when he was about twelve years old, he went to Yingchuan where he saw the inscription and wanted to name himself Deng Fan but later found out that name is the same as one of his extended family members, violating a taboo, and ended up with Deng Ai.
As Deng Tian was alive, Deng Ai no longer needed to move. His father can also name his son and it was normal for Deng Tian to visit Yingchuan. In the original timeline, Deng Ai met Sima Yi. This time, Deng Ai met Liu Mang.
As Sima Yi’s subordinate, Deng Ai had proposed two suggestions that helped Wei become powerful. The first was an agricultural irrigation project. The second was placing military camps at Huaibei. He explained his ideas in “Discussion on the River”. He believed that a lot of food is needed to secure victory and that the soldiers spent too much time transporting and guarding the food. He proposed the food be transported by water. Sima Yi accepted his proposal.
This was all implemented in Huainan, at Yangzhou. It could be said that Liu Mang was a perfect match for Deng Ai. Deng Ai’s strategies made Huainan a rich place while Liu Mang was the master of Huainan. Wouldn’t it be the image of master and disciple?
However, this wasn’t what Liu Mang wanted from Deng Ai. Liu Mang already knew of Deng Ai’s strategy and even know of irrigation methods from the future. He was definitely better in this field when compared to Deng Ai.
Liu Mang wanted Deng Ai because of the man’s overall abilities. He can fight, he can strategize, he can lead and train troops.3 If Deng Ai had to be compared to anybody, it would be Zhou Yu, who could also do all those things.
Jiang Wei was also formidable but in the end, Wei was ultimately able to come out on top against Shu because of Deng Ai.
The only person that could be compared to Deng Ai was Zhou Buyi. Unfortunately, the evildoer4 died early so history could only shine on Deng Ai.
If Liu Mang were to miss this talent and Deng Ai ended up working for Liu Bei or Cao Cao, his country would end up becoming unstable.
“Please!” Liu Mang asked Kuai Ran again, not feeling reassured.
“Good! Deng Tian, you have guts! Wait till I report this to the Young Master!” The housekeeper laughed.
“Go ahead!” Deng Tian replied in disdain. Although he was also a servant, he only had disdain for such fake people who can only sweet talk and deceive but fear retaliation.
“Sir. We have a search warrant but in our haste, we did not take it out. If you are willing, please follow us back. Once we are at our residence, we can take out the search warrant to show it to you. At that time, it would not be too late for us to check the carriages!” Deng Tian said to Jia Xu.
__________________
Fan means role model. Also Wikipedia wrote history differently. (Deng Ai wanted to change his name instead of already being named that. He couldn’t because someone else in his extended family was already named Deng Fan)
Meanwhile, all the deaf people outside heard nothing.
I translated like 3 paragraphs before shortening it to this one sentence. Each ‘talent’ like strategy, is followed be several sentences of examples of several people and their achievements such as Zhuge Liang, Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Zhou Yu. Then after all that they said that if you had to compare Deng Ai with only one person, it would be Zhou Yu, who could also do everything. So I just shortened everything into one sentence and busied myself typing this instead.
Suspected of killing Cao Cao’s son, Cao Chong because he kept refusing to marry into the Cao Family.
“Everyone get off!” One housekeeper arrogantly shouted at Liu Mang and the others before the one in charge of the soldiers could even speak.
“Is something the matter? Why did you want us to stop the carriage?” Jia Xu smiled at the leader of the troops, ignoring the housekeeper. If Liu Mang could only see Jia Xu’s face, he would say that the viper was spitting its poison again. In other words, someone is about to suffer.
“We suspect that an escaped criminal is within your carriage. So, everyone has to get off for an inspection!” The leader of the troops replied. He initially believed that the housekeeper speaking was enough but since he was asked, he had to reply.
“I see.” Jia Xu nodded. “In that case, we should also assist as good citizens of Jingzhou. Everyone, get ready to get off the carriage!”
“Understood!” Jia Xu’s subordinates nodded. The housekeeper felt irritated when Jia Xu ignored him but felt satisfied after hearing Jia Xu’s reply. He wanted to arrest them as he came pursuing people. However, they were not criminals and neither was his group Xiangyang defenders. He only had the guts to do this because he was backed by a powerful master.
The housekeeper thought of arresting them but after waiting for a while, there was still no movement.
“Why have you not gotten off? Do you want us to use force?” The housekeeper asked.
“Oh. I almost forgot. Young man. You are pursuing a criminal but do you have a search warrant?” Jia Xu asked as spread open his hand.
“A search warrant?” The housekeeper was stunned. This was something the authorities brought with them when chasing down criminals. As they were only a noble’s private army, they had no such thing. Just as soon as he was about to say that they don’t have a search warrant, the leader of the troops interrupted to say that they do have a search warrant.
“Hm?” The housekeeper looked at the leader of the troops with doubt. However, he also nodded as he was also part of the same group.
“We have a search warrant so please get off the carriage and let us inspect!”
“Hm?” Jia Xu could not help but look at the leader of the troops. The leader was truly a clever person. Jia Xu initially expected to say that they did not have a search warrant. He could then scold them for asking to inspect without a search warrant and make them lose face. However, the leader of the troops said that they do. He was also the one that threatened to use bows earlier. This person was truly talented.
“Can you show me the search warrant?” Jia Xu now had better opinion of the leader but he still remained unmoving.
“How could we show you something important like a search warrant?” The housekeeper shouted.
“Haha. If you don’t have a search warrant, then forgive us for not complying!” Jia Xu laughed.
Meanwhile the leader of the troops frowned at the housekeeper who was more of a hindrance.
“Are you seeking death?” The housekeeper scolded back.
“You can try!” Jia Xu’s eyes narrowed. Two of his subordinates were protecting the carriage while the other two were by his side, giving off killing intent.
This killing intent made the leader of the troops become vigilant. It was the kind of killing intent only people who had killed plenty of others in war would have. While he realized that the one in the carriage was not a simple person, he had no choice as the person they are trying to capture is too important.
“You dare to rebel? You really don’t know how to appreciate kindness!” The housekeeper cockily replied and raised his hand. His private soldiers moved to surround Jia Xu and was prepared to draw their swords. He gave a complacent smile. All he needed to do was wave down his hands and everyone would be arrested. At that time, he could do whatever he wanted. After all, he had thirty people on his side while the other group only had four people.
However, the leader of the troops did not think that way. The leader waved his hands and commanded the troops to withdraw instead.
“Deng Tian! You?” The housekeeper shouted in confusion.
‘So his name is Deng Tian.’ Jia Xu thought to himself.
“Shut up! I am the one with the final say here!” Deng Tian said to the housekeeper.
“You! Deng Tian! Don’t be shameless!” The housekeeper shouted back with his face red. How could the leader of the troops speak to him this way in public?
“Housekeeper Huang. I have to listen to you at home but outside, you have to listen to me!” Deng Tian did not concede. The two of them stared at each other. As Deng Tian was a warrior while the housekeeper was a weakling, the housekeeper eventually shrank back.
“Fine! Deng Tian! You better remember this! You are from a fallen family! If it was not because of the Young Master, you would have already died several times! Yet you dare act this way!” The housekeeper glared at Deng Tian.
“I can only repay the Lord’s kindness with my life but what does it have to do with a housekeeper like you?” Deng Tian asked bluntly.
Deng Tian was from the Deng Family in Nanyang. They were one of the big families in Jingzhou that used to serve Wang Rui. Wang Rui treated the family well like how Liu Biao treats the Cai Family. At that time, Deng Tian was the heir of his family. Unfortunately, good things don’t last forever. After Wang Rui was killed by Sun Jian, the Deng Family was crushed by Liu Biao. Despite all that, they could still persevere because of their large savings. However, the greedy Cai Family took this opportunity to hit them while they are down. Even if they had Liu Biao’s support, they could only arrest the Deng Family at most. That was why the Cai Family decided to get someone else to do the deed.
At that time, Zhang Ji had lost a battle at Zhili. He took the Xiliang troops away from Zhili and entered Jingzhou. His first stop was Nanyang.
The Cai Family watched as the Deng Family fought back Zhang Ji for tens of days. Just as Zhang Ji was about to withdraw to find a different place to rob after suffering heavy losses, the Cai Family opened the gates to Nanyang. It was easy to imagine what happened next.
The Deng Family and their men were all killed by Hu Che Er. Deng Tian who had been studying in Jingzhou was the only survivor of the Deng Family. His family is dead while his property had been given to the Cai Family as a reward for their meritorious service. The Deng Family also took Zhang Ji with them to the afterlife.
That wasn’t all. Nanyang was captured but who was the one that opened the gates? While even idiots knew that it was not the Deng Family that opened the gates, they got blamed for it anyway because they were already dead. Deng Tian became the guilty party and got arrested. Deng Tian was only spared from execution because Huang Zu stepped forward to plead leniency for Deng Tian. Liu Biao also knew that this was the Cai Family’s plot but he himself was drooling at the Deng Family’s wealth. He took at least sixty percent of the Deng Family’s wealth to prepare his army. In fact, more than half of the provisions in Jingzhou originally belonged to the Deng Family.
As Liu Biao needed the Huang Family to keep the Cai Family in check, he gave Huang Zu face and spared Deng Tian.
However, there were also conditions. Deng Tian had to become the Huang Family’s servant. Everything that belonged to the Deng Family now belonged to others.
Deng Tian laughed bitterly at the comment about him being from a fallen family. Only he understood the sorrow of being the only survivor in his family. Although he was starting to rebuild his family by finding a wife and getting a son, this sorrow was not something that he would ever forget.
Liu Mang listened to Kuai Ran’s explanation about Deng Tian in the carriage. Before this, Deng Tian and Kuai Ran were acquaintances but after the Deng Family was destroyed, Kuai Ran never saw Deng Tian again. He never expected Deng Tian to be with the Huang Family now.
“The Deng Family of Nanyang?” Liu Mang frowned. He had not considered the nobles from Nanyang at all.
“They can also be called the Deng Family of Xinye and the Deng Family of Yangtze!” Kuai Ran spoke with regret. The Deng Family used to be that big but ended up like this after someone’s plot.
“It is fortunate that Deng Tian is now married and has a child named Fan. It is a fortune within the misfortune for them to have a successor!”
“Deng Fan?” Liu Mang initially did not want to say anything about this as it was common for families to be ruined and replaced by other families in this oppressive era. However, the name of a person made Liu Mang excited.
“Deng Fan!” Liu Mang shouted and suddenly grabbed onto Kuai Ran, causing Kuai Ran to feel pain.
“Brother Wang!” Kuai Ran was slim and small sized. How could he endure Liu Mang’s strength?
“Sorry. Sorry.” Liu Mang finally realized that he was crushing Kuai Ran and quickly let go. However, he was still unable to hide his excitement and asked if it is because of “His writings become examples of excellent, his conduct served as a role model” within the Fan1.
“Hm? Does Brother Wang know Brother Deng Tian?” Kuai Ran looked at Liu Mang skeptically. His hand was red from being grabbed by Liu Mang. If it had been anyone else, Kuai Ran would have already gotten mad. However, Liu Mang was his savior so he tolerated it.
Kuai Ran felt skeptical as he only found out about how Deng Fan was named after asking around. He found out that Deng Tian had passed by Yingchuan when he was studying and saw the inscription on Chen Shi’s tomb which said, “His writings become examples of excellent, his conduct served as a role model”. That was why his son was called Deng Fan.
“That’s right! Hahaha! Deng Fan! Deng Ai!” Liu Mang laughed as though he was mad, prompting Kuai Ran to check if Liu Mang had really gone mad. Who in the world is Deng Ai?2
“Haha! I have found a treasure! Brother Kuai! Have you graduated?” Liu Mang laughed and then asked Kuai Ran.
“Hm? Why do you ask?” Those that graduated pretty much means they could start assuming personal responsibility and can take disciples. Kuai Ran could already be considered a great teacher as he, Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang were fellow apprentices. He was only embarrassed to claim himself as such as the others have already become famous while he was still idling.
Although he was not as talented and cannot be compared to the others, he had already graduated and could govern. That was why Kuai Ran replied in affirmation.
“Good! Brother Kuai! There is something I must request of you!”
“A request?” More questions appeared within Kuai Ran. He did not know what Liu Mang wanted to do but he would definitely grant Liu Mang’s request as Liu Mang saved his life.
“If Brother Wang wants my life, I also would not say anything!”
Liu Mang was puzzled. If he killed Kuai Ran, Kuai Yue would go after him. What would be the point of that?
“I don’t need Brother Kuai’s life. I just need Brother Kuai’s help in accepting a disciple as I am currently unable to!” Liu Mang was the King of Shu and the Lord of Yangzhou. He had a high position but it was not one he could reveal easily. If he did, his plans would be ruined. On the other hand, Liu Mang did not want to pass on Deng Fan, or rather, Deng Ai. So, Liu Mang could only ask Kuai Ran for help.
“Accepting a disciple? Who is the lucky child that can unexpectedly call Brother Wang his teacher?” Kuai Ran assumed that Liu Mang meant that he had not yet graduated and can’t accept disciples when he said that he was unable to do so.
“It is Deng Tian’s son, Deng Fan!” Liu Mang replied.
“Huh?” Kuai Ran was stunned. He knew what kind of person Deng Tian was. Although Deng Tian had talent, he was not that amazing. On top of that, Deng Tian was now only one of the Huang Family’s servant. Why would Liu Mang want to accept Deng Tian’s son when they have never even met before?
“Would it be too difficult for Brother Kuai?” Liu Mang can’t help but frown when he saw Kuai Ran’s stunned expression. Would it be necessary for him to reveal his identity?
“No! Not at all!” Kuai Ran quickly shook his head. Kuai Ran had high status as the heir to the Kuai Family and people would find glory going to him. However, Kuai Ran detested such things. That being said, Liu Mang had saved his life and also helped him get together with Yan Ran so he would not decline.
“Why does Brother Wang have to do all this for Deng Fan?” Kuai Ran could not understand because of this point. Liu Mang had never even met Deng Fan before and yet he wanted to accept Deng Fan as an apprentice to the extent that he had to request for a favor.
“It is destiny. It is decreed by fate.” Liu Mang could only laugh and reply this way. Fortunately, the people during ancient times believe in such things. Kuai Ran also stopped probing further after hearing Liu Mang’s reply.
Liu Mang felt secretly delighted when he saw Kuai Ran looking disdainful. How was Kuai Ran supposed to know that Deng Fan would become a famous person in the future? He, Jiang Wei and Zhou Buyi were amongst the greatest intellectual talents for the later parts of the Three Kingdoms era much like how Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu were talents for the earlier parts of the Three Kingdoms era.
Liu Mang only knew that Deng Fan was also Deng Ai. He had thought that Deng Fan was from Xinye but did not expect him to actually be from Nanyang. He only realized that Xinye was very near Nanyang after hearing Kuai Ran’s explanation and believed that he was not mistaken.
In the original history, the Deng Family was an influential family from Xinye but Deng Ai’s family background was not written in detail. Deng Ai was orphaned from a young age and lived in the Central Plains that had a lot of conflict and powerful people. However, Deng Ai’s father was currently alive in front of Liu Mang. It was probably due to a butterfly effect as Cao Cao should have originally conquered Nanyang instead of it being occupied by Liu Bei. It was fortunate that Deng Ai originally received good education which allowed him to become influential in the future.
When Cao Cao attacked the Central Plains, he moved the common people to the North. Deng Ai and his mother were moved to Runan where they become farmers. Deng Ai had the ambition to change his fate and when he was about twelve years old, he went to Yingchuan where he saw the inscription and wanted to name himself Deng Fan but later found out that name is the same as one of his extended family members, violating a taboo, and ended up with Deng Ai.
As Deng Tian was alive, Deng Ai no longer needed to move. His father can also name his son and it was normal for Deng Tian to visit Yingchuan. In the original timeline, Deng Ai met Sima Yi. This time, Deng Ai met Liu Mang.
As Sima Yi’s subordinate, Deng Ai had proposed two suggestions that helped Wei become powerful. The first was an agricultural irrigation project. The second was placing military camps at Huaibei. He explained his ideas in “Discussion on the River”. He believed that a lot of food is needed to secure victory and that the soldiers spent too much time transporting and guarding the food. He proposed the food be transported by water. Sima Yi accepted his proposal.
This was all implemented in Huainan, at Yangzhou. It could be said that Liu Mang was a perfect match for Deng Ai. Deng Ai’s strategies made Huainan a rich place while Liu Mang was the master of Huainan. Wouldn’t it be the image of master and disciple?
However, this wasn’t what Liu Mang wanted from Deng Ai. Liu Mang already knew of Deng Ai’s strategy and even know of irrigation methods from the future. He was definitely better in this field when compared to Deng Ai.
Liu Mang wanted Deng Ai because of the man’s overall abilities. He can fight, he can strategize, he can lead and train troops.3 If Deng Ai had to be compared to anybody, it would be Zhou Yu, who could also do all those things.
Jiang Wei was also formidable but in the end, Wei was ultimately able to come out on top against Shu because of Deng Ai.
The only person that could be compared to Deng Ai was Zhou Buyi. Unfortunately, the evildoer4 died early so history could only shine on Deng Ai.
If Liu Mang were to miss this talent and Deng Ai ended up working for Liu Bei or Cao Cao, his country would end up becoming unstable.
“Please!” Liu Mang asked Kuai Ran again, not feeling reassured.
“Good! Deng Tian, you have guts! Wait till I report this to the Young Master!” The housekeeper laughed.
“Go ahead!” Deng Tian replied in disdain. Although he was also a servant, he only had disdain for such fake people who can only sweet talk and deceive but fear retaliation.
“Sir. We have a search warrant but in our haste, we did not take it out. If you are willing, please follow us back. Once we are at our residence, we can take out the search warrant to show it to you. At that time, it would not be too late for us to check the carriages!” Deng Tian said to Jia Xu.
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