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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Temporary Deputy Strategist
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The sun had long since climbed to its zenith in the midday sky.
Rising from his bed, Sima Jin, the second young master of the Sima Clan, scratched at his disheveled hair.
"Yaaawn..."
Letting out a long yawn, he blinked his heavy-lidded eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Is someone out there?"
"Yes, Young Master."
As a servant opened the door and replied, Sima Jin gave his instructions.
"My throat's parched. Bring me some water."
The servant bowed and stepped out, soon returning with a cup. Sima Jin gulped it down in one go, quenching his thirst, then rose from his seat.
He took a few steps and flung open the wardrobe. Inside, rows of splendid robes gleamed in the light.
"Hmm..."
After some deliberation, he donned a deep blue-black robe and slowly made his way out of his chambers.
It was broad daylight with the sun high overhead.
The servants bustling about were all busy with their duties.
But Sima Jin moved at a leisurely pace, in stark contrast to them.
As he crossed the estate, he ran into the eldest young master, Sima Hyo, who was hurrying along with his own retinue of servants.
"Jin!"
Spotting Sima Jin, Sima Hyo rushed over with worry etched on his face.
"I heard you came back late last night when it was chilly. Are you feeling all right?"
"Brother, do I look like some kid who can't take care of himself? I was just discussing the state of the world with some great heroes, and the night got away from me. No issues at all."
"I understand your intentions, but don't push yourself too hard. Lately, with fevers spreading and more people falling ill every day..."
Even as Sima Jin replied curtly, Sima Hyo continued to fret over him.
However, the servants standing behind Sima Hyo shot looks dripping with disdain.
Sima Jin glanced at them sidelong and turned away.
In the Sima Clan, there were three things despised above all: ignorance, stinginess with knowledge, and laziness.
With Sima Jin embodying all three, their gazes were hardly friendly.
"Jin."
As Sima Jin averted his eyes without a word, Sima Hyo gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No matter what path you choose, I'll always be on your side."
"That's enough. I can handle things on my own. You should head back now."
Brushing off the hand, Sima Jin continued on his way.
The servants clicked their tongues at the breach of etiquette and began badmouthing him.
"Tch. To think that fool's direct lineage of the main house. Utterly clueless."
"From the looks of him, he hasn't even learned proper manners."
"If it weren't for the eldest young master, we'd be in real trouble. Heaven hasn't abandoned the Sima Clan."
Sima Hyo, who had been standing there watching his brother's retreating figure, raised a hand to silence them.
"Don't say such things. Jin... Jin is..."
Biting his lip, Sima Hyo couldn't finish his sentence. His eyes were filled with deep sorrow and self-reproach.
Meanwhile, Sima Jin's footsteps led him, as always, somewhere different from the norm.
He headed to the Fragrant Flower Tower, the most renowned pleasure house nearby for its scenic views, and knocked at the entrance.
It was still broad daylight; they hadn't opened for business yet.
A deep voice boomed from inside.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Sima Jin."
Clunk.
The door opened immediately, and the guard pointed inside.
"Come in."
Sima Jin, hands clasped behind his back, entered the Fragrant Flower Tower as if it were his own home.
The courtesans gathered one by one, familiarly escorting him to the top floor.
Reaching the summit, Sima Jin headed to the largest room at the far end.
Creak—
"Oh! Brother Sima's here!"
"Why so late today? I thought I was gonna die waiting!"
Stepping inside, he found the place already in chaos.
Drunken men and women reveled with the courtesans around a sprawling drinking party.
Empty bottles littered the floor, clothes strewn haphazardly about.
Sima Jin's face hardened briefly at the sight, but he soon curled his lips into a grin and grabbed a nearby bottle.
"Sorry I'm late to the gathering of heroes! Let's get this party started properly now!"
Finishing his words, he downed a whole bottle of strong liquor in one go. Cheers and applause erupted around him.
"Ooooh!"
"No one can match Brother Sima's boldness!"
After the welcoming fuss died down, Sima Jin spent several hours at the drinking session. Before long, darkness fell outside the window.
With his collar half-undone, Sima Jin rose unsteadily.
A red-faced man to his left slurred in a drunken voice.
"B-Brother Sima, leaving already? You arrived late, and now this? What a shame."
Sima Jin chuckled and raised his hand high.
"Nah, we've gotta go all night! Just stepping out for some air—don't even think about heading home, everyone!"
"Ooh! Brother's spirit is unmatched!"
Leaving the cheers behind, Sima Jin trudged down the stairs and headed straight to the back garden of the tower.
Glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, he bent over and vomited into the bushes.
Urk— Bleeech—
After retching for a good while, Sima Jin clutched his knees, breathing raggedly.
His body had never handled alcohol well to begin with.
Even a couple of drinks made his stomach churn, and past a bottle, a splitting headache set in.
But he had no choice—he had to do this.
'This is the right path.'
At four, he had mastered the Records of the Grand Historian. At seven, he fully grasped Sun Tzu's Art of War. By ten, he had synthesized the essence of the Seven Military Classics.
Sima Jin had once been the Sima Clan's prodigy, a pillar of talent drawing all their hopes.
Back then, as a child proudly displaying his gifts, he had been on his way to discuss the martial arts of the Six Secrets with his brother.
That's when he overheard servants gossiping in a corner.
—The next clan patriarch will surely be the second young master.
—Indeed. The eldest is wise like our patriarch, but he can't compare to the second.
—Poor guy, he's good-hearted but it'll never happen. He'll live in the second young master's shadow forever.
—Still, a genius beyond measure like the second young master is a great blessing for the main house... Wh-what, Young Master? How long have you been there?!
That day, eavesdropping on the servants, Sima Jin made his decision.
He would turn a blind eye, seal his lips, and hide his true heart.
To make everyone give up on him, he abandoned his studies and now drowned himself in drink with lowlifes unfit for his station.
"You've waited a long time."
His elder brother, the eldest young master, had come of age long ago but still hadn't been named heir apparent.
The reason was surely their father and brother, holding out hope for change from his childhood days.
'But that'll end this year.'
The clan's atmosphere grew ever tighter, and they could no longer leave the heir position vacant.
Their father seemed to have given up on him too.
Just a bit longer—a little more patience—and his brother would ascend as heir apparent.
Once the succession was settled, he'd have far more freedom.
No need to force himself into these drinking binges.
...Only one thing gnawed at him.
"After that, I have no idea what to do."
The freedom he'd taste after so long wouldn't be total liberation.
What were his limits?
What was his purpose?
Where should he go?
He didn't know.
Having hidden his true self for so long, he'd lost sight of his goals.
Huuuh—
Sima Jin took a deep breath, lifted his head, and gazed at the sky.
Suddenly, a single star caught his eye.
Unconsciously tracing it, he slowly parted his lips.
"The Triaster."
It signified achieving what one had long desired.
Considering the heir would be decided this year in the Sima Clan, it fit him perfectly.
"Right. Brother's ascension as heir comes first. I'll worry about myself later."
Steeling his resolve, Sima Jin shook his head and switched expressions.
With the bleary face of a drunken reveler, he stumbled back into the Fragrant Flower Tower and headed to the top floor.
"Everyone! How about the Azure Willow House next? Since I was late today, I'll cover all the tabs!"
"Woooah!"
"Only Brother Sima! Let's move now!"
Blending in with the crowd, Sima Jin spent another long night drowned in liquor and revelry.
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"Young Master! Young Master!"
"...Ugh."
His whole body felt heavy as if laden with stones from last night's fatigue.
But as someone shook him awake, Sima Jin barely opened his eyes and looked toward the voice.
"...You?"
A familiar face came into view. Puzzled at the sight, Sima Jin glanced around.
Scattered men and women, empty bottles everywhere—this was still inside the pleasure house.
And the servant before him belonged at the main estate.
An odd pairing. In a cracked voice, Sima Jin asked,
"Why are you here...?"
Judging by the sunlight's angle, it was early morning, around the hour of the dragon at latest.
No way a servant would come all this way at this hour unless something massive had shaken the clan...
"It's a disaster! You must return to the estate at once!"
"Hm?"
What disaster could there be?
He'd stayed quietly at the pleasure house last night, so it couldn't be his fault.
"What's going on?"
"W-Well, you need to come see for yourself right away!"
His trembling eyes and flustered movements confirmed something extraordinary had happened.
Shaking off the hangover, Sima Jin followed him back to the estate.
But something felt off even at the entrance.
It was working hours, yet unlike usual, countless servants had spilled outside, murmuring in confusion, unable to hide their panic.
The entire clan seemed in uproar, and oddly, their bewildered stares all converged on him.
"...?"
Perplexed by the piercing gazes, Sima Jin followed the servant and soon faced his uncle.
"You're here."
The man asked in a displeased tone, and Sima Jin nodded faintly.
Seeing Sima Jin's wretched state, he let out a long sigh.
"Hah, how could such a heavy responsibility fall to a wretch like this..."
"Heavy responsibility?"
As Sima Jin tilted his head, the uncle tossed a letter at him.
"Read it."
Sima Jin looked at him, then slowly down at the letter.
His eyes widened in shock at the words.
⚙ Official Decree ⚙ The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult hereby appoints Sima Jin, second son of the Sima Clan, as temporary Deputy Military Strategist. Report to the cult within seven days to assume your duties...
He didn't need to read further—the meaning was crystal clear.
Sima Jin's hand trembled violently as he clutched the letter.
"Me... Deputy Military Strategist...?"
Staring at the letter in stunned disbelief, Sima Jin lost himself in the impossible words.