Cao Cao’s military camp was markedly different from Liu Bei’s humble volunteer army.
Not only was it much larger, but everything also operated systematically under strict military discipline.
The tents were arranged neatly in perfectly aligned rows and columns, and there wasn’t the slightest trace of disorder in the eyes of the soldiers standing guard.
It looked as though Cao Cao’s personality had been reflected in the camp itself.
‘Wow... So this is a real army. Their discipline is intense.’
As Minjun looked around in admiration, Cao Cao wore a satisfied expression and led Liu Bei’s group to her tent.
The inside wasn’t lavish, but neatly organized books sat to one side, while detailed maps covered the walls, giving him a glimpse of its owner’s character.
“General Liu, as I said before, I’m deeply impressed by your bravery.”
Cao Cao praised Liu Bei first, speaking in a gentle tone.
She also praised Liu Bei’s two younger sisters(?).
“Your two generals in particular possess truly astonishing martial prowess. They will be a great asset to our army.”
Liu Bei replied modestly.
“You flatter me, Commandant Cao.”
“We have intelligence that the main force of the Yellow Turbans will launch an all-out offensive in the Yingchuan area.”
Cao Cao spread out a map and spoke with a serious expression.
“They have the numbers, and Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao’s sorcery is troublesome as well. It would be best for our army and General Liu’s forces to cooperate closely and attack the front and flank simultaneously. As for the specific operation...”
Cao Cao and Liu Bei began an intense strategy meeting over the map.
Sparks seemed to fly from their eyes.
Guan Yu stood quietly to the side, listening and occasionally asking sharp questions.
Zhang Fei, on the other hand... honestly, she looked a little bored.
She kept struggling to hold back her yawns.
She nodded as though she were taking the discussion seriously, but...
Honestly? I could barely follow half of what they were saying.
‘Cao Ren will take the left wing, and we’ll attack in coordination from the right... then cross Majia Mountain west of Yingchuan and strike the enemy’s main camp?’
I was familiar with broad operational goals, concepts like encirclement and surprise attacks, thanks to novels and games.
But the specific place names being thrown around, the way each branch of the military was to be deployed, the names of formations I’d never heard before, and the unfamiliar logistical terms were completely beyond me.
‘In the game, I just selected a unit and clicked attack, and they fought on their own...’
A real military council—especially a discussion between two people destined to become the greatest rulers of their age—was far more complex and specialized.
When I realized that my vaunted knowledge of the Three Kingdoms was of little use in a detailed tactical discussion like this, I felt a little helpless.
‘I want to offer some kind of strategic advice too, but I can’t exactly jump in right now.’
Swallowing his disappointment, he focused on reading the expressions and atmosphere between the two leaders.
For now, that was all he could do.
The meeting was briefly suspended for tea.
As though she had been waiting for the moment, Cao Cao turned her gaze toward Minjun.
There was still clear curiosity in her eyes.
“Lord Gang Jamyeong.”
“Yes, Commandant Cao.”
Minjun instinctively straightened his posture.
“Earlier, General Liu said that you possess a special talent for winning people’s hearts...”
Cao Cao set down her teacup and asked,
“If it isn’t too impertinent, I would like to hear a little more about that talent. Is there something special about it beyond simply being good with words?”
The sudden question left Minjun flustered for a moment.
‘My Charisma is 100, and I have the Beloved by All trait!’ wasn’t exactly something he could say.
“Ah, well... how should I put it...”
Minjun gave an awkward laugh and scratched his head.
“I just... try to understand other people’s feelings, and I suppose I’m lucky that people feel comfortable around me. Haha.”
When Minjun modestly dodged the question, Cao Cao let out a quiet chuckle.
“Luck, you say... Nothing in this world is accomplished through luck alone, Lord Gang. You clearly possess something unusual.”
She fell silent in thought for a moment, then her expression changed as though she had just thought of an amusing prank.
“In that case... how would you feel about letting me put that special talent of yours to the test?”
“Excuse me? A test?”
Minjun was startled by Cao Cao’s sudden proposal.
“I have several brave and loyal generals under my command, but some are so upright or rigid that they occasionally struggle with diplomatic matters. As it happens, I have a difficult mission that would be perfect for them...”
When Cao Cao gestured toward the entrance of the tent, two strong and imposing female generals happened to walk inside.
One was Xiahou Dun, brimming with a fierce and courageous spirit.
The other was Xiahou Yuan, whose eyes were lively and full of curiosity.
“Allow me to introduce them. My two most trusted generals, Xiahou Dun Yuanyang and Xiahou Yuan Miaocai.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Generals! I’m Kang Minjun, courtesy name Jamyeong!”
Minjun greeted them politely with a bright smile.
Perhaps thanks to the effect of Beloved by All, Xiahou Dun’s stiff expression softened ever so slightly.
Xiahou Yuan’s eyes lit up as she asked,
“Whoa! You’re the famous Lord Gang Jamyeong?”
While Xiahou Yuan stared at him in surprise, Cao Cao spoke.
“I have an order for the two of you.”
Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan immediately dropped to one knee and bent their right arms forward in a formal salute.
“A man named Elder Wang of Wang Family Village nearby has continued refusing to provide grain for military requisition. He’s a notorious stubborn old man, so go there and be sure to persuade him. Return with provisions for the army.”
“We accept your command!”
The two generals answered in booming voices.
“And... Lord Gang Jamyeong, you will go with them.”
Cao Cao pointed at Minjun as she added,
“Your ‘talent for winning people’s hearts’ may prove useful in this matter. What do you say? Will you accompany my younger cousins?”
‘This schemer of a warlord really has a unique way of making people work for her.’
Minjun grumbled inwardly, but he couldn’t refuse.
If anything, this was a perfect opportunity to prove what he could do.
“Yes, Commandant Cao! I’ll follow your orders! I’ll do my best to be of help to both generals, however little I may be able to contribute!”
Minjun answered boldly, throwing caution to the wind.
[Special quest initiated: Cao Cao’s Test—Persuade Elder Wang!] [Difficulty: Intermediate] [Objective: Persuade the stubborn Elder Wang of Wang Family Village to secure provisions for the allied army.] [Success condition: Secure Elder Wang’s voluntary cooperation (without using force).] [Failure condition: Negotiations collapse completely or provisions cannot be secured due to an incident.] [Reward: Experience, allied army contribution, Cao Cao faction contribution, Reputation +++, special reward ???] [The quest has been automatically accepted. Good luck!]
Minjun headed toward Wang Family Village with Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan.
Along the way, Xiahou Yuan bombarded Minjun with questions.
“Lord Gang, can you really win someone over with just a few words? Do you have some kind of secret? Or is it because you’re so handsome?”
Xiahou Yuan asked with a playful smile.
“Haha, no, General Xiahou Yuan. There’s no secret. I just approach people sincerely.”
Minjun answered with a smile.
Privately, he thought, ‘If Charisma: 100 counts as a secret, then I guess that’s my secret.’
“Sincerity...”
Xiahou Dun, who had been walking quietly beside them, muttered in a low voice.
She was still taciturn, but a hint of anticipation colored her gaze as she looked at Minjun.
When they arrived at Wang Family Village, they met Elder Wang.
He was an old man even more stubborn and difficult than the rumors claimed.
When Xiahou Dun invoked the army’s authority and spoke in a commanding tone, Elder Wang flew into a rage.
“How dare a bunch of worthless soldiers come here and throw their weight around! Not a single grain will leave my storehouse until the day I’m buried!”
This time, Xiahou Yuan tried coaxing and soothing him with gentle words, but Elder Wang didn’t budge.
“Hmph! What do a couple of female generals know? Get out of here this instant!”
The negotiations were deadlocked from the very beginning.
Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan wore troubled expressions.
That was when Minjun stepped forward.
He stood respectfully before Elder Wang, but he didn’t look the least bit intimidated.
“Elder Wang, would you give me a moment of your time?”
His voice was gentle and calm.
Elder Wang shot him a sidelong glance and spoke gruffly.
“Who are you supposed to be, boy? Stop wasting my time and get out of here!”
“My name is Gang Jamyeong, Elder.”
Minjun spoke with a smile.
“How could I fail to understand how deeply you care for this village and its people? I can easily imagine how worried sick you must have been over the chaos caused by the Yellow Turban Rebellion.”
Instead of bringing up the military provisions, Minjun began the conversation by empathizing with Elder Wang’s situation.
His sincere voice, the aura of Beloved by All that put people at ease, the Mediator trait, and the Golden Networker title began to slowly loosen the bolts on Elder Wang’s tightly closed heart.
“The reason Commandant Cao and General Liu are joining forces to suppress these traitors is ultimately to create a world where good people like you can live in peace again.”
Minjun looked into Elder Wang’s eyes and spoke earnestly.
“Providing provisions right now must certainly be a heavy burden. But please, think about it. If these provisions become the foundation for driving out the Yellow Turbans and restoring peace, wouldn’t that be the greatest benefit for you and this entire village?”
“Hmmm...”
‘Good. Just a little more, and he’ll come around.’
“We didn’t come here to take anything by force. We’re simply asking for your help so we can get through these difficult times together. Please, try to understand our sincerity.”
Minjun carefully took Elder Wang’s rough hand.
There wasn’t a trace of falsehood or deception in his eyes.
They held nothing but sincerity and respect.
Even Elder Wang’s son and the villagers watching from nearby were moved by Minjun’s words and began urging the elder to agree.
“Father, he’s right. We need to do our part too.”
“Elder, let’s put our faith in them!”
In the end, Elder Wang let out a deep sigh, relaxed his stubborn expression, and nodded.
“Ha ha... I surrender, young man. Your words and your sincerity have beaten me completely. Very well. I’ll open the storehouse. Please, defeat those traitors as promised and bring peace to the people.”
“Thank you so much, Elder! I’ll never forget your kindness!”
Minjun smiled broadly and thanked him repeatedly, prompting Elder Wang to laugh heartily and pat him on the back.
“With young people like you around, I suppose the world is still worth living in!”
Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan watched the scene with their mouths hanging open, unable to believe what they were seeing.
The stubborn old man who had given them so much trouble had changed his mind so easily after just a few words from that young man! He was even praising Minjun after being moved to tears!
“My heavens... That’s not eloquence. It’s sorcery. Sorcery.”
Xiahou Dun muttered with a dazed expression.
“Wow! Lord Jamyeong, I really respect you! From now on, we should leave every negotiation and persuasion job to you! You’re absolutely incredible!”
Xiahou Yuan grabbed Minjun’s arm and bounced up and down, unable to contain her excitement.
[Quest complete! Cao Cao’s Test—Persuade Elder Wang!] [You gained experience from successfully completing a high-difficulty negotiation using Charisma and Politics stats!] [Politics stat increased by 2! (17 -> 19)] [Intelligence stat increased by 1! (13 -> 14)] [Charisma stat proficiency increased!] [Relationship with Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan improved! (Affinity and trust increased significantly)] [Title acquired: Ironclad Persuader!] * Ironclad Persuader: Increases the chance of persuading extremely stubborn or uncooperative opponents. Reduces the target’s resistance during negotiations and persuasion.
[Elder Wang presents you with a gift as a token of his gratitude!] [Item acquired: Yingchuan Medicinal Wine] * Yingchuan Medicinal Wine: A precious liquor brewed with medicinal herbs native to Yingchuan. It is good for recovering from fatigue and highly valuable as a gift. When used, it temporarily restores stamina. When given as a gift, it increases the recipient’s affinity.
Once again, an updated Status window appeared before his eyes.
[Kang Minjun] Courtesy Name: Jamyeong Level: 1 (95% experience) Leadership: 6 Might: 3 Intelligence: 14 Politics: 19 => 20 (+1 item) Charisma: 100 => 102 (+2 item) Trait: Beloved by All, Mediator Titles: Lucky Charm Salesman, Immortal Agitator, Golden Networker, Ironclad Persuader Inventory: Smartphone (no battery), wallet, hoodie, jeans, Silk Robe of Eloquence (equipped), Merchant’s Lucky Talisman, small silk pouch, Yingchuan Medicinal Wine Status: Good, extremely happy
‘Politics 19, Intelligence 14! A brand-new title and top-shelf liquor too! I hit the jackpot!’
Minjun swallowed down his overflowing joy.
When they returned to camp after successfully completing the mission, Cao Cao greeted them with an extremely satisfied expression, as though she had already received the full report.
“Good work, everyone. Especially you, Lord Gang Jamyeong.”
Cao Cao spoke while gazing intently at Minjun.
“Your abilities exceed even my expectations. It’s truly an astonishing talent. I suspect I’ll have to borrow that special power of yours from time to time in the future. That won’t be a problem, will it?”
Cao Cao’s praise and thinly veiled expectations made Minjun feel proud, but they also put him on high alert.
‘Oh, come on. This woman’s only thinking about how to work me to the bone!’
Meanwhile, when Liu Bei heard the news, she was happier than anyone and welcomed Minjun back.
“Jamyeong, you did an incredible job! I’m so proud that my younger brother is this amazing!”
Liu Bei beamed as she clasped Minjun’s hand.
For some reason, Minjun’s face flushed at the sight.
“Hmph! I just got lucky!”
Zhang Fei continued to grumble, but she couldn’t hide the corners of her mouth lifting.
Guan Yu silently handed Minjun a warm cup of tea and encouraged him with a warm gaze.
Even after returning, Xiahou Yuan kept circling around Minjun and asking,
“What’s your secret?”
By passing Cao Cao’s test with flying colors, Minjun’s value and reputation quickly spread through Cao Cao’s faction as well.
Between Liu Bei and Cao Cao, the two heroes, his presence continued to grow.
But this was only the prologue.
The real trial was the large-scale battle against the Yellow Turban main force, which was right around the corner.
What bizarre new method would Minjun use to bring his ‘Charisma’ to bear in the midst of that chaotic battlefield?