After everyone had left, Bai Xiaowen returned to the inner hall.
Before long, Li Shuyi arrived with Zhao Yun.
"General Zilong, you witnessed today's confrontation in the main hall?" Bai Xiaowen asked.
Zhao Yun was somewhat unaccustomed to Bai Xiaowen addressing him by his courtesy name, but he did not dwell on such details and merely nodded in silence.
"That is simply how things are in this world. What you see is only what others are willing to let you see. Everyone has a side unknown to others. Take Liu Bei, for instance."
Bai Xiaowen smiled. "The three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang are indeed bound by deep loyalty. But such brotherhood is suited to wandering the martial world, not contending for supremacy. Even if you follow Liu Bei and fight with unmatched bravery, you will never truly enter the inner circle of those three brothers. In the end, you will always remain an outsider."
Zhao Yun nodded. "I understand that as well."
Bai Xiaowen said, "Since you understand that Liu Bei is not a worthy lord for you, why not join my command? Have you not heard that a good bird chooses the tree on which to roost, and a worthy minister chooses the lord he serves? Of the realm, I already hold nine parts out of ten. The Sun Clan of Jiangdong will soon be pacified as well. If you wish to follow a wise lord and leave your name in history, I am your best choice."
Zhao Yun shook his head. "Liu the Imperial Uncle will always be the lord I follow. His defeat will not change that. I appreciate Duke Yan's kindness. I am willing to die alongside my lord and Generals Guan and Zhang."
Bai Xiaowen sighed. As expected, he still could not persuade Zhao