Gongsun Zan met with the various lords, exchanging drinks to seal their alliance. After a few rounds of pleasantries, he bid them farewell. Knowing that he had endured a long journey by land and water, the lords agreed to discuss matters the next day and saw him out of the central command tent. Gongsun Zan then led his younger brother, Gongsun Yue, along with a number of generals and guards, to his own camp with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.
"Brother, go get some rest. Don't forget to come to the central command tent at the Hour of the Snake tomorrow to discuss the campaign against Dong Zhuo!" After dismissing the generals and guards, Gongsun Zan said this to Liu Bei. Liu Bei cupped his hands in salute. "Rest well, Brother. I'll take my leave." Just then, someone suddenly called, "My lord!" A young general in silver armor hurried over. Needless to say, this young general was Zhao Yun. Liu Bei recognized Zhao Yun, and a faint glimmer appeared in those clear, tranquil eyes of his. He withdrew the foot he had just stepped forward with.
Exhausted from the journey, Gongsun Zan asked in a low voice, "What is it?" Zhao Yun had been waiting for Gongsun Zan for quite some time. "My lord, the suspicious person we captured a few days ago has vanished without a trace. According to the scouts' report, he is very likely one of Dong Zhuo's spies. Please make a decision." Gongsun Zan said impatiently, "Just a few petty thieves. How could there be so many spies? If he's gone, then let him be gone!" With that, he waved Zhao Yun away.
Zhao Yun's expression darkened.
At that moment, Liu Bei smiled. "Brother, this is an extraordinary time for the campaign against Dong