Zhang Fei Breaks the Rules, Liu Bei Punishes Himself

After meeting with Qin Tian, Liu Bei felt as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun.

If the arrival of Xu Shu had shown him a glimmer of dawn, then his conversation with Qin Tian had paved a broad, golden path directly before him!

To achieve great things, he must have Qin Tian emerge from seclusion to assist him.

And now was the perfect opportunity; since Qin Tian had no intention of joining others, it was the right time for him to recruit such a rare talent!

Liu Bei and Xu Shu immediately rode down the mountain together, where Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were waiting.

Seeing Liu Bei descend, Guan Yu stepped forward and asked:

"Brother, how did it go? Is Qin Tian willing to come out of seclusion?"

He saw Liu Bei shake his head with an expressionless face.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Fei flew into a rage:

"How dare Qin Tian be so bold! My brother went to invite him in person, yet he still refuses? Just wait while I fetch a hemp rope to bind him and bring him here to answer for his insolence!"

With that, he prepared to turn his horse around and leave.

Seeing this, Liu Bei shouted sharply:

"Third Brother, how can you act like this? Have you not heard the story of King Wen of Zhou visiting Jiang Ziya?"

"The gentleman possesses the talent to rectify the world; how can you treat him with such disrespect?"

"If you dare to go, do not blame your brother for being merciless!"

Hearing this, Zhang Fei's expression shifted, his spirit wilting as he muttered:

"I won't go, then, I won't go! Why must you be like this, Brother!"

It was the first time Guan Yu had seen Liu Bei so angry, and he could not help but wonder:

"Brother, does this man truly possess the world-shaking talent the rumors claim?"

He had heard the name of Qin Tian before, but there were many in this world whose reputations exceeded their actual abilities. Furthermore, Qin Tian's fame seemed somewhat exaggerated, almost mythical, which left him skeptical of the man's true capacity.

However, Liu Bei was never one to engage in empty flattery.

If someone truly possessed talent, Liu Bei would treat them with the utmost respect; if they were merely empty talkers, Liu Bei had never given them a kind look.

To be held in such high regard by Liu Bei, it was clear that Qin Tian's talent likely lived up to the rumors.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Liu Bei sighed:

"The talent of Zixuan is something only the great sages of antiquity could match; among the living, few can even see his back."

Seeing Liu Bei compare Qin Tian to the great sages of old, Guan Yu was astonished.

For Liu Bei to offer such praise even after being rejected showed that Qin Tian's talent was truly top-tier.

Qin Tian was not yet thirty years old; could he really possess such ability?

Seeing their doubt, Xu Shu smiled:

"You two likely do not know, but before Zixuan arrived here, Yuan Shu learned that Zixuan had left Cao and went to great lengths to proclaim that if Zixuan were willing to join him, he would be granted the position of Chancellor!"

"Yuan Shao in the north is also inquiring about Zixuan's whereabouts from every direction!"

"If anyone else were treated this way, they would surely be arrogant and conceited, yet Zixuan is content to live in seclusion here, which shows the heart of a true hermit!"

Hearing this, Guan Yu had nothing more to say.

He was proud, it was true, but not so proud that he looked down upon the entire world.

Now that Qin Tian's talent was recognized by both Cao and Liu, and even the two Yuans were begging for his service, it was clear the man was indeed exceptional.

Zhang Fei, hearing this, grumbled again:

"Even if he has great talent, what if he refuses to join our army?"

Before he could finish, Liu Bei said with displeasure:

"Even if the gentleman does not join us, he has done our army a great service. Today's meeting with him was like a sudden enlightenment; I now see many of the flaws within our ranks!"

"If Yide says another word against the gentleman, do not blame your brother for being heartless!"

Seeing this, Zhang Fei knew he had hit a sore spot with Liu Bei and decided to say no more, only grumbling to Guan Yu:

"A fine 'gentleman' indeed! If he comes, there won't be a place left for you and me, brother!"

Guan Yu shook his head and said:

"Yide, say less. If Qin Zixuan truly possesses such rare talent, he deserves to be treated this way!"

Guan Yu had his flaws, but he also had many virtues.

His greatest virtue was his ability to distinguish between public and private matters.

He knew that the reason Liu Bei acted this way was because Qin Tian had pointed out a path for him today.

His talent was exactly what they needed right now.

And to him, Qin Tian's background was a plus; his lack of desire for fame and wealth, and his indignant departure from office, were also points in his favor.

Besides, Qin Tian was not being evasive or refusing to meet; he simply did not wish to enter the world of politics, which was understandable.

After all, if Qin Tian were to emerge from seclusion, he would have better options; there was no need for him to waste his time here with them.

Therefore, taking everything into account, he had a favorable impression of Qin Tian!

He also hoped that Liu Bei could truly obtain the assistance of such a talent!

Guan Yu's words dealt a heavy blow to Zhang Fei. It was one thing for Liu Bei to speak up for Qin Tian, but for Guan Yu to rebuke him as well?

For a moment, Zhang Fei said indignantly and with dissatisfaction:

"I suppose that since my brother has met a worthy man today, he has no further need for his younger brother!"

"Since that is the case, this younger brother shall take his leave!"

Having said this, he vaulted onto his horse and galloped away.

Seeing this, Guan Yu hurriedly shouted:

"Yide, wait! Where are you going?"

As he spoke, he looked back at Liu Bei and said:

"Brother, our third brother's temper is like raging fire; we must not let him act recklessly. This younger brother will go and pursue him first!"

Watching Zhang Fei depart, Liu Bei felt a pang of reluctance in his heart, but he could only nod.

After Guan Yu had left, he sighed to Xu Shu:

"What you said, Sir, was indeed correct. Yunchang is still manageable, but my third brother has become unruly—this is my fault!"

In the past, if Zhang Fei had acted this way, he would likely have softened his stance.

Nothing was more important than the harmony between brothers.

But looking at it now, he realized Zhang Fei had been spoiled by him.

Thinking back, when Zhang Fei first went on campaigns with him, he was not yet twenty, just a callow youth.

It is said that an elder brother is like a father; the fact that he had not guided him properly, leading to Zhang Fei's current recklessness, had much to do with him.

Hearing this, Xu Shu nodded and sighed:

"The matters concerning the two generals can only be curbed by the Lord himself."

"If our army is to enforce strict discipline, we must start with the Third General!"

"Otherwise, the future troubles will be endless!"

"I hope the Lord understands Zixuan's painstaking efforts!"

"Rest assured, Yuanzhi, Bei understands!"

Liu Bei looked in the direction where Zhang Fei had departed:

"That my third brother is like this is entirely my fault. I must lead by example to resolve this affliction."

Having said this, he arranged for his accompanying guards to keep watch at the foot of the mountain, ordered his men not to disturb Qin Tian's family, and then rode back with Xu Shu.

Upon returning to Xiaopei, the two did not go to the county office, but instead went straight to the military camp to summon the generals.

When the generals arrived, only Zhang Fei was missing. Liu Bei looked at Guan Yu and asked:

"Yunchang, where is Yide?"

Hearing this, Guan Yu could only sigh and say:

"Yide was too angry to listen to reason; he has returned to his camp to drink!"

Hearing this, everyone curled their lips. Alcohol was prohibited in Liu Bei's army, yet only Zhang Fei repeatedly broke the ban. The others had long been dissatisfied, though they dared not speak out.

Now, seeing Zhang Fei disregard military orders again, they all felt indignant.

Seeing the reaction of the others, Liu Bei gritted his teeth and said:

"Alcohol has long been prohibited in our army; how could Yide break the ban!"

"Generals, follow my orders! Follow me to Zhang Fei's camp!"

Seeing this, Guan Yu felt a sense of dread. Could it be that Liu Bei intended to make an example of Zhang Fei? He hurriedly stepped forward to persuade him:

"Brother, Yide is only drinking today because he is unhappy; he did not intend to break the ban!"

"Why not spare him this once? Let this younger brother go and persuade him again!"

Liu Bei shook his head, his tone filled with irritation:

"If I spare him once, can I spare him for a lifetime? Ever since we prohibited alcohol in our army, Yide has broken the ban many times."

"It is said that military orders are like mountains. If we do not correct this today, how can we proceed?"

"It just so happens that I intend to enforce military discipline today. Since Yide has broken the ban, how can I spare him!"

"Follow me, everyone. Today, he shall be dealt with according to military law to serve as a warning to others!"

With that, ignoring the attempts of others to stop him, he strode toward Zhang Fei's tent.

Seeing that Liu Bei truly intended to make an example of Zhang Fei, Guan Yu felt a chill in his heart. Feeling dazed and unsettled, he had no choice but to follow.

Along the way, men like Mi Fang and Fu Shiren all tried to dissuade him.

Yet Liu Bei would hear none of it. Upon arriving at Zhang Fei's tent, he found Zhang Fei drinking wine and watching soldiers being whipped for his amusement.

At the sight of this, Liu Bei's eyes reddened, and he said with bitter resentment:

"Men, seize Zhang Fei for me!"

Zhang Fei, who had been drinking, set his wine jar down at once and asked in disbelief:

"Brother, what is the meaning of this?"

"Our army forbids alcohol; does Yide not know this? Why do you repeatedly break the prohibition?"

Liu Bei looked at Zhang Fei, his heart aching with frustration:

"Have you forgotten the disaster of losing Xuzhou in the past, Yide?"

Hearing this, Zhang Fei's body trembled, and he gave a self-deprecating laugh:

"So, you still resent me for losing Xuzhou!"

"Very well, let this day serve the purpose; I shall submit to whatever punishment you deem fit!"

Seeing the soldiers approach, he widened his eyes and roared:

"Back off! I, Zhang Fei, broke the rules—what need is there for you to seize me?"

"It is only twenty lashes; I shall take them!"

He stood up and walked toward the camp exit without a hint of fear.

Seeing this, Liu Bei said with cold resolve:

"Military law is paramount; how can we be lax? Double the punishment!"

Hearing this, Zhang Fei's pupils dilated, and he looked at Liu Bei in disbelief:

"Brother, are you truly so heartless?"

Liu Bei wore an expression of deep pain as he replied:

"It is not heartlessness, but for the sake of military discipline. If I do not double it, where is the authority of our army?"

Zhang Fei felt a pang in his heart and said in a low voice:

"Fine. If Brother wishes to strike, then strike. It is what I deserve!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Guan Yu could no longer stand by and stepped forward:

"Brother, twenty lashes are enough. Why add more?"

"If I do not add more, how can I uphold military discipline?"

Liu Bei turned directly to Xu Shu:

"Officer Xu, where are the instruments of punishment? Bring them forth!"

Hearing this, Xu Shu turned and ordered the soldiers:

"Men, bring the instruments!"

The generals saw that Liu Bei was truly in earnest and began to plead for mercy one after another.

Guan Yu, in particular, urged him repeatedly to reconsider.

But Liu Bei did not budge. By the time the instruments were brought, Zhang Fei was already resigned to his fate:

"Second Brother, stop pleading. Even if it were eighty lashes instead of forty, I would not utter another word today!"

With that, he prepared to lie down on the bench.

But at that moment, Liu Bei stepped forward and grabbed Zhang Fei:

"Get up. Who said I was going to punish you?"

"It is said that an elder brother is like a father. Yide, you have repeatedly broken the rules and failed to change; this is all because I have not been strict enough in my teachings!"

"Since you have incurred this punishment, I shall bear it in your stead!"

Having said this, he turned to the crowd:

"From this day forward, our army shall strictly enforce military discipline. Anyone found drinking will be punished without exception!"

"Let it begin today with me, Liu Xuande. There shall be no mistakes!"

With that, Liu Bei lay down on the bench and said in a deep voice:

"Men, carry out the punishment!"

As his words echoed through the camp, the entire assembly was in an uproar.

They had all assumed Liu Bei intended to severely punish Zhang Fei, never expecting that he would choose to strike at himself instead.

PS: After some thought, I must mention that this book will soon be published.

I expect many readers on Qidian will complain, but I must explain: this book was first released on Q-Reading, where it seems members can read for free. It is not that the author is rushing to publish for money, but rather the mechanism here.

Additionally, my editor reminded me today that future updates will be moved to the early morning. Barring any accidents, that will be the schedule from now on.

As for the comments from you, my readers, I have been reading them all. I am just new here and not yet familiar with the platform, so I haven't been replying much. Thank you all for your support and corrections; I am truly grateful.