Deceiving Zhang Liao, Guan Yu Escapes

After Guan Yu beheaded Yan Liang, Cao Cao grew even fonder of him, yet he dared not send him into battle again, fearing that once Guan Yu achieved further merit, he would abandon him.

Cao Cao once sent Zhang Liao to probe him, to which Guan Yu replied: "I know Minister Cao treats me with great generosity; however, I have sworn to die with my eldest brother, and I cannot betray that oath. I shall slay generals and achieve merit to repay Minister Cao, but the moment I have news of my brother, I must depart."

Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shao twice at Baima and Yanjin, yet these losses did not strike at the root of Yuan Shao's power.

Yuan Shao's massive army advanced in a continuous chain of camps, stretching dozens of miles across the landscape, using sand mounds as fortifications. They eventually assembled at Yangwu, while Cao Cao retreated to hold Guandu, locking the northern army in a stalemate.

Yuan Shao was in low spirits after his initial defeat when news arrived from Runan: the remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels, led by Liu Pi, had gathered several thousand men. They intended to rise against Cao Cao but lacked a capable leader to assist them.

At this time, Liu Bei was treated with great courtesy in Yuan Shao's camp, yet he drew the jealousy of Guo Tu, Shen Pei, and others. These men recommended to Yuan Shao that Liu Bei be sent to Runan.

Thus, Liu Bei, accompanied by his newly recruited general Zhao Yun and a group of followers, secretly set out for Runan to assist Liu Pi in his uprising.

Yuan and Cao remained deadlocked at Guandu for two months. Cao Cao ordered Cao Hong, Xun You, and Cheng Yu to guard the main camp while he took the rest of his forces back to Xudu, partly to reward those who had distinguished themselves at Baima and Yanjin, and partly to gather the grain and fodder needed for the great war.

Cao Cao held a grand banquet for his officials in Xudu, petitioned the Emperor to enfeoff Guan Yu as the Marquis of Hanshou, and bestowed upon him a new residence along with many treasures.

In the seventh month, Liu Bei and Liu Pi rose in rebellion in Runan and captured Pingyu County. Cao Cao urgently dispatched Cao Ren with an army to suppress them.

Although Guan Yu accepted the titles and rewards, his heart remained tethered to Liu Bei. After returning to Xudu, he often sought out Lan Tian to chat and reminisce.

Lan Tian urged Guan Yu to pay close attention to Cao Cao's troop movements, saying that this matter was inextricably linked to Liu Bei's whereabouts. Guan Yu took these words to heart, waiting until Cao Ren marched out.

Guan Yu hurried to find Lan Tian and asked: "Ziyu, Cao Ren has recently marched to Runan to suppress the Yellow Turbans. Does this have any connection to my eldest brother's location?"

Lan Tian replied happily: "It is highly likely that your brother-in-law is in Runan. If it were merely a band of Yellow Turban remnants, Cao Cao would not have sent such a prominent general."

"That my brother is in Runan is merely your conjecture, Ziyu. To leave so rashly would be unseemly," Guan Yu said, stroking his magnificent beard with a worried expression.

"Why does General Guan not beat the grass to startle the snake?" Lan Tian suggested.

"How is this strategy to be understood?" Guan Yu asked, puzzled.

Lan Tian whispered a few words into his ear. Guan Yu's heart blossomed with joy upon hearing them, and he walked out the door laughing heartily.

"My uncle is in such high spirits today; is there some happy news?" Gan Qian asked as she approached, looking confused.

Lan Tian smiled and said: "Sister, pack our bags as soon as possible. We shall be leaving this place very soon."

"Has my husband been found?" Gan Qian asked, delighted.

"Yes," Lan Tian nodded.

Guan Yu prepared gifts and went straight to Zhang Liao's residence.

When Zhang Liao learned that Guan Yu had come to visit, he personally walked out of the gate to welcome him.

"Yunchang is truly a rare guest; please, come inside." Zhang Liao took Guan Yu's hand, warmly ushered him into the residence, and ordered a banquet to be prepared.

Since arriving in Xudu, Guan Yu had lived in seclusion and never associated with Cao Cao's generals. This visit to see Zhang Liao was an unprecedented event.

"Yunchang has been enfeoffed and honored, and I have yet to offer my congratulations. Today's visit is the perfect opportunity to do so."

"It is thanks to Wenyuan's care that I have been able to barely get by in Xudu," Guan Yu said.

Zhang Liao set down his wine cup, pressed his hand on the back of Guan Yu's, and said: "Yunchang is a man of celestial caliber. As long as you are willing, the threshold of the Marquis of Hanshou's mansion will be worn down by visitors."

"Wenyuan has long known my heart; how could there be any other intent?" Guan Yu shook his head and said.

Zhang Liao smiled slightly but did not answer. The two continued to drink and chat until they were half-intoxicated.

Seeing that Zhang Liao's eyes were unfocused, Guan Yu asked: "The Prime Minister sent General Zixiao to suppress the rebellion in Runan. Since you know my eldest brother is there, why do you refuse to tell me the truth? I have come today to bid you farewell."

Zhang Liao felt as if a spring thunderclap had struck the earth. He shook his head and asked in shock: "How does Yunchang know Xuande is in Runan?"

"I have my own sources. Now that the wine and food are finished, I shall take my leave." After saying this, Guan Yu turned and left. His heart was in turmoil; Lan Tian's plan to beat the grass to startle the snake had indeed forced the truth out of Zhang Liao.

Zhang Liao sat dazed for a long while before suddenly waking to the realization that Guan Yu had spoken of leaving. He hurried to the Minister of Works Mansion to see Cao Cao.

Upon hearing the news, Cao Cao was deeply suspicious: "Yunchang said someone told him of Liu Bei's whereabouts? Could it be that there is an old acquaintance of his in our ranks?"

Zhang Liao felt a chill; the boss was practically naming him. He hurriedly said: "Although we intentionally kept the news of Liu Bei being in Runan from Yunchang, many in Xudu know the situation. Perhaps there are still remnants of the Girdle Edict plot?"

Cao Cao stroked his beard and nodded: "If not that, then Yunchang was testing you, or he has a capable person assisting him."

"Yunchang testing me? I fear that is unlikely. General Guan is a man of open heart, and besides, he only has a few dozen followers left. Where would he find a capable assistant?" Zhang Liao shook his head.

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes and said gloomily: "We are in the midst of a decisive battle with Yuan Shao, and the hearts of the people in Xudu are in turmoil. I must order Yuanrang to conduct a secret investigation. This incident with Yunchang has served as a reminder."

As the two were speaking, a servant reported from outside: Guan Yu has hung his seal and sealed the gold, is escorting the carriages of the two ladies, and is heading toward the south gate of Xudu. The city guards dare not stop him.

Zhang Liao thought to himself: Yunchang really left? And so quickly?

The guard Xu Chu volunteered: "I shall lead two hundred Tiger Guards and bring this man back for you, my lord."

Cao Cao looked at Zhang Liao, then at Xu Chu, and sighed: "Guan Yunchang is a man of loyalty and righteousness. Each serves his own master; let him go."

Hearing Cao Cao say this, Zhang Liao let out a long sigh of relief.

Guan Yu escorted Lady Gan and Lady Mi toward Runan. Because those accompanying him were all on foot, their pace was not fast.

Due to Cao Cao's orders and Zhang Liao's secret protection, Guan Yu encountered no obstacles on his journey south.

Ten days later, Guan Yu and Lan Tian arrived near Pingyu County and learned from the common people that Cao Ren had already defeated Liu Pi, and the remnants had fled southeast toward Xincai.

Guan Yu was shocked upon hearing this and led his group to continue toward Xincai.

After traveling fifty miles past Pingyu, Guan Yu had everyone rest by the Hong River. At this moment, a tall man with a dark face and curly beard appeared by the riverbank.

Lan Tian watched the burly man with vigilance, while the man kept sizing up the group. When he saw Guan Yu's striking appearance and noticed the large banner bearing the character "Guan" standing by the carriage, he rushed over with a face full of joy.

Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

"Dare I ask, are you General Guan Yunchang?" The man knelt to the ground from a distance.

Guan Yu asked with a look of surprise, "Who are you, and how do you know my name?"

The man said joyfully, "This humble one is named Zhou Cang, a native of Guanxi. I have heard that the General's righteousness reaches the heavens and that you once slew Yan Liang amidst ten thousand troops. I never imagined I would encounter you here today."

Guan Yu stroked his long beard and said proudly, "That was a mere trifle, not worth mentioning."

"I have long admired the General. If the General does not find me unworthy, Zhou Cang is willing to serve as your vanguard, to lead your horse and attend to your stirrups." Zhou Cang prostrated himself on the ground, speaking respectfully.

Guan Yu looked bewildered and turned to look at Lan Tian.

He saw Lan Tian nodding incessantly, thinking to himself, This is your die-hard fan, hurry up and accept him.

Guan Yu then said, "Since that is the case, rise and speak. How is it that you are here?"

Zhou Cang jumped up immediately upon hearing this. He said excitedly, "I originally followed Zhang Bao in the Yellow Turban. After the General of Earth died, I drifted about, only joining Liu Pi in Runan last year."

"Liu Pi? Do you know the whereabouts of my eldest brother, Liu Xuande?" Guan Yu asked excitedly.

Zhou Cang nodded vigorously and said, "Lord Liu was with us just a few days ago resisting Cao Ren. After the defeat at Pingyu, everyone was scattered, but I know where he is."