According to Zhou Cang, Cao Ren had struck with such speed that he quickly captured Pingyu County.
Liu Pi and Liu Bei had fled in two separate groups. Liu Pi had led the main force southeast to Shangcai, while Liu Bei had crossed the Ru River to the west and headed for Ancheng and Yichun to seek refuge with Gong Du.
Gong Du had gathered over a thousand refugees in the countryside between Yichun and Ancheng. He had originally planned to join Liu Pi's uprising, but before he could set out, Liu Pi's forces had already been routed.
Led by Zhou Cang, the group crossed the Ru River and reached Ancheng near dusk.
Lan Tian reminded them, "It's already late. We should camp here and look for my brother-in-law first thing tomorrow morning."
Guan Yu wasn't tired, but he considered how worn out his two sisters-in-law would be after the long journey, so he ordered the men to set up camp and rest.
That night, Lan Tian and Guan Yu sat around a bonfire. Gazing at the starry sky, Guan Yu sighed, "This night is truly endless."
"When you're waiting for something you have hope of finding, no matter how long it takes, it's worth it," Lan Tian comforted him.
At dawn the next day, the group ate a simple breakfast. Zhou Cang carried the Green Dragon Blade at the head of the party, and they continued toward Yichun.
During a break along the way, they met a traveler and learned that Gong Du had captured Yichun two days earlier.
The group pushed on without stopping, reaching the outskirts of Yichun in the afternoon. The open fields were stained with blood, tattered banners showed through the grass, and bodies had yet to be buried. It was clear that a battle had taken place here only recently.
Guan Yu frowned and muttered to himself, "Those look like Cao Cao's soldiers' uniforms. Could Cao Ren have chased them here?"
A drum sounded from the watchtower not far away. Looking up, they saw banners fluttering atop the city walls, and dozens of riders galloping toward them.
Guan Yu squinted. The man looked like Zhang Fei. He urged Red Hare forward and rode eagerly to meet him.
Zhou Cang was alarmed. Carrying the Green Dragon Blade, he ran after Guan Yu, shouting as he went, "General Guan! Your blade! Your blade!"
Lan Tian stared in disbelief. This black-faced brute was so loyal it was almost adorable. He reined in his horse and followed.
Zhang Fei spotted Guan Yu in the distance, and without a word, he thrust his Serpent Spear at him. Guan Yu reacted in the nick of time, dodging sideways while catching hold of the spear shaft.
"Third Brother, it's me, your Second Brother!" Guan Yu said.
Zhang Fei roared, "What Second Brother? You're the faithless, unrighteous scoundrel I'm here to kill!"
"Where did that come from?" Guan Yu asked, bewildered.
"I just beheaded Cai Yang, and now you've come to join him. What exactly did Cao the Rebel give you?"
Zhang Fei glared furiously, while Guan Yu's face flushed red. The two men strained against each other, gripping the Serpent Spear, their strength seemingly evenly matched.
"Third Brother, you've misunderstood—"
Before Guan Yu could finish, Zhou Cang had already run up, blade in hand. "Don't you dare harm my lord! General Guan, your blade!"
Zhang Fei suddenly wrenched himself free of Guan Yu and charged straight at Zhou Cang with his Serpent Spear.
Zhou Cang raised his blade to block, but Zhang Fei's horse was fast, and his spear shot toward him like lightning.
"Third Brother, don't!"
"Third General, show mercy!"
In the blink of an eye, Guan Yu and Lan Tian, who had just arrived, shouted together. Zhang Fei abruptly pulled back his Serpent Spear. Though Zhou Cang feared no death, a cold sweat had broken out across his back.
Both were dark-faced brutes, but the one on horseback was clearly the stronger of the two.
Zhang Fei stiffened when he saw Lan Tian. Remembering that Guan Yu hadn't even brought a weapon, he said coldly, "Lan Ziyu, have you joined Cao the Rebel too, just like him?"
"Third General, you've misunderstood. General Guan is escorting us here to find my brother-in-law." Lan Tian pointed toward the carriage behind them.
Zhang Fei looked over and saw two women standing beside the carriage.
While Zhang Fei hesitated, another group of riders came galloping out of the city.
Two men rode at the head, both on white horses. One wore silver armor over a white robe; the other was Liu Bei, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.
"Second Brother? Ziyu?" Liu Bei cried, overjoyed to see them.
As soon as Guan Yu saw Liu Bei, he dismounted and bowed. "To protect my two sisters-in-law, I had no choice but to take temporary shelter with Cao Cao. Please forgive me, Eldest Brother."
Liu Bei took Guan Yu's hands and helped him up. "Knowing you, Second Brother, how could I ever doubt you? Get up."
The three brothers from the Peach Garden embraced, weeping before breaking into laughter. The white-robed general walked over to Lan Tian and cupped his hands. "I am Zhao Yun. May I ask who you are, sir?"
"Lan Tian, also known as Lan Ziyu."
Zhao Yun bowed deeply. "So you're Master Ziyu. I've often heard our lord speak of you."
"General Zilong, the pleasure is mine," Lan Tian replied with a respectful salute.
After the brief embrace between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei walked over, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Now that you two have met, I won't introduce you. Ziyu, shall we talk inside the city?"
"Of course. Let's bring my elder sister and the others along." As Lan Tian spoke, his attendants were already escorting the carriage toward them.
Liu Bei and Guan Yu walked at the head of the group. Liu Bei seemed to be deliberately avoiding Lan Tian.
Lan Tian followed with Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun. Zhang Fei said excitedly, "Zilong, you're in for a real treat. This fellow Lan Ziyu is the best cook in the land. My wife can't hold a candle to him—not even one of his fingers."
Zhang Fei's wife? Lan Tian looked completely baffled. He hadn't seen the man take a wife in Xu Province.
Zhao Yun smiled. "Then I'll look forward to sampling your cooking."
"Anytime," Lan Tian said. Zhang Fei had gotten married, but his adorable nature hadn't changed a bit.
After they entered Yichun, Liu Bei introduced Guan Yu and Lan Tian to Gong Du, Jian Yong, and the others from his old circle. Many were so moved that tears streamed down their faces.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Liu Bei dismissed the others and had Jian Yong and Sun Qian prepare a welcoming banquet. Only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Lan Tian remained.
Chen Dao took the hint and closed the door. Liu Bei suddenly bowed deeply to Lan Tian. "I regret not listening to your advice, Ziyu. It led to the defeat in Xu Province, and you and Yunchang ended up stranded in Xudu. I had my reasons, but I still hope you'll forgive me."
"Eldest Brother, why are you bowing to this guy?" Zhang Fei asked, confused.
"Third Brother, shut up," Liu Bei and Guan Yu said together.
Zhang Fei was so stunned by the scolding that he froze.
Lan Tian cupped his hands modestly. "Back then, I was only spouting nonsense. My brother-in-law didn't blame me for it—that was already very generous of him."
Liu Bei tilted his head back and sighed. "Ever since I set out to fight the Yellow Turbans, I've been rushing from one warlord to another. Now I'm past forty, yet I've accomplished nothing. I've thought it over from every angle, and I believe what I lack is a strategist.
"Your foresight is extraordinary, Ziyu. I wish to appoint you as my military adviser. I hope you'll put the past behind us and lend me your strength. Together, we'll restore the Han and rescue the people from their suffering, leaving our names to shine in the history books."
"Military adviser?" Lan Tian shook his head hard.
"Could it be that you're still angry with me for slighting a worthy man?" Liu Bei asked, puzzled.
Lan Tian gave a bitter smile. "It's not that I'm unwilling to serve as military adviser. I simply don't have the ability. My small schemes aren't enough to help my brother-in-law win the realm."
"Ziyu, don't be so modest. I've witnessed your uncanny abilities many times," Guan Yu said solemnly.
"If you think I'm not sincere enough, Ziyu, I'll fast and bathe tomorrow, then appoint you the way Gaozu appointed Han Xin," Liu Bei added.
Lan Tian cupped his hands. "I've taken your sincerity to heart, my lord. Knowing how to put people to good use is the true way of kings. Someone else can take the role of military adviser in the future. I don't understand military or government affairs, but I'm good at farming. I can help my brother-in-law grow crops and build up our grain reserves."
"Lan Ziyu, why are you so obsessed with farming? Being a military adviser would be much more impressive," Zhang Fei said, baffled.
"If my lord truly wishes to restore the realm, I have nine words of wisdom to offer." Lan Tian ignored Zhang Fei and continued.
"Nine words of wisdom?" Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei all looked at him curiously.
Lan Tian spoke gravely. "Build high walls, store up grain, and delay proclaiming yourself king."
Thanks to victor Liu for the tip, and thanks to everyone who voted and left thoughtful comments. I'll take your praise and criticism alike to heart.
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