Liu Bei's Second Plea to Lan Ziyu

According to Zhou Cang's account, Cao Ren had struck with such ferocity that he broke through Pingyu County in short order.

Liu Pi and Liu Bei split their forces to flee; Liu Pi led the main body toward Shangcai in the southeast, while Liu Bei crossed the Ru River to the west, heading toward the Ancheng and Yichun regions to seek refuge with Gong Du.

Gong Du had gathered over a thousand refugees in the countryside between Yichun and Ancheng, originally intending to support Liu Pi's uprising, but the latter had been routed before they could even set out.

Led by Zhou Cang, the group crossed the Ru River and reached Ancheng just as dusk was falling.

Lan Ziyu reminded them, "The hour is late; we should make camp here and set out to find my brother-in-law at first light tomorrow."

Though Guan Yu was not weary, he considered the exhaustion of the two sisters-in-law and ordered the camp to be pitched for rest.

That night, Lan Ziyu and Guan Yu sat by the campfire. Gazing at the starry sky, Guan Yu sighed, "This night is truly long."

"Waiting with hope makes even the longest time worthwhile," Lan Ziyu comforted him.

The next morning, after a simple breakfast, the group set off toward Yichun with Zhou Cang leading the way, the Green Dragon Blade hoisted over his shoulder.

During a rest stop, they encountered a traveler and learned that Gong Du had captured Yichun two days prior.

The group pressed on without pause, arriving outside the city of Yichun in the afternoon. Seeing bloodstains on the wild fields, banners half-hidden in the tall grass, and corpses that had yet to be buried, it was clear that a battle had taken place here recently.

Guan Yu frowned and muttered to himself, "These look like the uniforms of Cao Cao's army. Could Cao Ren have pursued us this far?"

Drums sounded from the watchtower nearby. Looking up, they saw the city walls adorned with fluttering banners, and dozens of riders galloping toward them.

Guan Yu squinted and recognized the figure as Zhang Fei; he spurred the Red Hare forward, excited to meet him.

Zhou Cang was startled by this; he hoisted the Green Dragon Blade and ran after him, shouting as he chased, "General Guan! Your blade, your blade!"

Lan Ziyu was stunned, thinking to himself that this dark-faced fellow was endearingly loyal, and he spurred his horse to follow.

From a distance, Zhang Fei also recognized Guan Yu. Without a word, he leveled his Serpent Spear and thrust it forward. Fortunately, Guan Yu's reflexes were sharp; he dodged to the side while catching the shaft of the spear.

"Third Brother, it is your Second Brother!" Guan Yu cried.

Zhang Fei roared, "What Second Brother? It is precisely you, that disloyal and unrighteous scoundrel, whom I intend to kill!"

"Where could such words possibly come from?" Guan Yu asked, looking utterly bewildered.

"I just slew that Cai Yang, and now you come to meet us—what favors has Cao the Rebel bestowed upon you?"

Zhang Fei's eyes bulged with rage, and Guan Yu's face flushed a deep red. The two locked their weapons in a test of strength, neither yielding an inch.

"Third Brother, you misunderstand—"

Before Guan Yu could finish, Zhou Cang arrived, panting. "Do not harm my master! General Guan, your blade!"

Zhang Fei suddenly exerted force, breaking free from Guan Yu, and charged directly at Zhou Cang with his spear.

Zhou Cang raised his blade to block, but Zhang Fei's horse was swift, and the Serpent Spear struck like lightning.

"Third Brother, no!"

"Third General, show mercy!"

In the blink of an eye, Guan Yu and the arriving Lan Ziyu shouted simultaneously. Zhang Fei abruptly pulled back his spear. Though Zhou Cang did not fear death, cold sweat broke out on his back.

Both were dark-faced men, but it was clear that the one on horseback was the stronger of the two.

Zhang Fei caught sight of Lan Ziyu and paused, recalling that Guan Yu had been unarmed. He said coldly, "Lan Ziyu, have you also surrendered to Cao the Rebel like him?"

"Third General, you misunderstand. General Guan is escorting us to find my brother-in-law." Lan Ziyu gestured toward the carriage behind them.

Zhang Fei looked over and saw two women standing by the carriage.

Just as Zhang Fei hesitated, another troop of men rode out from the city.

The two leaders were both mounted on white horses; one was a man in white robes and silver armor, and the other was the long-lost Liu Bei.

"Second Brother? Ziyu?" Liu Bei was overjoyed to see them.

Seeing Liu Bei, Guan Yu immediately dismounted and knelt. "To protect the two sisters-in-law, I had no choice but to temporarily reside in Cao's camp. I beg Big Brother to forgive me!"

Liu Bei reached out to help Guan Yu up, saying, "How could your Big Brother ever doubt your character? Rise quickly."

The three brothers of the Peach Garden embraced, weeping and laughing in turn. The white-robed general walked up to Lan Ziyu, bowed, and said, "I am Zhao Yun. May I ask who you are, sir?"

"Lan Ziyu."

Zhao Yun bowed deeply. "So it is Master Ziyu. I have often heard the Lord speak of you."

"Greetings, General Zilong," Lan Ziyu replied.

After the brief reunion of the three brothers, Liu Bei walked over, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Since you two have already met, I need not introduce you. Ziyu, shall we talk inside the city?"

"Yes, let us bring my sister and the others along." As Lan Ziyu spoke, the attendants were already escorting the carriage toward them.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu walked at the front of the procession; Liu Bei seemed to be intentionally avoiding Lan Ziyu.

Lan Ziyu followed behind with Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun. Zhang Fei said with great animation, "Zilong, you are in for a treat. This fellow Lan Ziyu has culinary skills that are the best in the world; my wife can't even compare to half of his finger."

Zhang Fei's wife? Lan Ziyu was baffled; he hadn't seen this fellow take a wife back in Xu Province.

Zhao Yun smiled, "Then I shall look forward to enjoying his cooking when there is time."

"Easily done, easily done." Lan Ziyu thought to himself that even though Zhang Fei was now married, his endearing personality remained unchanged.

Upon entering Yichun, Liu Bei introduced Guan Yu and Lan Ziyu to the old guard, including Gong Du and Jian Yong, and many were moved to tears.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Liu Bei dismissed the others, instructing Jian Yong and Sun Qian to prepare a welcoming banquet, while keeping only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Lan Ziyu behind.

Chen Dao closed the door as signaled, and Liu Bei suddenly bowed deeply to Lan Ziyu, saying, "Bei regrets not heeding Ziyu's words, which led to the failure in Xu Province and left you and Yunchang stranded in Xudu. In truth, I had my own unavoidable circumstances; I hope Ziyu will forgive me."

"Big Brother, why are you showing such great respect to this lad?" Zhang Fei asked, bewildered.

"Third Brother, shut your mouth," Liu Bei and Guan Yu barked in unison.

Zhang Fei was left stunned in place by the scolding.

Lan Ziyu cupped his hands and said modestly, "I was merely spouting nonsense at the time. That you did not blame me, Brother-in-law, is already a sign of your immense magnanimity."

Liu Bei tilted his head back and sighed, "Since I first took up arms against the Yellow Turban, I have run between the various warlords. Now, having passed the age of forty, I have achieved nothing. After much reflection, I realize I lack a master strategist."

"Ziyu, your strategies are profound. I wish to appoint you as my military advisor. I hope you will set aside past grievances and lend me your strength. Together, let us restore the Han Dynasty, save the common people from fire and water, and leave our names in the annals of history."

"Military advisor?" Lan Ziyu shook his head vigorously upon hearing this.

"Could it be that Ziyu still resents me for my past negligence toward men of talent?" Liu Bei asked, puzzled.

Lan Ziyu gave a bitter smile. "It is not that I am unwilling to serve as military advisor, but that I truly lack the capability. My meager strategies are insufficient to help you contend for the world, Brother-in-law."

"Ziyu, do not be overly modest. You possess the talents of a ghost or god; I, Guan, have experienced this many times," Guan Yu said with a solemn expression.

"If Ziyu feels my sincerity is lacking, tomorrow I shall fast and bathe, and follow the example of Gaozu when he appointed Han Xin as general," Liu Bei added.

Lan Ziyu cupped his hands and said, "I have taken your sincerity to heart, my lord. Knowing how to employ people is the royal way. The position of military advisor will be filled by another in the future. I do not understand military politics, but I am skilled in agriculture; I can help you cultivate the land."

"Lan Ziyu, why are you always so obsessed with farming? Being a military advisor is far more prestigious," Zhang Fei said, unable to comprehend.

"If you truly wish to restore the world, my lord, I have nine words of truth to offer you," Lan Ziyu said, ignoring Zhang Fei.

"Nine words of truth?" Liu, Guan, and Zhang all looked on with curiosity.

Lan Ziyu said solemnly, "Build walls high, store grain widely, and claim the title of king slowly."

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