I Plant Hope in Jiao Province

Lan Ziyu arrived in Xiangyang in early February. The fighting in the north had concluded over ten days prior, and since the families of the Trap-Breaking Army soldiers were mostly in Southern Jing and Jiao Province, even with victory secured, the men were eager to return home.

After staying in Xiangyang for two days, Lan Ziyu sought out Liu Bei and Guan Yu to bid them farewell.

"I had intended for us to gather for a few more days; I did not expect you to be so eager to return, Ziyu," Liu Bei said, sounding somewhat reluctant.

Lan Ziyu cupped his hands and explained, "We have been away for several months, and there are many pressing matters in Jiao Province that remain unsettled. I must take my leave of the King and the generals for now."

"Very well. State affairs must take precedence," Liu Bei nodded.

Zhang Fei asked, "Ziyu is leaving today? Second Brother, arrange some ships for me; I must also hasten to Wudu."

"Is Third Brother in such a rush as well?" Guan Yu frowned.

"State affairs take precedence. I am following Ziyu's example," Zhang Fei said, patting his chest.

Liu Bei looked at Zhang Fei, then at Guan Yu, and said in a low voice, "Since both Ziyu and Yide must depart, I shall also head to Jiangling to rendezvous with Xiaozhi. I leave the defense of Xiangyang to you, Second Brother."

"Rest assured, Big Brother. With me here, Fancheng and Xiangyang shall not fall," Guan Yu promised, his tone ringing with conviction.

"Good, good, good. I wonder in what year we three brothers shall meet again," Liu Bei said, patting Guan Yu on the shoulder. He looked somewhat despondent; after all, the distance between Chengdu and Xiangyang was vast.

Seeing that both Liu Bei and