Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse, Brought Out at Last

Most of the old followers who had accompanied Liu Bei into Yi Province, along with the talent he had recruited while in Jing Province, had met Lan Tian during his time in Jiangling.

Like a university professor taking attendance, Zhuge Liang began introducing them to Lan Tian in order of their seats, generally giving each man's name, courtesy name, and official title.

There were so many people that Zhuge Liang kept his introductions brief, and Lan Tian responded with no more than a slight nod.

Once Zhuge Liang had finished "calling the roll," Liu Bei took over as host of the banquet. He led everyone in recalling the hardships of founding the kingdom, listed Lan Tian's great achievements over the years, then raised his cup and led the toast to him.

Wine was remarkably effective at livening up the atmosphere. The solemn mood instantly relaxed, and the officials and generals in the hall came alive. They chatted among themselves, enjoying the fine wine and food and the music and dancing put on for their entertainment.

After three rounds of drinks, Liu Bei called Lan Yuan to his side. The nearby attendants immediately signaled the singers and dancers to stop, and the hall grew quiet once more.

"Why have they stopped? Keep the music going, keep—"

To show his enthusiasm, Zhang Fei had been drinking from wine jars while Lan Tian drank from cups. After two jars, the alcohol had gone to his head. He had only gotten halfway through his complaint when Zhang Bao, behind him, quickly stopped him. As Zhang Fei's bloodshot eyes turned toward Liu Bei in the seat of honor, his foggy head began to clear.

Zhao Yun, seated not far away, clicked his tongue in surprise. Why did that line sound so familiar?

Liu Bei rose