Zhang Yide, Honest and Trustworthy

Xiahou Mao was rendered speechless. Could Sun Quan be using kelp as war reparations? Otherwise, why would this bunch of roughnecks eat the stuff as a staple?

"General Zhang, you certainly know how to jest. How could kelp be something without number? But using it as military rations is truly bold of you. I admire you immensely," Xiahou Mao replied with a smile.

Zhang Fei turned, frowning. "You bastard, you still don't believe it? Pour another two bowls into the Consort. We've got kelp to spare. When you go back, bring a message to that brat Cao Pi: surrender the city to the King of Hanzhong early, and I guarantee you'll be eating kelp every day."

"Uh..." Xiahou Mao thought, Being emperor isn't just about having something to eat. He neither dared nor had time to refute Zhang Fei, because Zhang Da was already approaching with another two bowls of soup.

Still standing and tied to the tree, Xiahou Mao was forced to drink several bowls of kelp soup. By nightfall, with the cool breeze whistling through his crotch, heaven knew how many times his trousers, shoes, and socks would be soaked.

The next day, when the sun had climbed to the center of the sky, the two sides formed ranks five li southeast of Shanggui for the exchange.

Zhang Fei had deliberately chosen the exchange site outside the valley leading into Qishan Road. Should anything go wrong, they could retreat into the valley and return to Wudu. The mountain path southward twisted and wound; only a small force was needed to block a pursuing army. Thus, Zhang Fei was not worried that Han Shao might play tricks.

Watching the other side push over the prison cart, Zhang Fei grinned and teased Xiahou Mao. "Consort Xiahou, your subordinate's not bad.