Lan Tian was startled when he heard this. Guan Yu had already laid siege to Luoyang, and now Zhang Fei had taken Tong Pass. Given Zhang He's steady temperament, he likely would not stubbornly defend Luoyang to the death.
When he went to Weiyang Palace to see the Son of Heaven, Liu Bei had already donned his armor.
At the sight of Lan Tian's face, Liu Bei recalled the days when he used to mooch meals in Xiaopei. Back then, they had no troops, no grain, and no city to call their own, yet he could be with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei every day. Now that he commanded the realm, it had instead become harder for them to gather.
"Ziyu, I intend to join my second and third brothers in Luoyang. Are you willing to accompany me?" Liu Bei asked with a smile.
Lan Tian smiled. "I have no objections, but the New Year is approaching. Can Your Majesty really leave Chang'an?"
"I am leaving Shiyuan and Xiaozhi behind. They will offer the New Year greetings on my behalf when the time comes. Besides, the realm is not yet settled, and I must put state affairs first. Ziyu, surely you will not try to dissuade me like those remonstrating officials at court?" Liu Bei frowned.
Lan Tian shook his head lightly. "I am not a remonstrating official. I merely mean that if both Shiyuan and Xiaozhi remain behind, who will advise Your Majesty?"
"Isn't there you?" Liu Bei said indifferently.
Lan Tian hurriedly waved his hands. "I cannot compare to the military advisers."
"Haha, would I not know your abilities? Besides, Yunchang is no longer the man he once was. Let us go." Liu Bei strode forward, seized Lan Tian's hand, and led him out.
They reached Tong Pass