Some time had passed since that great battle, and another, more profound change, one concerning the Empire's future, began to unfold quietly.
The first good news came from Guan Yu's residence: Lady Guan was pregnant. Liu Bei was overjoyed at the news, while Zhang Fei loudly proclaimed himself the child's uncle and had a small pair of wooden weapons, a saber and a sword, made as gifts well in advance. Though Guan Yu's expression remained composed, the sharpness in his eyes softened considerably as he stroked his beard. He personally named the unborn child "Ping," with the courtesy name "Tanzhi," conveying the wish to "pacify a troubled age and enjoy a smooth path through life."
Soon afterward, good news came from Liu Bei's residence: his wife had given birth to a son. Born in relatively peaceful surroundings, the boy was named "Liu Ning," expressing the wish for peace throughout the land and carrying Liu Bei's hopes for a better future. The child's birth brought Liu Bei immense comfort and deepened his emotional investment in building their new home.
Good news also arrived from Zhang Fei's residence. Mo Shi was pregnant, and Zhang Fei was so delighted that he turned several somersaults in his residence, frightening the old steward into hurrying to fetch a doctor to take her pulse. Rubbing his hands, Zhang Fei shouted to Liu Bei, "Second Brother, Second Brother! I'm going to be a father too! What do you think I should call the child? It has to sound impressive! Something commanding!" Ultimately, before the child was born, they settled on the single character "Bao," suggesting the vigorous new growth of plants and carrying the hope of "a bud awaiting its time, destined to bloom."
Good news followed from other residences. Zhao Yun had a son and named