Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 105 Lord Xuande, when will you be able to return to Xuzhou?

Xuzhou, with its capital at Xiapi.

The three brothers rode up, gazing at the familiar city of Xiapi in the distance, their expressions filled with emotion.

"Brother, I don't want to see that scoundrel Lü Bu, so I'm leading my troops to Xiaopei to help Zizhong defend against Yuan Shu."

Liu Bei nodded slightly, "Very well, Third Brother, you are impulsive. We need someone's help on this trip, and if we are humiliated, it is indeed inconvenient for us to see him."

After Zhang Fei led his troops away, Liu Bei and Guan Yu exchanged a glance, spurred their horses to Xiapi, and bowed to the gatekeeper.

"I hope the young general will pass on a message, saying that Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle and Governor of Yu Province, has come to visit."

The soldier was stunned upon hearing this, staring intently at Liu Bei, a look of joy appearing on his face.

"Is it Lord Xuande who has returned? Since you left, everyone has been grateful for your benevolence and righteousness, and we all miss you very much."

The people of Xuzhou are all saying that you took the rich and fertile land of Yuzhou and don't want us anymore.

I always said that Lord Xuande was benevolent and righteous, and would not abandon everyone. Are you finally coming back to take control of Xuzhou today?
These days, General Lü is conscripting soldiers every day, from fifteen years old to fifty years old, none of whom can escape.

Since I joined the army, my mother has been the only one running the family pancake stall. She is getting old and has no one to take care of her, which I find very hard to bear.

"Lord Xuande! Although Xuzhou is not as prosperous as Yuzhou, the people of our village are willing to pool their money and grain to support you. Please do not abandon us."

This soldier was clearly a new recruit that Lü Bu had just recruited from the people of Xuzhou. Upon seeing Lord Xuande, whom he and the villagers had been longing for day and night, how could he possibly hold back?

Seeing how much the people loved and respected him, Liu Bei was overcome with emotion and covered his face to weep.

If he could, why would he be willing to abandon Xuzhou, a province he had painstakingly cultivated and which enjoyed popular support, and instead fight against Yuan Shu in Yuzhou, a province whose people were loyal to Yuan Shu?

But how could an ordinary soldier understand the intricate web of interests among these powerful lords?

“The duties of each prefecture are appointed by the imperial court, and there is no choice but to fulfill them.”

He squeezed the soldier's hand tightly, "Go back and tell the villagers that things will get better. I will do my best to dissuade General Lü from the large-scale conscription."

“Lord Xuande, I know.”

A strange look appeared in the soldier's eyes amidst his disappointment. "Is it really as the rumors say, that General Lü stole Xuzhou?"

If that's the case, please come back if you have the chance. We are all willing to help you.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was taken aback, and his expression immediately turned stern and frosty.

"Who spread these rumors? You must not mention them again, lest you endanger your own life."

"Can"

As the two were talking, a loud laugh was heard.

“Now that you’ve returned home, why don’t you come in? Why are you talking outside the door?”

He paused, clearly noticing that Liu Bei was speaking with an unknown soldier, their hands clasped tightly.

Liu Bei remained calm and composed, responding with a smile.

"I used to buy his steamed buns often when I was in the city. After wandering around, it's hard not to feel nostalgic to see an old friend from Xuzhou again. General, please don't doubt me."

"I see."

Lü Bu smiled and stepped forward to greet Liu Bei.

“My virtuous brother has always loved the people like his own children, how could I doubt him?”

"The last time you protected my family in Xuzhou, I was truly grateful for your kindness. I have come here to express my gratitude in person."

Seeing Liu Bei about to bow, Lü Bu quickly stopped him.

"Brother, what are you saying? We're brothers, this is what I should do." He said, his eyes seemingly searching behind Liu Bei before asking.

"That black-faced fellow, why isn't your brother here?"

"Since our last parting in Xuzhou, I haven't been able to see your younger brother, which I regret. I haven't heard him talk about fighting three hundred rounds in a long time, and I miss him quite a bit."

Guan Yu could easily detect the smugness in his words, as if he wanted to humiliate his third brother to his face. He snorted coldly and replied in a cold voice.

"My third brother was unwilling to enter the city and led his troops to Xiaopei to defend against Yuan Shu."

"Isn't this Yun Chang?"
I've heard of you in Xuzhou. It's said that you encountered Ji Ling, a general under Yuan Shu, and were defeated and fled after only three exchanges.

"I only ask you, is Ji Ling really that powerful?"

Seeing that his face was flushed and he didn't answer, Lü Bu didn't take it to heart and said with a smile:
"Yun Chang, don't be angry! I call you my elder brother, so your business is my business. When I see Ji Ling, I will personally kill him for you, so that I can vent your anger."

Guan Yu was shocked and alarmed upon hearing this, realizing something was wrong!
If Lü Bu were to make a move, given Ji Ling's abilities, he would probably be killed in less than three moves.
As for the idea that they would bully Lü Bu's horse as they would treat themselves, that's utter nonsense.

Among men, Lü Bu was the best; among horses, Red Hare was the best. Red Hare, the horse under Lü Bu's command, was extremely intelligent and could dodge hidden weapons on its own.

But if Lü Bu kills Ji Ling in three moves, and Ji Ling then defeats him in three moves, what will become of Guan Yu if this reputation spreads?

Moreover, with Ji Ling dead, he would have no more chances to prove himself. So, after a moment's thought, Guan Yu stroked his beard and spoke calmly.

"Ji Ling's martial arts skills may not be as good as the general's, but he is quite unique in terms of hidden weapons. He is extremely powerful and can be called the best hidden weapon master in the world."

Moreover, during the battle, Ji Ling was extremely cunning. I was caught off guard and fell into his trap, which led to my defeat in three rounds.

General Lü, you must not be careless. If you underestimate Ji Ling and rush into battle without making adequate preparations, you will inevitably meet with unforeseen consequences.

"Oh? That's actually true."

Lu Bu had never seen Guan Yu, who was always arrogant and looked down on even himself, praise someone so highly.
If Guan Yu had said that Ji Ling was exceptionally skilled in martial arts, no less than Lü Bu, Lü Bu would certainly not have believed him.

However, if he had unique skills in using hidden weapons and lacked martial ethics, then it would make sense why Guan Yu was defeated in three rounds, which would make it hard for Lü Bu not to believe.

Furthermore, Ji Ling's reputation as unparalleled in the world is growing daily, almost catching up with his own.

Lu Bu was thus wary, secretly looking at Ji Ling while outwardly showing disdain.

"Hidden weapons? That's nothing! I, Lü, don't even consider them a threat. One day, I will surely take Ji Ling's head from Yun Chang's neck to quell my hatred."

As they talked, Lü Bu led them into the courtyard of the mansion, then took the seal of the Governor of Xu Province and handed it to Liu Bei.

“Brother, it is not that I, Lü, stole Xuzhou. It is your younger brother, Zhang Fei, who was drinking and acting recklessly here. He killed someone because he was addicted to alcohol. I was afraid that this would delay important matters, so I took over guarding it for you.”

Now that my worthy brother has returned, it is only right that we return it.

How could Liu Bei dare accept such an offer? He quickly declined.

"I have long desired to cede Xuzhou to my elder brother, and now is the perfect time."

Moreover, I am currently the Governor of Yu Province, appointed by imperial decree; how could I possibly take over Xu Province again? General, please do not speak jokingly.”

"Hey, what are you saying, my brother? This Xuzhou has always been yours."

"General, please do not refuse."

After some back and forth, Lü Bu reluctantly accepted Liu Bei's advice and took over the affairs of Xuzhou, thus officially completing the handover between the two.

The two then sat down in the hall. As before, Lü Bu ordered his wives and concubines to meet him and invited Liu Bei to a banquet, unilaterally establishing a close family relationship.

The two then enjoyed a pleasant reunion, reminiscing about their long separation.

(End of this chapter)