Han Ji

In the spring of the sixth year of Xiping.

As the first paulownia leaf fell with the speed of a swift horse, the imperial envoy rode up Mount Goushi, kicking up clouds of dust.

The imperial edict was addressed to Lu Zhi.

In the main hall of the hermitage, the incense table had already been set up. Lu Zhi led his disciples, kneeling to receive the imperial decree.

The messenger's high-pitched voice echoed in the quiet hall, announcing the transfer of Lu Zhi to the position of Prefect of Lujiang, to be taken up immediately and to quell the local barbarian rebellion.

The news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing a slight commotion among the disciples. Lujiang, far away in Yangzhou, was no easy task when barbarian rebels were at stake.

Lu Zhi remained calm, kowtowed to receive the decree, and expressed his gratitude. As he rose, his gaze swept over the disciples below, lingering for a moment on Liu Bei's face.

The welcoming banquet was held hastily. After the envoys were settled in to rest, Lu Zhi summoned Liu Bei to his study.

"You heard everything." Lu Zhi looked at the leaves outside the window that were beginning to turn yellow, his tone devoid of emotion.

"Yes, teacher." Liu Bei stood with his hands at his sides.

"What are your thoughts?"

Liu Bei raised his head, his eyes bright and resolute: "This disciple is willing to accompany Master to Lujiang!"

Lu Zhi turned around and stared at him: "Why? Lujiang is not a good place. The barbarians are fierce and the miasma is rampant. If you stay in Luoyang, with your current reputation, it will not be difficult to find a high-ranking official to serve under and gradually make your way in the world."

Liu Bei met his gaze without flinching: "What is learned from books is ultimately superficial. I wish to experience the battlefield firsthand, to learn true military strategy, and to witness the hardships of the people. Moreover," he paused, his voice low but firm, "I do not wish to remain in Luoyang, following the established order. I wish to follow my teacher to his post and achieve merit on the battlefield."

He laid bare his ambitions before Lu Zhi, without any need for concealment.

Lu Zhi stared at him silently for a long time, then his lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Okay." He only said one word.

After leaving Lu Zhi's study, Liu Bei immediately began preparations. He first wrote a long letter to his mother in Zhuojun and his cousin Liu Yuanqi, explaining the situation and asking them not to worry. He then found Liu Deran and solemnly asked him to take good care of his mother in the future.

Liu Deran was somewhat surprised and saddened. He took Liu Bei's hand and said, "Xuande, go in peace. I will take care of everything at home. But... swords have no eyes, so please take good care of yourself."

Finally, he spread out paper and pen and wrote a letter to Xun Cai.

This letter was written with exceptional difficulty. He explained in detail the reasons and consequences of Lu Zhi's transfer and his decision to accompany him, without concealing the dangers of the trip, and frankly admitting his considerations regarding his future career.

"...This journey is not to escape Luoyang, but to hone my skills. The battlefield is perilous, but my resolve is firm. I only hope to achieve victory soon, to live up to my master's kindness, and to fulfill... his expectations."

He paused here, writing for a long time, and finally, at the end of the letter, he attached a short poem that he had come up with while tossing and turning in bed the previous night:

"My battle robes are stained with dust as I journey to distant frontiers, yet the fragrance of peonies still lingers by the Luo River. I do not seek to be inscribed in the Hall of Heroes, but only wish to repay the passing years with my achievements."

The poem was straightforward, almost devoid of finesse, yet it perfectly revealed his state of mind at that moment. He folded the letter, sealed it, and for the first time, wrote "Respectfully submitted by Liu Bei" on the envelope.

The reply came the day after the letter was sent.

It was still that same silent old servant, but the blue cloth bundle he handed over was heavier than ever before.

Liu Bei returned to his quarters, closed the door, and untied the package with trembling fingers.

Inside, besides a thick stack of letters, there was also a palm-sized brocade pouch.

He unfolded the letter first. Xun Cai's handwriting seemed a bit more hurried than usual, and the ink was slightly darker.

"Seeing this letter is like seeing you in person. Hearing that you are about to embark on a long journey fills my heart with countless emotions. Lujiang is a dangerous and remote place, inhabited by fierce and unruly barbarians. Although you are determined, war is merciless. I earnestly hope that you will take good care of yourself and not be preoccupied with temporary achievements..."

She wrote a long, detailed account, instructing him to be careful of the miasma, to watch his diet, and even copying down several folk remedies that were supposedly effective in preventing acclimatization problems. Her tone remained restrained, but the concern conveyed between the lines was almost overflowing.

At the end of the letter, she wrote:

"I know your ambitions. This ordeal will surely sharpen your sword. I await good news from Luoyang. The road ahead is long; I wish you... peace."

There was no excessive sentimentality, only a profound trust and expectation.

Liu Bei put down the letter, took a deep breath, and picked up the brocade pouch. It felt warm to the touch. He opened it and found a white jade pendant inside. The pendant was small, with a simple, antique design, carved with simple cloud patterns. The jade wasn't top-grade, but it was lustrous and translucent, and warm to the touch.

Underneath the jade pendant was a small note with only two words on it: "Longing for your return."

There was no signature.

Liu Bei clutched the jade pendant tightly in his palm; its warm touch seemed to carry her body heat, soothing his heart.

He understood her meaning. The path to becoming a recommended scholar was arduous, and by giving her this gift, she was telling him that she would wait, no matter how long it took.

He carefully tied the jade pendant to the silk sash inside his waist, hiding it close to his skin.

As Lu Zhi was about to take up his post, the hermitage was closed.

The disciples packed their belongings, preparing to leave. A sense of melancholy filled the courtyard as they prepared to depart.

Gongsun Zan helped Liu Bei pack his meager belongings, muttering under his breath, "This damned inn, it's closing down just like that! Xuande, are you really going to go to that godforsaken place with Lu Shi? Why don't you come back to Liaoxi with me, eat big chunks of meat, drink big bowls of wine, and ride horses across the grasslands? Wouldn't that be more enjoyable!"

Liu Bei stuffed the last few scrolls into the box and shook his head: "I appreciate Brother Bogui's good intentions. But everyone has their own ambitions."

Gongsun Zan sighed and patted his shoulder forcefully: "Alright! I know you're a stubborn guy! I won't stop you. Remember, if you suffer any injustices or can't make it there, come find me in Liaoxi anytime! I may not have much else, but I'll provide plenty of food and drink, and plenty of soldiers!"

He spoke with great fervor, but his eyes were a little red.

Moved, Liu Bei clasped his hands in a deep fist salute: "Brother Bo Gui, take care! If fate allows, we shall meet again!"

Liu Deran also came over to say goodbye, his expression full of reluctance and worry: "Xuande, be careful. As for the family... I will visit them often."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Deran." Liu Bei nodded.

Finally, they went to see Lu Zhi. Lu Zhi had already finished packing, and several attendants were loading the boxes onto the carriage.

"Is everything arranged?" Lu Zhi asked Liu Bei.

"Yes, teacher."

Lu Zhi nodded, said nothing more, and turned to board the carriage.

Liu Bei stood at the entrance of the hermitage, gazing at the place where he had lived for nearly two years. The gray bricks and tiles, the quiet corridors, and the old pine tree still stood tall. Here, he learned the ways of making a living, made close friends, and met the person who haunted his dreams.

Now, we're all leaving.

The carriage drove out of Goushi Mountain and headed south along the official road.

Liu Bei rode on the chestnut horse Chiyun, a gift from Gongsun Zan, beside Lu Zhi's carriage. He looked back, and the outline of Mount Goushi gradually blurred under the clear autumn sky, eventually disappearing from view.

The white jade pendant at her waist, as the horse moved, transmitted a subtle yet firm touch through her clothes.

He recalled that last night, during the final check of his luggage, he took out the long-dried red peony from "The Art of War," carefully placed it together with Xun Cai's letter, and kept it close to his body.

The road ahead is filled with unfamiliar landscapes, an unknown battlefield, and a slim yet crucial opportunity that must be seized.

The wind blew up dust from the roadside, which stung my face slightly.

Liu Bei reined in his horse and took one last look in the direction of Luoyang.

Then, he turned his horse around, urged the red cloud, and followed Lu Zhi's carriage ahead.

The wheels rolled and the horses' hooves clattered.