Han Ji

Starting from the second day of the Lunar New Year, it was time to visit relatives and friends. Liu Bei accompanied his mother to visit several of her relatives' homes. Most of them were ordinary families, and their questions were practical, asking him if he was eating well, staying warm, and whether he was engaged.

When the topic of marriage came up, Liu's mother looked at her son and smiled, her eyes filled with both expectation and worry. Liu Bei pretended not to see her and changed the subject.

He also visited several respected elders in the village on his own, such as the old officials who had helped him sell grain years ago. These social interactions were trivial but necessary.

Time flies in the first month of the lunar calendar, and soon it was the seventh or eighth day. The feasts gradually decreased, and life returned to normal. Liu Bei spent his days with his mother and reviewing his books.

Qian Zhao would sometimes come over, and the two would spar in the courtyard. Qian Zhao was strong and his moves were more ferocious; Liu Bei, on the other hand, had honed his swordsmanship in the battles of Lujiang, making it more concise and ruthless. Moreover, Liu Bei was stronger, and he could often find an opening within a few moves. After their sparring, the two would sit by the well, wiping their sweat and chatting about martial arts, horses, or silently gazing at the gray sky.

Jian Yong visited more frequently, sometimes bringing gossip from the streets, sometimes simply sitting idly, watching Liu Bei read, or helping Liu's mother with chores. He remained talkative, but his banter now carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, concern.

One day, Liu Bei was reading in his room when Jian Yong rushed in, a mysterious smile on his face: "Someone from Lujiang is looking for you."

Liu Bei put down the letter and looked up at him.

Jian Yong stepped aside, and outside the door stood a tall man in a county soldier's uniform, looking at Liu Bei with an excited yet ashamed expression.

It's Zhang Wu.

Zhang Wu stood at the door, his worn-out county soldier uniform faded from washing, his face roughened by the hardships of frontier life, his eyes filled with excitement yet unease. He carried a bulging bundle in his hand, its contents unknown.

"Zhang Wu?" Liu Bei was somewhat surprised and stood up. "What brings you here?"

Zhang Wu stepped through the door, placed his bundle on the ground, and was about to bow to Liu Bei: "Military Advisor!"

Liu Bei stepped forward and grabbed his arm: "What are you doing? Get up quickly."

Zhang Wu refused, insisting on clasping his hands and bowing deeply, performing a grand military salute: "Since we parted in Lujiang, I've been thinking of you, sir! I heard you returned to Zhuojun, so... I came looking for you!"

Liu Yong helped him up with all his might, and seeing his eyes slightly reddened with emotion, his heart also warmed. In Lujiang, Zhang Wu was one of his most capable personal guard captains. They had fought side by side countless times, from the ambush at Yingzuijian to the suppression of Zhou Chong, and Zhang Wu was someone Nengzi could entrust with his back on the battlefield.

"It's good that you're here." Liu Bei patted his strong arm. "Sit down and let's talk."

Jian Yong cleverly went to pour a bowl of hot water. Zhang Wu took it, but didn't drink it, holding it with both hands as if trying to calm himself down.

"I...I left the camp without permission." Zhang Wu said, his voice a little hoarse. "When Governor Lu returned to the capital, he took most of the veterans from the north with him, but I was scattered and assigned to other places, and was assigned to the county's military camp."

He paused, a bitter look on his face: "But that place...it's so stifling! All day long I'm either patrolling the streets or standing guard. My superiors embezzle my pay, and my colleagues are constantly scheming against me. I can't stand it! When I heard that Canjun had returned home, I...I thought I'd come and join him!"

He raised his head, looking at Liu Bei with eager eyes: "I'm going to Luoyang to join the army, and I'll need someone to run errands and protect me! I don't have any other skills, but I'm strong, so I'm determined to join the army! Please, General, take me in!"

As he spoke, he was about to stand up and bow again.

Liu Bei held him down, his mind racing. Zhang Wu was brave and loyal, and he knew him inside and out; he was indeed a rare and valuable helper. Liu Bei was about to go to the capital, his future uncertain, and having such a battle-hardened brother by his side would certainly be very convenient. But why would his teacher leave such a capable lieutenant in Lujiang? And how did Zhang Wu know his whereabouts? Could all of this be a deliberate act by his teacher?

Suppressing his thoughts, Liu Bei looked at him and asked, "Have you thought this through?" "Come with me to Luoyang! It might not be easier than staying in the county garrison; it could be more dangerous."

Zhang Wu puffed out his chest, his eyes resolute: "I've thought it through! I'll join the army, even if it means going through fire and water! It's better than being a coward in the county garrison!"

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, then you may stay. However, I am still a commoner, so I won't give you any official position; I can only provide you with food and lodging."

Zhang Wu was overjoyed and stood up abruptly: "I don't want an official position! As long as I have food to eat and can join the army, that's enough!" He seemed to have a huge weight lifted off his shoulders, and a simple, honest smile spread across his face. He bent down to pick up the bundle on the ground, "I brought some things for the soldier and your aunt..."

The bundle was opened, revealing several tanned hides and some mountain goods.

Hearing the noise, Liu's mother came out and saw Zhang Wu. After Liu Bei briefly explained the situation, she smiled kindly and said, "You're a good child. Now that you're here, please settle in. Although our home is simple, it's just a matter of having an extra pair of chopsticks."

Liu Bei was immediately instructed to take Zhang Wu to settle in. There was one empty room in the house, which was cleaned up, and lined with dry straw and bedding, which became Zhang Wu's temporary residence.

With Zhang Wu's presence, the courtyard suddenly became more lively. He couldn't stay still, eagerly chopping wood, fetching water, and sweeping the yard, his movements swift and efficient. Jian Yong and Qian Zhaolai, seeing this, were also happy for Liu Bei.

"Zhang Wu is a very honest man," Qian Zhao said softly, watching Zhang Wu chopping wood in the yard, sweating profusely. "With him by your side, we can feel more at ease."

Jian Yong nodded in agreement: "That's right. You can't go to Luoyang alone. Having someone from your own side will make things easier."

Watching Zhang Wu's busy figure, Liu Bei felt much more at ease. This return home not only brought him a reunion with old brothers, but also added a comrade-in-arms from the battlefield. The road ahead seemed to hold more confidence because of this.

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.

The nights in Zhuoxian are much more lively than usual. Although it cannot compare to the prosperity of Luoyang, every household has hung up lanterns, and children are chasing and playing in the alleys with small paper lanterns, their clear laughter ringing out.

Liu Bei accompanied his mother on a walk. It was rare for Liu's mother to be in such a good mood; she had changed into a newer dark robe and her hair was neatly combed.

Liu Bei carefully supported his mother, while Zhang Wu and Qian Zhao chatted a little behind, and Jian Yong had long since disappeared into some lively place.

Stalls selling all kinds of food were set up on both sides of the road, steaming hot and emitting the sweet aroma of noodles and sugar, with vendors calling out their wares loudly.

The flickering lights and the many shadows reflected the relaxed smiles on people's faces, revealing a rare and fragile scene of peace.

Liu's mother watched with a smile on her face, pointing to the lanterns and telling her son about interesting things that happened in previous years. Liu Bei listened patiently, occasionally responding with a few words.

As they approached a crowded intersection, several teenagers were chasing and playing. One of them accidentally bumped into Liu Bei's mother. The child lost his balance and was about to fall when Liu Bei, quick as a flash, caught the child with one hand and steadily supported his mother with the other.

The child was terrified and stared blankly at Liu Bei.

Liu Bei smiled, took out a few coins from his sleeve, and stuffed them into the child's hand: "Here, buy some candy. Be careful not to bump into anyone."

The child snapped out of his daze, clutched the money, timidly thanked them, and ran off in a flash.

Looking at her son's actions, Liu's mother's eyes were full of love and relief.