New Three Kingdoms Tales: Starting as the expressionless Liu Bei

In Xuzhou, the river of fine wine had receded, but all the beds in the city were soaked with wine, lying wet and sprawling on the ground, reeking of alcohol, and were no longer usable.

Fortunately, the problem wasn't serious. Lu Bu's robes were soaked through, so the soldiers found a wide square, lit a few bonfires, sat around them in twos and threes, talked in hushed tones, and made do with sleeping for the night.

Lu Bu suffered too much today. Chen Gong overstepped his authority to attack the city, Chen Gong had an affair with Diao Chan, and both Chen Gong and Diao Chan died...

The thought of these things breaks his heart!

The generals unanimously left him a clearing, and none of them dared to approach and disturb him.

Lu Bu did not refuse. Holding Diao Chan's body, he sat alone by the campfire, staring blankly at the flickering flames.

During this time, more than a dozen wandering ghosts and vengeful spirits followed the scent of the corpses and came over.

Wandering spirits can only disturb people, vengeful ghosts can only harm people, only fierce ghosts can devour people.

The corpses don't move or resist; as long as they eat Diao Chan, their strength will increase dramatically.

Before they even got close, they could smell the aura of Lu Bu, a force capable of defeating ten thousand men, and they scattered in terror, fearing that a single glance would cause him to explode, or that taking another step closer would melt him.

Lu Bu reached out and stroked Diao Chan's pale cheek, letting out a heavy sigh.

If he doesn't become a high-ranking official, he can't protect Diao Chan; if he does become a high-ranking official, he still can't get Diao Chan.

Fate and destiny are truly unpredictable.

Cao Cao was treacherous, and Liu Bei was hypocritical. Was there really no wise ruler in the world worthy of Lü Bu's assistance?

All he wanted was to live a peaceful and stable life with Diao Chan, so why was it so difficult?

Lu Bu sat by the campfire, his mind filled with a jumble of thoughts that kept him awake.

He was physically exhausted, but mentally he was incredibly excited.

If Diao Chan were still alive, she would play a lullaby to soothe the soul.

As soon as that music started playing, no matter how excited he was, he could slowly fall asleep under Diao Chan's soothing touch.

Although a strange creature is currently parasitizing Lu Bu's body, he is still a normal person and has not been overwhelmed by it. As a human being, he gets tired and needs to sleep.

Like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, they have long since become truly bizarre, no longer needing to sleep.

In other words, Lu Bu has not yet experienced a bizarre resurgence, and his strength still has room to increase further.

The so-called "mysterious resurrection" means completely surrendering control of one's body to the strange entities within.

If that monster has a conscience, it might return the body after the war ends.

However, such cases are extremely rare, even extremely uncommon.

The supernatural are all selfish; their own interests always come first.

If they really have a chance to regain their freedom, how could they possibly give the initiative back?

Unless absolutely necessary, Lü Bu would never allow the strange energy within him to revive.

Unless he truly reaches that desperate situation, where Diao Chan is dead, Gao Shun is dead, Zhang Liao is dead, the whole world is against him and wants his life, and he can no longer save Diao Chan.

At that point, he will fight them to the death, giving up everything and dragging everyone down with him.

Thinking of this, Lü Bu felt a surge of excitement.

He still has the trump card of a bizarre resurgence; if he's really pushed to the limit, he might resort to desperate measures, and no one can do anything about him.

His current situation is quite similar to that of Han Xin, who conquered the State of Qi, was enfeoffed as the King of Qi, commanded hundreds of thousands of troops, and was awe-inspiring.

Liu Bei wanted to win him over, and Cao Cao also wanted to win him over. Whoever he sided with would be able to seize the world.

The more Lü Bu thought about it, the happier he felt, and the knot in his chest loosened considerably.

Just then, Lü Bu suddenly heard a light footstep behind him.

He turned around and saw Zhang Liao.

Zhang Liao, clad in armor, walked slowly towards them, carrying a bowl of tea in his hands.

Seeing Lü Bu turn around, he smiled slightly, quickly handed the tea to Lü Bu, and whispered:

"General, this tea is called Xiaoqiao Tea. It has a calming and sleep-inducing effect, allowing people to sleep peacefully without worry. I know that you have something on your mind, so I came to serve you this tea in person."

Lu Bu accepted the tea, nodded with satisfaction, and then asked with some doubt, "Why is this tea called 'Little Bridge Tea'? The name is strange. Is there some kind of 'Big Bridge Tea'?"

Zhang Liao had already prepared his explanation and quickly began to explain:

"This tea is no ordinary tea. The water is drawn from the high mountains and flowing water, and the tea leaves must be planted by people of noble character and talent, like Bo Ya and Shu Qi, and it takes fifty-four days to harvest."

"Withered vines, old trees, and crows at dusk; a small bridge, flowing water, and a humble dwelling; an ancient road, a west wind, and a lean horse; the setting sun; a heartbroken traveler at the ends of the earth."

"Drinking this tea is like being on a mountain stream, listening to Bo Ya and Shu Qi playing an ancient melody. As soon as the music enters your ears, you will feel so comfortable that you will fall into a deep sleep."

Although Lü Bu didn't quite understand Zhang Liao's flowery language, he saw that Zhang Liao was speaking eloquently and didn't want to spoil his mood, so he smiled, took the teacup, and took a sip.

With that one bite, the image of his first meeting with Diao Chan flashed into his mind.

As Xiao Qiao's song softly echoed in his ears, Lü Bu slowly closed his eyes, his entire being lost in memories.

Seeing Lü Bu's intoxicated state, Zhang Liao nodded secretly. He didn't leave, but instead stood beside Lü Bu with his hand on the hilt of his sword, keeping watch for him.

After a long while, Lü Bu slowly woke up from his memories, and two lines of tears silently slid down his cheeks.

He gazed at Diao Chan's cold corpse beside him, a deep sorrow filling his heart.

After a while, he looked at Zhang Liao's back, sighed, and said, "Wen Yuan, it's getting late. You should go back and rest too."

Zhang Liao didn't turn around, but merely raised the corner of his mouth slightly, his tone carrying a hint of stubbornness: "General, you needn't worry about me. I'll go back after I've helped you to bed."

A gust of cold wind blew by, and Lu Bu's clothes were not yet completely dry, so he couldn't help but cough twice from the cold.

The weather in the new Three Worlds is unpredictable, sometimes cold and sometimes hot, all due to the climate changes caused by the crickets colliding with each other; one moment it's summer, the next it's winter.

Lu Bu shrank back and didn't say anything more.

Their secret plot was bound to be overheard.

Just then, a servant carrying hot water happened to pass by. Upon seeing this, Zhang Liao immediately stepped forward, took the wooden basin, sent the servant away, and carried the basin back to Lü Bu, intending to wash his feet himself.

Lu Bu was shocked and stood there for a long time before he came to his senses. When he saw Zhang Liao reaching to take off his boots, he hurriedly grabbed Zhang Liao's hand, his face full of disbelief.

"Wen Yuan, what are you doing?"

Zhang Liao smiled helplessly and explained:

"General, you've been working tirelessly on the war all day, and your body is completely exhausted. Your legs are swollen, and you can't even bend over. Let me wash you." He reached out his hand again.

Lü Bu quickly stopped him, repeatedly declining:

"Even if I can't bend down, I can't ask you to do this kind of work. Aren't there servants?"

"You are now the supreme general under Gao Shun, commanding the three armies. If others see this, where will you put your face?"

Zhang Liao sighed softly, his voice low and sincere: "In front of the general, I will always be your student."

He paused, a hint of reminiscence appearing in his eyes, and slowly said:

"General, do you still remember the phrase 'look at me with new eyes'? If it weren't for your words that enlightened me back then, I would still be a reckless brute who only knows how to fight."

"Since then, I have studied diligently, and now I am considered to be both literate and skilled in martial arts. A scholar who has been away for three days should be viewed with new respect."

"The general has been kind to me like a second life. What is washing your feet once?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu suddenly loosened his grip, completely stunned.

Strange, he felt that something was not quite right. It seemed that he had indeed advised Zhang Liao to study, but upon closer thought, it seemed that he had never done so.

Two conflicting feelings tore at his mind, making it difficult for him to distinguish between reality and illusion.

While he was in a daze, Zhang Liao swiftly took off his boots, scooped up hot water, and carefully washed him.

By the time Lü Bu came to his senses, it was too late to stop him.

Lü Bu sighed and said, "We are comrades-in-arms, so there's no need for such formalities. Chen Gong is dead. Wen Yuan, you are educated and understand great principles. Would you be willing to temporarily assume the role of military advisor and offer me strategic advice?"

Zhang Liao shook his head, his tone unusually solemn:

"General, in my humble opinion, you should not only not let me temporarily serve as the military advisor, but you should also completely remove me from this position."

"Ever since Chen Gong took that position, he gradually usurped the general's power. It was precisely because of this that Chen Gong and Lady Diao Chan met their deaths."

Lü Bu wholeheartedly agreed. Just now, he was merely testing Zhang Liao, wanting to see if this man was truly thinking of him, or if he was just a wolf in sheep's clothing.

In retrospect, Zhang Liao was indeed wholeheartedly loyal to himself.

He thought for a moment, then asked, "Wen Yuan, you've been with me for several years, and I've always valued Gao Shun, so I've treated you somewhat unfairly. Do you have any wishes now?"

Zhang Liao smiled helplessly and said, "General, General Gao Shun and I are both your right-hand men, how could we be treating you unfairly?"

"I once read a book called 'Lolo's Adventures.' According to it, I am your Silver Iron Beast, and General Gao Shun is your Golden Iron Beast. We will always be 'loyal' to you."

Although Lü Bu didn't know what the Golden Iron Beast and Silver Iron Beast were, he felt they were very loyal just by hearing their names.

He nodded and patted Zhang Liao on the shoulder:

"Wen Yuan, you are a talented person. If I don't use you, I'll be blind. Here's what we'll do: from today onwards, you will call me Grand Commander, and you and Gao Shun will be Deputy Grand Commanders, fighting for me and devising strategies for me."

Zhang Liao was overjoyed and quickly clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.

After changing the official titles, Lü Bu sighed and asked Zhang Liao, "Wen Yuan, tell me, should I help Cao Cao or Liu Bei?"

Zhang Liao did not rush to answer, but pondered for a long time before slowly saying:

"Grand Commander, do you remember Han Xin's fate? He made great contributions to Liu Bang, but in the end, he died at the hands of a woman."

"Back then, Kuai Che advised Han Xin to raise an army and establish himself as an independent ruler, dividing the world into three with Chu and Han, but Han Xin did not listen, and in the end he only met a tragic end."

"The current situation is so similar to that time. I am Kuai Che, and the Grand Commander is Han Xin."

"Therefore, I dare to suggest that the Grand Commander should neither aid Cao Cao nor help Liu Bei, but should balance the two sides and establish his own power."

Lu Bu frowned and pondered for a while, still somewhat puzzled:

"Then how should I balance this? Liu Bei is powerful now, capable of taking on 100,000 men, with plenty of crickets to help him, and his subordinates Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun are all capable of taking on 10,000 men. Cao Cao is weak, so wouldn't I be forced to help Cao Cao against Liu Bei?"

Zhang Liao nodded, but a barely perceptible sly smile appeared at the corner of his mouth:

"The Grand Commander's archery skills are superb. He can easily set up camp ten miles outside Xuzhou City and resolve the conflict with a single shot. Let's turn swords into plowshares and dissolve the war with a cup of wine."

"If Liu Bei insists on killing Cao Cao, then we will help Cao Cao and destroy Liu Bei; if Cao Cao wants to kill Liu Bei, then we will help Liu Bei and destroy Cao Cao."

Lü Bu's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in approval: "Excellent! Excellent strategy! We'll do it your way!"

Zhang Liao's face was full of smug smiles, but as he lowered his head to wash Lü Bu's feet, the smile was hidden in the shadows, making it all the more eerie.

Just as Lü Bu was in high spirits, Zhang Liao said again:

"However, before this plan can be implemented, the Grand Commander must go alone to Cao Cao's camp and tell him about this matter in person."

"Furthermore, send Gao Shun with the Trapped Camp to Xiaopei to meet Liu Bei, tell him everything, and ask Liu Bei and Cao Cao to gather in Xuzhou City to reconcile."

Lu Bu's smile faltered, and he hesitated, "Why must I go to Cao Cao's camp personally?"

Zhang Liao calmly explained, "Cao Cao is arrogant, rude, greedy, lazy, and always wants to control what others think."

"If the Grand Commander doesn't go in person, he might agree on the surface but stab you in the back. The Grand Commander might as well be a little more modest, walk a few more miles, and just treat it as playing with a fool."

Lü Bu remained hesitant: "Cao Cao is too cunning. What if he sets an ambush? Wouldn't I be walking right into his trap?"

Zhang Liao waved his hand and said, "It's alright. Grand Commander, I will lead the troops behind you. If anything unexpected happens, I will fight to the death to cover your retreat."

"Cao Cao is not a fool. You are now a match for 100,000 men. If you want to leave, he cannot stop you."

"On the contrary, it will offend you and force you to join forces with Liu Bei. In the end, he will be the one who suffers more losses than gains."

"As for Liu Bei's side, to show our sincerity, we will send Gao Shun with the entire Trapped Camp to Xiaopei. This will not only save face for Liu Bei, but also fulfill our proper etiquette."

Lü Bu was a rough man, and he couldn't understand anything Zhang Liao was saying. Seeing that Zhang Liao had thought of everything for him, he didn't want to waste any more time on it, so he nodded and then sighed.

"Diao Chan has just died, which is the time when she is most likely to be haunted by wandering ghosts and vengeful spirits. Someone must keep vigil over her body for seven days before those things dare not approach. I also want to go and meet Cao Cao, but I simply cannot find the time."

Zhang Liao immediately clasped his hands and requested permission to serve:

"Grand Commander! If you trust me, entrust Lady Diaochan's body to my care while you are negotiating with Cao Cao. I swear on my life, there will be absolutely no mishap!"

Lu Bu glanced at Zhang Liao a few times, then shook his head.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Liao knelt down with a thud, repeatedly banging his forehead against the ground.

"I beg Your Excellency's mercy! This humble general will swear to protect the lady with his life!"

Lu Bu shook his head again and sighed:

"It's not that I don't trust you. On the contrary, I trust you, Zhang Liao."

"But Cao Cao is a scoundrel who loves other men's wives. I'm afraid he'll send men to seize Diao Chan's body while I'm away. With your current strength, I'm afraid you can't stop the experts under his command."

Zhang Liao kowtowed until his head was covered in blood, but he still refused to get up, and said passionately:

"Grand Commander! In battle, no one can be certain of victory, but I am willing to give my life for the chance to win!"

Lu Bu was completely moved.

He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but in the end he only nodded emphatically:

"Alright. Although you have been appointed as the deputy governor, you do not have the authority of the ruler of Xuzhou and cannot mobilize troops."

"I am handing over half the power of Xuzhou to you. Go now and relay my military orders to the brothers to rest for a day. We will set off tonight."