Chapter 22: The Liu-Guan-Zhang Trio

Despite his intense desire to proclaim himself Emperor, Yuan Shu refrained from immediately announcing it publicly. Instead, he meticulously began preparations behind closed doors.

Proclaiming oneself Emperor was not a decision taken lightly.

Throughout history, imperial authority either came through divine mandate or by emulating the succession of Yao and Shun via abdication. However, with no emperor under his control, abdication was not feasible, leaving only the first method as an option.

This approach was straightforward—discover auspicious signs or unearth artifacts symbolizing heaven’s will and destiny.

Such omens might include foxes howling at midnight, wielding a scarlet sword to slay a white snake, finding inscriptions within fish bellies, ancient tortoises suddenly emerging from water bearing messages like “XX is the true Son of Heaven,” and so forth.

These incidents were all interpreted as heavenly endorsements and validations.

One could argue they’re fabricated, but others may not believe that. Nevertheless, these signs were essential because they represented “the will of the heavens.”

That’s why Yuan Shu insisted on linking prophecies to himself—he wanted people to perceive him not as usurping power from Han, but rather fulfilling heaven’s destined plan for his ascension to the throne.

As for whether it truly aligned with heaven’s will, only time would tell.

Jizhou, outskirts of Yecheng.

The autumn season had passed, and winter approached swiftly. Although not yet bitterly cold, the winds carried a chilling bite.

A withered yellow leaf clung precariously to a bare branch, trembling but stubbornly refusing to fall.

Clop, clop, clop!

Three swift horses galloped along the ancient road, their passing gusts finally dislodging the leaf, which was then trampled deep into the mud by thundering hooves.

“Whoa!”

Suddenly, the lead rider pulled his horse to a halt.

The two following riders promptly stopped as well.

“Dage, what’s wrong?” One of them asked while moving closer. This individual stood at eight feet tall, with a leopard-like head, piercing eyes, a hawkish jawline, and tiger-like whiskers, his voice booming with remarkable strength.

“Is Dage tired and wants to rest?” The other rider queried.

Compared to the first, this person appeared significantly more handsome, featuring a complexion akin to dark jujubes, lips like painted rouge, phoenix eyes, and silkworm brows. Three long strands of beard gracefully draped across his chest, exuding an imposing presence that commanded respect upon sight.

In response to their inquiries, the leader shook his head and raised his whip, pointing ahead. “Ten miles further, we reach Yecheng.”

“I’m hesitating now, unsure if seeking refuge with Yuan Shao is truly the right choice.”

The individual referred to as “Dage” by both men possessed equally remarkable features. Tall and imposing, with arms reaching past his knees, he had a face like fine jade and deep yet luminous eyes that exuded warmth.

Most striking were his exceptionally large earlobes, immediately suggesting great fortune and destiny.

Had Liu Xie been present at this moment, he would have instantly recognized their identities.

These three individuals were none other than Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei!

Their distinctive appearances made them stand out even amidst a crowd, easily drawing attention.

Notably, Guan Yu’s ruddy complexion, almond-shaped eyes, long whiskers, and majestic beard, along with Liu Bei’s prominent earlobes, were hallmark traits recorded in history books. With two of them identified, the identity of the third required no further explanation.

After all, these three brothers always moved together.

“Aiya, Dage, what’s there to worry about?” Zhang Fei spurred his horse forward, unconcerned. “If Yuan Shao’s Emperor turns out to be fake, we’ll just head to Xu County and join Cao Cao instead.”

Hearing this, Liu Bei smiled wryly. “Third Brother, you’re oversimplifying things. As a descendant of the Han Dynasty, if I arrive at Yuan Shao’s court only to leave and ally with Cao Cao, how do you think the world will perceive Yuan Shao?”

Zhang Fei scratched his head, puzzled. “How so?”

Speechless, Shen Pei realized it might be best to communicate more directly with his third brother in the future.

“Dage means that if Yuan Shao’s Emperor is indeed a fraud, he won’t let us leave,” Guan Yu explained to Zhang Fei. “As you know, Dage is of noble Han lineage, renowned throughout the land. If he declares the Emperor in Yecheng as fake, who would still trust Yuan Shao?”

“Therefore, our journey to Yecheng carries significant danger.”

It was evident that Guan Yu fully comprehended the risks involved; this venture could be likened to a daring gamble.

Shen Pei remained silent, letting out only a sigh.

Upon hearing the explanation, Zhang Fei instantly exploded in anger, glaring fiercely and exclaiming, “Yuan Shao wouldn’t dare! If he tries anything against Dage, he’d better ask my eighteen-foot lance first!”

With a swift flick, Zhang Fei’s spear glinted coldly, effortlessly piercing through a bowl-thick dead tree by the roadside!

Such terrifying power from a casual strike—unimaginable devastation awaited anyone struck by that lance.

“Third Brother, remain calm,” Shen Pei soothed, placing a hand on Zhang Fei’s shoulder. “Yuan Benchu is hailed as a model across the realm, born into nobility and recognized as a hero. It’s unlikely he would resort to impersonating the Emperor.”

“Our journey to Yecheng is not only for paying respects to His Majesty but also to seek aid from Yuan Shao and reclaim Pei County. When we meet him, you mustn’t be so disrespectful; remember, we’re asking for his help.”

Zhang Fei nodded emphatically, “Don’t worry, Dage, I understand.”

However, hearing this reassurance only deepened the concern on Shen Pei’s face. Every time his third brother assured him not to worry, it invariably led to more anxiety. It seemed he needed to keep a closer eye on Zhang Fei.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu, polishing his Dragon Crescent Blade, spoke gravely, “If that three-surnamed traitor hadn’t taken advantage of our unpreparedness with a surprise attack and seized Pei County, we wouldn’t have fallen to such a desperate state, needing others’ assistance!”

“Once we secure troops, I’ll surely lead them back, cut down that treacherous villain, and avenge this humiliation!”

The reason these brothers had come to Yecheng seeking Yuan Shao’s help was precisely because Lu Bu had launched a sneak attack on Pei County, usurping their territory. With Pei County now under Lu Bu’s control and even Shen Pei’s family held captive, they were left with no choice but to swallow their pride and request military aid from others.

For Guan Yu, this situation was unbearably humiliating!

“Don’t worry, Yun Chang,” Shen Pei comforted him, patting Guan Yu’s shoulder with a reassuring smile. “A true man knows when to yield and when to assert himself. Seeking help isn’t something to be ashamed of; after all, haven’t I spent much of my life doing just that?”

Seeking to comfort his brother, Shen Pei patted Guan Yu on the shoulder and chuckled heartily, “A true man knows when to yield and when to assert himself. Asking for help isn’t shameful; I’ve done it plenty of times throughout my life.”

Guan Yu pursed his lips, remaining silent. Clearly, Dage’s words did little to ease his concerns.

Seeing this, Shen Pei felt helpless. He understood well the proud nature of his second brother, but given their current predicament, they had no other choice.

“All right, let’s hurry along. We must reach Yecheng before nightfall!”

“Second Brother, Third Brother, whoever arrives last has to treat us to drinks!”

“I’ll take off first then, ha ha ha! Giddy-up!” With renewed vigor, Shen Pei spurred his horse forward, leaving them behind amidst a cloud of dust.

“Dage, that’s cheating!”

“Third Brother, here I go too! Giddy-up!”

“Waahh! Wait for me!”

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei swiftly galloped after him, racing close behind.