Chapter 51: Diao Chan (fixed)

Zhang Fei’s suggestion presented Liu Bei with a new approach.

Why insist on capturing Pei County through brute force? There might be another way! If he could persuade Lu Bu to return it, their current predicament would resolve effortlessly, without shedding a single drop of blood!

“Will this work?”

Stunned, Zhang Fei couldn’t believe his casual remark had led his brother to seriously consider such a plan.

Liu Bei, however, was resolute. Turning to Guan Yu, he said, “Yunchang, once we’re back, I’ll draft a letter immediately. Select some trustworthy soldiers and rush it to Downstream; deliver it directly to Lu Bu.”

“Our survival hinges on this move!”

Liu Bei decided to gamble on his ability to judge people. He believed that given Lu Bu’s character, upon learning about the Emperor’s plight and their own dire situation, he would likely offer assistance!

Fortunately, Downstream wasn’t too far from Pei County. With soldiers riding day and night, they should make the round trip within five days.

“All right!” Guan Yu nodded firmly, without further comment.

Although he held little regard for Lu Bu and doubted that such an unpredictable villain would willingly relinquish Pei County, since it was his elder brother’s command, he agreed to carry out the task.

Xuzhou, with its thriving population and prosperous trade, was strategically located along both land and water routes. Since ancient times, it had been fiercely contested by military strategists, making it highly coveted by various regional lords.

Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, and even Yuan Shao all coveted this territory greatly.

However, after Lu Bu defeated Liu Bei and seized Downstream City, he established it as his main base, amassing troops there to control the entirety of Xuzhou.

Within the prefectural governor’s residence at Downstream City, Lu Bu hosted a feast that day, inviting many of his subordinate officers. The atmosphere inside the mansion was lively.

“Today marks my birthday, so you must drink your fill! If any wine remains, I won’t let any of you leave!”

“Hahaha!” Amidst the banquet, a robustly handsome man laughed heartily to the assembled generals.

Standing eight feet tall, with thick eyebrows and piercing eyes, his imposing appearance exuded extraordinary valor.

This formidable figure was none other than the current ruler of Xuzhou - General of Martial Might, Marquis of Wen, Lu Bu!

As Lu Bu spoke, he raised a jug of wine and drank boldly, quickly emptying it without leaving a drop. Wiping his mouth, he grinned, “Now that’s satisfying!”

“Well done! Impressive drinking prowess, General!”

“A vast capacity indeed, General!”

“I offer another toast to our General!”

“Again! Again!”

The officers cheered and flattered him incessantly.

In high spirits, Lu Bu grabbed another jar, tore off its clay seal, and prepared to continue drinking when a delicate hand reached out from beside him, stopping his progress.

“General, you’ve had enough for today,” said a young woman dressed in palace attire. “Have you forgotten about the military matters that need attending tonight?” She was no more than twenty years old, with exquisite features, a graceful figure, and an air of gentle vulnerability that made her incredibly alluring. Her gaze now held a hint of reproach as she looked at Lu Bu.

This woman was Diao Chan, who had accompanied Lu Bu to Downstream.

Lu Bu laughed. “No worries! This amount is barely quenching my thirst; it won’t even come close to making me drunk.”

He was thoroughly enjoying himself and showed no signs of slowing down.

Seeing that her persuasion was futile, Diao Chan sighed. “Very well, General, please drink moderately. I will prepare some sobering soup for you.” With those words, she rose, bowed gracefully to everyone present, and left the feast.

After Diao Chan departed, one of the generals praised her, saying, “Diao Chan truly is an unparalleled beauty, so tender and considerate. General, your fortune shines brightly indeed!”

Another general chuckled, “No wonder you were ready to rebel for such a beauty.”

The compliments from his generals brought an unmistakable look of pride to Lu Bu’s face.

Throughout his life, he had always indulged in fine wine and beautiful women. Now, as ruler of Xuzhou with countless elite soldiers under his command, he enjoyed endless feasts and was accompanied by Diao Chan, the unparalleled beauty. This was precisely the lifestyle he had always dreamed of.

“Come, come! Let’s drink! Tonight we won’t stop until we’re drunk!”

With a grand wave of his hand, Lu Bu prepared to revel in drinking with his generals.

Just then, a servant hurried into the room and reported, “General, Mr. Chen is requesting an audience outside the residence.”

“Hmm? Gongtai?” Through his drunken haze, Lu Bu perked up slightly upon hearing the servant’s words and instructed, “Quickly bring him in!”

The servant acknowledged the order and promptly returned with a scholar clad in purple robes.

Lu Bu stood up, extending an invitation, “Gongtai, perfect timing! Today marks this general’s birthday celebration. Join me for a toast!” He attempted to pull Chen Gong to sit beside him at the feast.

However, Chen Gong remained unmoved. Glancing around at the other generals, he furrowed his brow and said, “General, I have urgent matters to report.”

“Oh, what urgent matter? Let’s discuss it tomorrow—“

“General!” Chen Gong sternly shook off Lu Bu’s hand.

The festive atmosphere abruptly turned icy.

Recognizing the tension, the other officers wisely excused themselves and soon dispersed entirely.

Chen Gong’s arrival had disrupted the lively banquet, instantly dampening Lu Bu’s spirits. He plopped back onto his seat and impatiently demanded, “What is it? Speak quickly!”

However, instead of addressing the issue directly, Chen Gong scolded Lu Bu with visible anger, “General, how have you fallen so low? You spend your days feasting and drinking, neglecting military affairs. Are you truly intent on letting everything go unchecked?”

Lu Bu grew angry at these words, slamming his wine cup onto the table as he retorted, “This general has fought all my life; can’t I enjoy some leisure now?”

“Besides, today is my birthday. Am I not allowed to host a celebration? It’s not like I didn’t invite you; you chose not to attend!”

Chen Gong replied expressionlessly, “If memory serves me correctly, General, you already celebrated your birthday last month.”

“Is-is that so?” Caught off guard by Chen Gong’s blunt remark, Lu Bu blushed and awkwardly scratched his head.

“Uh, perhaps this general misremembered… Speaking of, Gongtai, didn’t you mention having important matters to report? What is it exactly?”

To avoid further embarrassment, Lu Bu hastily changed the subject.

Chen Gong, unwilling to waste more time arguing, got straight to the point. “Yuan Shu has sent an envoy seeking marriage for his son, Yuan Yao, with your daughter, General. They have already delivered a formal proposal along with gifts. The envoy awaits your audience at the waystation outside the city.”

“What?” Upon hearing this, Lu Bu sobered up instantly.

He was well aware that Yuan Shu had declared himself emperor, but now he wanted to forge a marital alliance by marrying his daughter? What game was he playing?

Lu Bu felt uncertain and uneasy. Looking up at Chen Gong, he asked, “Gongtai, what do you think Yuan Shu’s intentions are? What does he hope to achieve?”

Being skilled in warfare but not in strategy or intrigue, Lu Bu heavily relied on Chen Gong as his trusted advisor, often seeking his counsel before making decisions.