Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In the deep of night, the three men left the tavern and walked along a path in Zhuo County. The moonlight gently illuminated the ground, and in the distance, the occasional sound of barking dogs could be heard. Zhang Fei suddenly raised his hand and pointed ahead, saying, " Brother Xuan De, Yun Chung Brother, I have a peach orchard behind my estate, which is currently in full bloom. Tomorrow, why don’t we hold a ceremony there to honor Heaven and Earth, become brothers, and work together to achieve great things?"
Liu Bei paused at his words, looked up at the night sky, and after a moment nodded gently. "It is Heaven's will. Since we have the peach orchard as our meeting place, we should forge a bond of brotherhood." Guan Yu slightly nodded, his phoenix eyes shining with determination. "In this way, the three of us can unite our hearts and efforts for the benefit of all living beings."
The next morning, as the sun began to rise, the peach orchard was already ablaze with color. The trees were adorned with vibrant peach blossoms, their delicate pink petals swaying gently in the breeze, falling like a soft pink rain—a dreamscape spread across Heaven and Earth.
Zhang Fei had prepared the offerings early: a black bull and a white horse knelt side by side, their blood dripping into a freshly dug sacrificial pit, releasing a fresh metallic scent; beside them, an altar was laden with fruits and vegetables, three long incense sticks stood upright in an incense burner, their thin smoke curling upward toward the sky.
Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei stood beneath the peach trees. Liu Bei wore a plain robe and had an earnest expression as he held the prepared incense; Guan Yu's gaze was sharp as he carried his Green Dragon Crescent Blade on his back, exuding an aura of quiet authority; Zhang Fei donned a coarse short garment that radiated boldness and passion. The three stood shoulder to shoulder as if even Heaven and Earth trembled at their presence.
"Heaven and Earth above!" Liu Bei raised the incense high, his voice steady and clear. "Today I, Liu Bei, along with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei—though we are not of the same family name—have sworn brotherhood. Together we shall unite our efforts to rescue those in distress! We will serve our country above and bring peace to the common people below!"
The three knelt in unison as peach blossoms danced in the wind, falling onto their shoulders and onto the incense beside them.
"We do not seek to be born on the same day of the same month in the same year but wish to die on that day together!" Liu Bei's voice rang out powerfully as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei echoed him in unison: "Those who betray loyalty shall face divine retribution!"
As the incense burned down completely, they bowed once more and gazed up at the heavens. Their vows dissipated into the air with the smoke, yet the resolute spirit within the peach orchard had deeply etched itself into each of their souls. Liu Bei was the elder brother; Guan Yu was second; Zhang Fei was the younger brother. Their fates were now intertwined and could never be separated.
After completing their ritual, Zhang Fei turned around to grab hold of the slaughtered bull and smeared its blood on his blade. He shouted to over three hundred strong men who had gathered from the village: "Today we form an alliance here to eradicate the Yellow Turbans and bring peace to our land! Enjoy this beef and wine; tomorrow we shall march out together!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as they feasted on meat and drank wine; the peach orchard buzzed with excitement. Liu Bei stood beneath a peach tree watching these spirited villagers with both anticipation and concern: "Today we three embark on this venture. Though there are righteous men among us, we lack horses and weapons; it may be difficult to achieve great things." He slowly voiced his thoughts.
Zhang Fei waved his hand dismissively with a hearty laugh. " Brother Xuan De, since we have such ambition, what is there to fear about these minor issues? Solutions will surely present themselves in due time!"
Guan Yu pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "It sounds simple enough; however, without good horses or proper weapons on the battlefield, even brave men will only meet their demise in vain. How can we afford to be careless before great matters are accomplished?"
As they debated this point, suddenly a servant rushed over to report: "Two guests have arrived outside the estate with a large number of horses and many companions; they say they come seeking lodging!" Upon hearing this news, Liu Bei's eyes brightened instantly. He set down his cup and quickly walked toward the entrance while murmuring to himself: "Heaven has favored me!"
Zhang Fei excitedly followed behind him while Guan Yu closely trailed after them. When they reached outside their estate, they saw two merchants leading horses under the moonlight. Behind them followed over ten companions driving a herd of glossy steeds whose hooves kicked up clouds of dust on the ground. Although weary from travel, each step they took exuded stability like seasoned wanderers weathered by many storms.
Liu Bei clasped his fists and bowed, asking first, "You two have traveled a long way; may I ask what brings you here?"
One of them returned the gesture, his voice strong and clear, "I am Zhang Shiping, a merchant from Zhongshan, and this is my younger brother, Su Shuang. We are horse traders from the north, but due to the recent chaos caused by the Yellow Turbans, we had to return to Zhuo County. Today, as we passed through your area, we sought lodging for the night and did not wish to impose."
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei stepped forward eagerly. "You are too kind! We are currently gathering forces to combat the bandits and bring peace to the people. Meeting you two is truly a blessing from heaven!"
Zhang Shiping looked surprised and regarded Liu Bei with newfound respect. "Combatting bandits and restoring peace? May I ask your esteemed name?"
Liu Bei straightened up and replied with a bow, "I am Liu Bei, styled Xuan De, a relative of the Han Dynasty. Today, I rise with my brothers to pledge our efforts for the peace of the common people!" His words were sincere and steady, causing Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang to exchange glances filled with admiration.
"Such noble aspirations from Liu Gong should be revered by all!" Zhang Shiping laughed heartily and gestured towards the horses behind him. "In that case, we shall lend our support. These fifty fine horses are a gift for you! Additionally, here are five hundred taels of gold and silver, along with one thousand pounds of wrought iron—may they serve you well in your endeavors!"
Liu Bei was momentarily stunned but quickly bowed deeply in gratitude. "Xuan De is unworthy of such generosity from you both. I vow not to disappoint your expectations and will do my utmost for the people!"
The three welcomed their guests into the inn and prepared a feast. During the meal, Liu Bei elaborated on his plans for rebellion against tyranny. Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang listened intently, their blood boiling with excitement. Before departing, they reminded him once more, "Liu Gong, do not forget today's promise. If you require further assistance, do not hesitate to let us know!"
With fine horses and supplies secured, the three summoned skilled craftsmen overnight to begin forging weapons. Zhang Fei, impatient as ever, stood beside the artisans directing them. "My Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear must be as sharp as a tiger's fang; who can withstand it?" The craftsmen felt pressured by his commanding presence and worked tirelessly through the night without rest. Guan Yu selected the finest wrought iron to forge a Green Dragon Crescent Blade weighing eighty-two pounds; its cold gleam seemed capable of slicing through stone. Liu Bei instructed the artisans to create a pair of twin swords for himself—delicate yet agile enough for quick maneuvers in battle.
Once all preparations were complete, the three gathered at Peach Orchard once more, this time accompanied by over five hundred local warriors. Each warrior wielded newly forged weapons and rode on the fine horses gifted by Zhang Shiping, their spirits high.
Liu Bei mounted his horse and scanned the crowd before raising his voice: "Fellow villagers, starting today we fight for the common people! The Yellow Turbans wreak havoc; how can we stand idly by? Let us unite our strength and restore peace to this chaotic world!"
The local warriors shouted in unison, their voices booming into the sky. At that moment, Zou Jing's messenger arrived, inviting them to meet Youzhou Governor Liu Yan. Liu Bei knew it was time to act; he gathered Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to prepare their troops and led five hundred local warriors into town.
That morning outside Zhuo County, a grand procession of five hundred local warriors marched into the city. The morning sun shone upon their newly forged weapons, reflecting dazzling rays of light. Riding at the forefront were Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—tall figures radiating confidence. Their armor may not have been ornate, but its polished sheen commanded respect. Behind them marched the local warriors in formation with swords at their waists, their eyes filled with both anxiety and excitement at their first venture into battle.
Onlookers along the streets peered out curiously at this unexpected band of righteous warriors. An old farmer whispered softly, "Whose army is this? They don't seem like Imperial Army." A young man squinted at the three leading figures and exclaimed in surprise, "Who is that man in the middle? He carries himself with such dignity; he looks like he could be of royal descent!"
At the city gate, Zou Jing had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Liu Bei and his companions, he stepped forward to greet them, clasping his fists and saying, "Lord Liu, esteemed heroes, Governor Liu Yan is already awaiting you at his residence. Please follow me!"
Liu Bei nodded in acknowledgment, "Thank you for leading the way, Colonel." He turned to the local militia and instructed, "Set up camp here and stand by!" He then walked alongside Guan Yu and Zhang Fei into the residence of Youzhou Governor Liu Yan.
Inside the residence, the main hall was brightly lit. Liu Yan sat at the head of the hall, adorned in a splendid robe, exuding an air of authority. His eyes were sharp and full of anticipation for today's meeting. As Liu Bei and his companions entered the hall, Liu Yan's gaze fell upon Liu Bei. He scrutinized the young man with an impressive demeanor, and his stern expression gradually softened into one of warmth.
"Are you Liu Xuande?" Liu Yan asked, his voice deep and powerful.
Liu Bei stepped forward respectfully, kneeling down with a steady and resonant voice, "I am Liu Bei, styled Xuan De, a relative of the Han Dynasty and a descendant of Emperor Jing. I am willing to serve the Governor diligently, to eradicate bandits for the nation and ensure peace for the people!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yan's face lit up with surprise. He quickly rose to support Liu Bei, his tone becoming more familiar: "So it turns out you are my kin! Xuan De, please rise. With your assistance in Youzhou, how can we fear the Yellow Turbans?"
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also stepped forward to bow in respect, saying, "We two shall follow Lord Liu in this endeavor and pledge to fight alongside Youzhou against the Yellow Turban Army!"
Seeing the three men’s remarkable presence, Liu Yan felt greatly impressed, especially by Liu Bei. After learning of his lineage, he felt an even deeper connection. He immediately slammed his hand on the table and declared, "Today’s meeting with Xuan De and these two heroes is indeed a blessing for Youzhou. Xuan De, since you are a relative of the Han Dynasty, if you do not mind, I would like to recognize you as my nephew so we can work together for our common cause. What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was overwhelmed with emotion and bowed deeply to the ground: "Governor's kindness is something I cannot refuse!"
Liu Yan nodded in satisfaction and personally helped Liu Bei to his feet. He announced to everyone present, "From today onward, Liu Xuande will be my relative—like brothers! Generals, quickly prepare your troops; let us march together against the Yellow Turbans!"
The atmosphere in the hall became lively as Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei bowed again in acceptance before stepping back outside. Standing in the courtyard, Liu Bei looked up at the blue sky, feeling an overwhelming surge of emotions within him. He knew that from this moment on, his fate was deeply intertwined with this chaotic world.
Comment 0 Comment Count