Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3771 Acting with Virtue and Working Together with One Heart

The night was as dark as ink, so thick it seemed impossible to seep through, deeply enveloping the small courtyard where Liu Bei was temporarily staying.

The autumn chill in Jiangnan is completely different from the biting cold in the north. It has no howling north wind or piercing dryness, but a silent, damp chill that seeps in and lingers between people's joints and bones, bringing a lingering and stubborn cold.

The aftershocks of the seemingly united but actually scheming meeting in the Wu Hou Mansion's council hall during the day still seemed to reverberate low in the still night, carrying an unsettling, sticky, and chilling feeling that lingered around Liu Bei and his companions, as if trying to seep into their very bones.

In the small hall, a lone oil lamp flickered stubbornly, casting a dim and unstable light that barely illuminated the three figures sitting around an ordinary wooden table.

The three of them sat around.

A charcoal brazier was placed in the middle.

The fire in the charcoal brazier wasn't very strong; a few pieces of charcoal glowed with a dark red light, casting flickering shadows on the three people's faces and adding to their solemn expressions.

A pot of wine hung above a charcoal brazier, and some dried meat and fruit were laid out on the table, but no one was interested in it. Even Zhang Fei had lost the will to drink at that moment...

Liu Bei had shed the mask of a loyal and indignant minister he wore in front of Sun Quan during the day.

In front of his closest brothers, Liu Bei made no attempt to hide his weariness and the struggle he was going through in the current situation. He rubbed his stiff fingers and looked around at his sworn brothers.

Only in this completely private space, facing Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, could he temporarily let down his guard. But it was precisely because of this that the immense weight of the choice he made in reality weighed even more heavily on his heart.

"Second brother, third brother," Liu Bei finally spoke, breaking the suffocating silence, "you have all seen and heard what happened today. The Sun family... their methods have forced us to make a statement in front of everyone... there is no turning back now."

His tone carried a sense of disgust.

This reflects his disgust at being trapped in a game of chess, being forcibly pushed around by others.

If you don't realize it, then so be it; after all, living a muddled life can also be considered a kind of "happiness".

However, once you realize that you are in the middle of a game and being manipulated, you will feel a sense of powerlessness, disgust, and even a desire to resist.

Zhang Fei, unable to contain himself any longer, slapped his thigh upon hearing this, his eyes burning with undisguised rage. He grumbled, "Brother!!! I've long disliked that bastard with the painted face! He's full of cunning tricks and schemes! A belly full of wickedness! And that fellow from Chang'an, hmph! He's no better! Back in Sichuan, if it weren't for…"

He stopped mid-sentence, seemingly realizing that mentioning the old defeats in Sichuan was inappropriate and might touch a sore spot for his elder brother. He abruptly swallowed his words, then panted heavily, his bushy beard trembling slightly with anger, his eyes wide with resentment and impatience. "Ahem… if you ask me, Old Zhang, who cares who has the emperor, what nonsense about official documents! They're all just a smokescreen! Anyone who gets in Big Brother's way, anyone who makes him unhappy, I'll poke a thousand holes in them! Let's beat them to a pulp! Seizing territory, building armies, recruiting soldiers—the three of us brothers have seen it all from north to south, we've never been afraid!!"

Zhang Fei's thinking remained simple, direct, and as fierce as fire.

It is full of the most primitive logic of martial artists in solving problems.

Whoever has the bigger fist has the bigger reason.

If you're not satisfied, let's have another match.

In Zhang Fei's eyes, right and wrong are often very simple: the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend. Anyone who puts my elder brother Liu Bei in a difficult situation or makes him feel unhappy is definitely an enemy.

His animosity toward Fei Qian stemmed largely from the humiliation of his defeat in the struggle for Sichuan and his forced retreat to Jiaozhi.

Conversely, if Zhang Fei were the victor, he would actually consider Fei Qian a formidable opponent...

As for the specific content of that manifesto and what it meant, that is secondary.

Zhang Fei really didn't care.

What is the world, what is the emperor, nothing is more important than his elder brother.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei wore a complex smile and patted Zhang Fei on the shoulder. He did not reprimand Zhang Fei for his recklessness or for oversimplifying the issue.

He knew that this was his third brother's true nature.

Between brothers, things are simple, direct, and without much pretense.

Liu Bei turned his gaze to Guan Yu, "Yun Chang... what do you think of this matter?"

Liu Bei knew that Guan Yu's thoughts were usually more thorough, although he sometimes hesitated due to being too cautious.

Guan Yu kept his phoenix eyes slightly closed, his right hand habitually stroking his long beard, as if the touch of his fingertips could help him sort out his chaotic thoughts.

No matter how messy things get, the beard style can't be messed up...

Guan Yu loved reading the Spring and Autumn Annals; he genuinely wanted to learn, which even led to a degree of nearsightedness.

Unfortunately, Guan Yu did not have the opportunity to study when he was young, nor did he develop good reading habits. When he wanted to study again in his old age, he found it difficult to concentrate and his reading efficiency was also low.

This is why later generations repeatedly emphasize not letting children watch TV, use computers, or use mobile phones for extended periods. These things provide a large amount of visual impact, which can create a threshold in the brain. Once that threshold is reached, children will find it impossible to look at simple, boring, and uninteresting printed texts again.

Guan Yu naturally didn't have a mobile phone, nor did he watch short videos. The reason he read slowly was that the knowledge threshold was extremely high in this era, and he had already missed the golden age of memory, so reading the Spring and Autumn Annals was quite difficult for him.

For this reason, Guan Yu had his own considerations regarding Fei Qian's proclamation...

He hesitated for a moment, as if considering the most appropriate words, "Eldest brother, third brother. Although the Sun family's actions today are largely driven by selfish motives—wanting to use my strength to resist the north and consolidate their power…"

Lost in thought, Guan Yu slowly said, "I have also carefully read General Huo's 'Letter to the People of the World'..."

When Guan Yu mentioned "carefully reviewing" something, he paused for a moment.

For a general like him, who had little opportunity to learn in his youth and only pieced together knowledge as an adult, "reading" certain articles was not an easy task. He had to put in much more effort than those aristocratic children who grew up in certain families and received a good early education in order to understand those literary words and their profound meanings.

Clearly, he did his best to do it and tried to understand it, thus forming his own opinion.

"Its contents..." Guan Yu carefully chose his words, "Equalization of land distribution, abolition of the recommendation system and promotion of merit-based assessment, advocacy of practical learning, emphasis on craftsmanship... Wow, all of this... it's simply... truly earth-shattering, unprecedented."

Guan Yu's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, forming deep lines between them, revealing the complex thoughts in his mind. "If...if we only consider the policies themselves...perhaps they can truly...cleanse the deep-seated problems, eliminate long-standing abuses, and usher in an unprecedented new era. Perhaps...for the vast majority of the people who toil year-round yet struggle for sustenance, it wouldn't be a bad thing, even...hmm, quite good."

These words subtly revealed Guan Yu's approval of the content of the proclamation and the ideals behind it.

This seems to contradict the traditional historical symbol of "loyalty and righteousness," but it precisely reflects Guan Yu's independent judgment stemming from his love of reading the Spring and Autumn Annals and his fondness for thoughtful reflection.

Guan Yu was not a god; he was still a human being.

A man who desires beautiful women.

A person who knows how to exercise restraint in the face of wealth and power.

He's human, which is why he deserves respect, because overcoming one's own desires is never an easy thing. "Second Brother!!" Zhang Fei's eyes widened. "How dare you speak well of that scoundrel Fei?"

Liu Bei waved his hand, "Stop talking about this thief and that thief all the time..."

"Hmph! Fine, I won't call you that then!" Zhang Fei muttered. "If you won't call me thief, then calling me that scoundrel is fine, right?"

Liu Bei ignored Zhang Fei and instead said to Guan Yu, "Second brother, please continue."

Guan Yu nodded, his face showing a hint of solemnity and worry. "Brother, you know… what's good for the common people… may not be good for the noble families… This General's proclamation… is too idealistic; its implementation will be incredibly brutal! No wonder Jiangdong is in such a state… So I've been thinking, the General's… true intentions are truly unfathomable! Such radicalism is tantamount to making enemies of all the noble families and powerful clans in the land… The scope of those involved and the magnitude of the resistance are unimaginable! If it's forcibly pushed forward, it will inevitably lead to bloodshed, countless deaths, and chaos far greater than today! How can the General not be aware of such harm?"

Guan Yu paused briefly, took a breath, and his gaze sharpened. "If the General of Chariots and Cavalry… well, if he can truly defeat Cao Cao, then perhaps… today's proclamation is merely clearing obstacles and paving the way for a future… usurpation of the Han throne! If he truly follows Wang Mang's path, then all his so-called new policies are nothing more than tools to promote the new dynasty; his intentions are despicable!"

These last few sentences revealed the greatest worry behind Guan Yu's caution.

He may appreciate the problems pointed out in the manifesto and the boldness it displays, but he is extremely wary of the enormous ambition and lust for power that may be hidden behind it, as well as the terror and destruction that will inevitably result from its implementation.

In particular, if Fei Qian truly harbored ambitions to usurp the Han throne, that would be something Guan Yu absolutely could not accept.

"As for the Emperor..." Guan Yu's voice grew increasingly low, even carrying a hint of barely concealed sorrow and helplessness. "Your Majesty... ascended the throne at a young age... held hostage by powerful and treacherous officials, a mere puppet, already pitiful and lamentable. Now... you've been forcibly pushed to the forefront of the battle at Sishui Pass by Cao Cao, ostensibly for a personal campaign, but in reality, as a shield... Whether this is Cao Cao's intention or due to the advance of the Guanzhong cavalry, it places Your Majesty in the heart of the world's military conflict, utterly disloyal!"

Guan Yu looked up at Liu Bei, "The Emperor... even if he is weak... is still the Emperor!"

Guan Yu's attitude was contradictory and complex.

This complex contradiction stems from his reading and independent thinking, which also allows him to see further than Zhang Fei, have more concerns, and struggle more internally.

Zhang Fei frowned, growing increasingly impatient, and couldn't help but interject, "Second Brother! What kind of nonsense are you reading, the Spring and Autumn Annals? How come you interpret it all with so many twists and turns? It's giving me a headache! According to you, this fellow is no good, that fellow is no good either, and now this bastard from Jiangdong is full of wicked schemes! Are we just going to sit here and do nothing? That wicked green-eyed fellow has practically put us on the fire! We need a plan!"

Liu Bei patted Zhang Fei again, then used his sleeve to hold his hand, took the warm wine from the charcoal brazier, poured a bowl for Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and a bowl for himself. He then gestured and slowly sipped the wine while pondering.

Seeing Liu Bei deep in thought, Zhang Fei swallowed all his grievances, leaving only the bubbles rising from the wine at his lips...

Liu Bei didn't show much emotion on his face, but his heart was churning with a fierce battle of thoughts.

In a sense, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu are both "projections" or "compatibility" of certain aspects of Liu Bei's personality...

Zhang Fei's swift retribution and advocacy of direct confrontation were a powerful echo of Liu Bei's deep-seated resentment towards being inferior to others, his desire to carve out his own niche in a chaotic world with his twin swords, and to realize his wild nature.

In particular, Zhang Fei's unforgettable defeat in Sichuan was also a huge regret for Liu Bei, who felt that his efforts had been in vain.

It's like the white moonlight and the red rose.

It's just human nature.

Now, Fei Qian has issued such an "arrogant" statement, almost challenging the entire old world...

If Fei Qian were to follow in Wang Mang's footsteps, and things went wrong...

This thought, carrying the allure of blood and the heat of passion, kept stirring in his heart, assaulting Liu Bei's reason.

However, Guan Yu's cautious analysis also reveals the aspect of Liu Bei's character that values ​​benevolence and righteousness, which is also the inner support of the "benevolence" that he has relied on for many years to gain a foothold and attract people's hearts.

Liu Bei came from humble beginnings, weaving mats and selling shoes. He experienced the most authentic hardships and wanderings, witnessing and personally experiencing the deepest suffering of the common people. Fei Qian's proclamation, which mentioned "equal distribution of land" and "promoting education," truly and accurately struck at his sincere and deep desire to improve the plight of the common people.

If it weren't for this, if he hadn't seen the people of Sichuan improve under Fei Qian's rule, he wouldn't have willingly launched the southern expedition to Jiaozhi back then...

Therefore, Liu Bei also knew how terrible the price would be if he were to wage a full-scale war against Fei Qian, a powerful opponent who held a large army and seemed to represent a certain historical "new trend"!
The Jiangdong gentry are all self-serving and cannot be relied upon; Sun Quan is sinister and suspicious, and even less trustworthy!
Once a full-scale war breaks out, regardless of the final outcome, the ones who will ultimately suffer the most on this war-torn land are the countless ordinary people who, like him back then, struggle to survive...

Zhang Fei and Guan Yu are like two mirrors reflecting Liu Bei's personality.

Ambitions and benevolence, the impulse to avenge wrongs and compassion for the common people, were like a whirlpool in his heart, fiercely pulling and clashing with each other.

On one side lies a perilous path that could lead to the pinnacle of power, the realization of personal ambitions, a path stained with blood and littered with bones; on the other side lies a path that could preserve more lives, but perhaps means giving up the struggle for the world, settling in a corner of the world, or even forever living under the roof of others…

Sun Quan's coercion today only exacerbates this already existing and enormous contradiction, presenting it to Liu Bei and forcing him to make an immediate decision.

Liu Bei put down his wine bowl, closed his eyes, and sighed deeply as if overwhelmed by the burden, as if trying to force out the chaotic, burning thoughts in his chest.

The flickering shadows cast by the oil lamp's flame on his face made Liu Bei's expression appear exceptionally deep and unfathomable.

After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes. The intense struggle in his eyes gradually faded, revealing a decision made after a painful deliberation, tinged with deep weariness.

Liu Bei looked at his two brothers, with whom he had shared life and death and whom he could absolutely entrust his life, and said in a low but exceptionally clear and firm voice, "Second brother, third brother, what you just said is entirely reasonable!"

Liu Bei first affirmed the rationality of both sides' opinions, calmed the restless Zhang Fei, and acknowledged Guan Yu's deep consideration. Then he slowly said, "The new policies implemented by General Huo Qubing may indeed... address some long-standing problems, and depict... an enticing future... However, these new policies cannot be accomplished by one person or in one moment, nor can they be achieved with a single document or decree. If, during implementation, one's intentions are impure, and one's methods are cruel and brutal, then it will inevitably implicate innocent people and bring calamity to the world! In that case, there will surely be mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and the people will suffer... This is absolutely not what I desire!"

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu slowly nodded.

Zhang Fei clapped his hands, "That's exactly right!!"

Liu Bei didn't say anything about how the powerful clans would fare under the new policies, because up to that point, Liu Bei and his two companions were still more like wandering knights than members of any aristocratic family. They didn't have much affection for those powerful clans, so they weren't too concerned about whether the powerful clans would collapse in this upheaval.

This is an inevitable result of the fact that everyone's buttocks are different.

It's truly baffling where these people's buttocks are.

"As for the Emperor..." Liu Bei's face revealed an extremely complex expression, a mixture of loyalty to the emperor, heartache for the Han dynasty's decline, and a profound sense of helplessness and powerlessness as an outsider. "Your Majesty... is unfortunately born into such a chaotic world, trapped in the hands of treacherous officials, not due to your own fault... We, as Han officials, may be temporarily powerless to rescue you due to our weakness, but... we must never kick you when you're down, or even aid and abet the wicked! This is the duty of a subject!"

Guan Yu's brows relaxed, and Zhang Fei nodded with a smile.

This is their true elder brother, Liu Bei Liu Xuande, whom they would follow even if it meant enduring hardship and traveling thousands of miles!

It's easy to pretend to be 'benevolent' and practice 'benevolence' all at once.

It is extremely difficult to pretend to be virtuous and practice virtuous throughout one's life. Even if one has any despicable thoughts during this process, but does not act on them, it can still be called a life of virtuous conduct!
Apart from those who are not very bright, or those who harbor strange thoughts and always want to ignore the truth, most normal people value words and actions more than thoughts.

Liu Bei looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and smiled. He reached out and took one of their hands, shaking them tightly. "No matter how the world changes and turbulent, we brothers will always be together!"

"Together! Never to be separated!" Guan Yu said in a deep voice.

Me too!!!