Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3772 A Flickering Lamp Hangs Over the Han Tripod, A Frosty Blade Cracks the Wu Bow (Bonus Chapter)

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei laughed heartily, as if they had returned to the depths of the Peach Garden of yesteryear.

But happiness is always fleeting.

After the laughter subsided, the air gradually solidified again, with only the soft crackling of the charcoal fire.

Liu Bei did not retract his grip on Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's hands. He pondered, as if making his final decision. Finally, he raised his head, his gaze becoming as firm as a rock, and uttered the final "bottom line" that he had carefully considered and drawn up...

"We might be able to observe the situation for now, leverage the power of Jiangdong, and even... in some aspects, wait for the opportune moment, but—"

Liu Bei's voice suddenly grew stronger, carrying an undeniable resolve. His gaze swept over Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in turn. "If Fei Ziyuan, or anyone else, dares to defy the world and commit regicide! To harm His Majesty's life! That would be to sever oneself from the world, to sever oneself from humanity and morality! At that time, no matter how heavy the cost, no matter how powerful and invincible the opponent may seem, I, Liu Bei, even if I am shattered to pieces, with only a single soldier remaining, will fight them to the bitter end! This is our last line of defense as subjects, and our last shred of integrity in this chaotic and crumbling world! It must not be lost!"

These words were like a bright light illuminating the dark, turbulent sea.

It's as if, amidst the chaos, a clear and resolute boundary has been drawn.

This approach both reserved room for future adjustments based on changing circumstances and upheld a moral and political bottom line that Liu Bei considered absolutely inviolable.

One must not kill one's ruler.

This "bottom line" may stem from Liu Bei's remaining loyalty to the Han dynasty, a banner that, though faltering, still held symbolic significance; it may also stem from the inherent requirements of his "benevolent" persona and his maintenance of his own moral image; or it may originate from a deeper, more sober calculation of reality...

As long as Emperor Liu Xie's banner remains, the empire is not yet fully settled, the Han dynasty's legitimacy still has a sliver of life, and Liu Bei, as "Imperial Uncle Liu," still possesses unique political capital and moral advantages. He still has the possibility of surviving in this precarious situation and even seeking subtle opportunities. However, once a regicide occurs, he will completely lose this banner, utterly lose the moral high ground, and be plunged into an absolute, irreconcilable conflict with Fei Qian or other regicides—that would be the true path to utter destruction.

Whether out of public interest or personal motives, Liu Bei's decision was entirely reasonable.

Therefore, in history, when Liu Bei heard Cao Cao mention "heroes of the world," he immediately tried every means to flee three thousand miles away, which was essentially due to some of these considerations.

Even if Cao Cao and Liu Bei had a private conversation and spoke very nicely, could it be taken seriously?

It's like a boss in a private club, drinking and touching a subordinate's leg, telling them in private, "This position will be yours in the future..."

If Liu Bei believed it, Cao Cao would simply raise Liu Bei's banner and wave it back and forth, letting everyone see that even Liu Bei, the imperial uncle of the Han Dynasty, had "submitted" to his charms. Then what else could "question" him?

The historical Liu Bei was intelligent, and the Liu Bei of today is no less so. He can be flexible, but he also has principles to uphold.

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu paused slightly in stroking his long beard, his deep gaze revealing clear understanding, agreement, and even a hint of relief.

Liu Bei's bottom line aligned with Guan Yu's profound understanding of loyalty and righteousness, and also provided him with a clear and actionable framework, preventing him from falling into simplistic black-and-white choices. "Brother is absolutely right. Not murdering one's lord is a matter of paramount importance for the survival of the state."

Although Zhang Fei felt this decision still wasn't quite satisfying enough, seeing his elder brother Liu Bei's resolute expression and his second brother Guan Yu's strong agreement, he naturally had nothing to say. He simply muttered habitually, "Since both elder and second brothers have decided... then we'll listen to elder brother! In short, which bastard dares to harm that little emperor... hmm, harm His Majesty..."

Zhang Fei caught the throwing knife that Guan Yu had aimed at him with a glare, and then tried to make his words fit the serious atmosphere: "My eighteen-foot spear will be the first to object! I'll make him taste my power!"

With the decision made, the small hall fell silent again, but this time with less of the suffocating oppression and confusion, and more of a clear and tragic sense of direction.

However, all three of them knew perfectly well that while this bottom line seemed clear and resolute, the future situation was actually unpredictable and far from being easily defined by a simple line...

They were like a fragile little boat sailing through treacherous waters filled with reefs, whirlpools, and unknown storms. The only thing they could hold onto, the only thing that could stabilize the boat, was perhaps the 'bottom line' they had just agreed on, like the last heavy ballast stone...

……

……

The turmoil stirred up in the Central Plains was not limited to the relationship between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.

The clamor and scheming brought about by Sun Quan also permeated another place.

In a relatively remote and secluded courtyard in the west of the city, the charcoal fire inside the hall burned much brighter than in Sun Quan's council hall. The crimson flames illuminated the faces of the two old men and also released a kind of restlessness from their bodies, a feeling that seemed somewhat out of place with the current situation, despite their experience on the battlefield.

This is the residence of veteran Cheng Pu.

Sitting around the brazier were Cheng and Huang.

Cheng Pu, Huang Gai.

The number of elderly people who followed Sun Jian in raising an army is gradually decreasing.

They were once the most solid foundation for the rise of the Sun family in Jiangdong, and the most fearsome clarion call when charging into battle.

They followed Sun Jian, the Tiger of Jiangdong, and experienced firsthand the fervor of the campaign against Dong Zhuo, as well as the heart-wrenching pain of their lord's unexpected death.

They also assisted Sun Ce, the Little Conqueror, and together they established the foundation of the six counties of Jiangdong. Although those days were filled with swords and shadows, they were also filled with joy and revenge, and the lord and his ministers were of one mind, which was very enjoyable.

However, ever since Sun Quan ascended the throne, and especially after the untimely death of Zhou Yu, they clearly felt that the land beneath their feet had changed, and the air around them had changed as well…

The two rarely get together tonight. On the table are a few simple dishes, a jar of strong liquor that is already empty, and another jar that has just been opened from its mud seal.

However, the lingering effects of alcohol did not seem to dispel the melancholy between his brows.

"Hmph!" Huang Gai broke the silence first. He was known for his fiery temper, and even in his old age, his temper remained unchanged. He slammed his hand on the table, making the wine bowl jump. "That green-eyed fellow… he's increasingly disregarding us old folks! During meetings, he spouts nothing but the pedantic theories of those civil officials like Zhang and Gu, or the radical pronouncements of those newcomers like Lü and Lu! When has he ever truly asked for our opinions? He even treats Liu Bei with more kindness than we do!"

Although Huang Gai's words were somewhat disrespectful, they revealed the pent-up dissatisfaction in his heart.

Cheng Pu frowned, signaling him to lower his voice, and silently took a sip of wine, his eyes unfathomable.

Huang Gai, however, seemed unconcerned, continuing, "Now look what's happened! When it comes to warfare, they remember us old bones! They want us to attack the Jianghuai region? Easier said than done! The Jianghuai region is crisscrossed by rivers and numerous shoals. Northern cavalry can move like the wind, while our boats can easily get stuck on the shore! It's incredibly difficult to attack! And yet, they send that big-eared scoundrel to attack Jiangling! Jiangling clearly has very few troops left, it's a perfect opportunity, but they let that big-eared scoundrel go and pick up the pieces, leaving us out! Are they sending us to our deaths, or do they think we're too old and useless, only fit for supporting roles?!"

Huang Gai's anger was obvious.

On the one hand, there was dissatisfaction with Sun Quan's strategic arrangements, which they considered unfair and full of scheming; on the other hand, there was humiliation at being clearly marginalized and used.

Back then, they were the main offensive force, but now they seem to have become a dispensable supporting force.

Cheng Pu stroked his white beard and slowly said, "Gongfu, please calm down. Lord Wu... has his own considerations. Liu Bei is residing here as a guest; his intentions are unpredictable. We actually hold a powerful position here, and he may become a threat. Letting him attack Jiangling, a victory would be welcome, weakening the General of the Cavalry; a defeat would be harmless, only depleting his strength, without harming Jiangdong. This is a strategy of using one tiger to devour another, and as far as Lord Wu's position is concerned, it may not be a mistake."

Cheng Pu tried to understand from Sun Quan's perspective, his tone carrying a helpless rationality, "As for the Jianghuai region... although it is a place of fierce fighting, if we can achieve some gains, we can resist Cao Cao's army in the north and consolidate our defense line north of the Yangtze River. It is not entirely meaningless... but... um..."

He changed the subject, sighing, "But the Jianghuai region is truly... well, the Chen family of Xiapi has raised their banner in rebellion against Cao Cao... If we go to fight them... the Chen family of Xiapi are meticulous and prudent, skilled in both defense and offense, and have cultivated their influence in Xuzhou for many years... they are indeed a very tough nut to crack. With our current Jiangdong forces, mainly our navy, if we go north to attack, we will lose all our geographical advantage... and we will hardly gain any real benefits."

Huang Gai sighed deeply. "What you say, Lord Yi, is true. The Jianghuai region is difficult to conquer; that is indeed the case. Moreover, I suspect... that behind this action lies the Wu ruler's wavering in his fundamental strategy towards Jiangdong, even to the point of... the danger of collapse!"

Huang Gai leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice, "The General of Chariots and Cavalry is powerful, like the sun at its zenith, and has even issued that earth-shattering proclamation. He can be called the enemy of the world, and also the hope of the world! Cao Mengde is trapped in Yu and Ying, barely clinging to life... At this moment, although Jiangdong is in a remote location, should we ally with Cao against Fei, or ally with Fei to plot against Cao...? We should have a clear strategy! But judging from Wu Hou's recent actions, he changes his mind every few moments! First he allied with Cao, then plotted against Cao, and now he allied with Liu, and says he will resist Fei! How can such an important matter be treated like child's play, changing and altering at will? This time he has ordered Liu Xuande to attack Jiangling in the west, and ordered us to go north to attack Jianghuai! Isn't this simultaneously provoking two powerful enemies?"

Huang Gai's white eyebrows furrowed tightly, his eyes filled with worry. "This is by no means the way for a great ruler to expand his territory; it is... a self-inflicted trap! If... we cannot gain Jiangling, nor can we defend the Jianghuai region... Jiangdong will surely be in danger! Lord Wu... seems to only see the immediate benefits, but... alas! He has not seen the impending doom! This is certainly not the style of an old and young ruler!" Huang Gai's worries transcended the specific gains and losses of battles, pointing directly to the chaos and danger of Sun Quan's overall strategy.

When Sun Quan inherited the Jiangdong empire, he was young, and there was no tradition of political and economic knowledge in the Sun family. Huang Gai could understand his shortcomings, but the key point was that Huang Gai believed Sun Quan lacked the ambition and decisiveness of his father and brothers in identifying key objectives. Instead, he fell into speculative and short-sighted operations in the complex situation, which could lead Jiangdong to an irrecoverable state.

Having greedy ambitions is not a fatal flaw for a leader; what is truly tragic is having ambitions without corresponding decisiveness and action.

Huang Gai grew increasingly furious as he spoke, "They want to play both sides but are afraid of getting their shoes wet! Back when our old lord was alive, he recognized Dong Zhuo as a traitor and marched westward without hesitation! When our young lord is alive, he wants to establish his rule over Jiangdong, and anyone who stands in his way will be killed! Never before have we hesitated and schemed, sending our old brothers to fight such foolish battles! Now, it's all messed up—they won't let us fight freely, and they dare not make genuine peace. They spend their days scheming against those powerful clans, suspicious and wary of us old ministers! Is this Jiangdong… is this still the same Jiangdong that once thrived on righteous vengeance?!"

Cheng Pu remained silent, only pouring wine quietly. Huang Gai's words, though rough, struck a nerve with him.

He also had doubts about Sun Quan's strategy.

These veterans seemed to have become out of place; their bravery was seen as recklessness, their experience as conservatism, and their loyalty...

Even in the face of suspicion, it seems dubious.

Cheng Pu's voice was tinged with bitterness, "Perhaps... we can't entirely blame Lord Wu. We... are ultimately the old guard. There's always a barrier between us and the new master. Besides, after Governor Zhou left..."

He paused abruptly as he spoke, as if he had touched upon a name that no one wanted to mention easily, yet which was always present in their hearts.

Huang Gai's anger was gradually replaced by a profound sense of desolation and longing. He took a large gulp of wine, his breath reeking of alcohol, and said, "If... if Gongjin were still alive... things wouldn't have come to this!"

This sentence, like a key, instantly unlocked the floodgates of emotion.

Cheng Pu sighed heavily, his gaze drifting to the dark night sky outside the window, as if searching for a fallen general. "Yes… if Gongjin were still alive… he would surely have found a way to persuade the Marquis of Wu and devise a strategy. Whether to resist Fei or plot against Cao, his decision would have been clear and decisive, never the indecisive and contradictory situation we face now."

Cheng Pu's gaze became distant and sorrowful. He slowly said, "Gongjin... not only possessed strategic talent, but also the ability to harmonize and manage affairs. When our old lord passed away, the army's morale was low, people's hearts were unsettled, and we were beset by internal and external troubles. It was Gongjin who stabilized the overall situation... Later, during the campaign against Jiangdong, he always fought alongside the young lord, devising countless ingenious strategies, and was able to coordinate the generals, making the best use of everyone's talents... Alas... Even when he later assisted the Marquis of Wu, he did his utmost... Although there were disagreements at that time, in the end, we always managed to reach a consensus and unite as one..."

Cheng Pu paused, his voice filled with endless regret, "When Gongjin was alive, he understood the heart of the Wu ruler and sympathized with the sentiments of us veteran generals. He could transform the Wu ruler's strategies into feasible plans, and he could make us understand why we were fighting, so we were willing to die for him. When he was alive, civil and military officials were in harmony, and the old and new worked together. Although Jiangdong was dangerous, it had its own vibrant and upward spirit! How could it have come to this... Alas!"

Huang Gai slammed his fist against his leg, saying bitterly, "That's exactly right! If Gongjin were here, how could that big-eared scoundrel Liu Bei have so easily established himself in Jiangdong, and even flirted with those aristocratic families? If Gongjin were here, whether attacking Jiangling or Jianghuai, there would have been a comprehensive plan. He would never have made us do this inexplicable, thankless task as a flanking force! Nor would he have allowed the Marquis of Wu to be swayed by those boastful, self-serving civil officials and those eager-to-make-merits, clueless new generals!"

Silence descended once more.

The veterans no longer argue; instead, a pervasive, silent sorrow pervades their presence.

The two of them suddenly realized that Zhou Yu's early death took away not only a military commander, but also the cohesion of the Jiangdong regime!

Even a sense of direction reflects an inclusive and open-minded spirit, and a captivating charm...

Their current debate reflects the immense confusion and internal divisions facing the entire Jiangdong region after losing Zhou Yu, their pillar of strength.

When Zhou Yu was alive, I knew he was important, but I didn't feel it much. It wasn't until Zhou Yu passed away that I suddenly realized that the pillar supporting the sky had collapsed!
Megatron is messing around again...

cough cough cough.

Cheng Pu slowly picked up the wine jar and refilled Huang Gai's empty bowl with the murky, strong liquor.

The sound of the drinks was particularly loud in the silence.

"I'm getting old..."

Cheng Pu suddenly said something out of the blue, his voice hoarse.

Huang Gai looked at him but didn't reply, though his eyes revealed the same emotion.

“I mean,” Cheng Pu looked up, his gaze sweeping across his brother’s wrinkled face and graying beard, finally settling on his own calloused, veiny hands, “we…we’re all old. We can’t fight anymore, and…we can’t argue anymore.”

His words carried an unprecedented weariness and resignation: "This Jiangdong... seems to be growing old, just like us. Gone is the sharpness of Bo Fu's time, gone is the agility of Gong Jin's... all that's left is scheming, suspicion, and... sigh..."

He didn't say anything more, but simply shook his head heavily, raised his wine bowl, and said, "Drink up."

Huang Gai remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised his bowl.

Yes, I'm getting old.

Their bodies are aging, and their energy is declining.

Jiangdong, to which they served their entire lives, entered a dull phase after its early period of vigorous development. It focused on balancing power, but lacked the strong personal charisma of their fathers and brothers in expanding territory and attracting heroes.

Especially after losing Zhou Yu's dazzling cover, the problems of Jiangdong became more and more obvious.

"Respectfully... to our former lord..."

Cheng Pu said in a hoarse voice.

"And also, respect to the young lord... and to Gongjin..."

Huang Gai's voice was choked with emotion.

The wine bowls clinked together softly, producing a dull sound, like the tolling of a death knell for a bygone era.

The cheap liquor in the bowl burned my esophagus as it went down, but it couldn't warm my heart, which was growing colder.

They just drank silently, immersed in a shared, helpless premonition...

Jiangdong's fate may indeed be like their age and their decaying bodies: their most glorious moment has passed, and they are inevitably heading downhill.

It's not that they don't want to try and make changes, but they're old.

Young people think they're all grown up now, while the elders are all old news, so they simply don't want to listen and don't give them a chance to speak. Even if they do listen occasionally, it's either just for show, or if the elders say something that doesn't suit their tastes, they immediately turn their backs and walk away...

"Isn't it annoying! Always bringing up the same old things!"

"There's a generation gap between us!"

The world has changed!

Stop nagging all the time...

Yes, the world has changed, but some things have never changed throughout history and across the world.

Bonus chapter! Happy National Day!