The frail counselor you said, you fight against three heroes alone?

Xi Yu was wearing a dark robe, the sleeves of which fluttered gently in the breeze.

He looked grim. After returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion yesterday, many thoughts had been lingering in his mind.

Today, he came to the prison.

The prison was filled with the smell of dampness and decay, and the dim light made people feel even more depressed.

Xi Yu walked through the narrow passage and came to a cell.

Through the iron bars, he saw Guan Yu's face as gloomy as water, with an unyielding light in his eyes.

On Guan Yu's date-like face, the stubble of his beard trembled slightly, as if telling of the unwillingness in his heart.

Xi Yu stared at Guan Yu quietly, thinking secretly about this man's loyalty, bravery and righteousness.

Then he turned and walked towards another cell. Liu Bei was sitting there, looking tired but with a firm gaze.

Xi Yu understood that they were detained in two rooms in order to prevent them from plotting.

However, he also knew that the friendship between the two was deep and could not be blocked by such a simple measure.

Liu Bei's eyes were fixed on Xi Yu, his face full of anxiety and fear.

He grasped the iron bars of the cell with both hands and said in a trembling voice: "Prime Minister, this is all my fault. Please do not blame Guan Yu. I was confused for a moment and did something wrong, but Guan Yu was only implicated by me. He is innocent."

Xi Yu listened to Liu Bei's plea for mercy and a sneer appeared on his lips.

He shot Liu Bei a look as cold as ice, and said coldly: "Do you think I am a three-year-old child? Guan Yu conspired with you, how can he be innocent? Do you think your plan is perfect? ​​Humph, now you are in prison, and you still want to make excuses for him."

Liu Bei lowered his head, a trace of despair flashed in his eyes. He knew that no matter how much he tried to explain, it would be futile.

Guan Yu, who was in another cell, felt a warm current in his heart when he heard Liu Bei's plea for mercy. But how could he let his brother bear the blame alone?
His eyes widened with anger, and he shouted loudly: "This matter has nothing to do with my brother. It was all done by me, Guan Yu. You can kill me or chop me up, it's all up to you!"

Xi Yu frowned slightly. The depth of the friendship between these two people was far beyond his imagination.

Xiyu stood there, silent for a long time.

Liu Bei's anxious eyes and Guan Yu's roar seemed to still echo in his ears, but he did not respond to any of their words.

He just glanced at the two prisoners quietly, then turned around resolutely and left the prison with steady steps.

His figure gradually disappeared at the end of the dim passage, leaving only the sound of heavy footsteps echoing in the silent prison.

Liu Bei looked at the direction where Xi Yu left, his heart filled with despair and anxiety.

Guan Yu gritted his teeth, his eyes revealing an indomitable fighting spirit.

Xi Yu's departure made the atmosphere in the prison even more depressing. They didn't know what fate was waiting for them.

Xi Yu hurried back to his room, still immersed in the confrontation in the prison.

However, when his eyes fell on the letter on the desk, the gloom in his heart instantly dissipated a little.

He hurriedly picked up the letter, and when he saw the familiar handwriting, a warm feeling surged in his heart.

This is a letter from my brother Xi Zhicai.

Xiyu's fingers gently stroked the letter paper, as if he could feel his brother's warmth.

Slowly unfolding the letter, Xi Yu's eyes were full of anticipation.

Reading his brother's words, the familiar tone made him feel as if he had returned to the past.

In the letter, my brother described his life, which was ordinary but stable.

As long as my brother lives a comfortable life, I will be content.

On the other side, Linglong stood quietly in Young Master Huang's room, feeling a little uneasy.

She lowered her head slightly, her eyes fixed on the ground, waiting for Master Huang's questions.

Master Huang sat at the desk, looking at Linglong gently. "Linglong, how are you doing recently?" His voice was steady and magnetic.

Linglong quickly raised her head and replied respectfully: "Master, other servants bullied me before, but since I was protected by you last time, no one bullies me anymore." Her eyes were full of gratitude.

Young Master Huang nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"That's good. In this mansion, as long as you work hard, no one will dare to bully you." There was a sense of majesty in his words.

Linglong felt warm in her heart. She lowered her head again and said softly, "Thank you, Master. Linglong will do her best to live up to your expectations."

Young Master Huang looked at Linglong's well-behaved appearance and couldn't help feeling a little pity in his heart.

He knew that life as a servant in this mansion was not easy.

"If you have any problems in the future, just come to me." Young Master Huang's voice was gentle but firm.

Linglong's eyes were slightly moist and she nodded vigorously.

In this strange place, Master Huang's care made her feel a little warm.

She secretly made up her mind to do her job well and repay Young Master Huang's kindness.

Linglong was about to leave when suddenly a strong hand reached out from behind and grabbed her.

Linglong turned around in surprise, only to see Young Master Huang with an anxious look on his face, his eyes burning with blazing flames.

"What are you doing?" Linglong asked in panic, her voice trembling slightly.

Master Huang held Linglong's arm tightly, stared at her with a sharp gaze, and said eagerly: "Linglong, I like you! From the first moment I saw you, I knew that you were the one destined for me."

Linglong's eyes widened in horror, her heart pounding as if it was about to jump out of her throat.

She tried to break free from Master Huang's hand, but found that he was too strong and she couldn't get away at all.

"Let me go!" Linglong shouted angrily.

Young Master Huang was not moved at all. Instead, he held her hand even harder and said, "Linglong, follow me. I can give you wealth and honor, and let you live a life that everyone envies."

Linglong felt disgusted. She glared at Master Huang and said, "Master Huang, don't be so delusional! Although I, Linglong, come from a poor family, I have my own dignity and bottom line. I will never give myself to you for the sake of wealth and glory."

Young Master Huang was slightly stunned, obviously not expecting Linglong to reject him so firmly.

His face turned gloomy, and he said, "Linglong, don't be ungrateful. There is no woman that Young Master Huang has set his eyes on that he cannot get."

Linglong met Master Huang's gaze without fear and said, "Master Huang, even if you can get my body, you can't get my heart. I advise you to give up this idea."

Young Master Huang hugged Linglong tightly and whispered in her ear: "Linglong, look, as long as you obey me, you will enjoy endless benefits. No servant will dare to bully you anymore."

Linglong's eyes were empty and her mind was in confusion.

Her originally firm heart was gradually shaken by Young Master Huang's words.

She thought of the grievances and bullying she suffered from the servants every day, and the groundless accusations and difficulties that seemed like endless suffering.

At this moment, Master Huang's words were like a life-saving straw, allowing her to see a glimmer of hope in despair.

She lowered her eyes slightly, with a look of hesitation on her face. A voice in her heart told her that it was wrong to do so, but another voice said that perhaps this was the only chance to change her fate.

Master Huang noticed Linglong's change and a wicked smile appeared on his face. He gently stroked Linglong's hair and said softly, "Linglong, don't be afraid. I will treat you well."

There was a hint of confusion and helplessness in her eyes.

Finally, she slowly closed her eyes, stopped resisting, and allowed Young Master Huang to hold her tightly in his arms.

A few days passed quietly.

On this day, Xi Yu suddenly ordered people to release Guan Yu and Liu Bei from prison, and told them to take a bath, change clothes and come to see him.

The jailer hurried to the cell and delivered the news.

Guan Yu and Liu Bei looked at each other, their faces filled with surprise.

Guan Yu frowned, his eyes widened, and he asked in confusion, "Brother, what is the Prime Minister up to?"

Liu Bei was also bewildered. He stroked his beard and thought for a moment before saying, "Brother, I don't know either. Could it be that the Prime Minister has pardoned us? But this seems too sudden."

At the urging of the jailer, they moved slowly, constantly guessing Xi Yu's intention.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu quickly took a shower and changed into clean clothes.

They were walking on the way to Xiyu's room, their steps were a little hurried, their expressions were full of nervousness and confusion.

Liu Bei frowned slightly and said to Guan Yu in a low voice: "Second brother, do you think the Prime Minister will really pardon us?"

There was a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes, but also deep worry.

After all, their previous situation was extremely dangerous, and now this sudden change made him a little unbelievable. Guan Yu stroked his long beard, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said in a deep voice: "Brother, maybe this is really possible. But we must not take it lightly. I wonder what the Prime Minister's move means."

His heart was also full of doubts, but his steps did not pause at all.

The two walked and talked in low voices, with the uneasiness in their hearts hanging over them like a dark cloud.

They didn't know what kind of turn of fate was waiting for them.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu finally arrived at the door of Xi Yu's room.

They took a deep breath and slowly opened the door.

I saw Xi Yu sitting at the table with a gloomy face and no trace of smile.

The two of them felt a tightness in their hearts and immediately knelt down to salute.

Liu Bei lowered his head, looking nervous and uneasy.

Guan Yu also pursed his lips, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.

Xi Yu looked at them coldly and didn't let them get up.

After a moment of silence, he said, "You should thank His Majesty! According to my opinion, you should continue to suffer. But His Majesty is merciful, and after discussing with me, he decided to let you go among the people and fend for yourself."

When Liu Bei heard this, a complex emotion surged in his heart.

He raised his head slightly, looked at Xi Yu, and said, "Prime Minister, my brother and I are grateful for your majesty's grace. If we have the chance, we will definitely repay your majesty and the prime minister for their kindness."

There was a flash of unwillingness in Guan Yu's eyes, but he also knew that it was not appropriate to say much at this time, so he just knelt silently.

Xi Yu snorted and said, "Humph, I hope you guys take care of yourselves and don't cause any more trouble. Otherwise, you won't be so lucky next time."

After saying that, he waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu stood up slowly and left the room as if they had been pardoned.

In their hearts, they were confused about the future, grateful for His Majesty's kindness, and afraid of Xi Yu's mood swings.

They didn't know what was waiting for them among the people, but at this moment, they could only obey the arrangements of fate.

After coming out of Xiyu's room, Liu Bei's face was full of solemnity.

As he walked, he whispered, "Second brother, I can go sell straw sandals. Tell me, what are you going to do next?"

There was a hint of worry in Liu Bei's eyes.

Guan Yu frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Brother, let's discuss this matter later. Let's see what happens next."

Guan Yu's tone was steady, his eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was thinking about something.

At this moment, Xi Yu's voice came: "You can get up now and leave quickly."

Liu Bei and Guan Yu quickly turned around, knelt down again, and said in unison: "Thank you, Prime Minister."

There was gratitude in their voices.

Then, the two stood up and slowly left.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu slowly walked out of the Prime Minister's Mansion. As soon as they stepped into the street, they noticed countless gazes from all around them casting towards them like thorns in their backs.

People were pointing at them and whispering to each other.

Embarrassment and shame instantly welled up on Liu Bei and Guan Yu's faces, and they subconsciously lowered their heads, as if trying to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

The two of them hurried, wanting only to escape from this embarrassing scene as quickly as possible.

After a while, they came to a secluded corner.

Guan Yu frowned and asked solemnly, "Brother, should we give up our cause now? Or should we wait for the opportunity to make a comeback?"

There was a flicker of unwillingness and confusion in Guan Yu's eyes. He clenched his fists, waiting for Liu Bei's answer.

Liu Bei sighed, his face full of helplessness and fatigue. He shook his head slightly and said, "My second brother, I am lucky to be alive now, what else can I talk about?"

There was deep frustration in Liu Bei's voice. He looked into the distance with empty eyes, as if he had lost all hope.

After hearing what Liu Bei said, Guan Yu felt sad.

He remained silent, just stood there quietly, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

Their former ambitions and aspirations now seem to have vanished into thin air.

But Guan Yu still had a trace of unwillingness in his heart. He secretly vowed that as long as there was a chance, he and Liu Bei would rise again and realize their great cause.

Liu Bei's eyes gradually came into focus from the confusion. He looked at Guan Yu and said in a heavy tone: "Second brother, let's talk about the most realistic things first. How are we going to live next? Why don't you follow me?"

There was anticipation on Liu Bei's face. He longed to have his brothers accompany him during this difficult time so that they could face the unknown life together.

Guan Yu shook his head slightly, his eyes firm and resolute.

He stroked his long beard and said in a deep voice: "Brother, I just need to know where you are. There is no need to follow me. I will find a place to stay. If necessary, I will go through fire and water to help you."

After hearing Guan Yu's words, Liu Bei felt an indescribable complex emotion in his heart.

He sighed, nodded helplessly, and said: "Okay, second brother, since you have decided so, I will not force you. But you must take care of yourself."

The two looked at each other, and without saying anything, they knew each other's intentions.

They turned around, continued walking, and slowly left.

Xi Yu sat in the study, playing with a brush in his hand, brows furrowed, and thinking over and over again in his mind about letting Liu Bei and Guan Yu go.

He thought to himself, "Letting Liu Bei and Guan Yu go is like raising a tiger to cause trouble. These two are definitely not ordinary people. I'm sure they will cause a lot of trouble in the future."

Thinking of this, a trace of worry flashed in Xi Yu's eyes.

However, after a moment, he raised the corners of his mouth slightly and revealed a confident smile.

"But, so what? Why would I, Xi Yu, be afraid of them? Let's see how big a wave they can make." Xi Yu put down the brush, stood up and walked to the window.

Looking at the scenery outside the window, I have already made up my mind.

He believed that with his wisdom and power, no matter how capable Liu Bei and Guan Yu were, they would find it difficult to shake his position.

At this time, Liu Bei and Guan Yu, who were far away, had no idea of ​​Xi Yu's thoughts.

They are each planning for their future lives, completely unaware of what kind of fate and challenges await them.

In the palace, Liu Xie sat alone on his seat, his face gloomy and his heart full of sorrow.

When he heard that Liu Bei and Guan Yu had left, he couldn't help but sigh.

In the past, although Liu Xie held a high position, he was like a puppet and had no one to vent his distress.

Occasionally playing with the little eunuch was just to temporarily forget my worries.

But now, knowing that Liu Bei and the other two had left, the hope in his heart seemed to dim a little.

Liu Xie looked at the empty palace, his eyes revealing deep helplessness.

He shook his head slightly and said to himself: "Liu Bei, Guan Yu, I don't know when I will see you again after you leave."

He was no longer in the mood to call the young eunuch to come and play. He just sat there quietly, immersed in his own thoughts.

That lonely figure seemed particularly desolate in this magnificent palace.

Xi Yu sat at the table with empty eyes, lost in thought, his mind still immersed in the dilemma of letting Liu Bei and Guan Yu go.

His brows furrowed slightly, a trace of worry appeared on his face, and he was secretly thinking about the possible consequences of this decision.

Just at this moment, the sound of light footsteps was heard, and Xi Shi walked in gracefully.

She held a plate of fresh fruits in her hands. The fruits were bright in color and exuded an enticing aroma.

Xi Shi had a gentle smile on her face, like a flower blooming in spring.

"Husband, eat some fruit." Xi Shi said softly, her voice as sweet as a silver bell.

Xi Yu was awakened from his thoughts. He looked at Xi Shi, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he showed a gentle smile.

Xi Shi put the fruit on the table, looked at Xi Yu, and asked curiously, "Husband, why are you in a daze?"

Xi Yu sighed slightly and said, "I was just thinking about Liu Bei. I don't know if it's right or wrong to let them go. I'm always worried that they will become troublesome in the future."

Xi Shi nodded slightly, said "Oh", then stretched out her jade hand, gently held Xi Yu's hand, and comforted him: "Husband, you don't have to worry so much. Since things have come to this, let it go. Maybe they won't cause as much trouble as you think." (End of this chapter)