The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 464 Time has passed, but Guan Yu's integrity and righteousness remain unchanged.
It was late winter, and leaden clouds hung low over the Korean Peninsula.

The biting north wind swept across the barren mountains and coastline like a knife.

Large, fluffy snowflakes fell incessantly, day and night.
The land of the Three Hans was stained a bleak, silvery white.

The banners of the Han army fluttered in the wind and snow, but could not conceal the exhaustion and shivering of the soldiers beneath them.

General Guan Yu was wearing a heavy green robe that was already soaked with frost and snow.

The golden armor lost its former brilliance under the dim light of the day.

He reined in his horse and stood on a high slope. Red Hare impatiently pawed at the snow, and the white breath it exhaled instantly froze into frost.

This horse is the offspring of Lü Bu, the former governor of Pingzhou.

Guan Yu was very pleased with it, so he also rode it.

His eyes, which were usually as sharp as a phoenix's, were now slightly narrowed.

He scanned the vast, snow-covered mountains and coastline ahead.

His hand gripped the hilt of the Azure Dragon Blade tightly.
My knuckles turned white from the force, feeling the piercing coldness emanating from the steel.

The capital of Silla had fallen, and the royal palace had been burned down.
The nun has fled in panic and her whereabouts are unknown.

The strategic objectives of this expedition have, on the surface, been achieved.

Deputy General Wang Ping rode closer, his beard and hair covered in icicles.

He cupped his hands with difficulty, his voice carrying intermittently in the wind:

"Guan Yu... Silla has been destroyed, and its king has fled like a stray dog, unable to pose a threat."

"Now the mountains are blocked by heavy snow and the roads are impassable."

"The soldiers' hands and feet were chapped and covered in frostbite, and their food supplies were running low..."

"Transported from Liaodong, it is difficult for even one out of ten pavilions to reach it."

"Should we... withdraw our troops for now?"

Liao Hua, standing to the side, echoed this sentiment, his face full of worry:
"Yes, Guan Yu."

"The timing was right; it was not a fault of the war."

"The soldiers are eager to return home, and if they stay in this harsh and cold place for too long, something might happen."

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu's phoenix eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Then it was replaced by a deeper kind of stubbornness.

He slowly shook his head, his voice like the clang of metal, piercing through the wind and snow:
“Nai Jie Ni Shi Jin is the leader of the bandits.”

"How can we claim victory without capturing this fiend?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers under his command, their figures hunched over as they struggled through the snow, and a pang of pain shot through his heart.

But a strong will sustained him.

“I know the soldiers have worked hard, but weapons are instruments of misfortune, and even sages use them only as a last resort.”

"Now that it has been used, we should strive for complete success."

"This battle may be the last one of my life, how can I leave with such regrets?"

What he didn't say was that as the years passed, his thigh muscles grew back.

The former vigor and ambition that once dominated the world seem to be fading away little by little with the passing of time.

He longed for a perfect farewell, a final battle befitting his lifelong renown.

Only by capturing the head of state of an enemy country and presenting him as a prisoner to the emperor can one live up to the prestige of being the "Duke of Hanshou" and the "Grand General".

He lived up to the illustrious names of his elder brother Liu Bei and his third brother Zhang Fei, and he also lived up to...

Far away in Luoyang, Prime Minister Li, strategizing and planning, shared His Majesty's hopes.

Military orders are like mountains.

Despite the undercurrent of discontent, the Han army continued to brave the raging winds and snow.

In the icy and snowy landscape of the Three Hans, they searched for Naejeni Shigeum's whereabouts again and again, like combing hair with a fine-toothed comb.

The permafrost is as hard as iron, making excavation difficult.

The campfire was difficult to light, and even if it was lit, it flickered and burned in the howling wind.

Food shortages occurred because the previously abundant grain supplies were cut off by heavy snow.

They could only rely on their previous reserves and a small amount of supplies found on-site.

The porridge and rice became increasingly thin, even mixed with inedible grass roots and tree bark.

The initial excitement of victory had vanished from the soldiers' faces.

All that remains is numbness and the weariness of enduring hardship.

In a sheltered, makeshift camp, several mid-level officers surrounded Gongsun Xu, muttering complaints in hushed tones.

One person rubbed their hands, which were red and stiff from the cold, and spoke with dissatisfaction:

"General Gongsun, if it weren't for you speaking to General Guan about the countless crimes of Naijie Nishijin, we would not have been able to achieve our goal."

"General Guan is so upright, why must he insist on capturing and killing this scoundrel?"

"Now look what's happened! We're all going to have to suffer this freezing cold in this godforsaken place!"

Gongsun Xu wrapped his fur coat tighter, his face also looking somewhat ashen. Upon hearing this, he smiled bitterly:
"Are you all unaware of the situation at that time?"

"Although Silla has fallen, if the court investigates and finds no one to take the blame for the main culprit..."

"Wouldn't the responsibility for this protracted war and the drain on resources fall on the shoulders of the generals of Liaodong?"

"It could even implicate the interests of the entire Liaodong Army!"

"This action was not only a last resort to protect myself, but also for the sake of our common foundation."

"Are you the only ones suffering now? Am I not also sharing your joys and sorrows?"

He pointed to his chapped lips and tired face.

Another officer sighed:

"We have some understanding of the general's good intentions."

"However, if this continues, morale will decline, and unforeseen events may occur!"

"General Guan may be brave, but he cannot defy the will of Heaven."

Finally, the worries turned into collective action.

Led by Wang Ping and Liao Hua, a group of generals and officers gathered again in front of Guan Yu's tent.

Although it was slightly warmer inside the tent than outside, it was still bitterly cold, and the flames in the charcoal brazier flickered weakly.

Wang Ping, representing everyone, spoke earnestly:
"General, the roads have been blocked by heavy snow for more than half a month."

"The supply line to Liaodong was almost cut off, and of the grain and fodder that were delivered, less than one-tenth remained."

"The soldiers were fed only coarse food every day, and their armor was not enough to keep out the cold. As a result, the number of soldiers suffering from frostbite increased daily."

"If this continues, our army will collapse on its own without the enemy needing to attack!"

"I hope the general will take pity on the soldiers' hard work and temporarily cease hostilities."

"We can return in triumph and plan our next move another day!"

Guan Yu sat upright behind the table, his face solemn, like a deity in a temple.

He was silent for a moment, his voice low but carrying an undeniable power:
"War is inherently a long and arduous ordeal."

“It is not you who are suffering; I, Guan, am also in this wind and snow.”

“It’s not that you eat coarse food; I, Guan, also drink snow water.”

"A general should share weal and woe with his soldiers; this is a general's duty."

"The task is not yet complete; how can we give up easily because of the hardships?"

Just then, a figure suddenly stood out from among the soldiers guarding outside the tent.

He was a young soldier, his face was blue from the cold, and his lips were cracked.

But his eyes shone brightly with excitement and the pent-up resentment of a long time.

He disregarded military discipline and shouted loudly:

"General Guan! You are a divine being from heaven, we respect and fear you!"

"We admire your ability to endure this cold and hunger!"

"But we are just peasants who toil in the fields. We join the army to earn merit and rewards so that we can support our families!"

His voice, choked with sobs, sounded particularly jarring in the silent tent:
"I've been away from home for over a year! I have a sixty-year-old mother and a newlywed wife at home!"

"I was planning to destroy Silla, take the reward, and go back in glory, so that my mother and wife could have a few good days!"

"But what about now? Silla has been destroyed, yet you insist on leaving us here in this godforsaken snowfield."

"Find some nun whose fate is unknown, who may have already fled overseas!"

"We don't want to be great heroes, we just want to make a contribution."

"I'll take the reward, take off this armor, go home to farm, and live a peaceful life with my mother and wife!"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, almost shouting:
"General! I don't understand much about patriotism, but you can't keep using this to bind us!"

"If it weren't for the inability to survive, who would willingly leave their hometown?"

"Coming to this godforsaken place to freeze and starve, risking our lives in the fight!"

"presumptuous!"

Guan Ping was furious. He drew his sword and stepped forward, ready to take down this audacious soldier.

"stop!"

Guan Yu suddenly shouted.

He stood up, his tall figure casting a heavy shadow inside the tent.

He walked step by step to the soldier, his phoenix eyes fixed on the man's face, which was trembling with fear and excitement.

To everyone's surprise, Guan Yu did not get angry.

The hard lines on his face softened slightly, revealing a complex expression that mixed guilt, realization, and heaviness.

He slowly clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply to the soldier.

This bow instantly silenced the entire tent, both inside and out.

All the generals and all the soldiers who could see and hear were stunned.

Guan Yu said in a deep voice:
"Young man, what you say is... very good!"

"Every sentence comes from the heart, every word pierces the soul!"

"It was Guan who was wrong..."

He straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the countless pairs of eyes, both inside and outside the tent, filled with astonishment, doubt, and then hope.

The voice was loud and clear, carrying a sense of determination:

"Guan cannot delay the time for the soldiers to return home and reunite with their families because of his own selfish desire for victory."

"Your hopes of supporting your parents and raising your wives and children are gone!"

"In this battle, it was indeed Guan's willful act that led to this!"

"Today, we will grant your request!"

He immediately ordered:
"This soldier will be richly rewarded! He will be given ten strings of cash, five bolts of silk, and his merit will be recorded!"

"Order the three armies to pack their belongings and prepare food."

"After a hearty meal, we will break camp and return to base at dawn tomorrow!"

After a brief silence, thunderous cheers erupted in the military camp!

Countless soldiers were moved to tears and celebrated with each other.

Guan Yu's action did not diminish his prestige; on the contrary, it demonstrated his courage to admit his mistakes and his compassion for his soldiers.

He won the heartfelt and deeper respect and love of the entire army.

"Guan Yu is benevolent and righteous!"

"Guan Yu has shown us mercy!"

Praises echoed throughout the camp.

however,
Just as the Han army was immersed in the joy of returning home, and the camp was bustling with activity as they packed up, the entire army was preparing for the day.

A fast horse galloped in, its rider calling out:
"Reporting to Lord Guan!"

"General Zhu Huan has led his naval fleet to the coast and is currently docking!"

The atmosphere, which had just eased, instantly froze.

The gentleness on Guan Yu's face vanished instantly, replaced by a chilling coldness like the snow and ice outside.

His phoenix eyes snapped open, flashing with cold light, and an uncontrollable rage erupted from them:

"What? Zhu Huan? He's only arriving now?!"

"The war against Silla is over, and the enemy has already fled. Why is his navy only arriving now? What is the reason for this?!"

"Is this a deliberate delay in military operations? Summon him to me immediately!"

Before long, Zhu Huan was brought to Guan Yu's central command tent.

Zhu Huan was nearly sixty years old, and even his naval officer's robes could not hide the weariness and fatigue from his long journey.

As he entered the tent, he felt the almost tangible pressure and anger, and his heart sank.

He quickly bowed and greeted them.

"This humble general, Zhu Huan, pays his respects to General Guan."

Guan Yu sat upright in his high seat, like a judge, and questioned in a stern voice:
"Zhu Huan! The imperial court has issued a clear order to launch a combined attack on Silla by land and sea!"

"Your navy should arrive on schedule, blockade the sea routes, and cut off the enemy's retreat!"

"Why are you so late, even now that the war is over?"

What is your explanation?

Zhu Huan's forehead was beaded with cold sweat. He knew that Guan Yu's military discipline was strict, and he also knew that his mission had indeed been delayed. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and explain:

"Reporting to the general, it was not my intention to delay."

"My naval fleet encountered an unusual sea storm shortly after setting sail from Donglai."

"The waves were several feet high, and many boats capsized and were damaged."

"I had no choice but to do this in order to save the fleet and the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers."

"They had no choice but to order a retreat to Donglai Port to seek shelter from the storm, repair the ships, and replenish the supplies lost due to the storm."

"Once the wind and waves subside and the boat is repaired, we will set off immediately and travel day and night to get here."

"This is caused by a natural disaster, which is beyond human control. I hope the general will understand!"

"A natural disaster?"

Guan Yu snorted coldly, his voice like ice shards striking each other.

"Even natural disasters are no excuse for delaying military operations!"

"Military orders are absolute; the deadline has passed, which is tantamount to disobeying orders!"

"If it weren't for your delay, which allowed the sea route to be opened, how could Master Jie have so easily escaped overseas and disappeared without a trace?"

"You have caused my army's efforts to be thwarted at the last moment! Do you know your crime?"

Zhu Huan's face turned deathly pale, and he lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to speak.

Guan Yu slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing throughout the tent:

"Zhu Huan has delayed military operations; according to the law, he should be executed! Guards!"

"Take Zhu Huan out and behead him as a warning to the public, to uphold military law!"

The generals in the tent were all horrified upon hearing this.

Wang Ping, Liao Hua, and others hurriedly stepped forward to plead for leniency:

"General, please calm down! Although General Zhu made a mistake, it was indeed due to a natural disaster that blocked the road, which was not his intention."

"Now that Silla has been destroyed, the overall situation is settled."

"Although the bandit leader escaped, our army has still achieved a great victory."

"I beg the general to consider his past merits and spare his life!"

Guan Yu's face turned ashen, and he remained unmoved.
Military law is merciless! How can it be disregarded because of victory or defeat?

“If we spare him today, others will use natural disasters as an excuse to delay military operations in the future.”

"What authority does military law have left? How can the three armies be disciplined?"

The generals then said:

"General, General Zhu abandoned the darkness and embraced the light during the campaign to pacify Jiangnan in the past."

"He led our army to defeat the enemy and made a great contribution!"

"Please, General, remember his past merits and show him leniency!"

Mentioning the achievements in Jiangnan, Guan Yu's eyes showed even stronger disgust.

He valued loyalty and righteousness above all else, and he held Zhu Huan, a man who betrayed his lord for personal gain and turned against his own side in battle, in contempt.

This delay in military operations indirectly led to his failure to capture Naijie Nishijin.

The hope of a perfect final battle was dashed, and the intertwining of old and new grudges only fueled the resentment that was hard to quell.

He said in a cold voice:

"Those who defect to the enemy on the battlefield are disloyal and unjust; how can their merits outweigh their faults?"

"If it weren't for their delay and the blockade of the sea routes, Master Jie would have no chance of escaping now!"

"Such a grave offense cannot be lightly forgiven!"

At this moment, Guan Ping also stepped forward and whispered:
“Father, Zhu Huan is the head of the Zhu clan in Jiangdong, one of the four major surnames in Jiangnan.”

"Prime Minister Zhuge intended to support the Zhu family, using their strength to appease the gentry in Jiangnan and stabilize the situation."

"This expedition was also strongly supported by Prime Minister Zhuge."

"If we were to execute Zhu Huan, it would be a disgrace to the Prime Minister and would cause panic in Jiangnan, which would be detrimental to the country!"

"Father, please reconsider!"

Upon hearing the words "Prime Minister Zhuge," Guan Yu's sharp eyes flickered slightly.

He knew all too well how difficult it was for Zhuge Liang to coordinate the overall situation. With the Jiangnan region newly pacified, it was indeed necessary for local strongmen like the Zhu family to assist in stabilizing the situation.

He pondered for a long time, and the atmosphere inside the tent was so oppressive that it was almost suffocating.

Finally, he let out a long breath.

As if forcibly suppressing the frustration and resentment in his heart, his voice carried a hint of weariness and helplessness:

"Very well... If it weren't for Mr. Kongming's sake, I would have executed him today without mercy!"

Just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief, Guan Yu's tone turned stern again:

"Of course, the death penalty can be avoided, but the living punishment cannot be escaped!"

"Zhu Huan delayed military operations, and the evidence is conclusive. If he is not punished, what will become of military law?"

"Drag him away and give him one hundred strokes of the military rod!"

One hundred lashes!
Everyone's expression changed again.

In the depths of winter, even a drop of water freezes instantly.

Let alone one hundred strokes of the military rod, even fifty strokes would be enough.

That would be enough to break the bones of Zhu Huan, who was nearly sixty years old, leaving him with serious injuries that would be difficult to heal.

It could even be fatal!

"Lord Guan! One hundred strokes of the military rod are too heavy!"

"General Zhu is getting on in years and may not be able to bear the burden!"

"The weather is freezing cold, and wounds are hard to heal."

"Please, General, have mercy and reduce my punishment!"

The pleas for mercy were heard again.

Guan Yu, however, had made up his mind that he must uphold the seriousness of military law.

We must also find an outlet to vent our resentment.

His statement was firm and unquestionable:

"Zhu Huan broke the law, but sparing his life is already an act of leniency beyond the law!"

"The punishment of military flogging must not be avoided! Execute it!"

Two executioners stepped forward, grabbed Zhu Huan, whose face was ashen and who knew that arguing was useless, and dragged him away.

Zhu Huan kept his eyes tightly closed and remained silent.

Only his slightly trembling body revealed the fear and despair in his heart.

The cold wind howled outside the tent, and soon the dull sound of military batons striking flesh could be heard.

And Zhu Huan's suppressed, painful groans.

The sound was exceptionally clear in the wind and snow, striking the hearts of every general.

Inside the tent, Guan Yu sat back down behind the table and closed his eyes.

His fingers tapped the table unconsciously, his face expressionless.

Only his tightly pursed lips and slightly twitching eyebrows revealed that his inner world was not as calm and undisturbed as it appeared.

The snow continued to fall, covering the bloodstains.

This also masked the joy of returning home in the camp and the grim atmosphere following the executions.

……

The north wind whipped up snowflakes, like cold sand.

The whips struck the flags and tents of the Liaodong army camp, producing a mournful sound.

On one side of the central command tent, in a tent specially arranged for naval commanders, the atmosphere was as heavy as if it were frozen.

Zhu Huan lay face down on a simple camp couch, his face ashen and his breath faint.

The hundred lashes were delivered with great force, though the soldiers may have secretly shown leniency and did not injure the victim's core.

But for a veteran nearing sixty, it was still a torture that could break his bones.

A thick fur blanket covered his lower body, yet the bloodstains, already congealed and darkened, could still be faintly seen seeping out.

Several trusted generals surrounded the bed, their faces filled with worry, indignation, and helplessness.

Some people carefully wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with a warm cloth, while others held up his medicine.

However, it was difficult to feed him because Zhu Huan's jaw was clenched and his consciousness was blurred.

"Father! Father!"

The curtain was suddenly flung open, and a blast of cold air rushed in.

A young general, wearing naval general's armor and bearing a resemblance to Zhu Huan, strode in.

It was Zhu Huan's son, Zhu Yi.

His fleet was responsible for bringing up the rear and handling the ships most damaged in the storm.

Therefore, it arrived one day later than Zhu Huan's main fleet.

As soon as they reached the shore, they heard the news that their father had been severely punished by Guan Yu and was on the verge of death.

It was truly like a bolt from the blue.

Zhu Yi rushed to the bedside and, seeing his father's miserable state, his eyes instantly turned red.

His fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and his voice trembled with anger.
"How could this be?! How dare Guan Yu do this!"

“Father, when you retreated to Donglai due to the storm, you did not immediately send an urgent message over a distance of 600 li.”

"Have the details and nautical chart evidence been reported to the court?" "Prime Minister Zhuge also personally replied with a handwritten edict, stating that 'the timing was unpredictable, not a fault of the battle, and we are allowed to rest and recuperate, and wait for an opportunity to advance again.'"

"With this imperial edict, the court will have a clear understanding!"

"Why don't you take out that edict and show it to Guan Yu?"

"Why should you suffer such humiliation and almost lose your life!"

Zhu Huan was awakened by his son's voice and struggled to open his heavy eyelids.

His gaze was unfocused for a moment before it finally settled on Zhu Yi's angry and sorrowful face.

His lips moved, his voice barely audible, yet carrying a resigned calm:
"Yi'er...please...stop making a fuss."

"The imperial edict...is in hand, but...I, your father...have indeed delayed military operations."

"This led to the escape of the bandit leader, which is an undeniable fact."

"Guan Yu... was upright and straightforward, and never liked us... surrendered people from Jiangdong."

"Having violated military law, being punished is only right and there is nothing more to say."

He had to catch his breath after every few words, the excruciating pain in his buttocks and legs causing cold sweat to pour down his forehead.

Nothing much to say?

Zhu Yi almost jumped up, his voice rising.

“We, the sons of Jiangdong, spared no effort to cross the ocean.”

"Almost drowned in the storm, they still rushed here to serve their country!"

"And what was the result? Before Silla could even engage in a battle, the enemy was completely unscathed, but they were instead nearly killed by their own people!"

"How can this be so unreasonable! I... I'm going to find Guan Yu and argue with him!"

"Ask him where the laws of the court are! What use is the Prime Minister's edict!"

After saying that, he turned around abruptly and was about to rush out of the tent.

"stop!"

Zhu Huan suddenly raised his arm, seemingly drawing strength from nowhere.

He gripped Zhu Yi's wrist tightly, his fingernails turning white from the force.

He was breathing heavily, his eyes fixed sharply on his son, a warning that left no room for argument:
"Foolish! At this moment... Guan Yu is in a fit of rage."

"Your departure is tantamount to walking into a trap and bringing shame upon yourself!"

"It might even... lead to your death! A small act of impatience... could ruin a great plan!"

"Just...bear it!"

The single word "endure" seemed to drain all his strength.

He let go of his grip in despair, slumped back onto the couch, and began to cough violently.

Zhu Yi looked at his father's pained expression and recalled Guan Yu's majestic and unyielding aura, like that of a god.

He suppressed his anger and grievances, letting them swell into a sob.

His knees buckled, and he knelt before the bed, slamming his fists hard onto the cold ground.

He left a faint mark and then fell silent, only his shoulders twitching slightly.

In the following days, the Han army began an orderly withdrawal from the land of the Three Hans, which had brought them both victory and endless bitter cold.

The army marched on and entered Liaodong, a region they were relatively familiar with.

Although Liaodong is also located in the north, its winters are equally harsh.

However, after years of construction during the Han Dynasty, the city walls were relatively strong.

Their material reserves were also far superior to those of Silla.

The governors of the various prefectures along the way had already received the news and went out of their cities to reward the troops.

They offered grain, wine, meat, and warm clothing.

This allowed the soldiers, who had endured countless hardships, to finally catch their breath and feel a sense of warmth and security as they returned home.

Guan Yu stationed his troops at Xiangping City, the capital of Liaodong Commandery.

The hardships of marching through the Three Han regions for several days left even him, with his martial prowess, feeling exhausted.

With no war at the moment, he stayed at the inn in the city.

The intention was to take a few days off and, at the same time, to review the gains and losses of this campaign.

That afternoon, light snow was still falling outside the window.

Guan Yu sat idly in the hall, flipping through the military documents presented by Wang Ping, Liao Hua, and others.

suddenly,

He remembered something, put down the bamboo slips, and said to Guan Ping, who was standing beside him:
"Ping'er, our army has been fighting for years and has suffered heavy losses."

"Liaodong is an important border town, and the reserves of military equipment and food are crucial to the security of the border."

"Pass down the order: tomorrow, I will personally go to the treasury to check the storage of military supplies in Liaodong."

"To have a clear understanding of the situation is also to be able to report to the imperial court."

This order was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

The Liaodong military faction has had a strong regional character since the time of Gongsun Du.

Although nominally under the jurisdiction of the imperial court, it was internally divided and complex.

Officers at all levels abused their power to smuggle weapons and trade with grassland tribes.

They might falsely report losses to line their own pockets, or they might resell superior equipment to the black market in the Central Plains.

These various problems have become deeply entrenched and difficult to reverse.

The treasury accounts appeared complete, but in reality, they were already severely depleted.

As a result, the generals who later took over Liaodong could not withstand the investigation and could only allow the treasury to continue to be depleted.

Then they pass the buck to the newcomers.

At the same time, they made up for some of the deficit by plundering surrounding tribes.

In short, it was originally just a small hole.

But the newcomers who took over later found it difficult, so they simply went with the flow and continued digging the pit.

Then someone else comes and fills the hole.

The imperial court, with its keen eyesight, could not possibly be completely oblivious.

However, Liaodong has a special geographical location; it was used to protect Hebei.

It did not play a significant role in development.

It was primarily intended to serve as the empire's northern bulwark.

Therefore, the imperial court could turn a blind eye to the embezzlement.

All you need to do is make sure nothing goes wrong at the border.

Anyway, the amount of money the imperial court is supposed to give each year is fixed, so you local officials can spend it however you want.

As long as nothing goes wrong at the border, don't worry about the central government asking for more money.

Do whatever you want with it.

The imperial court was too lazy to interfere.

After all, few people dare to do things that offend others, especially when it involves the interests of the Liaodong warlords.

A thorough investigation would directly implicate previous generations of Liaodong officials.

This would make the betting pool too large, so we might as well just let it run its course.

They just didn't expect to run right into Guan Yu's line of fire.

Liaodong, after generations of squandering,
How could it withstand a personal investigation by a great general like Guan Yu, who was known for his integrity, incorruptibility, and keen insight?
The news quickly spread among the generals in Liaodong, and everyone was filled with unease.

They knew all too well that if things were exposed...

Given Guan Yu's temperament, he would probably have had his head chopped off from top to bottom.

Thus, a meticulously planned "response" was immediately launched.

That evening, a grand banquet was held at the most luxurious restaurant in Xiangping City, led by the most senior border generals in the area.

They extended a warm invitation to Guan Yu to a banquet, ostensibly to "welcome Guan Yu and celebrate the great victory over Silla."

Guan Yu disliked social engagements, but he was obliged out of consideration for his feelings and because he genuinely needed to appease the local generals.

He then took Guan Ping, Liao Hua, and a few other close confidants with him.

At the banquet, people drank and drank.

Delicacies were served in a continuous stream, accompanied by music and dance performances.

The generals of Liaodong went to great lengths to flatter Guan Yu, taking turns offering him wine.

He was praised for his unparalleled martial prowess and for his awe-inspiring presence throughout China.

The pacification of Silla this time is a feat that will be remembered for generations to come.

Guan Yu initially remained cautious, but he couldn't resist the repeated urging from the crowd to advance.

In addition, he also needed to vent the lingering resentment in his heart from failing to capture Naijie Nishijin and the matter of Zhu Huan, so he drank a few more cups.

He has a high alcohol tolerance, but he has been working hard for days.

In addition, age catches up with everyone, and he gradually became seven or eight parts drunk, his face flushed.

He talked more than usual, and although his phoenix eyes were still bright, they were also clouded with a hint of alcohol.

Just as the banquet was at its most lively, a sharp gong sound and frantic shouts suddenly came from outside:

"The water is gone! The water is gone!"

"The treasury! There's a fire in the direction of the treasury!"

That shout was like a bucket of cold water being poured over someone's head.

Guan Yu jolted awake, instantly sobering up considerably.

He suddenly stood up, pushed aside the general who was still urging him to drink, and rushed to the window.

To the west of the city, the night sky was bathed in a fiery red glow.

Thick smoke billowed and flames soared into the sky—this was the location of the government treasury!
"Quick! Come with me to put out the fire!"

Guan Yu's voice was hoarse, filled with undeniable rage, as he grabbed the Green Dragon Crescent Blade leaning against him.

Even when attending a banquet, he never parted with his knife.

He didn't even bother to put on his armor before rushing downstairs.

Guan Ping, Liao Hua, and others followed closely behind, and the banquet was in chaos.

The Liaodong generals exchanged glances, their eyes conveying unspoken meanings.

He then hurriedly followed.

The fire spread extremely quickly in the important government warehouse.

Winter is dry and windy, and the warehouse contains many flammable materials such as leather, tung oil, and grain.

The wind fanned the flames, sending them soaring into the sky with a crackling sound.

The scorching heat made it difficult to get close.

Guan Yu personally went to the fire scene and commanded with composure.

He ordered his soldiers to fetch water from the nearest source and to demolish surrounding buildings to cut off the fire's path.

He took the lead and, despite his advanced age, personally carried buckets of water to pour onto the fire.

Seeing their commander in such a state, the soldiers all fought desperately to save him.

It wasn't until around four in the morning, with the help of a light snowfall, that the sudden fire was finally extinguished.

The once magnificent government warehouse building,
It has now turned into a pile of smoldering ruins, with the air filled with the smell of burning.

As dawn broke, the registrar, accompanied by several clerks, painstakingly inspected the damage amidst the ashes and floodwaters.

After a long while, the chief clerk approached Guan Yu with a somber expression.

He bowed and reported, his voice trembling:

"Reporting to Lord Guan... After a preliminary inventory, seven or eight out of ten of the swords, spears, arrows, armor, and shields stored in the treasury are damaged."

"The reserve food and fodder were almost completely burned... The losses... The losses are devastating!"

Guan Yu stood before the ruins, his body covered in soot and water stains, his once ruddy face now ashen.

He stared at the horrific scene before him, his phoenix eyes blazing with fury that seemed about to burst forth.

He turned around abruptly, his gaze sharp as lightning.

His voice, as cold as ice, swept over the Liaodong generals standing behind him, their hands at their sides, each with a different expression:
"Investigate! Investigate this thoroughly! What caused this fire?"

"Was it an accidental fire, or was it arson to cover something up?!"

Officials in Liaodong were well-prepared.

Within half a day, several low-ranking clerks in charge of the treasury and veteran guards were brought out.

They knelt before the hall where Guan Yu temporarily held office, kowtowing repeatedly.

They insisted that the fire was accidentally knocked over while they were trying to keep warm in the cold weather, which ignited the pile of miscellaneous items and ultimately led to the disaster.

They wept bitterly, claiming that they had "oversighted for a moment and deserved to die, and were willing to accept punishment."

Guan Yu was a man of great stature; how could he easily believe such words?
His sharp gaze swept back and forth across the faces of the scapegoats and the several high-ranking Liaodong generals behind them, their eyes gleaming with suspicion.

The timing of the fire was too coincidental.

It just so happened that he wanted to check the inventory, and it just so happened that he was drunk.

The testimonies of these individuals seem reasonable, yet they always reveal a deliberate and uniform nature.

"Guan Yu".

Liao Hua quietly approached and whispered his advice.

"The fire has been extinguished, but the losses are heavy."

Fortunately, no other houses were affected, and there were no casualties.

"Judging from the testimonies of these individuals, perhaps... perhaps it was truly a momentary oversight."

"Liaodong is located on the frontier, and oversights are inevitable in its management."

"We will strengthen supervision in the future to prevent such incidents from happening again."

His words were tactful, but his meaning was clear.

He did not want Guan Yu to investigate further, lest it implicate too many people.

This could trigger greater turmoil within the Liaodong military faction, which would be detrimental to stability.

Wang Ping nodded slightly, indicating that the matter was complicated.

Guan Yu frowned, unconsciously stroking his long beard with his right hand, weighing his options in his mind.

He could naturally see the protective intentions of Liao Hua and others, and he also understood that the interests within the Liaodong military faction were intertwined, and that a single move could have far-reaching consequences.

If a thorough investigation is forced, it may not be possible to uncover the real mastermind.
On the contrary, it might alert the local bullies and even force them to rebel, which would be very detrimental to the peace and stability of the border.

But how can we swallow this insult if we don't investigate?
These are vital military and national weapons; how can they be allowed to be wasted like this?
Just as he was pondering and struggling with his inner conflict,

suddenly,

The alarm horn sounded mournfully from the city tower, shattering the tranquility of Xiangping City in the early morning!

"Report——!"

A scout, covered in snowflakes, tumbled and crawled into the hall.

"Reporting to General Guan! A large number of Xianbei cavalry have appeared thirty miles north of the city."

"They are attacking our border fortresses and kidnapping people and livestock!"

Military intelligence is at its peak!

The matter of the treasury fire was instantly forgotten.

Guan Yu suddenly stood up, all hesitation vanishing from his face.

Instead, it is replaced by the coldness and decisiveness of someone who has been through many battles:
"All generals, listen to my command! Follow me to the city wall to observe the enemy!"

"Cheng Lian, Cao Xing! Quickly lead your cavalry out of the city to meet the enemy."

"We must defeat the invading enemy and rescue the captured people!"

"Order!"

Generals Cheng Lian and Cao Xing clasped their hands in acceptance of the order.

He turned and strode out, his armor clanging.

They were all former Bingzhou wolf cavalry under Lü Bu, known for their bravery and skill in battle.

After serving the Han dynasty, he was stationed in Liaodong, where his fierceness intimidated the border regions.

Surrounded by Guan Ping, Liao Hua, and others, Guan Yu quickly ascended the north gate tower of Xiangping.

Looking into the distance, one can see billowing dust rising over the snow-covered plains.

Several hundred Xianbei cavalrymen, like a pack of wolves, were galloping around several Han army outposts and settlements on the border.

With bows drawn and arrows nocked, stray arrows were occasionally shot toward the fortress.

Some cavalrymen even dismounted and drove the stolen cattle and sheep.

They bound the captured Han Chinese and whistled as they prepared to retreat.

However, their good fortune did not last long.

The gates of Xiangping were wide open.

Cheng Lian and Cao Xing led the Liaodong cavalry out like a flood bursting its banks.

These Liaodong cavalrymen had long been stationed on the frontier and were experienced in fighting against the nomadic tribes.

Although military discipline may be lax, combat effectiveness is honed through years of fighting.

Their formation wasn't very orderly, but it carried a wild and fierce quality.

Horse hooves shattered the ice and snow, rushing straight towards the Xianbei cavalry like a whirlwind.

The Xianbei people clearly did not expect the Han army to react so quickly and that their cavalry would be so brave.

After a brief encounter, the Xianbei cavalry found themselves at a disadvantage.

The Liaodong cavalry utilized their skilled archery techniques and teamwork.

Segmentation, encirclement, and collision; arrows rained down, and sabers flew.

They slaughtered the Xianbei, leaving them routed and disarmed.

Leaving behind dozens of corpses and some looted supplies and people, they fled north in a sorry state.

The Han army pursued the enemy for more than ten miles, capturing many enemies before withdrawing and returning to the city.

Standing atop the city wall, Guan Yu witnessed the entire brief but intense border conflict.

He witnessed the Liaodong cavalry display a fighting prowess in open battle that was different from that of the Central Plains imperial guards—a fighting spirit and ferocity that distinguished them.

He couldn't help but nod slightly, a hint of admiration showing in his phoenix eyes.

He turned to General Zhang Hu, who was accompanying him, and said:

"The soldiers of Liaodong are indeed brave and skilled in battle, living up to their reputation."

"Such vigor in the midst of field battles."

Zhang Hu cupped his hands in greeting, his tone carrying the unique magnanimity of a border soldier mixed with a hint of helplessness:
"...General, you flatter me."

"Being in such a battleground, surrounded by enemies on all sides, if you don't fight to the death, you can only wait to die."

"The brothers were forced into this situation."

Soon after, Cheng Lian and Cao Xing returned to the city victorious and went up to the city tower to report back.

Guan Yu personally poured them hot wine and thanked them, saying:
"Generals, you have worked hard! Seeing you today, I truly understand the might of the Liaodong cavalry!"

"Come, drink this cup to the brim to celebrate our victory!"

The two generals thanked them and drank the wine in one gulp.

Guan Yu put down his wine cup, his expression turning puzzled, and asked:

"...There is something I don't understand."

"As far as I know, since Prime Minister Li made his decision, the relationship between the court and most of the Xianbei tribes has been relatively harmonious, and they have been able to trade with each other."

"Why are there still organized Xianbei cavalry units daring to openly invade our borders and plunder and cause trouble today?"

Cao Xing wiped the wine stains from his lips, chuckled, and explained:
"...General, you are unaware of this."

"The harmony between the imperial court and the Xianbei royal court is a matter for the higher-ups."

"These tribes below are scattered across the grasslands, each governing their own way. How could they possibly be so obedient?"

"Those who came today are nothing more than a rabble of small tribes, hoping to make a quick buck and leave."

"As long as there is no large-scale war between the two countries, trade in the border markets will continue as usual."

“These small-scale frictions are often left unchecked, as there’s simply not enough time to manage them all.”

Guan Yu pressed further:

"Do you know which tribe that Xianbei cavalry unit just now belonged to?"

Cao Xing thought for a moment and replied:
"Judging from their banners and attire, they seem to be from the Tuoba clan of Suotou."

"Their clan leader is named Tuoba Liwei. He is not old, but he is ruthless."

"A few days ago, he even led a group to rob a batch of silk and tea being transported from the Central Plains to the grasslands. He was very arrogant."

"I have heard that he now commands 60,000 warriors who can draw a bow and shoot arrows."

"They have become a considerable force on the grasslands."

"Tuoba Liwei? Sixty thousand archers?"

Guan Yu frowned slightly. "Such a powerful force repeatedly violates the border, yet the imperial court has not taken any action against them?"

Zhang Hu chimed in from the side:
"General, Prime Minister Li is in power and strongly advocates for the people to rest and recuperate, and encourages merchants."

"We also maintain an open attitude towards trade with the grasslands."

“The trade of caravans brought huge profits, and conflicts with local tribes were inevitable.”

“When the people of the grasslands steal from us, our local strongmen and military commanders on the border sometimes organize people to go to the grasslands to ‘reclaim’ what they have taken.”

"These things are minor compared to the huge amounts of tariffs and trade profits generated each year."

"As long as it doesn't cause too much of a commotion and doesn't disrupt the flow of major trade routes."

"The imperial court... will generally not interfere excessively."

"After all, it might not be worthwhile to really go to war and punish them, which would require a lot of manpower, money and supplies."

After listening, Guan Yu remained silent for a long time.

He gazed at the vast snowfields outside the city, where a bloody conflict had just taken place.

Now everything was calm again, with only a faint smell of blood still lingering in the wind.

He recalled the burned-down treasury and the gleaming eyes of the Liaodong generals.

Thinking of the swift arrival and departure of the Xianbei cavalry, and the court's tacit approval of border trade disputes...

all of these,
This is so different from the Central Plains he was familiar with, and from his war philosophy of dignified formations and upright banners.

This frontier region seems to have its own chaotic yet realistic set of survival rules.

He ultimately did not pursue the matter further, nor did he mention the thorough investigation into the fire at the government treasury.

The great fire seemed to be temporarily shelved in the cold north wind as the Xianbei people retreated.

However, deep within his eyes, there was a trace of unspeakable worry.

Like the dark clouds over Liaodong, they quietly gather and linger.

(End of this chapter)