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

Chapter 467 Establish the Temple of King Wu'an, select the Ten Sages of the Temple, and ensure that the temple will enjoy eternal incense offerings!

It was early summer.

The area inside and outside Luoyang should have been lush with vegetation and full of life.

However, a heavy and sorrowful atmosphere, like an invisible dark cloud, enveloped the capital of the Han Empire.

The devastating news, delivered by fast horse, exploded like a thunderclap in the imperial court and among the common people—

General Guan Yu, the Duke of Hanshou, died in Liaodong!
Upon hearing this devastating news, the young Emperor Liu Shan abruptly stood up from his throne inside the Weiyang Palace.

His face drained of color instantly, filled with disbelief, astonishment, and uncontrollable rage.

His voice trembled, choked with sobs:

"Wh...what? My second uncle...he's a Xianbei!"

"How dare the Xianbei people do this!"

"You have betrayed my trusted advisors and killed my closest relatives!"

"I...I will surely mobilize the entire nation's army to flatten the grasslands."

"Shoot straight to the royal court and avenge my second uncle!"

His eyes were bloodshot, and his clenched fists were so tight that his knuckles turned white. He was almost about to issue an edict to mobilize troops from all directions.

"Your Majesty! Wait!"

A steady but slightly tired voice rang out just in time.

Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, holding a feather fan, stepped out from the crowd.

His face was solemn, and although there was sorrow in his eyes, there was more profound rationality and a complex emotion that was hard to describe.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This matter... is probably not as it appears on the surface."

"The death of General Guan was not entirely the fault of the Xianbei."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan was as if he had been doused with cold water, and looked at Zhuge Liang in astonishment:

"...Why does the Prime Minister say this?"

"My second uncle went on a distant expedition beyond the Great Wall, fought fiercely with the Xianbei, and died from exhaustion."

"The news is confirmed; how could it be false?"

Zhuge Liang shook his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the equally shocked and puzzled ministers in the hall, and said in a deep voice:

"This matter concerns General Guan's posthumous reputation and the dignity of the nation, and I dare not speak recklessly."

"Your Majesty, please summon the imperial physician Hua Tuo to the palace, and everything will be clear then."

Liu Shan suppressed the turmoil in his heart and waved his hand.

Soon,
The imperial physician Hua Tuo, with his white hair and beard and a gaunt face, walked steadily into the hall and knelt down to pay his respects.

“Minister Hua,” Liu Shan asked urgently, “the Prime Minister said there are other hidden reasons behind General Guan’s death.”

"Quickly report back what you know, truthfully!"

Hua Tuo raised his head, his face showing the composure unique to a physician and a hint of barely perceptible shame.

He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"...report back to Your Majesty."

"General Guan... did not die suddenly from illness, nor was it simply a case of dying from battle wounds."

"In fact, in the past two years, General Guan's health... has long been deteriorating."

The hall fell into complete silence; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone held their breath.

Hua Tuo continued:
"General Guan is advanced in years and has been suffering from illness due to years of fighting."

"Especially his liver, which shows very serious signs of aging and failure."

“Last autumn and winter, when I examined the general’s pulse, I already predicted that the general…”

"I fear we may not survive the spring and summer of this year."

These words shocked everyone in the hall.

It should be noted that as early as last winter, Guan Yu had strongly advocated for serving as the commander-in-chief of this campaign against Silla.

According to Hua Tuo, he had already diagnosed Guan Yu at that time.

Since Guan Yu knew his days were numbered, why did he still...?
"At that time, I strongly advised the general to stay in Luoyang and recuperate."

"Perhaps... we can postpone it for a while."

Liu Shan pressed on urgently:
"And then? My second uncle..."

Hua Tuo gave a wry smile, a smile tinged with deep helplessness and admiration:

"However, General Guan...is of a fierce temperament and values ​​dignity above all else."

He told his ministers, 'A true man should be born into this world like a shooting star streaking across the sky, shining brightly.'

"How can one be like a flickering candle in the wind, dying prematurely, merely evoking pity?"

"I would rather die on the battlefield, wrapped in a horse's hide, than lie on my sickbed, letting the world see my decaying state!"

“He… pleaded with me.”

"Please you? Please you for what?"

Liu Shan's heart sank.

Hua Tuo closed his eyes, as if he couldn't bear to recall the past.

After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes and said in a hoarse voice:

"General Guan begged me to prepare a... potent medicine for him."

"It is made primarily with datura flowers, supplemented with several potent medicinal herbs."

"It can temporarily suppress pain and stimulate the body's potential."

"So that he will not feel the pain of organ failure in a short period of time."

"He was even in good spirits, as if he had recovered."

"Datura flower?"

A courtier knowledgeable in medicine gasped in a low voice.

"Although this substance can relieve pain and refresh the mind, it is highly toxic."

"Prolonged or high-dose use is tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst, and will rapidly accelerate the decline of internal organs!"

"...That's exactly right."

Hua Tuo nodded heavily, "I am well aware of the harm it would cause, and I initially refused outright."

"However, General Guan entrusted his life to me, saying that this was his last wish."

He said, "Mr. Hua, I am not clinging to life, but rather seeking a worthy death!"

"To be confined to my sickbed, wasting away and dying, is not my wish!"

"Their resolve was so firm, their feelings so intense..."

"I...in the end, I softened and prepared that medicine for him."

Liu Shan was stunned and his body swayed slightly.

He leaned against the imperial desk, his voice tinged with a hint of disorientation:
"So...so my second uncle had already..."

"You knew you were going to die soon?"

"Did he rely on the effects of the medicine to force himself to finish the Silla campaign and then go to Liaodong?"

Hua Tuo bowed deeply:
"...Your Majesty is wise, it is indeed so."

"After taking the medicine, General Guan still appeared to be as vigorous and energetic as ever."

"However, its interior was already riddled with holes."

"Like a candle about to burn out, its last glimmer is nothing more than..."

"Just a final burst of energy before death."

Liu Shan suddenly turned to Zhuge Liang, his eyes filled with complex emotions:

"Prime Minister! This matter... were you and your father already aware of it?"

Zhuge Liang let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with helplessness, regret, and a deep understanding.

He bowed and answered:
"Your subject...and Prime Minister Li do indeed know a thing or two."

Before selecting the commander-in-chief for the campaign against Silla, General Guan visited Prime Minister Yi's residence alone at night.

"Dismiss those around you and tell them the whole story frankly."

He said, “Rather than waiting for the end of my life in Luoyang, I would rather serve the Han Dynasty one last time.”

"And in a way worthy of his title of 'Martial Saint,' he completed the last leg of his life."

"The Prime Minister... pondered for a long time, and finally nodded in agreement."

Liu Shan listened intently, recalling how Guan Yu insisted on staying in Liaodong after pacifying Silla.

However, the central government did not urge him to return to court to report his merits as usual, and it turned out that there was such a hidden reason behind it.

He murmured:

"No wonder...no wonder you weren't in a hurry to call Uncle back..."

"So, you already knew he was going to..."

"He went to find his final resting place..."

His voice choked with emotion, carrying a sense of bewilderment and indescribable sorrow.

Zhuge Liang bowed again, his tone earnest:

"...It was not our intention to deceive Your Majesty."

"Indeed... General Guan's mind is made up."

"In my heart, I truly do not wish to see the pillar of the nation perish in this way."

"This may slightly damage the prestige of the nation."

"However, as General Guan said, 'It is a great man to die on the battlefield!' This was his lifelong belief."

"Li Xiang also took into account General Guan's lifelong integrity and pursuit of perfection."

"Rather than let him exhaust his heroic spirit on his sickbed, it is better to fulfill his ambition of dying on the battlefield."

"Let him bid farewell to this land where he fought his entire life in the most glorious way."

"I think General Guan left well..."

"He must have been very carefree and had no regrets."

Liu Shan remained silent.

The young emperor on his throne felt this so profoundly for the first time.

Deep in the hearts of these founding fathers and heroes of the older generation,

That kind of unwavering and fierce belief in pursuing the ultimate, transcending life and death.

It was a spiritual world that he might never fully understand, yet he couldn't help but be awestruck by.

Just as the atmosphere inside the hall was heavy, and everyone was immersed in the tragic grandeur of Guan Yu's death and the shock of the truth,

The Yellow Gate Attendant outside the palace announced loudly:
"Your Majesty, an envoy from the Xianbei tribe, demanding a head, requests an audience outside the palace gates!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers' faces immediately showed anger.

Liu Shan also composed himself, his face ashen, and said coldly:
"Xuan!"

Soon,
Several envoys dressed in Xianbei attire entered the main hall with trepidation.

The leader, prostrate on the ground, shouted in broken Chinese:
"Your humble envoy from a small state pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Han!"

“We have come on the orders of the Great Khan Tuoba Liwei to apologize to Your Majesty.”

"And we extend our deepest condolences to General Guan, the Martial Saint!"

He paused, stealing a glance at Liu Shan's unfriendly expression on the throne and the angry gazes of the court officials, before quickly continuing:

"The matter concerning General Guan was truly an unfortunate misunderstanding!"

"I bow my head in reverence for General Guan's bravery, and I admire him as a god. I have absolutely no intention of harming him!"

"That day...that day was truly...alas!"

"Now that General Guan has passed away, our Khan and all our people are filled with grief!"

"To express our apology and condolences, the Great Khan has ordered us to present 10,000 fat sheep, 5,000 cattle, and 3,000 catties of top-quality furs."

"I implore Your Majesty to calm your anger and hope that our two countries can restore our old friendship!"

As he spoke, he held a thick list of gifts high above his head.

Upon hearing this, most of the officials in the hall showed sneers and disdain on their faces.

Everyone understood that Suo Tou must have heard the news of Guan Yu's death.

They feared that the Han Dynasty would be enraged and send a large army to retaliate.

That's why they rushed over to apologize, hoping to pay money to avoid further trouble.

However, it is remarkable that a single tribe could produce such a large quantity of livestock and furs.

It almost emptied their savings, which shows their fear.

Liu Shan, expressionless, ordered the eunuch to take the gift list. After a quick glance, he understood what was going on.

He waved his hand dismissively, his tone indifferent:

"I am aware of your intentions, Your Excellency."

"Please step back and await further instructions at the post station."

After the Xianbei envoy retreated in fear, Liu Shan looked at Zhuge Liang:

"Prime Minister, in your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and calmly said:
“Your Majesty, since Suo has already submitted and offered generous gifts, his fear of the might of our Celestial Empire is quite clear.”

"If we were to launch another large-scale war at this time, although it might vent our anger temporarily, it would be a costly and exhausting expedition."

"Moreover, the grasslands are vast and difficult to eradicate, so this is not the best policy."

"It would be better to accept their gift for now, to show the magnanimity of the Celestial Empire."

"The most urgent task is to hold a grand and prestigious funeral for General Guan."

"Let their heroic spirits rest in peace, and let the world know that our great Han Dynasty will never forget the virtues of its meritorious officials."

Liu Shan nodded, suppressing the grief and anger in his heart:
"As the Prime Minister has said."

A month later, Guan Yu's coffin was escorted back to Luoyang amidst the attention and sorrow of the crowd.

Liu Shan ordered that he be treated with the rites due to a state funeral.

The entire city of Luoyang was draped in mourning, and the people spontaneously took to the streets, weeping bitterly.

Don't forget this military god in their hearts.

The funeral was held with the utmost solemnity, and Liu Shan personally presided over the ceremony.

In remembrance of Guan Yu's life achievements, an imperial edict was issued.

His eldest son, Guan Ping, inherited Guan Yu's title of Duke of Hanshou.

Even more shocking is that
Despite strong opposition, Liu Shan decided to uphold the brotherhood between Guan Yu and Liu Bei, who had vowed to "die together rather than live together."

An exceptional exception was made, allowing him to be buried next to Huiling Mausoleum.

This means that Liu Shan made an exception and allowed Guan Yu to be buried in the imperial mausoleum!

He was buried next to Liu Bei!
This was also Liu Shan's way of hoping that Guan Yu could still be by his elder brother's side in another world.

Such an honor is unprecedented in the history of the Han Dynasty.

Even after the funeral, Liu Shan was still filled with emotion.

I am deeply grateful for my second uncle's outstanding achievements, which cannot be rewarded with an ordinary title.

Therefore, it was proposed at the court meeting that Guan Yu be posthumously granted the title of king!
Upon hearing this, most officials in the court, mindful of Guan Yu's achievements and loyalty, felt that posthumously granting him a royal title was not excessive.

After all, the person is gone; it's just an honor now.

His descendants will continue to be treated as dukes, which will not affect the foundation of the state.

However, a few officials who adhered to ancient customs still stepped forward to object, their words earnest:
"Your Majesty! Emperor Gaozu made the White Horse Alliance."

“Anyone who is not of the Liu clan and yet becomes king will be attacked by all under heaven.”

"This is the law of our ancestors, the foundation of our nation, and it must not be lightly abandoned!"

"To posthumously confer the title of king upon someone of a different surname would set a bad precedent."

"If future generations follow this example, the country will cease to exist!"

"Initially, the late emperor intended to make Prime Minister Li a king, but the Prime Minister declined for the sake of the country and its people."

"Although Guan Yu has made outstanding contributions and is a role model for all ages, I'm afraid he may not be able to surpass Prime Minister Li in terms of merit."

"Your Majesty, please consider this carefully!"

Liu Shan was known for his gentle nature and rarely got angry.

Upon hearing this, he flew into a rage.

He slammed his hand on the imperial desk and shouted sternly:

"You scoundrels! How dare you speak so presumptuously of the laws of our ancestors!"

"Uncle Guan is like a father to me, and he was sworn brothers with my late father, like brothers."

"To restore the Han Dynasty, your merit is unparalleled!"

"His loyalty and righteousness are as bright as the sun and moon!"

"Today I am merely posthumously bestowing upon him a title of king, to comfort his spirit in heaven."

"You use ancestral rules to coerce us, are you not chilling the hearts of loyal ministers and righteous men throughout the land?!"

"My mind is made up on this matter; there is no need for further discussion!"

Seeing that the emperor was unusually furious, and that his reasons were sound and his emotions genuine, they were quite surprised.

Those dissenting voices immediately fell silent, and no one dared to offer any further advice.

Liu Shan then issued the following order:

"Order the cabinet to immediately discuss and devise a suitable title for General Guan!"

At his command, the cabinet ministers immediately began preparations for the matter.

After repeated deliberation and consideration by the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

Ultimately, it was decided to posthumously confer upon Guan Yu the title of "Manifesting Spirit, Righteous and Brave, Martial and Heroic King," historically known as the King of Wu'an.

The title "Manifestation" signifies that the king's divine power is indestructible.

"Righteousness and courage" demonstrate his character.

"Wu'an" signifies his military prowess in securing the country.

"Yingji" is a tribute to his heroic spirit that protected the people.

It can be described as the highest praise.

The imperial edict was issued, and the whole country was shaken.

The imperial court not only posthumously conferred upon him the title of king, but also granted special permission for the people to establish shrines and temples to worship King Wu'an.

From this point onward, it began in Luoyang.

A trend of worshipping and venerating Guan Yu has quietly emerged.

And it quickly spread throughout the country.

People admire his loyalty and courage, respect his invincible bravery, and deeply mourn his tragic end.

Merchants regard him as the guardian of integrity, and heroes of the martial arts world will worship Guan Gong when they form sworn brotherhoods to seek loyalty and unity.

Ordinary people also enshrine his image in their homes, praying for peace and good fortune.

Guan Yu's image gradually evolved from that of a famous historical general.

It has been elevated to a spiritual symbol embodying the core values ​​of the Chinese nation, such as "loyalty, righteousness, courage, and trustworthiness."

Its incense has burned continuously for thousands of years.

Meanwhile, beside the Huiling Mausoleum outside Luoyang, the newly built tomb of the King of Wu'an quietly accompanies the mausoleum of Emperor Zhaowu Liu Bei.

The evergreen pines and cypresses symbolize their enduring brotherhood and legendary achievements.

It is forever etched on this land for which they fought their entire lives.

For future generations to admire and remember.

……

It was late autumn, but the city of Luoyang did not remain immersed in grief for long after the fall of Guan Yu, the King of Wu'an.

The heart of this vast empire is like a resilient giant.

After a brief period of grief, it has once again blossomed with vibrant life.

Thanks to the enlightened policies implemented over the years that allowed people to rest and recuperate and encouraged agriculture and commerce.

The entire territory of the Great Han Dynasty presented a scene of "vibrant life and flourishing of all things".

As the capital city, Luoyang was the most concentrated embodiment of this prosperous era.

On the wide Zhuque Avenue, cars flowed like water and horses moved like dragons.

The camel caravans from the Western Regions jingled melodiously, laden with spices and gems.

Silk merchant ships from Jiangnan arrived along the Luo River, unloading their brocades, which were as beautiful as clouds.

Tea merchants from Sichuan and Chongqing, fur traders from Liaodong...

People from all walks of life, speaking with accents from both the north and south, converge here.

It pushed the prosperity and hustle and bustle of the capital city to its peak.

Shops lined the street, their flags fluttering, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air.

The air was filled with the aroma of freshly steamed buns and the rich smell of wine wafting from the tavern.

And the faint, sweet fragrance emanating from the cosmetics shop.

A simply decorated yet imposing carriage, escorted by several burly servants, slowly made its way through the crowd.

Inside the car sat an elderly man with a long beard and thick hair.

It was none other than Zhang Fei, the Grand Marshal of the current dynasty and the Duke of Zhuo.

Unlike the fierce general who once commanded the winds and thundered the winds, he was different.

At that moment, he leaned quietly against the carriage wall.

His deep gaze pierced through the slightly lifted carriage curtain, gazing at the vibrant, flowing street scene outside the window.

His face remained imposing, but his enormous, bell-like eyes...

However, it lacked the former fierceness and exuberance, and gained a touch of melancholy and loneliness.

The servant driving the carriage was a local from Luoyang. Seeing that his master had not spoken for a long time, he tried to liven up the atmosphere.

So, pointing out the window, he sighed:
"Third Master, look! The capital city is truly bustling with activity these days!"

"I still remember when Dong Zhuo was in power, Luoyang was ablaze and littered with corpses."

"When people are displaced, it's truly hell on earth!"

"Who could have imagined that in just a few decades, it could recover to such a prosperous state, even surpassing its former glory!"

"Truly, Heaven blesses the Han Dynasty! His Majesty is blessed!"

He had thought that these words of praise would please his master.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Zhang Fei showed no joy whatsoever; instead, his brows furrowed even more deeply.

He remained silent for a long time before slowly withdrawing his gaze and casting it into the void.

He let out a low, almost inaudible sigh, a sigh filled with endless desolation:
"Yes, bustling...it is indeed bustling."

"However, this bustling world, with its myriad wonders and bustling prosperity, may have a thousand good things and ten thousand wonders..."

"What a pity, what a pity there's no one to appreciate it with..." The servant felt a chill and immediately realized he had spoken out of turn.

It stirred up the owner's longing for his deceased elder brother and second brother.

He quickly shut his mouth, feeling extremely remorseful.

The atmosphere inside the car froze for a moment.

After a while, the servant cautiously spoke again, trying to change the subject:

"Third Master, I heard that a new pastry shop has opened up ahead."

"The candied fruits you make are quite delicious. Why don't we... go and have some to try and rest for a while?"

Zhang Fei, seemingly uninterested, merely waved his hand absentmindedly.

"Hmm, let's go take a look."

The carriage stopped in front of a rather elegant pastry shop.

Zhang Fei got out of the car and casually found a seat in a corner of the shop, without asking for a private room.

He didn't come for food or drink; he just felt empty inside and needed to find a place.

Let the surrounding noise temporarily fill the loneliness that is hard to dispel.

In the center of the shop, there is a small table.

A storyteller dressed in a blue robe and holding a folding fan.

He was now speaking eloquently, recounting a story that was currently the most popular in Luoyang City—

It is the legend of Guan Yu, the King of Wu'an, who single-handedly traversed the northern desert and fought a fierce battle against the Xianbei army!

The diners in the restaurant listened with rapt attention, occasionally letting out exclamations of amazement.

However, in the mouths of street performers, the true history is given more mythical color.

But then the storyteller struck his gavel, his eyebrows dancing with excitement:

"Ladies and gentlemen! Let us tell you about that day when King Wu'an saw that the Xianbei barbarians were powerful."

He actually ordered all his soldiers to retreat, leaving himself alone on horseback!

"He wore a blue turban and a green robe, rode the Red Hare Fire Dragon Steed, and held the Azure Dragon Blade in his hand!"

"Facing the tens of thousands of wolf cavalry of Tuoba Liwei, he showed no fear whatsoever."

Instead, he let out a long roar that shook the heavens!

"Bravo!" The audience roared in approval.

The storyteller grew increasingly smug, his spittle flying as he spoke:

"When the Xianbei Khan Tuoba Liwei saw Guan Yu coming alone, he thought he had come to surrender, so he shouted in front of the formation."

"But Guan Yu ignored him completely, and simply held his Green Dragon Crescent Blade horizontally!"

"But then he spurred Red Hare on, swift as lightning and fast as a shooting star!"

"They charged straight into the Xianbei ranks, as if they were entering an empty field!"

"Where the blade flashes, heads roll!"

Where horses' hooves pounded, corpses littered the fields!

"The fighting was so fierce that the sky darkened and the sun and moon lost their light!"

"Those Xianbei soldiers and generals, if they touch them, they die; if they get close, they perish!"

"Guan Yu charged in and out of the enemy ranks seven times."

"The Xianbei were slaughtered until they cried for their fathers and mothers, and ran away in utter terror!"

He vividly described how Guan Yu killed dozens of Xianbei generals with a single stroke and how he terrified the Xianbei army.

Finally, how did he stand atop the mountain of corpses, terrifying tens of thousands of Xianbei cavalrymen who all bowed down and proclaimed him "God of Heaven"?
"...From then on, the name of Guan Yu, the God of War, resounded throughout the grasslands!"

"When the people of the Hu region hear of Guan Yu's name, even their children dare not cry at night!"

"Truly a military genius of our great Han Dynasty, a model for all ages!"

The storyteller concluded with a passionate eulogy, and the gavel fell heavily.

The store erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

The crowd was immersed in the heroic myth created by the story, their hearts surging with excitement.

However, Zhang Fei, sitting in the corner, listened to the story, which had been exaggerated to an extreme and had become distorted.

What came to mind, however, was the resolute yet forlorn face of his second brother, Guan Yu.

It depicts the scene of three people burning incense and making vows when they swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden.

It is the memories of fighting side by side and sharing life and death for decades.

The second brother, described by the storyteller as a god descended to earth...

He was the one he remembered who would drink and argue with him.

The second brother, who would show shame at a single rebuke from his eldest brother, and who possessed deep human compassion,

They gradually overlapped, and then gradually separated.

A tremendous, indescribable sadness welled up in my heart like a tidal wave.

It instantly shattered the tranquility he had deliberately maintained in his later years.

Two streams of turbid, hot tears rolled uncontrollably down his tiger-like eyes, which had witnessed countless lives and deaths and had once struck fear into the hearts of his enemies.

The tears dripped down his rough cheeks and onto the table in front of him.

A small patch of dark water stain spread out.

The storyteller, with his sharp eyes, noticed that the burly old man was moved to tears as he listened.

Thinking it was because his story was so captivating, he stepped forward, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, and offered words of comfort:

"Old man, don't be too sad."

"Although General Guan has passed away, his loyalty, righteousness, and martial prowess have earned him the posthumous title of Prince of Wu'an by His Majesty!"

"Nowadays, people are spontaneously building shrines to worship him. The spirit of Lord Guan will surely protect our great Han Dynasty, and his legend will be passed down for generations!"

"This is a fortunate event for a hero!"

His attempt to persuade Zhang Fei only touched a raw nerve.

To be passed down through the ages?

Protect the Great Han?

But his second brother will never come back!

The second brother who would call him "Yide", who would drink with him, and who would entrust his back to him completely on the battlefield.

They are now buried forever in that cold tomb!
No one could share his joy of victory anymore.

This bustling scene, this loneliness that no one can understand!
“Ugh—!”

Unable to contain his surging emotions any longer, Zhang Fei suddenly slumped onto the table like a child.

She burst into loud sobs!

The cries were mournful and powerful, like the howl of a wounded tiger, instantly drowning out all the noise in the shop.

The tremor caused dust to fall from the beams and pillars.

The guests in the store were stunned by the sudden, loud crying and all turned to look.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Fei's servants were both ashamed and anxious.

Fearing that news of their master's loss of composure would spread, they quickly stepped forward, attempting to disperse the crowd of onlookers:

"What are you looking at! Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"

The shop owner also rushed over upon hearing the commotion, only to find that the old man's cries were so loud that they had scared away many customers.

His face immediately showed displeasure, and he complained to Zhang Fei's servant:

"Oh dear! Your master's wailing here has scared all my guests away!"

"How...how can we do business like this?!"

One of Zhang Fei's servants was used to being arrogant and domineering in the capital.

Enraged that the shop owner dared to criticize him, he raised his fist to strike.

"You insolent brat! How dare you be disrespectful to my master!"

"stop!"

Zhang Fei, who was weeping bitterly at his desk, suddenly raised his head and shouted at his servant to stop.

His face was still wet with tears, but his eyes had regained their clarity, carrying a deep weariness and remorse.

He looked at the shop owner, whose face had turned pale with fright, waved his hand, and said in a hoarse voice:

"Someone...lost their composure."

"It is my fault for disturbing your business."

He then instructed the servants:

"Compensate the shop owner with ten strings of cash."

“I will give the storyteller another five strings of cash as a thank you… thank him for telling my brother’s story.”

The servant was taken aback, but dared not disobey, and had no choice but to do as he was told.

The shopkeeper and the storyteller looked at each other, holding the heavy copper coins.

I felt both fear and confusion.

Watching Zhang Fei, surrounded by his servants, silently rise and leave the shop.

All that remains is a desolate and lonely silhouette.

Zhang Fei left the pastry shop and did not return to his residence, but went straight to the palace.

He felt a deep sense of pent-up frustration that he couldn't shake off.

There was also a strong urge to do something for my second brother.

Empress Zhang Xingcai rushed to see her father upon hearing that he had suddenly entered the palace.

In a side hall of the inner palace, she saw her father, dressed in casual clothes, his brows furrowed with a deep gloom.

What shocked her even more was that when Zhang Fei saw her, he bowed slightly and paid his respects to her!
"Father! What are you doing!"

Zhang Xingcai quickly stepped aside and went forward to support Zhang Fei's arm.

My heart was filled with mixed emotions, and the bitterness was indescribable.

The father she remembered as rough, unrestrained, and fearless had become so quiet in his later years.

Even...with a hint of humility.

While time may have worn away its edges, it was also due to the loss of its most important brother.

Is this a manifestation of a lack of inner support?
She would rather her father were still the same fierce Zhang Fei who was always ready to puff out his beard and glare, yet remained incredibly vibrant.

Zhang Fei straightened up, looked at his daughter's worried expression, and forced a smile.

But it looked even worse than crying.

He said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, I have come here with important business and wish to see His Majesty."

Zhang Xingcai said:

"His Majesty is currently enjoying playing football with his close friends and attendants in the rear garden."

"If Father has any urgent business, I will take you there now."

"There's no need to trouble the Empress; I will go myself."

Zhang Fei waved his hand and strode towards the back garden.

In the royal gardens, the autumn air was crisp and clear.

Liu Shan was chasing a colorful ball with several noblemen of similar age, their laughter filling the air in a relaxed atmosphere.

A sharp-eyed eunuch spotted Zhang Fei striding towards them and quickly whispered a report to Liu Shan.

Upon hearing the report, Liu Shan's smile faded somewhat.

He waved for his playmates to leave, straightened his robes which were slightly disheveled from the exertion, and approached Zhang Fei:
"Why did Third Uncle suddenly enter the palace? I wonder what brings him here?"

Zhang Fei bowed respectfully, getting straight to the point, his voice loud yet tinged with suppressed excitement:
"Your Majesty! My second brother's funeral is now over, and the entire nation is in mourning!"

"However, the Xianbei chieftain Suotou, who killed my second brother, is still at large beyond the Great Wall!"

"Why hasn't Your Majesty sent your heavenly troops to flatten the grasslands?"

"To avenge my second brother and comfort his spirit in heaven?!"

Liu Shan's face immediately showed a troubled expression. He rubbed his hands together, carefully choosing his words:

"Third Uncle, how could I not want to avenge Second Uncle?"

"When I first heard the tragic news, I was also furious and wanted to use the power of the whole country to punish the disobedient!"

"However... however, the Prime Minister and other ministers all advised me that the main reason for my second uncle's death was his own chronic illness."

"While the Xianbei were involved, they were not entirely to blame."

"Moreover, the Xianbei royal court and our dynasty now have frequent border trade and a complex relationship."

"It would be unwise to start a war with the entire Xianbei just because of the fault of one tribe."

"The Prime Minister also said that if trouble breaks out on the border, military expenses will be enormous."

"This will inevitably affect many policies that benefit the people, such as road construction and water conservancy projects, across the country next year..."

Therefore, it is not advisable to launch a major attack for the time being.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's eyes, already wide like copper bells, glared even more fiercely, and anger surged within him:

"Prime Minister Li! Prime Minister Li! It's Prime Minister Li again!"

"All he cared about was his trade routes and how to make money!"

"Have you ever considered the bond between us brothers?!"

"Your Majesty! Please tell this old minister whether you are willing to send troops to avenge my second brother or not?!"

Liu Shan, intimidated by Zhang Fei's imposing presence, took a half-step back, looking embarrassed, and whispered:

"Third Uncle...it's not that I'm unwilling."

"However... the Prime Minister strongly opposed it, and Prime Minister Zhuge followed his advice."

"Both of them believed that we should not provoke conflict on the border...I...I really cannot make the decision on my own..."

Looking at Liu Shan's indecisive and conflicted state.

A profound sense of disappointment and powerlessness welled up in Zhang Fei's heart.

He knew very well that without the support of Li Yi and Zhuge Liang, he would be helpless.

It was virtually impossible for the imperial court to send out a large-scale military operation.

He sighed heavily, a sigh filled with the sorrow and helplessness of a hero in his twilight years.

He said no more, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Liu Shan:

"This old minister... understands."

"Resign."

Even after leaving the palace, Zhang Fei still felt a deep sense of unease.

Unwilling to give up, he went straight to the Prime Minister's residence, intending to meet Li Yi directly.

As soon as they arrived at the gate of the Prime Minister's residence, a young man with a refined demeanor and handsome features came to greet them.

It was Li Zhi, the son of Li Yi.

Li Zhi bowed respectfully to Zhang Fei:
"...This nephew greets Uncle Zhang San."

“My father anticipated that my third uncle would come today, so he specifically instructed me to wait for him here.”

Zhang Fei felt a chill run down his spine, thinking to himself that Li Yi was indeed a brilliant strategist.

He nodded:
"Thank you for showing me the way, my dear nephew."

Li Zhi led Zhang Fei into a quiet courtyard deep within the Prime Minister's residence.

It was late autumn, and a tall ginkgo tree in the courtyard was completely golden.

Fallen leaves, like butterflies, covered the bluestone path, resembling a golden carpet.

Li Yi was standing with his back to him, his hands behind his back.

Looking up at the trees full of golden leaves and the autumn leaves that kept falling.

His figure appeared somewhat desolate in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Zhang Fei stopped a few steps behind him, bowed deeply, and said:
"Zhang Fei greets Prime Minister Li."

Li Yi did not turn around, but spoke calmly.

His voice was calm, as if he already knew everything.

"You came."

"I am coming."

Zhang Fei said, "You knew I would come?"

“I not only knew you would come, but I also know why you came.”

Li Yi slowly turned around, his face even more gaunt than before.

His eyes grew increasingly profound, as if they held boundless wisdom and a sense of history.

He pointed to the huge ginkgo tree beside him, his tone tinged with a touch of emotion:
“…Yide, look at this tree.”

"It was planted here by my own hands twenty years ago."

"It was only as thick as a finger back then, but now it stands tall and majestic, with lush branches and leaves."

"However, when autumn arrives, the leaves turn yellow and wither when the wind blows; this is the natural order of heaven and earth."

"If even trees are like this, how can humans bear it?"

"You and I are both old."

Zhang Fei watched the swirling fallen leaves, his heart stirred, yet he remained steadfast in his purpose:
"Sir, your wisdom and strategy are profound, almost like those of a god."

"Is there anything in this world that could make you feel fear or helplessness?"

Li Yi gently shook his head, his gaze falling on Zhang Fei's face, which was filled with resentment and indignation:

Is there anyone in the world who is omnipotent?

"Even if one calculates everything under heaven, one cannot escape the cycle of fate and cannot withstand the erosion of time."

"Yide, you are the same."

"Some things, some people, once gone, can never come back."

You have to learn to... let go.

"The true character of a great man lies in being able to take things on and let them go."

"gentlemen!"

Zhang Fei raised his voice, tinged with impatience and pain.

"I did not come here to hear you preach these profound life philosophies!"

"I know."

Li Yi interrupted him, his tone still calm, yet carrying an undeniable determination.

"I know you've come to ask about General Guan, and to ask why I didn't allow the troops to be sent for revenge."

"I even want to ask whether General Guan's death was within my calculations."

He paused, then, meeting Zhang Fei's suddenly sharp gaze, said frankly:
"Indeed, it was exactly what I expected that Yun Chang would choose to end his life in this way."

"In fact, it could be said that I... tacitly approved and even granted his request."

Zhang Fei clenched his fists suddenly, his knuckles turning white, but he forced himself not to lash out.

Li Yi continued:
"Yun Chang was a man of strong character and a perfectionist throughout his life."

"It is better to let him on the battlefield than to let him exhaust his heroism on his sickbed."

"To complete the final chapter of his life in the most glorious manner."

"This is his true wish, and I... respect his choice."

He looked at Zhang Fei, then changed the subject:
"However, understanding and respect do not mean inaction."

"To compensate Yun Chang and to ensure that his spirit of loyalty and righteousness will be remembered for generations to come, I have a plan."

"What's the plan?"

Zhang Fei asked instinctively.

"I wish to petition Your Majesty to order the construction of 'Temple of King Wu'an' in Luoyang, Chang'an, and even in all the prefectures and counties of the empire!"

Li Yi's voice was not loud, but it struck Zhang Fei's heart like a heavy hammer.

"Wu'an King Temple?"

Zhang Fei was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

"Of course."

Li Yi nodded, “Although there are sacrificial rites among the people nowadays, they are ultimately spontaneous and vary in scale and form.”

"What I am planning is for the imperial court to build official ancestral temples that are standardized, solemn, and dignified!"

"Yun Chang, also known as King Wu'an, is the chief deity to be worshipped!"

"Furthermore, Jiang Shang (Jiang Ziya), the founding father of the Zhou dynasty and the ancestor of military strategists, will be enshrined alongside him!"

"And within this temple, famous generals of the past and present were selected and honored as the 'Ten Sages of Martial Arts,' to be enshrined alongside them!"

"So that future generations, all those who wish to learn martial arts, join the army, and achieve meritorious deeds, will be inspired."

"All must enter the temple to pay their respects and worship!"

"Yun Chang's loyalty and martial prowess are comparable to Jiang Ziya's wisdom."

"May the achievements of renowned generals throughout history be worshipped for eternity, serving as eternal models!"

"Its name and its spirit will truly transcend life and death."

"It will be ingrained in the blood and spirit of the Chinese people, and will never perish!"

Li Yi's words were like a grand and magnificent blueprint.

A grander and more profound way of commemorating Zhang Fei, one that transcends simple revenge, is presented to him.

Zhang Fei was completely stunned, as if struck by lightning, and stood frozen in place.

He stared wide-eyed at the unfathomable old man before him.

The words "Wu'an King Temple", "honored by Jiang Shang", "Ten Sages of the Wu Temple", and "incense burning for ten thousand generations" echoed in my mind.

He suddenly realized that Li Yi was not unfeeling.

It's not that I don't want to do something for my second brother.

He simply stood on a higher level, in a more eternal way.

Let us remember and elevate the life of our second brother!
Compared to this, the conquest and revenge in a particular time and place are merely temporary.

They all seem... insignificant.

The ground was covered with golden fallen leaves, which swirled gently in the autumn wind.

It's as if they're quietly dancing to usher in a new era.

At this moment, the resentment and unwillingness in Zhang Fei's heart strangely subsided.

Instead, a complex emotion arose, a mixture of shock, sorrow, and a sense of relief.

He gazed at the ancient ginkgo tree, speechless for a long time.

……

(End of this chapter)