binnovel Chapter 324: The Passionate Youth's Past in Bingzhou
Chapter 324: The Passionate Youth's Past in Bingzhou
At this moment, Zhang Fei enthusiastically invited Xu Huang to a drinking contest. Since it was a rare moment for everyone to relax, no one interfered. They simply toasted each other, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Guan Yu walked up to Zhang Liao, bowed slightly, and said slowly with a bit of curiosity: "General Wenyuan, I would like to ask, where were you before you followed General Mengqi? I don't know why, but I always feel that you look very familiar." Zhang Liao was slightly startled, and responded thoughtfully: "To be honest, the general and I also have this vague feeling, but I can't remember where we met for a moment. In the past, I have been working for Jianyang Gong in Bingzhou. At that time, we were loyal to our master. Later, I followed Jianyang Gong all the way to Luoyang. However, although Jianyang Gong has the spirit of a scholar, he lacks the tolerance to tolerate others. , and could not truly accept us. To rescue Lü Bu, Gao Shun and I, forced to act in anger against the Duke of Jianyang, then followed Lü Bu to surrender to Lord Dong. Unfortunately, Lü Bu was capricious, and although Lord Dong had been incredibly kind to him, he stood by and watched as he lost power. Gao Shun and I, deeply indignant at Lü Bu's behavior, assisted Lord Dong in returning to Chang'an. Later, I was fortunate to meet my general, who took me under his wing. "At this point, Zhang Liao's face revealed a complex expression. Clearly, he still harbored resentment towards Lü Bu's fickleness, and his resentment intensified.
Guan Yu sensed Zhang Liao's anger and irritation when he spoke of Lü Bu, and he gently addressed him, "General Wenyuan, don't take it personally. Although I've left Lü Bu, I'm serving under General Mengqi. I'm truly fortunate to have found a wise leader." Guan Yu then asked, "General Wenyuan, have you ever been outside of Bingzhou before coming to Luoyang?" Zhang Liao nodded slightly and replied, "Indeed, General Yunchang. I've served in Bingzhou since I joined the army, and I haven't left before coming to Luoyang." Guan Yu pondered this. Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he had followed his elder brother, fighting for the country and dedicating himself to the imperial court. Despite the years of campaigning, he hadn't been to Bingzhou. During his early years, he had received support from someone in Bingzhou, but it had been so long that he could barely recall the person's face.
Guan Yu recalled the events of the past, his eyes burning, and he spoke in an excited voice: "Thinking back to the time when I had not yet followed my elder brother, I was just a small merchant selling grain, barely making a living. At that time, I traveled to Bingzhou, and was about to do business to make a living. Unexpectedly, a disaster struck, and the Huns invaded! A small group of Huns, about a dozen people, pounced on the people on the border like wolves, burning, killing, looting, and doing all kinds of evil. Seeing this tragic scene, Guan was furious, drew his sword in anger, rushed into the enemy camp, raised his sword, and killed three people. However, the remaining dozen Huns surrounded me in an instant. The Huns were skilled in riding and shooting, and I was alone and could not resist for a while. In desperation, I had to grab a horse and escape. But these thieves chased me relentlessly, and the rain of arrows was like locusts. That "The bandits' archery skills were truly remarkable. I was unfortunately shot in the back by an arrow, and the pain was excruciating. I knew that without help, I would fall into the enemy's hands. At this critical moment, I suddenly heard the thundering sound of horse hooves, and a team of majestic Bingzhou Wolf Riders descended like divine troops from the sky, killing me. With their powerful momentum, they annihilated the Xiongnu squad in a flash of swords and saved me. They also gave me medicine to relieve my urgent need. But at that time, the Bingzhou Wolf Riders were focused on the battlefield, eager to rush to the next one, and we didn't have much time to talk. And it was because of their rescue that I was able to gather a few Xiongnu horses, which gave me the capital to continue my journey. Whenever I think of this, my gratitude to the Bingzhou Wolf Riders is like a surging river, difficult to calm."
Zhang Fei and Xu Huang also stopped drinking because of the conversation between Guan Yu and the other two, and listened quietly. At this time, Zhang Fei asked in confusion: "Brother, with your ability, how can a dozen Huns do anything to you?" Guan Yu said with some emotion: "Hey, third brother, the times are different now. Now we have armors, weapons in hand, good horses under our crotch, and soldiers and horses behind us. It can be said that the soldiers are the courage of the generals, and their hearts are naturally heroic. Back then, when I was down and out, I had nothing, only a short sword by my side, no armor, no warhorse, and was attacked by dozens of Huns. "How could I possibly stand against the Huns, besieging them? Add to that the bows and arrows, how could I resist with just a short sword? Alas, these are old memories, from my downfall, and it's a sad story to share, even if you've laughed at me." Everyone offered their consolation, "General Guan, please don't say that. Your bravery has long been proven to everyone. You're right. If we were to encounter the Huns' elite amidst the chaos with only a short weapon in hand, no armor, and no mount, even the most ordinary of us wouldn't be able to easily defeat them."
Zhang Liao, meanwhile, struggled to recall the events, slowly recounting, "We lived in Bingzhou, where many foreign tribes invaded the borderlands. Liao started out as a cavalryman, rising through the ranks to sergeant, sergeant, captain, and finally lieutenant. Whenever a foreign tribe rebelled, he led his troops to suppress them and rescue the civilians. I seem to recall what the general said, but I'm not sure it was us who rescued him." Guan Yu said, "It must have been Wenyuan. I couldn't see him clearly on the battlefield, but I saw the man at the forefront, wielding a spear, charging into the enemy line with high spirits and unwavering courage. I noticed he looked somewhat like the general, though certainly much younger." Liu Bei nodded and said, "Of course. It's been several years since my brothers and I fought against the Yellow Turbans. It was more than ten years before this incident, and I imagine General Wenyuan was still a young man then."
Zhang Liao said, "I did once see a man fighting the Xiongnu. He was wounded and had left behind some medicine. I was in a hurry to suppress the bandits at the time, so I didn't get a clear look at his face. Besides, General Guan is now remarkably handsome, like a god. It's a stark difference from what I saw that day, so I didn't dare confirm it." Guan Yu said excitedly, "Then it matches. It's Guan. Brother Wenyuan, you were down and out back then, with nothing but a linen shirt and a felt hat. It's only natural that I can't see his face clearly. But everything about the gift of medicine matches up."
At that time, Zhang Liao was young and full of vigor and ambition. Across the borders of Bingzhou, he led his soldiers against repeated foreign invasions. His spear, like a flash of lightning, shone across the battlefield, bringing hope and peace to the people. And Guan Yu, in that difficult moment, with courage and determination, fought a desperate battle against the Xiongnu. Though they were strangers at the time, fate quietly turned in that moment, foreshadowing their future encounter.
Now, time has flown by, and they've all experienced the vicissitudes of life. The once young general has become a renowned commander, while the once down-and-out merchant has become a world-renowned hero. Yet, those shared memories remain forever in their hearts, a testament to their friendship.
At this moment, everyone was filled with emotion at this wonderful connection. Guan Yu and Zhang Liao, two heroes, forged an indissoluble bond through an unexpected encounter over the course of time. Despite facing adversity, Guan Yu bravely and fearlessly fought the Xiongnu; while Zhang Liao, with a sense of righteousness, even while hurriedly suppressing the bandits, he left behind medicine to help others. Now, meeting again, they reminisce about that time with a mixture of emotion and comfort. This is not just a personal story, but a testament to the mutual support and shared journey of heroes during that turbulent era.
Guan Yu straightened his robe, his expression solemn. He bowed solemnly to Xu Huang and Zhang Liao and said earnestly, "I have yet to repay you for saving my life. It is truly fate that we are meeting today. I will remember this in my heart. If I am ever needed, I will do my best to repay you."
Guan Yu stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his eyes filled with sincerity and gratitude. His slight bow revealed his deep sense of loyalty and righteousness. Xu Huang and Zhang Liao, observing this, were filled with emotion. They had never imagined that a kind act so many years ago would lead to such a fateful connection today. This scene made everyone present feel Guan Yu's sincerity and were deeply moved by this timeless friendship.
Ma Chao picked up the wine utensils with graceful and skillful movements, and poured wine for everyone one by one. His face was full of joy, and he said loudly: "Great, great, I didn't expect that General Guan had known Gongming and Wenyuan for a long time in the past. Heroes appreciate heroes, and heroes respect heroes. When we get together today, let's not talk about repaying a favor, but just talk about the joy of being together today. Come, let's drink it up!" Everyone raised their wine cups and drank it all in one gulp.
Liu Bei was filled with emotion for a moment. He glanced at everyone present and said in a firm tone: "Everyone here is a loyal and righteous man. Let us work together to restore a bright and peaceful world to the Han Dynasty." As soon as these words came out, everyone's hearts were filled with heroic spirit.
The atmosphere at the banquet was vibrant, filled with laughter and joy. Everyone cast aside past fatigue and defensiveness, letting go of their grudges and enjoying this rare moment of reunion. At Ma Chao's residence, both host and guest rejoiced, free from the worries of war and the sense of restraint. Everyone drank with gusto, seemingly forgetting all worldly worries. This banquet was not only a gathering of heroes, but also a vision and expectation of the future. In this warm atmosphere, they seemed to envision the glorious future of the Han Dynasty and the beautiful vision of a people living and working in peace and contentment.
As they neared their departure, Ma Chao escorted Liu Bei to the door. Though Liu Bei was still drunk, his words were filled with emotion and determination: "Today, meeting with Mengqi, I seem much younger. Although the situation is difficult, we must work together and serve our country without slacking off." Ma Chao, though also heavily intoxicated, remained lucid and responded, "Brother, you are right. We are all committed to serving the court and ensuring the well-being of the people." Liu Bei nodded in satisfaction and said to Ma Chao, "Mengqi, although there are some unfavorable voices in the court regarding Mengqi, I believe in his character." He paused, then added, "Mengqi, the emperor intends to attack the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo. It seems Mengqi will lead the troops." Ma Chao felt a sense of unease upon hearing this. After all, Dong Zhuo had been so kind to him. He felt deeply depressed about being asked to lead the charge against Dong Zhuo's remaining forces. Liu Bei, noticing Ma Chao's dilemma, said, "Mengqi, this is a test of your wisdom and courage, and it's also a test from the Emperor. If you continue to dwell on old ties and neglect serving your country, how can the Emperor rest assured?" Liu Bei, having drunk much wine, sincerely didn't want them to be as wary of Ma Chao as they were of Dong Zhuo. So, while still tipsy, he offered Ma Chao some advice. They were all intelligent men, and speaking directly would have embarrassed them. However, this veiled remark was enough to plunge Ma Chao into deep thought.