Mythical Three Kingdoms

”Oh, look, here comes someone. Well, wearing Shu Brocade Silk like that is quite a skill in itself!” Chen Xi stared at the man on horseback below the city gates, his attire of luxurious Shu Brocade Silk unexpectedly exuding a rogue-like aura. ”Is that the natural charm of a professional rogue?”

”He looks somewhat familiar. Let me think, where have I seen him before?” Liu Bei squinted as he observed the man dressed in expensive silk below, whose demeanor appeared both refined and brash. Liu Bei had an inkling about that rogue-like vibe—it was rather similar to the way he himself had carried himself many years ago.

”Seen him before?” Chen Xi scratched his head. ”One of ours? Someone dressing this flamboyantly, I’d definitely remember if I’d seen him. Lord Xuande, where did you come across this man?”

”I can’t recall exactly, just that he seems vaguely familiar,” Liu Bei frowned as he spoke, clearly grasping at fragments of memory but unable to retrieve where he knew this individual from.

”Perhaps it was a fleeting encounter from some time ago. Such flamboyant attire—one wouldn’t forget it after a single glance,” Chen Xi leaned forward, watching the man on horseback slow down, speaking with curiosity.

”Maybe it’s just that,” Liu Bei nodded in agreement. ”Indeed, a person dressed like this would be hard to forget.”

As Chen Xi and Liu Bei casually conversed, the rogue-like figure below Fenggao City began to reign in his unruly demeanor. He quietly adjusted his clothing, and with remarkable speed, the previously eccentric rogue aura dissipated, replaced by an air of serenity and confidence.

The transformation unfolded before Liu Bei and Chen Xi’s astonished eyes. Upon closer scrutiny, the man once exuding an uncouth demeanor had transformed into a poised and scholarly figure atop his steed.

”The contrast is truly staggering!” Chen Xi exclaimed, clicking his tongue in disbelief. ”If I hadn’t been focused on him the entire time, I wouldn’t have believed that the former rogue could become this self-assured and dignified scholar.”

”Absolutely astounding,” Liu Bei remarked in awe. ”He seems like an entirely different person now—a complete shift from the rogue-like aura to that of an erudite scholar, resembling someone akin to Zichuan or Wen Ru in literary refinement. Let’s head down to meet him; encountering someone of this caliber merits such action!”

”I think I know who he is,” Chen Xi chuckled as he stroked his chin. ”Lord Xuande, the one you’ve been waiting for has arrived.”

Xu Shu, astride a white horse, adjusted his garment carefully before standing resolute in front of the gates of Fenggao City. After four long years, he had finally earned the right to be here.

”I have arrived,” Xu Shu declared softly, gazing at the majestic city gates, the bustling Mount Tai in the distance, and the military camp spread out behind him. He reflected on his journey as he successfully arrived ahead of Liu Bei’s campaign to the north against Yuan Shao.

”What’s with this guy standing here without entering or leaving? Sure, the gate is big enough for one person to stand in the middle without causing too much disruption, but if everyone acted like him, no one in Fenggao could come and go freely,” Wei Yan grumbled as he recruited city management troops with a conscription order, ready to recruit soldiers, looking irritated at Xu Shu blocking the gateway.

Wei Yan didn’t bother to lower his voice. Much like Guan Yu, his respect was reserved solely for those with ability—a sentiment he had inherited. Unlike his father, Guan Ping had only partially inherited this trait.

Guan Ping sighed helplessly, resigned to Wei Yan’s conduct. Growing up in such a household, he found it unsurprising. Still, he didn’t bother admonishing Wei Yan for criticizing a passerby.

”Brother, may I trouble you to step aside? Standing right in the center of the city gate obstructs others trying to enter or exit,” Guan Ping said respectfully, cupping his fists in a polite bow.

”Just a momentary hesitation,” Xu Shu replied softly, as if only now realizing his surroundings. He slowly shifted his gaze towards Wei Yan, and in an instant, Wei Yan felt a suffocating pressure bearing down on him. Xu Shu then turned his focus onto Guan Ping.

Wei Yan’s expression grew solemn. That single glance from Xu Shu carried a weight that revealed much. Not even the top sages, until their spiritual prowess went through its first transcendence, could execute such a display with ease. A civil official with the ability to unnerve Wei Yan in a single glance was an exceedingly rare sight in Mount Tai.

”I beg your pardon, sir. Blocking the city gate, even unwittingly, does cause some inconvenience. As for my earlier remarks, I spoke without discretion and I hope you will forgive me!” Wei Yan decisively lowered his head in apology to Xu Shu.

Respecting capable individuals was a principle Wei Yan adhered to firmly. The young man before him, with his seemingly modest age yet heavy gaze of worldly experience, evoked a sense of awe with his capable aura.

”Four long years... only now do I find it difficult to take another step. I’ve said so much previously, yet now all I can do is stand silently here,” Xu Shu muttered to himself, ignoring Wei Yan’s apology.

[Four years?] Wei Yan’s first reaction to that statement was realizing that the man before him must have been present during the foundational days of Mount Tai. To Wei Yan, anyone who had followed Liu Bei during those early years were invariably extraordinary individuals.

”May I ask your name, sir? I am Wei Yan, Wei Wenchang. This is my brother, Guan Ping, also known as Guan Tanzhi,” Wei Yan addressed Xu Shu politely.

”Xu Yuanzhi, you’ve finally arrived!” As Xu Shu prepared to reply, Liu Bei’s hearty laughter rang out. Xu Shu immediately dismounted and bowed deeply before Liu Bei. ”My lord, I, Shu, have finally accumulated enough knowledge and courage to come before you today. I beg your forgiveness for my delay!”

This was the most candid acceptance of a lord Liu Bei had ever witnessed from a top-tier talent he’d recruited. Xu Shu knelt and addressed him as ”lord” upon meeting him.

”Yuanzhi, rise, rise! Quickly rise! As I said back then, the seat has always been waiting for you. The position has remained empty these many years for your arrival,” Liu Bei stepped forward to help Xu Shu to his feet. Indeed, the assistant official role had been reserved long enough that Liu Bei nearly forgot—especially since with Li Youu as his superior secretary, he didn’t require further assistance in handling affairs.

”Ahem,” Chen Xi cleared his throat. ”Yuanzhi, remaining here will only attract more attention. Let’s return to Lord Xuande’s residence to talk further. You two come along as well; there’s something that needs resolving.”

With those words, Chen Xi departed with a smile. Staying in the same place any longer would draw onlookers incessantly. Liu Bei’s growing reputation across Mount Tai, coupled with his amicable demeanor, meant countless people recognized him. Lingering here would guarantee an endless stream of interactions.

”Come, Yuanzhi, let us go to my home and talk of the years apart!” Liu Bei laughed, calling Xu Shu along. Whether it was the notion of ”spending extravagantly to gain an exceptional talent” or Chen Xi’s assertion that Xu Yuanzhi was a rare prodigy in the world, it was clear to Liu Bei that such a welcome was warranted.

Seeing Xu Shu brought Liu Bei back to the time of his search for talents in Yingchuan. Of the entire region, the only person he brought with him was Chen Xi, his companion then and his acquisition. To this day, Liu Bei felt incredible fortune in that encounter. That random meeting with the lost Chen Xi seemed fated—as if written into destiny. Without it, who knows which direction history would have taken? (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes and support the author. Your encouragement is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for access.)