Mythical Three Kingdoms

Just when the Northern Huns began to unify like a snowball, due to the death of the Xianbei Chanyu, leaving the Northern Barbarians leaderless, Guan Yu was also about to end his life in Chang’an.

”Zhou Cang, bring the betrothal gifts.” Guan Yu donned his inner robe, changed into a dark-colored soft armor, put on a robe of a Duke and Marquis over it, then replaced his shoes with soft-soled boots, wielded the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and spoke to Zhou Cang.

”Rest assured, Sovereign Marquis, I have already prepared the betrothal gifts, and Jiang Gong has arranged the ceremonial music.” Zhou Cang laughed heartily, patting his chest. This betrothal was for Zhang Fei’s future legal wife.

Speaking of which, Guan Yu had recruited many Yellow Turban Officers due to Guann Hai’s loyalty. Among them, the strongest now was Zhou Cang, serving as a guard; the others mostly reached the level of Qi Refining to Gang, classified as Yellow Turban Strongmen back then.

”Let’s go!” Guan Yu took the blade, went out, mounted his horse, and rode towards the Xiahou family. Currently, the Xiahou family had no objections regarding Xiahou Juan marrying Zhang Fei. Although Xiahou Yuan was still displeased, he only showed a stern face without outright refusal.

With the joyous sound of suona, Guan Yu quickly reached the Xiahou family’s doorstep, where high-ranking officials from Cao Cao’s side were waiting inside.

”Zhang Yide, Marquis of Xinting from Zhuo County, presents gifts.” The elder at the Xiahou family gate loudly announced upon seeing Guan Yu dismount.

Two School Sabre Bearers carried a box containing thirty-six types of gifts with auspicious meanings into the main entrance of the Xiahou family. It was quite remarkable for Guan Yu to gather thirty-six types of gifts with auspicious meanings, recalling that he could only manage a few back in the day.

The Xiahou family clearly had prepared for their daughter’s marriage, prompting a woman to soon emerge and give a letter to the Beautiful Lady accompanying Guan Yu, detailing Xiahou Juan’s Four Pillars of Destiny.

Guan Yu did not hold this item; the Beautiful Lady would take this letter and present it to Zhang Fei’s elders eventually. However, given Zhang Fei’s solitary status, Guan Yu’s legal wife, Hu Clan, would substitute to calculate the good and bad fortune.

The Beautiful Lady who handled this transaction would become Guan Yu’s Concubine, as Guan Yu had not understood the complete procedure before initiating it. This Beautiful Lady was randomly chosen from the maids serving Guan Yu in Chang’an, sufficient to maintain appearances.

Then, twelve musicians led a troupe and left, while Guan Yu strode into the Xiahou family. Initially, Guan Yu still thought he could take Xiahou Juan back, but upon inquiry at the Xiahou family, he realized the Three Letters and Six Etiquettes were incomplete.

He could only follow the procedure, and without completing it, the Xiahou family would decidedly not release anyone. It was agreed upon initially that Xiahou Juan must undergo the complete Three Letters and Six Etiquettes.

Guan Yu was not one to break promises, so he braced himself to undergo the entire process, during which he also met his sister-in-law. Appearing gentle, Guan Yu pondered for a long time after meeting her but couldn’t decide on a gift, so he set it aside...

From Xiahou Juan’s perspective, Guan Yu seemed an aloof and proud brother who was difficult to approach, creating a pressure that left her speechless.

Upon entering, Guan Yu glanced at the civil and military officials of the Cao family. Each one he had encountered before; all the characters manifesting Fortune were formidable; with civil and military positions peaked, if not for unfavorable circumstances, things wouldn’t be this way.

Considering this, Guan Yu recalled Chen Xi, a smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his lips, but upon seeing Liu Ba, his gaze turned cold.

[The scholars seeking assistance from the military are never easy to handle, yet their vision varies.] Guan Yu glanced coldly at Liu Ba, feeling dissatisfied with Liu Ba joining Cao Cao’s side after appearing at his door first, especially with such a big catch slipping away.

”Cao Sikong.” After a glance, Guan Yu’s gaze fell upon Cao Cao among the crowd. He and Cao Cao could communicate well, but inevitably, they would meet again on the battlefield.

Cao Cao’s expression towards Guan Yu was somewhat complex. He was confident that without Liu Bei, Guan Yu would definitely be part of his force, but sadly, the world doesn’t deal in ’ifs’.

”Yunchang, how have you been recently?” Cao Cao restrained his emotions and spoke warmly to Guan Yu, [Regardless of mutual admiration, conflict is inevitable, truly regrettable.]

”I am here to bid farewell to Cao Sikong, as I came to Chang’an, first to pay respects to the Emperor, and secondly for my sworn brother to marry Miss Xiahou, and now everything is settled.” Guan Yu clasped his fists, then glanced around, imprinting each person present in his mind.

[In future confrontations, let’s not confuse identities again.] Guan Yu thought silently, yet his cold arrogance rendered his thoughts inscrutable.

”Yunchang, if we meet on the battlefield in the future, how will you respond?” Cao Cao suddenly posed a question.

”I will kill Sikong.” Guan Yu pondered briefly before speaking sternly, disdainful of deceit and unwilling to mislead Cao Cao. No matter how well they connected, differing stances ensured inevitable clashes.

”As expected of Guan Yunchang.” Cao Cao praised, then smiled lightly, saying, ”Take care!”

Guan Yu looked at Cao Cao’s furious subordinates and slowly clasped his fists, ”When we meet next, I won’t show mercy to anyone present!”

”Neither will I!” Dian Wei responded, clenching his fist and gesturing at Guan Yu.

Guan Yu turned and left without looking back; since meeting the Emperor was impossible in Chang’an, staying was unnecessary. The line between Yuzhou and Xuzhou required his presence to suppress Sun Ce in Yangzhou, so he couldn’t move lightly for a while.

Watching Guan Yu leave, Cao Cao sighed deeply, looking at Xun Yu, Xun Youi, Chen Qun, Mao Jie, and others beside him, realizing conflict was unavoidable, at least believing Liu Bei couldn’t tolerate him. The world was only so big; between the sovereign and himself, only one could dominate.

Similarly, Cao Cao didn’t believe he could accept Liu Bei. If he succeeded, he could accept all Liu Bei’s civil and military officials without exception, yet Liu Bei couldn’t be accepted. Likewise, Cao Cao perceived Liu Bei held similar thoughts.

The minds of ambitious heroes are alike, reflected Cao Cao. As for heroes, he never believed one could survive in chaos, as heroes were foolish and would eventually be manipulated.

”Alas, since that day, we’ve been disadvantaged considerably.” Standing in Xiahou family’s courtyard, after watching Guan Yu leave, Cao Cao sighed.

”This approach might be beneficial; let’s see what Dong Cheng can achieve.” Mao Jie remarked after a moment of silence. Initially loyal to the Han Dynasty, Mao Jie wavered upon meeting Liu Xie; amidst chaos, not only do rulers choose ministers, ministers also choose rulers.

”We’re just letting him leave like this?” Cao Hong questioned, puzzled.

”Hey, Guan Yunchang’s direction is off!” Xiahou Yuan, appearing somewhat downcast, inadvertently noticed Guan Yu’s direction upon horseback and immediately remarked. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)