Chapter 103: Questions

After listening to Old Master Tong’s words, Zhang Xuan muttered inwardly, “This old fox—just as expected of the elders of the late Han era, especially those who stand at the pinnacle of their fields. Their minds turn so quickly, their trains of thought are truly slick.” He said aloud, “What other reason could there be? When I first saw my eldest and second brothers, I just felt that they were the people I’d been looking for. To put it simply, it was love at first sight—a sense that they were meant to be my brothers. So, I decided on the spot to swear brotherhood with them. As for Elder Brother Lü today, I haven’t felt that way about him yet. Of course, there’s another, more important reason: if I bring him into the brotherhood, wouldn’t that push me down another rank? If I keep doing this, every time I meet someone new, would I have to swear brotherhood again? My seniority would only get lower and lower each time, and that’s something I simply can’t accept. So, Old Master Tong, are you satisfied with that explanation?”

“Fine, I’ll believe you this time! You do as you see fit. Anyway, you don’t seem like the type to do anything detrimental to yourself.” With those words, Old Master Tong turned his back to Zhang Xuan, hands clasped behind him, and walked on.

“Why? It’s simple: right now, I’m not confident I can keep this Fierce Tiger in check. If, tempted by treasures or beautiful women, he betrayed us, I’d suffer a tremendous loss. Besides, a person’s nature isn’t something that can be changed overnight. I’m not willing to gamble on that. If I lose, it could be a total defeat. Still, his martial prowess is undeniable. I can’t see the future, and who knows? In this era, maybe betrayal for personal gain simply won’t happen. Perhaps someone in the Bing Province army will emerge who truly can keep this Flying General in line. Ah, forget it—it’s better to cast a line and see if I catch any unexpected fish, like Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, or Cao Xing. It never hurts to show some goodwill, and if nothing else, our shared connection as disciples remains.” After thinking it over, Zhang Xuan decided he should at least leave a thread for Lü Bu. As for whether he’d ever reel in a fish on that line, only time would tell.

While Zhang Xuan was lost in thought, Old Master Tong spotted his senior brother up ahead and hurried over. “Senior Brother, it’s been a long time!”

“You’ve met my disciple, Lü Bu, haven’t you? What do you think of him?” Li Yan had clearly seen Lü Bu sparring with Zhang Xuan and the others earlier. Now, seeing his junior brother, he asked for his opinion.

“I’ve only had brief contact with him, but judging by his performance just now, he possesses the valor of a fierce tiger and has the potential to become the foremost warrior in the world. As for other qualities, I haven’t interacted with him enough to comment further,” Old Master Tong said, recalling the match.

“Yes, he does have the makings of the world’s greatest warrior. But… never mind, everyone must walk their own path. Let him find his own way.” Having said this, Li Yan turned and left, leaving Old Master Tong standing there, puzzled. “What’s gotten into my senior brother?” Still, he didn’t dwell on it and soon walked away himself.

Zhang Xuan, following behind, overheard their conversation—especially the latter part of Li Yan’s words—and fell into deep thought. Once both men had left, he quickened his pace to catch up with Old Master Tong.

When they rejoined Yang Zaixing and the others, Lü Bu was regaling them with stories of his past experiences. Though some of the tales were clearly embellished, everyone—especially Zhao Yun and Tong Fei—listened with rapt attention. Zhang Xuan approached Lü Bu. “Brother Lü, may I ask you a few questions?”

“Oh, it’s you, Zhang Xuan! You were so fierce just now, yet now you seem completely different. Go ahead and ask—if I know the answer, I’ll tell you.” At this moment, Lü Bu had the air of a big brother from the neighborhood, happy to answer his younger companion’s questions, certain that nothing they asked would stump him.

“It’s actually a very simple question. If you find it difficult, you don’t have to answer,” Zhang Xuan said just as Li Yan appeared nearby again, seeming to have come out of nowhere.

“Go ahead and ask. What question could possibly be difficult for me?” Lü Bu replied.

Zhang Xuan remained calm, but Yang Zaixing and Yuwen Chengdu exchanged glances, silently wishing Lü Bu good luck. They knew Zhang Xuan’s questions were of a caliber that could stump even the wise men of the state—though, of course, this was only their private opinion.

“Brother Lü, suppose you were to swear filial loyalty to an adoptive father who is the commander of an army and holds great power. You are a uniquely talented warrior within this army and highly respected among the troops. One day, your adoptive father’s adversary offers you vast sums of gold and silver, beautiful women, and fine horses, trying to persuade you to kill your adoptive father, seize command of the army, and defect to his side. After all, aside from your adoptive father, only you are capable of commanding and stabilizing the troops, preventing a mutiny. Faced with this, what would you choose? Would you kill your adoptive father, take command, and defect? Or would you curse the person who made the offer and inform your adoptive father so he could be on guard? Or would you do nothing and simply let events unfold? Brother Lü, what would you do?”

Lü Bu pondered for a moment, looked up as if about to answer, then lowered his head again, deep in thought.