Chapter Eighteen: The Luminous Jade Lion

Xiahou Lan?

Zhang Yu’s heart gave a jolt—he had heard of this man before!

If Zhang Yu remembered correctly, he was a fellow townsman of Zhao Yun, and the two were exceptionally close.

How close, you ask? So close that even when the two armies clashed, Zhao Yun could not bring himself to harm him. Unable to let him go, Zhao Yun simply abducted Xiahou Lan and brought him to Liu Bei’s camp, recommending him for the position of military judge.

Recalling this account, Zhang Yu could almost hear the passionate cry echoing in his ears: No, you cannot leave! Since fate has granted us this reunion, I shall never let you depart again!

Such a tale, brimming with brotherly affection, became a favorite topic for those who delighted in such stories in later generations.

Zhang Yu nodded lightly, betraying no unusual reaction, yet he could not help but ask, “Zi Ruo, have you ever heard…of Zhao Yun?”

As soon as the word “Zhao” left his lips, Zhang Yu saw Xiahou Lan’s eyes brighten. He thought to himself, these two truly share a deep bond.

“Of course I know him. May I ask how you came to know of him, young master?”

“Ah… My father once spoke of him upon returning from Changshan. He said that there was a masterful warrior there, renowned for both his talents and his appearance—er, for his combined civil and martial prowess, and handsome bearing. I have admired him ever since, longing for the chance to meet him!”

Xiahou Lan seemed genuinely pleased, as though he were happy to see Zhao Yun so highly regarded. He gestured for them to walk toward the horse grounds, his face animated as he spoke.

From Xiahou Lan’s words, Zhang Yu learned that Zhao Yun had not yet gone to join Gongsun Zan. Instead, he was leading the local militia of Changshan against bandits in his homeland. Thus, Xiahou Lan found nothing suspicious in Zhang Yu’s claim that Zhang Shiping had heard of Zhao Yun.

This is Zhao Yun, after all! How many Three Kingdoms enthusiasts and history buffs regard him as their idol? In the saga, he is perhaps the most charming, popular, and unblemished character.

And since Changshan is not far from Zhongshan, should I find an opportunity to visit him?

Plans began to form in Zhang Yu’s mind, and he nearly forgot the true purpose of his journey, until, following Xiahou Lan’s footsteps up a grassy slope, he was captivated by the scene before him.

A vast, verdant pasture stretched out, as if the earth were draped in a green carpet. At its heart ran a clear, tranquil stream, winding through the grass like a jade belt.

Beautiful though it was, the stream and meadow were merely the backdrop to a grand tableau of horses.

A thousand horses—surely an exaggeration, but two or three hundred fine steeds were certainly present, if not more. The gentle whinnying and fluttering banners drew Zhang Yu’s spirit deep into the heart of the herd.

He watched as stallions soared, hooves raised high with an air of majesty, as if ready to leap into the heavens; others trotted leisurely, frolicking across the boundless prairie in spring’s delight; some drank quietly by the babbling brook or lay resting on the plain—a living masterpiece, vivid and sublime!

Zhang Yu raced down the slope, taking three steps at a time, with Han Long following, his strides even longer.

“These…are all my family’s property!” Zhang Yu could scarcely believe it—his dream of sudden wealth had been realized only through traveling across time. Feeling the faint tremors of the earth, he sensed his own heart trembling in sympathy.

With Xiahou Lan’s permission, the three passed through the fence, entering the domain of the horses. Like Granny Liu in the Grand View Garden, Zhang Yu gazed about in awe, unable to look away.

A horse.

A white horse.

A white horse apart from the herd.

It was snow-white from head to toe, not a single streak of another color, as if draped in the smoothest silver brocade. Its large eyes gleamed, as if rippling with water.

Beyond its whiteness, its most striking feature was its reversed mane, reminiscent of a lion raising its mane in pride.

Its ears twitched, betraying its alertness; even standing still, it seemed to harbor a bolt of lightning within, ready to erupt as thunder at any moment.

It neither ran nor rested. It had no companions, yet did not appear lonely.

“This horse…is beautiful,” Zhang Yu murmured, entranced. It was the feeling one might have upon seeing a luxury car they could never afford.

“Master, you should choose this one. The Jade Lion of Night rivals Lü Bu’s Red Hare!” Han Long was equally captivated.

“Rivals Lü Bu? Get my martial skills to their peak first, or I’ll be blown away with a breath,” Zhang Yu retorted, rolling his eyes, about to ask, when Xiahou Lan answered as if anticipating his question, “You have a keen eye, young master. This horse is called the Jade Lion of Night. It was stolen from a small kingdom’s palace in the Western Regions by a thief, and purchased by the master a few months ago.

It arrived at the stable just two years old, its temperament fierce, neighing and striking constantly, so none of the other horses wished to stay near it. Over time, it became isolated.

But in terms of quality, the Jade Lion is the best among all our horses.”

Zhang Yu nodded and asked, “Then…may I take it with me?”

Xiahou Lan’s face took on a bitter smile. “To be honest, young master, the master originally intended to ride this horse himself, but its temperament… Even the best horse trainer in Zhongshan could not tame it.

The master had no choice but to let it roam here for now. The last time he visited, I heard him mention that he planned to gift it to Lord Gongsun Zan.”

Gift it to Gongsun Zan? That won’t do—such a fine horse, now that I’ve seen it, how could it belong to anyone else?

“Could I at least try?” Zhang Yu asked.

“You wish to ride it?” Xiahou Lan quickly blocked Zhang Yu’s path. “Absolutely not, young master. You must understand, four skilled riders have already been thrown from its back, all suffering serious injuries. Those who escaped further trampling were lucky.

If you were to fall, I could never bear the master’s wrath!”

Han Long tried to comfort him, “Brother Xiahou, you worry too much. The young master won’t fall—he doesn’t know how to ride at all, he couldn’t even get on.”

Zhang Yu ignored his earnest sarcasm, turning to Xiahou Lan, “Zi Ruo, you say it’s…very aggressive?”

“Precisely—!!”

Xiahou Lan spun around, startled, only to see that the fierce horse was calmly allowing a hand to stroke it, appearing to enjoy the attention!

He had had his back turned and did not see the white horse approach the three of them, with Zhang Yu showing no sign of alarm.

As they spoke, the Jade Lion wandered behind Xiahou Lan, stopping before Zhang Yu and Han Long. While Han Long delivered his quip, Xiahou Lan looked at him, and Zhang Yu reached out to gently touch the horse’s lowered head.

The white fur was smooth, a little ticklish, and pleasantly warm, giving Zhang Yu no sense of danger whatsoever.

He raised his left hand to support the horse’s head, quietly observing it.

The Jade Lion’s eyes were large, and strikingly attractive, with double eyelids, as it curiously studied the man before it, seemingly puzzled by its own affection for him.

Could it be that my “Jade-like Young Master” badge works on animals as well? Zhang Yu thought, feeling a surge of pride. Or perhaps a charm rating over ninety is irresistible, even to horses—

“Whinny!” The Jade Lion stepped back, then raised its body high with a loud neigh, ran a few paces away, and looked back at Zhang Yu, who stood rooted to the spot.

“Master… It’s calling you to get on.”