Chapter Thirty-six: Guiding the Way with a Blossom

"Good!" came a warm, cultured voice.

Zhang Yu turned at the sound, and sure enough, it was none other than his broad-eared uncle.

When Han Yan and Ying'er saw Liu Bei approaching, they made their farewells to Zhang Yu and his uncle and withdrew, leaving Zhang Yu's carefully cultivated literary sentiment with nowhere to go. He could only offer a wry smile to his uncle, whose timing was, as ever, somewhat off.

Liu Bei failed to catch the subtle note in Zhang Yu's smile, and simply walked over to sit beside him.

"This thing is called...a chair, isn't it?" Liu Bei shifted his weight, settling further back. "Ever since I returned this time, you've surprised me again and again, Yu. Your father-in-law, my brother-in-law, has devoted himself to you for many years, and yet to have a child like you—well, who knows what virtue he accumulated in a previous life to deserve such fortune."

Moved by Liu Bei's heartfelt words, Zhang Yu couldn't help but agree inwardly. If only you knew what your future children would be like, you'd probably be weeping as you spoke these words now.

But outwardly, he kept his modesty. "Uncle, you flatter me. Without my parents' steadfast support and constant care, I would never have had the chance to become who I am today."

"Indeed," Liu Bei nodded, "A person's character is more important than talent, and that's what makes me most proud of you. Though your 'Who in all the world does not know you?' has won you fame among scholars, what truly moves me is your compassion for the people."

Sensing that Liu Bei was about to open his heart, Zhang Yu felt an inexplicable quickening in his chest. His beautiful smile lingered as his star-bright eyes gazed earnestly at his uncle.

"In the years when the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, your second and third uncles and I swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, sharing both hardships and fortune as we ventured through these troubled times. We fought the Yellow Turban bandits, saved that villain Dong Zhuo's life, battled the fierce Lu Bu at Hulao Pass, and witnessed the true face of those so-called eighteen warlords. It's been many years since then.

Though your aunt and I are both of imperial blood, our family has long since fallen. We started from nothing, and these years of struggle have often left me weary..."

Uncle, how can you be tired now? You haven't even begun your great northern odyssey...

"But each time I see the innocent suffer in the fires of war, my heart aches, and my resolve is strengthened anew. Just as you said earlier, you wish to become the brightest star in this world. And I, too, long to be the hero who stands forth for the Han, for the countless people, turning back the tide in their hour of need!"

An honest man's impassioned words could be startling—and indeed, Zhang Yu felt a little overwhelmed.

"I believe, Uncle, that you will become such a man." Zhang Yu's words carried deep conviction, as well as encouragement.

***

"Ah..." Liu Bei sighed softly, a self-deprecating smile on his lips. "New Year's Day is nearly here, another year gone, and I am already thirty-one. The sages say, at thirty, a man stands firm. Yet though I harbor great ambitions, I am now in midlife and have accomplished so little. Who knows how long it will take before I have the power to bring peace and stability to the land? I never sought fame or fortune, nor have I ever been greedy for rank, but it is the people who suffer..."

At this, tears welled in his eyes. The moonlight caught the tears tracing down his cheeks, and Zhang Yu's pupils widened in astonishment.

So these are the legendary tears of Liu Bei—one of the most powerful weapons of the Three Kingdoms! A peerless tactic for winning hearts, rallying forces, and achieving his aims! Its effect is indeed overwhelming, genuine, and moving, with no hint of pretense. Even I, a traveler from another world, am touched!

Liu Bei managed a bitter smile, wiping his tears away. "Truly, your uncle is useless, shedding tears in front of his nephew. Don't laugh at me, Yu."

"How could I? Uncle, your sincerity and compassion for the world and its people only make me admire you all the more. The night is cold and late, and I too have some things I'd like to share with you. Why not come to my room, and we can talk at length?"

He led Liu Bei to his own room, where the brazier was lit, and the two sat close together.

"Uncle, have you not heard that the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man? Though I am of humble status, I have never dared forget my concern for the nation. Never lose heart because of temporary setbacks."

"The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man... Though I am of humble status, I have never dared forget my concern for the nation..." Liu Bei closed his eyes, savoring the words. "I never imagined that a few casual remarks from you could have such a profound effect on me. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I would never have believed that you are only seventeen."

No, counting tonight, I should really be twenty-two.

"Yes, and no," Zhang Yu replied.

"What do you mean?"

"Uncle, you know I was once afflicted with a period of dullness?"

"Of course I know."

Zhang Yu recounted the story he had used before, emphasizing the hardship and perseverance in his studies—the bitter cold, the frozen inkstone, fingers too stiff to bend, not daring to slacken for a moment. His words moved his burly uncle to tears once more, the pain in his eyes rivaling that of the Liu clan itself.

As expected, Liu Bei believed him. But unlike Zhang Shiping and Lady Liu, his feelings included something more: anticipation.

"If that's so, then you truly are the chosen one of legend, to have such a miraculous encounter! This must be fate—rare and precious. In time, you will achieve great things! Haha! Uncle is delighted for you!"

***

From tears to laughter, the switch was seamless—truly the performance of a great actor.

As a born ruler, Liu Bei's smiling eyes now held a look of deep appreciation, as though he might bestow a reward on his beloved nephew at any moment.

Gazing at that unfamiliar yet strangely dear face, Zhang Yu felt conflicted. In this world and in this body, whatever my previous biases, he is my mother's brother, my own uncle. That bond can never be erased.

Though their time together was short, and sometimes it seemed Liu Bei was putting on a performance, there could be no doubt about his genuine care for Zhang Yu. Even if he wasn't ready to cast his lot in with Liu Bei just yet, he could at least offer some help.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Yu spoke slowly. "Uncle, in that other world, I didn't just study poetry, music, calligraphy, and painting. I also learned a bit about divination, physiognomy, and reading the stars. Why not let me try to read your fortune now?"

"Oh? Sounds interesting! Then go ahead, Yu, read my fortune," Liu Bei smiled, curious but not overly concerned—he was no Cao Cao, who would be overjoyed at being called a hero in times of chaos.

Zhang Yu closed his eyes, pretending to calculate on his knuckles, but then noticed a plum blossom on the windowsill, plucked a petal, and held it between his fingers.

The image of a graceful youth sitting and holding a plum blossom truly evoked the air of an immortal casting lots.

"Pingyuan is not a place to stay for long. You might consider visiting Gongsun Zan."

The words were unremarkable—after all, Liu Bei's best relations in Hebei were with Gongsun Zan.

"Gongsun is not a wise lord. Though courageous in battle, he relies too much on his strength, neglects the people, forgets kindnesses, holds grudges, and offers little prospect for advancement."

Liu Bei frowned. Despite Gongsun Zan's generosity toward him, he was well aware of these faults. Could it be... that his nephew truly possessed the art of divination?

"Chaos is about to erupt in Hebei. Han Fu, Gongsun, Liu Yu, Yuan Shao, even the Black Mountain bandits with their tens of thousands—all are beyond your current strength. Developing here would be unwise."

"Then where should I go?" Liu Bei's tone was now earnest, a hint of deference in his voice.

Zhang Yu hesitated. After much thought, he decided not to alter the course of history for now—if he flapped his butterfly wings too wildly, the future might become unrecognizable, and when the crucial moment came, he could lose his greatest advantage as a transmigrator.

"Go to Xuzhou for the time being." Opening his eyes, Zhang Yu gazed at the plum petal in his hand, determined to see the act through. "For now, wait for the right moment. If I am not mistaken, Xuzhou will soon be in peril. You can lead your troops there and claim a foothold."