Chapter Thirty-Eight: Farewell on the Ancient Plain of Grass

In the end, Zhang Yu still did not agree, and Liu Bei no longer dared to press him. The brother and sister embraced and wept; this New Year was spent in sorrow and longing.

The next day, Liu Bei spoke at length with Lady Liu, easing tensions between them. After celebrating the New Year, the three brothers had to prepare for their return to Pingyuan.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have discussed the state of the world, spoken with wit and insight, and advised Liu Bei successfully. Your intelligence and political acumen have greatly improved!"

"Oh? Such a reward?" Zhang Yu was delighted. "It seems that if I go around analyzing the world’s situation for people, I’ll soon become unmatched in cunning!"

Dreaming as he spoke, he brought up his information panel—

Reputation: 1800 (3950).
Experience: 1050.

Martial Strength: 35
Leadership: 30
Intelligence: 60
Politics: 52
Charisma: 91

"Well… at least I’m passing now. I can go out and show off with a bit of confidence! Such progress in half a year—I really am quite remarkable!" Zhang Yu thought to himself with pride.

A few days later, the skies cleared and the snow melted, making the roads less treacherous. His uncles were also preparing to leave.

Remembering the impression they made when they arrived, the fun the four of them had in the home gym and around the mahjong table during the New Year, and Liu Bei’s heartfelt offer, Zhang Yu only now felt a pang of sadness as they prepared to part ways. In this era, who knew when they would meet again?

Though their time together was short, Guan and Zhang truly treated him as their own nephew, and Liu Bei, as his uncle, even more so. Zhang Yu, in turn, already regarded the three as his own family.

Outside Lunu City, in Zhongshan.

Snow still lingered on the ground, but patches of withered grass poked through, messy and wild. The official road stretched far into the distance.

"Sister, Brother-in-law, I don’t see my nephew Yu. Where is he?" someone asked.

"He was told when we left; he should be on his way now," came the reply.

Before long, the sound of hooves echoed from within the city. A young man in flowing white rode out atop a magnificent jade-colored lion steed.

His long hair fluttered in the wind, and the horse’s mane whipped wildly, yet there was a natural harmony between them.

"What a handsome youth, and what a magnificent horse!" Liu Bei exclaimed in admiration.

"This steed is hardly inferior to Red Hare," Guan Yu observed, his eyes narrowing as he often did when serious.

"Heh heh! Yu, are you riding this horse here to give it to our elder brother?" Zhang Fei laughed heartily.

"Yide, don’t speak nonsense!" Liu Bei’s expression changed instantly. As an uncle, he hadn’t brought his nephew any gifts this time; how could he covet his nephew’s fine horse? At the thought, a trace of shame appeared on his face.

"Haha, I would like to, but Xiao Bai has already recognized me as its master. It wouldn’t be right to give it away now," Zhang Yu replied, dismounting with a fluid elegance that caught the three men’s eyes.

"But, I do have something for you," he continued, opening the black bag slung over his back to reveal the jade plaques that had so captivated the three men these past days. "But remember, though this is a fine thing, enjoy it only in your leisure. Never become obsessed, or it may bring disaster!"

The three nodded in agreement. Liu Bei smiled, "Don’t worry, uncle knows well. If nothing else, this may help our third brother give up his wine."

"Big brother, you’re teasing me again!" Zhang Fei feigned anger, drawing laughter from them all.

After chatting a while longer, the sun shone brightly, and Zhang Yu was surprised to see that the withered grass was already tinged with green.

As the three men mounted their horses, Zhang Yu stepped forward again. "Uncle, do as I suggested. Strive to win over Tian Yuanhao. When you succeed in taking Xuzhou, send me word, and I’ll help you plan the next move."

At these words, Liu Bei was filled with regret, recalling Zhang Yu’s eloquence and insight that night. But with his sister present, he could not plead further, and could only grip Zhang Yu’s hand tightly, fighting back tears and nodding fiercely.

A strategist! An advisor! That was exactly what he lacked!

And his nephew, young as he was, had already made a name for himself in this world, skilled in calculation and judgment, with a keen eye for talent and far-reaching vision—surely among the best strategists of the day!

Yet, this opportunity was slipping through his fingers.

"Ah, don’t be upset, big brother," Zhang Fei said, moved, "Yu is still young. It wouldn’t do for him to suffer following the three of us. Once we have a strong foundation, we can invite him to be our strategist!"

Zhang Fei’s words touched Zhang Yu deeply. He thought, is he really as brash as he seems?

Lady Liu, seeing her brother’s expression, could not bear it and said, "If… Xuande, you can establish a stable base and truly rise to power, I, your sister, your brother-in-law, and Yu will come to join you. Just focus on building your strength."

"Good!" The benevolent lord showed his heroic spirit as Liu Bei slowly released Zhang Yu’s hand, straightened on his horse, and all trace of gentle refinement faded, replaced by a bold, conquering air—

"If I truly achieve what Yu envisions, then no matter who else is at my side, the post of chief strategist and head civil official will be yours, Zhang Yu!"

One day, I will ensure the safety of those around me, and the peace of the world! When that time comes, I will come in person to invite my talented nephew to join me, and together we will restore this ancient land!

This was Liu Bei, Liu Xuande.

Only such a hero could rise from a humble weaver and sandal seller to contend for the fate of the realm.

All former doubts and prejudices evaporated. In Zhang Yu’s eyes, Liu Bei was now entirely himself, untainted by later generations’ views.

Bowing deeply, Zhang Yu said, "Then I wish you, uncle, swift success!"

"Hahahaha! Second brother, third brother, let’s go!"

At that moment, in Zhang Yu’s eyes, the three men and their steeds were invincible.

"I have a poem, ‘Farewell to Ancient Grassy Plain,’ which I dedicate to you today, uncle!"

Liu Bei, startled, reined in his horse and turned back. His nephew’s poetry was already more famous than his own in Hebei.

"Boundless grass over the plain, year after year it withers and thrives."

The three brothers listened quietly on horseback. A few minor officials rushed to the city gate, puzzled why the young lord so often recited poetry on the outskirts.

"Wildfires burn it endlessly, but in spring, it grows again!"

The words echoed in their minds like thunder. The ups and downs of the past years resurfaced. Despite all the dangers and hardships, had they not persisted in their ideals?

Liu Bei’s eyes reddened; Guan and Zhang were equally moved.

"Its fragrance spreads along the ancient road, its green meets the ruined city. Once more I see my friend depart, and parting fills the grass with sorrow."

Liu Bei listened intently, committing the poem to memory. The "friend departing"—was that not himself, this scion of the Han?

And that grass—was it not the three brothers, wandering for years? Withering and flourishing each year, rising and falling, but no matter how fierce the wildfire, it could not shake their resolve! For when the spring wind comes, Liu Bei remains the hero who never retreats, never regrets, and cares for the people of the world!

A fine poem!

The sentimental Imperial Uncle could not hold back his tears. He whipped his horse and, with his brothers, galloped into the distance.