Chapter 105: Reunion

“Yunchang? Yunchang has arrived in Wu County as well?”

Since Yuan Shao was defeated by Cao Cao, Liu Bei had little time or heart to attend to Guan Yu and his two wives. All he knew was that Guan Yu had been appointed a subordinate general under Cao Cao and seemed to be doing well; beyond that, he was completely unaware.

As for his two wives, since he had not lacked female companionship along the way, Liu Bei had nearly forgotten about them altogether.

However, now that Liu Biao mentioned it, naturally, all those memories came flooding back. He knew of Guan Yu’s abilities. If Guan Yu returned to assist him under such circumstances, then his forces could be said to boast three mighty generals: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—an essential foundation for achieving anything significant in the future.

Moreover, Liu Bei understood Guan Yu well. He knew Guan Yu was not only capable of leading troops into battle but was also a brilliant commander who could handle matters independently. In this regard, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun fell somewhat short in comparison.

“That’s right, this news cannot be wrong. I’ve heard that Sun Ce also holds Yunchang in high regard. But since Yunchang insisted on seeking Xuande, young Sun Ce had no choice but to let him go. Now that Xuande has arrived in my Jingzhou, accompanied by Yunchang, it truly is a great blessing for our province!”

Indeed, according to Liu Biao’s understanding, Guan Yu’s arrival meant that he was effectively under Liu Biao’s employ.

“In that case, I must congratulate you, elder brother!”

During this meal, Liu Bei was exceedingly joyful. Guan Yu’s return made things much easier for him. Recruitment and independent command had been entrusted to Zhao Yun during this time, but Liu Bei believed Guan Yu was the most suitable for such tasks.

Zhao Yun’s individual combat ability was indeed outstanding, but for Liu Bei, the best way to utilize him was to keep him close for his own protection.

Thus, after the banquet ended, Liu Bei was in no rush to return to Xinye.

He knew he had to wait here for Guan Yu and his two wives. He wanted them to understand how much he valued them, especially since Guan Yu had been away from his command for so long.

Although the feelings likely remained, if he didn’t properly reassure Guan Yu, he knew his proud nature would be the same toward anyone.

Enjoying the prosperity of Xiangyang city, days passed swiftly. Finally, Liu Biao sent word to inform Liu Bei that Guan Yu’s carriage and horse had reached within several miles of Xiangyang and would arrive in one or two hours.

“Yide, you go to welcome Yunchang. Zilong and I will wait at the city gate! When you see Yunchang, just tell him I have long awaited his return day and night; do not mention his time under Cao Cao!”

Zhang Fei, of course, understood Liu Bei’s concerns. Though he did not fully agree, his loyalty to Liu Bei was wholehearted, so he obeyed.

Since they were in Liu Biao’s territory, Liu Bei didn’t want to make too grand a display. Therefore, Zhang Fei set out alone on horseback to welcome their other elder brother.

Guan Yu rode alone in front, followed by a carriage carrying Madam Gan and a maid, accompanied only by a driver.

Regarding Madam Mi not accompanying them to Xiangyang, both Guan Yu and Madam Gan chose silence, though their reasons differed.

Guan Yu knew he was about to see Liu Bei, which should have been a source of great excitement.

But every time he thought about waking up in Emperor Liu Xie’s palace to find Madam Mi sleeping beside him, he didn’t know how he would explain her absence to Liu Bei.

Though both were clothed and he knew nothing substantial had happened, the fact remained that his hands had touched certain places overnight—an indefinable matter.

Madam Gan’s silence was even more perplexing. In Xuchang and Wu County, she and Madam Mi were like grasshoppers tied to the same string, but now at Liu Bei’s side, they became rivals.

Guan Yu suspected Madam Gan would surely inform Liu Bei of his situation with Madam Mi.

Yet, clearly, this was not something he could decide. If Liu Bei learned the truth, the only assurance Guan Yu could give was that none of his younger brothers had close contact with Madam Mi; beyond that, he could only wait for Liu Bei’s judgment.

Lost in such troubled thoughts, Guan Yu spotted a rider approaching rapidly. In an instant, the figure was very close.

Just as he was about to draw his blade, he recognized the familiar posture and movements—it was none other than his younger brother, Zhang Fei.

Without a word, Zhang Fei galloped all the way to Guan Yu, then dismounted with a leap and embraced him firmly.

“Yunchang! Brother, I truly admire you. After all this time, not only have you not forgotten me, but you’ve also kept our two sisters-in-law safe. If it were me, I doubt I could have done the same!”

Zhang Fei was straightforward and uncalculating. Seeing Guan Yu unharmed made him very happy. Then noticing the carriage behind, he thought to himself that his two sisters-in-law must be inside.

“Where is brother now?”

Before Zhang Fei, Guan Yu remained as stern as ever. He patted Zhang Fei’s shoulder and asked in a low voice.

“Brother is already waiting with others at the Xiangyang city gate. After all, this is Liu Biao’s territory, so brother can’t be too conspicuous. Once we return to Xinye, that will be our own land!”

Guan Yu nodded and then pointed to the carriage behind. Zhang Fei understood immediately and beckoned. The two rode ahead toward the city gate of Xiangyang.

Along the way, Zhang Fei briefly recounted how they had come under Yuan Shao’s command and then transitioned to Liu Biao’s.

Guan Yu said little but felt uneasy inside. Since Cao Cao had captured him, he had focused solely on protecting Liu Bei’s two wives, yet Liu Bei, after losing them, hadn’t even sought them but instead cared only for his own comfort.

This thought did not last long, because when he saw Liu Bei at the city gate, tears streamed down Liu Bei’s face. Liu Bei took a step forward, grabbed Guan Yu’s sleeve, and broke into loud sobs.

What moved Guan Yu even more was that Liu Bei paid no attention to the wives in the carriage. Clearly, he valued Guan Yu’s return above all else.