Chapter 99: News from Xiangyang

Under a series of maneuvers orchestrated by Emperor Xian, the matter was effectively contained within the confines of the imperial palace without escalating further.

After returning to his residence, Guan Yu kept to himself and did not touch a drop of alcohol thereafter.

A few days later, a palace maid came to invite Guan Yu once again, but this time he had no face to accept. Upon hearing that he declined, the maid produced a letter from her sleeve, saying it was from Emperor Xian.

In the letter, Emperor Xian reassured Guan Yu once more, explaining that he had ordered Qiao Feng to thoroughly investigate the incident. It turned out that they had indeed been drunk that night. After escorting the two ladies back to their rooms, the emperor himself had succumbed to the effects of the alcohol and collapsed onto Lady Mi’s bed.

Both of them had fallen asleep immediately upon entering their rooms without even removing their clothes, let alone engaging in any improper conduct. In short, nothing had happened—it was merely a night of drunken stupor.

Reading the letter, Guan Yu felt a slight relief, though his tightly furrowed brows did not immediately soften.

Since that night, upon returning from the palace, Guan Yu sensed a profound shift in his mindset.

Previously, his sole focus had been to return Lady Mi and Lady Gan to Liu Bei and continue serving diligently under him. After all, Liu Bei highly valued him, his status was elevated, he lacked nothing, and life was comfortable. Should he remain loyal to the two ladies, once Liu Bei rose to prominence, Guan Yu would assuredly become a figure second only to the ruler himself.

But now, with everything unfolded as it had, what awaited him upon meeting Liu Bei was uncertain.

This matter involved not only Lady Mi and himself but also Lady Gan.

Would Lady Gan refrain from telling Liu Bei? Guan Yu believed she would not. After all, Lady Mi had wielded considerable influence at Liu Bei’s side, relying on her two elder brothers who were also highly esteemed by Liu Bei.

If Lady Gan revealed the incident to Liu Bei, Guan Yu’s standing in Liu Bei’s eyes would plummet dramatically.

With this thought, the once eagerly anticipated reunion with Liu Bei no longer seemed so appealing to Guan Yu.

Naturally, Lady Mi harbored similar concerns.

She doubted that Lady Gan would keep the matter from Liu Bei, and if she did disclose it, Liu Bei would certainly no longer favor her as before—this was plain to see.

For a woman like Lady Mi, such an incident was like having mud dropped into one’s lap—whether it was filth or not, it was impossible to deny the stain, and who would want to come near and smell it?

Under such tormenting feelings, Lady Mi’s suspicion of Lady Gan grew by the day. Meanwhile, Qiao Feng, who had cleared her name through investigation, gradually grew closer to her.

As the immediate witness and the one who exonerated her and Guan Yu, Qiao Feng became the person Lady Mi confided in whenever troubles arose.

Over time, they became inseparable friends, sharing everything.

Initially, Qiao Feng was merely an attentive listener to Lady Mi’s troubles.

However, as their relationship deepened, Qiao Feng began offering advice on how Lady Mi might navigate her return to Liu Bei’s side, for as women, they could foresee and empathize with certain matters.

Though Qiao Feng’s suggestions pleased Lady Mi at the time, none truly inspired her or provided a clear solution.

The matter was quietly handled by Emperor Xian with some concealment, failing to attract the attention of Sun Ce and other officials in Jiangdong.

Guan Yu breathed a sigh of relief. After all, he had some reputation on Han territory, and if this scandal were to explode, his honor might be irrevocably tarnished.

With no news from any quarter, both Guan Yu and Lady Mi feigned ignorance, and their days passed without incident—until one day, Sun Ce summoned Guan Yu.

Since arranging a residence and assigning a beautiful maid to serve him, Sun Ce had not disturbed Guan Yu further, which left a favorable impression on the latter. Naturally, Guan Yu would attend Sun Ce’s summons.

“General Guan, have you been comfortable in Wu Commandery these past days?”

Present at the summons besides Sun Ce was only Zhou Yu, and the meeting took place at Sun Ce’s residence, a rather informal setting, easing Guan Yu’s tension considerably.

“Thank you, Grand Commandant, for your concern and for arranging my lodgings. I am most grateful,” Guan Yu replied.

Being on Jiangdong soil, what he enjoyed was beyond Emperor Xian’s influence—this was something he deeply appreciated about the lord of Jiangdong.

“Yunchang, just today news arrived in Jiangdong that I believe you should know immediately,” Sun Ce said.

Hearing this, Guan Yu’s heart stirred with some speculation, but he respectfully asked, “May I inquire what news the Grand Commandant brings?”

Sun Ce was not one to prolong suspense and laid the matter bare.

“From Xiangyang comes word that Liu Bei has stationed troops in Runan and reached an agreement with Liu Biao. He has already set out from Runan, marching toward Jingzhou. The army is encamped at Xinye, and Liu Bei himself will soon arrive at Xiangyang to meet with Liu Biao. In about ten days, Liu Bei should be in Xiangyang. Yunchang, I imagine you wish to reunite with him in Jingzhou. If so, you should prepare to depart from my Wu Commandery soon. I, Sun Ce, will not hinder you in the slightest.”

Sun Ce spoke candidly. Upon hearing this, Guan Yu immediately stood, saluted, and his emotions overflowed.

“On behalf of Liu Bei and the two ladies, Guan Yu thanks the Grand Commandant. With such magnanimity, how could the foundation of Jiangdong not flourish under your command?”

Guan Yu’s somewhat clumsy flattery did not impress Sun Ce. After all, if Guan Yu truly shared such sentiments, why seek out Liu Bei? Why not stay and help him realize his ambitions in Jiangdong?

Sun Ce’s straightforwardness did not elicit any promise from Guan Yu. Without further attempts to detain him, their conversation came to an end.

Watching Guan Yu’s departing figure, Sun Ce sighed and glanced at Zhou Yu, who shook his head slightly. To them, it seemed almost certain that Guan Yu would not remain.

Yet after leaving Sun Ce’s residence, Guan Yu’s face was deeply bitter. He looked once toward the imperial palace and then toward his own residence, ultimately choosing to head to the latter.