Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

With the Spring Festival approaching, the ancient city of Chang'an is already bustling with activity. Though this city has weathered countless battles, now that it has become the imperial capital, the scene is undoubtedly quite different. Despite the recent brutality of war, the positions of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers at court are only beginning to stabilize. Most of these individuals come from prominent families. If not driven by the fervor of fame and fortune, they might choose to return to their hometowns and live a leisurely life of wealth. But how many truly relinquish their power? Even in the most challenging times, they endure, waiting for the day when the government will stabilize and they can continue to wield power from their high positions. So, while the court appears to be in its infancy, the pomp and ceremony of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers gradually increase. It is precisely this need that has fueled Chang'an's ever-increasing bustle, presenting a scene of prosperity and complexity.

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei recently received a summons from the Emperor and departed from Hedong County, embarking on their journey back to Chang'an. Over the past six months, thanks to their tireless efforts and dedication, Hedong County has gradually regained some of its former vitality. During this time, it's no exaggeration to say that Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei have lived a relatively comfortable life. They worked together to improve the well-being of the people of Hedong County, shedding their sweat and blood on this land. Now, having received the Emperor's summons, they are filled with mixed emotions: anticipation for the future, yet a deep longing for the Hedong County where they once fought.

Liu Bei and his companions slowly approached Chang'an City. As the bustling scene came into view, Liu Bei paused, his eyes filled with emotion. He raised his head slightly, gazing at the bustling city, and spoke slowly to his two companions, "My dear brothers, it's only been six months since we've been away, and yet Chang'an is bustling with activity, with every industry flourishing. Looking at this, it seems our Han Dynasty has a bright future!" Guan Yu nodded slightly, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly as he gently stroked his long beard, but remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

Zhang Fei widened his eyes, his face full of excitement, and said loudly: "Yes, yes, brother! Look at this street, there are all kinds of things for sale, it's really bustling! The city of Chang'an has really changed now." Liu Bei nodded slightly, his eyes showing relief and expectation, and then said: "The emperor is wise! All the way, the emperor has been patient until the end, and successfully took charge of the court. Compared with the situation a year ago, the current situation has really changed dramatically." Guan Yu was still silent, as if he had many things in his heart, and did not respond.

Zhang Fei looked at Guan Yu's absent-minded look and could not help but said: "Second brother, you have become more and more silent these days, and it is difficult to see your face is happy. What's going on?" Liu Bei also said with concern: "Yun Chang, since the beginning of autumn, I have seen that you are often thoughtful. I wonder if you have something on your mind? Is there anything that you can't tell Yide and me? Why are you depressed alone?" Guan Yu raised his head slightly and sighed deeply, saying: "Hey, brother, when you and I became sworn brothers, I said that I was from Hedong Jieliang, and I fled because I killed someone to avenge my friend. This autumn, the Huns invaded Hedong, and the entire Hedong was in chaos. Chaos erupted, affecting even the surrounding counties. Ever since we began governing in Hedong, seeing this scene has left me feeling uneasy. To be honest, brother, I've mentioned before that I have a family. While in Hedong, I've made numerous secret inquiries, but to no avail. I've only heard that the village has been devastated by war, and my wife and parents are missing. It must be incredibly heartbreaking." Liu Bei instantly empathized, grasping Guan Yu's hand tightly. "Yunchang, we're brothers. Why didn't you tell us about this important matter sooner?" Zhang Fei eagerly chimed in, "No wonder Second Brother was so secretive during that time. We're brothers, why didn't you speak up?"

Liu Bei's emotions grew increasingly agitated, tears welling up in his eyes. He spoke bitterly, "Yunchang, Yunchang, why didn't you discuss such a serious matter with us brothers? It would have been much easier if we had searched together. Even if we couldn't find him, we brothers would have been able to ease your distress. Since we're brothers, your parents are my parents too. How can I rest easy knowing they're suffering?" As he spoke, Liu Bei's emotions cascaded down his face, tears streaming down his face. This, in turn, left Guan Yu at a loss. Guan Yu quickly bowed and offered words of comfort, "Brother, do not grieve so much. Now that things have come to this, we can continue our search. Besides, I've been away from home for years and don't know the exact situation back home, so how can I mobilize an army? Furthermore, Jiangdong County is in ruins right now. How can I let personal matters interfere with your official duties and the affairs of the court?" Liu Bei sighed deeply and said, "Alas, I wonder how my family is doing now. If I could see you and me, my three brothers, in such good health, I'd be comforted."

Guan Yu, caught up in Liu Bei's emotions, looked sorrowful. He spoke slowly, "Thinking back then, after killing someone and fleeing, I wonder how my father is doing now. He wasn't in good health, and my wife was new. We were a harmonious family, but I didn't want to kill someone in a fit of rage. Since then, I've been on the run, living on the streets for so many years, never daring to visit home, fearing the consequences for my family. Now I've finally achieved success and earned my place in public, but I wonder if my parents can still see me like this." Zhang Fei, noticing Guan Yu's emotion, tried to comfort him, "Don't be so sad, second brother. Good fortune will surely help them turn this misfortune into good. Seeing you, now personally appointed General Longxiang by the Emperor, and with you and me, two loyal brothers, your parents can't believe how happy they are." Zhang Fei's words softened some of their sorrow, no longer piercing the hearts of Liu Bei and Guan Yu as they had earlier.

Liu Bei's tears stopped at this point, and he raised his head slightly, his eyes revealing a resolute and tender look. He spoke slowly, "Don't panic, brother. After we return to see the Emperor, once the situation stabilizes, we can petition him for assistance in the search. His wisdom will surely understand our brotherly love. We brothers no longer need to be so secretive in our search. We should cast a wide net and inquire from all quarters. I think this way our chances of finding him will be much greater."

Guan Yu was deeply moved. He knew Liu Bei's loyalty and loyalty well. To avoid letting his personal affairs affect the two brothers' emotions, Guan Yu frowned slightly and changed the subject, saying, "Brother, I wonder why the emperor has summoned us this time? The emperor didn't invite us to his last wedding, and even his reward was conveyed directly to Hedong Commandery. Why would he summon us so hastily today? It's truly puzzling."

Zhang Fei was also puzzled. He scratched his head and replied, "Yes, yes. Last time the emperor got married, we didn't even get to see the fun. This reward was directly conveyed by imperial decree, and we didn't even have a chance to thank the emperor in person. This hasty summons today is really puzzling."

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then said solemnly, "The Emperor's thoughts are profound, far beyond our comprehension. My two brothers, do not overthink; simply obey His Majesty's orders. His foresight must have profound implications. We must remain loyal, serve His Majesty, and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the Han Dynasty."

After the battle with Dong Huang in Fufeng County, Liu Bei and his men, demonstrating their exceptional military prowess and fearless courage, had successfully defeated Dong Huang's forces. Upon hearing this news, the Emperor was delighted and appointed Guan Yu as General Longxiang and Zhang Fei as General Huben. He also honored Liu Bei as the Emperor's uncle and appointed him General Zhenxi. This honor filled the three men with a sense of accomplishment and pride. They were deeply satisfied with their positions and felt a hopeful future. They knew this was not merely a personal achievement, but one that served the prosperity of the Han Dynasty and the well-being of its people. They secretly resolved to follow the Emperor unwaveringly, no matter the hardships and obstacles that lay ahead, and to strive for the Han Dynasty's revival.

Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei put aside their complicated thoughts and walked towards the palace with firm steps.

At this moment, the emperor was in the harem, rubbing his forehead deeply, his face a look of annoyance. He was deeply troubled by Gongsun Zan's daughter. Gongsun Zan had been instrumental in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, providing the emperor with immense support. The emperor had also promised to marry Gongsun Zan's daughter as his consort. This move truly emboldened Gongsun Zan to devote all his energy to the emperor's affairs. After establishing the capital in Chang'an, the emperor fulfilled his promise and married Gongsun Zan's daughter. Gongsun Zan's daughter came from a military family. Her mother had died young, and Gongsun Zan was preoccupied with military duties. Furthermore, she had been taught martial arts by Gongsun Zan since childhood, and possessed some skill, which had fostered a domineering and unruly personality. Ever since her marriage to the emperor, she had harbored resentment, complaining why she hadn't been directly crowned empress, and constantly sulking the emperor. The emperor had to tolerate her for Gongsun Zan's sake, and was annoyed by her all day long.

Today, over some trivial matter, Gongsun Zan's daughter once again escalated the conflict. She angrily accused the emperor, fiercely asserting that his current position was largely due to the efforts of Gongsun Zan's family. She was filled with resentment, feeling deeply dissatisfied that despite marrying the emperor, she was only granted the title of concubine, not empress. After a fierce outburst, she turned away, completely disregarding the emperor's reaction, and angrily returned to her palace, leaving him there. The emperor stood there, his face filled with helplessness and melancholy, his heart awash with mixed emotions.