Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Liu Bian solemnly gifted Zhao Yun a set of exquisite armor. When Zhao Yun put it on, his majestic and upright figure was fully revealed. Liu Bian looked at Zhao Yun with admiration in his eyes and kept praising him, saying, "General Zilong, wearing this armor, is truly majestic and awe-inspiring, with courage unmatched by ten thousand men."

Although Zhao Yun was devotedly loyal to the Han Dynasty, he still harbored deep feelings for his former master, Gongsun Zan. He couldn't help but offer his advice, "Your Majesty, although Concubine Gongsun may have acted somewhat arrogantly, that's simply because her mother died young and she was neglected since childhood. Lord Gongsun Zan, on the other hand, is utterly loyal to the Han Dynasty, with absolutely no second thoughts. Furthermore, the three brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are similarly loyal, fighting bravely for the Han Dynasty. Furthermore, there's Master Lu Zhi. He's like a stabilizing force; with him, everyone remains loyal and righteous. I believe that with these people around, the Han Dynasty has a bright future."

Liu Bian thought to himself when he heard this. He knew that Zhao Yun had a good impression of these people, not that he was disloyal to him. Liu Bian's mind raced, a trace of sorrow on his face, a hint of complaint, a look of sympathy. He spoke slowly, "General Zilong, the Han Dynasty is now in decline. I have endured countless hardships to achieve this situation. My journey has been truly difficult. I also believe that these people are loyal ministers, and Master Lu is even more devoted to the country, without any selfish motives. However, the domineering behavior of Empress Gongsun has truly put me in a difficult position. Although I am displeased, I have no choice but to compromise. Moreover, there is Ma Chao of Xiliang. Now that Dong Zhuo is dead, Ma Chao refuses to wipe out Dong Zhuo's remaining forces. Ma Chao, Liu Bei, and Gongsun Zan are all brothers in the same school, and they have a close relationship. The current behavior of Ma Chao and Gongsun Zan is indeed worrying. If Master Lu dies, I am afraid that these two will be left unchecked. At that time, the situation may become even more difficult to control. Every time I think of this, I feel a surge of worry, and I don't know what to do."

Zhao Yun listened to Emperor Liu Bian's words, and a complex wave of emotions welled up within him. He knew full well that human hearts were unpredictable, and this matter was indeed a thorny one. He empathized with the emperor's predicament, and for a moment, he was at a loss for what to say next.

Zhao Yun frowned slightly, his eyes pensive. He pondered his words, trying to find a suitable response that would both express his understanding and support for the emperor and offer some constructive suggestions for the current situation. However, the more he thought about it, the more he felt the situation was tangled and difficult to sort out.

Recalling Gongsun Zan's past kindness and considering the emperor's predicament, Zhao Yun felt conflicted. He knew that as a minister, he should be loyal and help the emperor resolve his problems. However, faced with such a complex situation, he felt powerless.

After a moment's silence, Zhao Yun sighed softly, slowly raised his head, and looked at Emperor Liu Bian. His eyes were filled with helplessness and worry, but he didn't know where to start.

Liu Bian, upon seeing Zhao Yun's expression, immediately knew he was wavering. Secretly pleased, he remained composed, offering Zhao Yun a way out. He gently said, "General Zilong, there's no need to worry unduly about this matter. You've been busy on my behalf today, and have suffered so much injustice. The bruises on your head are entirely my fault. General, please return home and rest. Recovering is paramount. We'll discuss this matter later." Liu Bian's words were filled with concern and understanding, and a warm feeling welled up in Zhao Yun's heart. Zhao Yun, already feeling awkward, unsure how to respond, was now filled with gratitude at the emperor's words. He quickly knelt and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, you are so considerate of me. I am deeply grateful. If your Majesty commands me, I will be willing to die for you." With that, Zhao Yun slowly rose, saluted the emperor once more, and then turned to leave. Watching Zhao Yun's departing figure, Liu Bian's lips curled up slightly, a subtle smile forming. He knew that his actions today had already planted a seed of loyalty in Zhao Yun's heart. As long as he nurtured it carefully, this seed would surely grow strong.

Liu Xie witnessed Liu Bian's actions, his eyes filled with admiration. He looked at Liu Bian and exclaimed, "Brother, your strategy is truly brilliant. I'm deeply impressed." Liu Bian smiled faintly upon hearing this, and they exchanged a smile. That smile was filled with both confidence and hope for the future.

Afterward, Liu Bian ordered the palace servants to clean up the mess. Watching the busy servants, Liu Bian's thoughts continued. He turned to Liu Xie and said, "Brother, the city gate has reported that Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei have returned to Chang'an and may request an audience at any time. Keep an eye out at the palace gate. If you see any of these three requesting an audience, be sure to show them the emperor's respect and bring them in." Liu Xie nodded solemnly and said, "Don't worry, brother. I will see to it." With that, Liu Xie turned and left, heading to the palace gate to await Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei's arrival. Liu Bian watched Liu Xie's back, secretly plotting his next move. He knew that the three brothers held crucial positions in these turbulent times; keeping them firmly under his control would greatly benefit his rule.

After receiving the order, Liu Xie slowly set off on foot, heading towards the palace gate. His thoughts drifted like willow catkins, pondering the deeper meaning behind his brother's courtesy towards Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. After all, according to the family tree, Liu Bei was honored by his brother as the emperor's uncle, a gesture that deeply puzzled Liu Xie. While Liu Bei now held some military power, he was still a general under Gongsun Zan. He pondered the deeper meaning behind his brother's generous treatment of Liu Bei. After all, given the current situation, his brother was already wary of Gongsun Zan. Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan were fellow apprentices, and his brother had just successfully won over Zhao Yun through Gongsun Zan. Now, was he treating Liu Bei with such courtesy? Could it be that his brother was also trying to win over Liu Bei? Liu Xie couldn't help but sigh, feeling that the gap between him and Liu Bian was widening. To him, Liu Bian's thoughts were really hard to figure out.

Liu Xie arrived at the palace gate and, looking out in the distance, spotted Zhao Yun's tall, pine-like figure. Liu Xie quickly approached him, saying with concern, "General Zilong, didn't my brother arrange for you to go back and rest? Why are you on guard here again? Besides, a general of your rank doesn't really need to stand guard at this palace gate. Just find a suitable spot to rest." Zhao Yun, looking solemn, bowed to Liu Xie and said, "King of Luoyang, although Your Majesty has ordered me to rest, I bear the heavy responsibility of a palace guard. How can I be so cunning as to be disloyal? The defense of the palace should be my top priority." Liu Xie offered Zhao Yun some more words of encouragement. Zhao Yun asked with some confusion, "What's the purpose of the King of Luoyang coming here?" Liu Xie sighed slightly and replied, "Hey, a messenger reported that the emperor's uncle Liu Bei and the three generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have returned from Hedong County and will be back soon. My brother asked me to welcome the emperor's uncle and his party here." When Zhao Yun heard that the three were coming back, a trace of joy flashed through his heart, but this trace of joy was fleeting. Then, he seemed to think of something, his face returned to normal, and he said, "The emperor is treating the emperor's uncle so well, and he really pays too much attention to the emperor's uncle. Although the emperor's uncle is now respected as the emperor's uncle, considering the relationship between the King of Luoyang and Your Majesty, it is indeed a bit grand to let you come to greet him in person." Liu Xie said, "Hey, the emperor's uncle is a loyal minister of the country and has worked hard for the country. He should be received sincerely." But he was secretly amazed in his heart that his brother was really good at means. He saw that the joy on Zhao Yun's face when he heard that the three people had returned was not fake, but at this moment Zhao Yun was already considering the issue from the perspective of His Majesty. At the same time, he also knew how much Zhao Yun valued righteousness. Since he had already pledged his loyalty, he would not easily change his position.

Seeing Liu Xie personally waiting, the guards at the palace gate perked up, standing even straighter, like javelins, embodying the majesty and solemnity of the imperial court. Liu Xie chatted casually with Zhao Yun, but as the minutes slipped by, a sense of impatience welled up in Liu Xie. He wondered if Liu, Guan, and Zhang would come to see him today. If they didn't, wouldn't his time and energy be wasted waiting here? But if they did, what would his brothers do? Liu Xie's thoughts drifted like willow catkins in the wind, unpredictable and elusive.

Steady footsteps echoed in the distance. Liu Xie looked up and gradually saw the figures of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in the distance. Liu Bei was dressed in a long robe, his every move exuding a refined and elegant aura. He always walked ahead with a calm demeanor, as if everything was under his control. Guan Yu, meanwhile, was dressed in a green robe, his long beard flowing in the wind. From a distance, he looked incredibly imposing, like a god of war. Zhang Fei had a leopard head, round eyes, a swallow's chin, and a tiger's beard. He was dressed in a black warrior robe, and even the robes could not conceal his sturdy figure. The three of them were slowly approaching, chatting. It was unclear what they were discussing, but Zhang Fei's booming voice could be heard from afar.

Upon seeing the arrival of his principal, Liu Xie quickly braced himself, straightened his clothes, and strode forward to greet him. His steps were hurried yet steady, and his eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions: the dignity of a member of the royal family, anticipation for the upcoming meeting, and a hint of nervousness.