Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Before Liu Xie even reached him, he burst into a hearty laugh, echoing in the air as if to dispel any gloom. "Hahaha, Uncle Emperor, you're finally here! You've kept me waiting for you for so long. My brother heard you were coming, so he specially asked me to wait for you at the palace gates for the past two days." As soon as Liu Xie finished speaking, Liu Bei looked up and saw that it was Liu Xie who came to greet him. A wave of awe surged in his heart, and not daring to show any slight. He quickly bowed and said, "My three brothers are but soldiers. How could we possibly trouble the King of Luoyang to wait for us here? It truly is a great honor for us brothers." Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also followed behind him, respectfully saluting, their postures as straight as pine trees, displaying the demeanor of a military commander.

Liu Xie stepped forward affectionately to help Liu Bei up, then took Liu Bei's hand and walked together, saying, "Uncle, why are you being so polite? Not to mention me, even your brother still respects you and calls you uncle. Besides, uncle and the two generals have worked hard on the way to Hedong, and they have actively restored the people's livelihood in Hedong and worked for the welfare of the people. Their contributions are invaluable, and everyone can see their hard work. Your Majesty has been waiting in the palace for a long time, so please come and meet me quickly." Liu Bei did not dare to be negligent. He responded to Liu Xie's words, saying "I am very frightened" repeatedly, and then quickly quickened his pace to move forward. He looked so anxious as if he was afraid of keeping the emperor waiting for a long time.

Arriving at the palace gate, Zhao Yun remained as upright as a pine tree, his gaze fixed squarely ahead, his gaze fixed on the front. He did not offer any greeting to Liu Bei. Instead, Liu Bei, upon seeing Zhao Yun, was immediately delighted and quickly approached, wanting to engage him in a friendly conversation. However, Zhao Yun made no response.

Liu Bei said, "Zilong, you are on duty in the palace today. It has been more than half a year since we last met, and I am glad to see that you are still as charming as ever." Guan Yu also smiled, his eyes revealing the joy of reunion.

Zhao Yun's heart stirred. Seeing Liu Bei and the others, memories of their past friendships suddenly flooded back. But then he remembered the important responsibility the emperor had entrusted to him, the palace's security, his wariness of Gongsun Zan, and the fact that Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan were fellow apprentices. Their closeness in the past was understandable, but now that the emperor had made his stance clear, any further closeness would be contrary to the emperor's will. He faced a difficult decision between brotherhood and the emperor's trust, ultimately choosing loyalty. With this in mind, Zhao Yun suppressed his turbulent emotions and stood there calmly.

Liu Bei and the other two were a bit reserved because of the reception from Liu Xie, the King of Luoyang. But upon seeing Zhao Yun, Zhang Fei's old self came back to haunt him. He walked over to him, put his arm around Zhao Yun, and said warmly, "Zilong, my three brothers have been away in Jiangdong for over half a year. We just returned to Chang'an and met you today. After we finish our shift tonight, we'll definitely go find you for a drink."

A warm feeling welled up in Zhao Yun's heart, and he recalled the days he'd fought alongside Zhang Fei and the others. Those heroic moments of righteousness were vivid in his mind. But he quickly realized that now wasn't the time to reminisce. He gently pulled away from Zhang Fei's embrace, seemingly oblivious to his warmth. He spoke with a slightly stiff tone, "Uncle, you three have traveled so long. His Majesty is still waiting in the palace. Please proceed quickly and don't keep him waiting."

Liu Bei was puzzled, but he didn't show it. He said, "It is indeed the case that we cannot keep Your Majesty waiting any longer. But Zilong, when you are done with your duty, come and join us for a drink."

Zhao Yun was torn. He wanted to drink with his brothers, but he couldn't betray his duty. He continued, "I'm here to protect the palace, so I dare not drink. I'd be betraying my uncle's kindness."

Liu Bei watched as the three brothers' enthusiasm was repeatedly met with Zhao Yun's indifference, and he felt deeply puzzled. Zhao Yun had never been this kind of person, so why was he so cold now? However, Liu Bei didn't show it, remaining calm and composed.

Zhang Fei, however, was somewhat displeased. He stepped forward, gently punched Zhao Yun, and shouted, "Zhao Zilong, it's only been half a year since we last met. Why are you so distant? Could it be that now that you hold such a high position, you don't recognize your brother?"

Zhao Yun's heart ached. He knew Zhang Fei was a straightforward man, with no ill intentions. But he couldn't explain, so he could only bite the bullet and say, "The Emperor's summons to see us is a matter of state, while our reunion as old friends is a private matter. How can we let private matters derail state affairs? I hope the Emperor and his uncle will meet the Emperor soon."

Liu Bei put away his doubts and said seriously, "That's right." Then he went to the palace with Liu Xie.

Zhang Fei remained displeased, mumbling to himself. Guan Yu, too, had clearly sensed Zhao Yun's change, frequently turning back to glance at him. But Zhao Yun remained fixed, his gaze fixed on him, standing like a statue, his mind focused solely on his duty to guard the palace gates. Zhao Yun sighed silently as he watched Liu Bei and the others retreat. He knew his choice might lead to misunderstandings among his brothers, but for the greater good, he had no choice but to do so.

Accompanied by the King of Luoyang, Liu Bei and his entourage arrived at the palace with ease. As they slowly approached the palace's towering gates, their uneasiness grew. Liu Bei straightened his back slightly, trying to steady himself. Behind him, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also unconsciously adjusted their pace. The three of them entered the palace with steady steps.

The hall was solemn and dignified. Emperor Liu Bian sat upright on the dragon throne, looking eagerly towards the door.

Upon seeing Liu Bei and his entourage arrive, he beamed with joy. He instantly rose from the dragon throne, stepped forward, grasped Liu Bei's hand, and said with concern, "Uncle, you have toiled for state affairs for six months, your face etched with the dust of battle. I am truly grateful." Liu Bei, somewhat unnerved by the emperor's enthusiasm, quickly broke free, straightened his clothes, and then solemnly paid his respects. Seeing this, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, standing behind him, did not dare to neglect their actions and quickly followed Liu Bei's example in paying their respects.

Liu Bei bowed his head slightly and said respectfully: "My three brothers and I are grateful for the trust of Your Majesty. We are going to Hedong this time. We dare not slack off in the slightest, just for Your Majesty's country and the welfare of the people. We are just soldiers, so it is not a big deal for us. On the contrary, Your Majesty is working hard for the affairs of state. It is indeed difficult and tiring." His words were full of respect and loyalty to the emperor, as well as a firm understanding of his mission.

Liu Bian quickly helped Liu Bei to his feet and led him to his seat, where they knelt down together. Liu Bian said affectionately, "Uncle, you've been running around for me all this time. I'm truly grateful. But I wonder what the situation is like in Hedong now?"

Liu Bei straightened his body slightly and spoke candidly about the situation in Hedong. "Your Majesty, by the time I arrived in Hedong, the Xiongnu had already fled. The land was devastated, and the people were displaced and suffering. We had no choice but to calm the people in the county, crack down on the bandits, and encourage them to return to their homes and resume farming. For six months, we eliminated the bandits who took advantage of the situation to cause chaos while also pacifying them. Now, Hedong County is generally peaceful, and the people have resumed farming. However, we still need to send officials familiar with internal affairs to further appease the people."

Liu Bian was filled with emotion, praising his words repeatedly, "Great, great, great! Your Majesty has worked hard along the way. With your Majesty here, Hedong's military and political affairs are at ease. Your Majesty is so talented, but he can't govern the region from Hedong County alone. With the world in turmoil right now, I need your help." Hearing the emperor's sincere outpouring of emotion, Liu Bei felt a surge of emotion, tears filling his eyes. He said, "How dare I not die for Your Majesty, Your Majesty, with such respect from His Majesty?"

Liu Bei and Liu Bian discussed Hedong County's internal affairs and the deployment of its defense forces for a long, heated and focused conversation. Their conversation seemed the only sound in the hall, each word laced with concern and hope for Hedong County's future.

Liu Bei paused slightly, organized his thoughts, and then said to the emperor: "Your Majesty, I have a request that I do not ask for, and I hope Your Majesty can help me." The emperor seemed to be interested when he heard it, and his eyes showed curiosity and expectation. He said with interest: "Uncle, you can tell me anything about our relationship. As long as I can do it, I will naturally help you." The emperor's tone was firm and sincere, which made people feel his trust and reliance on Liu Bei.

Liu Bei said: "Your Majesty, my two younger brothers Guan Yu and Guan Yunchang are from Jieliang County, Hedong County." At this time, Guan Yu also hurried out. The emperor said: "Oh, I didn't expect General Guan to be in Hedong. How are the general's family members doing during this war?" Liu Bei continued: "Your Majesty, this is exactly what I am saying. The Xiongnu invaded Hedong this time and caused great trouble. When we went to Hedong, my two younger brothers also looked for him many times, but there was no news from his family. So I would like to ask Your Majesty to help find General Guan's family members when you send officials to Hedong. It will be easier to find them." The emperor nodded slightly and said solemnly: "Family and relatives, human ethics, this is naturally what I will support. What's more, General Guan is brave in battle and I rely on him a lot. How can those who serve the country be left behind? "Will it cause unrest in my family? Not only will I have people help me find them, but I'll also be issuing a notice in Hedong County. Anyone with clues or who finds my family will be handsomely rewarded." Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Liu Bei hurriedly thanked them. Guan Yu's face was filled with gratitude, and he said in a resounding voice, "Your Majesty, your grace is so great! We will never forget it and will serve you to the bitter end." Zhang Fei also shouted, "Your Majesty is wise. I, Zhang Fei, will follow my brothers and fight for you in all your battles." Liu Bei bowed again and said earnestly, "Your Majesty has shown such kindness! We will repay your kindness with our lives."