Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Liu Bian held Liu Bei tightly, and the two of them chatted endlessly, the atmosphere lively and enjoyable. However, as the day wore on, Liu Bei, concerned about Zhao Yun's unusual attitude, considered visiting him privately to learn more about the situation. So, Liu Bei frowned slightly, a hint of anxiety in his expression, and slowly stood up to take his leave.

But Liu Bian seemed quite engaged in conversation, and he refused to let Liu Bei go. His lips curled up, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He turned to Liu Xie and said, "Brother, quickly arrange a banquet. We must keep the Imperial Uncle and the two generals here for a feast in the palace today. I haven't seen the Imperial Uncle for a long time, and I truly miss him." Liu Xie nodded in agreement, a smile plastered on his face that showed respect for Liu Bei without seeming overly flattering. "Yes, yes, the Imperial Uncle has worked hard for state affairs, so it's fitting that he stays here today. Let's have a few more drinks together."

Unable to refuse, Liu Bei reluctantly sat back down, a forced smile on his face, his heart still somewhat distracted. Soon, a sumptuous banquet was served. Liu Bian, beaming, repeatedly praised Liu Bei's hard work and contributions. His hand held the wine glass steady, but a hint of something else flickered in his eyes. He offered three cups of wine in quick succession. How could Liu Bei refuse a toast from the Emperor? Guan Yu and Zhang Fei joined Liu Bei in drinking the three cups. Guan Yu remained calm and composed, while Zhang Fei raised his chin slightly, displaying a heroic air.

After three cups, Liu Xie, the King of Luoyang, also wanted to express his gratitude. He leaned forward slightly, a smile on his face, raised his glass, and said, "Uncle, I offer you a toast as well." Everyone drank a few more cups together. After a few cups of fine wine, their faces warmed slightly, and they became more talkative. Although Liu Bei joined in the conversation, his eyes occasionally drifted away, his mind still brooding on Zhao Yun. Liu Bian and Liu Xie, while seemingly engaged in a passionate conversation with Liu Bei, concealed something elusive beneath their enthusiasm.

At this time, after a few glasses of fine wine, Zhang Fei's already unruly and unrestrained temperament became even more unbridled, like a wild horse that had broken free from its reins. His face flushed like a ripe apple, and his big eyes narrowed slightly, emitting a light of excitement. He picked up the wine glass and the wine ladle, striding forward with great strides and vigor towards the emperor. Zhang Fei's resonant voice echoed in the air: "Your Majesty has been very kind to my three brothers. Not only have we been promoted to higher positions, but you have also placed such trust in us. We are truly grateful for your kindness. I offer you a toast."

Liu Bei was instantly filled with fear at Zhang Fei's sudden and abrupt action. His brow furrowed, his eyes filled with deep worry, and his heart instantly rose to his throat. However, when he saw the emperor's face still smiling, calmly accepting the wine cup and drinking it without hesitation, his anxiety finally eased a little.

Zhang Fei, delighted by the extraordinary atmosphere, enthusiastically filled another cup. Raising his voice again, he declared, "The Emperor has shown me such courtesy, but I haven't yet thanked Him for the promotions He bestowed upon my three brothers. Please drink this cup again." The Emperor remained cheerful, his smile like the warm spring sunshine, endearing. Even Guan Yu, usually composed and composed, felt the Emperor's special regard for his brothers. When the Emperor drank, everyone was obliged to accompany him. After each drink, a faint blush crept across their faces, resembling the brilliant sunset glow on the horizon.

As soon as the emperor put down his wine cup, Zhang Fei impatiently tried to pour another. Seeing this, the emperor quickly held Zhang Fei's hand and said, "General Zhang, your veteran generals are good drinkers. I really can't drink much, so I dare not drink any more."

Zhang Fei, however, smiled a simple, honest smile, like the brightest spring sunshine, dispelling some of the tension at the table. He extended his large, fan-like hand, scratched his head awkwardly, and said, "Your Majesty, please wait for me, Old Zhang, to finish my words before you decide whether to drink or not." The emperor smiled playfully, his chin raised slightly, his expression conveying both the majesty of the emperor and a hint of tolerance for Zhang Fei. He slowly said, "Oh? Then, General Zhang, please feel free to speak."

Zhang Fei straightened up and said loudly, "Your Majesty, the situation in Chang'an is now stable, and the people are living and working in peace and contentment. This is one joy. Furthermore, Your Majesty has married the Imperial Concubine, and she is by your side. This is another joy. It is two joyous events, a double happiness! Your Majesty will certainly not refuse this third cup. Besides, when you got married, my three brothers were busy in Hedong and did not come to kowtow to you and the Imperial Concubine. If you do not drink this cup, you will be blaming my three brothers for not knowing etiquette."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bian remained silent for a long moment. A complex emotion flashed across his eyes: relief, emotion, and a hint of inexpressible melancholy. Then, he slowly reached out his hand, a pale, slender hand, and steadily took the wine glass. He tilted his head back and emptied the wine in one gulp. The moment he set the glass down, a sigh escaped him. Like a stone dropped into a calm lake, this sigh sent ripples through the hearts of the crowd.

Everyone looked hurriedly and saw two lines of hot tears welling up in the corners of the emperor's eyes. The tears were like crystal pearls, slowly sliding down. Suddenly, everyone panicked and left their seats to kneel before Liu Bian. Liu Bei's brow was furrowed, his expression as tense as a taut bowstring. His forehead was slightly sweaty, and he said anxiously, "Your Majesty, I don't know what has made you so sad. We are terrified." Guan Yu lowered his head slightly, his expression as solemn as a thousand-year-old rock. He pursed his lips tightly, and his eyes showed concern. Zhang Fei's eyes widened, his face full of astonishment, and he stood there at a loss. His originally bold expression was now replaced by panic, like a child who had done something wrong. Liu Xie also had a worried look on his face. He looked at Liu Bian quietly, waiting for the emperor's response. His eyes were full of confusion and uneasiness, as if he was wondering why the emperor was crying.

The emperor remained silent, like a silent statue, emitting an unsettling aura. This attitude completely panicked Zhang Fei. His once flushed face now paled slightly, and he couldn't help wondering what he had said to cause the emperor such grief and sorrow. He anxiously knelt and kowtowed, his forehead hitting the ground with a dull thud. He said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, if you have anything to say, please tell everyone. If it is true that I, Zhang Fei, said something wrong, then have the guards beat me with 80 military sticks. I will not hesitate. Your Majesty, you must not be so sad."

Seeing that the time was almost right, Liu Bian said in a somewhat dim voice: "Alas, I didn't want to tell the emperor's uncle about this, but I couldn't help it after all. Today, General Zhang happened to mention something that I have been unable to let go of in my heart. I drank a little wine and lost my composure for a while, so I lost my composure." Liu Bei hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, please give me your orders if you have anything to do. Don't suffer so much. My three brothers will die for your majesty." Liu Bian hurriedly called Liu Xie to get up, and personally supported the three brothers in a panic. Returning to his seat, he said, "Uncle, please take a seat and listen to me. Ever since Dong Zhuo's rebellion brought the Han Dynasty to its knees, we have fled Luoyang and taken refuge with General Gongsun. It was General Gongsun who led the army to fight Dong Zhuo, convened an alliance with the other princes, and finally brought the country back to Chang'an. Only now have we finally found some peace and stability. All along the way, I have been terrified and panic-stricken, unable to sleep day and night. Only now that the situation has stabilized, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief." Liu Bei interjected, "The emperor's forbearance and perseverance truly impress us all."

Liu Bian's expression was somewhat subdued, and he spoke slowly, "Uncle, there's no need to praise me. I've been filled with anxiety and fear. Let's put that aside for now and discuss General Gongsun's campaign against Dong Zhuo. General Gongsun not only participated in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, but also assisted in returning the capital to Chang'an, playing a significant role in stabilizing the government. Even my uncle followed General Gongsun to serve me. Furthermore, General Gongsun allocated half of Youzhou's military forces to stabilize the government. I understand this tremendous contribution. However, I have no wealth now, and I cannot offer General Gongsun a generous reward for such a great achievement. Therefore, I have decided to marry General Gongsun's daughter as my concubine. In this way, General Gongsun will become my in-laws, which can be considered a reward for his hard work and great achievements."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei already knew the whole story, as well as the fact that the Emperor had promised to marry Gongsun Zan's daughter as his consort. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's action is extremely appropriate. It not only rewards Brother Bogui for his great contribution, but also strengthens relations with Youzhou and stabilizes Youzhou. This is undoubtedly a brilliant strategy." Liu Bei nodded slightly, his eyes revealing deep admiration for the Emperor's decision. He continued, "General Gongsun is a loyal and brave man, and his daughter must also be virtuous. Your Majesty's move is truly wise. It not only reassures General Gongsun, but also adds a powerful force to the court." Guan Yu nodded slightly on the side. Although he didn't say anything, his deep eyes revealed his approval of the Emperor's decision. Zhang Fei's eyes widened, his face full of curiosity. He scratched his head, smiled innocently, and said, "Your Majesty, is General Gongsun's daughter pretty? Hehe."