Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The mansion bestowed upon Ma Chao by the Emperor was grand and lavish. Within the courtyard, the garden stretched immensely, resembling a miniature natural wonderland. Though it had only recently passed the Spring Festival, the garden already had a faint hint of spring. Tiny patches of tender green quietly peeped from the soil, heralding the imminent blossoming of new life. A few people set up a banquet in this poetic garden, the surrounding scenery complementing the solemn atmosphere perfectly.

Liu Bei and Ma Chao first discussed current affairs, their words revealing their concerns and reflections on the state of affairs. Finally, Liu Bei slowly spoke, "Mengqi, we've come here because my second brother Guan Yu is quite familiar with your generals, Xu Huang and Zhang Liao, and so I came to visit you."

As the three men greeted each other solemnly, Guan Yu leaned forward, his majestic figure slightly tilted forward, his hands clasped together, his face solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice, "I have long heard of General Xu and General Zhang. It is a great honor for me to meet you today. My courtesy name is Yunchang, and I am from Jieliang, Hedong." His voice was deep and powerful, like the beating of a war drum, and his words were filled with heroic spirit. His determined eyes seemed to burn with a raging fire, a dedication to justice and a thirst for glory.

Xu Huang returned the greeting respectfully, clasping his hands over his chest and bowing slightly. He spoke aloud, "I've long heard of General Guan. Seeing him today, I can see he lives up to his reputation. Xu Huang, courtesy name Gongming, from Yang County, Hedong." His voice resonated like a bell, his presence unparalleled. His eyes gleamed with admiration and respect, as if he were engaging in a soul-to-soul conversation with a long-admired hero.

Zhang Liao stood with his hands clasped in front of him, looking calm and steady as he slowly said, "My name is Zhang Liao, with the courtesy name Wenyuan, and I'm from Mayi, Yanmen. I've long heard of General Guan's reputation, and it's a great honor for me to meet General Guan and General Xu today." His tone revealed a restrained firmness, and his words were filled with a will as strong as steel.

Guan Yu spoke slowly, "You two generals look very familiar to me. I'm from Xieliang, Hedong. In my early years in the countryside, I accidentally injured someone and was subsequently pursued by officials. I had no choice but to change my appearance and wander around, roaming the martial arts world for decades. I've been to so many places that I can't recall where I've seen you two generals before, but I'm sure we've crossed paths before."

At this time, Xu Huang said, "General Guan, you are from Xieliang in Hedong, and you once accidentally killed a police officer. Do you remember that there is an old acquaintance of mine who is very famous in Xieliang? I only know his last name is Guan, and everyone calls him Brother Changsheng. I don't know his specific name. When I was in Yang County, I admired him very much."

At this moment, Guan Yu suddenly became excited and said loudly: "I am Changsheng! Because I accidentally killed an official, I changed my appearance and changed my name from Changsheng to Yunchang. General Xu, it seems that we must have met before. I think your face looks very familiar."

Xu Huang was also very happy and said, "Hey, Brother Changsheng, oh, no, Yunchang. Don't forget, after you accidentally injured someone and ran to Yang County, it was I who hid you, showed you the way, and lured the officials away, so that you could escape."

Guan Yu slapped his head and said with emotion: "Oh, I remember now, I remember now, brother, it's you, what a coincidence. If it weren't for your help back then, I would definitely be caught by the officials, and I wouldn't be who I am today."

Xu Huang said, "Brother Changsheng, oh, Yunchang. You were there to vent the anger of the people. You know, the man you killed was a police officer. That's why the police officers chased you so hard because you killed one of their fellow officers."

Guan Yu said solemnly: "Then I have to thank Brother Gongming again. If it weren't for you, there would be no Guan Yu today."

Guan Yu continued, "Brother, when I think back to those days, you were so young and your face so immature that I didn't even recognize you as my savior. I'm truly ashamed. I wonder how you ended up serving under General Ma Chao? And what happened afterwards?"

A trace of pain crossed Xu Huang's face as he spoke slowly, "Alas, thinking back, it was all those years ago. I was indeed very young then, and you, Yunchang, didn't even have those five wisps of beautiful beard. After I lured the officers away and helped you escape, they quickly reacted and stormed to my house, demanding your whereabouts and severely torturing me. I was grateful for your heroism, so I refused to reveal your whereabouts. Seeing that torture had no effect on me, the officers were helpless. However, they held a grudge and, in the days that followed, repeatedly made things difficult for my family, making life increasingly difficult. After my parents passed away one after another, I simply abandoned my three shabby thatched cottages and resolutely joined the Baibo Army in rebellion."

Guan Yu's face was filled with shame, and he said: "In this case, it is Guan that has implicated you, brother. I am really ashamed. I don't know how you ended up serving under General Ma." Xu Huang smiled carefree and said: "Hey, Brother Changsheng, why are you saying this? Aren't we brothers? Why are you saying these things? Since I joined the rebellion, I have become quite skilled in martial arts. I lived a very comfortable life in the rebel army, eating delicious food, drinking spicy drinks, and plundering gold and silver treasures everywhere. , and I really made a lot of money. But later, because of a great battle with General Ma, I was defeated by General Ma, and after being influenced by General Ma, I suddenly woke up and realized that rebellion and killing officials will only make innocent people suffer in the end. If I want to change this situation, change this phenomenon, I can only follow the general to restore the government. From then on, I, Xu Huang, followed the general in his battles and established a great reputation. "Xu Huang's words were a bit exaggerated, but Guan Yu didn't care.

Guan Yu, however, showed no sign of disapproval at Xu Huang's boasting of his martial arts. He beamed with joy, saying, "Very well, although both you and I have made mistakes in life, we are now fortunate to have found a wise leader and to be able to serve our country together. This is truly a wonderful thing. It is well worth our meeting in Hedong. The thought of this fills me with joy."

Zhang Fei also laughed heartily, his bell-like laughter echoing in the air. He strode forward, as if wanting to give Xu Huang a warm hug, and said loudly: "Hey, I never thought you were a rebel. But it seems you are quite capable! I heard that being a rebel is not something that ordinary people can do. It takes courage and determination. You can thrive among the rebels, so I think you are not a coward. Although you were a rebel in the past, you righteously helped my second brother and were able to withstand the torture of the officials. I really admire you for that. You are truly a good man."

Seeing Zhang Fei approaching, Xu Huang instinctively took up arms and shouted, "Hey! You black bastard, are you still looking for another fight with me, Old Xu? I'm not afraid of you." Zhang Fei roared with laughter and struck Xu Huang in the chest with a powerful punch that seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, yet also carried a touch of brotherly affection. He said, "No wonder you speak even more vulgarly than I do. You used to be a thief. But you're truly a true hero, a real man. You calling me a black bastard doesn't bother me. I like your straightforward nature. Unlike those pedantic people who beat around the bush and make it difficult for people to understand." With that, Zhang Fei roared with laughter again.

Xu Huang, unwilling to be outdone, returned the favor by punching Zhang Fei in the chest and saying, "Hey, you black fellow. Honestly, you're truly incredibly brave and incredibly strong. I, Xu Huang, have always prided myself on my martial arts prowess and immense strength. I've only ever been defeated by my generals, but I never imagined I'd be completely defeated by you, a black fellow. Honestly, you're quite capable, a black fellow. I, Xu Huang, admire you."

Zhang Fei stepped forward and gave Xu Huang a tight hug, one that seemed to strangle him. He said, "Well, isn't it true that fighting is the beginning of friendship? From now on, we're all brothers. Don't call me Heizi anymore. Just call me Yide. And I, Zhang Fei, won't call you Zeizi anymore." Xu Huang's chest thumped, and he quickly said, "Okay, okay, let go. You're being too strong. I won't call you Heizi anymore, and you, don't call me Zeizi anymore. Let's be good brothers from now on."

Everyone burst into laughter, their laughter seemingly piercing the heavens, filling the entire garden with a cheerful atmosphere. Seeing this, Ma Chao immediately ordered someone to bring fine wine. Guan Yu proudly raised his wine cup, which gleamed in the sunlight, as if carrying an endless amount of heroic spirit. He offered a bowl to Xu Huang and then drank it all in one gulp, displaying his heroic spirit. Xu Huang was also very respectful, holding the wine bowl steadily with both hands and returning the toast to Guan Yu, which he also drank in one gulp, his eyes filled with respect and generosity.

Guan Yu gently embraced Xu Huang, his heart filled with emotion. Looking at Xu Huang, he seemed to see the past, days filled with twists and turns and challenges. Now that they had both found their destiny and could strive for a common goal, Guan Yu was filled with joy.

Zhang Fei snatched the jar, and it seemed incredibly light in his hands. He poured three bowls of wine in quick succession, then gulped them down in one gulp, exclaiming with delight. He exclaimed, "This Xu is just my type. Come on, Xu, let's drink together. Their drinking style is too refined and doesn't suit my personality. I prefer to drink and eat with big gulps. That's how I feel." Zhang Fei raised his bowl again and gestured to Xu Huang. Seeing Zhang Fei's generous attitude, Xu Huang couldn't help but smile. He raised his bowl and drank again with Zhang Fei. The atmosphere in the garden now grew even more lively. Over the wine, the heroes discussed their ideals and ambitions for the future.