Three Kingdoms: Mistakenly Becoming Liu Bei's Adoptive Father at the Start

When Gongsun Zan saw that Zhao Yun's camp was empty, he realized that Zhao Yun had left. Looking at the letter he left behind, he felt a mix of emotions, but in the end, he did not send troops to pursue him.

When Liu Yu learned that Zhao Yun had "fled out of fear of punishment," it confirmed his reputation as "colluding with the enemy." However, he was helpless and could only urge Gongsun Zan to intensify his attack on Liu Bei.

Zhao Yun and his entourage of several dozen riders, all elite soldiers from Youzhou who had followed him for many years, gagged and with their horses' hooves wrapped, quietly headed south under the cover of night.

They avoided the main roads and took secluded paths, and by dawn they were nearing the border of Anxi County.

Upon seeing the outline of the county town, Zhao Yun ordered his men to rest temporarily in a grove of trees, while he rode forward alone until he reached the outer edge of the moat. There, he reined in his horse and called out:

"Listen up, sirs on the city wall! I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan, formerly under General Gongsun Zan! I have urgent business to discuss with Lord Liu Bei and Mr. Liu Zishan! Please inform them immediately!"

The soldiers guarding the city wall saw a general in white robes and carrying a silver spear, coming alone with an anxious tone. They dared not be negligent and, while on guard, rushed to report to the county government.

Inside the county government office, Liu Bei was discussing with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Liu Liang, and Jian Yong how to deal with Gongsun Zan's army.

They were all taken aback upon hearing the news.

"Zhao Yun? Why would he come at this time?" Liu Bei asked in surprise.

Zhang Fei's eyes widened: "Could it be that scoundrel Gongsun Zan sent them to trick us into surrendering the city?"

Guan Yu's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly: "Let's go and see. If it's just Zhao Yun alone, letting him into the city is fine. But if it's a large force, we need to be cautious."

Liu Liang's mind raced. Combining his understanding of Zhao Yun's character, he vaguely guessed: "Xuande, Zilong is a loyal and righteous man, definitely not a treacherous one. There must be a reason why he has come alone at this time. Why don't we go out of the city to meet him?"

Liu Bei nodded.

The group immediately went out of the city and saw outside the moat. Sure enough, there was only Zhao Yun on horseback ahead, covered in dust, but with an upright posture.

Upon seeing Liu Bei and his entourage appear, Zhao Yun dismounted, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Lord Xuande! I have come not as an intermediary for Gongsun Zan, but because I have nowhere else to turn, I have come to seek refuge with you!"

Next, he briefly explained how Liu Yu falsely accused him of treason because of the map he presented on the battlefield, and ordered him to be arrested and questioned. He also explained how Gongsun Zan was suspicious and did not protect him, which made him disheartened and thus he left the camp to join the enemy.

On the city wall, Liu Bei and the others all looked at Liu Liang. Although they didn't say anything, they all understood: "Liu Zishan is truly a prophet. Zhao Yun was indeed suspected and framed. We can reap the benefits!"

Zhang Fei, being the most straightforward of them all, finally couldn't hold back any longer and cursed, "That old Liu Yu is muddle-headed and incompetent! Gongsun Bogui is also irresponsible! He can't even tolerate a hero like Zilong!"

Guan Yu, however, saw things more deeply and said in a deep voice, "General Zilong has abandoned darkness for light, his loyalty and righteousness are commendable. But... how many troops do you have with you now?"

Guan Yu worried that Zhao Yun might have escaped alone, which would greatly diminish his value, and that it might be a trap.

Zhao Yun said, "I have only brought fifty-three trusted and old cavalrymen, all brave warriors from Youzhou, who are currently waiting in the woods behind us. If Lord Xuande does not despise us and is willing to accept us, I will swear to serve you to the death to repay your kindness! If you suspect me of any trickery, I can order my men to disarm and enter the city alone to await your judgment!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei had already made his decision. He called out loudly to those below the city walls, "I have long heard of Zilong's loyalty and righteousness! It is my good fortune that he has come to join me in this time of trouble! How could I possibly doubt him? Quickly lower the drawbridge and welcome General Zilong and all the righteous warriors!"

The suspension bridge slowly lowered.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun felt a great weight lifted from his heart and turned back to send a signal into the forest.

A moment later, fifty-three elite riders quietly rode out. Although they looked tired, their formation remained intact, showing that they were well-trained.

Zhao Yun led his cavalry into the city, dismounting first and unfastening his sword. He presented it to Liu Bei with both hands, saying, "I am a defeated general, yet you have not abandoned me, sir. I, Zhao Yun, am willing to pledge my loyalty to you with this sword. If I harbor any disloyalty, may Heaven and Man punish me!"

Liu Bei quickly helped him up with both hands, refusing to accept the sword, saying, "Zilong, why must you do this! With Zilong by my side, I am like a tiger with wings! This sword belongs to Zilong, hoping that one day he will use it to slay generals and defeat enemies, and restore the Han Dynasty!"

Then, taking Zhao Yun's hand, he loudly proclaimed to the soldiers and county officials who had gathered around upon hearing the news: "This is Zhao Zilong of Changshan, a hero of the world! He has now abandoned darkness for light and returned to the righteous path; he is our brother! From this day forward, we shall treat each other as brothers!"

Zhang Fei, unable to contain himself any longer, stepped forward and patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder forcefully: "Good! Now that you're here, we're brothers! I, Old Zhang, have long known we'd hit it off! From now on, let's fight side by side and have a blast!"

Guan Yu said, "General Zilong, we fought on the battlefield the other day, and I already know that your martial arts are superb, and even more so, your loyalty and righteousness are rare. Today, we serve as ministers together and support our elder brother, which is truly an honor. I, Guan Yu, am here to greet you."

Liu Liang and Jian Yong then came forward to greet them.

Liu Liang nodded and smiled at Zhao Yun, everything was understood without words.

Jian Yong was busy arranging rest and lodging for Zhao Yun's troops and distributing provisions.

Liu Bei immediately set up a simple banquet at the county government office to welcome Zhao Yun.

During the meal, Liu Bei inquired in detail about the military situation in Youzhou and the movements of Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan, and Zhao Yun answered all his questions without reservation.

Liu Bei immediately appointed Zhao Yun as Cavalry Commandant, to command the existing troops, and to participate in the training of the entire cavalry.

From then on, Zhao Yun and his dozens of elite cavalrymen from Youzhou were officially incorporated into Liu Bei's army.

With the addition of another capable general to Liu Bei's group, both their strength and prestige have increased.

After the banquet, everyone settled down.

Liu Liang strolled in the courtyard behind the county government office under the moonlight and happened to meet Zhao Yun, who was also out for some fresh air.

The two looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

A cool night breeze stirred my robes.

Zhao Yun clasped his hands in greeting first and said in a low voice, "Brother!"

Under the night sky of Anxi County, this address of "elder brother" sounded more solemn and carried a more complex meaning than ever before.

Liu Liang returned the greeting: "Zilong, I'm sorry to have troubled you today, my worthy brother!"

Zhao Yun shook his head: "It is I who should thank my brother, but..."

Zhao Yun hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Liu Liang understood his concerns and replied, "There's no need to specifically tell Xuande, Yunchang, and Yide about our sworn brotherhood right now."

Zhao Yun nodded and said, "I understand. Brother, you hold the position of chief strategist and have a father-son relationship with our lord. If you suddenly add me as a brother, I'm afraid it might cause Xuande and Generals Guan and Zhang to have some reservations, which would be undesirable. You and I can understand this. I will treat you with the respect due to an elder brother and serve Xuande with the loyalty of a subject. I will never put you in a difficult position."

Liu Liang secretly praised Zhao Yun for his insightful understanding and breathed a sigh of relief.

This is exactly what he was worried about.

Liu Bei treated him like a father, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei respected him like a teacher. If a fierce general suddenly appeared who swore brotherhood with the strategist, it would inevitably make Liu Bei feel uneasy.

Maintaining the secrecy of this relationship was beneficial for Zhao Yun's rapid integration and for him to preserve his position as "adoptive father."

"That's exactly right." Liu Liang put his hand on Zhao Yun's shoulder and said, "Since we are brothers, what matters is our friendship, not formalities. In the army, you can call me 'Master,' and I will call you 'Zilong.' Let's handle official business separately and keep our personal friendship in our hearts. Xuande is benevolent, Yunchang is righteous, and Yide is generous. Treat them with sincerity, and in time, you will surely become true brothers who would entrust their lives to each other."

Zhao Yun solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute again: "I will follow your teachings, elder brother... Master. I know what to do."

The two exchanged a few more words in hushed tones about the situation in Youzhou and the defense of Anxi before returning to their respective residences.