Three Kingdoms: Rebirth of Liu Bei, the Zhaolie

"Fengxian, what's the rush!"

Seeing Lü Bu's aggressive demeanor, Liu Bei feared that he might say something inappropriate to Tuoba Lin, causing unpleasantness between the two sides. Therefore, he wanted to suppress Lü Bu's temper first.

After being defeated by Liu Bei, Lü Bu was naturally filled with pent-up anger and had nowhere to vent it. He had to kill the sixty or seventy Xianbei cavalrymen who had plundered Han territory to relieve his resentment and frustration.

"Xuande, thinking of the tragic deaths of my Han people, I wish I could slaughter every Xianbei!"

Lu Bu's temper only grew stronger.

Upon hearing this, Tuoba Jiefen and Heguxun both looked displeased.

Seeing that Lü Bu's words were becoming extreme, Liu Bei knew that he was harboring resentment and was very unhappy, so he said:

"I also hate those Xianbei people who slaughter and plunder Han people, but this matter cannot be rushed. We must proceed slowly and steadily to achieve results. We cannot rely solely on momentary bravado."

In truth, what he really wanted to say was, "People say that Fengxian is brave but reckless, and it turns out that's exactly right."

But he was also afraid that if Lü Bu lost face in front of so many people, it would only make him angrier.

So he offered gentle words of comfort.

Lu Bu said coldly:

"Xuande, according to your plan, how should we proceed gradually?"

Liu Bei frowned slightly and said:

"Fengxian, didn't you just agree to be at my beck and call? Now I demand that you remain silent for the next hour, without uttering a single word. Can you do that?"

"You think I'm being offensive?!"

Lu Bu glared at Liu Bei.

Liu Bei remained silent.

Lu Bu pondered for a long time before finally saying:

"Very well, Xuande, since I've made my promise, I'll naturally be at your beck and call. You want me to remain silent for an hour, then I'll remain silent for an hour. —Gao Shun!"

"Fengxian, what do you have to say?"

The burly Gao Shun approached Lü Bu.

Lu Bu said in a deep voice:

"Later, watch my expression and tell me what's on my mind."

"it is good."

Gao Shun nodded in agreement.

Liu Bei greatly admired Gao Shun, knowing that he was "pure and dignified," so he tacitly approved Lü Bu's arrangement.

It was appropriate to pacify Lü Bu.

Only then did Liu Bei lead his men, along with Tuoba Jiefen and Hegu Xun, to meet Khan Tuoba Lin.

At this time, Tuoba Lin already knew that Liu Bei had not only defeated Lü Bu, but also subdued him, and his anxiety was relieved.

He was sitting on a carpet spread out on the grass.

On the low table in front of them were various fruits and mare's milk wine.

Not far behind Tuoba Lin, three thousand Xianbei cavalrymen remained seated on their horses, their faces solemn, not daring to move an inch.

They would remain on horseback until they received the Khan's order to dismount.

Seeing Liu Bei leading Lü Bu and others towards their Khan Tuoba Lin from afar, everyone's eyes couldn't help but turn to Liu Bei.

In this battle, Liu Bei's courtesy name, "Xuande," began to be deeply imprinted in the hearts of the three thousand Xianbei soldiers.

The Xianbei people revered military force.

Tuoba Jiefen, son of the Khan, along with Heguxun, were among the top warriors of the Tuoba tribe, and were objects of admiration for the Xianbei people.

However, even when the two of them joined forces, they couldn't defeat Lü Bu.

Lu Bu's bravery had already impressed the three thousand Xianbei soldiers, but then an even more valiant Liu Bei appeared out of nowhere and knocked Lu Bu off his horse with a single spear thrust.

Their admiration and reverence for Liu Bei were already at an all-encompassing level.

Therefore, when they saw Liu Bei, with his large ears and long arms, walking over, everyone stared at him intently, as if paying special attention.

Their eyes were filled with a complex mix of admiration, fear, envy, and shock.

Liu Bei naturally felt the gazes of these Xianbei cavalrymen.

This battle made him famous overnight!

Fame will soon spread like wildfire across the entire grassland, accompanied by the clatter of horses' hooves.

The news spread to the ears of every Xianbei person.

These Xianbei people naturally included Tan Shihuai, the supreme leader who dominated the Xianbei tribal alliance.

As the Khan of the entire Xianbei, Tanshihuai must also know that there is a "Xuande" among the western Xianbei, whose martial prowess is unfathomable.

The appearance of a warrior on the grasslands is always a source of great pride and excitement among the herders, regardless of whether the warrior is a Xianbei or a Han Chinese.

Nomadic peoples revere force.

If someone can conquer them by force, they will have no complaints and will willingly submit to their rule.

Tuoba Lin understood this principle deeply.

Therefore, as he looked at Liu Bei walking towards him, a hint of jealousy was hidden deep in his eyes.

"Khan!"

Liu Bei placed his right hand on his heart and bowed slightly in respect.

Although he became famous overnight and was admired by thousands, he should be more humble and modest at such times, and avoid being arrogant, so as not to offend others and cause trouble.

"Hmm... Xuande, your lance handling is quite good!"

Tuoba Lin offered a soft compliment, but before Liu Bei could even offer a few words of modesty, his gaze shifted to Lü Bu. He sneered and said indifferently, "You scoundrel, so arrogant and boastful. Now, what do you have to say?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu's eyes widened, and he was about to speak.

Liu Bei quickly glared at him and gave him a look.

Upon seeing this, Lü Bu immediately turned his head away, exhaling two breaths from his nostrils as a cold laugh.

Naturally, his gaze was cold and stern.

He pondered for a moment.

Lü Bu still gave Gao Shun a meaningful look.

Gao Shun had spent a long time with Lü Bu and knew what he was thinking, but when he spoke, he was not as domineering as Lü Bu. When Gao Shun said the same thing, he did not make people feel that their dignity was violated.

Therefore, Gao Shun then said to Tuoba Lin:

"Khan, there are always people better than you, and there is always something beyond your understanding. There is always a higher mountain to climb and a longer river to cross. The pursuit of skill has no end. In literature, there is no first place, but in martial arts, there is always a winner. In a contest of skill, there will always be a victor."

"But the outcome depends on many factors, such as physical strength, mental state, skill, warhorse, and weapons, all of which will affect a person's performance."

"Just like in war, victory and defeat are common occurrences for strategists. And what about for warriors? One must not be discouraged by defeat, nor give up after losing, but continue to hone one's fighting skills and strive to win the next duel."

Tuoba Lin agreed with Gao Shun's words, and seeing his composure and unassuming demeanor, he couldn't muster any anger.

"You're right. A temporary victory or defeat doesn't determine ultimate success or failure. Only those who laugh last are true heroes. It's indeed like war. Even if you're defeated, as long as you survive, there's always a day when you can rise again. But if your will falters, even heaven can't save you!"

Seeing that the anger on Tuoba Lin's face had disappeared, Gao Shun seized the opportunity to say:

"Khan, I heard that you hope that the Xianbei and Han people can live in peace, which is a good thing. However, the sixty or seventy Xianbei cavalrymen we just chased and killed deliberately ruined your reputation. Their intentions are despicable."

Tuoba Lin then said:

"I've already asked them, and they're all under Rilu's command. Although I claim to be the Tuiyin of the Western Xianbei, and now I've proclaimed myself Khan, I have no control over them."

Gao Shun nodded and continued:

"Khan, in my opinion, these sixty or seventy Xianbei cavalrymen plundered Han lands, killed and wounded Han people, violated your prohibitions, and caused enmity between the Han and Xianbei people. They have committed an unforgivable crime and should all be executed as a warning to others. What is your opinion, Khan?"

Tuoba Lin pondered upon hearing this.

Gao Shun's words were all reasonable and considerate of him, so he couldn't muster any anger.

Even deep down, he wanted to kill those sixty or seventy troublemaking Xianbei cavalrymen.

However, he still had some concerns. After all, he was the Khan of the Xianbei people, and the Xianbei people had long been accustomed to plundering and killing Han people, and no one had issued a ban on it.

The grasslands are very relaxed and free-spirited; as long as you don't violate some basic customs, you can do whatever you want.

Seeing that Tuoba Lin was hesitant, Liu Bei quickly offered a suggestion:

"Khan, this is an opportunity bestowed upon the Tuoba tribe by Heaven! The Tuoba tribe can use this to establish its authority on the grasslands."

Tuoba Lin was taken aback upon hearing this, and hurriedly asked:

"What does Xuande mean by this?"

Liu Bei said in a deep voice:

"The Khan can use this as a pretext to quickly summon the Xianbei chieftain Rilu to the Tuoba tribe, and severely reprimand him for allowing his subordinates to plunder Han lands everywhere, which has made the Han people hate the Xianbei people with a vengeance. Then, take the opportunity to remove him from his position as Xianbei chieftain and send the 'Mohefu' Tuoba Hegu of the Hegu tribe to lead troops to Canhebei to serve as chieftain and command his people."

"In this way, the Khan can legitimately annex the Xianbei tribes that roam the Canhebei area and bring them under his rule."

……

Those who are brave, strong, and capable of resolving disputes are considered great men, and their legacy will not be passed down through generations.

—From the "Biography of the Wuhuan and Xianbei" in the Book of the Later Han Dynasty