The Peach Garden Oath of Brotherhood among Heroes (part 6)

Back

Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei arrived at Yingchuan, hearing the sounds of battle and seeing the flames. They found the rebels defeated. Xuande met Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, explaining Lu Zhi's intentions. Song said, "Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao are fleeing to Guangzong to join Zhang Jiao. You should go and assist." Xuande accepted the order and marched back.

On the way, they saw a group of soldiers escorting a prisoner in a cage. It was Lu Zhi. Xuande dismounted and asked what happened. Lu Zhi said, "I was about to defeat Zhang Jiao, but he used sorcery, delaying the victory. The court sent an envoy, Zuo Feng, to inspect and demanded a bribe. I refused, saying, 'We lack provisions, how can we have money for you?' Zuo Feng held a grudge and reported to the court, accusing me of idleness. The court was furious and replaced me with Dong Zhuo, ordering my arrest." Zhang Fei was furious and wanted to kill the soldiers to rescue Lu Zhi. Xuande stopped him, saying, "The court will judge fairly. Do not act rashly." The soldiers took Lu Zhi away.

Guan Yu said, "Lu Zhi is arrested, and we have no one to rely on. We should return to Zhuo County." Xuande agreed, and they marched north. After two days, they heard the sounds of battle. Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei rode to a hill and saw the Han army defeated, with the Yellow Turban rebels pursuing. The banners read "General of Heavenly Justice." Xuande said, "That is Zhang Jiao. We must fight." The three charged into battle, causing chaos in Zhang Jiao's army and defeating them.

The three rescued Dong Zhuo and returned to the camp. Dong Zhuo asked them, "What positions do you hold?" Xuande replied, "We are commoners." Dong Zhuo looked down on them and did not show any courtesy. As they left, Zhang Fei was furious and said, "We risked our lives in battle to save this wretch, yet he shows us no respect. If I don't kill him, I won't be able to quell my anger!" He then grabbed his sword and was about to charge into the tent to kill Dong Zhuo. What will become of Dong Zhuo's fate? Stay tuned for the next installment.

Other Stories