Chapter 85: Liu Bei Is Truly Remarkable

“Judging by the time, they should be arriving soon!” Lu Bu exclaimed, bursting into laughter. As for his remark about Chu Feng’s covetousness, it was deliberate, meant to further incite discord between Chu Feng and Liu Bei. This was all according to Chen Gong’s advice.

“Lu Bu, you…” The veins on Liu Bei’s forehead bulged with hatred, his teeth grinding in fury. He also deeply resented Chu Feng; this petty thief dared to lust after his wife. Yet, remembering that Chu Feng was the son of Yuan Shu, and that he himself had clashed with Yuan Shu many times, Liu Bei realized that Chu Feng’s actions were likely intended to humiliate him. He hated him; that scoundrel deserved death!

He could already envision what fate Gan Qian and Mi Zhen would suffer upon arriving in Shouchun. The more he thought about it, the more enraged he became. Someday, if given the chance, he would surely tear Chu Feng limb from limb to appease his wrath!

“Lu Bu, calamity should not be brought upon wives and children, you… you…”

“Big-eared Liu, your wives and concubines are merely moving to another residence; what does that have to do with me? If you have the ability, go ask Chu Feng for them—see if he’ll give them back!” Lu Bu shrugged, finding the situation increasingly amusing. Chen Gong’s scheme was truly brilliant; the two had indeed become sworn enemies.

Liu Bei was so furious he fell silent. Behind him, Mi Zhu and Mi Fang swallowed hard. Their sister had been given to Chu Feng by Lu Bu? For a moment, Mi Zhu’s thoughts were in turmoil.

He had invested in Liu Bei because the man was upright and cared for the people, but now his sister was gone. Even if Liu Bei succeeded, the Mi family would no longer be part of his extended kin. Wouldn’t that mean all their hard work would yield little reward? How could Mi Zhu not worry? No one likes empty promises; if you don’t get paid every month, most would eventually leave. This was precisely how Mi Zhu felt now.

Wasn’t this a complete disaster? If Liu Bei won and took Xuzhou, it’d be fine; but if he lost again, where would they go?

Seeing Liu Bei’s silent rage, Lu Bu poured fuel on the fire, mocking, “Oh, right—Chu Feng wrote in his letter that he will take good care of them, so you need not worry, Xuande!”

“Here is the letter; would you care to read it, Xuande?”

Liu Bei exploded with anger, his eyes burning with hatred. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the wooden stockade. That brat Chu Feng was pushing him too far! All signs indicated this was true, and Liu Bei could no longer doubt it.

His wife was gone! Truly gone! Though brothers are like limbs and women like clothes, he and Guan and Zhang often shared a bed, and only… Alas, now his wife was lost!

He was heartbroken, miserable, with a thread of rage woven through his grief. There was now irreconcilable enmity between himself and Chu Feng. Yet, since the women had been taken, he could not sit idly by; he would have to divorce his wife and remarry to secure his position.

With this in mind, Liu Bei took a deep breath.

His anger subsided, replaced by a deep gloom. His gaze slid to Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, worry gnawing at him. He was no match for the Yuan family. Though the Mi family had aided him in times of peril, now that Mi Zhen was lost—and lost to Chu Feng—no one could predict how the two brothers would react.

If they defected… it would be understandable.

Liu Bei turned, his eyes burning as he looked at Mi Zhu and Mi Fang. Suddenly he beat his chest and stomped his feet, unable to hide his anguish—more painful than losing his wife.

“Zizhong, Zifang, I, Liu Bei, have failed your trust, letting your sister fall into the hands of bandits, her fate unknown. I am ashamed, deeply ashamed!”

He turned and called out, “Yide, fetch brush and ink. I must write a letter for Chu Feng, recommending a path for Zizhong and Zifang!”

“In this way, the three siblings may reunite. With Chu Feng relying on Yuan’s foundation, I am sure he will provide you both with ample opportunity to display your talents, rather than wasting your days following me fruitlessly!”

Liu Bei spoke with heart-wrenching grief, yet his words were resolute and powerful.

“My lord, you must not, you must not!” Mi Zhu cried out, “My lord, since I, Mi Zhu, have chosen to follow you, how could I betray you?”

“As for my sister, this is not your fault!”

Liu Bei’s expression became stern, and he barked at Zhang Fei, “Go at once!”

Zhang Fei pursed his lips, then departed.

Soon the brush and ink were brought, and Liu Bei resolutely took up his pen. At his side, Mi Zhu bowed and pleaded, “My lord, you must not!”

No matter how Mi Zhu entreated him, Liu Bei was unmoved.

In short order, a flowing letter of recommendation was written, extolling Mi Zhu’s virtues to the skies and praising Mi Fang’s courage as surpassing Lu Bu’s. At the end, Liu Bei belittled himself as worthless.

This recommendation letter was a marvel!

“Zizhong, Zifang, it is I, Liu Bei, who lack talent and virtue, who have failed you both and your sister.” Liu Bei spoke solemnly, bowing deeply.

“My lord, please, no, we cannot accept such an honor!” Mi Zhu and Mi Fang cried, overwhelmed.

Liu Bei pushed their hands away and looked at Zhang Fei, saying, “Yide, bring my fine steed here. When Lu Bu departs, I will personally see these gentlemen off!”

“Big brother,” Zhang Fei protested.

“Go quickly!” Liu Bei snapped, seeing Zhang Fei reluctant.

“My lord, the Mi family is not one to betray our master for glory. As long as you do not despise our incompetence, we shall follow you always!” Mi Zhu bowed his head and cried out.

“Prepare the horses!” Liu Bei commanded.

Mi Zhu seized the letter and tore it to shreds. He declared, “My lord has treated us as brothers; how could we abandon him? Please, do not drive us away!”

Seeing the moment was ripe, Liu Bei suddenly lamented, “But I cannot bear to see you separated from your sister.”

“My lord, everyone has their fate. If Mi Zhen in Shouchun brings you disgrace, you may sever ties in writing, and the Mi family will not complain in the slightest!” Mi Zhu added earnestly.

“No, regardless of whether my lady has betrayed me, the bond between Liu Bei and the Mi family shall remain unbroken, never wavering!” Liu Bei declared firmly.

Mi Zhu and Mi Fang were deeply moved, ashamed of their earlier doubts. Liu Bei, meanwhile, breathed a little easier, feeling assured that the two would not abandon him.

He had acted with intent, but now their loyalty was secured. Even if they were to leave, Liu Bei would not hinder them, but rather escort them ten miles to repay their former kindness. This was the charm of Liu Bei’s character. Among the lords of the land, how many could truly act thus? Throughout history, few possess the charismatic virtue of Liu Bei.

This is why, despite repeated defeats, worthy men would not forsake him. Had it been another, betrayal and abandonment would have long since followed.

Outside the stockade, Lu Bu listened to the voices drifting from the ramparts and curled his lip.

“My lord, what is Liu Bei saying in there?” Wei Xu asked curiously.

“Bah, that fellow Liu Bei is a master at empty promises—probably spinning more grand illusions for his followers!” Lu Bu sneered, spurring his horse away. He despised those who boasted day after day.

Of course, to outsiders, Lu Bu was a liar in eight out of ten words, and always suspicious of his subordinates.