Chapter 109: Lu Bu and Diao Xiu’er (Part I)
“Wang Feng.”
“I am here.”
“You—”
“I understand!”
Thus and so, this and that. After giving Wang Feng a few instructions, Wang Yun left the room and headed toward the front of the residence. Just as he spotted Lü Bu’s figure, he hurried forward.
“Ah, General Lü!”
“Minister Wang.” Lü Bu cupped his fists in salute, then spoke directly, “May I ask the reason my sworn father came to your residence that day?”
“Well... I was just about to discuss that with you!” Wang Yun’s old eyes flickered, sensing the growing strength in Lü Bu’s presence. A troubled expression quickly crossed his face as he gestured, “Please, General, come with me to the main hall to talk.”
The two took their seats. Lü Bu sat upright, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the window. Wang Yun began slowly:
“General, you surely know that I often enjoy small gatherings with friends at my residence. A while ago, after inviting you, I planned to invite the Grand Tutor as well for a feast.
But who would have thought, this invitation, this invitation actually—”
“Actually what?”
“Ah!” Wang Yun sighed deeply. “It’s all my fault.”
“When I mentioned this to the Grand Tutor, he readily agreed. That day, after several rounds of wine, I suddenly remembered the matter of betrothing Chán’er to you—”
“And then?” Lü Bu’s eyes sharpened like a fierce tiger ready to strike.
“I thought, since you are the Grand Tutor’s adopted son, wouldn’t Chán’er then also become his daughter-in-law? So I asked Chán’er to come out and pay an early visit to her respected father-in-law—”
“But I never expected that upon seeing Chán’er, the Grand Tutor actually desired to keep her for himself!”
Lü Bu’s face turned expressionless as he stood up. “Where is Xiuer?”
“She’s in the backyard... Xiuer?”
“She’s not called Diao Chán, but Diao Xiuer.”
Lü Bu strode out, “No matter what, I am deeply grateful for the years you have cared for Xiuer, Minister Wang. I shall repay you handsomely in the future.”
...
Among the blossoms, a delicate fragrance fills the air, yet the bashful beauty wears a troubled expression.
Even so, this furrowed brow and pensive gaze were enough to captivate any heart.
“Is Younger Brother Yulang... alright? I heard he was rescued, so he should be fine.”
“Dong Zhuo should arrive soon as well.”
Diao Xiuer’s slender fingers, glowing faintly like white jade, gently pinched a petal, then released it, watching it slowly fall.
She seemed to feel that life is as fleeting as the falling petals, that many important things would be forgotten without notice.
“Xiuer.”
---
“General Lü!” Startled by the voice, Diao Xiuer quickly turned around.
The blossoms around her provided a dreamy backdrop; her slightly disturbed expression made Lü Bu’s breath quicken.
“I—I came looking for you.”
“Looking for me... Why? My name is Diao Chán, not Diao Xiuer.”
“No, you are my Xiuer. Your name is Diao Xiuer!”
At these words, Diao Xiuer froze. “My younger brother told you, didn’t he? Is he alright?”
“That’s not what he said. Zhang Yu’s life is not in danger. Though he has lost his martial skills, he is otherwise unharmed.” Lü Bu lowered his head, then raised it again. “If there is one person in this world who remembers your name, Xiuer, it must be me, Lü Bu!”
With that, Lü Bu stepped forward. “Come with me, Xiuer... This time, I will never lose you again.”
“General, what are you saying...!” Diao Xiuer backed away a few steps as Lü Bu approached. “Xiuer cannot go with you anymore!”
“Why? Because of my sworn father?” Lü Bu was first surprised, then suddenly understood:
“Xiuer, don’t be afraid. My sworn father values me greatly. If I ask him, he will not stop us again!”
“Even so, General, you should speak to the Grand Tutor first. Otherwise, if the Grand Tutor blames my father, he might be held responsible.”
Lü Bu nodded and turned toward where he had come from. “I will go find my sworn father immediately.”
“Xiuer will see you off, General.”
“Xiuer.”
“Hm?”
“Do you really not remember me?”
“We have only known each other a short time, General. Why would you say that?”
“Were you born in Bingzhou, Taiyuan Commandery of Bingzhou?”
“How do you know that?” Diao Chán’s bright eyes blossomed with surprise.
Lü Bu said nothing but asked again, “How did you come to Chang’an?”
“Xiuer was selected for the palace when she was fourteen—”
“Do you remember anything before that?” Lü Bu hurriedly interrupted.
Boom!
Diao Xiuer was stunned.
In her ears and heart, it was as if a silver vase had shattered, water splashing everywhere.
Before that...
Why?
Why can I remember nothing at all?
Childhood, infancy, even before leaving Taiyuan Commandery...
Truly, no memories at all.
---
Hebei.
Zhongshan.
Lunu City.
A thin young man lay inside a donkey cart, lazily crossing his legs, a foxtail grass blade dangling from his mouth.
“Young master, we have arrived at the Immortal’s Tavern,” the driver whispered cautiously, not wanting to disturb his rest.
“Mm, thank you. Lunu City is indeed a fine place.”
The youth stretched his neck, glanced left and right, exuding a carefree air, slightly tipsy.
“Of course,” the driver said proudly, “though Lunu is not very prosperous, it is the most peaceful and quiet place you’ll find in all of Hebei.”
The youth smiled and nodded, brushing dust off his clothes, ready to head inside.
“Hey, young master, you haven’t paid—”
“Ah, right, my memory’s poor.” The youth scratched his head. “Ah, unfortunately, I’ve spent all my money.”
“Well—”
“No rush, please wait a moment. I’m friends with Yulang; I’ll ask him for some money.”
“No, no, no, since you’re friends with Yulang, I insist you take this on me.” The driver started to lead the donkey away.
“Wait!”
The drunken youth pulled several copper coins from his clothes and tossed them to the driver.
“This... this is too much.”
“Take it. It’s part of the reward I gave to Yulang.”
“Really...” The old driver watched the youth enter the tavern and muttered, “The Zhang family is so wealthy, why would they need two coins from you? Strange indeed!”
The old man weighed the coins in his hand, hesitating. “No, since the extra is for Yulang, I must deliver it.”
He then drove the cart toward the Zhang family’s shop.
“This famed Yulang is truly extraordinary.
Yuan Shao... I am somewhat disappointed in him, but this trip to Jizhou cannot be in vain, can it?
If Zhang Yu returns from Chang’an soon, and even if I don’t see him, I must at least have some of this fine wine.”
The youth glanced inside the Immortal’s Tavern, where many armored soldiers kept strict watch.
After all, this celestial brew was coveted by all the lords across the land.
“Who are you?” a military officer called out after the youth knocked on the tavern door. “Young master has not returned from Chang’an; the tavern is not selling now.”
“I am not here to buy, only to taste!”