Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Guan Hai watched Liao Hua’s figure gradually disappear into the distance, then sighed quietly as he looked up at the sky. He had reached the pinnacle of martial arts, ”Internal Energy Released.” If he wanted to leave, hardly anyone could stop him. Yet, he knew that only his death would truly leave the million Yellow Turbans without a leader.

The moment Guan Hai’s return was reported, Guan Yu received the news and immediately summoned Guo Jia and Liu Ye to discuss the information that Liao Hua had brought.

Liao Hua, with bloodshot eyes, recounted everything that had transpired in Beihai to the three of them. Guo Jia and Liu Ye exchanged glances, both surprised by the situation.

”Truly a righteous man!” Guan Yu stroked his beard, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly as he gave rare praise to a person. Unlike Zang Ba’s performance, Guan Hai’s self-sacrifice for righteousness deeply resonated with Guan Yu, who valued loyalty and honor. ”I finally understand Zichuan’s words, ’Righteousness often lies with those who are rough around the edges.’ It’s no joke.”

Guo Jia and Liu Ye felt a bit awkward. Though Guan Yu had been tactful, they had heard Chen Xi joke about that phrase before. It had been funny then, but now, hearing it from Guan Yu made them feel embarrassed.

”General Guan, please grant Guan Hai a chance at life,” Liao Hua quickly pleaded while Guan Yu was in a good mood.

”Impossible!” Guo Jia and Liu Ye said in unison.

Guan Yu sighed. ”Yuanjian, you’ve read many books by now, so you should understand why this must be. Guan Hai must die. Like the former Yellow Turban leader, he is a hero. But only his death can bring closure to this matter.”

Guan Yu admired Guan Hai. More accurately, Guan Yu admired those who upheld loyalty and righteousness, and Guan Hai embodied those virtues perfectly. Guan Yu wanted to find a way to save Guan Hai, but he knew it would be extremely difficult.

After all, if Guan Hai lived through this ordeal, he would become the Yellow Turbans’ new spiritual symbol. If he didn’t die, the situation could become problematic. Unlike Zang Ba, who could be discredited, Guan Hai’s influence couldn’t be easily dismissed or forgotten.”Yuanjian, go and tell Guan Hai that I agree to all his requests. I, Guan Yu, swear to treat the Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou with equal fairness. Their past transgressions will be forgiven. Also, let him know that if he has any other demands that do not violate righteousness, I will fulfill them as well. I respect him as a true man,” Guan Yu declared solemnly as he stood up.

”Thank you, my lord!” Liao Hua’s form of address reverted to the respectful ”my lord” rather than the more distant ”General Guan,” reflecting his gratitude and renewed respect.

”Go quickly,” Guan Yu urged, gesturing for Liao Hua to deliver the message to Guan Hai as soon as possible.

After Liao Hua left, Guan Yu turned to Guo Jia and Liu Ye for advice. Although he believed most of what Liao Hua had said, he didn’t want to appear autocratic in front of them.

”What do you two strategists think?” Guan Yu asked, half-closing his eyes. Despite his pride, he respected Liu Bei’s advisors and valued their counsel.

”Though it sounds surprising, based on what I know of the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans, their desire to surrender seems genuine. Given that, it’s possible Guan Hai truly intends to follow in the late leader’s footsteps,” Guo Jia sighed. ”He is indeed a righteous man. It’s a pity.”

Liu Ye nodded, also expressing his admiration for Guan Hai’s selflessness and agreeing that Liao Hua’s account was likely true.

”In that case, could Guan Hai be spared...?” Guan Yu began, relieved that Guo Jia and Liu Ye shared his view.

”No,” Liu Ye replied firmly. ”Though Guan Hai’s righteousness moves us, if he lives, he will become a new symbol for the Yellow Turbans. We cannot allow that to happen.”

Guo Jia lowered his head in silent agreement. He admired Guan Hai’s actions, but saving him from this predicament would be extremely difficult. More importantly, it would require Liu Bei’s approval. Without Liu Bei’s agreement, even rescuing Guan Hai wouldn’t be a good idea.

Guan Yu sighed deeply, his expression darkening as he waved his hand, signaling the end of the discussion. He was frustrated. As a man who valued loyalty and righteousness, Guan Hai’s sacrifice touched him deeply.

That night, Guo Jia visited Guan Yu’s tent to explain the nuances of the situation. Guan Yu then ordered Wei Yan to ride his prized horse, the Steed of Yellow Flashes, to Xu Province and return with Liu Bei’s response within three days. Without that horse, completing this task within three days would have been impossible.

After reading the letter Liu Bei had entrusted to him, Chen Xi looked at Wei Yan. ”You’ve done well, Changwen. Now, please hurry back to Qingzhou and tell General Guan to follow Fengxiao’s plan.”

”Understood!” Wei Yan bowed to Chen Xi, took Liu Bei’s letter, and rushed back to Qingzhou.

”Do you think there are always people like this in every era, Wenhe?” Chen Xi asked as he settled back into the carriage and turned to Jia Xu.

”Some people live by their own principles. While they may seem foolish, they often gain unexpected rewards,” Jia Xu replied calmly. Though he was also struck by Guan Hai’s decision, he understood that self-sacrifice for righteousness had been honored throughout history, even if few could truly achieve it.

”Yes, they seem foolish. But Lord Xuande and Guan Hai’s choices...” Chen Xi sighed.

At that moment, Liu Bei opened the carriage door, smiling at Chen Xi. ”Do I seem foolish too, Zichuan?”

”Sigh...” Chen Xi exhaled. Though he didn’t speak, his expression revealed his thoughts.

”I know you understand my reasoning, Zichuan. Guan Hai’s righteousness moved me. A man willing to die for a million Yellow Turbans is not one to challenge my authority. If I were to exploit the Yellow Turbans like officials of old, then Guan Hai would be justified in rallying against me,” Liu Bei said calmly.

”People like that may seem foolish, but they embody true righteousness. Such people keep their word. The Yellow Turbans’ demands are modest. Since I can give them what they want, I choose to trust Guan Hai,” Liu Bei continued, radiating confidence. ”If I cannot win over someone like Guan Hai, how can I hope to conquer the world and restore the Han dynasty?”

”Fine. Guan Hai certainly surprised me. People like him would be heroes in any era. A hero shouldn’t meet such an end,” Chen Xi said with a sigh, finally agreeing with Liu Bei’s decision.