Drinking alcohol

  Liu Bei's face showed a hint of surprise, and he hastily asked: "So it was General Cao. I pay my respects to you, sir. But we came here with our troops without first reporting to Governor Lu - how did he know that my brothers and I were coming?"

  Gao Fei said: "The coming generation is a guest, let alone Liu Xiong has organized three hundred village warriors to come and assist in the war. The rise and fall of the world, every man has a responsibility, not to mention that Liu Xiong is also a noble descendant of the Han dynasty!"

  "Who are you, kid? We've never seen you before. How do you know all about my big brother's secrets?" Zhang Fei glared at him with wide eyes, grabbing the front of his collar and shouting loudly.

  "Third brother, you are being impolite! Withdraw!" Liu Bei rebuked.

  "Hmph!" Zhang Fei released Gao Feng and took two steps back, his eyes still fixed tightly on Gao Feng.

  "Gentleman, my third brother has always been like this, please don't blame him, forgive my third brother's offense!" Liu Bei apologized.

  Gao Fei laughed and waved his hand, saying: "No need to worry, the three of us, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, have already made a name for ourselves in Zhuo County, fighting against the Yellow Turbans and defeating tens of thousands of bandits. This has long been known throughout the land, so I knew about it. Please don't mind, Hero Liu!"

  "Haha, so you've heard too! I thrust my spear into the leader's body and created a hole, scaring off the rest of the bandits... didn't expect this to spread so quickly, even faster than Old Zhang can run. If High Official had mentioned this earlier, Old Zhang wouldn't have doubted you just now, please forgive me for any offense!" Zhang Fei stuck his long spear into the ground and bowed slightly towards High Flying, smiling foolishly.

  Gao Feng said, "No need to worry, the three heroes have come from afar, and Lu Gong is also in the camp. Why don't you just follow me to see Lu Gong? If Lu Gong finds out that the three heroes have come to help, he will surely be overjoyed."

  Liu Bei bowed and said: "I am just a commoner, I dare not claim to be a hero. You can simply call me Xuande."

  "Alright! You're older than me, so I'll call you Brother Xuande. Brother Xuande, please lead your troops into the camp!"

  Liu Bei bowed again and said: "Sir, please wait here for a moment, I will go with my brothers to fetch the troops."

  Gao said: "Yes, I'll wait for Brother Xuande at the entrance of the camp."

  As they parted ways, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei turned around and rode back to where their local militiamen were waiting.

  "Big brother, I didn't expect there to be such a refreshing person in the imperial army. This man is worthy of association!" Guan Yu, who had not spoken until now, slightly moved his lips and spat out a sentence.

  "Right, big brother," Zhang Fei chuckled. "I also like this guy. He's more straightforward than any official I've met, and he doesn't have the airs of an official."

  "The two of you are right, this person spoke of my origins as soon as he opened his mouth, and the fact that we were in Youzhou defeating the Yellow Turbans is known to only a handful of people. Even if someone did know, it's impossible for the news to have spread here so quickly. This person seems familiar with us three, but thinking carefully, there are many things about him that don't add up..."

  Zhang Fei curled his lips and said with a big smile: "Big brother is just being paranoid, I think this Gao Da Ren is quite good..."

  "Third brother, listen to big brother's words. After entering the camp, everything needs to be restrained a bit. Lu Gong is big brother's mentor, you absolutely cannot be rude in front of Lu Gong!" Guan Yu said hastily as he saw Liu Bei frowning tightly.

  "Alright, alright! Second brother is getting more and more nagging. After going in, at worst I can just pretend to be deaf and dumb, that's all!"

  Guan Yu said: "Pretending to be deaf is acceptable, but pretending to be mute is not. I must listen carefully to Lord Lu's teachings!"

  "Alright." Zhang Fei said impatiently, "Big brother, Lord Cao is already waiting at the gate, let's hurry over!"

  Liu Bei nodded and beckoned with his hand towards the front, shouting: "The whole army follows me into the camp!"

  Entering the large camp, Gao Fei had Lu Xun lead the three hundred militiamen to rest temporarily, while he led Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei directly towards the central command tent.

  Arriving at Cao's main tent, Guan Yu said to Liu Bei and Zhang Fei: "The three of you wait here for a moment, let me go in and report."

  Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei all bowed their fists together towards Gao Fei: "Thanks for your trouble!"

  Gao Fei strode into the camp, seeing Lü Zhi studying a map. Before he could speak, Lü Zhi said: "Ziyu, you've come at just the right time. The Left Army's Cavalry Commander has fallen in battle, and his thousand cavalrymen are temporarily under my command. Your own troops have been greatly reduced, so I was thinking of having you lead this cavalry force - are you willing?"

  Gao Fei bowed his fist and said: "Thank you, sir, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful! Sir, there are three good men outside the account, led by a man named Liu Bei, who claims to be your student and has brought 300 village braves to help our army fight against the enemy..."

  "Xuande? Is he outside the tent? Let him in quickly!" Lu Zhi's face showed a look of surprise, and before Gao Fei had finished speaking, he cut off his words.

  Gao Fei nodded and walked out of the big tent, bowing to Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei: "Three sirs, Lu Gong wants to see you, please follow me!"

  Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed Gao Pei into the grand tent, and together they bowed to Lu Zhi: "We pay our respects, sir!"

  Lu Zhu saw Liu Bei and his expression did not show much joy, but rather a very calm tone. He looked at Liu Bei and slowly said: "Xuande, how did you come?"

  "The students heard that the adults and Zhang Jue were separated in Guangzong, so they rushed from Youzhou. Although they only brought 300 local militiamen, they also hoped to help the adults with their efforts."

  Lu Zhu smiled and glanced at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei behind Liu Bei, saying: "Who are these two warriors?"

  Liu Bei said, "Sir, these two are sworn brothers of the students. The second brother is Guan Yu, styled Yunchang. The third brother is Zhang Fei, styled Yide. Both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have the bravery of a thousand men, and they have come especially to serve under Lord Lu. My second and third brothers, why don't you quickly pay your respects to Lord Lu?"

  Guan Yu and Zhang Fei immediately bowed down and said: "Greetings, Lord Lu!"

  Lu Zhi chuckled and pulled Gao Fei over, saying: "No need for formalities, gentlemen. This is my former army's Sima, Gao Fei, also known as Gaozi Yu, a rare and great general under my command. Charging into battle, galloping across the battlefield, he can be said to be unbeatable by any ordinary man!"

  Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei looked at Gao Fei with a strange gaze after hearing this, and all three thought to themselves: "It turns out that this person is so important in Lu Gong's heart."

  Gao Fei heard Lu Zhi say this to him, his face was stunned, and he didn't know how to respond. Apart from knowing that he himself was a young general with considerable bravery, as for whether or not he could be mentioned in the same breath as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, only through mutual testing would they know.

  "Xuande, the bandits have already been surrounded in Guangzong, and we will launch an attack on Guangzong in two days. Now our army is full of talents, and there are no idle positions. Someone like you would be wasted if left here. Currently, Zhonglang Jiang Huangfu Song is fighting against the bandits in Yingchuan, and he lacks elite soldiers and generals. I will provide you with 1,000 government troops, go to Yingchuan and establish your merits!"

  Gao Fei was shocked upon hearing this, as he had always thought that Lu Zhi was Liu Bei's teacher and their relationship should be close. However, Lu Zhi's words clearly showed an intention to drive them away. Seeing Liu Bei's expressionless face, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei slightly revealed their anger, and immediately clasped their fists in respect: "Sir, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are all heroes of the world. If they can assist us in this attack on Guangzong, we will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort. Please reconsider, sir!"

  "Zhang Fei's anger burned, and he immediately shouted loudly: 'Hmph! You old man don't understand the situation. My elder brother brought us from afar, you didn't even keep us, but instead drove us out...'"

  "Third brother, shut your mouth! You mustn't be rude to Lord Lu!" Liu Bei hastily stepped forward and shouted.

  "Where did this country bumpkin come from, daring to be so arrogant here? Liu Bei, is this how you teach your younger brother?" Lu Zhi slammed his hand on the table in front of him and shouted.

  "My lord, I beg your pardon. My sworn brother Guan Yu has a quick temper and did not mean to offend you. I am at fault for not teaching him properly, please punish me instead." Liu Bei said with clasped fists.

  Gao Fei also cupped his fists and said: "Sir, considering that Zhang Yide is a novice who doesn't understand military discipline, I beg you to show mercy."

  "Third brother, quickly apologize to Lord Lu!" Guan Yu pulled Zhang Fei's sleeve and whispered, "Don't make things difficult for big brother, hurry up!"

  Zhang Fei's face was not pleasant, and he made a gesture of apology, saying: "I have offended you, sir. This matter has nothing to do with my elder brothers. If you want to punish someone, please punish me."

  "Sir, it was a good intention for them to lead the local militia to assist in the battle. If you punish Zhang Fei because of one sentence, it will damage your reputation if it gets out later. Now, most of my subordinates have died in battle and we lack people like Liu, Guan, and Zhang. Why not let them stay and help me with their strength?" Gao Fei said hastily.

  Lu Zhi thought for a moment, feeling that Gao Fei's words were reasonable, and said: "Then let's follow your idea, temporarily assign him to your command, you are in charge of leading him, two days later the main army will attack the city."

  Gao Fei clasped his fists and said: "Your subordinate obeys orders!"

  Liu Bei and Guan Yu pulled Zhang Fei along with them, and the three of them bowed their fists together, saying: "Thank you, sir, for your kindness!"

  Lu Zhi waved his hand and said, "Alright, you can go down first. I still have a lot of official business to attend to."

  "No! I'll take my leave!" Gao Fei slowly backed out of the tent.

  "We request to take our leave!" Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei replied in unison.

  Four men came out of the camp together. Gaofei said, "It's almost noon, why don't I invite you three brothers to have a drink?"

  Zhang Fei was in a fit of rage, but as soon as he heard about drinking wine, his two eyes emitted green light. He rubbed his hands and said with joy: "Good! Old Zhang hasn't had a drink for many days, since Master Gao wants to invite me, then I'll obey orders."

  Gao Fei saw Liu Bei's expressionless face and asked: "Brother Xuande, why don't you come up?"

  Zhang Fei grabbed Liu Bei and laughed loudly: "Go, why don't you go? Someone is inviting us to drink wine, we brothers must go together!"

  Liu Bei nodded slightly and bowed his head, saying: "Lord Cao's generous invitation, how can I decline?"

  Guan Yu did not speak, seeing Gao Fei pulling Liu Bei's hand and walking away, he also followed.

  Gao Fei smiled and said, "Please follow me!"

  Four people returned to the camp where Gao Fei lived, and Gao Fei called for Lu Heng. After learning that he had arranged for the 300 villagers brought by Liu Bei, he said: "Go get some wine and meat, I want to have a good drink with the three heroes."

  Lu Heng nodded and left.

  "Liu Bei bowed and said, 'Thank you, Lord Cao, for what just happened.'"

  Gao Fei said: "It's just a trivial matter, what's there to make a fuss about? However, it seems that Lu Gong has some opinions about Brother Xuande. Is there any grudge between you two?"

  Liu Bei sighed and said, "Alas! It's a long story."

  Gao Fei said: "In short."

  Liu Bei said, "In my early years, I sought to study under Master Lu, but I was born dull and foolish, and being young and fond of play, caused me to neglect my studies, and also affected others. Master Lu, in a fit of anger, drove me away. In Master Lu's heart, I am nothing more than a useless person who will never amount to anything..."

  "This is not necessarily the case, now that the Yellow Turbans have risen, it's a great opportunity for men to make achievements and establish themselves. Since you've already stayed with the government army, as long as the Yellow Turbans are pacified, you'll definitely get an official position. Brother Guan doesn't need to be disheartened, from now on, as long as you follow me, I absolutely won't let the three of you down." said Zhang Fei.

  As soon as this was said, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei all looked at each other in dismay, and for a long time no one spoke.

  "Gentlemen, let us not speak of this again. My brothers and I are all plain-clothed, but as the world rises and falls, every individual has a responsibility. We have formed a local militia to punish the rebels, solely for the purpose of obeying the imperial court above and bringing peace to the common people below, nothing else." Liu Bei said hastily, seeing Gao Fei's expectant gaze.

  Gao Fei heard the implicit meaning in Liu Bei's words, and didn't want to be used by him. Thinking about it, Liu Bei was a great man, the founding emperor of Shu Han, one of the Three Kingdoms. If he didn't have grand ambitions, how could he have established the Shu Han Empire? He just smiled lightly and said nothing.

  At this time, Lu Zhongxian brought up wine and meat. Gao Fei said to Lu Zhongxian: "Take good care of those militiamen, I will drink with the three heroes here, no one is allowed to disturb us."

  "Yes, sir. I'll go take care of it right away." Lu Heng bowed and walked out.

  Gao Fei, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei sat in a circle. Gao Fei poured a bowl of wine for Guan Yu and Zhang Fei respectively, then raised his own bowl and said loudly: "Three good men, I just casually mentioned it earlier. With Brother Xuande's ambition and aspirations, he would certainly not be inferior to me, so let's take it as a joke. In the vast sea of people, we can gather here today, which is also a kind of fate. Come on, for this fate, let's drink up this cup!"

  Zhang Fei heard this and felt the slightly awkward atmosphere, looked at the small wine bowl in front of him that was smaller than his palm, and muttered: "Governor Gao is so petty, giving me such a small wine bowl, are you afraid I'll drink away your wealth?"

  "Third Brother!" Liu Bei heard Zhang Fei's temper flaring up again and lightly scolded him.

  Zhang Fei said: "Big brother, High Sir is not an outsider, why say so many tedious words? High Sir, my capacity for wine is great, I use a vat to drink, you have no objection, right?"

  "Haha, Brother Yide, help yourself and drink as much as you want. As brothers in our own home, there's no need to be polite. Whatever amount you can drink, I'll provide that much for you."

  Zhang Fei chuckled and picked up the wine jug beside him, taking three gulps in succession. Laughing, he said: "This government army's wine isn't very good to drink, is it? I think it's not even as good as my own brewed wine! Second brother, try some and see if it's not inferior to mine!"

  Guan Yu appeared much more calm and composed than Zhang Fei. Seeing Zhang Fei's behavior, he helplessly shook his head, raised the wine cup in front of him, and clinked it with Gao's, saying loudly: "Lord Gao, my third brother is straightforward by nature, that's just his temperament; if there's been any offense, please forgive him."

  Gao Fei's face showed displeasure, and he put down the wine cup in his hand. He muttered to himself: "Is it that Yunchang doesn't think highly of me and is unwilling to be brothers with me?"

  Guan Yu said: "This... Lord Cao, don't misunderstand, Guan certain does not mean this..."

  "If it's not what you meant, then please, Cloud General, don't say anything that might be misunderstood again. I, Gao Feng, am already fortunate to have met the three good men, and it's a blessing from my past lives. Since we've connected with our hearts, does Cloud General still have any doubts about me?"

  Liu Bei hastily explained: "This... sir, please don't misunderstand, my second brother absolutely didn't mean it, it's just that you are always the superior..."

  "There are no outsiders here, so I ask the three brothers not to be too formal. In front of everyone, I am your superior, but in private, don't call me 'sir' or it will seem too distant."

  Zhang Fei nodded, "Hmm" and said to Liu Bei and Guan Yu: "Two brothers, since we are brothers, let's eat meat in big chunks and drink wine in large bowls. Since High Sir doesn't mind, why should we? High Sir... no, High Brother, come, I'll have a drink with you!"

  Guan Yu also let go of his worries and raised his cup, saying: "Third brother, Xiaoyan, come on! Let's drink to the bottom of this cup together!"

  Liu Bei also raised his wine cup in hand and smiled: "Come on, brothers, let's raise our cups together!"

  Gao Fei happily said: "Three elder brothers, cheers!"

  Three people drank in the tent for a long time, Zhang Fei drank the most, drinking three jars of wine in a row, Guan Yu drank two and a half jars, Liu Bei drank one jar, Gao Fei only drank three bowls. Although the amount of alcohol was small, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei did not mind, but instead drank freely until they were drunk and fell into Gao Fei's tent.

  Gao Fei was still sober, and three bowls of ancient low-alcohol wine were nothing to him. Seeing Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei drunk and fallen in their own tent, he muttered to himself: "If I could recruit these three heroes as my own, perhaps the course of history would be rewritten, and the situation of the Three Kingdoms might not have occurred. It's easy to get a thousand soldiers, but it's hard to find a general..."

  "General, a thousand cavalry from the Left Camp have arrived under orders to be at your disposal!" Lu Heng said loudly outside the tent.

  "It's coming so fast!" Gaofei stood up, pulled open the curtain, and walked out of the tent. He said to Lu Heng outside the tent, "Let's go, take me to see!"

  Lu Xiang brought Gao Fei to a vacant training ground in the camp, where one thousand cavalrymen had gathered, waiting for Gao Fei's deployment.

  Gaofei had never commanded so many people in history, and suddenly giving you a thousand people to go to war would make anyone feel unfamiliar. Fortunately, Gaofei usually likes to play games and read military history books, and he has some knowledge of marching formations, attacking cities, and strategic terrain. Although a thousand people are not many, when you really stand on the commander's platform and look down at those thousand people, you will find that under your eyelids, they are densely packed, and if you can't experience it in person, you won't be able to feel the grandeur.

  Gao Fei didn't say much, he just called over the officers in the army, roughly familiarized himself with them, and then had them each go back to their drills. He himself sat on the commander's platform, watching intently, trying his best to get a good sense of how the cavalry operated. Before he knew it, dusk had already fallen, and he thought of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei who were drunk, so he immediately dispersed the troops and headed back to his own camp on foot.