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Xuchang • Southern Suburbs
Early in the morning, a refined young scholar rode a fine steed with snow-white hooves along the official road outside the city. Dressed in a white robe with black feathers and a thick black fur cloak, it was none other than Guo Jia.
It was already late autumn, and the weather in the city had truly become cold.
Riding through the bleak autumn countryside was by no means a pleasant task for him. Yet there was something he had to deliver to that person with his own hands.
After riding a while longer, he saw a woman on a gray horse by the roadside, even more spirited than Guo Jia’s own. The woman wore simple black clothing, her long hair slightly curled and cascading over her shoulders. Her beauty was exquisite—she was Xiao Meng.
“Brother Xiao Meng! I finally found you! You have no idea how I feared getting lost and not being able to find you, wandering who knows how long through these woods!”
Guo Jia was delighted to see Xiao Meng.
“Brother Guo, good morning. Please, come with me.” Xiao Meng’s expression was cool and calm, neither warm nor cold, and after speaking, he turned his horse and rode ahead.
Guo Jia followed behind, the two of them traveling in silence along an ever-narrowing path.
Guo Jia naturally understood why Xiao Meng was displeased and didn’t speak, lest he bring discomfort upon himself.
Only as they approached Sima Lang’s private residence did he finally break the silence and say solemnly, “That day, I angered the Emperor and frightened you, Brother Xiao Meng. It was my fault and I wish to apologize.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Meng glanced back with a smile. Guo Jia felt his heart skip a beat. “You’re too serious, Brother Guo. You’ve always been unfailingly thorough—surely you anticipated the Emperor’s tolerance before you spoke those words.”
“I only counted on Lord Wen not acting rashly. If he dared to ask the Emperor for help and let you enter the palace, then the Emperor’s breadth and skill must be out of the ordinary.”
Guo Jia savored Xiao Meng’s smile, like a spring breeze, his gaze lingering on Xiao Meng’s graceful figure. “Fengxiao simply trusts Lord Wen’s judgment of people.”
“…Yes, the Emperor truly is a good man, and he will be a good sovereign.” After a moment, Xiao Meng turned and looked at Guo Jia. “Brother Guo, I hope that everything you said to the Emperor was sincere.”
“Rest assured, Brother Xiao Meng. Fengxiao would never speak falsely to the Emperor or Lord Wen. My coming to see Lord Wen is precisely for this reason,” Guo Jia replied earnestly.
A few days earlier, Hua Tuo had come to see Xiao Meng and brought a message from Guo Jia, saying he had something he wished to deliver to Lord Wen in person and hoped to meet Lü Bu.
Now, on the verge of meeting Lü Bu, even someone as shrewd and seasoned as Guo Jia felt uneasy—a tension far greater than that of facing the most difficult of battlefields, for reasons he could not explain.
Perhaps it was because Lü Bu was always an unpredictable man, and facing him alone was the most uncertain of moments.
With these thoughts, the two arrived at a secluded entrance to Sima Lang’s residence.
Through layers of uneven woodland and narrow mountain paths, they reached a tranquil, almost paradisiacal retreat.
What a fine place… Guo Jia looked around, thinking this to himself.
Compared to the stillness of the main building, the side building was more lively: a reclining chair sat outside, a wine jug rested on a small table, hunting tools and firewood lay by the door—imbuing the place with a simple, vibrant atmosphere.
The two dismounted and tied up their horses. Xiao Meng led Guo Jia to the herb garden, where Lü Bu was presently picking herbs to strengthen Xiao Meng’s constitution.
“He’s inside. Go ahead.” Xiao Meng brought Guo Jia to the entrance of the herb garden, dropped that line with a smile, and left.
A white-walled arch separated the herb garden from the outer courtyard. Passing through the moon gate, Guo Jia stepped onto a smooth stone path flanked by rare plants, the air tinged with the unique fragrance of medicinal herbs.
At the path’s end lay a large field.
Guo Jia saw, a short distance away, a tall man kneeling and working in the garden, dressed in simple, dark clothing, no different from an ordinary country farmer.
Yet the man’s sharply defined features made his profile especially striking. What amazed Guo Jia even more were his hands.
Guo Jia always paid special attention to people’s hands, as they often revealed more than a face.
Those hands told Guo Jia their owner was by no means a mere brute. The hands were strong, the bones prominent. Guo Jia had met many generals, their hands powerful but often rough and clumsy; scholars’ hands were delicate, but soft and weak.
But these hands, though stained with soil, seemed cast in divine steel—every joint and muscle the very image of strength and beauty, poised to unleash astonishing force at any moment.
These were the hands that had wielded the Sky Halberd and the reins of Red Hare, conquering all before them. Now, they carefully extracted a rare herb from the earth.
Sensing someone’s presence, the “farmer” paused and stood up.
Instantly, Guo Jia felt an overwhelming pressure envelop him, his breath quickening.
The farmer turned, casting a sideways, commanding gaze at Guo Jia.
What Guo Jia saw was a face chiseled like an axe and a tall, imposing physique radiating masculine strength; a pair of piercing tiger eyes fixed on him.
“Guo Jia, you wanted to see me—for what purpose?” Lü Bu opened directly.
Lü Bu, carrying a tray of herbs, motioned Guo Jia to follow him to a bamboo pavilion by the garden.
Beneath the pavilion stood a plain table and two sturdy chairs, lacking any carved embellishments—quite different from the understated luxury elsewhere. Guo Jia guessed these were Lü Bu’s handiwork since moving in.
A scene flashed in Guo Jia’s mind: under the moon or at dusk, Lü Bu and Xiao Meng sitting in these chairs, sharing tea or wine, chatting and laughing as time passed by…
Lü Bu set the tray on the table and sat down in one of the chairs without inviting Guo Jia to sit. Instead, he looked up naturally and asked, “What is it you’re here to give me?”
Guo Jia immediately composed himself and replied solemnly, “It is a secret edict from the Emperor for Lord Wen.” With that, he took a scroll from his robe and respectfully passed it with both hands. Lü Bu stood, received it, sat again, and unrolled the scroll to read in earnest.
It was near noon. The autumn sun was warm, and the herb garden filled with serene fragrance.
Absurd… he’s really treating me as if I were his own lord… Though the atmosphere was pleasant, Guo Jia felt like a staff officer awaiting Lü Bu’s orders after reviewing military intelligence.
Yet, to go and sit in Xiao Meng’s chair—he wouldn’t dare, even if he had a tiger’s courage.
He just felt a bit stifled, but not entirely opposed to it.
Guo Jia glanced at Lü Bu: under long lashes, his eyes were sharp and focused—no need for explanation. Guo Jia quickly looked away, afraid to draw Lü Bu’s attention, and gazed at the herb garden, quietly waiting.
The edict stated that Lü Bu had gained the Emperor’s full trust and was granted authority: should any court official threaten the Emperor or seek to usurp the throne, Lü Bu was empowered to execute them on the spot and report afterward.
After a while, Lü Bu finished reading, put the scroll away, and said calmly, “I understand the Emperor’s intent. However…” Meeting Guo Jia’s gaze, Lü Bu gave a faint smile, “Such an important secret edict—why would the Emperor entrust it to you, rather than deliver it himself…?”
Lü Bu’s gaze grew sharper. “To gain the Emperor’s trust in such a short time—Guo Fengxiao’s abilities truly surprise me.”
Guo Jia felt as if pierced by two blades, slow but sure.
“In fact, the Emperor dearly misses Lord Wen and originally hoped to summon you with this edict for a proper reunion. But…” The real pressure helped Guo Jia regain his calm—one of his greatest strengths as a top strategist.
He responded with composure, “The matter of the six generals executed in Xuchang has greatly disturbed Lord Cao, making him extremely suspicious. The palace is riddled with his spies. To avoid further trouble, His Majesty had to entrust me with this task.”
Guo Jia smiled, his fox-like eyes now shining with intelligence—all earlier unease vanished.
Lü Bu’s eyes now held genuine amusement. He could keenly sense the change in Guo Jia’s demeanor.
“The Emperor’s favor is engraved on my heart. After all, both His Majesty and I were born in chaotic times, and must rely on those shaped by chaos. Naturally, we weather the storm together.” Guo Jia smiled placidly.
“Well said. True trust can only be built on essential connections.” Lü Bu gestured for him to sit, his expression much more relaxed.
Only then did Guo Jia pull out the chair and sit, secretly heaving a sigh of relief.
At that moment, Xiao Meng, now dressed in pale blue, entered the garden with tea, set out the pot and cups, and poured for both Lü Bu and Guo Jia. The aroma was refreshing. “This tea is freshly brewed, Master Guo, please have a taste.” With gentle words, Xiao Meng turned and quietly left.
“The Emperor’s meeting with you—Xiao Meng has already told me all about it,” Lü Bu began once Xiao Meng had gone. “But as the youngest in the Chancellor’s office, I’ve heard the Chancellor treats you like a son, even entrusting his affairs after death to you. Yet here you are, coming to see me… I did not expect this.”
Guo Jia gave a dry laugh. “Rumors and reality are far apart. Lord Wen has suffered enough from rumors himself, I’m sure.”
Indeed, people all said Lü Bu was nothing but a brute, greedy and lascivious. But how many truly knew the real Lü Bu?
Guo Jia took a sip of tea and said, “And to be honest, persuading the Emperor to assign me this task—there was some self-interest involved.”
“Oh?” Lü Bu looked at him with interest.
“By eliminating Jia Xu, Lord Wen has done a great favor for both me and Elder Brother Xun. Fengxiao had to thank you in person.” Guo Jia put down his cup and bowed formally.
“Sigh… Brother Guo, you’re too kind. I killed Jia Xu out of necessity, only to protect myself. Besides—compared to him, you’re the true strategist. Even if he remained at the Chancellor’s office, could he do anything to you? There’s no need to thank me.”
Lü Bu smiled and drained his tea.
A few evenings before—
Lü Bu and Xiao Meng sat by the window, drinking tea and savoring Xiao Meng’s new, exquisite pastries.
Naturally, Xiao Meng recounted in full detail Guo Jia’s audience with the Emperor.
“This Guo Fengxiao is truly formidable. Of the Eight Marvels, I think he’s the cleverest,” Lü Bu remarked while sipping tea.
“If I act, Jia Xu’s death was inevitable. There was no need for Guo Jia to do anything more. Eliminating a rival is a small gain for him.”
“The real gain is his connection with the Emperor?”
Xiao Meng nibbled a pink flower-shaped pastry, thinking how this new attempt tasted quite good.
“Xiao Meng is truly clever.” Lü Bu pinched his cheek, finding Xiao Meng’s current appearance utterly adorable.
“Cao Cao holds the Emperor hostage to control the lords. Everyone thinks the Emperor is a puppet, but Guo Jia sees otherwise. The Emperor has great ambition: only those with ambition are useful.”
Lü Bu ate more pastry. Usually, he didn’t like sweets, but those made by Xiao Meng were an exception.
“Exactly. The Han and the Emperor are weak, but for that reason, they rely wholly on Guo Jia. With no one else trustworthy at court, even the Seven Marvels and other strategists must choose a single master. But Guo Jia now serves two—one openly, one secretly. Doesn’t that give him much more room to maneuver?”
“But...” Xiao Meng hesitated. “Isn’t that dangerous? If Cao Cao found out what he’s doing behind the scenes…”
“Then he would die a terrible death!” Lü Bu laughed.
“But in times of turmoil, safety doesn’t come from avoiding danger. The more you try to evade risk, the more passive and vulnerable you become. Only by seizing and expanding your advantages can you gain real security.”
As he spoke, Lü Bu rose and stoked the brazier to warm the room further.
“Of course, striving for anything is a gamble. But he understands that true safety lies in one’s capacity to bear risk. That’s the paradox of turbulent times.”
Xiao Meng listened, taking Lü Bu’s words to heart.
Lü Bu sipped his tea and mused, “That Water Mirror Marvel is indeed admirable.”
Back in the herb garden
Guo Jia, understanding Lü Bu's underlying meaning, smiled and said, “In the end, I owe the greatest thanks to Brother Xiao Meng, for giving me the chance to meet the Emperor. Only after meeting him did I realize how great his ambition is—the Han’s revival is truly possible!”
“That’s true. If you want to thank anyone, it should be Xiao Meng.” Lü Bu smiled, poured himself more tea, and sipped.
The Lü Bu of legend—seeing is believing!
That was Guo Jia’s thought.
After a brief calculation, Guo Jia said, “Since both Lord Wen and Brother Xiao Meng have shown me such favor, I must repay you both. The world is not yet settled, and Lord Wen is a hero of the age. To retire now would be a shame. If you do not reject me, I shall devote all my strength to helping you rise again!”
Guo Jia bowed, eyes sincere, voice resolute.
Lü Bu bowed his head slightly, set down his cup, and after a moment’s silence, sighed, “Sigh… The Emperor sent you here, no doubt hoping you’d persuade me on his behalf!”
“Yes, the Emperor sincerely wishes for Lord Wen to return and aid him!” Guo Jia replied.
Although the Emperor never said it outright, whenever Lü Bu was mentioned, nostalgia and dependence shone from his face—much to Guo Jia’s surprise. The world scorned Lü Bu as ungrateful, but in the Emperor’s heart, he carried such weight and trust.
In fact, Lü Bu, famed for disloyalty, though betrayed by defectors, still commanded the loyalty of men like Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, and Chen Gong. Even in dire straits, they followed him to the death.
Even now, Zhang Liao remained steadfast; when Guo Jia used the imperial edict to have him restrain Jia Xu, Zhang Liao thanked him for the chance to avenge his lord. In his heart, “my lord” was still Lü Bu, not Cao Cao.
Even when Xiapi fell, there were many soldiers who preferred death to surrender, knowing full well their lord’s reputation was ruined.
How, exactly, did Lü Bu manage this?
Guo Jia earnestly wanted to work with him—to discover the answer.
But Lü Bu only smiled bitterly. “Please tell the Emperor that Lü Bu will always be grateful for his kindness—his commands I shall never betray! But precisely because I have decided to be a loyal subject of the Han, I cannot and will not taint myself with power ever again. Moreover…”
Lü Bu looked at Guo Jia, utterly sincere. “If I were truly like Cao Cao or Yuan Shao, why would Heaven have let Jia Xu defeat me and forced me to flee to Chang’an?”
This time, it was Guo Jia’s turn to be at a loss. Lü Bu’s words made old memories flash through his mind.
Back then, when Lü Bu held Xiapi, Cao Cao’s siege dragged on, depleting men and supplies, until he nearly gave up.
The more one possesses, the more one calculates—and often, the less courage one has.
But Guo Jia judged that Lü Bu was at the end of his strength and stood alone in advising, “Lord Cao, was not Xiang Yu also unmatched in martial prowess? Yet, once he lost power, he was doomed. Lü Bu is no greater than Xiang Yu. If we persist, we will surely win!”
Time proved him right.
His reward was Cao Cao’s complete trust—after this, Guo Jia became the unquestioned chief strategist of Cao’s camp.
He could say that he was the nail in the coffin of Lü Bu’s ambitions.
Lü Bu’s defeat led to his own success.
Who could have expected that Lü Bu would have a different fate, now cleansed of his past, living in peace with Xiao Meng?
So, besides Xiao Meng, might Guo Jia himself be one of the key people who changed Lü Bu’s destiny?
Guo Jia almost wanted to confess that he had insisted on attacking Xiapi.
Of course, he didn’t dare. But the urge was real.
This Lü Fengxian was not only daring himself—his courage was contagious, inspiring those around him to take bold actions.
Could this be why fate denied him his destiny?
At that moment, Guo Jia recalled Xun Yu’s evaluation—Lü Bu was a destroyer of order, not a provider of it.
After the meeting, Lü Bu escorted Guo Jia back to the main road before parting.
On the way back, Guo Jia still pondered Lü Bu’s earlier words.
“If you truly feel you owe me a favor, Fengxiao, please repay it to the Emperor.” As they rode, Lü Bu said this calmly. After a pause, he added, “I entrust His Majesty to you.”
“Lord Wen, you spent so little time with the Emperor, yet you feel such loyalty. The slanders against you are truly absurd!” Guo Jia was deeply moved, turning to Lü Bu.
He understood—Lü Bu no longer cared for fame or fortune, and the Emperor had little left to offer, yet still Lü Bu made this request. It was clear that this once ambitious and greedy man truly cared for the lonely young Emperor in the palace.
Lü Bu laughed. “Believe me, I really am a base and selfish man—such people shouldn’t serve at court. But as for the Emperor…” Lü Bu’s features softened at the mention, “When I first met him, he was just a child.”
That was… a father’s care and affection.
Guo Jia was shaken by what he saw. He had never imagined that a god of war who spent most of his life in bloodshed could show such an expression.
He gazed at Lü Bu, drew a breath, and said firmly, “Rest assured, Lord Wen. Fengxiao will ensure the Emperor’s life is safe and smooth.”
“Then my thanks to you, Fengxiao,” Lü Bu replied with a smile.
The sun was setting, yet Guo Jia felt that the late-autumn countryside was warmer than when he first arrived.
End of Chapter 34
Thank you for reading my story. Wish you have a good day! ✨🌺💖🙏🥰
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Chapter 34 “Alliance of Destiny”38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDotO2VGOb
Original work by Jing Xixian (Vampire L), all rights reserved.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNfVHXd6WR
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