Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Ji Ling was a man from Shandong, robust and immensely strong. He often wielded a heavy Three-Edged Blade, its broad blade glinting coldly, said to weigh fifty pounds. On this day, Ji Ling led his army with great momentum, standing tall on his warhorse as he shouted, "That country bumpkin Liu Bei dares to challenge me! This area around the Huai River is my territory; how dare you offend me? You are asking for death!"
Liu Bei, holding the Qinggang Sword, stood firmly on his horse in response to Ji Ling's provocation. His gaze was resolute, and his voice steady and powerful: "I come under the decree of the Emperor to punish those who defy him. If you, Ji Ling, dare to obstruct me, it will be a crime without pardon!" As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Ling was already filled with rage, spurring his horse and charging forward with his blade drawn.
At that moment, Guan Yu stepped forward, wielding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade. His deep voice resonated across the battlefield: "You insolent fool, do not be arrogant! Come and fight me!" Upon hearing this, Ji Ling's eyes flashed with disdain: "Just in time! Let me see how I can sever the head of this red-faced monster!" With that, he charged into battle, the Three-Edged Blade slicing towards Guan Yu like lightning.
The two clashed fiercely for dozens of rounds; Ji Ling's swordsmanship was fierce and unmatched while Guan Yu remained as steady as a mountain. The Green Dragon Crescent Blade whirled through the air, creating a howling wind. Dust rose from the battlefield as surrounding soldiers were awed by their might and dared not approach. Seeing that the battle was stalemated, Ji Ling gasped for breath and shouted, "Let’s take a break before we decide the victor!"
Guan Yu snorted coldly and turned his horse back to the front lines, standing silently with a gaze sharp as a blade fixed on Ji Ling. Meanwhile, Ji Ling secretly sent out his deputy Xun Zheng, who rode out holding a spear and shouted at Guan Yu: "Red-faced one, you are nothing but an unknown nobody; how dare you compete with my general?"
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu's expression darkened and murderous intent surged in his eyes: "A mere deputy dares to speak so arrogantly!" Before he finished speaking, he charged towards Xun Zheng on horseback. The Green Dragon Crescent Blade gleamed ominously in the sunlight, almost blinding to behold. In just one exchange, Guan Yu's blade struck down like thunder; Xun Zheng was cleaved in two along with his horse, blood spraying everywhere and staining the earth.
Seeing his deputy's tragic death filled Ji Ling with dread; however, he forced himself to appear calm and quickly ordered a retreat. Liu Bei's forces seized the opportunity to pursue them relentlessly until they reached the Huaiyin Estuary. Ji Ling fortified his position but dared not engage further. Angered by this defeat, he resolved to change tactics and attempted a night raid with Elite Troops to turn the tide. Yet Liu Bei had long been prepared; the Xu Zhou Army had laid an intricate trap. Ji Ling's soldiers suffered heavy losses and fled in disarray.
At that moment on the battlefield, the sound of war drums gradually subsided. Sunlight fell upon Guan Yu's blood-stained battle robe as he sheathed his sword and returned to stand before his troops with an icy yet determined gaze, seemingly having seen through everything.
Since Liu Bei's departure, Zhang Fei had taken charge of all affairs in the city. He entrusted mundane tasks to the cautious Chen Yuanlong while personally overseeing military decisions. Though Zhang Fei had a fiery temperament and could be impulsive at times, he took Liu Bei's instructions very seriously. Each day he inspected the barracks wielding his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear with an imposing presence that left everyone wary.
One day, in high spirits, Zhang Fei hosted a banquet for the officials in town. He ordered a lavish spread of food and drink; candles illuminated the hall while rich aromas of wine filled the air enticingly. Once everyone was seated, Zhang Fei raised his cup and stood up boldly: "Before leaving, my brother repeatedly reminded me to drink less for fear of any mishaps. But isn't that being overly cautious? Today I host this banquet; let us drink heartily! We can discuss sobriety tomorrow—what do you all say?"
The officials exchanged glances; many felt uneasy but none dared defy Zhang Fei’s command as they raised their cups in agreement: "General is generous; we shall drink with you!" Zhang Fei laughed heartily as he poured wine into cups one by one. His voice boomed with authority yet carried an undeniable pressure that made it impossible for anyone to slack off.
When it came time for Cao Bao to drink, he bowed his head in silence, visibly tense with hands tucked into his sleeves refusing to extend them for a cup. Zhang Fei noticed this and frowned deeply: "Cao Bao, why aren’t you drinking? Do you look down on my wine?"
Cao Bao forced a smile and replied in a low voice, "General, please forgive me. I vowed to abstain from alcohol since childhood and truly cannot go against fate." He spoke cautiously, but the tremor in his voice was hard to conceal.
Zhang Fei's eyes widened in disbelief as he slammed his wine cup down on the table, splashing liquid everywhere. With a cold laugh, he said, "Fate? What fate? You are one of my soldiers, a man who fights in battle, yet you say you won't drink? Do you take me for a fool? Today, I am honoring our friendship; if you refuse to drink, it means you are disrespecting me!"
Cao Bao's face turned pale instantly. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he realized Zhang Fei's fiery temper. If he continued to refuse, his life would be in danger. Reluctantly, he trembled as he picked up the wine cup and managed to swallow a mouthful. Seeing this, Zhang Fei's anger lessened slightly. He patted Cao Bao's shoulder heartily and laughed, "That's more like it! A man should be bold! Come on, fill it up and let's drink another toast!"
Cao Bao felt miserable inside but could only force a smile as he shakily accepted the newly filled cup. The other officials watched the scene unfold, hastily drinking to avoid being called upon by Zhang Fei, feeling immense pressure. By the end of the banquet, Zhang Fei had consumed dozens of cups, his face flushed like fire while the officials were all on edge, drenched in cold sweat yet unable to stop smiling.
In high spirits from the alcohol, Zhang Fei poured himself another ten cups in quick succession, with wine dripping down his beard onto his chest. His face was already red from drinking but he showed no signs of stopping. He stood up unsteadily with his cup raised high, laughing boisterously and loudly declaring, "Today we drink to our heart's content! Come on, drink a few more with me!"
The cup was once again placed before Cao Bao. His complexion had turned green; his stomach churned violently as he quickly waved his hands and said, "General, please forgive me! I truly cannot drink anymore... I really can't..."
Zhang Fei's smile vanished immediately upon hearing this. His drunken eyes narrowed slightly as he gruffly asked, "Did you not just drink? How can you back out now? Is this a toast or coercion? Can't you tell the difference?" His tone carried dissatisfaction as his gaze pierced through Cao Bao like a blade.
Cao Bao trembled in fear but still mustered the courage to say, "General, I truly have a low tolerance for alcohol. If I drink more, it might harm my health... Please understand." His voice grew softer until it was almost inaudible.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's expression turned dark as thunderclouds gathered on his face. Already fueled by alcohol, his anger flared even higher. He suddenly smashed the wine cup onto the ground with a sharp crack that echoed through the room. "Do you think I am someone to be trifled with? You refuse to drink even one cup and still dare to call yourself one of my soldiers? Are you deliberately defying orders?"
Cao Bao fell to his knees in desperation, pleading repeatedly, "I wouldn't dare! I truly wouldn't dare!" But Zhang Fei was beyond furious; with a wave of his hand, he commanded loudly, "Someone! Seize him! For such defiance against orders, give him a hundred lashes and see if he dares to disobey me again!"
Several soldiers rushed forward and grabbed Cao Bao. Terrified, he struggled and cried out, "General spare my life! I truly did not intend to defy your orders!" His voice echoed across the banquet hall but no one dared to speak up for him.
At that moment, Chen Yuanlong stood up hurriedly and stepped forward with cupped hands. "General! Please calm your anger! Liu Huang Shu instructed us repeatedly before leaving that you must temper your temper and not let small matters provoke your wrath; it could harm morale!"
Zhang Fei turned his head, his drunken gaze tinged with impatience. Gritting his teeth, he said, "You, Chen Yuanlong, are nothing but a civil official. Mind your own bureaucratic affairs! Matters of the military are not for you to meddle in!" His voice boomed like thunder, leaving Chen Yuanlong too intimidated to speak further, standing there with a slightly pale face.
The soldiers followed orders, pushing Cao Bao aside and preparing to carry out the execution. Zhang Fei's intoxication had not yet faded, but his anger only intensified. The entire banquet fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of Zhang Fei repeatedly slamming his hand on the table, sending chills down everyone's spine.
Comment 0 Comment Count