Toxic Friend

In the year 189, in Luoyang on Vermilion Bird Avenue, on this particular day, Yuan Xi planned to go drink at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion with Xu Chu.

Before he could even turn around, he heard someone calling to him from behind.

“Xianyi, come over quickly.”

Without looking back, Yuan Xi knew it was none other than the lively and unreliable Yang Xiu. To be honest, this guy was both clever and unpredictable. The Yang family was considered on par with the Yuan family, so privately, Yuan Xi and Yang Xiu maintained a good relationship. The two families were connected by marriage—Yuan Shu had married Yang Xiu’s aunt, making Yang Xiu a loyal supporter of Yuan Shu.

Yuan Xi sighed with resignation, “Dezu? What do you need from your younger brother?”

Yang Xiu rolled his eyes at him, “Xianyi, stop being so solemn all the time. I’m here with good news, trust me.”

Yuan Xi smiled bitterly to himself. Ever since he met Yang Xiu, he had never seen him bring any real good news, so he remained cautious.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Yang Xiu whispered, “I came specially to tell you ‘Yuer’ is bathing at home. Want to go see?”

‘Yuer’ was the favored maid of Lady Yang Biao, pale, delicate, and beautiful. The brothers had long been enamored with her. Yang Xiu had even secretly expressed to Yuan Xi his intention to make a move on her.

Of course, as close friends, Yuan Xi shared the same ambition. Soon, they arrived at the bamboo grove of the Yang residence, where a row of wooden houses with latch-and-rivet construction stood.

Though these were servants’ quarters, the architecture was still elegant. The servants of the Yang estate were no ordinary folk.

Following Yang Xiu’s lead, Yuan Xi drew near and heard the faint sound of water splashing inside.

Yuan Xi’s ears perked up, and Yang Xiu’s eyes widened as he swallowed hard; both were visibly excited.

Yang Xiu cautioned in a low voice, “Xianyi, don’t panic. If Father finds out, we’ll be severely punished.”

Before Yuan Xi could reply, Yang Xiu turned and jumped onto the steps but stumbled and fell due to his haste.

Normally, this would have called for the royal physician’s intervention.

At that tense moment, hurried footsteps echoed outside the bamboo grove. Someone was staggering toward them.

Yuan Xi gave Yang Xiu a glance, and he immediately snapped to attention.

The two quickly leapt down the stairs and slipped into the bamboo forest.

This was just one of those youthful escapades among the sons of noble families; their fathers and even Cao Cao himself had done similar mischief before—sometimes even competing for brides.

...

After the incident of spying on Yuer bathing, Yuan Xi avoided meeting Yang Xiu. He suspected Yang Xiu had been reprimanded at home by Yang Biao and did not want to incur the elder’s wrath or risk being implicated himself.

One day, around noon, despite the biting cold wind, Luoyang’s streets bustled with life. Yuan Xi and Cao Ang were once again roaming the city.

They were walking from Vermilion Bird Avenue toward the South Garden Gate.

During the Han dynasty, Luoyang was the most prosperous city in the world, rich in distinctive culture. Historical records state the city spanned seven li east to west and nine li north to south, divided into various districts according to function.

The bustling commercial areas included the South Market, Horse Market, Grain Market, and Gold Market.

If lucky enough to have read Ban Gu’s “Rhapsody on the Two Capitals” or Zhang Heng’s “Rhapsody on the Two Capitals,” one could appreciate the grandeur of the twin capitals.

However, Luoyang now showed signs of decline.

At least, that was Yuan Xi’s feeling—he believed heaven, earth, and humanity were interconnected.

Vermilion Bird Avenue was paved with bluestone, a wide and smooth road.

Shops lined both sides, offering everything from daily necessities to rare treasures, calligraphy supplies, and paintings. The crowd was so thick that many led their horses on foot rather than riding.

“It’s really lively.”

“Indeed.”

As Cao Ang and Yuan Xi chatted, a young man carrying a pole with goods approached.

They paid him no mind until he suddenly stumbled, almost falling onto Cao Ang.

“Hey! Watch out!” Cao Ang reacted swiftly, sidestepping just in time.

The young man, however, fell to the ground, spilling some items from his basket.

“Forgive me, sir! Please don’t be angry!” the youth hurriedly apologized while gathering the scattered goods.

“No harm done! Be more careful next time!” Cao Ang frowned but felt no real injury and began to lead his horse away.

“Thank you, young master!” The man bowed repeatedly.

Just as the young man hoisted his load again, his path was suddenly blocked by a towering figure.

The youth gasped in fear.

Before him stood a burly man with fierce brows, bronze-colored eyes, and dark skin. His beard was like steel needles. Ugly and intimidating, he wore a large ring-handled broadsword at his waist. His stance resembled an enraged guardian deity.

This man was none other than Xu Chu.

“You brat! How dare you do such shameful deeds in front of your Lord Xu! Hand over the jade pendant you stole from Master Cao, or don’t blame Old Xu for being ruthless!” Xu Chu’s eyes blazed as he prepared to strike.

“What? Jade pendant? Hey?” Cao Ang paused, then instinctively felt his waist. His prized ancient jade, once attached to his belt, was now missing. The man before them was a thief.

During the Han era, jade was highly valued as a symbol of social status and virtue. Confucian teachings emphasized, “A gentleman must wear jade,” and “Jade never leaves the body without cause.”

By the Wei-Jin period, some aristocrats believed jade granted immortality, often grinding fine jade to swallow.

This particular jade ring on Cao Ang’s belt was a rare, high-quality ancient piece.

The thief was no fool and quite skilled, but unfortunately for him, he had crossed paths with Xu Chu, a formidable enforcer.

As the quarrel drew attention, a crowd gradually gathered. The people had long enjoyed such spectacles.

...

Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong, held the rank of General Who Guards the Nation.

He was the commander of the Brave Cavalry Camp, one of the three elite units of the Divine Strategy Army.

During the lords’ alliance meeting, Emperor Yuan Xi borrowed him from Chunyu Qiong’s command, entrusting him with the cavalry as one of the three cavalry commanders. His prowess in mounted combat was unmatched, and he was loyal and courageous.

At Hulao Pass, he first battled Lü Bu, later accompanied Yuan Xi to assassinate Dong Zhuo, fought Lü Bu again on Chang Street, and during Yuan Xi’s royal mission at Hongnong, once more faced Lü Bu.

Yuan Xi and Cao Cao clashed at Guandu and at Wuchao, where Zhao Yun also fought Lü Bu.

By then, Zhao Yun had ascended to the ranks of top-tier generals, his reputation shaking the world. Later, Yuan Xi summoned him to the imperial palace to form the Divine Strategy Army. He was granted authority to execute orders without prior approval and was one of the three veteran ministers.

He passed away due to illness during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Jin and was enshrined in the Lingxiao Pavilion.

After the Battle of Red Cliffs, he covered Yuan Xi’s retreat but was ambushed by Zhuge Liang’s forces, killing Huang Zhong and severely wounding Zhao Yun, who was saved by Taishi Ci.

This battle became Zhao Yun’s legendary moment.