Chapter 17: Hosting Victor for Dinner

Even the fierce and valiant Pan Zhang couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease.

“Wen Gui, there’s no need to be nervous. My father has known you for some time and has praised your courage and strength on numerous occasions. He always respects talent regardless of one’s background,” Liu Feng said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips, making Pan Zhang’s heart flutter with anticipation. “Perhaps today is the day you will truly shine.”

Liu Feng stepped into the main hall, where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were casually chatting. Zhao Yun and Tian Yu had not yet arrived.

As soon as Liu Feng entered, three pairs of eyes turned toward him.

Liu Bei’s gaze was exceptionally gentle, as if beholding a precious gem.

However, the looks from the second and third brothers were somewhat peculiar—part scrutiny, part delight, and a touch of envy.

Unbeknownst to Liu Feng, the previous night, after sleeping in the same room, the second and third brothers had endured a full evening of boasting from “Big Ear Brother.”

It wasn’t just plain boasting; “Big Ear Brother” had also mastered the art of subtle self-praise, the so-called “Versailles” style, though he didn’t quite understand the term himself.

At first, Liu Bei casually brought up the marriages of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, which they initially took as their elder brother’s concern.

But as the conversation progressed, the tone shifted.

Why did every topic about their marriages always circle back to Liu Feng, the young nephew?

One moment praising Liu Feng’s filial piety, the next his intelligence, then his strength.

Though only ten years old, Liu Feng had grown tall, strong, and had an enormous appetite.

He could eat three to five times more than children his age, favoring meat and often needing extra meals.

All that food fueled his strength, making him a formidable opponent—not just to children his age but even those thirteen or fourteen.

In sheer strength, he was already on par with ordinary grown men.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were very fond of their nephew, often showering him with gifts and never keeping anything to themselves.

But “Big Ear Brother” was too much with his subtle one-upmanship.

And if you’re going to brag, why drag others down?

Listening to Liu Bei hope their future children would inherit their martial prowess and become famous generals, they initially felt proud.

But then it struck them—why were their children destined only to be warriors? Why didn’t their eldest brother hope for them to excel academically as well, perhaps learning classics from their young nephew?

After enduring “Big Ear Brother’s” incessant boasting all night, their eyes now betrayed a strange look upon seeing Liu Feng in person.

Liu Feng did not boast but respectfully stepped forward to salute Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei with a serious and sincere demeanor.

Liu Bei was pleased, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei could feel the respect from this young nephew, smiles spreading across their faces.

“Father is hosting an evening banquet for Uncles Zhao and Tian today. It just so happens that I have acquired a treasure, which I would like to present as a gift to the two uncles,” Liu Feng announced.

“Oh?” Liu Bei’s interest was piqued; Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also looked on curiously.

Liu Bei teased, “What treasure is it? Why not give it to your father instead?”

Liu Feng replied fluently, “Though this treasure is precious, it is not difficult to obtain. Its true value lies not in hoarding it in a treasury but in using it for the benefit of the people.”

“Used for the people?” Guan Yu was the first to speak this time.

Though Guan Yu had serious flaws in character, he was undeniably sincere in his compassion for the common folk—not seeking fame or gain through it.

Hearing that something might benefit the people, his interest deepened.

Usually, this second brother did not speak much—not out of being a mere listener but because his pride made him disdain ordinary conversation.

“Uncle, please allow me to keep the details a secret for now. Perhaps we can reveal it together when Uncles Zhao and Tian arrive?”

Guan Yu’s phoenix-like eyes flickered with surprise but he nodded slowly, stroking his long beard.

Seeing Guan Yu’s approval, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei also had no objections.

Liu Feng then took Pan Zhang to their seats.

Liu Bei began to inquire warmly about Pan Zhang’s well-being, his tone kind and genuine, deeply moving Pan Zhang.

When it came to winning hearts and gaining loyalty, Liu Bei was truly gifted, almost divinely so.

Before Pan Zhang could fully absorb this warmth, Zhao Yun and Tian Yu arrived one after another.

Liu Bei personally went outside to greet them, ushering them in before everyone returned to their seats and the banquet began.

Once the feast was underway, Liu Bei first toasted Zhao Yun and Tian Yu.

“Guo Rang and Zilong have followed me through countless hardships, always by my side, self-disciplined and devoted to public duty.”

Liu Bei’s words were earnest, his eyes full of deep friendship and gratitude. “I carry this sentiment in my heart and dare not forget it for a moment. Today, I offer this cup to express my thanks.”

Zhao Yun was strikingly handsome and robust, yet not bulky—a fitting image of the legendary Zhao Zilong, the top idol among Three Kingdoms warriors even two thousand years later.

You might surpass Zhao Yun in combat, intelligence, or achievements.

But Zhao Yun’s popularity among the people remained unrivaled.

Though Guan Yu had become a deity and the embodiment of loyalty and righteousness, in terms of admiration, he still fell short of Zhao Zilong.

The image of the white horse and silver spear was the most dazzling symbol of the age.

Compared to Zhao Yun, Tian Yu was far more low-key.

Not that Zhao Yun liked to show off; it was simply that wherever he sat, he naturally drew attention.

Yet Tian Yu’s talents were no less than Zhao Yun’s.

Historically, Tian Yu had long held sway over You and Yan for Cao Wei, commanding respect and fear along the northern borders.

Hearing the name Tian Guo Rang made many nomadic tribes tremble and willingly pledge their allegiance.

Later, he even made his mark in Yangzhou and earned the title “Tian Immovable” from the Great Emperor Sun with a force of one hundred thousand.

In terms of talent, he was undoubtedly a senior official.

Yet now, both Zhao Zilong and Tian Guo Rang were young men, moved to tears by Liu Bei’s words.

Liu Feng stood beside them with a beaming smile but inwardly marveled that no matter how well his father could win hearts, words alone could not fill an empty stomach.

Historically, Tian Yu and Zhao Yun would have departed at this point, at least partly because Liu Bei’s hospitality was uneven.

Fortunately, with him here, everything was destined to change.

Sure enough, Liu Bei seized the moment and announced the decision he had discussed with Liu Feng the night before.

“Guo Rang, I intend to appoint you as the commander of a separate unit, station you in Lanling, concurrently serving as the county magistrate of Lanling, overseeing all matters related to agriculture there.”

Hearing this, Tian Yu’s eyes reddened with emotion.