Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1798 - 1672: The Unlosable War (Part 2)
Seeing Liu Bei and Cao Cao walking slowly side by side, Sun Ce’s banner with the character "Sun" fell and was directly replaced by the Han character banner in black with golden patterns, made hurriedly under Zhuge Jin’s orders after Zhou Yu headed north.
Liu Bei and Cao Cao were stunned; both had marched north with their own flags. But they immediately turned to look behind them, where Jia Xu and Xun Yu ordered the flag bearers to lower their banners, quickly replacing them with "Han" banners.
At this time, the differences between the three parties became apparent. Sun Ce’s banner was black with golden patterns, Cao Cao’s was dark with golden patterns, and Liu Bei’s was red with golden patterns.
These three individuals’ flags signify their distinct understanding: Sun Ce’s black and Cao Cao’s dark both refer to the Han Dynasty, while Liu Bei’s red refers to the Yanhan.
Both black and dark can generally be regarded as black, but there are differences; black is pure black, the original and most orthodox color for the Han Dynasty, stemming from Liu Bang’s self-declaration as Dark Emperor, representing water virtue, which needs no further explanation for Sun Ce.
Later, the five elements and five virtues theory became prevalent, and the Han Dynasty was defined as Yanhan, i.e., fire virtue. The fire virtue wore black clothes representing water virtue; frankly, there was no dynasty like this. To show distinction, they used dark garments, i.e., black with red.
This color was considered the most accurate in the mid-to-late Han Dynasty, inheriting Liu Bang’s black while adding the fire virtue’s red. Thus, Cao Cao used dark to demonstrate his claim to orthodoxy.
Liu Bei naturally differed; although Chen Xi didn’t favor such formalities, Yanhan is Yanhan; why hide it with dark color daily?
Similarly, Jia Xu shared that thought; since it’s Yanhan and they’re pursuing the path of Saints, they need not show water virtue. Fire virtue is simply fire virtue; if water virtue signifies life-giving, fire virtue inherently means piercing darkness.
Based on this reasoning, Jia Xu boldly adopted red with golden patterns, stating Yanhan will illuminate the world, pierce the darkness, and inherit the flame of civilization, eschewing any darkness with pure red!
With this flag change, all parties understood each other’s intentions; respecting Han was fine, but evidently, their wills diverged significantly.
Liu Bei and Cao Cao saw their flag, satisfied that it bore no issues, as estimated by its creators.
"It seems we’ve reached a consensus on the general direction," Liu Bei said to Cao Cao and Sun Ce, as both glanced back at their flag and then at others’.
"Indeed, let’s unite in cooperation!" Sun Ce said, extending his hand.
"Eradicate the Huns, then speak of our ambitions!" Cao Cao likewise extended his hand.
"I, Yanhan, united as one, shall win this battle!" Liu Bei solemnly extended his hand.
Subsequently, the trio prominently dropped their disputes and consolidated forces, with Sun Ce first integrating his archers into Cao Cao and Liu Bei’s armies, then merging their military officers and strategists.
At that moment of tripartite alliance, the fate of the entire realm almost simultaneously shifted northward, unveiling a collective moment from the most elite civil and military ensemble with unified goals moving in one direction.
"Looking at this group, I can’t find any reason for losing this battle," Chen Xi remarked, beholding the civil and martial officials riding alongside him.
"Indeed, with such power, can we lose?" Jia Xu echoed admiringly, "Never conceived a war yet unseen, merely assessing personnel, foretells inevitable victory."
"With such a multitude of civil and martial officials, leveraging our harmonization of relationships, we can exert ninety percent strength, rendering such a degree invincible." Sima Lang sighed, "Only regret, after this battle, who knows when such a triumph will be seen again."
Upon hearing this, Xun Yu and Xun Youi fell silent, even their caliber stirred by witnessing such glory, contemplating such might not succumbing to an enemy but perishing in civil conflict, a poignant sentiment shared by all.
"Rest assured, you’ll witness even grander scenes someday; not all Central Plains’ civil and martial figures are present yet. Someday, you’ll see them all." Chen Xi cheerfully interjected, seamlessly mingling with the group.
At this moment, Chen Xi was dragging Pang Tong to introduce him to Xun Yu and others, "Hey, this guy is Pang Shiyuan; don’t mind his abstract looks; he’s incredibly profound and exceptionally smart."
"Not to discuss if Marquis Chen can assemble everyone; supposing such a day comes, the Essence, Qi, and Spirit may exceed now." Pang Tong said with a twisted expression, subsequently extending greetings, met with courtesy from Xun Yu and others without any belittlement.
All present had heard of Pang Tong’s repute, the genius aiding Sun Ce in Yizhou’s downfall; as for his lackluster appearance, Xun Yu and others had seen even less appealing figures like Dian Wei. Yes, daily, and coupled with Cao Cao’s own unremarkable looks, Cao Cao’s side found no objection to Pang Tong’s appearance.
"Don’t worry; it won’t be as you think." Chen Xi smiled, patting Pang Tong’s shoulder, "Too bad Zhongda isn’t here; otherwise, it’d be fascinating to see what unfolds encountering you, Kongming, and Zhongda."
"Hehe." Sima Lang twitched twice at the corners of his mouth, aware of Sima Yi’s perennial desire to spar with Zhuge Liang.
Elsewhere, the military generals generally mingled, engaging in idle chatter, with personal grievances primarily between Zhang He and Huang Zhong, Guan Yu hoarding grievances, Li Dian vying with Zhao Yun. However, both Guan Yu and Huang Zhong faced Zhang He advantageously, aware of the reasons, merely ignoring Zhang He’s occasionally suppressed murderous intentions.
"Ping’er, come over here." Guan Yu suddenly turned to summon Guan Ping.
Guan Ping hesitated briefly, then rode toward the group of generals, more familiar with Guan Yu and others.
"Not bad," Dian Wei, with squinted eyes, assessed Guan Ping.
"Must be just twenty years old," Xiahou Dun remarked, slightly surprised at Guan Ping.
"Indeed, an exceptional talent." Zhang Xiu observed Guan Ping, nodding.
"Is this your son? Can’t be!" Xiahou Yuan felt disheartened; others’ juniors already excelled while their own lacked meaningful pursuits?
Zhang Fei, likewise, radiated pride, pointing out the prowess of their juniors.
Zhao Yun similarly exuded pride, presenting his mighty nephew’s capabilities.
Hua Xiong equally exuded pride, pointing out his two nephews, both achieving Inner Qi Manifestation.
Only Huang Zhong appeared morose, glancing at his son; Huang Xu instinctively shrank his neck, scanning left and right reflexively.
"My legitimate son, Tanzhi." Guan Yu calmly proclaimed; even Guan Yu felt astonished noticing his son’s substantial progress, reaching Inner Qi Manifestation Perfection, genuinely admirable, hence couldn’t conceal his satisfaction.
This scene of flaunting his son emerged, challenging the older men around him; even the younger ones were already thirty, let alone having a son, with some not even securing a legal wife. Observe my son, envy him; within a few years, he’ll contend with you.
After Guan Ping exchanged formalities with the group, Guan Yu dispatched Guan Ping, though Guan Ping hadn’t traveled Guan Yu’s divine cultivation path. Guan Yu felt slightly disappointed but entirely satisfied with Guan Ping’s combat prowess, his cold demeanor lighting with a touch of satisfaction.
"We should celebrate with drinks," Xiahou Yuan jovially proposed.
"Wonder if we can toast like this next time," Xiahou Dun sighingly remarked, prompting collective silence.
Guan, Zhang, Zhao, Hua, and the Xiahou brothers once fought together at Hulao, nurturing pointed instruction bonds; Dian Wei personally ventured to Mount Tai, interacting with Xuu Chu and others, fostering close ties which despite private camaraderie, none would forsake public duty. If met on a battlefield someday, all knew no quarter would be given.
