The Red Hare of the Beautiful Beard – Part One
In the north of the Yellow River, hundreds of thousands of soldiers clashed in a colossal war. Meanwhile, in the imperial capital of Hudu, a lone warrior received a secret letter and let out a deep sigh of relief.
“Lord Yunchang, the Imperial Uncle has been under the protection of General Yuan in Hebei, but he is now heading toward Runan.”
Runan in Yuzhou was a place one could reach directly from Hudu. Given Guan Yu’s fiery temperament, he would have mounted his horse and galloped there without hesitation. But the wandering swordsman who had delivered the message turned his head.
“I must inform you—the Imperial Uncle has ordered that Lord Yunchang delay as much as possible and take a roundabout route.”
“Lord Yunchang, the Central Plains are now entirely under Cao Cao’s control. The path from Hebei to Runan for the Imperial Uncle is extremely perilous. He must travel in secret. That is why he commands you to take the long way around and move slowly—so as not to arouse suspicion.”
There was no other choice. No matter how resourceful Liu Bei was, and even with Zhang Fei at his side and countless generals following him down from Hebei, traveling from the north all the way to the southern edge of the Central Plains meant cutting straight through the heart of enemy territory. To avoid Cao Cao’s eyes and reach their destination with as little conflict as possible, Guan Yu too had to refrain from making any flashy moves.
“Mmm… I understand. I shall do as he asks.”
“Lord Yunchang, let us all meet again alive in Runan.”
“Yes. Go safely.”
After sending the swordsman away, Guan Yu let out a long sigh. He gathered Lady Mi and Lady Gan, his two sisters-in-law, along with their children, Zhang Fei’s sons who were his nephews, and his second wife Diaochan with their son Ping and daughter Yinbing. He told them:
‘I have found my brothers. We will soon leave Hudu and head to them.’
Everyone was startled, yet seeing Guan Yu take the lead filled their eyes with resolve. They began packing their belongings without complaint.
Later, as he stepped outside and walked with a heavy sigh, a large merchant caravan passed by.
“Oh! Is that not Lord Hansu Jeonghu?”
“!”
“It is an honor to greet you.”
“…Wei Hong.”
The leader of the Wei clan’s great trading company, Wei Hong, bowed respectfully. Though she was a woman who had built one of the largest merchant empires across the Central Plains, Guan Yu’s eyes narrowed into thin slits.
‘These people must have known everything. Yet they never told me?’
“Lord Hansu Jeonghu, is something the matter?”
“It is nothing.”
Guan Yu exhaled and walked past them. The next day, he paid his respects to the Cao clan and left without a trace of regret. On his final path out of the capital, his disciple Cao Xiu accompanied him.
“From here, we will head south through Shuchun and down the Yangtze River. We will travel slowly along the river. I ask for your patience even if the journey becomes uncomfortable.”
“Husband, do not worry about us. I will look after both elder sisters.”
When Diaochan personally offered to attend to Liu Bei’s two wives inside the palanquin, Guan Yu nodded. Though her beauty was unmatched in the world, she had unfortunately been entangled with monsters like Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu, earning the label of a wicked enchantress. Even Guan Yunchang himself had once felt displeasure at the thought of receiving such a woman as a gift. Yet now she was his steadfast second wife, living quietly by his side.
They left Hudu, passed through Shuchun, stayed one night, and were crossing over Mount Jingshan when it happened.
Late at night, they spotted a village after traversing the mountain path and were about to rest there when arrows suddenly flew toward them.
Shweeeeeeee—
“Hm?”
Clang—
To Guan Yu, such an attack was laughable. But his eyes narrowed even further as he stared at the archer leading the group. The bandit laughed mockingly.
“Kekeke, looks like we’ve caught a big one tonight! This is exactly why I love being a bandit.”
They had stumbled upon a bandit stronghold. The women and children inside the carriages, startled by the sudden commotion, trembled in fear.
“Drop everything you have! And if there are women, that’s even better!”
“You lot are wearing armor and carrying spears and swords. You were once government troops who turned to banditry, weren’t you?”
“What does that matter? To me, Zhen Lan, such things are irrelevant.”
“Zhen Lan? I heard that name when we were suppressing the traitor Yuan Shu. Are you that man?”
“Oh… you know me? Then hand over everything you have and kneel immedia—”
Slaaaaaash—
In that instant, Guan Yu’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade sliced through the moonlight, and Zhen Lan’s head flew off in a single stroke. The surrounding soldiers didn’t even realize what had happened until blood gushed like a fountain from the headless corpse. Their faces turned deathly pale as they dropped their weapons.
“You escaped the service of a traitor only to become bandits? There is no reason for the likes of you to live!”
After cutting off Zhen Lan’s head with one slash, Guan Yu pointed his blood-soaked blade at the rest of the bandit horde.
“That goes for all of you!”
“W-what are you waiting for?! Get that long-bearded madman!”
Dozens of bandits charged at once, but none survived the wrath of the Green Dragon under the moonlight and the pinnacle of martial mastery. Guan Yu casually brushed the blood from his grass-green battle robe, dismounted, and opened the carriage door.
“Hiiik!”
“Ugh…”
“There was a small disturbance. I’ve taken care of it. Though it may be uncomfortable, we should press on and descend the mountain at dawn.”
“I-is that alright?”
“Do not worry. I will pull the carriage myself and ensure your safety.”
And so Guan Yu did not sleep a wink. Only when dawn broke did he finally descend Mount Jingshan and allow his family to rest at a nearby inn.
“You… now I see. You’re one of that big-eared Left General’s men from back then. I am Lei Bo…”
Slaaaaash—
When they reached the commandery of Jiujiang after descending Mount Jingshan, the minor warlord Lei Bo tried to attack Guan Yu upon recognizing him, only to lose his head instead.
“B-Brother! This long-bearded bastard…!”
Clang— Clang— Clang—
Crunch!
They exchanged a few blows, but when Guan Yu brought down the Green Dragon Crescent Blade with raw power, it shattered the iron helmet and crushed Lei Xu’s skull. Both Lei Bo and Lei Xu died instantly. Their soldiers lost all fighting spirit and dropped their weapons.
“Clear the path.”
“……”
The Lei army immediately opened the way. Guan Yu looked down at them with a lofty gaze and spoke.
“From now on, pick up hoes and sickles instead of spears and swords. This chaotic world is no place for the likes of you.”
Even at the end, he gave them advice before spurring his horse forward once more. Their next destination was Lujiang.
“General Guan, you honor us with your presence. I am Qiao Gong, Governor of Lujiang. It is truly moving that a hero of the realm would stay in our humble city.”
“I fear I am imposing on you. I offer my sincere gratitude, Elder Qiao.”
“Oh, not at all! I have heard that General Guan is not only the martial instructor of my son-in-law, but also the greatest warrior under heaven—slayer of both Lu Bu and Yan Liang.”
“Indeed, few can match this one with the spear.”
Most men would have shown humility at such praise, but when Qiao Gong declared him the strongest, Guan Yu simply accepted it with calm satisfaction, as if to say, ‘Yes, I am rather skilled.’
“Your companions may wash with hot water in the main residence, change into fresh clothes, and enjoy a fine meal. As for you, Lord Jeonghu, please rest here in the official residence.”
“Is there a reason you would have only me stay in the official quarters?”
This was their first meeting, and although Guan Yu had accepted the hospitality upon learning that Qiao Gong was his disciple’s father-in-law, he immediately questioned why he alone was being invited to drink while his sisters-in-law, wife, children, and nephews were left behind.
Qiao Gong cleared his throat awkwardly and finally revealed his true intentions.
“The truth is… I heard you are deeply connected to my son-in-law, Cao Ziye. Though it is shameless of me, I wish to ask a favor of you.”
“A favor? Speak. After such generous treatment, how could I ignore your request?”
“May I truly speak? This is a matter so grave it should be reported to the court…”
“Speak.”
When the fearless Guan Yu squared his broad shoulders, lifted his wine cup, and told him to speak freely, Qiao Gong was awed by his presence and poured out his heart.
“Since you put it that way, I shall. Though I lack ability, I have formed ties with the Chancellor and gained an excellent son-in-law, which is why I was appointed governor of this strategic fortress north of the Yangtze. However, with the great battle raging at Guandu and our forces here depleted, both Jingzhou to the south of the river and the powers of Jiangdong are eyeing this place with greed.”
“Mmm…”
“Moreover, there are those in this region who have been bribed by the great general of Hebei, Yuan Benchu, and have raised the flag of rebellion. In particular, the local warlord Li Shu commands several thousand independent troops. He has close ties with Sun Ce of Jiangdong and has declared he will respond the moment Sun Ce’s army advances. Just days ago, he openly provoked us, saying if we surrender and vacate the city, he would spare our lives. As governor, my heart is in great turmoil.”
“Where is this man now?”
“He has boldly set up camp ten li south of Lujiang City, openly threatening us.”
At that moment, Guan Yu rose from his seat. He grabbed the Green Dragon Crescent Blade hanging on the wall and prepared to leave.
“G-General Guan! What are you doing?”
“I will return shortly. Provide me with two hundred of your swiftest soldiers. If not, I will go alone.”
“General Guan! The enemy numbers nearly five thousand, and Li Shu is a warrior unmatched in this region!”
“When I return, prepare a fresh table of wine.”
“If you insist… I will lend you three hundred of my personal troops. They have seen many battlefields and know how to handle horses. They should be of help.”
“That is perfect.”
After drinking with Qiao Gong, Guan Yu suddenly heard the story of the warlord Li Shu and left Lujiang City that very night, Green Dragon Crescent Blade in hand. While Qiao Gong fidgeted anxiously, wondering if this was truly acceptable, he soon saw flames rising in the distance. The blaze was so fierce that even from the city, the battle ten li away was clearly visible.
Late into the night, the gates of Lujiang City opened once more. Guan Yu returned at the head of Qiao Gong’s three hundred personal troops, his body drenched in blood yet walking with majestic dignity. In his hand he carried a severed head still wearing its helmet. Before the stunned Qiao Gong, Guan Yu thrust the head forward.
“G-General Guan!”
“Is this the warlord you spoke of, Elder Qiao?”
He had left in the middle of a drinking session, and in just a few hours had returned with the head of a warlord who commanded thousands of independent troops—cut off with a single stroke.
“This… this is Li Shu’s head… You truly slew him?”
“Prepare a new table of wine. And while you’re at it, a fresh battle robe would be appreciated.”
Guan Yu handed Li Shu’s severed head to Qiao Gong, then went to the well in the official courtyard. He drew a bucket of water, drank deeply from a bowl, poured the rest over his head to wash away the blood, and shook his hair dry. Qiao Gong, filled with admiration, prepared a new feast and provided fresh clothes. That dawn, Guan Yu emptied several jars of wine before stretching out both legs and falling into a deep, untroubled sleep in the official residence of Lujiang.