Chapter 10: Supplement to the Three Kingdoms
The history of the Three Kingdoms dates back nearly two thousand years. The renowned generals and beautiful figures of that time have long since turned to dust, their remains transformed into the fertile soil that nourishes new plants, which have likely perished and begun a new cycle. No matter how much one may jest about it, they cannot rise from their graves to trouble me. Moreover, no one truly knows what the situation was like back then. Historians speak from their own contemporary perspectives; although historical events may not completely distort the truth (though such occurrences are not unheard of), the words, actions, thoughts, and personalities of the prominent figures of that era ultimately cannot be preserved.
Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are all renowned figures in history, particularly Guan Yu, who has had a profound influence on later generations. When it comes to loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness, people often pay their respects to Lord Guan. The spirit and qualities represented by Guan Yu hold a significant position in Confucian culture, to the extent that over the course of more than a thousand years, he gradually transformed from a human into a deity. Temples dedicated to Guan Di have been established, and in business, alongside the God of Wealth, Guan Yu is also honored.
Guan Yu originally had the courtesy name Changsheng, which was later changed to Yun Chang. It is unclear why this change occurred, but it is evident that Yun Chang sounds more pleasant, while Changsheng seems rather rustic. Guan Yu was from Hedong and fled to Zhuojun after committing an offense. Zhang Fei, also known as Zhang Yide, was originally from Zhuojun. After the two met Liu Bei, they even shared the same bed while sleeping. ... This brings to mind that Liu Bei, despite having many good qualities, is not particularly fond of beautiful women. Could it be ...? ... Haha, just joking. This brings to mind that Liu Bei, despite having many good qualities, is not particularly fond of beautiful women. Could it be ...? ... Haha, just joking.
In ancient times, the founding monarchs often exhibited extraordinary signs at birth, indicating that these children were exceptional and destined for greatness. The sign associated with Liu Bei was a mulberry tree in the southeast corner of his home, which grew to a height of over 5 zhang. This was indeed a remarkable sight; one zhang is approximately over 3 meters, so 5 zhang would be nearly 20 meters tall, a towering tree, with its leaves lush and abundant, resembling a "small cart cover." However, harvesting the mulberry leaves was somewhat troublesome. It was said that this phenomenon was quite famous at the time, leading people to proclaim that a noble person would emerge. This tree was so large that it likely influenced the surrounding area, managing at least a hundred households, including Liu Bei's. Nevertheless, such a sign, when compared to the phoenix singing at Qishan, the appearance of a black dragon in the river when Emperor Qin ascended the throne, or Liu Bang slaying the white snake, was evidently less impressive in terms of grandeur. Consequently, Liu Bei ultimately did not become a legitimate emperor.
Liu Bei, styled Xuande, originally hailed from Zhuojun, Zhuoxian. He was a descendant of Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan, who was the son of Emperor Jing of Han. At that time, the family certainly had a genealogy, and the bloodline was clearly remembered from generation to generation, so it is unlikely that there was any misrepresentation. However, the Liu family of Liu Sheng was powerful, naturally having numerous wives and concubines, possessing wealth, power, and capability, leading to many offspring throughout his life. Each generation was like this, and by the time of Liu Bei, the connection to the original royal bloodline had significantly diminished. The family's situation was not very good; his father had long since passed away, and Liu Bei, along with his mother, not only sold straw sandals (which is true) but also wove mats to make a living. Each generation was like this, and by the time of Liu Bei, the connection to the original royal bloodline had significantly diminished. The family's situation was not very good; his father had long since passed away, and Liu Bei, along with his mother, not only sold straw sandals (which is true) but also wove mats to make a living.
However, history is history, and fiction is fiction; it is necessary to distinguish between the two. This series of novels was serialized in the magazine "Mengya" for a year. Many readers have said that they originally did not read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," but after reading my work, they sought out the original text. Furthermore, some readers have remarked that my novels have infused the essence of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." Upon seeing these comments online, I cannot help but feel a sense of shame. This series of novels was serialized in the magazine "Mengya" for a year. Many readers have said that they originally did not read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," but after reading my work, they sought out the original text. Furthermore, some readers have remarked that my novels have infused the essence of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." Upon seeing these comments online, I cannot help but feel a sense of shame
At the age of 15, Liu Bei was sent by his mother to study, indicating that despite their impoverished circumstances, he was indeed from a prestigious family. His mother did not allow him to continue selling straw sandals. During his studies, Liu Bei became acquainted with Gongsun Zan. Their relationship was extraordinary; just as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were to Liu Bei, he regarded Gongsun Zan as a brother. This friendship would prove to be of great significance in the future when Gongsun Zan rose to power while Liu Bei's forces were still weak.
However, historical records only mention that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei respected Liu Bei as their elder brother or regarded him as such. The three of them became acquainted early on, and there was somewhat of a "brotherly" connotation to their relationship. As for whether they formally pledged brotherhood or if it was during the oath-taking in the Peach Garden, aside from the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," there are no other sources to be found.
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei entrusted their lives to Liu Bei, not only valuing Liu Bei's exceptional qualities but also inevitably filled with expectations for themselves. As I have fabricated in my novel, they wished to use the chaotic world as a chessboard, with sharp weapons as cannons, elite soldiers as horses, and capable generals as chariots, to play a game of chess over the course of twenty years. However, once this game is played, it is certainly not limited to just twenty years. During this time, there are joys and sorrows, ups and downs, and what the final scene will be like is something that the youthful and spirited could never have imagined.
If not for the great chaos in the world, Liu Bei would likely have been just a local ruffian. However, when the winds of change arose, Liu Bei became a hero, a legitimate hero at that. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Bei led those who gathered around him and fought several battles alongside Zou Jing, achieving military merit and becoming a county lieutenant. After some time, a supervising postal official came to Liu Bei's county on official business. Liu Bei sought to pay his respects, but the official completely disregarded him and displayed a rather rude attitude. Liu Bei was not one to be easily provoked; he stormed in, bound the official, administered two hundred lashes, and fled, thus beginning his quest for dominance over the world. After some time, a supervising postal official came to Liu Bei's county on official business. Liu Bei sought to pay his respects, but the official completely disregarded him and displayed a rather rude attitude. Liu Bei was not one to be easily provoked; he stormed in, bound the official, administered two hundred lashes, and fled, thus beginning his quest for dominance over the world.
In his childhood, Liu Bei was quite self-aware. Standing beneath a massive mulberry tree, he felt that this tree must have been born for him, declaring, "I must ride in a feathered canopy carriage beneath it." This statement was actually passed down by Chen Shou on behalf of Liu Bei, and it is unclear how Chen Shou came to know that Liu Bei had made such a remark. Nevertheless, he included it in the "Records of the Three Kingdoms" to illustrate Liu Bei's extraordinary nature from a young age. However, those around him did not take him seriously, believing that children are unaware of the vastness of the world and speak nonsense. They were also concerned that his words might bring misfortune, as his family had already lost much of its influence at court, fearing that this could lead to their annihilation.
Chen Shou made a comment about Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. He stated that both of them are formidable warriors, exceptionally brave, and can be regarded as tiger generals, possessing the demeanor of national heroes. However, Guan Yu is "stubborn and self-important," while Zhang Fei is "violent and ungrateful," which reveals their significant shortcomings.
Although Liu Bei appears as a refined scholar in dramas and on television, in reality, he is not fond of reading. What does he enjoy? Horses, music, and surprisingly, clothing. These things are equally enticing today; if we were to modernize this, we could replace horses with luxury cars. This reveals Liu Bei's frivolous nature. His elderly mother weaves mats and sells straw sandals, and he originally engaged in the same trade, yet he quickly turned to a life of extravagance. It is strange that he does not seem to have an affinity for beautiful women. This further illustrates Liu Bei's frivolous character. His elderly mother weaves mats and sells straw sandals, and he originally engaged in the same trade, yet he quickly turned to a life of extravagance. It is strange that he does not seem to have an affinity for beautiful women.
Compared to the mulberry tree, Liu Bei's peculiar physical characteristics are equally remarkable. Liu Bei stands at seven feet five inches tall; I have not converted this to modern measurements, but it is estimated to be above average for his time. Strangely, when he stands, his arms hang down so low that they can reach past his knees. Not only are his arms long, but his ears are also elongated. Without using his hands for assistance, he can tilt his head slightly and see his own ears. This is undoubtedly a memorable and unusual sight. Imagine such a person standing before you, with arms so long that they evoke thoughts of a monkey, yet with ears so large that they resemble those of an elephant. Not only are his arms long, but his ears are also long; without using his hands for assistance, he can tilt his head slightly and see his own ears. This is undoubtedly a memorable and unusual sight. Imagine such a person standing before you, with arms so long that they evoke thoughts of a monkey, yet with ears so large that they resemble those of an elephant. The combination of a monkey and an elephant truly embodies the characteristics of an emperor.
This is the prologue to my series on the Three Kingdoms, where Liu Bei sells shoes, Guan Yu robs, and Zhang Fei sells meat, and so forth, all presented in a humorous manner. "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" can be interpreted humorously, and naturally, I can do the same; in comparison, I might just be a bit more adept at it.
Liu Bei was not talkative since childhood, and his emotions were not easily discernible, which made him appear to be a formidable character. The image of him as someone who cried and whined has no basis. Liu Bei was also a hero, but later he donned a layer of orthodox appearance, transforming into a benevolent elder. In truth, being able to contend with Cao Cao for so many years, how could he be easily comparable to others? Moreover, Liu Bei began to cultivate his own power at a young age, forming connections with heroes and even deliberately associating with merchants who were looked down upon by contemporaries. It is said that some prominent merchants would often give Liu Bei gold and silver when passing through Zhuo County, and Liu Bei would use this money to gather more young heroes around him. With such few words and the ability to establish such interpersonal relationships, it seems that Liu Bei must possess extraordinary charm.