Chapter 51

While Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, Tian Feng, Gu Yong, and others were busy dealing with the affairs of Jingzhou, Zhang Hao met with Lu Zhi, Liu Huangshu (Liu Bei), and Zhang Fei at the Linyang Prefectural Office.

Lu Zhi, despite his considerable age, was known for his well-rounded abilities, both in literature and martial arts. Although his martial skills were commendable, he was more adept at leading troops in battle. After learning about the events, although his expression was grim, he did not intend to cause trouble, so his treatment was relatively good, and he was not bound.

Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, on the other hand, had different expressions. Both still bore injuries, and they were tightly restrained. However, Liu Bei, who had been through many trials over the years, managed to remain calm and was observing Zhang Hao from the hall.

As for Zhang Fei, his dark face had turned a shade of blue, and his eyes seemed to be spitting fire as he glared at Zhang Hao.

"Please have a seat, Minister Lu," Zhang Hao gestured, then said, "Minister Lu, although we belong to different camps, I still hold you in high regard. You are one of the few great scholars who understand the people's hardships. Although you may still be somewhat rigid, this is already quite commendable in today's world. There's no need to argue about who is right or wrong. Our camps and positions are different, so our thoughts naturally differ.

However, I would like to invite you to take a good look around Yangzhou during your stay. See if our Great Qian is more popular and powerful. Scholar Cai Yong has been waiting for you. Ever since he learned that you would take office as the Governor of Jingzhou, he has been worried. Now that nothing has gone wrong, it is a great relief. Moreover, you have done your best, and you can say with a clear conscience that you have done your duty. The rest is just a matter of waiting and seeing."

"Spit! You rebels only resort to underhanded tactics, drugging and attacking us, which is despicable. As for the rebels in Jingzhou, they should all be exterminated! You have the nerve to say you have a clear conscience, you shameless scoundrel."

Before Lu Zhi could respond, Zhang Fei could not hold back. Clearly, this time, Zhang Fei, who was known for his prowess, was extremely frustrated.

"Underhanded tactics?" Zhang Hao's gaze turned to Zhang Fei, and he wore a cold smile. "You are just a brute. When there is an opportunity to reduce casualties and solve problems more easily, that is the right way of military strategy. As for the gentry of Jingzhou, they are simply far-sighted and wise. They know who the future belongs to, and the principle of a wise bird choosing the right tree should be clear to you, right?"

At this moment, Cai Mao and Jing Liang, who were also in the hall, immediately bowed to Zhang Hao in gratitude. They had personally escorted Lu Zhi and the others to meet Zhang Hao, as they would be his subjects in the future, and it was necessary to build a good relationship and show their loyalty in advance.

"Besides, I seem to remember that we have fought on the battlefield before. It was your ten thousand troops surrounding our three thousand, which should be considered a fair fight, right? The outcome should be clear to you, so why do you say such things without feeling ashamed?" Zhang Hao said sarcastically.

Zhang Fei's face turned purple. "Then I will show you another kind of wisdom, capturing the leader first!"

"Yide!" Liu Bei quickly shouted, and the surrounding guards, along with Cai Mao and Jing Liang, became tense. Zhang Fei's already imposing body swelled, like a demon, and the leather ropes binding him snapped as blood spurted out. Then, like a leopard, Zhang Fei pounced toward Zhang Hao at the head of the hall.

Seeing Zhang Fei charge like an enraged demon, Zhang Hao was not particularly nervous. He noticed the changes in the expressions of the surrounding guards, Cai Mao, Jing Liang, Liu Bei, and Lu Zhi.

Zhang Fei was indeed formidable. To ensure safety, Cai Mao, Jing Liang, and Zhang Hao's guards must have used various methods. Zhang Fei might have been deprived of food for several days and possibly drugged with sedatives or muscle relaxants.

However, Zhang Fei unexpectedly burst forth, tearing the leather ropes and charging at Zhang Hao with all his might, disregarding his injuries. This sudden burst of strength was indeed a surprise and a display of cunning.

Zhang Hao calmly extended his palm, and a ripple-like aura appeared in front of Zhang Fei, which was the Time-Space Gate.

If the Time-Space Gate could not be moved after it appeared and if it could only defend one side, Zhang Hao could have considered it an absolute defense. Without his permission, no living being or object could pass through it.

Like Zhang Fei, who was already at the end of his strength, he burst forth with his last bit of energy and, due to the short distance and high speed, crashed into the Time-Space Gate without being able to avoid it.

Interestingly, because of the nature of the Time-Space Gate, it was not like a wall or other defensive structures. No force could impact the Time-Space Gate, and it did not rebound; it absorbed all the force. Thus, Zhang Fei was left standing stiffly in front of the Time-Space Gate.

Seeing this, the surrounding people breathed a sigh of relief. The guards, knowing Zhang Hao's abilities, quickly reacted and pounced on Zhang Fei. Cai Mao, Jing Liang, Lu Zhi, and Liu Bei, upon seeing this, were filled with awe and shock.

"Evil man, the chaos in the world is because of people like you," Zhang Fei was restrained by several guards and continued to curse.

However, Zhang Fei's burst of strength had already exhausted his last bit of energy, and he could not move.

Zhang Hao ignored Zhang Fei, retracted the Time-Space Gate, and personally helped Cai Mao and Jing Liang, who were kneeling and pleading for forgiveness, to their feet.

"This is not your fault. When you entered my hall, my guards personally inspected you. I trust the abilities of my guards and your loyalty. This was just an accident."

"Release him. Also, untie Liu Bei. I don't believe they can cause any trouble here." Zhang Hao returned to his seat and waved his hand.

The guards followed his orders but could not resist giving Zhang Fei a few hits. The guards had been startled earlier. After releasing Zhang Fei and Liu Bei, they remained on high alert.

"The chaos in the world is not because of people like me, but because of people like you," Zhang Hao pointed at Zhang Fei and said, "Among the three of you, your background is the best. But you should not be unaware of the people's suffering. Zhang Jue may not be a good person, but most of the members of the Yellow Turban Army are ordinary people. They are innocent; they just want to survive. What is wrong with that? The reason my army has such a large following is because of this."

"Do you think the people, when they have to sell their children to survive, will care about the Han dynasty? The nobles, gentry, and landlords control most of the resources, and ordinary people cannot survive. Without Zhang Jue or me, someone else would rise up, and there would be a major upheaval!

The biggest difference between me and others is that I can do better. I come from the outside and have the responsibility to ensure that everyone can live in peace and prosperity. Whether you believe it or not, these things are true."

Zhang Hao waved his hand in a somewhat bored manner. "Forget it, what's the point of talking to you, a barbarian. You won't understand. Here, there is a letter for you and Liu Bei. It is from Guan Yu. He is now in Liaodong fighting the Xianbei and Wuhuan. You don't need to worry about his safety."

After having the letter delivered to Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, Zhang Hao ignored them and turned to discuss the current policies in Yangzhou with Lu Zhi, mainly focusing on the free education program led by Cai Yong.

Noticing that Liu Bei and Zhang Fei had finished reading the letter, Zhang Hao observed the changing expressions on their faces.

"Liu Bei, you will follow Minister Lu. Serving your teacher should not be a difficult task for you. As for Zhang Fei, after you recover, you will go to Liaodong to join Guan Yu. He needs to atone, and so do you."

If safety were the only concern, it would be best to eliminate Liu Bei. Liu Huangshu's abilities are indeed remarkable, especially in winning people's hearts.

However, although Zhang Hao did not like Liu Bei, he genuinely admired him. Liu Bei had built a significant foundation from nothing. Eliminating such a person would be a waste.

Additionally, Zhang Hao had enough confidence in himself. If he were in the Three Kingdoms world, eliminating Liu Bei would be simpler.

But with the Time-Space Gate, Zhang Hao was destined to cross countless worlds, and one Liu Bei was not a big deal. With such an advantage and not letting his guard down, Zhang Hao did not believe Liu Bei could cause any significant trouble.

So, out of respect, why not let him live? At least it would allow Guan Yu to serve in Liaodong with peace of mind.