The night air in Anxi was cool and crisp, but within the walls of the Qiao residence, tension lingered. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Ming sat around a wooden table, each holding a warm cup of tea. Though they had won their confrontation with Inspector Zhao Liang, the consequences of their actions still loomed over them.


    Zhao Ming let out a deep sigh. “We acted in self-defense, but the court will not see it that way. I’m only a ninth-rank clerk, yet my name has already spread far and wide. That is dangerous.”


    Guan Yu nodded. “The imperial court does not like disorder, even if justice is on our side. Our resistance has made us a target.”


    Zhang Fei clenched his cup tightly. “Let them come! If they want a fight, we’ll give them one.”


    Liu Bei shook his head. “No, brother. We must face this with wisdom, not just strength.”


    For the next few weeks, life in Anxi resumed its normal pace, though tension remained. Battles against bandits and remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels became more frequent. The weary and desperate townspeople suffered heavy losses, while waves of refugees continued to flood into the city, seeking refuge.


    <hr>


    That afternoon, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei had just returned from a patrol, their armor dusty and their faces weary. As they approached the city gate, something unusual caught their attention. In the distance, a massive dust cloud rose into the sky—a clear sign of an approaching army.


    “Prepare the guards!” Liu Bei ordered, prompting the soldiers to rush to their posts.


    Governor Wang arrived in a hurry, his brows furrowed. “Who is coming? We weren’t expecting reinforcements.”


    Zhao Ming, who had been overseeing the distribution of supplies near the gate, turned sharply at the commotion. Without hesitation, he rushed forward to get a better view.


    As the troops drew closer, their banners became visible. Golden threads embroidered on the flags shimmered under the sunlight, displaying unmistakable characters: ‘Heaven’s Might’ and ‘General Huangfu’.


    A wave of relief spread through the crowd.


    “It’s the imperial army!” someone shouted. “We’re saved!”


    Liu Bei exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Huangfu Song,” he murmured. “The general of the imperial forces.”


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    <hr>


    As the army reached the gates, a mounted figure stepped forward. Clad in golden armor, with a stern expression, General Huangfu Song gazed at the gathered crowd before speaking in a commanding voice.


    “People of Anxi, I am General Huangfu Song, here under an imperial decree! I have been sent to secure this city from its enemies, investigate the case of Inspector Zhao Liang, and punish those who have overstepped their bounds!”


    The crowd erupted in protest. Many voices rose in defense of Liu Bei:


    “Liu Bei is innocent!”


    “The corrupt one was Inspector Zhao!”


    “Justice has already been served!”


    Huangfu Song’s expression hardened. “Silence! The judgment of the imperial court is absolute. Any who defy it will face consequences!”


    Fear crept into the townspeople’s hearts, and the voices of protest gradually faded.


    <hr>


    At the Sun Residence:


    Sun Yichen sat leisurely in his chamber, sipping wine, when a servant rushed in and bowed deeply. “Master, the imperial army has arrived. They’ve come to punish Liu Bei.”


    A sly smile curled on Sun Yichen’s lips. “Good. This is what happens when a commoner dares to defy the court.” He stood up and walked to the next room, where Zhao Liang was resting, his wounds still bandaged.


    “Inspector Zhao,” Sun Yichen said. “Your request has been fulfilled.”


    Zhao Liang chuckled, though his face winced in pain. “I knew my gift to the right people wouldn’t go to waste. Now, we just sit back and watch their downfall.”


    <hr>


    At the Yang Residence:


    Yang Tianlei sat silently as he received the news, his expression unreadable. He turned to his father, Yang Zhen, who slowly put down his calligraphy brush.


    “The court has finally acted,” Yang Zhen murmured, stroking his beard. “This will not end well for Liu Bei and Zhao Ming.”


    “What should we do, Father?” Yang Tianlei asked.


    Yang Zhen’s eyes narrowed. “We wait. If Liu Bei falls, we side with the victor. If he survives… we will reconsider our stance.”


    <hr>


    At the Qiao Residence:


    Qiao Ren sat in silence while Qiao Xian paced back and forth, restless.


    “Father, can’t we do something for Zhao Ming? He has helped us so much.”


    Qiao Ren let out a heavy sigh. “We cannot openly defy the imperial army. Zhao Ming is only a ninth-rank clerk. In the court’s eyes, he is insignificant.”


    Qiao Xian clenched his fists. “Then at least help him escape Anxi. We owe him that much.”


    Qiao Ren nodded slowly. “That… we can do.”


    <hr>


    After the army settled down, General Huangfu Song issued an order: Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Ming were to be placed under house arrest while awaiting the court’s decision on their fate.


    Though frustrated, they did not resist.


    In the dimly lit chamber, illuminated only by flickering candlelight, the four men sat in silence, their expressions grim.


    Zhang Fei slammed his fist on the table. “Damn it! We should have fought back!”


    Liu Bei shook his head. “No. That would have branded us as rebels. We must think carefully.”


    Zhao Ming exhaled. “We need to find a way to prove our innocence—or at least lessen our punishment.”


    Guan Yu stroked his beard. “The imperial court may be rigid, but not everyone within it is blind. We must look for an opening to make our case.”


    Liu Bei nodded. “Then we prepare. Our fate is not yet sealed.”


    Tension hung in the air, but beneath it, a determination took shape—one that would decide their future in Anxi.


    <hr>


    End of Chapter 16