The first light of dawn barely touched the sky when the heavy knock echoed through the Qiao residence. A messenger, clad in the imperial court’s distinct robes, stood at the entrance, his expression unreadable as he unrolled a scroll.


    “By order of General Huangfu Song, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Ming are to be released from house arrest and summoned to the governor’s hall immediately,” he announced. “They shall stand trial for their actions against Inspector Zhao Liang and defiance of imperial authority.”


    A tense silence fell over the room. Liu Bei exhaled deeply, setting down his tea cup before exchanging a glance with his sworn brothers. Zhao Ming, seated beside them, leaned forward, his fingers gripping the edge of the table.


    “So, the time has come,” Zhao Ming muttered. “We must be prepared.”


    Qiao Xian, standing nearby, clenched her fists. “This isn’t fair. You protected Anxi. The people know the truth.”


    Liu Bei gave her a reassuring smile. “Justice does not always favor the righteous, but we must face this with dignity.”


    With a final nod, they rose to prepare for what was to come.


    <hr>


    The governor’s hall was filled with an air of anticipation, the grand chamber packed with officials, nobles, and military officers. General Huangfu Song sat at the highest seat, his golden armor reflecting the flickering torchlight. His gaze was sharp, his face impassive.


    On the left side of the hall, Sun Yichen and the still-injured Zhao Liang sat with smug expressions, their allies whispering among themselves. Across from them stood Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Ming, their faces resolute but calm.


    “Bring forth the charges,” General Huangfu Song commanded.


    One by one, witnesses were called. Soldiers, corrupted officials, and loyalists to Inspector Zhao took the stand, weaving a narrative that painted Liu Bei and his men as reckless vigilantes who had unlawfully attacked an imperial officer.


    “They took the law into their own hands!” one of the officials accused.


    “They incited disorder and defied the empire’s authority,” another added.


    Whispers spread through the court. The weight of the accusations pressed down on them. But Zhao Ming stepped forward, his voice unwavering.


    <hr>


    Zhao Ming met General Huangfu Song’s gaze and then turned to the court. “With all due respect, I cannot allow these lies to stand.”


    His words cut through the murmurs, demanding attention.


    “The true villain here is not Liu Bei, but Zhao Liang himself.” He gestured toward the injured inspector. “A man who abused his authority to oppress the people, took bribes, and manipulated the system for his own gain.”


    Gasps rippled through the hall. Sun Yichen scoffed. “Baseless accusations.”


    Zhao Ming smirked. “Baseless? I present written records of his extortion, testimonies from those he wronged, and evidence of his collaboration with criminals.”


    Qiao Xian stepped forward, leading a group of townspeople who had gathered outside the hall. Their voices rang out in unison:


    “Liu Bei saved us!”


    “Inspector Zhao was the real criminal!”


    “The people demand justice!”


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    General Huangfu Song listened without expression, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair.


    <hr>


    The hall fell into tense silence as a firm voice echoed from the entrance.


    "The Imperial Court has sent an envoy! Make way!"


    Heads turned as a group of soldiers parted, revealing a tall, elderly man draped in deep purple robes embroidered with golden patterns. His dignified aura commanded immediate respect, and his presence alone shifted the atmosphere. The officials who had been so quick to condemn Liu Bei and his brothers now exchanged nervous glances.


    General Huangfu Song''s expression remained unreadable as he addressed the newcomer. "State your identity and purpose."


    The man stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on Zhao Ming. "I am Envoy Lu Jian, here on behalf of His Majesty, the Emperor. I carry an imperial edict regarding the matter at hand."


    A murmur spread through the courtroom. An imperial envoy meant that the situation had drawn attention beyond Anxi—perhaps even to the highest levels of the government. Sun Yichen and Zhao Liang’s expressions darkened, realizing their influence might not be as absolute as they had assumed.


    A servant rushed forward, presenting a golden scroll. General Huangfu Song accepted it, breaking the seal and unrolling the parchment. He read aloud:


    "By the decree of the Son of Heaven, let it be known that Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei have displayed valor in suppressing the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, ensuring the safety of the people. Such deeds shall not go unnoticed. However, defying an imperial inspector remains a grave offense. Justice must be served, but mercy shall not be overlooked."


    Huangfu Song''s gaze lifted, scrutinizing Liu Bei and his brothers. "This decree acknowledges your service to the empire, but it does not absolve you of all wrongdoing. The imperial court is not blind to injustice, yet order must be maintained. Therefore, a resolution must be reached."


    Sun Yichen stepped forward, his tone respectful but laced with hidden venom. "General, while the Emperor’s generosity is boundless, we must not forget that insubordination against an imperial official sets a dangerous precedent. What message will it send if Liu Bei and his men walk away unpunished?"


    Zhao Ming narrowed his eyes. "And what message will it send if corruption is rewarded? If we are punished for standing against injustice, then what hope do the common people have?"


    Envoy Lu Jian smiled faintly, intrigued by Zhao Ming’s boldness. He turned to General Huangfu Song. "The Emperor trusts in your judgment, General. How shall we proceed?"


    5. A Dangerous Bargain


    General Huangfu Song leaned back, tapping his fingers against the armrest of his chair. The room held its breath, waiting for his verdict. Finally, he spoke.


    "Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—you will be pardoned, but on one condition: you must leave Anxi immediately. Your presence has caused enough unrest."


    Liu Bei exhaled slowly. He had expected this outcome. Staying would invite further conflict, and they had no real power to challenge the imperial court.


    Huangfu Song’s eyes shifted to Zhao Ming. "As for you, Zhao Ming, your situation is different. You are a court official, bound to the laws of the empire. You have two choices."


    The weight of the moment pressed on Zhao Ming’s shoulders as the general continued:


    "Option one: You remain in Anxi and serve under the imperial court. Your skills and intellect are valuable, and there is a place for you here. However, you will be watched closely."


    Zhao Ming knew what that meant—being under constant surveillance, likely stripped of any real authority, and at the mercy of men like Sun Yichen and Zhao Liang.


    "Option two: You leave with Liu Bei and his brothers. You will be abandoning your rank and title, becoming a fugitive in the eyes of the court. However, you will also be free."


    A hushed silence followed. The implications were clear. Staying meant security but also oppression. Leaving meant danger, but it was a chance at something greater.


    Zhao Ming glanced at Sun Yichen and Zhao Liang. Their smirks told him everything he needed to know. If he stayed, they would find a way to silence him. It wouldn’t be immediate, but it would be inevitable.


    Liu Bei, standing beside him, remained silent. He would not pressure Zhao Ming to follow them. The choice had to be his alone.


    Zhao Ming straightened his posture and met Huangfu Song’s gaze. "I choose to leave."


    A few gasps echoed through the hall. Sun Yichen’s smirk faltered for the briefest moment before he recovered, chuckling under his breath. "A bold decision. Let’s see how long you last out there."


    Zhao Ming ignored him. He had made his choice. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it on his own terms.


    General Huangfu Song sighed, as if expecting this outcome. "Very well. You have until sunrise to depart. After that, you will be considered outsiders in the eyes of the imperial court. See to it that you do not cause further trouble."


    With that, the trial was over. Liu Bei and his brothers were safe for now, but the road ahead was uncertain.


    As Zhao Ming stepped out into the cool night air, he felt both liberated and vulnerable. He had cast away the chains of bureaucracy, but now he was truly on his own.


    And in the shadows, Sun Yichen and Zhao Liang watched, already scheming their next move.