That night passed uneventfully, and the next morning, Guan Yu broke camp as planned and slowly advanced toward Zhang Fei's position.
After completing their morning sparring session, Zhang Fei and Xu Chu each carried a large bowl of food, devouring their breakfast. Ever since food became plentiful, the traditional two meals a day of the Han Dynasty had been thoroughly replaced by Chen Xi's three-meals-a-day system in Taishan. For warriors like Xu Chu and Zhang Fei, three meals were a necessity.
"Refreshing!" Zhang Fei exclaimed after devouring an entire pork chop. He picked his teeth with a chicken bone, his face full of satisfaction.
"You're something else. I've noticed you're eating more than me lately," Xu Chu remarked in his deep voice. For warriors of their level, eating more meant stronger combat ability. If they couldn't even eat, where would they find the strength to fight?
"After we finish eating, we'll go again. Today, I'm definitely paying you back for those punches you landed on me earlier," Zhang Fei said, rubbing his steel-needle-like beard. He hadn't trimmed it since his battle with Lü Bu, making him look particularly fierce.
"Just wait. I still need to return the favor for your loud voice this morning, which left my head spinning," Xu Chu retorted, quickly finishing the food in his large bowl and pointing at Zhang Fei.
"Let's digest first, then we'll fight again!" Zhang Fei grumbled. He felt he might be stronger than Xu Chu now, although it wasn't too obvious unless it was a life-or-death struggle.
"General Zhang, General Xu, a messenger from General Guan has arrived," Chen Chi announced as he entered the tent. He frowned slightly at the mess inside.
"Second Brother is here!" Zhang Fei's eyes lit up, and an aura of bravery radiated from him. "Hahaha, Second Brother has finally arrived. I've been waiting impatiently! This time, I'll definitely test my skills against that Lü Bu!"
"When will General Guan arrive?" Xu Chu asked, scratching the back of his head. He was quite familiar with Guan Yu.
"He will arrive by noon. As for our camp, when I built it, I considered this situation. It can easily accommodate General Guan's troops," Chen Chi replied proudly.
Both Zhang Fei and Xu Chu felt a bit awkward. The entire camp had been constructed under Chen Chi's supervision, while they spent their days eating, drinking, and sparring.
"No need to feel embarrassed, Generals. I was transferred from Qingzhou specifically to handle these matters. After all, this is Yanzhou, Lü Bu's territory. And Chen Gongtai, that man doesn't make a move often, but when he does, it's a decisive strike. That's why I was sent here as a subordinate commander," Chen Chi explained, showing a hint of apprehension when mentioning Chen Gong. Chen Gongtai's impressive track record in Yanzhou had earned him a widespread reputation.
"Thank you, Chief Chen..." Zhang Fei said earnestly. He had always respected civil officials, and for someone like Chen Chi, who built an impenetrable camp, Zhang Fei naturally admired him.
"No need for thanks, General Zhang. But I suggest both you and General Xu prepare yourselves. If General Guan sees you drinking in the camp, hehe..." Chen Chi trailed off, but the implication was clear.
"We'll clean this up right away, and please, Chief Chen, take care of the wine for us," Zhang Fei quickly responded. He valued family loyalty, and he knew his second brother would never allow drinking during a campaign. If caught, Zhang Fei feared Guan Yu's stern gaze would make him feel deeply ashamed.
Chen Chi said nothing more. He had conveyed everything he needed to. His task was to maintain stability after Liu Ye left and before Guo Jia arrived, ensuring that Chen Gong wouldn't exploit any opportunities to defeat Zhang Fei.
Although both Zhang Fei and Guan Yu were excellent commanders, when it came to underhanded tactics, if Chen Gong had a capable general and a sizable army, defeating Guan Yu and Zhang Fei wasn't impossible. Clever strategies sometimes had the power to overturn entire battles.
Meanwhile, Lü Bu, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun had reunited. However, while Lü Bu was in high spirits and Gao Shun remained as stoic as ever, Zhang Liao felt bitter. He still couldn't understand how he had lost.
"General, I've completed the task you assigned me. The Xian Deng troops won't be returning to the battlefield anytime soon, but Wei Xu and Hou Cheng have both fallen," Gao Shun reported calmly to Lü Bu.
"What? How could that be?" Lü Bu's expression darkened as he glared at Gao Shun. "With your Camp of the Righteous, how could Wei Xu and Hou Cheng die? Didn't you already defeat the Xian Deng? Don't tell me that someone out there could take down your officers despite your superior numbers and wolf cavalry! I won't believe it."
Lü Bu had no doubts about Gao Shun's victory over the Xian Deng. To him, it was a given. What shocked him was that Wei Xu had died. Wei Xu wasn't just one of his Eight Mighty Generals—he was also his brother-in-law. If there had been any real danger, Lü Bu would have intervened.
"General, it wasn't as you think," Hao Meng stepped forward to explain the entire situation.
After all, if Gao Shun was brought down, he'd lose his command. Lü Bu might not like Gao Shun, but aside from stripping him of his command, he wouldn't do much else to him. Gao Shun was used to losing and regaining his command. In the end, Hao Meng feared that he would be the one left holding the blame.
"Hmph!" Lü Bu snorted, the sound like thunder in Hao Meng's ears. Although Lü Bu couldn't unleash his full anger after hearing Hao Meng's explanation, he still made his displeasure known.
"Gao Shun, your failure to lead the troops effectively means you will return to Puyang and await further orders. As for the Camp of the Righteous..." Lü Bu's gaze swept over the gathered generals before finally settling on Zhang Liao. "Zhang Liao, you will take command of the Camp of the Righteous."
"Understood," Gao Shun replied indifferently, showing no particular reaction to losing his command. He was used to these ups and downs. Even without him, the veteran soldiers in the Camp of the Righteous would continue training new recruits on their own.
Chen Gong furrowed his brows. He had intended to intervene, but Lü Bu had already issued the order. Considering the need to maintain Lü Bu's authority in front of the others, Chen Gong could only sigh inwardly and plan to speak with Lü Bu privately later. He was relieved, however, that Gao Shun showed no resentment toward Lü Bu's decision, further highlighting how valuable such a loyal and courageous subordinate was to Lü Bu, who still hesitated to fully utilize him.
"General, please reconsider. Zhang Liao has already suffered heavy losses on his last campaign and has achieved no significant merit. How could I take command from such a distinguished officer as Gao Shun?" Zhang Liao said, bowing his head. Even now, he still didn't understand how he had been defeated.
"Hmm? You don't want it?" Lü Bu's gaze darkened as he glanced at Zhang Liao, clearly displeased by his reluctance. In Lü Bu's eyes, he had the right to assign command as he saw fit. What gave Zhang Liao the right to refuse?