Chapter 22: Hero is late

As night descended, the bustling activities of the day gradually gave way to the hush of twilight. Lu Bu, with a sense of quiet reflection, left the table earlier than usual and retreated to the solitude of his home. The dusty box, long untouched, was unsealed, revealing the Fang Tianhuaji - a once-mighty weapon that had shared countless battles with him in days of yore. The passage of time had not been kind; even with two decades spent outside the army, his body's resilience was waning, leaving him struggling to even lift his cherished halberd. In this dreamlike moment, the mantle of divine prowess that had once cloaked him seemed distant.

With a meticulous touch, he cleansed the dust from Fang Tianhuaji, using a damp cloth to wipe away the traces of neglect.

"Leaving so soon, my love?" His wife's gentle voice resonated as she entered the room, aided by their daughter-in-law. A fond smile graced her face as she observed Lu Bu unsealing the box.

"Not departing, my dear. Just growing old," Lu Bu's voice held a touch of nostalgia. He carefully placed Fang Tianhuaji back within its resting place, confiding, "The years have taken their toll, and the once-mighty general now feels the weight of age. There are unresolved misunderstandings that beckon me, a brief journey to make amends."

"Such matters lie in your capable hands, my husband," his wife drew near, reaching out to clasp his weathered hand.

"The night is upon us; rest well," he gently guided her, tending to her gray hair, his smile an embrace of shared memories.

As his wife and daughters-in-law departed, Lu Bu remained in contemplation, choosing solitude over his other companions. The events of the day had stirred a tempest within him, and he sought a moment of solace.

When dawn broke, Lu Bu found his steeds prepared for his journey to Beiguan Dazhai. Yet, an unexpected sight awaited him - his third son had readied a carriage, its contents a testament to Lu Bu's past. Fang Tianhuaji, its mouth once a harbinger of war, stood alongside Yan Xueyun, offering an unspoken invitation.

"Father, mother requests my presence as your companion to Beiguan," his third son bowed respectfully, holding the reins.

"Fearful of thieves in broad daylight, my son?" Lu Bu arched an eyebrow, a hint of wry amusement in his voice.

"Not that, Father. Mother shared that yesterday marked your happiest day in two decades," the son bowed once more.

Lu Bu fell into contemplation. Had he truly laughed yesterday? The notion seemed remote, lost amidst the sands of time.

"Such mirth often eludes us, even when it graces our hearts," Yan Xueyun chimed in, her eyes dancing with understanding.

"Let us proceed," Lu Bu decided, his gaze lingering on his homestead before turning to mount his horse. Accompanied by his son and Yan Xueyun, he set forth toward Beiguan.

Not far from Beiguan, Lu Zhuang's significance as a strategic outpost became evident. Lu Bu's choice in its location had always been purposeful, safeguarding the vulnerable spot in Beiguan's defenses. Now, as he returned, years of wandering dissipated, and Lu Bu was met with the gaze of familiar faces, remnants of a bygone era.

"Fengxian, your return surprises us," his former lieutenant spoke, his voice a mirror to his aging appearance, marked by the passage of time.

"News of your ailment reached my ears. I came to see for myself," Lu Bu declared, introducing his third son, whose presence held a silent promise.

"Seeking to draft another into the ranks?" The lieutenant's eyes glinted with hope. Beiguan's might had waned since Lu Bu's departure, yearning for a resurgence.

"When fate allows, you shall see," Lu Bu's gaze shifted to Fang Tianhuaji, relinquished from its sheath. A moment's pause followed, before he inquired about the present state of affairs.

"The outlook is grim. Fresh recruits are rare, and our guardians are veterans. The offer stands, should you wish to remain," the lieutenant's hand rested on Lu Bu's shoulder, his eyes conveying an unspoken plea.

"Observe my son," Lu Bu's halberd was lowered, uncertainty crossing his features. He sighed and inquired, "How fares the situation?"

"Desperation lingers. The court's regard for border defenders has dwindled, rewarding neither merit nor chastising error. The capital enjoys indulgence, while valiant souls shy away from our service. You're right, the court errs," the lieutenant conceded, a melancholic understanding marring his expression.

Rising, Lu Bu nodded at Fang Tianhuaji's removal, his gaze shifting to Yan Xueyun. "Let us proceed," he beckoned, following her to Beiguan's heart. Before they began, the scent of medicinal herbs wafted, ushering them toward an imminent encounter.

A door opened, and a scribe of Lu Bu's age emerged, his astonishment evident at the sight of Lu Bu. "Brother Lu?" he questioned, his voice tentative.

"Imperial envoy, I greet you," Lu Bu acknowledged, offering a respectful bow.

"Such courtesies aren't warranted, esteemed general," the envoy chuckled. His tone turned serious as he gestured toward the room's occupant, introducing Lu Bu and Yan Xueyun.

Lu Bu's entrance was met with Yan Changkong's frail presence, a stark contrast to his former prowess. The tiger's vigor remained, but the vessel faltered.

The years of bitterness seemed to melt away in an instant, as Lu Bu's eyes met Yan Changkong's. Regret and resentment gave way to understanding.

"You see? Without you, Yan Changkong, I've guarded the North Pass for two decades, and shall continue to do so. Southward trespass shall remain unattainable, so long as I breathe," Yan Changkong coughed, his pride tinged with vulnerability.

"I wish to return to the battlefield," Lu Bu's declaration hung in the air, a pause preceding Yan Changkong's response.

"War? You've crossed the threshold of fifty," Yan Changkong's skepticism was evident.

"Yesterday marked my fiftieth year," Lu Bu affirmed.

"Age isn't on your side," Yan Changkong's tone was resigned, disappointment shadowing his features.

"Promotion is not my aim; I offer my service as a humble pawn. Let me fight for you once more," Lu Bu entreated, his plea genuine.

"Father, I've relayed your memorandum to Elder Brother. He intended to come yesterday but was preoccupied with the birthday festivities," Yan Xueyun interjected.

"Insolent child!" Yan Changkong's anger flared, but Yan Xueyun's humility quelled his outburst.

"I seek forgiveness, Father. My intent was merely to aid," Yan Xueyun's voice was soft, yet firm.

Lu Bu knelt before Yan Changkong, his voice sincere, "General, in my youth, ignorance clouded my judgment. I beseech you to allow my return, a chance to mend past.

"You speak the truth," Yan Changkong sighed, his voice heavy with resignation. "The imperial court seems to disregard the contributions of generals stationed on the borders. Meritorious deeds go unrewarded, and errors remain unpunished. The court's obsession with luxuries in the capital has driven away capable men from joining the frontier forces. You're absolutely right, the fault lies with the court."

A deep sense of frustration filled his words as he continued, "It's astonishing how a person's entire legacy can be overshadowed by their background. I once considered altering your circumstances through marriage, but fate had other plans, and you were already wed. I've attempted to make amends in various ways, yet the loss of potential remains a regret."

He lamented, "It's a pity that many promising young talents, similar to you, have left the army due to their circumstances. While some of those who remain may not be lacking in ability, they pale in comparison to the likes of you and your peers. As a result, the talent pool on the border has dwindled, making the recruitment of skilled soldiers an even greater challenge."

Yan Changkong's tone shifted, a glimmer of hope shining through his gaze, "Rise, let me look at you closely."

In that moment, two decades of resentment that had festered within Lu Bu began to unravel. Regret, like a heavy shroud, lifted as Yan Changkong's gaze met his own. The broad canvas of the general's predicament was painted before them, and though Yan Changkong felt helpless, the connection between them spoke volumes.