Chapter 23: Beiguan Burial

"Life is seldom a smooth journey, my friend. It's crucial to learn to release the burdens that weigh on your heart," Lu Bu confided during his stay in Beiguan. The fortress was undeniably facing a shortage of manpower, exacerbated by Yan Changkong's ailing health. For a seasoned general like Lu Bu, Yan Changkong had every reason to welcome his presence. A sense of urgency lingered, propelling Yan Changkong to share his wisdom with Lu Bu. Together, they embarked on city inspections, Yan Changkong using the opportunity to delve into life's truths.

"These lessons were meant for you two decades ago, but your departure prevented me from imparting them then. And now, it seems you haven't changed much," Yan Changkong halted, his gaze drifting over the grassy expanse outside the fortress. He shifted his focus back to Lu Bu, inquiring, "What was I just saying?"

"The general was emphasizing the importance of resilience and acceptance," Lu Bu responded earnestly.

"Indeed, resilience. You see, life is laden with grievances, even an emperor's path can lead to the downfall of a nation if all goes too smoothly. As a three-generation official, it's unbecoming of me to voice such thoughts. However, these words have found their way to you, Feng Xian~"

"The wise commander is present!" Lu Bu's voice interjected, playfully engaging Yan Changkong.

"To achieve your goals, whatever they may be, remember that resistance often breeds accomplishment. When circumstances align, and the world seems to follow your lead, you'll attain the desired outcome. Whatever the pursuit, rally the support around you. Once others align their efforts with yours, a powerful momentum will be set in motion. Nine times out of ten, your aspirations will bear fruit through this alignment. Do you grasp the essence of this lesson?" Yan Changkong questioned.

A memory stirred within Lu Bu, a fragment of counsel he had received long ago. The echo of a distant past resonated within his mind. He contemplated the source of these familiar words.

In a flash, an image took shape - a figure from his past, the memory a vivid revelation. Lu Bu suddenly understood that this was a realm akin to a dream, a realm he had inhabited for fifty years. Yet, this revelation wasn't paramount; there was something more important that demanded his attention.

"Is something amiss?" Yan Changkong inquired, observing the change in Lu Bu's countenance.

"I've recalled a dream from long ago," Lu Bu's gaze remained fixed ahead, his thoughts immersed in the past.

"A dream?" Yan Changkong regarded Lu Bu with curiosity. "Tell me about it."

"In the dream, an elder figure imparted similar wisdom to you, General. Yet, he suppressed me relentlessly, even depriving me of my right to lead troops. Ultimately, I..." Lu Bu paused, his voice tinged with contemplation, "...I slew him."

A knowing smile crept across Yan Changkong's features, his response laden with insight, "You're alluding to my actions. When I tasked you with overseeing food and forage, my intention was to temper your character. Whether I praised you or criticized you, your reactions revealed your nature. Your hostility, if left unchecked, would have brewed disaster. Regrettably, your departure truncated this process. Twenty years have passed, but there is still much work to be done. At the very least, you now exhibit the capacity for introspection, a rare quality. Many live their entire lives devoid of self-examination."

"Old General, if the events from that dream were real, would I still have an opportunity?" Lu Bu's inquiry carried a weight of earnestness.

"Redemption is never too late, my friend. While the world may find it hard to understand, as long as you carry remorse within you, that suffices. The opinions of others should not govern your actions. Bear in mind, maintain a moral compass, and remain true to your convictions. This will guide you away from grievous missteps," Yan Changkong's words were cut short by a fit of coughing, accompanied by a streak of blood.

Lu Bu quickly offered his support, gently urging, "Old General, the winds beyond these walls are harsh. Let us return indoors and rest."

"There's no need. I'm aware of my own condition," Yan Changkong dismissed Lu Bu's concern. He directed his gaze outward, facing the expanse beyond the pass, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "I've safeguarded this northern gate throughout my life - witnessing its construction, its prosperity, standing resolute in its decline. This fortress holds a tapestry of memories for me. Years ago, the emperor summoned me to the capital, yet I refused, awaiting your return. When the time comes for me to depart, lay me to rest beneath this gate. If ever this gate crumbles, my essence will be no different from the earth beneath it. I'd choose to be with it, given the choice."

Lu Bu acknowledged Yan Changkong's wishes, his heart heavy with respect. His thoughts took him back in time, reflecting on his own legacy.

As time passed, Yan Changkong ceased speaking, his focus on the world beyond the pass. Lu Bu, sensing a change, turned to the general, only to find his gaze distant, his spirit departed.

Lu Bu reached out, checking for a breath, but found none.

Closing his eyes, Lu Bu drew a deep breath. With a sudden burst of energy, he raised his head and bellowed, "Lu Bu bids farewell to the Old General!"

The lament echoed through the halls of the fortress, commemorating Yan Changkong's life. Soldiers quickly assembled, paying their respects to the fallen leader. Lu Bu stood in silence, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.

Yan Changkong's body was returned to the capital, accompanied by his children. His final words remained unshared with Lu Bu.

While Yan Changkong's mortal journey had concluded, Lu Bu's commitment to Beiguan endured. Over the next decade, the fortress encountered fewer assailants from Hu Suan as Lu Bu shifted his tactics. His preference for offense over defense led to fewer clashes. This transformation occurred, perhaps due to a lack of suitable opponents, or perhaps due to a changing political landscape. By the age of fifty-seven, Lu Bu received imperial recognition, ascending through the ranks within a span of three years. By sixty, he assumed the role of governor and was even granted the title of "Hou."

Lu Bu's legacy, distinct from Yan Changkong's, thrived as he directed his energies toward a different approach, focused on progress and expansion. While their methods differed, both Lu Bu and Yan Changkong stood as stalwart defenders of the North Pass, etching their mark upon history.

In that very year, fate dealt another blow to Lu Bu as his beloved wife passed away. Returning home in somber silence, he undertook the responsibility of arranging her funeral. Her passing, seen in the context of their times, was a peaceful departure, and Lu Bu saw it as a fitting end to a life well-lived. As he cared for the final rites, he ensured his children's departure from Beiguan, sensing the impending storm that would soon engulf the region.

With each passing day, the signs became clearer—Beiguan's defenses were becoming increasingly untenable. More than a decade had gone by without any new recruits, leaving the once-proud fortress manned by a dwindling force of gray-haired veterans. The youngest among them was nearing fifty years of age.

"Captain, are we to persist in our defense?" Eight more years elapsed, marked by a significant battle that left Lu Bu unable to lead his troops on the field. The conflict had taken its toll, leaving him with only a handful of soldiers under his command. Among them, a weathered old warrior, a loyal companion through the years, looked at Lu Bu with trepidation.

"I guard this pass not solely for the nation's sake, but in honor of a promise to General Yan," Lu Bu responded, his gaze fixed on the relentless tide of Hu warriors beyond the pass. A smile graced his lips as he continued, "The old general's final wish was to rest here, and I cannot shirk this responsibility. Today, on his behalf, I lay his bones to rest in this soil, upholding the bonds of camaraderie and righteousness."

"I pledge my allegiance to the Governor!" The veteran's voice quivered with determination.

Barbarian forces surged forward, the dilapidated city gate offering little resistance against their onslaught. Yet, against the backdrop of chaos, Lu Bu hoisted the Beiguan Army banner high. Amidst the tumult, a dozen aged heads were swiftly lost to the surging tide of battle. The legacy of the past intertwined with the present, as Lu Bu fulfilled his vow, standing firm in the face of adversity.