Chapter 150 - 147: Liu-Guan-Zhang Form Brotherhood in Peach Garden
It has been told that Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei had already gathered together, and they spent the night at Zhang Fei’s home, preparing to swear brotherhood in the Peach Garden the next day.
Zhang Fei, though rough, had a discerning mind. In an era that judged one by their origin, he was but a humble butcher, a foot soldier, a peddler at most. Even if his martial arts were unparalleled, he feared that he would hardly achieve anything significant due to suppression from those above. However, becoming sworn brothers with Liu Bei would change that: he would become the sworn brother of a royal relative, and naturally, his status would rise, elevating him even if he chose to switch allegiances, giving him a commendable identity.
Although Liu Bei’s status was not low, his family was poor, and Zhang Fei and Guan Yu were likely his Left and Right Assistants. Early on, they had received instructions from Daoist Equal to Heaven, and though they were reluctant to become brothers with a pig butcher and a murderer, they had no choice. To be an emperor required not only ambition but also the ability to endure and restrain oneself. Didn’t Goujian sleep on straw, taste bile, and finally conquer Wu with three thousand Yue armored soldiers?
Guan Yu, however, did not overthink it; his sole desire was to serve his country. Here was a royal relative about to rise up—it was an ideal situation. After all, having royal blood made achieving great deeds much easier; anything done could be justified.
The next morning, when the hour came, the three men went to the Peach Garden, set up a table, lit incense candles, offered sacrifices to the Heaven Emperor, bowed to the Earth Goddess, chopped a chicken head, and drank a bowl of blood wine.
Liu Bei, being considered a brother of the current emperor, commanded respect which neither Guan Yu nor Zhang Fei could overstep; especially given Liu Bei’s revered status, Zhang Fei provided the funds while relying on Liu Bei’s reputation to rally people’s hearts; after all, most commoners revered and admired royal relatives.
Although Liu Bei was the youngest, he was respected as the eldest brother; Guan Yu was older than Zhang Fei and thus became the second brother. Despite financing and exerting the effort, Zhang Fei could only settle for being the youngest brother. However, Zhang Fei, being rather careless, did not mind it much.
Daoist Equal to Heaven said, "These three becoming brothers also signifies that the Left and Right Assistants are now united. Liu Bei’s destiny seems perilous, but he can turn danger into safety, with risks but no actual harm, bearing the semblance of an emperor, mature in mind and skillful in tactics. Should no People of the Immortal Path harm him, he could become an emperor."
Chen Tuan, too, was somewhat versed in physiognomy, having in the future observed Emperor Taizu’s features and having guided him, thereby gaining fame—this story is from a later time, no need to mention it further.