Surviving as Guan Yu in the Three Kingdoms

There’s nothing wrong in what Liu Bei said.

The Peach Garden Oath, or more precisely, forming sworn brotherhood even in 21st century China, means that people who are not blood-related form family-like bonds for having the same will and heart, as if they were connected by blood.

Therefore, even Chinese people who make fake food using plastic, petroleum, and waste oil to sell to others, and cheat strangers in all sorts of ways, will treat the family of someone they’ve formed sworn brotherhood with like their own family.

If their sworn brother or sister dies, they even take full responsibility for their family.

In the late Han dynasty, which values loyalty and fidelity even more than 21st century China, well, it’s not wrong at all to say that forming sworn brotherhood is forming family bonds.

If Liu Bei and I, who are close in age and of different genders, say we’re family, it might sound like there’s something going on between us, even though we’re sworn brothers.

Perhaps that’s why Cao Cao, as if making a lewd misunderstanding, flushed red like a ripe persimmon and pointed at Liu Bei, berating her:

“Y-You plain woman with nothing but big breasts! You’ve already, already snatched away the Guan Gong I was after.”

From a man’s perspective, or even if you look at it a bit more objectively, it’s obvious that Cao Cao is misunderstanding that Liu Bei and I have been intimate.

Otherwise, why would Cao Cao specifically point out Liu Bei’s breasts, which are not only large but also perfectly shaped, one of her greatest charms?

Moreover, that “snatched away” phrase was often used by heroines who lost in the protagonist competition in Korean web novels I used to read…

However, Liu Bei added fuel to the fire by saying:

“Yunchang has already sworn in front of all these people of Xu County to run towards the same goal with me for life. So there’s no place for you, Lord Cao Cao, to interfere between us.”
“Did you seduce Guan Yu with those big breasts? Men, really, what’s so good about these big breasts.”

At those words, Liu Bei crossed her arms to support her chest and grinned.

“Just because breasts are big doesn’t mean they’re all good. But I’m confident in their shape too. And usually, people who pick on my breasts for being big…”

Liu Bei stared blankly at Cao Cao’s chest and burst into laughter.

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Not all men like big breasts, but if there were 100 men, 99 of them would probably prefer the bigger ones.

Moreover, Liu Bei’s breasts are not just big, but their shape is so beautiful that you could call it a work of art.

Cao Cao’s breasts look to be about a D cup, so they’re definitely not small and are very attractive…

My personal preference is for someone who seems to subtly appeal to her charm as a woman while being plain and pure…

As I was thinking this, Gan Ning poked my side.

“Yunchang, you might enjoy watching two women fight over you because you’re a man, but at this rate, those two might draw swords and fight, hey.”

Those two aren’t so lacking in discernment that they’d draw swords and fight over me here.

However, if I don’t clear up the misunderstanding between those two right now, it feels like something big might happen later.

Even though Cao Cao and Liu Bei eventually become mortal enemies, in the original history, they got along well during this period.

If Liu Bei, who has nothing, starts to clash with Cao Cao, it would be troublesome in many ways.

“You’re right, Gan Ning. It seems Liu Bei is telling Lord Cao Cao not to touch me because she’s formed family bonds with me, but Lord Cao Cao seems to be misunderstanding that Liu Bei and I are in a loving relationship.”

At those words, Gan Ning patted my back.

“If you understand, go quickly and stop them. It’s not the mood for drinking anymore.”

So I immediately went to where they were to mediate the fight.

“Lord Liu Bei, Lord Cao Cao, please calm down, both of you. It seems there’s a big misunderstanding between you two.”

At those words, the two of them retorted at the same timing as if they had planned it:

“Lord Guan, are you trying to stop us because you’ve been intimate with that Liu Bei woman?”
“Yunchang, why are you defending that flashy blonde woman?”

Some might say they’re envious if two beautiful women were fighting over me, but no.

I used to think it was enviable when women fought over a man like this in web novels or anime, but experiencing it firsthand is just a headache.

Now, thanks to Cao Cao saying that “Liu Bei and I have that kind of relationship,” it seems like we can clear up some of the misunderstanding.

First, I looked straight at Cao Cao and said:

“I, Guan Yu, told you that I came to serve Lord Liu Bei of Xu County over there because I heard in Yingchuan that she is a person of high virtue who knows how to give even in poor circumstances. Do you remember?”
“I remember. That’s why I came back with over a thousand cavalry to try to change your mind.”
“And about a month and a little ago, I joined forces with Lord Liu Bei and Yide over there to defeat the Yellow Turbans, and we made a sworn brotherhood oath here. So we’re not in the kind of relationship where we… mix bodies or anything like that, as you think, Lord Cao.”

As I stepped in to explain, Cao Cao seemed to realize she had made an unreasonable misunderstanding and turned bright red.

“I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, Lord Guan.”

To be honest, if I were Cao Cao, I would have easily misunderstood if Liu Bei said, “There are family bonds between us.”

After all, Liu Bei and I are not only in a lord and vassal relationship, but we’re also of different genders.

So when she says family, it’s natural to misunderstand it as marriage.

That’s why I shook my head.

“It’s alright.”
“Then what do you think about my proposal? I’ll give you an even higher salary than I offered before, the position of Junhou. Also, I, Cao Cao Mengde, will do my best to give you opportunities to showcase your talents to the world. So please serve me, Cao Mengde, instead of Liu Xuande.”

To be honest, if I were just an ordinary Korean working a regular job, I might have chosen to serve Cao Cao instead of Liu Bei.

After all, while Liu Bei is kind-hearted and has great potential for growth like a promising stock, she’s still a small business, while Cao Cao is already an established medium-sized enterprise.

Moreover, once she suppresses the Yellow Turbans, she’ll truly rise to the ranks of warlords, and she’ll play an active role in the battle where 18 feudal lords gather to fight against Dong Zhuo.

She grows to become one of the pillars of the struggle for supremacy over the world and succeeds in establishing Wei, the largest of the Three Kingdoms that appear in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Also, although she’s a bit cunning and cruel, she rewards and promotes subordinates who achieve results regardless of their status.

If you look at meritocracy, current status, and growth potential, honestly, following Cao Cao might be a million times more beneficial.

However, I was born as Guan Yu, and I’ve long since fallen for Liu Bei’s ideology of a peaceful world for all.

To those words, I respectfully made a fist-and-palm salute and bowed my head.

“It is an honor beyond my capacity that Lord Cao Cao values this ordinary man so highly and has come all the way to this distant Xu County.”

Although I hadn’t given a definitive answer yet, Cao Cao’s expression frowned at the words implying rejection.

“However, I have already sworn to heaven and earth to create a world where everyone can live their daily lives peacefully, as my lord Liu Bei has said. How could I change the lord I serve just for the pursuit of wealth and honor?”

Hearing those words, Liu Bei nodded beside me and smiled.

Then she crossed her arms and slightly raised her chin, showing pride.

Liu Bei really resembles Zhang Fei in that aspect.

“So even if Lord Cao were to give me a salary of ten thousand shi, a mansion as vast as a whale’s back, and beautiful women, I would rightfully follow Liu Bei even if I were to worry about my next meal.”

It’s a bit embarrassing to say this myself, but this is my true feeling.

Liu Bei cares for and trusts me like real family, and if I can follow her dream, I don’t think wealth and honor are that important.

No, from the beginning, I’ll be by her side helping Liu Bei, so I’ll make sure she rises to power much faster than in the original history and eventually takes over the world.

“So even if Lord Cao gradually rises to become a general, Grand Marshal, and later Chancellor, you won’t be able to gain my loyalty. Please withdraw now.”

At those words, Cao Cao sighed as if giving up on something.

However, for some reason, her face showed a smile that seemed relieved, yet clearly revealed her intent to keep an eye on me.

“I’m sorry, Lord Guan. I’m ashamed that I tried to entice a brave warrior like you with mere wealth, honor, and promotion.”

…… Why is it turning out like this?

“How could your heart, which saved my life and didn’t want any reward, be moved by mere wealth and honor? I’ve made a pointless trip. So next time, I’ll come back with evidence to show that the world I, Cao Cao Mengde, will create is better than the world of Liu Xuande over there. Only then will I be able to turn your heart, Lord Guan.”

Saying that, Cao Cao turned her horse’s head and moved away from us.

Liu Bei watched Cao Cao moving away and vented her anger.

“Yunchang is mine, not your person, Cao Mengde!!!”