Mythical Three Kingdoms
Chapter 956 916: Three Letters and Six Rites

Ma Chao ultimately chose not to reconcile with Fa Zheng; his pride wouldn't allow him to accept such a resolution, which seemed to approach disregard.

[Why am I so weak!] At this moment, Ma Chao deeply yearned for power. He knew clearly that his intellect would never catch up to Fa Zheng's in this lifetime. The only thing that might earn Fa Zheng's recognition was his martial might.

[When we first met, there was still an intent to deal with me. After witnessing my strength, he lost interest. As expected, in his eyes, I am far too weak. My so-called prowess in martial arts is no match for true masters, and the command I hold in Yongliang's ranks is nothing but a joke to him.]

Ma Chao swept over the crowd, looking at the backs of those present. Not a single one was someone he could contend with at the moment. Either their martial skills far surpassed his own, or the command they held was something he could only look up to. Some possessed both; these individuals had now become his targets to chase.

[So arrogant.] Fa Zheng's concealed lips curled into a subtle arc. Truth be told, Fa Zheng, who was well-acquainted with masters, didn't hold Ma Chao in any high regard. The only thing Ma Chao could boast of was his potential. Unfortunately, on the battlefield, potential carried no weight.

"Xiaozhi, be a bit cautious." At this moment, Zhao Yun, who had remained silent, suddenly transmitted a message to Fa Zheng, "That guy's talent is extraordinary, especially his physique, which is reminiscent of my youth. He has the potential to become an exceptional master."

Though Zhao Yun understood that a good physique wasn't necessarily synonymous with future strength—just look at Guan Yu, whose physique was average—nonetheless, in this world, there wasn't a single person who would dare to take a hit from Guan Yu. Such matters were unpredictable. A good physique merely saved one some effort. However, given Ma Chao's genius-level achievements thus far paired with his excellent physique, it was only a matter of time before he became a supreme valiant general.

"There's no need to worry. He has his pride. Should he reach great heights one day, he will naturally come to settle our score. For now, he simply finds it hard to swallow his dignity. In his eyes, he likely thinks I'm scorning him." Fa Zheng tilted his head and chuckled. The art of voice transmission had already become commonplace among these people.

[In truth, 'scorn' might not be accurate. It might be better described as 'disregard.'] Fa Zheng slowly shook his head. If it were indeed scorn, Ma Chao might not act this way. At least scorn meant Fa Zheng still remembered him, but disregard was entirely different.

[Once, there might have been some interest, but upon truly encountering him, he appeared so small and fragile. Could he truly be worth my attention?] Fa Zheng's thoughts flashed across his mind momentarily, only to be discarded shortly thereafter. These matters were inconsequential.

Liu Bei, adhering to the etiquette of feudal lords, hosted a banquet for Xiahou Yuan and Ma Teng. As for the previous events, it was as if they hadn't happened. Yet, certain details during the banquet revealed other implications to Xiahou Yuan. Chen Xi's seating wasn't officially among the main positions, but it clearly did not fall within the subordinate ranks.

[What is going on here?] Xiahou Yuan glanced at Chen Xi, seated at Liu Bei's side, and pondered this peculiar arrangement. Though it seemed strange, he didn't delve deeply into it.

"Big Brother, I have a favor to ask." As the crowd had grown a bit intoxicated, Zhang Fei, cradling a wine jar, suddenly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"You and I are brothers. What is it you wish to ask?" Liu Bei responded with a smile.

"I wish to take someone as my wife, and I earnestly hope you will grant your consent, Brother." Zhang Fei rarely showed a different expression, but even so, his usual boldness remained undiminished.

"Hahaha, good for you, my Third Brother. Which Lady have you set your sights on? Shall I act as a matchmaker for you?" Liu Bei paused, then laughed heartily.

Liu Bei mused, [My Third Brother isn't young anymore. In our years of turmoil, we never considered these matters. How could I not think of resolving this lifelong affair now? I'd worried about finding a suitable match, but he solved it on his own before I could step in.]

As for matchmaking, that was merely Liu Bei's concern that the woman's status and position might not match Zhang Fei's. If such were the case, Liu Bei's involvement would lessen Zhang Fei's burdens.

At this moment, Xiahou Yuan's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. Despite having prepared himself mentally after being stunned by Xiahou Juan previously, mental preparation didn't equate to readiness to accept the situation.

"Brother Miaocai's niece, Juan." Zhang Fei tugged the corner of his mouth as he spoke. He wasn't concerned about the drop in generational hierarchy, only that Liu Bei might not approve of the marriage.

The civil officials collectively opened their fans, covering half their faces, making it impossible to discern their emotions. Their actions were uniform, leaving the assembled military generals momentarily stunned.

"What's the story with Xiahou Juan?" Chen Xi asked with a hand covering his smile. While he knew Xiahou Juan was undoubtedly Zhang Fei's intended wife from the Xiahou clan, he wondered how Zhang Fei had come to meet her.

The civil officials began exchanging transmissions back and forth, quickly piecing together the details until they had a comprehensive picture, after which they displayed expressions entirely their own—ones eager to watch the drama unfold.

"Why not? It's a fitting match. What's the issue? Men marry when they're old enough, women wed when they're of age. My Third Brother is a heroic and bold man, and Brother Miaocai's niece is a fine lady. It's logical, appropriate, and perfectly suitable. My question, then, is whether Brother Miaocai consents to the marriage." Initially startled, Liu Bei quickly laughed and voiced his agreement, before turning to Xiahou Yuan, whose face now resembled a darkened pot lid.

Truth be told, Liu Bei had already approved Zhang Fei's proposal before asking Xiahou Yuan for his permission. It didn't matter how Xiahou Yuan responded; seated next to him, Guan Yu had already begun silently tearing a strip from his robe to clean his Green Dragon Crescent Blade—and he did so right in front of Xiahou Yuan.

Clearly recognizing Zhang Fei's happiness as a priority, Guan Yu had quietly declared his stance. Principles mattered less than his brother's happiness.

Frankly, both Xiahou Yuan and Ma Chao, who carried but a single sword each, felt an oppressive pressure as Guan Yu began polishing his Green Dragon Crescent Blade. The dormant aura emanating from him left them slightly shivering. Among those present, Guan Yu was the sole person holding heavy weaponry in this manner.

"I beg Lord Xuande for understanding. It isn't that I refuse, but when my younger cousin entrusted Juan'er to my care, I swore to ensure she would not suffer even the slightest grievance. Zhang Yide may marry her, but he must fulfill the Three Letters and Six Etiquettes without fail! Moreover, Juan'er must personally consent to the marriage, or else I cannot grant approval!" Xiahou Yuan spoke with an initially calm tone, but by the conclusion, his voice grew commanding and resolute.

Liu Bei glanced toward Zhang Fei, who had already begun speaking: "Juan'er has already given her answer, and the Three Letters and Six Etiquettes—none will be lacking."

"I'll be waiting!" Xiahou Yuan snorted coldly and abruptly sat down.

The biggest concern with the Three Letters and Six Etiquettes was that it required the woman to be present in her familial home. This meant Xiahou Yuan could take Xiahou Juan back with him. Should there be no coercion, everything would clarify upon inquiry at home. If there were none, Xiahou Yuan would have no grounds to object. Even with lingering dissatisfaction, he would have to concede.

On the contrary, should Zhang Fei resort to coercion, Xiahou Yuan would naturally have grounds for refusal. As for Zhang Fei attempting abduction, the Xiahou family wasn't the type to surrender women for peace. If it came to that, then let war be the answer—who's afraid of whom! (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit qidian.com to vote with recommendation votes or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)