After Zhang Fei's death, Zhao Yun and others were not convinced by Liu Bei
The three brothers of Liu Guan and Zhang put righteousness first, and have been following Liu Bei since the Taoyuan uprising, and have made countless military exploits for him, and are Liu Bei's right-hand men and close comrades-in-arms.
In the process of conquest, Liu Bei also collected many brave and warlike subordinates, including Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, Zhuge Liang and others. However, after the deaths of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei wanted to go east, but failed to get the support of Zhao Yun, Zhuge Liang and others.
Although Zhuge Liang and the others fought alongside Liu Bei, they were courtiers after all, not Liu Bei's own brothers like Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. When Liu Bei lost his right-hand man, the distrust and resistance they showed were understandable.
Some people speculate that the change in the attitude of Zhuge Liang and others towards Liu Bei was because they felt disappointed and chilled after Zhang Fei's death, so they began to question Liu Bei's instructions.
But what is the truth?
Zhang Fei's death, why did Liu Bei only say four words? Zhang Fei and Liu Bei are sworn brothers, during the Three Kingdoms period, righteous people were very particular about "righteousness", Zhang Fei's death should be a huge blow to Liu Bei.
However, when Liu Bei learned of Zhang Fei's death, he only said four words: "Oh, fly to death!" What is the deep meaning behind these four words?
Liu Bei has spent thirty years of ups and downs with his siblings, but when one of them died, his reaction made everyone feel cold. People speculate that why Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, Zhuge Liang and others did not obey Liu Bei's orders may be because his reaction made them feel that Liu Bei did not value their feelings and righteousness.
However, does this really mean that Liu Bei is ruthless? The answer is no. The reason why Liu Bei insisted on the Eastern Crusade was precisely because of his righteousness and insistence on friendship.
In 219 AD, Guan Yu was killed on the battlefield, and Zhang Fei was furious and decided to avenge his second brother. He spent his days and nights thinking about how to kill Sun Quan with his own hands. Liu Bei also considered sending troops for revenge, but under the persuasion of Zhao Yun and Zhuge Liang, he temporarily dismissed the idea of the Eastern Crusade.
Because Zhang Fei couldn't wait for Liu Bei's action, he angrily asked Liu Bei why he didn't avenge his second brother. At his instigation, Liu Bei decided to march eastward. Even if Zhao Yun and others persuaded again, Liu Bei turned a deaf ear and said that whoever dissuaded him again would be his enemy.
In the face of Liu Bei's firm determination, everyone remained silent, but before the news of Zhang Fei's assassination for mistreating soldiers spread, Liu Bei had already assembled an army and was ready to avenge his brother.
However, he unfortunately learned of Zhang Fei's death.
Although Zhang Fei was a brother to the soldiers, he began to exert pressure on the soldiers at an early stage, and when things didn't go his way, he mainly beat them. After Guan Yu's death, Zhang Fei was even more occupied by hatred, not only abusing the soldiers more harshly, but also forcing them to make 100,000 pairs of equipment within three days to prepare for revenge.
Zhang Fei's subordinates Fan Qiang and Zhang Da understood that the mission could not be completed and that they were facing the threat of death, so they decided to assassinate Zhang Fei. Regarding Zhang Fei's atrocities, Liu Bei had already known about them and dissuaded them many times, but Zhang Fei was unmoved.
Liu Bei had already expected in his heart that Zhang Fei might die because of this.
Liu Bei did not give up his plan to avenge his brother because of Zhang Fei's death, he quickly sent troops and took Ma Liang, Huang Quan, Zhao Rong and others to the expedition. Despite the opposition of Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, Zhuge Liang and others, he acted impulsively and recklessly, which ultimately led to the fiasco of the Battle of Yiling.
However, Zhao Yun's response allowed Liu Bei to die a dignified death in Yong'an City. Regarding Liu Bei's reaction, Zhuge Liang and others did not think that he was ruthless and unrighteous, but out of consideration for the overall situation, they did not want the whole army to be wiped out, so they persuaded him.
Before his death, Liu Bei entrusted his only son to Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun, and he believed that these two loyal ministers would do their best to take care of his son. Even though Liu Bei said that if Liu Chan was not a good monarch, they had the right to depose his throne, Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun did not use this to seek power, but consistently assisted Liu Chan.
True loyalty does not mean blindly obeying the word of the monarch, but contributing to the interests and cause of the monarch. People like Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun, who work the monarch's affairs and plan for the monarch's career, are the most loyal embodiment.
Although Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun did not have a deep relationship with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and others as deep as brothers, their loyalty to Liu Bei was sincere and touching. By their actions, they proved that true loyalty does not lie in the depth of the relationship, but in whether or not they do their best for the monarch.
Liu Bei's performance in righteousness has both his successful side and his failed side. Taoyuan three righteousness, the three brothers together to create a new world, this is due to righteousness.
However, Liu Bei died on the battlefield for the revenge of his two brothers, also because of righteousness. Therefore, Liu Bei is not a good monarch, but a good big brother.
His successes and failures stem from his righteousness. His deeds have made people see the power of righteousness and the value of loyalty.
The three of them lived and died together, and their brotherhood was deep and touching. However, the battlefield is ruthless, and the national righteousness is more important than personal feelings. Some people think that Liu Bei is not a good monarch. Perhaps, if Liu Bei had been able to put aside his brother's grievances, follow the advice of Zhao Yun, Zhuge Liang and others, prepare sufficiently, and then take action, the result might have been different.
A gentleman takes revenge, ten years is not too late, and acting without adequate preparation will undoubtedly lead to failure.
Liu Bei was once burdened with the revenge of killing his brother, and this huge pressure made him miserable. However, he knew that he could only get through this difficult time by lying on his back and trying his courage, but helplessly, his emotions became impulsive because of hatred.
In the Battle of Yiling, he desperately gathered all the forces of Shu Han, just to avenge his brother. However, the result was not as he hoped, he lost the war, lost Jingzhou, and the deaths of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also made him bitter.
His life was shattered by these blows, and he eventually died. Although he may regret not following the admonitions of Zhao Yun and others, his deep affection is admirable.
He is a true man of loyalty, and even if he is given another chance, he will do his best for his brother.
Although Liu Chan was incompetent, Zhao Yun and Zhuge Liang still assisted him wholeheartedly, because they deeply understood and admired Liu Bei's personality charm. They are willing to follow Liu Bei until the end, which is undoubtedly a manifestation of loyalty and a reward for Liu Bei's "righteousness".
Liu Bei's brotherhood is admirable, and he is still remembered even after his death. He is undoubtedly an example to follow.