The people standing nearby looked at Guan Yu with envy.
To receive a courtesy name from the Emperor is to be a confidant of the Emperor. In the entire Imperial Guard, only Dian Wei had received this treatment.
Then, Liu Hong looked at Guan Yu and said with a smile, "Yuan Rang just said that Yun Chang is preparing a banquet. May I ask if he would like to join me for a drink?"
Guan Yu quickly replied, "It is my greatest honor to receive Your Majesty's favor!"
Being able to invite the emperor to drink is a rare and desirable opportunity, so Guan Yu was naturally overjoyed.
Liu Hong smiled and said, "Alright, let's not delay, let's go!"
Then, Liu Hong looked at the trainees around him: "The year is coming to an end. You have all worked hard in training. You can all go and relax. Remember not to cause any trouble!"
"promise!!"
The crowd responded loudly and then dispersed.
Accompanied by the others, Liu Hong left the Imperial Guard Camp and headed into the city.
Guan Yu, who was walking behind, quietly approached Zhang Fei and whispered, "Yide, lend me some money!"
"Okay!"
Without saying a word, Zhang Fei casually handed his money bag to Guan Yu.
It wasn't that Guan Yu was short of money, but rather that he had brought relatively little. Looking at the two big guys, Dian Wei and Dong Zhuo, beside the emperor, he was genuinely afraid that the little money he had brought wouldn't be enough to feed them.
Before long, the group arrived at the East Street of Luoyang.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the streets are bustling with activity, filled with vendors hawking their wares and people buying New Year's goods.
Of course, quite a few of them were women out enjoying themselves.
As the group walked down the street, they immediately attracted attention, especially the women on the street, who frequently glanced at the group of young men.
At this time, Liu Hong, who was nearly seventeen years old, was already quite tall. Although his physique was not as dazzling as Lu Bu's, he still attracted the attention of many women due to his good looks.
Listening to the whispers of the women in the crowd, Liu Hong felt quite pleased, and his gait became much more unsteady.
Before long, the group arrived at a restaurant and stopped.
Liu Hong looked up and saw three large, gilded characters on the plaque: Yanwu Tower.
"Alright, let's eat here today and watch the fun!"
With that, Liu Hong took the lead and entered the martial arts training building, and the others quickly followed.
Upon entering the hall, Liu Hong heard cheers and applause.
Looking up, one could see a fighting ring in the center of the hall, where two burly men were wielding weapons and exchanging blows.
The arena was surrounded by spectators, most of whom were wandering swordsmen.
Upon seeing Liu Hong and his group, the manager of the martial arts training center hurriedly came to greet them.
"The lobby on the first floor is full. You may go up to the second floor, where you can see a better view."
"Okay, second floor it is."
Although the lobby on the first floor was more lively, there were no seats available, and Liu Hong didn't want to ask others to make room for him.
As they spoke, the group, led by the innkeeper, headed up to the second floor.
There were quite a few people on the second floor at this time. However, most of those who were able to sit on the second floor were sons of wealthy families in the city. They came here not only to watch the excitement, but also with the idea of recruiting guards.
Now, after the craze for seafaring and building manors, many scions of wealthy families have the idea of going out to make their way in the world. Since they are going out to make their way, safety is of course very important. That's why these people come here to recruit brave warriors to protect them.
Soon, led by the shopkeeper, Liu Hong and his group arrived at the second floor and then at a large table with a good view.
Looking at Wang Yue, Xi Zhicai, Lü Bu, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, Dong Zhuo, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Xu Chu, Xiahou Dun, and Xiahou Yuan sitting together, all of them exchanging polite compliments, Liu Hong couldn't help but secretly click his tongue in amazement.
After everyone was seated, Liu Hong ordered dozens of delicious dishes as if they were his own treasures, and then ordered several jars of strong liquor.
While everyone waited for the food and drinks, their eyes also swept towards the arena in the hall.
The two fighters on the stage were fighting fiercely, but they were also very measured in their attacks, stopping only when they were about to strike.
According to the rules of the Martial Arts Hall, anyone who comes here can go up on stage to compete in martial arts. The winner will receive a jar of strong liquor and five thousand coins as a reward from the Martial Arts Hall.
If you win three consecutive matches, you can enter the army through the recommendation of the Martial Arts Hall.
Of course, the most important thing is that onlookers can place bets, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular among the sons of wealthy and powerful families.
As a result, the martial arts hall, which was the dealer, made a fortune.
Before long, a burst of enthusiastic shouts rang out, and a burly man wielding a long wooden knife emerged victorious.
Some of the young masters from wealthy families on the second floor laughed heartily, while others shook their heads and sighed. Still others instructed their attendants to go and talk to the victorious strongman.
The manager of the martial arts training hall also came to the front of the stage carrying a jar of strong liquor and a string of five-zhu coins.
"Brave warrior, you have won three consecutive battles. Would you be interested in joining the army? If so, I would like to recommend you to join the Northern Army!"
Upon hearing this, the burly man immediately nodded: "Of course I'm willing. I came here to join the Northern Army!"
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Very well, please follow me, brave warrior!"
Then, the shopkeeper led the burly man toward the counter, and those on the second floor who were trying to recruit the burly man shook their heads and sighed.
Before long, the waiter brought out the food and drinks.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
