Guan Yu’s Slaying of Cai Yang and Reunion with His Brothers

Guan Yu’s Slaying of Cai Yang and Reunion with His Brothers turns an anticipated homecoming into a test of loyalty. At Gucheng, Zhang Fei initially treats Guan Yu as a traitor for having served Cao Cao, but Guan Yu’s swift defeat of Cai Yang—and the testimony of a captured officer—resolves the suspicion. The brothers are reunited, though their next attempt to find Xuande sends Guan Yu toward territory where his past victories have made him a wanted man.

The reunion at Gucheng

After traveling with the two women in his care, Guan Yu learns that Zhang Fei has taken control of Gucheng. Local accounts describe a formidable warrior who expelled the governor, raised an army, gathered provisions, and brought the surrounding area under his influence. Guan Yu recognizes the account as news of his sworn brother and, expecting a welcome, sends Sun Qian ahead to announce that he has arrived with the women.

The welcome instead becomes a confrontation. Zhang Fei rides out at the head of a thousand horsemen. Guan Yu puts aside his great sword and approaches, but Zhang Fei levels his spear and charges. Guan Yu appeals to their bond in the Peach Orchard; Zhang Fei answers with an accusation that Guan Yu betrayed Xuande by surrendering to Cao Cao, joining his court, and accepting his gifts.

A dispute over loyalty

Zhang Fei’s anger rests on a strict understanding of fidelity: in his view, a virtuous man cannot serve two masters, and Guan Yu’s service to Cao Cao is proof enough of disloyalty. The two women challenge that conclusion. They explain that Guan Yu did not know where either Zhang Fei or Xuande was, that they had remained with Cao Cao through a period of danger, and that Guan Yu had defended them on their journey. Sun Qian adds that Guan Yu has come because he has been searching for Xuande.

Their explanations do not immediately settle the matter. A cloud of dust reveals an approaching army, and Zhang Fei takes its arrival as a further reason to doubt his brother. Guan Yu asks for a chance to prove his account through action: he will kill the army’s leader. Zhang Fei sets a test, saying he will believe Guan Yu if he succeeds before the war drums have sounded three times.

Cai Yang’s death and the truth

The approaching commander is Cai Yang, who recognizes Guan Yu and calls him a murderer for killing his nephew. Cai Yang claims the prime minister has ordered Guan Yu’s arrest. Zhang Fei takes up the drumsticks as Guan Yu rides out. Guan Yu does not argue further: before Zhang Fei can complete even one roll, he kills Cai Yang.

The immediate victory is not, by itself, the full proof Zhang Fei needs. The troops scatter, and the brothers capture a junior officer for questioning. His account reveals that Cao Cao had ordered an attack on Runan, not Guan Yu’s arrest; Cai Yang had encountered Guan Yu by chance and used the meeting to pursue his own accusation. Zhang Fei questions the prisoner closely until he is satisfied that Guan Yu has told the truth. Suspicion gives way to reconciliation through both Guan Yu’s decisive action and the evidence that explains Cai Yang’s conduct.

Reunion and renewed search

The brothers enter Gucheng together and spend the day sharing accounts of what has happened since their last meeting. The reconciliation restores their fellowship, but it does not immediately bring them back to Xuande. Guan Yu and Sun Qian set out for Runan, only to learn that Xuande has already left to consult Yuan Shao. They return disappointed to Gucheng and decide to search again, with Zhang Fei remaining to guard the city and the two women.

The next leg of the search carries a new danger. Guan Yu is wanted in Yuan Shao’s territory because he has killed two of Yuan Shao’s leading commanders, so the journey must be kept secret. At the river border, Sun Qian persuades him to shelter at a nearby farm while Sun Qian rides on to look for Xuande. The reunion therefore closes one crisis of trust but leaves the brothers still separated from their absent leader and exposed to the consequences of Guan Yu’s earlier actions.