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The next day, the sunlight pierced through the thin mist of Luoyang, yet a shadow loomed over Wen Ming Garden. Dong Zhuo had ordered a lavish banquet to be set up within the garden, with golden and resplendent tables and seats lined up in a row. Iron-clad soldiers stood guard around the perimeter, their swords glinting ominously, creating an atmosphere so oppressive that it was almost suffocating. Although the officials harbored fear in their hearts, none dared to refuse the invitation. They entered with heavy expressions, whispering among themselves as they speculated on Dong Zhuo's intentions.
As all the officials gathered, Dong Zhuo was still nowhere to be seen. The ministers exchanged glances, their wine cups untouched on the table, while the only sounds were the clinking of armor and the low coughs of soldiers. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the garden as Dong Zhuo made his entrance. Clad in armor and wielding a long sword at his waist, he wore a cold smile on his face. His gaze swept over the officials like a blade as he walked steadily into the garden.
Without uttering a word, Dong Zhuo took his seat at the head of the table and waved his hand slightly to signal for wine to be poured. The musicians began to play, and maidens brought forth exquisite dishes. The banquet came alive with noise, yet it could not mask the underlying tension in the air. Dong Zhuo raised his cup and drank, while the officials forced smiles and joined him in toasting. After several rounds of drinking, Dong Zhuo suddenly waved his hand, silencing the music instantly and plunging the banquet into an eerie stillness.
Setting down his cup, Dong Zhuo's cold gaze swept across the room as he spoke in a deep and authoritative voice: "Gentlemen, today I have something to say; I hope you will listen closely."
The officials held their breath, almost suppressing their very breaths.
Dong Zhuo slowly rose to his feet, his eyes icy and his tone imbued with undeniable power: "The Emperor is the ruler of all people and should possess dignity to serve our ancestral temple and state. However, our current Emperor is weak in character and devoid of virtue, unfit to stabilize the great affairs of our realm. In contrast, the King of Chenliu is intelligent and possesses great wisdom; he is undoubtedly the best candidate for succession. Therefore, I Dong Zhuo believe that we should depose the current Emperor and establish the King of Chenliu as our new sovereign—this would be a blessing for our nation."
At these words, silence fell over the room like a heavy shroud. Many officials lowered their heads, gripping the edges of their tables tightly, afraid to speak. The atmosphere was so heavy it felt as if even air had come to a standstill.
Suddenly, a loud crash shattered this silence—a man at the table abruptly stood up and knocked over his wine cup onto the floor. He strode boldly to the center of the banquet hall and pointed at Dong Zhuo while shouting angrily: "No! No! Dong Zhuo, who do you think you are to dare speak of deposing an emperor? The Emperor is the legitimate son of the late Emperor; his foundation is solid, and there are no faults in court—what right do you have to say he should be deposed? Are you trying to usurp power for yourself?"
The officials looked up to see that it was Ding Yuan, the Governor of Jingzhou. Clad in military attire with piercing eyes, he exuded an aura that showed he feared neither death nor danger.
Dong Zhuo's cold smile vanished instantly, replaced by icy fury. He slowly turned to face Ding Yuan, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he growled lowly like a beast: "Ding Yuan, are you challenging my authority?"
Ding Yuan did not back down; he stepped forward firmly and met Dong Zhuo's gaze directly: "What I challenge is your arrogance that distorts truth and blurs right from wrong! Dong Zhuo, the Emperor is legitimate; if you depose him, you are nothing but a rebel! Today I stand here to see how you will carry out your treasonous scheme!"
Dong Zhuo's expression darkened further as he slowly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. A chill crept into his voice: "Those who follow me shall live; those who oppose me shall die. Ding Yuan, I advise you to think carefully before seeking your own demise."
Ding Yuan let out a cold laugh, remaining unfazed. "Dong Zhuo, this world is not yours to dictate! If you dare to commit treason, you will be remembered for it throughout eternity!"
As soon as his words fell, Dong Zhuo's hand had already grasped the hilt of his sword, his gaze locking onto Ding Yuan like a blade, seemingly ready to strike at any moment. However, Li Ru, standing nearby, keenly noticed a tall and imposing warrior behind Ding Yuan. Clad in heavy armor and wielding a Fangtian Halberd, the warrior exuded an aura of authority that could ignite fury; it felt as though with just a slight movement, the entire Wen Ming Garden would descend into endless slaughter.
Cold sweat trickled down Li Ru's forehead as he quickly stepped forward and lowered his voice to Dong Zhuo. "My Lord, today is a banquet; discussing state affairs is inappropriate. It would be better to postpone this matter until tomorrow's court session, where we can decide on the issue of succession then."
This statement served both as a reminder and a warning. Li Ru's gaze involuntarily flickered toward the warrior, already feeling a sense of caution.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, the surrounding officials stepped forward to mediate, whispering, "Governor Ding, Lord Dong, please consider the greater good and refrain from anger."
Ding Yuan snorted coldly, his expression still disdainful. He declared loudly, "Dong Zhuo, if you truly had any self-awareness, you would understand how absurd your words about succession are! Unfortunately, your ambition and audacity will surely drag the court into the abyss!"
Dong Zhuo's face darkened to the point where it seemed he could drip water from it, but he ultimately restrained himself. With the officials' persuasion, Ding Yuan finally withdrew his spear and turned to leave. His imposing figure vanished beyond the tent flaps, leaving behind a heavy silence.
Dong Zhuo cast a cold glance over the officials, his eyes sharp as lightning. His voice was deep and powerful, as if every word carried immense weight. "Gentlemen, is there anything unreasonable in what I have said? How can a ruler without virtue protect our state? My words today are for the sake of the world!"
No official dared to speak up; they lowered their heads to avoid Dong Zhuo's gaze. Just then, one person stood up—it was Lu Zhi. His expression was calm as he clasped his hands together in salute. His tone was steady yet firm. "Duke Dong, forgive my bluntness; your words may lack fairness."
Dong Zhuo furrowed his brow slightly, fixing his gaze on Lu Zhi while the surrounding ministers held their breath in fear of provoking this powerful warlord.
Lu Zhi paused briefly and scanned the room before continuing. "In history, when Tai Jia was incompetent and tyrannical, Yi Yin had no choice but to exile him to Tong Palace. The Prince of Changyi committed three thousand offenses within just twenty-seven days of ascending the throne; it was Huo Guang who petitioned for his removal. But what about our current emperor? Though young, he is kind-hearted and wise, without any faults and beloved by the people. You are merely a local governor with no involvement in state affairs and lacking the virtues and talents of Yi Yin or Huo Guang; how can you casually propose to depose an emperor?"
His voice rang out powerfully, each word striking at Dong Zhuo's authority. The cold smile on Dong Zhuo's face gradually froze as anger flickered in his darkened gaze. He slowly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and spoke icily: "Lu Zhi, are you saying that I am unworthy to do this?"
Lu Zhi stood firm, his gaze fixed on Dong Zhuo. "The Sage once said: 'If one has the ambition of Yi Yin, it is righteous; if one lacks such ambition, it is usurpation.' Duke Dong, should you not reflect on whether you truly care for the world or merely seek to satisfy your own ambitions?"
A profound silence enveloped the room, as if even the sound of breathing had vanished. Dong Zhuo's fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, a murderous intent nearly spilling over. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly, as if he might draw his sword at any moment.
Unable to contain his fury any longer, Dong Zhuo suddenly drew his sword and stepped forward, his voice booming like thunder. "Today, I shall slay this arrogant fool and see who dares defy me!"
The officials around gasped in shock and hurriedly retreated. As the blade gleamed ominously, the councilor Peng Bo rushed forward, kneeling on the ground with urgency in his voice. "Honorable Duke, think twice! Minister Lu is respected throughout the land; if you kill him, it will surely cause turmoil across the realm and even destabilize the military! I implore you to show mercy!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo's gaze swept over Peng Bo and then around at the terrified officials. Finally, he let out a cold snort and sheathed his sword. He spoke in a low voice, "For your sakes today, I shall spare him. But matters of succession are no trivial matter. Now disperse!"
The officials retreated in trepidation while Dong Zhuo stood by the garden gate with his hand resting on his sword, his expression still dark and his eyes cold as a serpent. As he sneered to himself, he suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves outside—steady and powerful—accompanied by the clashing of weapons. A burly warrior clad in heavy armor was riding back and forth on horseback, wielding a Fangtian Halberd as if on guard.
Dong Zhuo frowned and turned to Li Ru. "Who is that?"
Li Ru's expression changed slightly as he lowered his voice. "My Lord, that is Ding Yuan's sworn brother, Lü Bu, styled Fengxian. This man is renowned for his bravery in battle and is known as a fierce tiger among men. His appearance now likely serves to intimidate us; my Lord must not act rashly."
Dong Zhuo regarded Lü Bu with a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. He snorted coldly and waved his hand dismissively. "It would be wise to avoid him for now; let us see how long this fierce tiger can be so arrogant."
With that, he turned and vanished into the shadows of the garden while Lü Bu remained outside, an unyielding barrier that could not be crossed.
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