Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The next morning, the sound of war drums echoed outside Luoyang City. Someone hurriedly entered Dong Zhuo's tent and reported, "Ding Yuan has brought his troops to challenge us at the city gates, boldly provoking us. Please, Lord, make a swift decision!"
Dong Zhuo was leaning against the table, his expression cold. Upon hearing this, he slammed his hand on the table and rose abruptly. His face turned ashen as he gritted his teeth and muttered, "Ding Yuan, that old fool truly does not know when to quit! Li Ru, come with me; I want to see just how capable he really is."
Before long, Dong Zhuo was fully armored and led his iron-clad troops out of the city to confront the enemy, facing Ding Yuan's army across a stretch of desolate land. The banners of both sides fluttered in the wind, and the blades reflected the piercing sunlight of the morning, filling the battlefield with a murderous aura.
As the two armies lined up in formation, a figure suddenly rode out from Ding Yuan's ranks. He was tall and imposing, clad in brilliant armor. Wearing a golden crown with his hair tied back and donning a floral battle robe, his armor gleamed as if brand new. A lion-patterned belt adorned his waist, and in his hand was the Fangtian Halberd that shimmered coldly. The sound of his horse's hooves thundered like rolling thunder. As he appeared, it was as if a meteor streaked across the sky, capturing everyone's attention.
Dong Zhuo frowned slightly, feeling a twinge of fear but even more greed. He looked at Lü Bu's sharply defined face and coldly remarked, "A fierce tiger, is it? If he can be used for my purposes, he will be a valuable asset; if he stands against me, then he must be eliminated swiftly."
Lü Bu rode Red Hare to the front lines and swung his Fangtian Halberd with a voice like thunder: "Dong Zhuo! Do you still recognize my adoptive father Ding Jianyang?"
Following this, Ding Yuan galloped forward and pointed directly at Dong Zhuo, angrily rebuking him: "Dong Zhuo! The nation is in turmoil due to eunuchs wielding power; the common people are suffering greatly. Yet you have contributed nothing but dare to speak of deposing the emperor and disrupting court affairs! What exactly are your intentions?"
Dong Zhuo looked at Ding Yuan with a cold glint in his eyes. He sneered and rode a few steps closer, his voice sharp as a blade: "Ding Yuan, what right do you have to speak to me like that? You are nothing but a decaying old man who can't even defend your own territory yet dares to challenge me, Dong Zhuo?!"
Furious, Ding Yuan glanced back at Lü Bu and shouted: "Fengxian! Let this treacherous minister see your strength today!"
Just as Dong Zhuo was about to retort to Ding Yuan, Lü Bu suddenly charged forward on horseback with his halberd raised like a fierce tiger pouncing on Dong Zhuo. His Red Hare moved like lightning, closing in on Dong Zhuo's position within moments. The Fangtian Halberd glimmered ominously as it descended with destructive force.
"Protect the Lord!" Dong Zhuo's guards cried out in alarm as they quickly raised their weapons to block Lü Bu's attack. However, Lü Bu effortlessly swept through them with his halberd; several guards fell instantly to the ground, blood staining the earth. His gaze was icy and merciless, leaving Dong Zhuo drenched in sweat.
Dong Zhuo hastily pulled on the reins and retreated on horseback while shouting urgently: "Fall back! Fall back!" Lü Bu pursued relentlessly from behind; each swing of his halberd claimed lives, creating a scene as terrifying as hell itself.
"Lu Bu, do you dare to stand against me, Dong Zhuo?" Dong Zhuo shouted angrily, though his tone betrayed a hint of fear.
"Dong Zhuo!" Lu Bu's voice rang out like a thunderclap, his spear pointed directly at Dong Zhuo's back. "Do you think you are worthy to flaunt your power in this world? Today marks your end!"
In a moment of crisis, Ding Yuan's army surged forward, arrows raining down like a storm. Dong Zhuo's soldiers cried out in agony as they fell one by one. Realizing the dire situation, Dong Zhuo urged his mount to retreat at full speed, desperately trying to carve out an escape route. His soldiers had already scattered, fleeing in groups, completely devoid of the will to fight.
After his victory, Lu Bu halted his horse and watched Dong Zhuo flee into the distance, a look of disdain in his eyes. "A coward who can only run for his life dares to speak of power and authority? What a joke!"
Dong Zhuo's army retreated thirty miles away, setting up camp in a disheveled state. Inside the tent, Dong Zhuo's face was ashen, his fingers drumming forcefully on the table, his eyes filled with resentment. His voice was low and thunderous like a rumble from the depths of the earth. "Lu Bu... this arrogant fool dares to humiliate me! If I do not eliminate him, what face do I have left?"
Li Ru stood nearby, frowning slightly as he spoke in a deep voice. "My Lord, Lu Bu's bravery is indeed formidable. If we confront him head-on, it may not end well. It would be wise to seek another strategy."
Dong Zhuo snorted coldly, his expression clearing somewhat as he gazed thoughtfully. "Though Lu Bu is fierce, he has a fatal weakness. This man is driven by greed; if I can win him over to my side, how can I fear for the stability of the realm?"
The generals within the tent began to murmur among themselves, hesitant to offer suggestions. Just then, a man entered from outside the tent with an air of confidence. He clasped his fists in greeting and spoke with calm assurance. "My Lord need not worry. I am from the same hometown as Lu Bu and know his character well. Though he is brave, he is shallow-minded and easily tempted. If we offer him a significant benefit, he will surely betray his lord and come under your command."
Dong Zhuo looked at this man with a glimmer of expectation and skepticism in his eyes. "Oh? Are you truly confident you can persuade this proud tiger?"
The man smiled slightly and replied firmly, "Though Lu Bu is valiant, he is also greedy for fame and fortune. With my silver tongue, I can make him willingly hand over the Fangtian Halberd and bow down before you."
Hearing this man's confident proposal, Dong Zhuo scrutinized him closely. The man was robustly built and exuded an air of competence; there was shrewdness in his brow. Dong Zhuo smiled faintly, adding a note of challenge to his tone. "Who are you to boast that you can entice Lu Bu into treachery?"
The man clasped his fists again and answered proudly, "I am Li Su from the Tiger Ben Cavalry. Having served long in the army, I am well aware of Lu Bu's nature. He is unmatched in bravery but blinded by greed for wealth and fame. Just offer him something that piques his interest, and he will undoubtedly betray Ding Yuan and come to serve you."
Hearing this, Dong Zhuo's eyes brightened slightly, though he still harbored some doubts. "Li Su, since you dare to propose such a grand plan, tell me, how will you win over Lü Bu?"
Li Su smiled faintly, his tone filled with conviction. "My Lord, you possess a magnificent steed named Red Hare, which can travel a thousand miles a day and traverse water and mountains as if they were flat ground. This horse is extraordinary, rare in the world. Additionally, with some golden jewelry to entice him and words of loyalty and righteousness to persuade him, Lü Bu will surely present you with the Fangtian Halberd and pledge his allegiance to you."
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo furrowed his brow slightly, seemingly reluctant. "Red Hare is a treasure I have cherished for many years; why should I give it away?"
Li Su clasped his fists and replied, "My Lord, while Red Hare is precious, it is ultimately just a horse. If Lü Bu were to submit to you, his martial prowess would be worth more than ten thousand troops. What joy is there in exchanging one horse for a peerless general?"
Dong Zhuo remained hesitant and turned to Li Ru beside him. "What do you think of this plan? Do you believe it is worth it?"
Li Ru's expression was calm as he slightly cupped his hands in respect. His tone carried a hint of reassurance. "My Lord, this is indeed a critical moment that will determine the fate of the realm. Lü Bu is unmatched in bravery; if we gain his support, unifying the world will be within your grasp. A horse, a few pearls—compared to great ambitions, what are they worth?"
Dong Zhuo lowered his head in thought for a moment before finally looking up and laughing heartily. "Well said! What is one horse? As long as it can bring Lü Bu to serve me, even a thousand gold pieces for this horse would be worth it!"
With a wave of his hand, he commanded boldly, "Bring my Red Hare here! Also reward him with a thousand taels of gold, dozens of pearls, and a jade belt—all given to Li Su."
Moments later, Red Hare was led before the tent. The horse was entirely red like fire, its mane shimmering with golden light. Its strong body exuded an imposing aura as it stood there lightly pawing the ground, its gaze sharp as a sword.
Li Su looked at Red Hare with inner delight. He mounted the horse and tightened the reins before cupping his hands toward Dong Zhuo. "My Lord, rest assured; once I take this horse and the gold and pearls to Lü Bu, he will surely abandon Ding Yuan and come under your banner!" With that, he spurred the horse and rode off into the swirling yellow sand.
Comment 0 Comment Count