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The night was as dark as ink, and the quiet Rear Garden was left with only a gentle breeze. Wang Yun, dressed in a robe, walked slowly forward, his gaze fixed on the trellis of blooming flowers, his heart heavy with sorrow like a thick fog. The brutal scenes of Dong Zhuo's tyranny lingered in his mind, the wanton slaughter and disregard for human life cutting him deeply. He gripped his cane tightly, murmuring to himself, "The fate of the Han is nearing its end. How can I face my ancestors?" His voice trembled with pain, and the cold night wind carried an air of desolation.
As he sank deeper into his thoughts, he suddenly heard a soft sigh coming from beside the Peony Pavilion. Startled, Wang Yun turned towards the sound and saw Diao Chan standing alone by the pavilion. The moonlight illuminated her jade-like face, highlighting her slightly furrowed brow. Her eyes were filled with an unspeakable sadness, her sighs like fine threads weaving through the night, adding a touch of melancholy.
Wang Yun asked in a deep voice, "Diao Chan, why are you awake at this late hour?" Though his tone was calm, it carried an undercurrent of pressure.
Diao Chan trembled slightly, turning to kneel on the ground. Her voice was steady but filled with deep respect. "My lord, I have seen you troubled for many days, and my heart is filled with worry. Though I dare not pry into court matters, seeing you unable to sleep each night and burdened by some weight makes me uneasy. Today, when I saw you enter the Rear Garden, I could not rest easy and came here to stand quietly. I did not mean to disturb you; I hope for your forgiveness."
After listening to her words, Wang Yun fell silent for a moment before suddenly letting out a long sigh. "I never expected that the one truly capable of sharing the burden of this world would be you, a woman!" His gaze turned resolute as if he had made a significant decision in that instant. "Come with me!"
Diao Chan looked up at Wang Yun's determined figure. Though she felt puzzled, she immediately bowed and complied, lightly lifting her skirts to follow closely behind him. The night wind blew gently as moonlight spilled onto the path, their figures gradually disappearing into the depths of the painting pavilion.
Wang Yun led Diao Chan into the pavilion where the candlelight was dim; only faint light illuminated their faces. He waved his hand to dismiss all the maidservants and then closed the door tightly. After ensuring no one was eavesdropping, he suddenly knelt on the ground and bowed deeply to Diao Chan.
Diao Chan was taken aback by this scene and hurriedly knelt down to support Wang Yun. Her voice trembled as she said, "My lord, what are you doing? What merit do I possess to receive such great honor from you?"
Wang Yun raised his head; his eyes were bloodshot and filled with sorrow as he spoke in a low and trembling voice. "Diao Chan, if it were not for our nation's peril, would I act this way? But now the Han is in grave danger; only you can help turn the tide!"
At this point, he could no longer control his emotions; tears streamed down his face as his lament echoed within the pavilion. Seeing Wang Yun's state filled Diao Chan with even greater anxiety. She softly asked, "My lord, since childhood I have been raised by you and regard you as my father; your kindness is as heavy as a mountain. I have long sworn to repay you with my life. Whatever command you give me, I will not refuse; please speak plainly!"
Wang Yun wiped away his tears with his sleeve and slowly rose to his feet. His gaze was piercing as he spoke gravely: "Now that Dong Zhuo is wreaking havoc and the emperor is imprisoned, the court is like ruins while the common people suffer greatly. Dong Zhuo is a beast who harms loyal subjects and oppresses the people—his crimes are beyond measure! The officials are powerless; only you can save this world!"
Upon hearing this, Diao Chan fell silent for a moment before pursing her lips; a glimmer of determination flashed in her eyes. "I am prepared to dedicate my life to the country; if it can save the world, what fear do I have of being shattered into pieces! My lord need only provide a plan; I will not retreat."
Wang Yun nodded, his expression growing heavier. "Dong Zhuo has an adopted son, Lu Bu. This man is incredibly brave, but he is also a slave to his desires. Dong Zhuo is even more depraved and ruthless, committing every kind of evil. Both father and son have fatal weaknesses. I want to use you as bait to sow discord between them, making Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo suspicious of each other, ultimately leading to Lu Bu killing Dong Zhuo himself. Only then can we eliminate the root of the problem!"
Diao Chan's eyes widened in shock at the danger of this plan, but she quickly composed herself and asked softly, "My lord, how exactly will this strategy unfold?"
Wang Yun gritted his teeth and continued, "I will first betroth you to Lu Bu, allowing him to fall in love with you at first sight. Then, I will present you to Dong Zhuo, using his greed to provoke Lu Bu's anger. As long as they turn against each other, Dong Zhuo's death will be assured!"
A determined light flickered in Diao Chan's eyes as she slowly knelt down. Her tone was calm yet filled with resolve. "Since I have been nurtured by your grace for many years, it is an honor to repay you with my life today. I will not betray your trust and will surely accomplish this task!"
Wang Yun looked at Diao Chan with pain and reluctance in his eyes. He spoke softly, "If this plan is leaked, not only will you be in danger, but my entire family will perish as well. Do you truly understand the peril involved?"
Diao Chan smiled faintly, a hint of sorrow in her expression but more determination than anything else. "Since I have made this promise, I have already set aside my life and death. If I cannot succeed, I would rather die beneath a thousand blades than live on without fulfilling this mission!"
Wang Yun bowed deeply, thanking Diao Chan for her resolve. The next morning, he summoned skilled artisans from his household and used treasured pearls he had collected over the years to craft a stunning golden crown. He personally wrapped it carefully and discreetly sent it to Lu Bu.
When Lu Bu received the crown and examined it closely, he marveled at the exquisite pearl inlays that sparkled brilliantly; even the fierce Red Hare seemed to toss its mane in response to the light. A look of pride flashed across his eyes as he smiled to himself, wondering why Minister Wang Yun was treating him so generously. Before long, Lu Bu personally brought several attendants with him to express his gratitude.
Upon learning that Lu Bu was coming in person, Wang Yun made sure to groom himself properly and waited at the door with a beaming smile to welcome him. "General's visit has truly brightened this humble abode!" he said while bowing deeply. Seeing this, Lu Bu hurriedly helped him up, looking somewhat uneasy. "I am just a mere warrior; how could I trouble Sima Da Ren with such great courtesy?"
Wang Yun smiled and replied, "There is no need for modesty! In today's world, the true hero is none other than you, General. I respect you not for your position but for your talent." This flattery made Lu Bu beam with delight as he repeatedly said, "Minister has overpraised me!"
Wang Yun personally assisted Lu Bu into the Back Hall where a feast awaited them. The table was laden with delicacies from land and sea while cups overflowed with fine wine, creating a lively atmosphere. Wang Yun raised his cup in salute: "Grand Preceptor Dong governs with virtue; the world admires him greatly; while your bravery is unmatched, General—truly a model of our times! I am filled with admiration and have specially arranged this banquet to express my heartfelt gratitude."
Lu Bu laughed heartily and drank deeply from his cup, unabashedly displaying his pride.
As the feast progressed and spirits rose high with wine flowing freely, Wang Yun dismissed all the servants from the hall except for a few maidens who attentively poured more wine. The atmosphere became even more cordial. Leaning slightly back in his seat with a relaxed demeanor, Lu Bu held up his cup and said with a smile, "With such generous treatment from Minister, though I may be unworthy, I shall certainly repay it with all my heart!"
Wang Yun saw that the moment had come. He set down his cup and said in a low voice, laced with a hint of mystery, "Bring my child to me."
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