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Diao Chan stepped gracefully into the room, her pearl-like veil framing her face, a hint of shyness evident between her brows. Dressed in light gauze reminiscent of the frost moon, she moved with the elegance of a lotus floating on water, yet exuded an undeniable confidence. Upon seeing her, Lu Bu felt a storm surge within him. He caught his breath and couldn't help but whisper, "Who is this woman?"
Wang Yun smiled as he sipped from his cup, his tone gentle yet laced with a hint of testing. "This is my daughter, Diao Chan. She is rather unrefined and may not catch the general's eye. It is only because of your kindness towards this old man that I dared to let her come and serve you."
Lu Bu quickly rose to decline, but his eyes remained fixed on Diao Chan. Words escaped him; she seemed like a celestial being descended from the heavens, each step she took resonating in his heart. Diao Chan lowered her head slightly and spoke in a voice as clear as spring water, "I would like to toast the general with this cup, to thank you for your long-standing kindness towards my father."
She held up the cup delicately, standing gracefully as her gaze brushed over Lu Bu. In that moment, it was as if the stars had aligned, casting an ethereal glow that enveloped Lu Bu in a trance. He hastily accepted the cup, his fingertips trembling slightly. As their fingers brushed together, warmth surged through him, yet he dared not meet her gaze and murmured softly, "Your kindness is overwhelming; I am unworthy."
Seeing that Lu Bu was already captivated, Wang Yun feigned drunkenness and laughed heartily. "My boy, why don’t you pour the general a few more cups? My family relies entirely on the general's protection; shouldn't you express your gratitude?"
Diao Chan smiled gently and refilled the wine jug before rising gracefully again to offer wine to Lu Bu. As she leaned slightly forward, her hair swayed with her movement, leaving a lingering fragrance in the air. Lu Bu was mesmerized; his blood raced within him, yet he fought to suppress his growing agitation and steadied the cup in his hand.
"There’s no need for you to be so formal; please... have a seat," Lu Bu's voice was slightly choked, but his eyes remained glued to her.
Diao Chan pretended to hesitate, glancing anxiously at Wang Yun as if seeking permission. Wang Yun raised an eyebrow and smiled knowingly. "The general and I are like brothers; what harm is there in my daughter sitting down?"
Only then did Diao Chan gently take her seat beside Wang Yun, positioning herself elegantly as if painted by a master artist—perfectly balancing charm and grace. She occasionally lowered her head to avoid Lu Bu's intense gaze but would occasionally glance up, her eyes striking like shooting stars directly hitting Lu Bu's heart.
Lu Bu stared blankly at Diao Chan, completely forgetting the cup in his hand. His gaze resembled that of a parched desert yearning for rain—unabashedly revealing his infatuation while also hinting at a suppressed pain. He felt himself spiraling into an uncontrollable vortex centered around this seemingly fragile woman.
As the wine flowed freely, Lu Bu began to feel tipsy but remained entranced by Diao Chan's presence, as if he were an eagle surveying its prey, trying to see through every layer of her facade. Diao Chan lowered her gaze slightly while pouring wine with graceful composure; however, there was an underlying hint of feigned timidity that made Lu Bu pay closer attention to every subtle expression she displayed.
Wang Yun set down his cup and spoke casually yet with an undertone of probing humor. "General, I am just an old man with nothing of value except this daughter of mine. Since you have taken a liking to her, why not take her as your companion? Would that be agreeable?"
Lu Bu's senses sharpened at these words; he stared intently at Wang Yun as if confirming he had not misheard. He was momentarily speechless before placing down his cup and bowing deeply. His voice trembled with barely contained joy as he declared, "If such kindness is bestowed upon me, Lu Bu would willingly devote himself entirely and never betray your trust!"
Wang Yun laughed heartily, his face radiating paternal warmth. "The general values loyalty and righteousness; I naturally trust you. We shall choose an auspicious day to send my daughter to your residence so she can serve you well."
Overwhelmed with joy, Lu Bu didn’t know where to place his hands as excitement coursed through him. He raised his cup again for another toast while frequently glancing at Diao Chan. Feeling his burning gaze upon her, she maintained her composed demeanor but occasionally tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—revealing a subtle shyness and tenderness that was hard to miss. The exchange of glances between them crackled like silent fireworks in the night sky—filled with an indescribable thrill.
As the banquet was coming to an end, Wang Yun feigned a sigh of helplessness. "I had originally hoped to persuade the General to stay for a while, but the situation is ever-changing, and I fear the Grand Tutor may become suspicious. I must ask the General to return home first, and we can discuss this matter in detail another day."
Although Lu Bu was reluctant to leave, he understood the gravity of the situation. He bowed deeply several times, expressing his gratitude for Wang Yun's hospitality. Just before he departed, he couldn't help but glance back at Diao Chan one more time. His gaze was filled with flames of desire, nearly exposing the fervor that burned within him.
Diao Chan remained seated, watching Lu Bu leave. When their eyes met, her lowered eyelids delicately veiled her expression, but then she allowed a subtle smile to bloom, casting silent feelings toward Lu Bu like a gentle prick to his heart, making his steps heavier yet impossible to withdraw.
A few days later, in the court, Wang Yun observed Dong Zhuo sitting high on the dais, surveying the surroundings. Confirming that Lu Bu was absent, he prostrated himself on the ground and spoke with a respectful tone laced with calculation. "I dare to request that the Grand Tutor honor my humble abode with a visit for a modest banquet. Might the Grand Tutor be so gracious?"
Dong Zhuo leaned against the table, stroking his long beard with a glimmer of pride in his eyes. His voice was deep yet commanding. "If the Minister invites me, I shall certainly come."
Wang Yun bowed again, pressing his forehead to the ground. A barely perceptible smile flickered at the corner of his mouth as he took his leave to return home. Along the way, he maintained a calm demeanor, yet he tightly gripped the jade pendant in his hand, his knuckles turning pale as if suppressing some deeply buried emotion.
Upon returning home, Wang Yun immediately ordered preparations for a banquet. The kitchen was soon filled with smoke as various delicacies were meticulously prepared. The main hall was adorned with an exquisite carpet laid out in the center, flanked by luxurious drapes that hung down elegantly. The scene was both solemn and splendid, with every detail carefully arranged to convey an air of oppressive tranquility.
The next day at noon, Dong Zhuo arrived. His grand sedan chair stopped before Wang Yun's residence as he descended clad in golden armor, his imposing figure reminiscent of a mountain. His steps were steady yet carried a hint of laziness. Following him were over a hundred armored soldiers wielding bright halberds, creating an impenetrable barrier at the entrance. The townsfolk lined the streets at a distance, holding their breath in silence as they listened to the sound of armor clanking like ice blades scraping against stone.
Wang Yun, dressed in court attire, personally welcomed Dong Zhuo at the door and bowed deeply with sincere words: "It is truly an honor for my humble abode to receive the Grand Tutor's attention."
Dong Zhuo laughed heartily as he stepped down from the sedan chair. His gaze swept over Wang Yun before he raised his hand in gesture for him to rise. "There’s no need for such formalities from you, Minister. Why be so overly polite?"
After exchanging pleasantries for a moment, Dong Zhuo entered the residence with Wang Yun following closely behind. The soldiers formed a tight perimeter around the hall; their gleaming halberds reflecting cold light created an atmosphere so oppressive it felt almost suffocating.
Wang Yun bowed once more but showed no signs of unease. He lifted his head and smiled as he said, "The Grand Tutor possesses exceptional talent and virtue that far surpasses ancient figures like Yi Yin or Duke Zhou; you are truly a rare statesman of our time."
Upon hearing this praise, Dong Zhuo's face lit up with delight as he exclaimed repeatedly, "The Minister truly knows how to recognize talent! Well said!" As he spoke, he took his seat at the head of the table and casually accepted a jade cup offered by a servant before drinking it all in one gulp.
During the banquet, music and dance filled the air with joyous melodies. Wang Yun maintained an impassive demeanor as he raised his cup in salute to Dong Zhuo, showering him with compliments while his gaze flickered over the shadows cast by the soldiers standing guard—assessing the risks and rewards of this game they were playing. His tone was gentle and slow; each word struck at Dong Zhuo's inflated ego perfectly, causing him to revel in his own grand illusions completely absorbed in self-admiration.
Dong Zhuo laughed heartily as he set down his wine cup, slapping the table and exclaiming, "The Minister truly understands my intentions! This gathering is indeed delightful!" However, the casual pressure he exuded still hung over the hall like dark clouds, making every attendant too nervous to raise their heads.
As night fell and the lights began to glow, the air was thick with the scent of wine. Dong Zhuo's intoxication grew stronger, yet the vigilance in his brow had slightly relaxed. Wang Yun's eyes flickered as he raised his cup in a toast, his tone gentle but laden with deeper meaning. "The night is deep, and the front hall is noisy. Why not invite the Grand Tutor to the Back Hall for a moment of rest? I have some words I wish to share with you."
Dong Zhuo squinted, pondering for a moment before waving his hand and quietly ordering the guards to withdraw. "Stay outside and do not enter without my command!" The guards responded in unison and swiftly dispersed, leaving behind a heavy silence.
Inside the Back Hall, candlelight flickered, casting mottled shadows on the golden-patterned screens and redwood furniture. The atmosphere was both serene and oppressive. Dong Zhuo reclined on a couch, appearing relaxed as his plump fingers lightly tapped on his wine cup, his gaze somewhat distant. "Minister, do you have any more brilliant insights to share with me?"
Wang Yun lifted his wine cup and took small steps closer, wearing a humble smile as he spoke slowly yet firmly. "Since childhood, I have delved into astronomy and often observed celestial phenomena. Recently, while gazing at the heavens at night, I discovered that the Han family's Dragon Qi has significantly waned, clearly unable to support the dynasty."
Dong Zhuo narrowed his eyes slightly; interest flickered beneath his previously lazy demeanor. "Oh? Please continue."
Wang Yun considered for a moment before moving closer and whispering, "And you, Grand Tutor, are unparalleled in merit and renown; there is no one today who can rival you. How is this different from Yao and Yu of the Shun Dynasty inheriting from Shun? It aligns perfectly with the will of heaven."
Dong Zhuo paused in surprise, scanning Wang Yun's face with an amused expression. "Minister, your words seem overly flattering. What virtue or ability do I possess to compare myself to ancient sages?"
Wang Yun smiled slightly, his gaze deep yet unwaveringly certain. "Throughout history, it has always been those with virtue who occupy positions of power while those without retreat. This is the way of heaven and human sentiment; how could you not know this, Grand Tutor?"
Dong Zhuo fell silent for a moment before bursting into loud laughter that echoed through the room. His voice was rough yet booming as he exclaimed, "Hahaha! Minister, you certainly speak amusingly! If it truly is heaven's mandate that belongs to me, then you shall be my great benefactor!"
He raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, fixing an intense gaze on Wang Yun as if he had already regarded him as a trusted confidant. In the candlelight, Dong Zhuo's imposing figure radiated pressure while Wang Yun resembled a cautious old fox waiting for an opportunity—his face showed no signs of emotion while his inner calculations quietly unfolded.
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