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Wang Yun respectfully bowed and expressed with a hint of deliberate enthusiasm, "Grand Tutor, your kindness is deeply appreciated. However, the arrangements in this hall are humble, and the music from the academy cannot match your esteemed status. Nonetheless, we have some modest performances at home that might provide a bit of entertainment."
Dong Zhuo's drunken eyes opened slightly, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth as he spoke with interest, "Oh? I would like to see if the treasures from Minister of Works' Residence are truly unique."
Wang Yun quickly clapped his hands and commanded, "Lower the curtains and prepare for music and dance!" As his words fell, the drapes slowly descended, revealing the dim glow of candlelight. The sound of wind instruments began to rise gradually, flowing like spring water, creating an atmosphere that was both tranquil and ambiguous.
Moments later, a graceful figure stepped lightly from behind the curtain. Diao Chan, dressed in flowing clouds of light gauze, with features as beautiful as a painting, moved with the grace of willow catkins in the wind, resembling a celestial maiden descending to earth. She danced to the rhythm of the music, each turn infused with delicate emotion that entwined itself around everyone's hearts, capturing Dong Zhuo's gaze entirely. Instinctively, he sat up straight, his fingers lightly tapping on the armrest, his eyes focused like a beast stalking its prey, a smile unconsciously appearing at the corners of his mouth.
As the music faded, Diao Chan elegantly turned and knelt behind the curtain, her figure disappearing into the folds while leaving behind a hazy silhouette and a fragrance like orchids.
A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed Dong Zhuo's eyes as he commanded imperiously, "Bring that beauty here! I want to see what kind of enchantress can captivate me so completely."
Diao Chan slowly rose, her steps as light as a cat's as she approached Dong Zhuo. She bowed gracefully and spoke softly, "This humble girl is Diao Chan, paying my respects to Grand Tutor."
Dong Zhuo squinted his eyes and scrutinized her closely, his gaze burning like fire, leaving no place for her to hide. He couldn't help but express unreserved admiration, "Minister Wang, this woman possesses heavenly beauty; how can she only serve in your household? What is her true identity?"
Wang Yun smiled slightly and replied casually, "She is merely a singing girl from my home who entertains us occasionally. To catch Grand Tutor's eye is indeed her fortune."
Dong Zhuo nodded in satisfaction but did not let go of his inquiry. "Since she is a singing girl, surely she can sing a tune to enhance our drinking pleasure?"
Wang Yun nodded and said with a hint of testing in his tone, "Diao Chan, quickly take up your clappers and sing a song to entertain Grand Tutor." Following his instructions, Diao Chan rose again, holding the clappers in her hands. With her head bowed and standing sideways, she revealed just the right amount of shyness. She gently parted her lips; her voice flowed like rippling water, spreading out in layers and enveloping the entire Back Hall in an intoxicating atmosphere.
Dong Zhuo held his breath in concentration, leaning slightly forward as if afraid to miss any note. His gaze grew increasingly fervent; the smile on his lips gradually turned greedy like a beast that had just caught the scent of fresh meat.
Dong Zhuo, his face flushed and intoxicated, held a wine cup in his hand and laughed boisterously, "The beautiful lady dances so wonderfully, truly intoxicating!" He raised his cup toward Diao Chan, his tone laced with teasing, "My dear, how old are you?"
Diao Chan slightly bowed and replied softly, her voice like pearls dropping on a plate, "I am but sixteen years old."
Dong Zhuo slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, "Indeed, you are a celestial fairy who has descended to the mortal realm today; this is a true marvel of the world!" His gaze unabashedly swept over Diao Chan's figure, his face filled with greed and ecstasy.
Wang Yun inclined slightly, his voice gentle yet deliberately cautious, "Grand Tutor's praises elevate Diao Chan. I intend to offer this girl to Grand Tutor as a gesture of gratitude. Might Grand Tutor be willing to accept her?"
Dong Zhuo's smile froze for a moment before he raised an eyebrow and feigned reluctance, "How could I dare to accept such generosity from the Minister? How can I repay this kindness?"
Wang Yun quickly shook his head, his expression sincere and humble, "For Diao Chan to serve Grand Tutor is her fortune; there is no need for Grand Tutor to speak of repayment."
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, overflowing with joy as he repeatedly expressed his thanks. The excitement in his eyes was nearly spilling over. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Yun ordered someone to prepare a carriage to send Diao Chan to the Prime Minister's Residence. Dong Zhuo stood up to take his leave, and Wang Yun personally assisted him into the carriage, escorting him respectfully to the gate without revealing any hint of unusualness.
The night breeze was cool, and the lanterns flickered dimly. On his way back on horseback, Wang Yun's thoughts surged like turbulent waters, yet he suppressed the frown on his brow. As he rode over a bridge, two rows of red lights suddenly illuminated ahead, casting a blood-red glow on the road. Accompanying this were the sounds of horse hooves like a sudden downpour. There appeared Lü Bu riding Red Hare, wielding the Fangtian Halberd, rushing towards him like a gale, his face dark and eyes burning with fury.
"Minister!" Lü Bu reined in his horse and grabbed Wang Yun by the collar with one hand. His voice was low but erupted like thunder, "You have promised Diao Chan to me yet today you send her to Dong Zhuo! What does this mean? How dare you toy with me like this!"
Wang Yun was taken aback, his face pale as he hurriedly waved his hands in a gesture of pleading and calming, "General, please calm your anger; this is not the place for discussion! Come with me back to the Grass Hut; allow me to explain in detail!"
Lü Bu's eyes still burned with rage as the decorated halberd in his hand trembled slightly as if suppressing the fury within him. After a moment of silence, he coldly stared at Wang Yun before gritting his teeth and speaking softly but firmly, "Fine! But if you do not give me an explanation, do not blame me for turning ruthless."
Lü Bu followed Wang Yun back to the residence. The two traveled in silence; the atmosphere was tense like a tightly drawn bowstring. Upon entering the Back Hall, the flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls that seemed to amplify every ounce of pressure in the room.
Wang Yun wearily took his seat, first cupping his hands in salute to Lu Bu, his voice tinged with a hint of anxious calm. "General, did you become angry on the road because of something Old Man did?"
Lu Bu violently tossed his cloak aside, his gaze sharp as a blade as it pierced through Wang Yun. "Does the Minister still need to ask? Someone told me that you sent Diao Chan to the Prime Minister's Residence! What is going on?"
Wang Yun lowered his head in contemplation for a moment before raising it again, his expression filled with helplessness and a touch of grievance. "General, you may not know this, but Old Man would never dare to act on his own! This matter was brought up by the Grand Tutor himself; I truly had no choice."
Lu Bu furrowed his brow, his eyes growing even sharper. "Explain clearly what happened."
Wang Yun sighed, his tone filled with deep resignation and cautious self-preservation. "Yesterday in court, the Grand Tutor personally summoned Old Man and said he had matters to discuss at my humble abode. How could I dare to neglect him? I prepared a feast in anticipation. Unexpectedly, during the revelry, the Grand Tutor suddenly said: 'I have heard that there is a girl in the Minister of Works' Residence named Diao Chan, who has been promised to my son Fengxian. But I fear this matter is not yet settled; I have come to verify it in person and wish to see this girl.'"
Upon hearing this, Lu Bu's pupils slightly contracted, but he remained silent, staring intently at Wang Yun.
Wang Yun continued, "With the Grand Tutor present, how could Old Man refuse? I had no choice but to summon Diao Chan to pay her respects. After seeing her, the Grand Tutor declared on the spot: 'Today is an auspicious day; I shall take this girl back to my residence as Fengxian's wife.' General, please consider this was stated directly by the Grand Tutor; if Old Man did not comply, great misfortune would surely follow. It was truly impossible to decline!"
Lu Bu remained silent for a long time, his hand trembling slightly around the Decorated Halberd as he struggled to suppress the tumultuous emotions within him. Finally, he spoke softly, guilt evident in his voice. "Minister, I misjudged you this time. My anger on the road earlier was indeed disrespectful. In the future, I shall come to apologize and make amends."
A hint of relief appeared on Wang Yun's face as he smiled gently, his tone warm and understanding. "Why would General say such things? Old Man would never blame you! It’s just that Diao Chan is still preparing her makeup and attire; once she is ready, I will certainly send her to your residence." He paused for a moment, his gaze deepening and a mysterious smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "General, please rest assured."
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