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The night wind was chilling, and the torches outside the tent flickered, casting shadows on Lü Bu's face that shifted between light and dark. In one hand, he held the bloodied Fangtian Halberd, while the other gripped the dagger at his waist. His steps were heavy yet resolute as he strode directly toward Ding Yuan's main tent. The light within illuminated the curtain, and through the dimness, one could see Ding Yuan reading by candlelight, surrounded by an eerie silence.
Lü Bu lifted the tent flap, and a gust of cold wind rushed in, causing the candlelight to waver. Ding Yuan looked up, and upon seeing Lü Bu, a warm smile spread across his face. "Fengxian, it's so late. What brings you here to report?"
Lü Bu stood at the entrance, his gaze dark and uncertain. After a moment of silence, he stepped forward. His voice was low but laced with suppressed anger. "Ding Yuan, I am Lü Bu, a man of honor. Why must I endure your oppression for your son?"
Ding Yuan was taken aback for a moment, setting down his scroll with a furrowed brow and a tone of confusion. "Fengxian, what do you mean? I treat you like my own son; how can you speak of oppression?"
Lü Bu let out a cold laugh and drew his dagger, its blade glinting ominously in the candlelight. He stepped closer, his eyes sharp as knives. "Son? Don't mistake your charity for kindness! You know full well that I possess great talent, yet you confine me to this camp as your subordinate. Do you not find that laughable?"
At these words, Ding Yuan's expression changed dramatically as he rose to his feet, his eyes filled with shock and disappointment. He shouted angrily, "Fengxian! I have treated you with utmost kindness and trust; how can you utter such treasonous words? Do you not realize that everything you have now is given by me, Ding Yuan?"
Lü Bu's gaze turned icy; no trace of affection remained on his face. He spoke softly but firmly, "My talent and strength do not need to rely on anyone, especially not on a mediocre man like you!" Before he finished speaking, he struck down with his dagger, a flash of cold light silencing Ding Yuan's voice.
Ding Yuan's head rolled to the ground, blood gushing forth and staining the carpet within the tent. His unclosed eyes were filled with terror and resentment, as if even in death he questioned Lü Bu about the reason for this fatal blow.
Lü Bu wiped the blood from his blade and cast a cold glance around before walking to the entrance of the tent. His voice was harsh and commanding: "Ding Yuan is dead! He was unkind; thus I killed him! Will you follow me, Lü Bu, or will you leave? Decide quickly!"
Outside the tent, the soldiers fell into a deathly silence. They exchanged glances filled with both fear and confusion. Lü Bu's reputation was formidable; his martial prowess was unquestionable. Yet this act of betrayal and regicide sent chills down their spines. Some soldiers bowed their heads in silence, quietly dropping their weapons to the ground before turning to leave; others hesitated for a moment but ultimately chose to stay.
Lü Bu coldly observed it all, his gaze devoid of remorse or emotion.
The next morning, sunlight pierced through the mist, illuminating the desolate mountain path. Lü Bu rode atop Red Hare with an imposing presence, carrying Ding Yuan's severed head at his waist and an icy demeanor in his eyes. He galloped swiftly until he reached Dong Zhuo's camp where Li Su awaited him.
As Li Su saw Lü Bu approach on horseback and noticed the bloodied head he bore, a cold smile crept across his face. He stepped forward and lowered his voice. "Indeed, brother; your methods are impressive! With this achievement, Duke Dong will surely regard you as a trusted confidant."
Lü Bu nodded coldly, dismounted, and tossed the head of Ding Yuan to Li Su. "Take me to see Duke Dong."
Before long, Lü Bu followed Li Su into Dong Zhuo's grand tent. Inside, the golden armor gleamed in the light, and Dong Zhuo sat on the main seat, his expression filled with anticipation. When he saw the head in Lü Bu's hand, excitement flashed in his eyes. He laughed heartily, stood up, and quickly walked toward Lü Bu.
"General!" Dong Zhuo's voice was loud and full of enthusiasm as he deeply bowed. "Today, with your assistance, it is like a drought-stricken seedling receiving much-needed rain. This battle will no longer be a challenge for the world!"
Lü Bu was slightly taken aback; Dong Zhuo's demeanor surprised him. After a moment of thought, he returned the bow with a hint of humility in his tone. "Duke Dong's kindness I will remember in my heart. If you do not mind, I would like to call you my adoptive father to repay your kindness today."
Dong Zhuo laughed heartily and waved his hand to help Lü Bu up. "Good! Good! Since that's the case, we are family now!"
Immediately, Dong Zhuo ordered someone to bring a golden armor robe and personally draped it over Lü Bu. He also gifted him a jade belt and a treasured sword. Holding Lü Bu's hand, they sat down together to drink, the atmosphere lively as if they were long-lost close friends.
As they drank to their hearts' content, Dong Zhuo, feeling merry from the wine, slapped the table and exclaimed, "Lü Bu, your arrival truly gives me wings! As long as you are here, my great cause will be as stable as Mount Tai!"
Lü Bu smiled slightly, raised his cup, and spoke respectfully. "Adoptive father has a heart for the world; I am willing to assist you with my life and clear the path ahead!"
The tent was filled with laughter and joy; however, sitting nearby was Li Ru, who remained calm throughout. Waiting until the banquet began to wind down and Dong Zhuo's spirits had eased somewhat, he quietly approached and advised in a low voice, "My Lord, now that Lü Bu has pledged his loyalty and his power is growing stronger, we cannot delay any longer. The matter of succession must be decided soon; otherwise, prolonged uncertainty may lead to unforeseen changes."
Dong Zhuo's smile faded as he furrowed his brow. After pondering for a moment, he replied softly, "You are right; this matter cannot be postponed any further. Tomorrow, I will summon all officials to Wen Ming Garden to discuss affairs and announce the succession plan in person."
Li Ru smiled slightly, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. "My Lord is indeed wise; this move will surely make the world follow suit."
That day, Dong Zhuo held a grand banquet for the officials in Luoyang Palace. The scene was extravagant but suffocatingly tense. Lü Bu was fully armored, standing behind Dong Zhuo with his Fangtian Halberd in hand. A group of fully armed soldiers stood beside him with stern expressions, as if any rustle could trigger deadly violence.
All the officials had gathered, from Tai Chuan and Yuan Wei to the ordinary court attendants, none dared to arrive late or speak freely. After several rounds of wine, Dong Zhuo, his face flushed, stood up, drawing the treasured sword from his waist. The blade glinted coldly in the light, resembling a venomous snake poised to strike. His voice was deep and powerful, cutting through the murmurs in the hall: "Gentlemen, I have summoned you today to discuss an important matter."
The ministers lowered their heads in silence, the only sound being the faint crackling of the torches.
Dong Zhuo walked to the center of the banquet, his gaze sweeping over each trembling face. He let out a cold laugh and slowly spoke: "The Emperor is young and incompetent, utterly incapable of managing the affairs of the realm. Such a weak person cannot serve the ancestral temple or stabilize the state. I, Dong Zhuo, cannot bear to see the people suffer. Today, I have decided to follow the precedents set by Yi Yin and Huo Guang, to depose the current Emperor and confer upon him the title of Prince of Hongnong, while establishing the King of Chenliu as the new Emperor. What do you all think?"
At these words, shock rippled through the hall; ministers exchanged glances but no one dared to speak. The air felt frozen. Dong Zhuo surveyed them with a cold smile, lightly waving his sword as he raised his voice: "Whoever does not comply will see just how sharp this sword is!"
At that moment, fear gripped the ministers as they lowered their heads to avoid his gaze. But amidst this oppressive silence, a cold snort shattered it: "Dong Zhuo, you are too arrogant!"
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Central Army Lieutenant Yuan Shao standing up, his expression stern and his gaze piercing Dong Zhuo. He strode to the center of the hall and looked directly at Dong Zhuo with unwavering resolve: "The Emperor has only been on the throne for a few years and has not committed any wrongdoing. Yet you wish to depose him in favor of a lesser heir; this is treason! How can you face the world after such actions?"
Dong Zhuo's eyes narrowed dangerously as he angled his sword toward Yuan Shao, his voice low like thunder about to strike: "Yuan Shao, I hold absolute power over this realm; why must I consult you on matters of succession? If you dare utter another word, do you think my sword is not sharp enough?"
In response, Yuan Shao did not retreat but advanced instead. He let out a cold laugh and drew his own treasured sword, pointing it at Dong Zhuo: "Dong Zhuo, your sword may be sharp, but do you think mine is dull? If you dare commit treason today, do not blame me for drawing my sword against you!"
The two swords faced each other, their blades shimmering ominously in the candlelight as murderous intent filled the entire hall. Dong Zhuo was momentarily taken aback; he had expected all officials to fear him like a tiger but did not anticipate Yuan Shao's bold defiance or that he would draw his sword in opposition. Narrowing his eyes with a dark expression, he smirked coldly: "Yuan Shao, you truly are audacious!"
Yuan Shao stood firm, sword pointed at Dong Zhuo as he retorted coldly: "If you dare depose the Emperor, all under heaven will rise against you! If I sit idly by today, how will I face others in the future?"
The two men's imposing presence clashed fiercely in the air as if a bloody battle could erupt at any moment.
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