Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Wang Yun held Yuan Shao's secret letter, his face filled with worry for several days, unable to sleep at night. He was well aware of Dong Zhuo's brutality and suspicion; if he acted carelessly, it could bring disaster to the entire court and the common people. Yet, how could he bear to watch the Han Dynasty fall into Dong Zhuo's hands?
One day, while at Shiban Pavilion, Wang Yun unexpectedly encountered a group of old ministers. Seeing their weathered faces now filled with sorrow, he felt a mix of sadness and anger. He smiled faintly and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Today is the birthday of this old man. I do not dare to invite you to a grand celebration; I only wish for you all to come to my humble abode for a few cups of light wine."
The crowd was slightly taken aback but responded in unison, "We will certainly attend to celebrate Sima Da Ren's birthday."
As night fell, Wang Yun's residence was adorned with lanterns and decorations. The banquet had already been set up in the Back Hall to welcome the ministers. Once all the guests were seated and after several rounds of drinks, Wang Yun suddenly turned grave, covering his face and weeping, tears streaming down his beard. The guests were astonished.
"Sima Da Ren, what does this mean?" an elderly Minister of Rites asked in confusion. "Today is your joyous day; why do you suddenly weep?"
Wang Yun slowly raised his head, tears in his eyes, his voice low and pained: "Gentlemen, I must not hide this from you; today is not my birthday. I invited you all under the pretense of a feast to prevent Dong Zhuo from becoming suspicious." He tightened his grip on his wine cup, his tone rising with passion. "Since Gao Huangdi established the realm, how many loyal ministers and good generals have sacrificed their lives for our Han Dynasty? Yet now, our state is thrown into chaos by Dong Zhuo alone! He deposes emperors and installs kings at will, killing without mercy; the heavens are angry, and the common people suffer! What grieves me is that we, as court officials, have no plans or power to reverse this situation while we watch the Han Dynasty plunge into the abyss!"
Before Wang Yun finished speaking, many in the room could no longer hold back their tears and sighed deeply. However, amidst this atmosphere of sorrow, a sudden loud laugh pierced through.
The crowd turned to see a man leaning casually against the table, his eyes sharp and cold—it was Xiaoqi Xiaowei Cao Cao. He clapped his hands and laughed mockingly, "Here we have a room full of officials who can only wash their faces with tears. Gentlemen, even if you cry all night until dawn or weep until night falls again, do you think that will kill Dong Zhuo?"
Wang Yun's expression changed dramatically as he shouted angrily, "Cao Mengde! Your ancestors received great favor from the Han; instead of repaying it, you dare to mock us here?"
Cao Cao smiled slightly, his tone calm yet sharp: "Yun Gong, I am not laughing at anything else; I am laughing at how you all know only sorrow but none can raise a hand to kill the thief! Dong Zhuo wields immense power; if we do not behead him publicly, how can our nation continue?"
Wang Yun fixed his gaze on him and tentatively asked, "Mengde, do you have any clever plans?"
Cao Cao's expression sharpened as he sat up straight and whispered: "Recently I have willingly submitted to Dong Zhuo's rule only to seek an opportunity to assassinate him. Now that he trusts me greatly, I can approach him and take his life when he is unguarded! I have heard that there is a Seven Star Treasure Blade in the Minister of Works' Residence that is incredibly sharp. If I could borrow it for this purpose, I would have no complaints about exchanging my life for a single strike!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Yun stood up excitedly, his eyes filled with gratitude: "Mengde truly has such resolve; the Han Dynasty will be saved!" He immediately ordered someone to fetch the treasured blade and handed it over to Cao Cao with both hands. "This blade now rests in your hands; it carries the lives of countless people. May Mengde succeed and leave a name for eternity!"
Cao Cao accepted the blade solemnly and knelt down to swear an oath: "If I can kill Dong Zhuo, I shall have no regrets in death! If I fail, may my life be given to heaven!" He drew the sword from its sheath; its cold light reflected on his face like a sharp ice blade cutting through darkness.
Wang Yun personally filled Cao Cao's cup with wine. Cao Cao drank it all in one gulp and declared loudly: "Tonight’s farewell may lead us down two paths—life or death. Gentlemen, if you see daylight again, be sure to protect our land!"
Cao Cao rose, adjusting his attire and concealing his blade, striding away without looking back. His silhouette vanished into the night, the glimmer of the blade resembling a beam of light tearing through the darkness.
The next morning, Cao Cao donned the Seven Star Treasure Blade and entered the Prime Minister's Residence. The morning sun bathed the courtyard in golden hues, while a thin mist lingered, enveloping everything in a soft glow. Cao Cao walked with steady steps, his gaze sharp as a blade. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand to push open the door. A servant approached and whispered, "The Prime Minister is resting in the cabinet."
Cao Cao nodded slightly and replied in a low voice, "No need to announce me; I will enter myself." His tone was calm as he continued through the courtyard straight to the cabinet. Each step felt like it was on the heartbeat of tension, ready to explode at any moment.
Upon entering, Dong Zhuo was reclining on a large intricately carved bed, idly playing with a translucent jade pendant, his gaze languid and relaxed. Lu Bu stood beside him like an iron tower, casting a cold glance at Cao Cao that held both disdain and wariness. Seeing Cao Cao enter, Dong Zhuo raised an eyebrow and laughed heartily, "Mengde, why do you arrive so late? You’ve kept me waiting!"
Cao Cao immediately bowed his head and clasped his hands respectfully, replying, "Prime Minister, forgive me; the roads were muddy, and my steed moved slowly, causing a delay."
Dong Zhuo waved his hand dismissively with a grin. "It's nothing but a small matter." He turned to Lu Bu with a hint of indulgence in his voice. "Fengxian, yesterday I had several fine horses brought from Xiliang; go choose one for Mengde as a reward."
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow slightly and replied coldly, "Yes." His gaze lingered on Cao Cao as if issuing a warning before he turned and left. The door slammed shut behind him, echoing in the room until only Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao remained.
Cao Cao stood still with his head bowed while turmoil raged within him. He thought to himself, "With Lu Bu gone, this is my chance. If I hesitate any longer, it could lead to endless troubles!" His hand slowly reached into his robe to grasp the hilt of the Seven Star Treasure Blade. A chill ran through his fingertips to his heart as beads of sweat quietly slipped down his forehead.
Dong Zhuo shifted slightly as if sensing something. He looked up at Cao Cao but then impatiently turned over onto his side with a heavy thud, facing away from him. "This bed is becoming more uncomfortable; I can’t even lie down properly!" His voice carried a hint of complaint but lacked any guard.
"Now's my chance!" Cao Cao silently roared in his heart as he drew the blade half an inch from its sheath. The cold gleam of the blade shimmered like a long-hidden serpent ready to strike.
He slowly pulled out the knife, fingers trembling as the cold light flickered in the candlelight. Just as he was about to bring it down, Dong Zhuo suddenly rolled over and glanced at the bronze mirror at the head of the bed. The mirror reflected everything behind him—Cao Cao holding the knife with its tip gleaming menacingly aimed at his back.
"Mengde!" Dong Zhuo shouted thunderously, his voice like thunderclaps. "What are you doing?" Before he finished speaking, he had sat up abruptly, fury and shock flashing in his eyes.
Lu Bu led an exceptionally glossy steed into the courtyard outside, exhaling warm breath as its hooves clicked sharply against the stone slabs. It stood tall with its head held high, eyes fierce as if awaiting its new master’s favor.
Hearing the commotion outside, Cao Cao's heart raced suddenly. He quickly suppressed his fear and unease, drawing forth the treasured blade from his sleeve and turning to kneel on the ground respectfully while raising the sword high with both hands. "I have brought this treasured blade for you, Prime Minister, as a token of my respect."
Dong Zhuo's gaze was drawn to the cold gleam of the blade as he reached out to take it, examining it closely. The sword was about a foot long, its scabbard adorned with seven treasures, exuding a deadly sharpness amidst its splendor. Dong Zhuo caressed the blade, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Indeed, this is a fine sword. Mengde is truly thoughtful!"
Standing nearby, Lü Bu narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a low voice, "This sword is incredibly sharp; it seems more suited for taking lives." Though his tone was calm, there was an underlying warning in his words.
Cao Cao looked up, his expression one of feigned humility as he hurriedly replied, "Though this sword is sharp, how could I dare to use it for harm? I brought it here solely to present it as a token of loyalty."
Dong Zhuo did not respond immediately but handed the sword to Lü Bu, gesturing for him to inspect it. Lü Bu drew the blade from its scabbard; the sharp edge glinted in the sunlight, blinding him momentarily. He snorted softly and returned the sword to its sheath, remaining silent.
"Enough of this, Lü Bu. Do not be overly suspicious," Dong Zhuo said with a faint smile as he returned the sword to Cao Cao. He then changed his tone. "Since Mengde is so sincere, let us go outside and take a look at this Western Liang Steed."
Dong Zhuo led Cao Cao to the horse and casually patted its mane, pride evident in his voice. "This horse has incredible endurance; traveling a thousand miles in a day is no problem at all. If Mengde finds it suitable, you might as well take it for a ride."
Cao Cao quickly clasped his hands in gratitude. "Prime Minister's kindness is overwhelming; how could I dare to disappoint!" With that, he swiftly took the saddle and reins, leading the horse out of the gates while secretly weighing Dong Zhuo's reactions.
Dong Zhuo stood still, watching as Cao Cao mounted the horse. He quietly instructed Lü Bu, "Keep an eye on him; if he makes any unusual moves, seize him immediately."
As Cao Cao settled into the saddle and cracked his whip, the sound of horse hooves echoed through the street. He urged the horse into a gallop, thinking to himself, "This place is not safe; if I stay any longer, my life may be at risk!" The hooves kicked up dust as the wind howled past his ears; gritting his teeth, he sped towards the city gates.
Lü Bu watched Cao Cao disappear into the distance, his brow furrowing deeper. Finally, he turned to Dong Zhuo and whispered, "This man's actions today are suspicious. Earlier in the hall, his behavior was odd; he likely intended to assassinate you but was exposed and then used the sword as a pretext to escape."
Dong Zhuo narrowed his eyes and coldly snorted. "I noticed some signs as well." His gaze followed Cao Cao's departing figure, an air of chill enveloping him.
Comment 0 Comment Count