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Cao Cao observed the scene with an outward calmness that belied the joy swelling within him. The recent duel had not only bolstered the morale of the allied forces but had also given him a profound appreciation for Guan Yu's valor. However, before he could utter more words, he noticed Zhang Fei stepping forward angrily from behind Liu Bei, shouting, "My brother has slain Hua Xiong with a single stroke! Why are we not seizing this momentum to storm the gates and capture Dong Zhuo alive? What are we waiting for?"
This loud outburst startled the lords within the tent, causing them to shudder slightly. It also ignited Yuan Shu's fury; he slammed his hand on the table and bellowed, "Even ministers show mutual respect among themselves. How dare a mere subordinate of a county magistrate act so brazenly here? Someone, throw them out of the tent!"
Hearing this, Zhang Fei's eyes flashed with anger, ready to retort, but Liu Bei pulled at his sleeve. Liu Bei whispered, "Brother Three, this is not the place for a verbal dispute; do not jeopardize our greater cause." Reluctantly, Zhang Fei stepped back, though his piercing gaze remained fixed on Yuan Shu as if he intended to pin him to the spot.
Cao Cao sensed the tension escalating and quickly rose to speak in a measured tone. "Why must you be so angry, Lord Yuan? Rewarding those who achieve merit is a common practice in the army; why should we be so concerned with status?"
Yuan Shu snorted derisively, his eyes filled with contempt. "If you all value a mere brash man under a county magistrate so highly, then I, Yuan Shu, shall take my leave and say no more." With that, he made as if to rise from his seat.
Cao Cao felt an urgency rising within him and hastily urged, "Lord Yuan, please remain calm! This is a united front against the traitor; how can we allow a disagreement over words to disrupt our greater strategy? I implore you to sit down and discuss our plans together."
Seeing all eyes upon him, Yuan Shu felt discontent yet knew it would be unwise to act further. He coldly resumed his seat. Cao Cao noted that Yuan Shu's anger had subsided and discreetly instructed someone to bring wine and beef to appease Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. He also ordered Gongsun Zan to temporarily escort the three back to their camp for rest to prevent further conflict.
Meanwhile, outside the gates, Hua Xiong's defeated troops fled back to Si Shui Pass in disarray and reported their defeat in detail. Li Su was taken aback upon hearing this news; he quickly wrote an urgent report and personally delivered it to the Prime Minister's residence in Luoyang.
Dong Zhuo was inside his residence indulging in wine and merriment when he noticed Li Su's flustered demeanor. His hand holding the cup paused slightly as he coldly asked, "What has caused such alarm?"
Li Su knelt and reported anxiously, "Hua Xiong has been defeated outside the gates. The enemy forces are formidable, and the allied lords are emboldened. Reports indicate that Yuan Shao is the leader of this alliance while his uncle Yuan Wei holds the position of Grand Tutor. If they coordinate their efforts from within and without, it could spell disaster."
Dong Zhuo's expression darkened at this news; he suddenly smashed his cup onto the ground, sending shards flying. He scoffed, "A mere Yuan Shao dares to oppose me! Li Ru, what do you think we should do?"
Li Ru stepped forward slightly and bowed his head respectfully. "My lord, losing Hua Xiong is indeed a significant blow; we cannot underestimate the enemy's strength. However, Yuan Shao's connection with Yuan Wei poses a serious threat. In my opinion, it would be best for you to personally lead our forces with overwhelming might to crush this alliance first before dealing with Yuan Wei’s internal support to eliminate future troubles."
Dong Zhuo's gaze turned cold as he squinted at Li Ru. "Are you suggesting we first eliminate the external threat before dealing with internal issues?"
Li Ru nodded. "Exactly. The enemy forces have not yet fully consolidated. If we can strike decisively against the coalition, who in the court would dare to defy the Prime Minister's orders?"
Dong Zhuo slammed his hand on the armrest and laughed heartily. "A brilliant plan! Immediately gather the troops; I will personally lead the charge and see what these rodents are capable of!"
After hearing Li Ru's suggestion, Dong Zhuo sneered, a glint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes. He waved his hand and ordered Li Cui and Guo Si to immediately take five hundred soldiers to surround the residence of Grand Tutor Yuan Wei. With a cold tone, he declared, "Yuan Wei is in cahoots with Yuan Shao; he will surely become a menace sooner or later. You are to act tonight without leaving any survivors! Tomorrow, display his head at the Si Shui Pass to intimidate the coalition!"
Li Cui and Guo Si accepted their orders and that very night surrounded Yuan Wei's residence heavily. Yuan Wei was still in the hall reading family letters when he suddenly heard shouts and the clash of weapons, the doors and windows shaking as flames lit up half the night sky. Alarmed, he rushed out only to be confronted by fully armed Dong Zhuo soldiers bursting in, their blades glinting menacingly. He shouted, "I am the Grand Tutor of the Han Dynasty! How dare you rebel against me!"
Li Cui sneered, "By order of the Prime Minister, today we will eradicate your entire the Yuan Family!" With that, he swung his long knife down, blood splattering everywhere, leaving no one in the household alive. Moments later, Yuan Wei's severed head was hung high and taken to Si Shui Pass for all to see, a warning to the lords.
The next day, Dong Zhuo gathered his generals and spoke solemnly. "Now that Yuan Wei has been executed, our concerns about internal traitors have been resolved. Since the coalition lords are oblivious to their impending doom, I will personally confront them and see what they can do!"
Dong Zhuo then assembled an army of two hundred thousand, dividing it into two paths. He ordered Li Cui and Guo Si to command fifty thousand troops stationed at Si Shui Pass to stabilize the situation without engaging in battle. Meanwhile, he would lead the main force of one hundred fifty thousand straight to Hu Lao Pass, accompanied by his trusted generals Li Ru, Lü Bu, Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and others.
Hu Lao Pass was only fifty miles from Luoyang, its terrain treacherous; once firmly held, it could choke off the coalition's throat. As Dong Zhuo rode forward with his army, he sneered, "These so-called Army of Righteousness are nothing but a rabble. Once they exhaust their supplies, I shall easily take their heads."
Upon reaching Hu Lao Pass, Dong Zhuo stood atop a high vantage point surveying the rugged terrain; its steep mountains were easy to defend but difficult to attack. Satisfied, he ordered Lü Bu to camp with thirty thousand troops at the pass as a forward base and establish multiple defensive lines.
Lü Bu knelt on one knee to receive his orders with a stern expression. "Rest assured, Father; as long as I am here, the coalition will not step beyond this threshold."
Dong Zhuo patted Lü Bu on the shoulder with a cold smile. "Fengxian, this battle is crucial for our success or failure. As long as we hold Hu Lao Pass, they will be like trapped beasts. Remember, there is no need for direct confrontation; let them starve and tire themselves out—that is our best strategy."
Lü Bu clasped his fists and replied, "I will not fail the trust placed in me by my father." He then led his troops straight to the front of the pass to set up camp. The blades and spears formed a dense forest, banners fluttered in the sky, and the sound of war drums echoed, creating an imposing atmosphere. Dong Zhuo stood atop the pass, coldly gazing down at the scene before him, seemingly already envisioning the coalition forces scattering and the lords kneeling in surrender.
Ma Tan galloped swiftly to report the news of Dong Zhuo's army stationed at Hu Lao Pass to Yuan Shao's camp. Inside the tent, the lords gathered, and the atmosphere was tense. After hearing the report, Yuan Shao slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Hu Lao Pass is like a thorn in our throats; if we do not remove this barrier, how can we advance to Luoyang?"
Cao Cao stood up, cupping his hands in respect, and spoke solemnly: "Dong Zhuo has regarded Hu Lao as his lifeline and has sent Lü Bu as the vanguard; their defenses will surely be strong. We must not underestimate them. However, our coalition is numerous; we can divide into eight routes to spread their defenses. I am willing to lead a force to maneuver and provide support for our lords' advances and retreats."
Yuan Shao nodded and immediately assigned tasks: "Wang Kuang, Qiao Mao, Bao Xin, Yuan Yi, Kong Rong, Zhang Yang, Tao Qian, Gongsun Zan—each of you will lead a contingent to confront the enemy at Hu Lao. Cao Mengde will coordinate from the center; all of you must not be negligent!"
The Eight Route Lords accepted their orders and set off with their troops. The Governor of He Nei, Wang Kuang, arrived first at Hu Lao Pass and formed his ranks outside the gate. Just as they were aligning their formation, they suddenly heard war drums booming ahead, shaking the earth and mountains. Wang Kuang reined in his horse at the front of his formation, focusing intently on the sight before him. He saw a rider on a red horse charging out from the gate like a flame; the person atop seemed like a deity descending from heaven.
The newcomer wore a three-pronged crown adorned with purple gold that shimmered faintly; he was clad in armor shaped like a beast's face that reflected sunlight with a thunderous might. Draped over him was a red brocade robe from Xichuan decorated with flowers that fluttered in the wind like flames consuming the sky. At his waist hung a finely crafted lion belt that exuded an imposing aura. In his left hand, he wielded a Decorated Halberd that sliced through the air with a whistling sound; in his right hand, he lightly held the reins of Red Hare, whose coat was as dark as charcoal and whose steps were light yet steady.
Lü Bu coldly surveyed the assembled lords with a hint of disdain curling at the corners of his mouth. He raised his voice and declared, "You little rodents dare to challenge Chancellor Dong's might! Who among you will come forth to battle me?"
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