Chapter 8: Wang Yun Prepares The Chaining Scheme; Dong Zhuo Rages At Phoenix Pavilion

Kuai Liang advised, “Sun Jian is gone, and his children are mere youths. Seize this moment to take Changsha—it will fall as easily as a drumbeat. If you return the body and make peace, you give them time to grow strong, and Jingzhou will suffer.”

Liu Biao hesitated. “How can I leave Huang Zu in their hands?”

“Why not trade this reckless warrior for a territory?” Kuai Liang urged.

“But he is my friend. Abandoning him feels wrong.”

Ultimately, Huan Ji returned to his side under the agreement that Sun Jian’s body would be exchanged. Sun Ce freed the prisoner, retrieved his father’s remains, and the fighting ended. Sun Jian was buried in Que Plains, after which Sun Ce led his army home.

In Changsha, Sun Ce ruled wisely, drawing talented and brave individuals to his side through his humility and generosity. The region flourished under his leadership.

Meanwhile, in the capital Changan, Dong Zhuo, learning of Sun Jian’s death, declared, “A thorn in my side is gone!” Discovering Sun Jian’s eldest son was only 17, Dong Zhuo dismissed him as a threat and grew even more arrogant.

Dong Zhuo styled himself “Imperial Rector,” mimicking imperial authority. He ennobled his entire clan, built a replica of Changan called Meiwo, and stockpiled enough provisions for twenty years. He filled Meiwo with wealth and 800 maidens, visiting monthly in grand imperial processions.

At one feast, he demonstrated his cruelty, torturing captured rebels as entertainment. Despite their screams, Dong Zhuo ate, drank, and laughed, terrifying his courtiers.

On another occasion, during a banquet, Lu Bu whispered to Dong Zhuo, who casually ordered Minister Zhang Wan’s execution. A servant soon presented Zhang Wan’s head, horrifying the guests. “Do not fear,” Dong Zhuo assured them, “Zhang plotted against me. You loyal ones are safe.” The officials dispersed in dread.

Among them was Wang Yun, deeply troubled by Dong Zhuo’s tyranny. That evening, as he strolled in his moonlit garden, he overheard Diao Chan, a maid he had raised like a daughter, sighing in the Peony Pavilion. Curious, he asked, “What troubles you?”

Diao Chan knelt. “My lord, I owe you everything. Seeing your distress pains me deeply, but I dared not ask its cause. If I can help, I would give my life without hesitation.”

Inspired, Wang Yun devised a plan. “Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu are both slaves to beauty. I will betroth you to Lu Bu, then present you to Dong Zhuo to sow discord between them. Their enmity will end Dong Zhuo’s reign of terror. Will you do it?”

Diao Chan bowed. “I will do whatever is needed to repay your kindness, even at the cost of my life.”

Wang Yun wept with gratitude. He crafted an exquisite headdress and sent it to Lu Bu, who came to thank him. Wang Yun hosted Lu Bu lavishly, praising his valor.

During the feast, Wang Yun summoned Diao Chan. The sight of her captivated Lu Bu. Wang Yun offered her as a handmaid, and Lu Bu, overjoyed, accepted. As Diao Chan modestly remained nearby, Lu Bu drank heavily, unable to look away from her.

Reluctantly, Wang Yun bid him leave, warning that staying might arouse Dong Zhuo’s suspicion. Lu Bu departed, eager for the promised union, while Wang Yun’s plot quietly unfolded.

A few days later, Wang Yun invited Dong Zhuo to dine at his residence. Dong Zhuo accepted, and Wang Yun prepared an opulent feast. When Dong Zhuo arrived with his armed guards, Wang Yun greeted him humbly. During the banquet, Wang Yun flattered Dong Zhuo, comparing his virtue to ancient sages. When the wine had loosened Dong Zhuo’s mood, Wang Yun introduced Diao Chan, a beautiful maiden, who captivated the Prime Minister with her dance and song. Dong Zhuo, enamored, accepted Wang Yun’s offer to gift her to him and took her to his palace.

That night, Lu Bu confronted Wang Yun, accusing him of breaking his promise to betroth Diao Chan to him. Wang Yun cleverly calmed Lu Bu, fabricating a story that Dong Zhuo had taken Diao Chan for Lu Bu’s sake. Placated, Lu Bu apologized. The next day, Lu Bu visited the palace and learned Diao Chan had become Dong Zhuo’s favorite. Consumed with jealousy, Lu Bu watched her secretly. Diao Chan, feigning sorrow, caught his gaze, and her subtle gestures fueled his anguish.

Later, when Lu Bu visited again, Diao Chan lured him to the garden. She tearfully lamented her plight, confessing her love and begging for rescue. Moved, Lu Bu promised to save her, but fearing suspicion, he hesitated. Diao Chan questioned his courage, and shame overwhelmed him. The two embraced, unable to part.

Meanwhile, Dong Zhuo returned unexpectedly and, finding Lu Bu’s horse, searched for him. In the garden, he discovered the lovers in tender conversation. Enraged, Dong Zhuo chased Lu Bu, wielding his halberd, but his bulk slowed him. Lu Bu escaped, leaving Dong Zhuo fuming.

Dong Zhuo’s wrath burned hot as he pursued his traitorous protégé. What followed would change their fates forever.