Now, Kuai Liang spoke to Liu Biao: “Sun Jian has fallen, and his sons are still young. While they are weak and vulnerable, we should press our attack swiftly and take the lands east of the Yangtze in a single stroke. If we return his corpse and cease hostilities, we will allow them to rebuild their strength, and Jing Province will face endless trouble.” Liu Biao replied, “But I have Huang Zu as a hostage in their camp. How can I bear to abandon him?” Kuai Liang argued, “To sacrifice one reckless Huang Zu in exchange for the entire Jiangdong region—what is wrong with that?” Liu Biao shook his head. “Huang Zu and I are bound by deep friendship. To abandon him would be an act of dishonor.” So he sent Huan Jie back to the enemy camp, agreeing to exchange Sun Jian’s corpse for Huang Zu.
Sun Ce thus retrieved Huang Zu, received his father’s coffin, and ended the war, returning to Jiangdong. He buried his father on the plains of Qu’a. After the funeral rites were completed, he led his army to settle in Jiangdu, where he began to recruit men of talent and wisdom, humbling himself before others. Gradually, heroes from all corners of the realm began to flock to his banner. But of this, we shall speak no further for now.
Meanwhile, in Chang’an, Dong Zhuo heard that Sun Jian was dead. “I have removed a thorn from my side!” he declared. He asked, “How old is his son now?” When told the boy was seventeen, Dong Zhuo dismissed him as no threat. From that day forward, he grew even more arrogant and overbearing. He styled himself “Shangfu” (Honored Father), and in his comings and goings, he usurped the imperial regalia. He appointed his younger brother Dong Min as General of the Left and Marquis of Hu, and his nephew Dong Huang as Palace Attendant, with command over the imperial guard. Every member of the Dong clan, young and old, was enfeoffed as a marquis. Two hundred and fifty li from Chang’an, he ordered the construction of a fortress called Meiwu, conscripting two hundred and fifty thousand laborers. Its walls were built to the same height, thickness, and scale as Chang’an itself. Within, he constructed palaces and storehouses filled with twenty years’ worth of grain. He selected eight hundred beautiful young women from the common folk to fill its chambers, and gold, jade, silks, and pearls were piled up beyond counting. His entire family took up residence there. Dong Zhuo traveled between Meiwu and Chang’an, sometimes once every half-month, sometimes once a month. The high ministers all saw him off and welcomed him at the Henge Gate. He often set up his tent by the roadside and held banquets with them.
One day, as Dong Zhuo left through the Henge Gate, the hundred officials came to see him off. He detained them for a feast. Just then, several hundred surrendered soldiers from the northern frontier arrived. Dong Zhuo ordered them brought before the banquet. There, before the assembled officials, some had their hands and feet severed, others had their eyes gouged out, others their tongues cut off, and still others were boiled alive in great cauldrons. The screams of agony shook the heavens. The officials trembled in terror, dropping their chopsticks. But Dong Zhuo ate and drank, laughing and chatting as if nothing were amiss.
On another day, Dong Zhuo convened a great assembly of all the officials at the imperial chancellery. They sat in two rows. After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu entered directly and whispered a few words in Dong Zhuo’s ear. Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “So that’s how it is.” He ordered Lü Bu to drag Minister of Public Works Zhang Wen down from the hall. The faces of all the officials went pale. Before long, a servant entered carrying a red platter upon which rested Zhang Wen’s head. The officials were so terrified their souls seemed to flee their bodies. Dong Zhuo laughed again. “Gentlemen, do not be alarmed. Zhang Wen conspired with Yuan Shu to plot against me. He sent a letter, but by mistake it fell into the hands of my son Fengxian. That is why I have executed him. You who are innocent need not fear.” The officials murmured their assent and dispersed.
Wang Yun, the Minister of Education, returned to his residence. He thought about what had happened at the banquet that day and could not find rest. As the night deepened and the moon shone bright, he took his staff and walked into the rear garden. He stood by the trellis of climbing roses, looked up at the sky, and wept. Suddenly, he heard someone sighing deeply by the Peony Pavilion. Wang Yun crept closer to peer at the figure—it was Diaochan, a singing girl of his household. She had been brought into the house as a child and taught music and dance. Now sixteen years old, she was beautiful and accomplished, and Wang Yun treated her as his own daughter. Wang Yun listened for a long time, then called out sharply, “Wretched girl, are you carrying on a secret affair?” Diaochan started in fright and knelt. “How would I dare have a secret affair?” she replied. “Then why are you sighing here in the dead of night?” Wang Yun demanded. “Allow me to speak from the depths of my heart,” she said. “Speak truly, and hide nothing from me,” he commanded. Diaochan said, “I have been raised by your kindness, taught music and dance, and treated with the utmost grace. Even if I were ground to bone and dust, I could never repay a ten-thousandth of your favor. Lately, I have seen your brows knit with worry, and I knew you must be troubled by matters of state, but I dared not ask. Tonight, I saw you restless and uneasy, and so I sighed. I did not expect you to discover me. If there is any use for me, I would face ten thousand deaths without regret!” Wang Yun struck the ground with his staff.
“Who would have thought that the fate of the Han realm would rest in your hands?” he exclaimed. “Come with me to the painted pavilion.” Diaochan followed him inside. Wang Yun dismissed all his concubines and servants, then seated Diaochan and knelt before her, kowtowing. Diaochan was shocked and prostrated herself. “Why are you doing this, my lord?” she asked. Wang Yun said, “Have pity on the people of Han!” Tears streamed from his eyes like a spring. Diaochan replied, “I have already said: if you have any command, I will face ten thousand deaths without regret.” Wang Yun knelt and spoke: “The people are in dire peril, and the court is in mortal danger. Only you can save us. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo is about to usurp the throne, and none of the civil or military officials have any plan to stop him. Dong Zhuo has an adopted son, Lü Bu, who is exceptionally fierce and brave. I have observed that both are lustful men. Now I intend to use a ‘Double Chain’ plan. First, I will promise you in marriage to Lü Bu. Then, I will present you to Dong Zhuo. You must seize the opportunity to sow discord between father and son, turning them against each other. Then, have Lü Bu kill Dong Zhuo and rid us of this great evil. To restore the altars of the state and rebuild the dynasty—all will depend on your efforts. What do you think?” Diaochan replied, “I have promised you ten thousand deaths without regret. I only ask that you present me to them at once. I will manage the rest.” Wang Yun warned, “If this plan is leaked, my entire clan will be wiped out.” Diaochan said, “My lord, do not worry.
If I fail to repay this great duty, may I die beneath ten thousand blades!” Wang Yun bowed in gratitude.
The next day, Wang Yun took several precious pearls from his family treasury and had a skilled artisan craft a magnificent golden headdress. He secretly sent it as a gift to Lü Bu. Lü Bu was overjoyed and personally came to Wang Yun’s residence to thank him. Wang Yun had prepared a feast of fine delicacies. When Lü Bu arrived, Wang Yun went out to greet him, escorted him into the rear hall, and offered him the seat of honor. Lü Bu said, “I am merely a general in the Chancellor’s household, while you, Minister, are a high official of the court. Why do you show me such undeserved respect?” Wang Yun replied, “In all the realm today, there is no other hero but you, General. I do not honor your rank, but your talent.” Lü Bu was greatly pleased. Wang Yun plied him with wine, constantly praising the virtues of Grand Preceptor Dong and Lü Bu himself. Lü Bu laughed heartily and drank freely. Wang Yun dismissed all the attendants, leaving only a few serving maids to pour wine. When the wine had warmed them, Wang Yun said, “Call the child here.” Shortly, two maids in blue led Diaochan, resplendent in full makeup, into the hall. Lü Bu asked in surprise who she was. Wang Yun said, “She is my daughter, Diaochan. Since you, General, have honored me with your friendship as if we were kin, I thought it fitting that she meet you.” He then ordered Diaochan to offer Lü Bu a cup of wine. As Diaochan handed the wine to Lü Bu, their eyes met and exchanged silent messages. Wang Yun, feigning drunkenness, said, “Child, I beg you to drink several cups with the General. Our entire family relies on him.” Lü Bu asked Diaochan to sit, and she pretended to withdraw. Wang Yun said, “The General is my dearest friend; there is no harm in you sitting.” So Diaochan sat beside Wang Yun. Lü Bu could not take his eyes off her. After several more cups, Wang Yun pointed to Diaochan and said to Lü Bu, “I wish to give this girl to you as a concubine. Will you accept her?” Lü Bu rose from his seat and bowed. “If I could have her, I would serve you like a horse or a dog in gratitude!” Wang Yun said, “I will choose an auspicious day and send her to your residence.” Lü Bu was filled with boundless joy, and his eyes constantly sought Diaochan. She, in turn, cast amorous glances back at him. Soon the feast ended, and Wang Yun said, “I would have liked to keep you here for the night, but I fear the Grand Preceptor might become suspicious.” Lü Bu thanked him profusely and departed.
Several days later, Wang Yun saw Dong Zhuo at court. Taking advantage of Lü Bu’s absence, he knelt and prostrated himself. “I beseech Your Excellency the Grand Preceptor to honor my humble home with your carriage and attend a feast. I await your esteemed command.” Dong Zhuo replied, “Since the Minister invites me, I shall come at once.” Wang Yun thanked him and returned home, where he prepared a lavish spread of delicacies from land and sea. He set up a seat of honor in the front hall, spread brocade on the floor, and hung screens both within and without. At noon the next day, Dong Zhuo arrived. Wang Yun, wearing his court robes, went out to greet him, bowing and performing the rites of welcome. Dong Zhuo descended from his carriage, surrounded by a hundred guards bearing halberds, who crowded into the hall and lined up on both sides. Wang Yun bowed again from below the hall. Dong Zhuo ordered him to rise and gave him a seat at his side. Wang Yun said, “Your Excellency’s virtue is as lofty as the mountains. Even Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou cannot compare.” Dong Zhuo was greatly pleased. Wine was served and music played, and Wang Yun showed him the utmost respect. As evening fell and the wine flowed freely, Wang Yun invited Dong Zhuo into the rear hall. Dong Zhuo dismissed his guards. Wang Yun raised his cup in toast. “Since my youth, I have studied the celestial patterns,” he said. “Last night, I observed the heavens. The fortunes of the Han house are exhausted. Your Excellency’s merit and virtue shake the realm. For you to ascend the throne, as Shun received the mandate from Yao, or Yu succeeded Shun, would be in perfect accord with Heaven’s will and the people’s desire.” Dong Zhuo laughed. “How dare I aspire to such heights!” Wang Yun pressed on: “Since ancient times, the virtuous have overthrown the unworthy, and the virtuous have ceded to the even more virtuous. Is this not fitting?” Dong Zhuo smiled. “If the Mandate of Heaven truly falls to me, you, Minister, shall be my chief architect of state.” Wang Yun bowed in thanks. The hall was lit with painted candles, and only female attendants were left to serve wine and food. Wang Yun said, “The music of the courtly musicians is not worthy of Your Excellency’s ears. I have a private performer who might entertain you.” Dong Zhuo replied, “Excellent.” Wang Yun ordered the curtains to be drawn back. Flutes and reeds wove a melody, and a cluster of maids escorted Diaochan to dance before the screen.
A poet of the time celebrated the scene: She was like a beauty from the Zhaoyang Palace, a startled swan dancing on the palm of a hand, one could almost believe she had flown across the springtime of Lake Dongting. Her lotus steps were steady as she performed the Liangzhou melody, a fresh flower swaying on a gentle breeze, the fragrant warmth of the painted hall surpassing the very spring.
Another verse recorded: Red ivory clappers set the rhythm, swift as a swallow in flight, a drifting cloud entered the painted hall. Her arched brows stirred the longing of a wanderer, her face, unveiled, could break a friend’s heart. Not even coins of elm leaves could buy her thousand-gold smile; why should willow branches need ornaments of a hundred treasures? When the dance ended, she stole a glance through the curtain—who among them could be the dreamer of the Cloud-Rain tryst?
When the dance ended, Dong Zhuo ordered her to approach. Diaochan entered from behind the screen and bowed deeply. Dong Zhuo saw her exquisite beauty and asked, “Who is this woman?” Wang Yun replied, “She is a singing girl named Diaochan.” Dong Zhuo asked, “Can she sing?” Wang Yun ordered Diaochan to take a sandalwood clapper and sing a soft melody. Truly: Her crimson lips parted like a cherry, two rows of pearly teeth scattered the notes of “Spring in the Sun.” But beneath her fragrant tongue lay a sword of steel, meant to cut down the traitorous ministers who threw the realm into chaos.
Dong Zhuo praised her endlessly. Wang Yun ordered Diaochan to offer him wine. Dong Zhuo raised his cup and asked, “How young are you?” Diaochan replied, “I am sixteen, my lord.” Dong Zhuo laughed. “
Truly, a being of the immortals!” Wang Yun rose and said, “I wish to present this girl to Your Excellency. Would you deign to accept her?” Dong Zhuo replied, “If you bestow such a gift, how can I ever repay your kindness?” Wang Yun said, “For this girl to serve Your Excellency is her great fortune.” Dong Zhuo thanked him repeatedly. Wang Yun immediately ordered a felt-covered carriage to be prepared and sent Diaochan ahead to the Chancellor’s residence. Dong Zhuo then took his leave. Wang Yun personally escorted him all the way to the residence before returning home.
Wang Yun was riding home when, less than halfway there, he saw a double row of red lanterns lighting the way. Lü Bu, mounted on his horse and carrying his halberd, came riding directly toward him. When he saw Wang Yun, he reined in his horse, grabbed Wang Yun by the front of his robe, and demanded harshly, “Minister, you promised Diaochan to me. Now you have sent her to the Grand Preceptor. Are you mocking me?” Wang Yun quickly stopped him. “This is not the place to speak. Please come to my humble home.” Lü Bu followed him to the residence, dismounted, and entered the rear hall. After exchanging formal greetings, Wang Yun asked, “General, why are you so angry with me?” Lü Bu said, “Someone reported to me that you sent Diaochan in a felt carriage to the Chancellor’s residence. What is the meaning of this?” Wang Yun replied, “So you do not know the truth, General! Yesterday, the Grand Preceptor told me at court, ‘I have a matter to discuss and will come to your house tomorrow.’ So I prepared a small feast to await him. During the wine, he said, ‘I hear you have a daughter named Diaochan, whom you have promised to my son Fengxian. I fear your word might not be certain, so I have come to ask for her myself, and to see her.’ How could I, a humble minister, dare to disobey? I then brought Diaochan out to pay respects to her father-in-law. The Grand Preceptor said, ‘Today is an auspicious day. I will take this girl back with me and give her to Fengxian.’ General, think: when the Grand Preceptor himself comes to demand her, how could I refuse?” Lü Bu said, “Minister, forgive me. I was mistaken in my haste. Tomorrow, I will come to apologize with a whip on my back.” Wang Yun said, “My daughter has a trousseau prepared. When she is delivered to your residence, it shall be sent along.” Lü Bu thanked him and left.
The next day, Lü Bu waited at his residence for news, but heard nothing. He went straight into the Grand Preceptor’s hall and questioned the maids. They replied, “Last night, the Grand Preceptor slept with his new bride and has not yet risen.” Lü Bu was furious. He crept behind Dong Zhuo’s bedchamber to spy. At that moment, Diaochan was at the window, combing her hair. She suddenly saw a tall figure reflected in the pond outside the window, a man wearing a formal cap. She stole a glance and saw it was Lü Bu. Diaochan deliberately furrowed her brows, putting on a look of sorrow and displeasure, and repeatedly wiped her eyes with a silk handkerchief. Lü Bu watched for a long time, then withdrew. A moment later, he entered again. Dong Zhuo was now seated in the main hall. When he saw Lü Bu, he asked, “Is there any business outside?” “None,” Lü Bu replied, and stood at Dong Zhuo’s side. As Dong Zhuo ate, Lü Bu stole glances and saw a woman moving to and fro behind an embroidered curtain, half-revealing her face and casting amorous glances at him. Lü Bu knew it was Diaochan, and his soul was set adrift. Dong Zhuo noticed his distraction and grew suspicious. “Fengxian, if you have nothing to do, you may withdraw,” he said. Lü Bu left, disheartened.
After Dong Zhuo took Diaochan as his own, he became utterly captivated by her beauty and did not attend to state affairs for over a month. When Dong Zhuo fell slightly ill, Diaochan attended him day and night, never removing her clothes, and catered to his every whim. Dong Zhuo was delighted. Lü Bu came to inquire about his health, finding Dong Zhuo asleep. Diaochan leaned half out from behind the bed, pointed to her heart, then pointed at Dong Zhuo, and wept without ceasing. Lü Bu’s heart felt as if it were breaking. Dong Zhuo, half-asleep, saw Lü Bu staring fixedly behind the bed. He turned and saw Diaochan standing there. Enraged, he shouted, “How dare you toy with my beloved concubine!” He ordered the attendants to drive Lü Bu out and forbade him from ever entering the inner chambers again. Lü Bu left, burning with fury. On the way, he met Li Ru and told him what had happened. Li Ru rushed to see Dong Zhuo. “Your Excellency seeks to win the realm,” he said. “Why would you punish the Marquis of Wen over such a small fault? If his heart turns against you, all is lost.” Dong Zhuo asked, “What should I do?” Li Ru replied, “Summon him tomorrow, give him gold and silk, and soothe him with kind words. All will be well.” Dong Zhuo followed the advice. The next day, he summoned Lü Bu into the hall and comforted him. “I was ill and my mind was confused,” he said. “I spoke rashly and wronged you. Do not take it to heart.” He then gave Lü Bu ten catties of gold and twenty bolts of brocade. Lü Bu thanked him and left. But though his body remained at Dong Zhuo’s side, his heart was consumed with thoughts of Diaochan.
When Dong Zhuo recovered from his illness, he went to court to discuss affairs. Lü Bu, carrying his halberd, followed him. Seeing Dong Zhuo deep in conversation with Emperor Xian, Lü Bu seized the opportunity to slip out of the inner gate with his halberd, mount his horse, and ride straight to the Chancellor’s residence. He tied his horse at the gate, took his halberd, and entered the rear hall, searching for Diaochan. She said to him, “Wait for me by the Phoenix Pavilion in the rear garden.” Lü Bu went there with his halberd and stood by the curved railing. After a long time, he saw Diaochan parting the flowers and willows as she approached, truly like a moon goddess descending to earth. She wept as she spoke to him: “Though I am not the Minister’s own daughter, he has treated me as his own. From the moment I saw you, General, I was promised to be your handmaid, and my life’s wish was fulfilled. Who could have imagined that the Grand Preceptor would harbor such wicked intentions and defile me? I hate that I did not die then. I have only endured this shameful life in order to see you one last time. Now that I have been fortunate enough to see you, my wish is complete. This body is now defiled and unworthy to serve a hero. Let me die before you, to prove my heart!” With these words, she grasped the railing and leaped toward the lotus pond. Lü Bu caught her in his arms, weeping. “I have known your heart for so long,” he said. “I only regret that we could not speak freely!” Diaochan clutched his arm. “In this life, I cannot be your wife. Let us hope for a meeting in the next life.” Lü Bu declared, “If I cannot make you my wife in this life, I am no hero!” Diaochan said, “Each day for me is like a year. I beg you to pity me and save me.” Lü Bu replied, “I came here in a stolen moment. I fear the old villain will grow suspicious. I must leave quickly.” Diaochan grabbed his robe. “If you are so afraid of the old villain, I will never see the light of day again!” Lü Bu stood still. “Allow me to slowly devise a plan,” he said. He picked up his halberd to leave. Diaochan said, “I have heard your name, General, echoing like thunder within the women’s chambers. I thought you were the one and only hero in this world. Who could have imagined that you would be subject to another’s control?” She burst into tears like rain. Lü Bu was overcome with shame. He leaned his halberd against the railing, turned back, and embraced Diaochan, comforting her with gentle words. The two clung to each other, unable to bear parting.
Meanwhile, Dong Zhuo was at court when he turned and noticed Lü Bu was gone. Suspicion arose in his heart. He hastily took leave of Emperor Xian, mounted his carriage, and returned to his residence. Seeing Lü Bu’s horse tied at the gate, he questioned the gatekeeper, who replied, “The Marquis of Wen has entered the rear hall.” Dong Zhuo dismissed his attendants and went straight into the rear hall, but found no one. He called for Diaochan, but she was not there either. He urgently questioned the maids, who said, “Diaochan has gone to the rear garden to see the flowers.” Dong Zhuo entered the garden and saw Lü Bu and Diaochan talking together by the Phoenix Pavilion, with his halberd leaning against a nearby post. In a rage, Dong Zhuo let out a thunderous roar. Lü Bu, seeing Dong Zhuo, was terrified. He turned and fled. Dong Zhuo snatched up the halberd and gave chase. Lü Bu was fast, but Dong Zhuo was too fat to catch him. He hurled the halberd at Lü Bu. Lü Bu knocked it to the ground. Dong Zhuo picked it up and pursued again, but Lü Bu had already fled far. As Dong Zhuo rushed out of the garden gate, a man came flying toward him and collided with his chest, sending Dong Zhuo crashing to the ground. Truly: His towering rage soared a thousand feet high, but his fat body collapsed into a heap on the ground.
Who was this man? Let us listen to the next chapter to find out.