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After Lü Bu left, Wang Yun stood in the hall, watching his figure gradually fade away before turning back to his study. His brow was tightly furrowed, and his mind was swirling with countless thoughts. Moments later, he summoned his trusted aides, Shi Sun Rui and Huang Wan, for a confidential discussion.
Wang Yun elaborated on the plan and finally lowered his voice to ask, "Dong Zhuo is currently entrenched in Maiwu, wielding immense power. How can we make him let down his guard and walk into our trap?"
Shi Sun Rui pondered for a moment, his gaze sharpening as he slowly spoke, "Now that His Majesty has just recovered from a serious illness, it is an opportune time to act. We could send a clever and trusted individual to Maiwu to convey the imperial summons regarding court matters. At the same time, we can secretly instruct Lü Bu to ambush within the palace gates. When Dong Zhuo enters the palace for discussions, we can strike him down! This way, we kill two birds with one stone—without alarming the troops in Maiwu, we can eliminate the traitor."
Huang Wan listened intently, a hint of agreement in his eyes, but he soon frowned and said, "What you propose is indeed a good strategy, but the problem lies in who would dare to go to Maiwu to deliver the edict? This task is fraught with peril; one misstep could lead to certain death."
Shi Sun Rui sneered lightly, his tone resolute. "We can send Lü Bu's fellow townsman, Li Su. He has always harbored resentment against Dong Zhuo due to his obstructed career. If he goes, Dong Zhuo will surely not suspect him; in fact, he might even regard him as a trusted confidant."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yun's eyes brightened as he slammed his hand on the table. "This plan is brilliant! I will consult Lü Bu immediately."
A moment later, Lü Bu re-entered the secret chamber with a stern expression and a palpable aura of killing intent. Wang Yun cautiously shared the plan and mentioned Li Su. Suddenly, Lü Bu's face darkened; he snorted coldly and said, "Li Su? He was the one who urged me to kill Ding Yuan! If he refuses to obey now, I won't hesitate to take his head!"
He grasped the dagger at his waist, exuding an overwhelming killing intent that sent shivers down the spines of those present.
Seeing this reaction, Wang Yun quickly reassured him. "General, please calm down. If this plan succeeds, Li Su will have made significant contributions; if it fails, we will have ways to deal with it."
After a moment of silence, Lü Bu finally nodded. "Very well. Send someone to summon him here secretly and see if he dares to accept this life-and-death mission!"
In Wang Yun's dimly lit chamber, Lü Bu and Li Su sat on opposite sides, the atmosphere tense. Lü Bu coldly fixed his gaze on Li Su, his eyes sharp as knives. He got straight to the point: "Li Su, you once urged me to kill Ding Jianyang and join Dong Zhuo. Now I ask you one thing: are you still on his side?"
Li Su was taken aback and quickly cupped his hands in respect. "General, why do you say such things? I have long seen through what kind of person Dong Zhuo is; it's just that my fortunes have been poor and no one has stood by me until now."
Lü Bu snorted coldly, his voice low yet filled with suppressed anger. "That old thief Dong Zhuo deceives the emperor above and oppresses the common people below; his crimes are heinous and have already enraged both gods and men! If we do not eliminate him soon, the Han Dynasty will be in peril. Now is a prime opportunity; I have decided to lay an ambush at the palace gates to lure him in and slay this villain to restore the Han Dynasty. Will you help me?"
A flicker of shock passed through Li Su's eyes before he straightened up with determination in his voice. "General, this is exactly what I have longed for! I have wanted nothing more than to eliminate Dong Zhuo this traitor; I only lamented my inability to act alone without support. Now that you are willing to take action, it must be fate—how could I refuse?"
Li Su nodded and drew a short arrow from his waist, breaking it in two with fervor. "Today, I, Li Su, swear with this broken arrow that if I have any second thoughts, may heaven and earth punish me!"
Wang Yun sighed beside him, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Li Commandant, you truly embody Loyalty and Righteousness! If this matter succeeds, Old Man guarantees your rise to prominence and fame throughout the land!"
Li Su clasped his hands in salute, determination igniting in his eyes. "Rest assured, Minister, I will not disgrace my mission!"
The next morning, urgent sounds of horse hooves echoed outside the gates of Maiwu. Li Su led a dozen swift riders, wearing the Edict at his waist, his expression calm and his gaze sharp. The soldiers guarding the gate quickly stepped forward to block their path. "Who are you? What brings you to Maiwu?"
Unfazed, Li Su took out a scroll bearing the Emperor's Edict and proclaimed loudly, "The Emperor's secret decree has arrived! I am commanded to convey it to the Grand Tutor; hurry and let him know!"
Upon hearing this, the gate soldiers were startled and did not dare delay. They immediately sent someone inside to report. Before long, Dong Zhuo's trusted general delivered the message to the inner hall. Dong Zhuo was reclining on a couch, half-sitting up in surprise as he asked, "The Emperor's Edict? Quickly, let him in!"
As Li Su entered the inner hall, he maintained a respectful demeanor and approached slowly, kneeling to pay his respects. "I am Li Su, here to convey the Emperor's secret decree to the Grand Tutor."
Dong Zhuo straightened up, his eyes narrowing slightly with excitement and curiosity. "The Emperor's Edict? Tell me more."
Li Su raised his head slightly, a faint smile on his face as he spoke with conviction. "The Emperor has recovered from illness and is concerned about state affairs. He has summoned all civil and military officials to Weiyang Palace to discuss important matters of the realm. Furthermore, he intends to transfer power to the Grand Tutor in order to stabilize the hearts of the people and secure the foundation of the court. This is the Emperor's decree; I urge the Grand Tutor to enter court without delay!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo's eyes widened in shock as a broad smile spread across his face, unable to contain his elation. "Transfer power to me? Hahaha! This world will finally bear my surname!"
He sprang up suddenly and turned to ask, "What is Wang Yun's attitude?"
Li Su had been prepared for this moment and promptly replied, "Minister Wang has already ordered the construction of the Throne Succession Altar; now we only await your arrival in the capital to ascend the platform and receive your mandate!"
Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, a look of pride on his face. "Excellent! Excellent! Just last night I dreamed of a golden dragon enveloping me; today it has indeed come true! This is fate that cannot be defied; we must not miss this opportunity!" He turned to his trusted generals and commanded in a booming voice: "Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, Fan Chou—listen up! Immediately lead three thousand guards of the Fei Xiong Army to secure Maiwu; do not make any mistakes!"
The four generals responded in unison, swiftly leaving the hall to prepare for defense. Dong Zhuo was in high spirits; turning to Li Su, he wore a broad smile and said, "Li Su, your contributions this time are not small. Once I ascend to the throne, I will appoint you as the Chief of the Imperial Guards, and we shall share in the glory together!"
Li Su immediately knelt, his tone respectful. "I thank you for your great kindness, my lord. I will do my utmost to assist you and live up to your expectations!" He lowered his head to hide the cold smile in his eyes, thinking to himself: Dong Zhuo, you have already stepped into the abyss and still foolishly rejoice; your fate is approaching!
As Dong Zhuo prepared to set off back to the capital, he specifically went inside to bid farewell to his elderly mother. She was over ninety years old, her hair frosted with age, sitting upright on a couch. Upon seeing Dong Zhuo enter, her frail body trembled slightly, and her gaze held a hint of unease.
"My son, where are you going this time?" Her voice was hoarse but filled with concern.
Dong Zhuo beamed with pride, his tone brimming with uncontainable joy. "Mother, I am going to the capital to accept the emperor's abdication! Once I ascend the throne, you shall be the Empress Dowager of the realm!"
His words were filled with arrogance, as if everything were within his grasp. However, his mother furrowed her brow slightly, worry etched on her face as she whispered, "In recent days, my heart has been trembling with fear; I feel that something is amiss. This may not be a good omen."
Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, waving his hand dismissively. "Mother worries too much! How can one become a national mother without some heavenly signs? This is clearly a sign of great joy; just wait and enjoy your blessings!"
His mother opened her mouth as if wanting to say something more, but Dong Zhuo had already stood up to take his leave, hurriedly turning away.
Before departing, Dong Zhuo visited Diao Chan's chamber. Diao Chan was sitting by the window; upon seeing him enter, she immediately rose to pay her respects. Dong Zhuo's face was all smiles, exuding confidence and pride as he said, "Diao Chan, once I enter the capital as emperor, I will make you my beloved consort and we shall share in the glory of the world!"
Diao Chan concealed a cold smile within her heart; she had long understood the abyss hidden behind this triumphant revelry. Yet she feigned surprise on her face and gently knelt down in gratitude. "Thank you for your kindness, my lord; I am deeply grateful!"
With her head bowed low to hide the glint of coldness in her eyes, her voice was soft and submissive as if expressing boundless loyalty and affection for Dong Zhuo. However, at that moment when she lowered herself to the ground, her fingertips pressed lightly into her palm, and her slightly trembling body silently conveyed another resolute emotion.
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