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The next day, the sunlight pierced through the thin mist of Luoyang, yet a shadow hung over Wen Ming Garden. Dong Zhuo had ordered a lavish banquet to be set up in the garden, with resplendent tables and seats lined up in a row. Iron-clad soldiers stood guard all around, their swords glinting ominously, creating an atmosphere so oppressive that it was almost suffocating. Although the ministers and officials were filled with fear, none dared to refuse the invitation. They wore heavy expressions as they took their seats, whispering among themselves, speculating on Dong Zhuo's intentions.
As all the ministers gathered, Dong Zhuo was still nowhere to be seen. The officials exchanged glances, their wine cups untouched on the table, while the sounds of clanking armor and low coughs from the soldiers filled the air. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the garden gate, and Dong Zhuo made his entrance. Clad in armor and wielding a long sword at his waist, he wore a cold smile as his gaze swept over the officials like a blade. He walked steadily into the garden.
Without uttering a word, Dong Zhuo took his seat at the head of the table and waved his hand slightly to signal for wine to be poured. The musicians began to play, and maidens served exquisite dishes, bringing some liveliness to the banquet, yet it could not mask the stifling atmosphere. Dong Zhuo raised his cup to drink, while the ministers could only force smiles and join in the toast. After several rounds of drinking, Dong Zhuo suddenly waved his hand, and the music came to an abrupt halt; an eerie silence fell over the banquet.
Dong Zhuo set down his cup and coldly surveyed the room. His voice was deep and commanding: "Gentlemen, today I have something to say; I hope everyone will listen closely."
The officials held their breath, nearly suppressing their very breaths.
Dong Zhuo slowly rose to his feet, his gaze icy and his tone imbued with undeniable authority: "The Son of Heaven is the ruler of all people and should possess dignity to serve the ancestral temple and state. However, our current emperor is weak in character and lacks virtue; he is unfit to stabilize the realm. In contrast, King of Chenliu is intelligent and possesses great talent; he is undoubtedly the best candidate for succession. Therefore, I believe it is fortunate for the nation to depose the current emperor and establish King of Chenliu as the new sovereign."
At this declaration, silence enveloped the room. Many officials lowered their heads, gripping the edges of their tables tightly in fear of speaking out. The atmosphere was so heavy that it felt as if even the air had come to a standstill.
Suddenly, a loud crash shattered this deathly silence—one person leaped up from his seat and knocked over his wine cup onto the floor. Striding boldly to the center of the banquet hall, he pointed at Dong Zhuo and shouted angrily: "No! No! Dong Zhuo, who do you think you are to dare discuss deposing and appointing? The emperor is the legitimate son of the late emperor; his foundation is solid, and there are no faults in court! On what grounds do you say he should be deposed? Are you trying to usurp power for yourself?"
The ministers looked up to see that it was Ding Yuan, Governor of Jingzhou. Clad in military attire with piercing eyes that radiated an unyielding spirit facing death.
Dong Zhuo's cold smile vanished in an instant, replaced by icy fury. He slowly turned to face Ding Yuan, murderous intent flickering in his eyes as he growled lowly like a beast: "Ding Yuan, are you challenging my authority?"
Ding Yuan stood firm without retreating a step forward; his gaze locked onto Dong Zhuo's: "I challenge your arrogance that distorts right and wrong! Dong Zhuo, the emperor is legitimate; if you depose him, you are a rebel! Today I stand here to see how you plan to carry out your treasonous scheme!"
Dong Zhuo's expression darkened further as he slowly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword; a chill crept into his voice: "Those who follow me shall live; those who oppose me shall die. Ding Yuan, I advise you to think carefully; do not seek your own demise."
Ding Yuan let out a cold laugh, unfazed. "Dong Zhuo, this world is not yours to dictate! If you dare to commit treason, you will be remembered in infamy for eternity!"
As soon as his words fell, Dong Zhuo's hand had already grasped the hilt of his sword, his gaze sharp as a blade fixed on Ding Yuan, as if he would draw it at any moment. However, Li Ru, standing nearby, noticed a tall and imposing warrior behind Ding Yuan. Clad in heavy armor and wielding a Fangtian Halberd, he exuded an aura of authority that seemed capable of engulfing the entire Wen Ming Garden in endless slaughter with just a slight movement.
Li Ru's forehead broke into a cold sweat as he quickly stepped forward and lowered his voice to Dong Zhuo. "My lord, this is a banquet; discussing state affairs is inappropriate at this time. Why not leave this matter for tomorrow's court session? We can decide on the issue of succession then."
This statement served both as a reminder and a warning. Li Ru's gaze inadvertently flicked toward the warrior, his heart filled with caution.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, the surrounding officials hurriedly approached to mediate, whispering, "Governor Ding, Lord Dong, please consider the greater good and calm your anger."
Ding Yuan snorted disdainfully, his eyes still filled with contempt. He declared loudly, "Dong Zhuo, if you truly had any self-awareness, you would understand how absurd your words about succession are! Unfortunately, your ambition and audacity will inevitably drag the court into despair!"
Dong Zhuo's face darkened to the point where it seemed like water could drip from it, but he ultimately restrained himself. With the officials' persuasion, Ding Yuan finally withdrew his spear and turned to leave, his imposing figure disappearing beyond the tent, leaving behind an oppressive silence.
Dong Zhuo cast a cold glance over the officials, his gaze sharp as lightning. His voice was low and powerful, as if each word carried immense weight. "Gentlemen, is there anything unreasonable in what I have said? How can a ruler without virtue protect our state? What I say today is for the sake of the world!"
No official dared to speak up; they lowered their heads to avoid Dong Zhuo's piercing gaze. At that moment, someone suddenly stood up—it was Lu Zhi. His expression was calm as he clasped his hands together and spoke in a steady yet firm tone. "Duke Dong, forgive my frankness; your words may lack fairness."
Dong Zhuo furrowed his brow slightly, locking his gaze onto Lu Zhi while the surrounding ministers held their breath in fear of provoking this powerful warlord.
Lu Zhi paused briefly, scanning the room before continuing. "Historically, when Tai Jia was incompetent and tyrannical, Yi Yin had no choice but to exile him to Tong Palace. The Prince of Changyi committed three thousand offenses within just twenty-seven days after ascending the throne; it was only then that Huo Guang petitioned for his removal. But what about our current emperor? Though young, he is benevolent and wise, with no faults to speak of and beloved by the people. You are merely a local governor with no involvement in court affairs and lacking the virtue and talent of Yi Yin or Huo Guang; how can you casually propose to dethrone the emperor?"
His voice rang out powerfully, each word striking at Dong Zhuo's authority. The cold smile on Dong Zhuo's face gradually froze as anger flickered in his darkened eyes. His hand slowly moved back to the hilt of his sword as he spoke icily. "Lu Zhi, are you implying that I am unworthy of this task?"
Lu Zhi stood his ground, his gaze fixed on Dong Zhuo. "The sage once said, 'If one has the ambition of Yi Yin, it is righteous; if one lacks the ambition of Yi Yin, it is usurpation.' Duke Dong, should you not reflect on whether you truly care for the world or merely seek to satisfy your own ambitions?"
A profound silence enveloped the room, as if even the sound of breathing had vanished. Dong Zhuo's fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, a murderous aura radiating from him. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, as if he might draw his weapon at any moment.
Unable to contain his fury any longer, Dong Zhuo suddenly drew his sword and advanced, his voice booming like thunder. "Today, I shall slay you, this arrogant fool! Let’s see who dares to defy me!"
The officials around gasped in shock and hurriedly retreated. As the blade gleamed ominously, the councilor Peng Bo rushed forward, kneeling on the ground with urgency in his voice. "Honorable Duke, think twice! Minister Lu commands great respect among the people. If you kill him, it will surely cause upheaval across the land and destabilize the military! I implore you, Honorable Duke, show mercy!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo's gaze swept over Peng Bo and then around at the terrified officials. Finally, he snorted coldly and sheathed his sword. In a low voice, he said, "For your sakes today, I will spare him. But matters of succession are no trifling matter. Now disperse!"
The officials retreated in trepidation while Dong Zhuo stood by the garden gate with his hand resting on his sword, his expression still dark and his eyes cold as a serpent. Just as he was sneering to himself, he suddenly heard the sound of hooves outside—steady and powerful—accompanied by the metallic clash of weapons. A burly warrior clad in heavy armor rode back and forth on horseback, wielding a Fangtian Halberd as if on guard.
Dong Zhuo frowned and turned to Li Ru. "Who is that?"
Li Ru's expression changed slightly as he lowered his voice. "My lord, that is Ding Yuan's sworn brother, Lü Bu, styled Fengxian. This man is renowned for his bravery in battle and is known as a fierce tiger among men. His appearance now likely serves to intimidate us; my lord must not act rashly."
Dong Zhuo regarded Lü Bu with a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. He snorted dismissively and waved his hand. "It would be wise to avoid confrontation for now; let’s see how long this fierce tiger can remain so arrogant."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the garden while Lü Bu lingered outside like an insurmountable barrier.
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