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As night fell, the camp of general Lu was illuminated by flickering campfires, with soldiers standing guard in small groups, their armor glinting coldly in the firelight. Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed from a distance, gradually approaching the camp gate. The soldiers within the camp became alert, hands resting on their weapons, eyes sharp as hawks, coldly watching the newcomer.
"Stop! Who goes there?" shouted the leading soldier, his tone laced with caution.
The visitor reined in his horse and calmly raised a hand in greeting. "I am Li Su. Please report to general Lu that an old friend has come to visit." His voice was confident and his gaze steady, seemingly unfazed by the soldiers' hostility.
The soldiers hesitated for a moment but ultimately sent someone into the tent to deliver the message. Soon, a deep and authoritative voice came from within: "Let him in."
Li Su dismounted and walked slowly into the tent. Inside was simple yet tidy; Fangtian Halberd stood beside the main seat, emanating a sharp cold light, symbolizing the master's authority. general Lu sat in the main seat, clad in armor, exuding an imposing presence. His gaze cut through Li Su like a blade as he spoke in a low voice, "It’s you, Li Su? It’s been many years; what brings you here so suddenly?"
Li Su smiled slightly and cupped his hands in salute. "General, I hope you are well! It has been many years since we last parted. Now, I have been appointed by the court as Tiger Elite Colonel to serve the country. Today, hearing of your great reputation and your efforts to uphold the state fills me with admiration. I have brought a small gift to express my sentiments."
Upon hearing this, general Lu raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "A small gift? You’ve traveled such a long way; what do you mean?"
Li Su's smile deepened as he clapped his hands. A soldier led a horse into the tent. The horse was entirely crimson, like burning coals, its mane shimmering with a fiery glow. It was robust and powerful, its hooves steady and strong; its head held high with bright eyes that breathed heavily like a beast ready to pounce.
"This horse is named Red Hare; it can travel a thousand miles in a day and can cross rivers and climb mountains as if on flat ground—rare in this world. You are a dragon among men, General; this horse is king among horses. I present it to you to enhance your might," Li Su said with admiration in his tone while a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.
general Lu was captivated by Red Hare. He set down his cup and stood up to approach the horse, circling around it for a closer look. Red Hare neighed loudly, its sound echoing throughout the tent as it pawed lightly at the ground, muscles rippling beneath its coat as if ready to burst through the tent door and race into the vast world outside.
"What a fine steed!" general Lu finally exclaimed in admiration. He reached out to gently stroke Red Hare's mane, feeling its strength and warmth while his eyes revealed rare softness and satisfaction.
Looking at Red Hare filled general Lu with joy. He couldn't help but reach out again to caress its fiery mane, his face full of awe. "Such an exceptional steed is truly rare in this world. Brother Li’s generous gift leaves me wondering how I can repay you."
Li Su smiled slightly and raised his wine cup. "Brother, your words are mistaken. I come today not for any repayment, but purely for the sake of brotherhood and loyalty." He downed the wine in one gulp, his tone carrying a hint of bravado.
Hearing this, Lü Bu felt even more cheerful. He clapped his hands, signaling for more wine to be served to welcome Li Su. As they drank and conversed, Lü Bu grew increasingly relaxed, revealing a rare warmth. However, just as the atmosphere became lively, Li Su suddenly set down his cup and shifted his tone with a hint of amusement. "Brother, I truly envy you. It's hard to see you often, yet your father seems to meet with me quite regularly."
Lü Bu was taken aback, his smile freezing instantly as he looked at Li Su in confusion. "Brother, have you had too much to drink? My father has been deceased for many years; how could he meet with you?"
Li Su burst into hearty laughter, his expression deepening with meaning. "Brother, you misunderstand me. I'm not referring to your late father but to Ding Jianyang."
Lü Bu froze for a moment before understanding dawned on him. His expression darkened as he slammed his cup onto the table, his gaze turning wary. "What do you mean by that, brother? I serve under Ding Jianyang out of necessity."
Seeing his reaction, Li Su's smile widened further, and his tone took on a teasing edge. "Necessity? Brother, that sounds contradictory. You, Lü Bu, are one of the rare heroes of this world, wielding Fangtian Halberd and riding the fine steed Red Hare. Who in the world does not know your name? Fame and fortune are merely within your grasp; how can you speak of 'necessity'?"
Lü Bu fell silent for a moment, the wariness in his expression slowly fading away to reveal a sense of helplessness and resentment. "It has always been difficult for heroes to find wise rulers. If there were a worthy lord who could use me, would I be forced to remain in such a subordinate position?"
Upon hearing this, Li Su's lips curled into a faint smile as he spoke calmly yet with an enticing undertone. "So it seems you have yet to encounter a suitable lord. As the ancients said, 'A good bird chooses its tree; a wise minister chooses his lord.' If you do not make a decision soon, it may be too late for regrets."
Lü Bu looked at Li Su with a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes and tentatively asked, "Since you are within the court, have you ever seen a true wise ruler of our time?"
Li Su gently set down his wine cup and leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as he said, "To my shame, among all the ministers I have observed, only Dong Zhuo can be called a hero of the world. He respects the worthy and rewards merit; he is clear in rewards and punishments and harbors great ambitions—he is destined for great achievements. If you assist him, brother, you will surely make your name known throughout the land and accomplish great deeds."
Lü Bu pondered for a moment while stroking Red Hare's mane; a cold smile crept onto his lips. "I have long heard that Dong Zhuo possesses talent but have struggled without means or connections. If we were to align our interests, wouldn’t that be like adding wings to a tiger?"
Li Su's gaze flickered slightly as he spoke softly yet with an air of mystery. "There are indeed ways; it all depends on whether you dare to take that step."
Lü Bu raised his head, a strange light igniting in his eyes, like a fierce tiger hidden in the grass, as if he had made a decision.
Li Su smiled faintly and took out a delicate wooden box from his satchel. He gently opened it to reveal a neat arrangement of dazzling gold beads and a shimmering Jade Belt. Under the dim light, these treasures emitted a dazzling glow that reflected on Lü Bu's face, igniting a flame in his dark pupils.
Lü Bu's gaze sharpened, his pupils slightly constricting as he seemed unable to believe the sight before him. He reached out and touched the intricate patterns on the Jade Belt, asking softly, "Brother Li, what does this mean?"
Li Su glanced around, waved his hand to dismiss all the attendants in the tent, then lowered his voice, laced with a hint of secrecy. "General, these treasures are Duke Dong's tribute to you. He has long heard of your great name. This Red Hare is also a special gift from Duke Dong, intended to show his sincerity."
Lü Bu was taken aback, withdrawing his hand and asking in a deep voice, "Duke Dong treats me so generously? How should I repay his kindness?"
Li Su smiled calmly, stepping closer and adding a touch of temptation to his tone. "Duke Dong is a wise lord who recognizes and cherishes talent. A nameless person like me has already been promoted by him to Tiger Elite Colonel. If someone like you, a dragon among men, were to pledge allegiance to him, your future would be beyond measure. This small gift is merely an overture."
Lü Bu's eyes flickered as he tightened his grip on Fangtian Halberd. He murmured, "But I am currently under Ding Jianyang's command with no achievements to my name. How can I qualify to meet Duke Dong?"
Upon hearing this, Li Su revealed a cunning smile at the corner of his mouth. "Achievements? General, fame and fortune are but a matter of turning your hand. The key is whether you are willing to seize this opportunity."
Lü Bu frowned and pondered for a moment before suddenly speaking with gravity. "Ding Yuan has treated me well but repeatedly suppresses my ambitions. At this rate, when will I Lü Bu ever establish my name and achieve greatness? If... I were to kill Ding Yuan and lead my troops to join Duke Dong, what do you think?"
Li Su's eyes flashed with brilliance at these words, though his expression remained serious. He nodded vigorously, suppressing the excitement in his voice. "General, if this plan succeeds, it will be an immense contribution to the world! Once you take this step, your future will undoubtedly be limitless! However... this matter cannot be delayed; it must be resolved swiftly to avoid complications later."
Lü Bu lowered his head, gripping Fangtian Halberd with trembling hands as if struggling or making a decision. After a moment, he suddenly raised his head again, no trace of hesitation left in his eyes—only boundless ambition and cold determination. Gritting his teeth, he declared, "Very well! Tonight shall be Ding Yuan's death!"
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