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The swords of the two men clashed faintly, creating a suffocating tension in the air. At that moment, Li Ru hurried forward, breaking the stalemate. "My Lord, we cannot let the words of one person affect the larger situation. Although Yuan Shao has spoken disrespectfully, this is not the time for execution. I urge you to reconsider."
Dong Zhuo shot a fierce glare at Yuan Shao, sheathing his sword with a cold snort. "Yuan Shao, considering your family's reputation, I will spare your life today. Now get out!"
Yuan Shao sneered, turning to sheath his sword and sweeping out his sleeves as he left. Just as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back, speaking each word with conviction. "Dong Zhuo, I will remember what happened today. One day, people from all over the world will unite to bring you down, you treacherous minister!"
Dong Zhuo's face turned pale with rage; he clenched his fists but did not pursue him.
His expression darkened further as he gripped his sword tightly. He glared at Yuan Shao's retreating figure, fury igniting in his eyes as if he would charge forward at any moment to slay this man who dared to defy him.
Turning to Li Ru, Dong Zhuo furrowed his brow, filled with resentment. "Yuan Shao is clearly intent on opposing me. Are we not afraid that by letting him go, he will gather troops and become a threat?"
Li Ru maintained a calm demeanor and replied steadily, "My Lord, Yuan Shao currently lacks the strength to resist. If you kill him now, it would only incite his family and former officials to unite against you. Allowing him to live and showing him some favor can turn enemies into allies and delay his actions."
Dong Zhuo snorted coldly as he returned his sword to its sheath and turned to Tai Chuan and Yuan Wei. "Your nephew has openly provoked me; how do you suggest I deal with him?"
Yuan Wei's face turned pale, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. He bowed deeply and repeatedly said, "Yuan Shao has indeed been disrespectful. Thank you, Grand Commandant, for your magnanimity in sparing him this time. His ignorance is my fault as his uncle; I ask that you grant him another chance."
Dong Zhuo narrowed his eyes, a cold smile creeping onto his lips as he spoke threateningly. "I will spare him for your sake. However, the decision regarding succession has already been made. If anyone dares to obstruct it again, they will be dealt with according to military law. Do you understand, Tai Chuan?"
Yuan Wei quickly lowered his head in response. "Your wisdom is unmatched, Grand Commandant; I will fully cooperate."
Seeing Yuan Wei's submissive demeanor, Dong Zhuo finally turned back to his main seat. He surveyed the room and said coldly, "If anyone here is still dissatisfied, feel free to speak your mind."
The ministers shrank back like quails, none daring to utter a word. Finally satisfied, Dong Zhuo nodded and waved his hand dismissively. "In that case, we shall proceed as I have said."
After the banquet concluded, Dong Zhuo returned to his tent and summoned the attendants Zhou Bi and Colonel Wu Qiong for a discussion. Sitting in a high position, he cast a cold glance at both men and asked straightforwardly, "Yuan Shao has already fled Luoyang in anger; what do you think will happen next?"
Zhou Bi slightly bowed, his tone cautious. "My Lord, Yuan Shao's departure this time will likely not be peaceful. Although he is temporarily unable to resist, the Yuan Clan has accumulated deep prestige among the four generations of three dukes, with their students and former officials spread across the land. If Yuan Shao gathers strength under the pretext of recruiting heroes from all over, it will be difficult for Shandong to remain under your control."
Dong Zhuo raised an eyebrow and sneered, "So what do you mean?"
Zhou Bi lowered his voice. "It would be better to ease the situation for now and give Yuan Shao a way out. We could appoint him as a county governor, publicly showing him favor and allowing him to feel that he has received clemency. This would not only weaken his anger but also stabilize the situation."
Wu Qiong stepped forward, his tone somewhat direct. "Yuan Shao may be proud and arrogant, but he is indecisive and lacks determination; he may not truly accomplish anything. It would be better to grant him titles and promotions, making him believe that you have no intention of opposing him. This way, he might hold back for a while."
After hearing both suggestions, Dong Zhuo crossed his arms and fell into deep thought. His gaze turned cold, and a hint of disdain curled at the corners of his mouth as he murmured, "Just a wolf that cannot be raised; let him think he is safe for now. When the time is right, I will naturally find a way to deal with him."
On the first day of September, the sky over Luoyang was gloomy, as if sensing the impending upheaval. Dong Zhuo had made early preparations, ordering attendants to escort the Emperor to Jia De Hall while summoning civil and military officials to gather. Once everyone had arrived, Dong Zhuo stepped forward slowly, holding a gleaming sword in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the crowd like a fierce tiger surveying its prey.
"My lords!" His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the vast hall. "The Emperor is foolish and lacks virtue and talent; he cannot stabilize the realm. Today I have a decree that I ask Li Ru to read!"
Li Ru stood in the center of the hall, took a brief scroll from Dong Zhuo, and after unfolding it, read aloud: "The Xiao Ling Emperor has unfortunately passed away, leaving the realm in chaos. The current Emperor does not uphold propriety during mourning; the people are filled with grievances. The King of Chenliu possesses upright virtue, is humble in nature, behaves appropriately, and is deeply respected by all. Therefore, we shall depose the current Emperor and appoint Prince of Hongnong as new Emperor while returning power to the Empress Dowager within the inner palace."
The hall fell silent instantly; one could hear a pin drop as everyone held their breath.
Dong Zhuo slowly approached the Emperor, looking at him coldly with an undeniable voice: "Your Majesty, remove your seal and kneel to receive orders!"
Emperor Shao's eyes widened in terror as he instinctively clutched his seal against his chest, trembling as he spoke: "Dong Zhuo! I am the legitimate son of the late Emperor; I am the rightful ruler! How dare you—"
Before he could finish speaking, Dong Zhuo thrust his sword forward, pointing it directly at Emperor Shao's throat as he coldly commanded: "The decision of deposing is not yours to make. Kneel or die!"
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager covered her face in despair and fell to her knees pleading: " Grand Marshal Dong, I beg you to spare His Majesty; he is still just a child—"
"Shut up!" Dong Zhuo interrupted sharply, his gaze slicing through the air like a knife as it fell upon the Empress Dowager. "What of the child? The world needs a wise ruler, not a useless coward!"
Soldiers surged forward, roughly stripping the Emperor of his imperial seals and forcing him to kneel on the ground. Emperor Shao cried out in despair, but under Dong Zhuo's piercing gaze, all resistance became futile. He knelt, bowing his head in submission, his voice hoarse, "I... obey."
Dong Zhuo let out a cold laugh and turned to the Empress Dowager, commanding sternly, "Withdraw at once and await orders!"
Trembling with fear, the Empress Dowager was assisted out of the great hall, her cries fading into the distance.
Inside the hall, silence reigned. Not a single minister dared to lift their head; many quietly clenched their fists, nails digging deep into their palms. They remained silent but could not suppress the anger and sorrow boiling within them.
At that moment, a furious shout shattered the stillness: "Dong Zhuo! You treacherous minister dare commit such a heinous crime against heaven! I, Minister Ding Guan, will risk my life today to settle accounts with you!"
Ding Guan suddenly stood up, raising the ceremonial tablet in his hand and throwing it with all his might at Dong Zhuo. The tablet sliced through the air, aimed directly at Dong Zhuo's face.
With quick reflexes, Dong Zhuo sidestepped just in time; the tablet struck the pillar behind him with a dull thud. His expression darkened as he barked, "Seize him!"
The soldiers rushed forward and pinned Ding Guan to the ground. His face flushed red with anger as he continued to curse loudly: "Dong Zhuo, you will meet a terrible end! This empire is not yours to seize! You will be forsaken by all and die without a burial place!"
Dong Zhuo looked at Ding Guan coldly, his face filled with disdain and contempt. He raised his hand and spoke icily: "Take him out and execute him!"
Dragged from the hall, Ding Guan continued to shout defiantly before his execution, his voice echoing throughout the palace. His brave sacrifice only fueled the ministers' sorrow and indignation further, yet none dared to rise in rebellion again.
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