Main Text: Chapter 8 Wang Sidu skillfully employs a series of stratagems; Dong Taishi creates a scene at Fengyi Pavilion

 

Main Text: Chapter 8 Wang Sidu skillfully employs a series of stratagems; Dong Taishi creates a scene at Fengyi Pavilion

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Kuai Liang said, "Now that Sun Jian has passed away, his sons are all young. We should seize this opportunity of their weakness and march swiftly. Jiangdong can be easily captured with one blow. If we withdraw now and let them regain their strength

"The trouble is in Jingzhou." Table said, "I have Huang Zu in that camp. How can I bear to abandon him?" Liang said, "Why not sacrifice Huang Zu for the sake of Jiangdong?" Table

He said, "Huang Zu and I are as close as brothers. It would be unjust to abandon him." So he sent Huan Jie back to the camp, agreeing to exchange Sun Jian's body for Huang Zu.

Sun Ce exchanged Huang Zu for peace, welcomed the coffin, ceased hostilities and returned to Jiangdong, burying his father in the plain of Qu'a. After the funeral, he led his army to Jiangdu, recruited talents and scholars, humbled himself to await others, and spread his influence far and wide

Heroes gradually come to the fore. It's a piece of cake.

But Dong Zhuo, who was in Chang'an, heard that Sun Jian had died. He exclaimed, "I have removed a hidden danger!" When asked, "How old is his son?" and someone replied, "Seventeen years old," Zhuo

He did not take it to heart. From then on, he became even more arrogant and imperious, styling himself as "Father Shang" and arrogantly parading the emperor's honor guard in and out. He conferred the title of Left General and Marquis of Heng on his younger brother Dong Huang, and appointed his nephew Dong Huan as a chamberlain, with overall command

Imperial Guard. The Dong family, regardless of age, were all granted the title of Marquis. A new city, Mei Wu, was built 250 miles away from Chang'an City, with 250,000 laborers working on its construction. The city walls were built high and low

The thickness is as uniform as Chang'an, with palaces and warehouses inside to store food for twenty years; eight hundred young men and beautiful women from the people are chosen to fill it, and gold, jade, colored silk, and pearls are piled up without measure

"Several; all family members live within. When Zhuo traveled to Chang'an, either every half month or once a month, the officials would send him off at the Hengmen. Zhuo often set up a tent on the road and gathered with the officials for drinks."

One day, Zhuo left the palace through the west gate, with all the officials seeing him off. Zhuo held a banquet, and just then, hundreds of soldiers who had surrendered from the north arrived. Zhuo immediately ordered that before the guests, some of them had their hands and feet cut off, and others had their eyes gouged out,

Either their tongues were cut out, or they were boiled in a large pot. The sound of their cries pierced the sky, and the officials were so frightened that they dropped their chopsticks. But Zhuo continued to eat, drink, and talk as if nothing was happening. Another day, Zhuo held a grand meeting with the officials in the provincial office, and they sat in rows

Two lines. After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu entered directly and whispered a few words to Zhuo. Zhuo laughed and said, "So that's how it is." He ordered Lü Bu to drag Sikong Zhang Wen down from the hall at the banquet. All the officials

Dismayed. Not long after, the attendant presented a red plate, holding Zhang Wen's head. The officials were in a state of shock. Zhuo laughed and said, "Gentlemen, don't be alarmed. Zhang Wen has formed an alliance with Yuan Shu, intending to plot against me."

Due to a mistake, a letter was sent to my son Fengxian by someone. As a result, he was beheaded. You all have no reason to be alarmed or afraid. The officials nodded in agreement and dispersed.

Upon returning to his residence, Situ Wang Yun pondered over the events of the banquet and found it difficult to sit still. As night deepened and the moon shone bright, he walked into the back garden with a cane, stood beside the camellia tree, looked up at the sky, and shed tears. suddenly

I heard someone sighing deeply beside the Peony Pavilion. I secretly stepped in to take a look, and it was Diao Chan, a singing girl from the palace. She had been chosen into the palace since childhood and taught in singing and dancing. She was only 28 years old, and her beauty was remarkable

Both the skills and appearance were excellent, and I will treat her as my daughter. That night, I listened for a long time and said, "Is this bitch having an affair?" Diao Chan was shocked and knelt down, replying, "How dare I have an affair!" I said

"You have no selfish motives, why are you sighing so deeply at night?" The cicada said, "Allow me to express my innermost thoughts." Yun said, "Do not conceal anything, tell me the truth." The cicada said, "I

Grateful for your nurturing and kindness, I have been trained in singing and dancing, and treated with great respect. Although I would give my life to repay you, I fear I am unable to do so. Recently, I noticed that your brows are furrowed with concern, indicating that there must be some important matter concerning the country. Yet, I dare not inquire about it.

"Tonight, I find myself restless and uneasy, hence the sigh. I don't wish for adults to see through me. If there is any use for me, I would gladly risk my life!" Yun struck the ground with his cane and exclaimed, "Who would have thought that under the Han Dynasty

"It's in your hands! Follow me to the painting pavilion." Diao Chan followed Yun to the pavilion. Yun dismissed all the concubines and concubines, then sat Diao Chan down and bowed to her. Diao Chan was shocked and fell to the ground, saying:

"Why are you acting like this, Your Excellency?" Yun replied, "You have pity on the lives of the people in the Han Dynasty!" With these words, tears gushed out like a spring. Diao Chan said, "Just now, your humble servant said, 'If only there were orders to follow, I would do anything for you.'"

"I will not hesitate to die." Yun knelt down and said, "The people are in dire peril, and the monarch and ministers are in urgent danger. Only you can save them. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo intends to usurp the throne; the civil and military officials in the court

I'm at a loss. Dong Zhuo has an adopted son named Lv Bu, who is exceptionally brave. I observe that both of them are lustful. Now, I intend to use a chain strategy. First, I will arrange for you to marry Lv Bu,

"Later, present it to Dong Zhuo; you can take advantage of the situation and spy on him and his son to turn against them. Order Bu to kill Zhuo to eradicate the great evil. Restoring the country and re-establishing the throne are all due to your strength. I wonder what you..."

"What do you think?" Diao Chan said, "I, as your concubine, am willing to die a thousand deaths for you. I hope you can offer me to him immediately. I have my own reasons." Yun said, "If this matter leaks out, my family will be annihilated." Diao

Cicada said, "Your Excellency, do not worry. If I do not fulfill my great duty, I will die under a thousand blades!" Yun bowed and thanked her.

The next day, he took several precious pearls from his home and had a skilled craftsman embed them into a golden crown. He sent the crown to Lü Bu in secret. Lü Bu was overjoyed and personally came to Wang Yun's residence to express his gratitude. Wang Yun prepared delicious food and delicacies;

When Lü Bu arrived, Xu Yun went out to welcome him and escorted him into the back hall, where he was seated. Lü Bu said, "Lü Bu is a general in your residence, but you are a minister of the imperial court. Why are you showing me such respect?" Xu Yun replied, "I understand."

"There are no heroes in the world today, only the general. I admire not only your position, but also your talent." Bu was overjoyed. Yun toasted enthusiastically, addressing him as "Lord Dong"

The cloth was of unending virtue. The cloth laughed and drank heartily. Yun dismissed the attendants, retaining only a few concubines to urge him to drink. When the wine reached half its strength, Yun said, "Call the child." A short while later, two attendants in green robes led

Diao Chan came out in gorgeous makeup. Bu Jing asked who she was. Yun said, "This is my daughter, Diao Chan. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, General, and I treat you as if you were my own family. Therefore, I have arranged for her to meet you." Then he ordered Diao Chan

"Drinking with Lv Bu. Diao Chan served wine to Lv Bu. They exchanged glances and winked. Yun pretended to be drunk and said, 'My child Yang and General, please have a few more drinks. My entire family relies on you.'" Lv Bu

Please have Diao Chan sit down. Diao Chan pretended to want to enter. Yun said, "General, you are my closest friend. Why not have the child sit down?" Diao Chan then sat down beside Yun. Lu Bu stared intently. again

After drinking a few cups, he pointed to the cicada and said to Bu, "I want to give this girl to you as a concubine. Are you willing to accept her?" Bu stood up and thanked him, saying, "If that happens, I will repay you with my life."

"Yun said, 'Choose a good day, either in the morning or evening, and send her to my residence.' Bu was overjoyed and kept glancing at Diao Chan. Diao Chan also returned his gaze with a flirtatious look. After a while, the gathering dispersed, and Yun said,"

"I had intended to ask General to stay for the night, but I feared that the Minister might suspect me." Bu repeatedly bowed and thanked him before leaving. A few days later, when Yun was in the court and saw Dong Zhuo, he took advantage of the absence of Lu Bu to bow down on the ground

Yun asked, "I have invited the great master to my humble abode for a banquet. May I know your thoughts on this?" Zhuo replied, "If the Minister accepts the invitation, he should promptly come." Yun thanked him and went home, preparing a grand feast on both land and water

After the banquet was set up, a seat was placed in the center of the front hall, with brocade and silk laid on the ground, and curtains set up both inside and outside. The next day at noon, Dong Zhuo arrived. Allowing him to wear his court attire, he went out to greet him and then bowed and asked after his well-being. Zhuo got off the carriage,

More than a hundred armored soldiers with halberds on both sides entered the hall, crowding around and lining up on both sides. Yun bowed again at the bottom of the hall, and Zhuo ordered him to be helped up and seated on the side. Yun said, "The great virtue of the Grand Tutor is lofty and majestic

"Zhou cannot match him." Zhuo was overjoyed. They toasted and enjoyed themselves, and Yun paid his utmost respect. When it was late and the wine was mellow, Yun invited Zhuo to the back hall. Zhuo ordered the soldiers to retreat. Yun held the cup and congratulated him, saying, "Yun

Since childhood, I have been well-versed in astronomy, observing the celestial phenomena at night. The destiny of the Han Dynasty has come to an end. The greatness and virtue of the Grand Tutor resonate throughout the world, just as Shun was succeeded by Yao and Yao was succeeded by Shun, which is in accordance with the will of heaven and human sentiment," said Zhuo

"How dare you look at this!" Yun said, "Since ancient times, there has been a saying that the just vanquish the unjust, and the virtuous give way to the virtuous. How can it be excessive!" Zhuo laughed and said, "If the mandate of heaven truly belongs to me, then the Minister of State should be the Yuan

"Xun." Yun bowed and thanked him. Candles were lit in the hall, and only the female attendants were left to serve wine and food. Yun said, "The music from the imperial music office is not sufficient for the occasion; I happen to have some family musicians, and I dare to have them perform." Zhuo

"Wonderful," he said. Yun instructed to lower the curtains, and the sound of sheng (a traditional Chinese wind instrument) lingered. Diao Chan danced outside the curtains, surrounded by people. There was a poem praising her: "Originally from the Zhaoyang Palace, a startled swan gracefully twirls in the palm of my hand."

"In the body, only the doubt of flying over Dongting in spring. Pressing the 'Liangzhou' tune, the lotus steps are steady, the good flower wind twists a new branch, the painted hall is warm and filled with spring." Another poem says: "The red teeth urge the beat, the swallow flies busily."

A cloud drifts to the painted hall. Eyebrows darken, deepening the wanderer's sorrow; her face, now severed, breaks the old friend's heart. Elm leaves cannot buy a thousand-gold smile, why dress up with a hundred treasures like a willow belt? After the dance, she peeks through the curtain, stealing a glance,

"I wonder who is King Xiang of Chu." After the dance, Zhuo called Diao Chan forward. Diao Chan retreated behind the curtain and bowed deeply again. Zhuo noticed Diao Chan's beauty and asked, "Who is this girl?"

"She is the geisha Diao Chan," he said. "Can she sing?" Zhuo asked. "Sure," he replied, and ordered Diao Chan to sing a low song with a sandalwood clapper. The song went like this: "A cherry on her lips, two lines of jade spraying the sun."

In spring, the clove-like tongue of Ding Xiang brandishes a steel sword, ready to behead the treacherous and chaotic officials. Zhuo Xiong was deeply impressed and ordered Diao Chan to raise her goblet. Holding the cup, Zhuo Xiong asked, "How old are you?" Diao Chan replied

"I am only 28 years old," the concubine said with a smile. "You are truly a god among men!" Yun Qi said, "I intend to present this woman to the Grand Tutor. I wonder if he would accept her?" Zhuo said, "

"How can I repay your kindness after receiving such a gift?" Yun replied, "This girl will have great fortune to serve the Prime Minister." Zhuo repeatedly thanked him. Yun immediately ordered a felt carriage to send Diao Chan to the Prime Minister's residence first

Zhuo Yi stood up to bid farewell. Yun Qin escorted Dong Zhuo to the residence of the prime minister and then returned.

Riding on horseback, they had not gone half way when they saw two rows of red lanterns illuminating the path. Lyu Bu, riding a horse and wielding a halberd, came into view. He bumped into Wang Yun and immediately reined in his horse. Grabbing Wang Yun by the lapel, he shouted fiercely

"Why are you playing tricks on me? You promised me Diao Chan, but now you're giving her to the Grand Chancellor," asked the questioner. Yun urgently stopped him and said, "This is not the right place to talk. Please come to my thatched cottage."

When Yun arrived home, he dismounted and entered the back hall. After exchanging greetings, Yun said, "Why are you acting so strangely, General?" Bu replied, "Someone told me that you sent a felt carriage to bring Diao Chan to the prime minister's residence. Is that

"What do you mean, 'why'? " Yun replied, "General, you didn't know! Yesterday, the Grand Tutor said to me in the court, 'I have a matter to discuss with you tomorrow at your house.' Therefore, I prepared accordingly."

"I'm waiting for a small banquet. While drinking, the Grand Tutor said, 'I heard that you have a daughter named Diao Chan, who has been promised to my son Fengxian. I'm afraid your words may not hold true, so I came here to ask for her hand in marriage, and also to request a favor.'"

"See." The old man did not dare to disobey, and led Diao Chan out to bow to the eunuch. The Grand Tutor said, "Today is a good day. I shall take this girl back and marry her to Feng Xian." General, consider this:

"With the Senior Minister personally here, how could I possibly refuse?" Bu said, "Minister, please forgive me for my mistake. I made a mistake for a moment, and I will bring a humble apology tomorrow." Yun said, "My daughter has some dowry. After the wedding

"The lunch will be delivered to the General's residence." Buxie left. The next day, Lv Bu inquired in the residence, but heard no news. He went straight into the hall and asked the concubines. The concubines replied, "

"The night came, and the Grand Tutor slept with the new concubine, and he hasn't woken up yet." Bu was furious and sneaked into Zhuo's bedroom to spy. At that moment, Diao Chan was combing her hair under the window, and suddenly she saw a figure reflected in the pond outside the window

, extremely tall, wearing a bun-shaped crown; stealing a glance, it was Lv Bu. Diao Chan furrowed her brows, making a sorrowful and unhappy expression, and repeatedly wiped her tears with a fragrant silk. Lv Bu peered

After a long while, he came out; a short while later, he went in again. Zhuo was sitting in the central hall when he saw Bu coming. He asked, "Is everything alright outside?" Bu replied, "Yes, everything is fine." Zhuo was standing beside him. Zhuo

While eating, Bu stole glances, seeing a woman inside the embroidered curtain moving about and peeping out, half of her face slightly exposed, sending her gaze with a look of affection. Bu knew it was Diao Chan, and his mind was in a daze. Zhuo saw Bu in such a state,

Doubting and suspicious, he said, "Since there's nothing to do here, let's leave." Lu Bu left in a huff.

After taking Diao Chan as a concubine, Dong Zhuo was captivated by her beauty and did not attend to official matters for over a month. When Zhuo occasionally fell ill, Diao Chan did not leave her side, attentively attending to his needs, which pleased Zhuo. Lv Bu entered to inquire after his well-being

At that moment, Zhuo was sleeping soundly. Diao Chan leaned half-way out from behind the bed to look at Lu, pointing to her heart with one finger and then pointing to Dong Zhuo with the other, shedding tears uncontrollably. Lu's heart felt as if it was shattered. Zhuo's eyes were blurry, and he saw Lu staring at him

After getting into bed, he couldn't take his eyes off the bed. Turning around, he saw Diao Chan standing behind the bed. Zhuo was furious and shouted at Bu, "How dare you play tricks on my beloved concubine!" He called for his men to chase her out and forbade her from entering the room again

Enter the hall. Lü Bu returned in anger and resentment, and encountered Li Ru on the way, telling him the reason. Ru urgently went to see Zhuo and said, "Lord Taishi wants to seize the throne. Why did you blame Marquis Wen for a minor offense? If his heart changes..."

"The great opportunity has been lost." Zhuo asked, "What should we do?" Ru said, "Call him in the morning, reward him with gold and silk, and comfort him with kind words. Everything will naturally be fine." Zhuo followed his advice. The next day, he sent someone

He called Bu into the hall and comforted him, saying, "I was in a daze the day before yesterday due to illness, and I spoke in error, hurting you. Don't take it to heart." He then bestowed ten jin of gold and twenty pieces of brocade on Bu. Bu thanked him and left, but his body

Although he was with Zhuo, his heart was actually with Diao Chan.

After Zhuo Ji recovered from his illness, he went to the court to discuss affairs. Bu followed him with a halberd. Seeing Zhuo conversing with Emperor Xian, he seized the opportunity to take out the halberd from the inner gate, mounted his horse, and rode straight to the prime minister's residence. He tied his horse in front of the residence and entered with the halberd

In the rear hall, he found Diao Chan. Chan said, "You can go to the back garden and wait for me by the Fengyi Pavilion." Lu went there with his halberd and stood beside the curved railings under the pavilion. After a long while, he saw Diao Chan picking flowers

Coming with the willow branches, she indeed resembled a fairy from the Moon Palace. Qi said to Bu, "Although I am not the daughter of the imperial chancellor, I have treated him as if I were. Since I met General, I have been willing to serve as a maid. I have..."

I have always been content with my life. Who would have thought that the great general would have evil intentions and violate me? I wished I could die immediately; however, because I haven't had a final farewell with the general, I have endured humiliation and clung to life. Now, fortunately, I have met you, and I wish

"It's over! My body is now tainted, and I can no longer serve a hero; I wish to die before you, to show my resolve!" With these words, she grabbed the curved railing, looked at the lotus pond, and jumped in. Lv Bu hurriedly caught her,

Weeping, she said, "I've known your heart for a long time! It's just a pity that we can't speak to each other!" Diao Chan grabbed the cloth and said, "I can't be your wife in this life, but I wish to meet you in the next life." Bu said, "

"If I can't take you as my wife in this life, I'm not a hero!" The cicada said, "I'm living each day like a year. I hope you will pity and save me." Bu said, "I came here in a leisurely manner, and I'm afraid the old villain will see me."

"If you doubt, you must leave quickly." The cicada tugged at his clothes and said, "If you are so afraid of the old villain, I won't see the light of day anymore!" Bu Li stopped and said, "Let me devise a good plan."

"Alright," he said, raising his halberd to leave. Diao Chan said, "I have heard of your name in the boudoir, and it has been like thunder in my ears. I thought you were the only one in the world; who would have thought that I would end up under someone else's control!"

Tears streamed down his face like rain. Embarrassed and ashamed, he leaned on the halberd again and turned to hug Diao Chan, comforting her with kind words. The two leaned on each other, unable to bear to part.

But Dong Zhuo, who was in the palace, turned around and didn't see Lv Bu. He was suspicious and hurriedly excused himself from the Emperor and boarded his carriage to return to his residence. He saw Lv Bu's horse tied in front of his residence and asked the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper replied, "

"Lord Wen has gone into the back hall." Zhuo dismissed his attendants and went straight into the back hall, but he couldn't find him; he called Diao Chan, but Chan was also nowhere to be seen. He urgently asked the concubine, and the concubine replied, "Diao Chan is in the back."

"Let's go to the garden to see the flowers." Zhuo Xun entered the back garden and saw Lv Bu and Diao Chan talking under the Fengyi Pavilion, with a painted halberd leaning against the side. Zhuo was furious and shouted loudly. Lv Bu was shocked to see Zhuo approaching,

Turning around, he left. Zhuo grabbed the painted halberd and rushed after him. Lv Bu was fast, and Zhuo, being fat, couldn't catch up. Zhuo threw his halberd at Lv Bu, but Lv Bu knocked it to the ground. Zhuo picked up the halberd and chased after him again, but Lv Bu had already left

As Zhuo rushed out of the garden gate, a person came flying towards him and collided with his chest, causing him to fall to the ground. It was as if a towering anger soared into the sky, and his once robust body crumpled into a heap. The outcome remains unknown

Who is the person? Let's find out in the following analysis.