Wen Yuan

Year 189, Luoyang, Western Garden garrison.

Yuan Shao slammed his hand on the table in anger. “I never thought Wu Kuang would aid Dong Zhuo and manage to win over the old general’s former troops. All our efforts have been in vain.”

Wang Kuang, a staunch supporter of Yuan Shao, advised, “Dong Zhuo commands a formidable army and harbors ill intentions. If we don’t act swiftly, we will be at his mercy.”

“That Xiliang army is exceptionally fierce. With our current forces, it might be very difficult to succeed,” Yuan Shao hesitated, considering the disparity in strength.

Zhang Miao agreed with Wang Kuang’s suggestion. “Why not strike while he has just arrived? His troops must be exhausted. A surprise attack could capture Dong Zhuo alive!”

“We have only just incorporated some of the Western Garden troops; their morale is still unstable,” Yuan Shao replied, less optimistic than the others.

At this moment, Yuan Shao’s forces were indeed insufficient to confront Dong Zhuo.

Of course, this was a theoretical assessment. Every action carries risk, and risk and reward are always proportional. Without taking risks, success is impossible.

From the standpoint of the nation, he should take the risk. But from the perspective of the Yuan family, Yuan Shao could not afford failure, as he was the head of the clan.

Unless he could unite the armies of Yuan Shu, Ding Yuan, and Cao Cao—an ideal but hardly achievable plan.

Moreover, once Yuan Shao made a decision, he would not be swayed.

Wang Kuang was somewhat disappointed but, as a subordinate, did not contradict him. After exchanging a few polite words, he hurried back to the camp outside the city.

Someone asked, “With Cao Cao such a genius, doesn’t he see this? Is he too weak?”

That was not the case. Cao Cao’s military strategies were honed continuously through battles; he was not invincible from the start.

…

Just as Yuan Xi was leaving the camp gate, a rider galloped toward him.

Upon closer inspection, it was Zhang Liao, whom he had met briefly before.

“Young Master Yuan? I am Zhang Liao, greetings!” Zhang Liao quickly dismounted and saluted upon recognizing Yuan Xi.

“General Zhang? What brings you here?” Yuan Xi asked in surprise.

“The recruitment is complete, and I have come to report,” Zhang Liao replied.

“I see. General Zhang, please come with me.”

Yuan Xi led Zhang Liao to Yuan Shao’s main tent.

Zhang Liao presented his order token and official letter, requesting permission to report. “General, I have finished recruiting. We have raised one thousand soldiers. I await your orders.”

Yuan Shao praised him, “Well done, General Zhang. Your efforts are appreciated.”

Zhang Liao hesitated before asking, “I heard that the Grand General has already died?”

“Yes, indeed. Just a few days ago.”

Yuan Xi nodded and then recounted the entire situation to him.

Afterward, Yuan Shao looked at Zhang Liao. “The current situation is perilous and uncertain. General Zhang, how about serving in the Western Garden to protect the realm?”

“Thank you for your kindness, Sir Yuan. Since the Grand General has passed, I ought to return to Lord Ding. If I do not report back, Lord Ding cannot be accounted for, and later, Sir Yuan would not dare employ me,” Zhang Liao politely declined.

“General Zhang, your loyalty is commendable!” Yuan Shao accepted his refusal with grace and, after some courteous exchange, had Yuan Xi escort Zhang Liao out.

At the camp gate, Yuan Xi held the reins of Zhang Liao’s horse.

“There is a confidential matter I’m unsure whether to share with Wen Yuan,” Yuan Xi hesitated as they walked.

Zhang Liao cupped his hands. “Young Master, please speak freely.”

“To be honest with Wen Yuan, we received secret intelligence that Dong Zhuo intends harm to Inspector Ding. Please remind Inspector Ding to be vigilant,” Yuan Xi said gravely, glancing around before advising.

“Thank you for informing me. I will caution Inspector Ding to be on guard.” Though somewhat skeptical, Zhang Liao accepted the warning.

Yuan Xi continued, “Wen Yuan and I instantly felt a kinship. My father also holds General Ding in high regard. If anything happens, come to my father or me. The gates of the Yuan family will always be open to Wen Yuan.”

“Many thanks, Young Master,” Zhang Liao responded with gratitude but without much concern.

Yuan Xi thought to himself that he had done his part to warn.

If Ding Yuan was still to be killed as history foretold, there was nothing he could do. He hoped that afterward, Zhang Liao might choose to join them.

At this time, not everyone owed Yuan Xi respect.

Therefore, Yuan Xi could only recommend Zhang Liao to his father, Yuan Shao, as an early form of alliance. Yet Zhang Liao declined the Yuan family’s goodwill.

At that moment, all heroes of the realm acknowledged the Yuan family, recognized Yuan Shao, not Yuan Xi, the second son, no matter his potential.

Ten days later, Dong Zhuo’s hundred thousand Xiliang cavalry finally reached the outskirts of Luoyang. He stationed his elite Flying Bear Army of thirty thousand inside the city.

The remaining forces encamped outside, securing full advantage.

Dong Zhuo rode his cavalry daily in and out of Luoyang, terrorizing the streets.

His purpose was to demonstrate power and intimidate rivals, leaving the common folk in fear.

Having grown arrogant, Dong Zhuo began frequenting the imperial palace with impunity.

What a pity—if only he could have restrained his ambition, avoided momentary conflicts, and remained humble and cautious, perhaps he might have become another Huo Guang.

Alas, history allows no “ifs.”

Cao Cao, Xun You, and other ministers already discerned Dong Zhuo’s ambitions.

Inside Luoyang, the former General-in-Chief’s mansion of He Jin had been seized by Dong Zhuo, who now hosted lavish banquets for court officials.

With Dong Zhuo’s overwhelming power, no official dared refuse the invitation. After the martial display, it was time for the political theater.

After showcasing his strength, Dong Zhuo sought political negotiations, especially with factions led by the Yuan family. After all, not all problems could be solved by force.

High-ranking officials like Yuan Wei, Wang Yun, and Huang Wan arrived early.

Yuan Xi accompanied his father, Yuan Shao.

Within Dong Zhuo’s residence, generals Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji each led a detachment, patrolling vigilantly. Behind them stood the valiant warrior Hua Xiong, prepared for any threat, reminiscent of the tense atmosphere at the Hongmen Banquet.

All the court officials arrived early—except for Ding Yuan, the Chief Commandant, who came last.

Ding Yuan’s visage was stern and imposing, his demeanor befitting a feudal lord.

However, Yuan Xi’s gaze did not rest on Ding Yuan as he entered, but rather on the man following him.

This man was majestic and awe-inspiring.

He was none other than Lü Bu, the unparalleled fierce general of the Three Kingdoms.

Lü Bu, courtesy name Fengxian, the mightiest warrior in the land.

His martial prowess rated at 99+, with the notorious habit of slaying his foster father.

Seeing him, Yuan Xi’s mind jolted, “L-Lü Bu?”

Though dressed plainly without armor, his commanding presence and the distinctive halberd—Fangtian Huaji—in his hand left no doubt.

Lü Bu scanned the surroundings briefly, his gaze lingering momentarily upon Hua Xiong.

With Ding Yuan’s arrival, the banquet commenced. After several rounds of wine, Dong Zhuo rose slowly and declared, “The current ruler is weak, unfit to lead the realm. The King of Chenliu is wise and studious, worthy of the throne.”

After his words, the ministers exchanged uneasy glances, afraid to contradict him.

Yuan Wei offered a tactful remonstrance, “That may be unwise, sir.”

“What is unwise?” Dong Zhuo shot a sidelong glance at Yuan Wei, then continued, “I intend to emulate Huo Guang’s support of Emperor Xuan, deposing the emperor to enthrone the King of Chenliu. What say the ministers?”