[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-330":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Overthrowing Han",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1223089,1620,"Chapter 330: A Man's Achievements and Legacy Are Inseparable","overthrowing-han-chapter-330",330,"\u003Cp>On the twenty-seventh, Yuan Shao, having occupied the Southern Palace, openly issued orders to everyone, deploying troops in battle formation and preparing to attack the Northern Palace. The eunuchs in the Northern Palace, left with no recourse, once again abandoned the Northern Palace, forcibly taking the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu as they fled... By this point, the eunuchs were utterly defeated, and the Southern and Northern Palaces ran red with rivers of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was on this very day that Dong Zhuo, who had been idly viewing the scenery at Jiyang Pavilion, finally hurried to Xianyang Park west of Luoyang City. It was the day before, the twenty-sixth, when he saw Luoyang ablaze and then received word from his own younger brother Dong Min, that he learned something catastrophic had occurred in Luoyang. He then hastily led his three thousand Xiliang troops and rushed to the walls of Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, at Xianyang Park, just a few li outside the city, Dong Zhongying analyzed the situation briefly and understood where he truly needed to go — there was no need to enter Luoyang. Those who should have been killed were already dead; going there would not even yield a scrap of leftovers. The only advantage now lay in finding the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But where was the Son of Heaven? Everyone said he had been abducted from the palace, but in the chaos, there was no precise information on his exact location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Rang and the others, having abducted the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu from the palace, must still harbor delusions of hope.\" Inside Xianyang Park, Li Ru gazed at the somewhat overcast afternoon sky and spoke while stroking his beard. \"However, at that time, with Qiao Mao to the east, Ding Yuan to the northwest, and us to the southwest, the only paths they could take were two: one was heading to Xiaopingjin toward Henei, the other was leaving Goushi toward Nanyang or Yingchuan... Going to Yingchuan or Nanyang makes no sense. Henei, on the other hand, has Zhu Gongwei. Perhaps they could rely on this old minister of longstanding prestige to rally the Henei troops for a counterattack. That is the only path.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let us move!\" Dong Zhuo, who had been traveling for a day and was resting to the side, rose to his full height upon hearing this, bracing himself on his belt. \"Just five hundred cavalry, follow me to the north of Luoyang to search for the Son of Heaven's procession. The rest will settle here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why only five hundred cavalry?\" Niu Fu, standing nearby, was greatly puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I took three thousand troops, how could I conceal them from Ding Yuan to the north?\" Dong Zhuo dismissed the concern. \"And for a matter like this, the faster the better. Infantry would only be a hindrance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Fu then understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it, you need not go.\" Seeing this, Dong Zhuo was speechless. \"Guard this place securely. Let Wenyou, along with Li Jue, Guo Si, and Hua Xiong, accompany me. That will suffice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Niu Fu was left even more speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, by this time, the troops around Luoyang were no longer limited to just Ding Yuan and the like. Unbeknownst to Dong Zhuo, at the very same moment, Bao Xin, of partisan background, had already led three thousand elite crossbowmen from Taishan, traveling day and night, and arrived east of Luoyang City, almost simultaneously with Dong Zhuo. Even Zhang Liao had already led over a thousand newly recruited soldiers to Wushe Crossing and was currently crossing the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, whether it was Qiao Mao or Bao Xin, whether it was Ding Yuan or Zhang Liao, none had thought to involve themselves. Only Dong Zhuo alone seized the moment, arriving first beneath the walls of Luoyang, and then, upon learning that the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu had been abducted from the city, directly dispatched light troops to search for the imperial procession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, by the evening of the twenty-seventh, Dong Zhuo reached Xiaopingjin. After confirming the Son of Heaven had not arrived, he immediately set out again, turning toward Luoshe north of Mount Beimang (the location of the relay station from Xiaopingjin to Mount Beimang).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, upon arriving at Luoshe, the local village chief immediately reported that two young nobles had just eaten a meal there and had then departed again overnight for Luoyang. Dong Zhuo was overjoyed. He immediately led his troops south again, and indeed, he found the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, Dong Zhongying was never a blind cat stumbling upon a dead rat... With the way he searched, it would have been strange if he *hadn't* found them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, exactly as Li Ru had predicted, Zhang Rang had been preparing to go via Xiaopingjin to Henei to find Zhu Jun, Zhu Gongwei, hoping to use the Son of Heaven to coerce Zhu Jun, a loyal and upright man, into serving their purposes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, upon reaching the banks of the Yellow River, Min Gong, a subordinate sent by Wang Yun and a Yuan of Henan, led several dozen men and located the Son of Heaven's procession, completely surrounding Zhang Rang and his group. As Wang Yun's subordinate, how could Min Gong be courteous to Zhang Rang and the others? He immediately attacked, slaying the eunuchs while demanding that Zhang Rang, Duan Gui, and the rest release the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Zhang Rang and his followers had truly reached a dead end. They merely kowtowed to the Son of Heaven, Liu Bian, then turned and threw themselves into the river to die... The eunuch faction, which had persisted for over a century in Later Han history, was completely annihilated at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Min Gong did not realize the magnitude of what he had done. Seeing that Zhang Rang and the others were all dead, he simply hurried to find a peasant's uncovered cart — a two-wheeled frame cart — and had the utterly exhausted Son of Heaven and his younger brother, the Prince of Chenliu, sit upon it. He sent men to slowly push it toward Luoshe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving there, Liu Bian and Liu Xie ate a quick bite, then set out again. This time, as Luoshe had better horses, and since the Son of Heaven, Liu Bian, had finally regained some strength, they let the Son of Heaven ride a horse alone, while the Prince of Chenliu sat in Min Gong's arms as they continued their journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, aside from Min Gong, Dong Zhuo was still not the first high-ranking minister to arrive. The former Grand Commandant, Cui Lie, now living in retirement, led a group of Luoyang's high officials northward and happened to converge with the Son of Heaven just ahead of Dong Zhuo. They were at that moment inquiring about the preceding events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Dong Zhuo arrived with five hundred cavalry, the thunder of their hooves rumbling as they charged straight before the imperial carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the early morning of the twenty-eighth. The Son of Heaven, having been terrified for days, immediately turned ashen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By imperial decree, withdraw your troops!\" Cui Lie, also panicked, nonetheless gritted his teeth and stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Withdraw my troops?\" Dong Zhuo, hearing Cui Lie's rebuke from afar, flew into a rage. He dismounted, advanced with his hand on his sword, and pointed directly at Cui Lie's nose, shouting back at him. \"You high ministers, are you not pillars of the state? Now that the state has been brought to this state by you, how do you still have the face to order me, a meritorious servant of the state, to withdraw my troops?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rebuked so harshly, Cui Lie was overcome with shame and fury, and could only lower his head in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paying him no further heed, Dong Zhuo stepped forward several paces, came before the Son of Heaven, who was surrounded by a crowd, and bowed with a salute: \"Your Majesty, your servant is the Governor of Bingzhou, Dong Zhuo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With five hundred cavalrymen flanking him, Dong Zhuo's imposing presence was overwhelming. Liu Bian was so cowed he could only stammer and could not reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Dong Zhuo was momentarily choked with frustration and actually pointed at the Son of Heaven, mocking him: \"Does Your Majesty see this? This is the result of you and the late Emperor trusting eunuchs and these worthless wretches! The hardship and suffering you endure today were all brought about by these people and those dead eunuchs together!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven was even more unable to reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconcerned, Dong Zhuo then turned to look at the younger Prince of Chenliu at the side. Seeing the boy staring at him intently, he took the initiative to lead over his own horse, mounted it directly, and then demanded the Prince of Chenliu from Min Gong... His implication was that he wanted the Prince of Chenliu to ride in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half-startled and half-angered, Min Gong dared not reply, yet was unwilling to hand over the Prince of Chenliu. For a moment, they were at an impasse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Dong Zhuo was growing impatient, the nine-year-old Prince of Chenliu suddenly interjected: \"The Governor of Bingzhou has a large belly. If I were to go over, I fear it would be too crowded on the horse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo burst out laughing upon hearing this, and in the end, he never brought the matter up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, after this interlude, Dong Zhuo, having seized the initiative, escorted the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu. The group traveled south and finally reached Luoyang City by late morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this very moment, the true power in all of Luoyang rested with a single man: Grand Tutor Yuan Kui. This head of the Yuan clan, renowned for holding a post without doing any work, had finally been thrust to the forefront of the historical stage due to his elder brother's early death, the exceptionally prominent actions of his two nephews, and the Yuan clan's own formidable strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon meeting Yuan Kui, Dong Zhuo dismounted with respectful deference and, without the slightest hesitation, presented the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu to him... When you think about it, Dong Zhuo had only arrived in Luoyang the previous afternoon and had then rushed off, laboring through the night to search for the Son of Heaven. The idea that he had any intention of seizing the Son of Heaven at this point would be utter nonsense!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, even if he had such an idea, did he currently possess the strength or the nominal authority to seize the Son of Heaven?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager was in the palace; the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu naturally had to return to the palace. And behind Yuan Kui, Yuan Shao and others each commanded their own troops. By this time, Dong Zhongying even knew that Bao Xin had also arrived... Inside and outside Luoyang City, there were no fewer than twenty-five or twenty-six thousand troops at full strength. Even if several thousand had died in the past few days, say twenty thousand remained — what could his three thousand troops do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, Dong Zhuo, the man who had recovered the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Chenliu for the Yuan clan, played the part of a loyal minister and good general, following behind Yuan Kui as they composedly entered the city and prepared to enter the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, upon reaching the Southern Palace, where the palace walls had collapsed, General of the Gentlemen of the Household Rapid as Tigers, Yuan Shu, suddenly stepped forward, stopped Dong Zhuo, and led him aside beneath the palace wall for a private word:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a matter in which I wish to ask Lord Dong's help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General of the Gentlemen of the Household Rapid as Tigers, please speak,\" Dong Zhuo replied, unconcerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding Yuan is outside the city, his movements unpredictable. Moreover, the man is arrogant, unruly, and uncultured. If he is not removed, I fear he will cause further calamity.\" Yuan Shu spoke with a serious expression. \"Yet, we cannot attack him without just cause. Lord Dong is a renowned general of the state. Can you annex him on behalf of our Yuan clan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo was stunned for a moment and, surprisingly, did not answer directly. No one knew what he was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Dong, rest assured, you will be richly rewarded afterward,\" Yuan Shu urged again. \"This is my uncle's intention... As you know, our Yuan clan, after all, had many dealings with the Grand General during his lifetime. There are some matters we find inconvenient to handle openly ourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not impossible.\" After calculating a simple arithmetic problem in his head, Dong Zhuo suddenly felt his heart race. He immediately and cautiously reminded the other party, \"But I only have three thousand troops... Ding Yuan also has three thousand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed!\" Yuan Shu suddenly realized the issue. \"Then what does Lord Dong suggest? Do you need Qiao Mao or Bao Xin to assist?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need. I only require the General of the Gentlemen of the Household Rapid as Tigers to grant me one thing,\" Dong Zhuo forcefully suppressed the excitement leaping in his heart and spoke with a serious face. \"Please have the Grand Tutor issue an edict to me from the Imperial Secretariat, granting me the legitimate authority to annex the scattered troops in Luoyang immediately... I don't need many; just scrape together two or three thousand in a single day within Luoyang. With five thousand men, I can eliminate Ding Yuan for Lord Yuan!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shu pondered briefly, then replied with crisp decisiveness: \"An edict might be somewhat troublesome... Lord Dong may not know, but during the great chaos of the past few days, the seals and stamps everywhere were scattered. Today, after finally restoring order and cleaning up, we discovered that the Imperial Seal alone is missing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo was dumbstruck, his heart growing even more bewildered and uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, all the seals are now kept together in the Hall of Excellent Virtue in the Southern Palace... It is inconvenient to publicly use them,\" Yuan Shu continued. \"However, within the city, there are several units of the Grand General's former troops that can be directly lent to Lord Dong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo braced his hands on his belt and listened intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wu Kuang has several hundred men who were directly under Grand General He. Wang Kuang has over a thousand men he just recently recruited. And there is the General of Chariots and Cavalry, He Miao — this man colluded with the eunuchs, and after he was attacked and killed, his subordinate force of over a thousand men is also in our hands... Will this suffice?\" Yuan Shu asked, counting on his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It will!\" Dong Zhuo immediately puffed out his chest and answered. \"If the General of the Gentlemen of the Household Rapid as Tigers can lend me these three forces, I can resolve the Ding Yuan problem today or tomorrow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you succeed, our Yuan clan will certainly not fail you, Lord Dong!\" Yuan Shu was actually overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo also let out a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, on the afternoon of the twenty-eighth, while Yuan Kui was hastily presiding over the era-name-changing ceremony (changing the era to Zhaoning) in the Southern Palace, Dong Zhuo was hurriedly leading the two thousand-plus troops gifted to him by the Yuan clan, along with his three thousand main-force troops, in a rapid advance on Ding Yuan's forces at Meng Crossing. That very night, the two sides formally clashed in battle outside the city before Meng Crossing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it turned out, Dong Zhuo had somewhat overestimated Ding Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This former Inspector of Bing Province and Commandant of Ferocious Might, who had been promoted to Bearer of the Gilded Mace for setting fire to Mengjin before He Jin's death, was not the least bit ferocious or mighty. Under the combined assault of Dong Zhuo's Western Liang troops and the old forces of the Grand General and the General of Chariots and Cavalry in Luoyang, the man was routed almost overnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no helping it — his own military competence was no match for Dong Zhuo's, and the quality of his troops was no match for Dong Zhuo's either. The capable officers who had originally belonged to him, Zhang Yang and Zhang Liao, were neither of them at his side... though in truth, it would have made no difference if they had been, because Dong Zhuo was now the Governor of Bing Province, and he had previously served as Inspector of Bing Province. Moreover, he now had troops from Luoyang at his side. This annexation had clearly been tacitly approved by the highest power center in Luoyang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Dong Zhuo was annexing He Jin's old forces on behalf of the Yuan clan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, in a single battle it was decided. By the morning of the twenty-ninth, Dong Zhuo already had a full seven or eight thousand troops under his command... a number that already amounted to roughly half of Luoyang's military strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon on the twenty-ninth, when the news reached Luoyang, the Yuan clan members were overjoyed. Yuan Kui even summoned Dong Min and told him to inform his elder brother Dong Zhuo that a position among the Three Excellencies would certainly be offered the next day, and that he should wait quietly at Xianyang Park.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the afternoon of the twenty-ninth, the Yuan clan held a grand banquet, summoning all the ministers, officials, renowned scholars, and heroes of Luoyang. They mourned Grand General He Jin, celebrated the successful purge of the eunuchs, and discussed the post-crisis arrangements... or rather, the distribution of rewards based on merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, at that very moment, among all those in the city acknowledged as \"figures of consequence\" — from Lu Zhi to Yuan Kui, from Yuan Shao to Cao Cao, from Xu You to Feng Ji, from Xun Yu to Xun You, from Gongsun Yue to Zhong Yao, from Guo Tu to Kuai Yue, from Liu Biao to Bao Xin, from Wang Yun to He Yong, and even from Yuan Shu to Jia Xu — not a single person could imagine what Dong Zhuo, Dong Zhongying, who was about to be promoted to Minister of Works, would do the very next morning!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, if any of these people could have imagined it, it would only mean they were all madmen!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Minister of Works Dong was truly the most bizarre figure in the four hundred years of the Two Han dynasties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder brother, have you gone mad?\" Summer rain came without warning. Amid the lightning and thunder, Dong Min, marching on foot behind Dong Zhuo somewhere north of Luoyang city, was utterly dumbfounded. \"Deposing and enthroning... what gives you the means to depose and enthrone? No, why would you even want to depose and enthrone?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have my reasons for doing this.\" Dong Zhuo held his head high and puffed out his chest, one hand on his belt as he arrived before a camp gate. Behind him, the seven or eight thousand troops also halted and formed ranks at the officers' shouts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What reasons?\" Dong Min, his head drenched, hurriedly scrambled under an oil-paper umbrella. \"How can there be any reason? Right now, with Lord Yuan handling civil affairs and you handling military affairs, this is truly an unprecedented situation for our Dong clan... If you try to depose and enthrone, will Lord Yuan agree?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if I do not depose and enthrone, how can I surpass Lord Yuan and seize power?\" Beneath the umbrella, Dong Zhuo remained utterly unconcerned. \"Think about it. If we truly speak of power in Luoyang today, it is divided three ways: first, the Son of Heaven; second, the Empress Dowager; third, Lord Yuan. And because of Grand General He Jin, the first two have long been bound together. The reason the Yuan clan now stands supreme is that they seized the moment of He Jin's death — as allies, they rightfully and justifiably took over He Jin's authority. In other words, if I want to seize power, I can only act against the He clan's interests. And if I want to act against the He clan's interests, I can only depose the Son of Heaven and enthrone the Prince of Chenliu. Otherwise, it is absolutely impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This analysis was far too penetrating, so Dong Min grew even more anxious. Yet for a moment he did not know how to argue, and could only hurriedly look to the other man walking beside Dong Zhuo. However, when Dong Min saw the dark circles under the eyes of his nephew-in-law Li Ru, along with his utterly helpless expression, he was left speechless and could only try to remonstrate himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder brother!\" Ignoring the rain, Dong Min once more cautiously drew near. \"Even setting aside whether it can succeed or not, are you not afraid that the outer provinces will use this as a pretext to raise troops and attack, to help restore the deposed emperor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I will kill the deposed emperor, so that there is only one Son of Heaven. I would like to see whether those people will acknowledge the edicts of that Son of Heaven!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what if someone truly refuses to acknowledge them?\" Dong Min asked through gritted teeth. \"And what if they are ever-victorious, with overwhelming military strength!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first one you are thinking of is Huangfu Song, who commands heavy troops in Guanzhong. The second is Gongsun Xun in You Province, am I right?\" Beneath the umbrella, Dong Zhuo finally turned to look at his younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\" Dong Min immediately grew solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huangfu Song long ago lost any ambition to advance.\" Dong Zhuo remained as composed as ever. \"And as for Gongsun Xun... why should I fear a man two thousand li away? Once my deposition and enthronement succeed and I hold the realm, where would he get the troops and logistics to fight his way across all of Hebei to come for me?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Min found himself unable to reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father-in-law.\" Li Ru finally spoke. \"Even if we set aside outside armies, we hold no advantage within Luoyang either. The Yuan clan has held the Three Excellencies for four generations, and now they lead the purge of the eunuchs. They stand supreme, their prestige at its zenith...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That day by the Wei River, when I watched Gongsun Xun drive fifty thousand rebels like driving cattle and sheep — at that moment I understood. In the affairs of the world, the strong prevail!\" Dong Zhuo unhesitatingly pointed toward the camp gate, which had already been opened before them. \"Prestige is nothing but a fart! And if I can swallow up these troops, then I will be the strongest in Luoyang. What then cannot be done?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even so,\" Li Ru looked ready to weep, \"the risk is still far too great... Why must you, Father-in-law, monopolize supreme power? Would it not be fine to follow the Yuan clan's lead? With Gongsun Xun outside, the Yuan clan will certainly rely on you, my lord. By all reason...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By all reason?\" Dong Zhuo suddenly bellowed. \"Why must I reason with you?! If you truly want reason — the sun sets in the west, so I act in reverse and do the contrary... will that do?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At such a display, not only were Li Ru and Dong Min so terrified that they dared not speak further, but even the several guards holding umbrellas on either side were so startled that they stumbled, causing rainwater to spill onto Dong Zhuo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine goods — Anli Company goods again!\" Dong Zhuo looked at the oil-paper umbrella hastily thrust over his head again, then suddenly snatched it and flung it to the ground. He then strode forward into the rain himself. \"Gentlemen, I trust you have been well since we last met!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Dong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emerging from the camp gate was a squad of armored soldiers, and those at their head were none other than Lu Bu, Xu Rong, Zhang Liao, and others... So this place was actually the Northern Army encampment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has Lord Dong come for Attendant Zhang?\" In the rain, Xu Rong stepped forward with head raised to ask. \"Attendant Zhang returned from recruiting troops, but was at a loss when faced with the great upheaval in Luoyang, so he could only seek shelter here with us...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have come both for Attendant Zhang and for all of you gentlemen.\" Dong Zhuo, one hand on his belt, laughed in the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So Lord Dong truly intends to annex us as well?\" Lu Bu let out a long sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What nonsense is this?!\" Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo's expression turned solemn as he stepped forward and grasped Lu Bu's hand. \"Fengxian, Bojin, and Wenyuan, is it? I came today because I knew that many old friends, and many heroes from the border commanderies, are all gathered here. I came to visit and see how you are... After all, we are all men of the border commanderies, are we not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three could not help but be slightly moved, yet they could not refrain from glancing at the great army of Dong Zhuo's troops halted outside the camp gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bringing nearly ten thousand soldiers to visit us two or three thousand?\" Zhang Liao suddenly laughed. \"Lord Dong truly lives up to his reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was merely passing through.\" Dong Zhuo dismissed it. \"Let them wait outside. Shall we go in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Bu and the other two were immediately left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, Dong Zhuo, holding Lu Bu's hand, strode proudly into the Northern Army's main camp, with only Li Ru and Dong Min following at his side. Even the several umbrella-bearing guards did not enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is Liu Biao? Liu Biao, Liu Jingsheng, the Commandant of the Northern Army?\" As soon as he entered the camp gate, Dong Zhuo asked curiously. \"Why is he not here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yuan Benchu invited him. He has gone into Luoyang to attend the banquet,\" Lu Bu replied with a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And when he went into Luoyang for the banquet, why did he not bring you gentlemen along?\" Dong Zhuo let out a scoff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three immediately fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And before this, when Luoyang was in turmoil, why did Liu Jingsheng not take you into Luoyang to accomplish great deeds either?\" Dong Zhuo continued to inquire with perfect composure. \"And why did the Yuan clan not make use of this elite force of yours?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must Lord Dong ask when he already knows the answer?\" Lu Bu replied awkwardly. \"Naturally, they are wary of our overly close association with the General of the Guards and with Lord Liu of Yi Province...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed!\" Holding Lu Bu's hand in the rain, Dong Zhuo sighed. \"They are wary of you. Wary that Fengxian is a retainer of Liu Yizhou. Wary that Bojin is a former officer of the General of the Guards... And so, as long as the Yuan clan holds power, you will ultimately be sidelined! Yet Liu Yizhou is cut off south of Hanzhong, and the General of the Guards is two thousand li away from here. Here, only I can remember you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does Lord Dong want us to do?\" After a moment of contemplation, Lu Bu could not help but ask in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not speak of what I want you to do.\" Dong Zhuo halted before the high platform on the camp's parade ground, then suddenly released his hand and climbed onto the platform alone in the rain. \"Rather, speak of what I can give you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what can Lord Dong give us?\" Lu Bu continued to ask from below the platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have no famous steeds to bestow, nor do I have much wealth or goods on hand to give you gentlemen at this moment. But then, how could a hero like Fengxian be bought with a single horse or a bit of wealth?\" Having said this, Dong Zhuo, standing on the platform, did not even glance sideways at the three men below. Instead, he raised his head toward the Northern Army soldiers and the newly recruited Bing Province troops who had come out of curiosity to look, and shouted at the top of his voice: \"Fellow soldiers of the Northern Army, do you still recognize me, Dong Zhuo? We fought together by the Wei River! Fellow countrymen of Bing Province, do you still remember me, Dong Zhongying? Ten years ago, I was Inspector of Bing Province!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, even more soldiers, heedless of the rain, came out of their barracks to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen,\" Dong Zhuo continued, head held high and hand on his belt, loudly proclaiming, \"do you know that tomorrow, I, Dong Zhuo, am to become Minister of Works?! The great houses of Luoyang, the eminent ministers and noble clans — because I annexed Ding Yuan on their behalf, because I retrieved the Son of Heaven for them — they want to reward me based on merit, reward me with a position among the Three Excellencies!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wave of astonished murmurs immediately rose from below the platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I refuse to accept this!\" Dong Zhuo suddenly raised his voice in defiance. \"Why? Because I do not understand — why can those people easily ascend to high positions by fame and family reputation, while we cannot use strength to determine the affairs of the world? A few days ago, why were the eunuchs exterminated? Was it not because their blades were not hard enough? Why could the Yuan clan leap to the top in one bound? Was it not because their blades were hard enough! And now, are the blades of Luoyang not right here in our hands?! What then cannot be done?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru, Dong Min, Lu Bu, Xu Rong, Zhang Liao... all changed color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earlier, Colonel Lu asked me why I came — whether I came to annex you all?\" In the rain, Dong Zhuo laughed even more heartily, hand on his belt. \"I said no! Because today, those willing to follow me to Xianyang Park to accomplish great deeds will naturally become trusted men of mine, Dong Zhuo. But if any are unwilling to follow me, I will absolutely not force them... After all, we are all old friends. As for what benefits there are in following me to do great deeds? I can say without reservation: if the deed succeeds, then from tomorrow onward, Luoyang will be ours to command! And I, a commander from the borderlands, shall share wealth and glory with you, men of the borderlands! That is all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said this, in the midst of the summer rain, the thoroughly drenched Dong Zhuo turned, descended from the high platform, and then, without pausing at all, strode straight out of the camp gate and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet many of the Bing Province men and Northern Army soldiers, one after another, took up their weapons and followed him with clamorous shouts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These men did not necessarily understand what Dong Zhuo meant, but they recognized Dong Zhuo, knew that Dong Zhuo had become a high official, and knew that he had come to invite them to share wealth and glory together... that was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the chaos, Zhang Wenyuan turned to look at Xu Bojin, while Xu Rong turned to look at Lu Bu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon the next day, the heavy rain still had not stopped at Xianyang Park west of Luoyang city. Yet the ministers and nobles of Luoyang still showed great respect to the newly promoted Minister of Works, Dong Zhuo, and came one after another to offer their congratulations. Yuan Kui, due to his special status, could not easily leave Luoyang, but the three brothers Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Yuan Ji all arrived together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After receiving his rewards and honors in public, Dong Zhuo, who had just become Minister of Works Dong, sat firmly in the seat of honor. Behind him stood two imposing, towering men — one holding a spear, the other wearing a saber; one called Lu Bu, the other named Hua Xiong. Minister Dong swept his gaze over these two men, then suddenly raised his cup and addressed the assembled nobles and ministers:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen, the present Son of Heaven is weak and dim-witted; his bearing does not befit a ruler. In the future, he may well follow the example of the late emperor, that tyrant, and poison the realm! But the Prince of Chenliu is exceedingly intelligent. I intend to set him up as the Son of Heaven. What say you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire hall was stunned into silence, yet involuntarily turned their eyes toward Yuan Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao immediately furrowed his brow, then stepped forward boldly: \"Lord Dong... the house of Han has bestowed its grace upon the realm for four hundred years. The Son of Heaven has yet to assume personal rule. To presumptuously speak of deposing and enthroning — I fear no one here will agree to it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You brat!\" Dong Zhuo flew into a sudden rage and hurled his cup to the ground. \"I am Minister of Works, and I hold military authority! Do the affairs of the realm not fall to my word alone? I intend to do this thing today — who dares defy me? Tell me, all of you: the General of the Guard is famed as the sharpest blade under heaven, but do you not know that his sword was given by me?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Bu and Hua Xiong each took a step forward. Yuan Shao, shocked, stumbled back into his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day was the thirtieth day of the fifth month — a mere five days since He Jin's death, and only three days since Dong Zhuo had arrived beneath the walls of Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————— I am the dividing line where the realm's affairs were decided in three days ———————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The poem says: The Ji waters are clear and pure, the He waters are muddy and yellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They flow and mingle among the Four Rivers, yet the clear and the foul do not harm one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grand Duke fought at Muye; Boyi starved at Shouyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both in their time were hailed as sages and worthies; advancing and retreating did not hinder each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say Heaven does not love the people — why then does it bring forth rice and grain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say Heaven truly loves the people — why then does it bring forth jackals and wolves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say the gods bless the virtuous — Confucius the Sage yet wandered in desperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say the gods curse the licentious — the brutal Qin yet became hegemon and king in the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lift my head and gaze up to question Heaven; the sky's hue is but a vast, indifferent gray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is nothing to do but plant more millet; a man must strengthen himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>End of this volume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Do not doubt it — historically, Dong Zhuo truly deposed and enthroned in three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In actual history, it was only on the early morning of August 28th that he stepped onto the tail end of the August coup, with only three thousand troops. Then, in a mere three days, while at a disadvantage in military strength, prestige, and official rank, he directly proposed deposing the emperor — and succeeded. And at that time, both the Son of Heaven and the Empress Dowager were in the hands of the Yuan clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, to keep you from criticizing it as unreasonable, I specifically gave Dong Zhuo a golden finger, letting him gain military superiority before doing this... Dong Zhuo is an eternal oddity — why must you reason with him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of this chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5987,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","ee5880f04a2ec26e8e2105953f52fec657f92e63aa2d58fc3f3db5068f541ff5","overthrowing-han-chapter-331","overthrowing-han-chapter-329",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]