Chapter Nine: Yuan Shao and Dong Zhuo During This Period

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Watching Guan Yu and Zhang Fei eagerly cracking their knuckles, Chen Xi stroked his chin thoughtfully. He needed to refine his plan further. After all, the campaign of the Eighteen Warlords against Dong Zhuo presented many opportunities—some could gain fame, some profit, and some both. These factors were all crucial.

February of the year 190 AD was still bitterly cold. Sitting on the ground like this, even with a brazier, Chen Xi shivered slightly. He could not compare to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, whose physical constitutions were in a league of their own. Their qi was so strong that they could probably endure even the Siberian cold. In a sense, they were no longer quite human.

Soon, roasted meat and rice were brought out, accompanied by song and dance performances. After a hearty meal, under the leadership of Yuan Benchu, the discussion of how to deal with Dong Zhuo began. At least to most, this campaign was sure to succeed.

Cao Cao proposed dividing the army into five routes: one to attack Sishui Pass directly, another to feign an assault at Hulao Pass to draw enemy fire, a third to circle around Luoyang and assault from the rear, a fourth to cut off the supply route through Hangu Pass and sever communication with Luoyang to prevent reinforcements, and the last to block the retreat at Xingyang.

To be honest, this proposal maximized the advantage of the allied forces’ numbers and commanders. Even if they failed to kill Dong Zhuo, they could severely wound him. Unfortunately, this plan was rejected.

Yuan Shao suggested a frontal assault to overthrow Dong Zhuo without subterfuge—simply crush him by storming through Hulao Pass.

From Chen Xi’s perspective, Yuan Benchu’s idea was quite good. If everyone dedicated themselves to the effort, this plan was more direct, more effective, and simpler than Cao Cao’s. At this moment, Yuan Shao was far from a fool, and after some consideration, the others agreed.

Yuan Shao’s approach was, in Chen Xi’s eyes, pure intimidation by strength, but it worked well. Holding the initiative meant he could act as he wished. If he insisted on a decisive battle at Hulao Pass, then Dong Zhuo had no choice but to respond in kind. All efforts would culminate in one battle—an excellent strategy.

Unfortunately, Yuan Shao overlooked—or perhaps intentionally indulged—the self-interest of others, allowing them to be worn down at Hulao Pass. Those who fell would not be his men; the weakened would be his future enemies.

This was advantageous and simple for Yuan Shao. If they lost, it was because they had not tried hard enough. After all, with abundant troops and generals, victory was assured if everyone committed. This truth had to be accepted by all. If victorious, the world would praise Yuan Benchu’s command. Whether win or lose, there would be no loss but only greater advantage. From any angle, it was a sound plan.

With the meal finished and the grand strategy set, Sun Jian took the vanguard to scout the situation. After all, the commander at Sishui Pass was still uncertain. The other lords leisurely marched toward Hulao Pass; speed was not the essence of this battle.

Meanwhile, in Luoyang, Dong Zhuo had received the news. After a harsh reprimand at the council, the fire was extinguished. He summoned his generals, ready to deal harshly with the troublemakers from the east.

In Luoyang city, Dong Zhuo sat high on his couch, looking over his fierce generals, feeling assured. “You eastern vermin have gathered five hundred thousand troops to attack me. What are your thoughts? Speak freely.”

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One person stepped forward—hair tied high, golden crown atop his head, clad in a floral battle robe, wearing Tang Ni armor and a lion-savage belt. His sharp cheekbones radiated an arrogant dominance over the world. This was none other than the formidable general Lü Bu.

The undisputed top warrior of the Three Kingdoms era, often the target of all enemies combined. No matter how many opponents, he was the strongest who could drive them back—a pinnacle of martial prowess.

“I wish to share the burden with father. I regard the eastern commanders as mere vermin. I shall personally lead thirty thousand elite cavalry to crush these eastern pests for you, Father!”

“Well deserved, my son Fengxian!” Dong Zhuo laughed heartily. He was very pleased with this son. Back in Luoyang, Ding Yuan nearly killed him thanks to Lü Bu’s might.

Lü Bu alone shattered the defense lines laid by ten thousand soldiers. Had his generals not fought desperately, he himself might have fallen that day. Even so, generals Hua Xiong, Guo Si, Li Que, Pan Chou, Zhang Ji, and Zhang Xiu combined nearly lost one or two men to Lü Bu’s hand.

It must be known that Hua Xiong was famed as a brave warrior of Xiliang, Zhang Xiu was young and brash, and the others skilled in their own right. Yet even so, they nearly all fell to Lü Bu’s sweep—a testament to his ferocity.

Just as Dong Zhuo prepared to order Lü Bu to eliminate the eastern vermin, a figure stepped out behind Lü Bu.

“Why use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken? Those eastern vermin are insignificant. I volunteer to go and will surely rout them utterly!”

“Good, good! With such a fierce general, why worry about eastern vermin? Hua Xiong, take heed.”

“At your command!”

“You are appointed vanguard, commanding fifty thousand infantry and cavalry. Defend Sishui Pass and watch for any sneak attacks from the eastern vermin.”

“As ordered!”

“Xu Rong, you hear my command?”

“At your command!”

“You are to lead fifty thousand troops to defend Hulao Pass. Do not let it fall.”

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“Understood.” Xu Rong responded with a resolute expression.

“Pan Chou and Zhang Ji, you two lead one hundred thousand foot soldiers to hold the key points around Luoyang.”

“Understood!”

“Li Que and Guo Si, you two take fifty thousand cavalry to guard Hangu Pass. If Han Sui dares any treachery, execute him on the spot!”

“Understood!”

“The rest, monitor Luoyang’s movements carefully. If anyone dares to secretly collude with the eastern vermin, behead them without mercy!” The generals answered in unison.

One must admit that Dong Zhuo still possessed some skill at this time. Sadly, upon returning to Chang’an, with the natural fortress of Hangu Pass, Dong Zhuo utterly degenerated.

As the old saying goes: wine is a gut-piercing poison, lust is a bone-cutting steel blade, wealth is a fierce tiger descending the mountain, and pride is the root of calamity. Returning to Chang’an, Dong Zhuo possessed all four vices. Comfort made him degenerate. Without ambition, one in this chaotic age could only become a stepping stone for others.

After the lords’ alliance meeting ended, each returned to their respective camps. Liu Bei’s camp naturally bordered Gongsun Zan’s. Unlike before, he no longer depended on Gongsun Zan but stood independently, classified as a minor lord with supplies allocated regularly.

When Liu Bei returned after chatting with Gongsun Zan, Chen Xi was with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei studying the events yet to come. It was clear Chen Xi was instructing while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei merely listened.

“Thank you, sir, for your recent help. I have no way to repay you,” Liu Bei entered the tent and bowed deeply to Chen Xi.

Unlike the slow-witted Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei clearly understood the significance of his current position. To be among the lords meant much. Before arriving, it was only a dream to even get in. Now, he simply sat there, chatting jovially with Tao Qian and Kong Rong.

Someday, he, Liu Bei, would mingle among the high officials, boasting and joking with them. Before, he dared not even imagine this. Though ambitious, his humble origins left an indelible trace of inferiority deep within his heart.