Chapter 8

Minister Wang Ingeniously Sets a Chained Stratagem; Grand Preceptor Dong Makes Havoc at Phoenix Pavilion

But Kuai Liang said, “Now that Sun Jian is dead and all his sons are young, if we advance at full speed while they are weak and unprepared, Jiangdong can be won with a single charge. If we return the body and cease hostilities, allowing them time to recover their strength, they will become a menace to Jingzhou.” Liu Biao said, “Huang Zu is still in their camp. How could I bear to abandon him?” Kuai Liang said, “What is wrong with giving up one witless Huang Zu to gain all Jiangdong?” Liu Biao said, “Huang Zu and I are intimate friends. To abandon him would be unjust.” He therefore sent Huan Kai back to the opposing camp, agreeing to exchange Sun Jian’s body for Huang Zu. Liu Biao recovered Huang Zu, while Sun Ce received his father’s coffin, ended the fighting, and returned to Jiangdong. He buried his father on the plains of Qu’e. When the mourning rites were concluded, he led his army to Jiangdu, where he recruited worthy men, welcomed scholars, humbled himself in his dealings with others, and gradually drew heroes from every quarter to his service. Of this, no more need be said.

Meanwhile, in Chang’an, when Dong Zhuo heard that Sun Jian was dead, he said, “I am rid of a mortal threat!” He asked, “How old is his son?” Someone answered, “Seventeen.” Dong Zhuo therefore gave him no further thought. From that time on, he grew still more arrogant and overbearing. He styled himself “Father of the State,” and in his comings and goings usurped the ceremonial regalia of the Son of Heaven. He enfeoffed his younger brother Dong Min as General of the Left and Marquis of Hu, and appointed his nephew Dong Huang Palace Attendant with overall command of the imperial guard. Every member of the Dong clan, regardless of age, was made a ranked marquis. Two hundred and fifty li from Chang’an, Dong Zhuo built a separate stronghold at Mei, conscripting two hundred and fifty thousand laborers for the work. Its walls, ramparts, height, and thickness were all modeled exactly on Chang’an. Within, he built palaces, residences, and storehouses, and amassed enough grain for twenty years. He selected eight hundred beautiful young women from among the people and filled the stronghold with them. Gold, jade, colored silks, and pearls were heaped up beyond counting. All his family lived inside. Dong Zhuo traveled back and forth to Chang’an, returning sometimes after half a month, sometimes after a month, while the highest ministers and nobles always waited to see him off beyond Heng Gate.

Dong Zhuo often had a pavilion erected beside the road, where he drank with the ministers and nobles. One day, as he went out through Heng Gate, all the officials came to see him off. Dong Zhuo kept them for a banquet. Just then, several hundred surrendered soldiers from Beidi, who had been induced to submit, arrived. Dong Zhuo immediately ordered them brought before the banquet seats. Some had their hands and feet cut off, some had their eyes gouged out, some had their tongues sliced away, and some were boiled in great cauldrons. Their cries of agony shook the heavens. The officials trembled and dropped their chopsticks, while Dong Zhuo continued eating, drinking, talking, and laughing as calmly as ever. On another day, Dong Zhuo held a great assembly of the officials at the government hall, seating them in two rows. After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu strode directly in and spoke a few words into Dong Zhuo’s ear. Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “So that is how it is.” He ordered Lü Bu to seize Minister of Works Zhang Wen at the banquet and drag him from the hall. The officials turned pale. Before long, an attendant entered carrying Zhang Wen’s head on a red tray and presented it to Dong Zhuo. The officials were terrified out of their wits. Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “Gentlemen, do not be alarmed. Zhang Wen conspired with Yuan Shu and intended to harm me. Yuan Shu sent him a letter, but it was delivered by mistake to my son Fengxian. That is why I had him beheaded. None of you has given me cause for suspicion, so there is no need to be afraid.” The officials murmured their assent and dispersed.

When Minister over the Masses Wang Yun returned to his residence, he brooded over what had happened at the banquet that day and could not sit at ease. Late that night, beneath a bright moon, he took up his staff and walked into the rear garden. Standing beside an arbor of trailing roses, he lifted his face to heaven and wept. Suddenly, from beside the Peony Pavilion, he heard someone sighing again and again. Wang Yun stole closer and looked. It was Diaochan, a singing girl in his household. She had been selected for his residence in childhood and trained in song and dance. She was now sixteen years old, and her beauty and artistry were equally superb. Wang Yun treated her as his own daughter. That night he listened for a long while, then called out, “Wretched girl, are you harboring some secret attachment?” Startled, Diaochan knelt and replied, “How would this lowly woman dare?” Wang Yun said, “If there is no secret attachment, why are you sighing so deeply in the dead of night?” Diaochan said, “Permit me to speak what lies in my heart.” Wang Yun said, “Conceal nothing. Tell me the truth.” Diaochan said, “My lord has graciously raised me, trained me in song and dance, and treated me with exceptional kindness. Even if my body were ground to powder and my bones shattered, I could not repay one part in ten thousand. Of late, I have seen care locked between my lord’s brows. I knew it must concern some great affair of state, but I dared not ask. Tonight I again saw that you could find no peace, whether walking or sitting, and so I sighed. I never imagined my lord would see me. If there is any use to which I may be put, I will not refuse though I die ten thousand deaths.” Wang Yun struck the ground with his staff and cried, “Who would have thought the fate of the Han realm should rest in your hands! Follow me to the painted chamber.”

Diaochan followed Wang Yun into the chamber. He dismissed every maid and concubine, seated Diaochan, then bowed his head to the floor before her. Diaochan fell prostrate in alarm and said, “My lord, why do you do this?” Wang Yun said, “Take pity on the living people beneath the Han realm!” When he had spoken, his tears gushed like a spring. Diaochan said, “A moment ago, this lowly woman said that if there were any command to be obeyed, she would not refuse though she died ten thousand deaths.” Kneeling, Wang Yun said, “The common people are in danger of being hung upside down; sovereign and ministers stand in peril like eggs piled one upon another. No one but you can save them. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo means to usurp the throne, and among the civil and military officials at court, not one can devise a way to stop him. Dong Zhuo has an adopted son whose surname is Lü and whose personal name is Bu. His valor is extraordinary. I see that both men are slaves to lust, and I now wish to employ a linked stratagem: first I will promise you in marriage to Lü Bu, and afterward present you to Dong Zhuo. Between them, you must seize your opportunities, sow discord between father and son, and turn them against each other, so that Lü Bu kills Dong Zhuo and the great evil is destroyed. The restoration of the sacred altars, the reestablishment of the realm—all will be your achievement. I do not know what you think of this.” Diaochan said, “I have promised my lord not to refuse though I die ten thousand deaths. Present me to them at once. I will know what to do.” Wang Yun said, “If the matter is exposed, my entire household will be exterminated.” Diaochan said, “My lord, do not be concerned. If I fail to repay this great cause, may I die beneath ten thousand blades.”

Wang Yun bowed in gratitude. The next day, he took several bright pearls from his family treasury and had a master craftsman set them into a golden headdress, which he secretly sent to Lü Bu. Delighted, Lü Bu came in person to Wang Yun’s residence to offer thanks. Wang Yun had prepared exquisite dishes and rare delicacies. When Lü Bu arrived, Wang Yun went out through the gate to welcome him, escorted him into the rear hall, and invited him to take the seat of honor. Lü Bu said, “I am only a general in the Chancellor’s household, while the Minister over the Masses is a great minister of the court. Why show me such excessive honor?” Wang Yun said, “In all the world today, there is no other hero—there is only the general. It is not your office that I honor, General, but your ability.” Lü Bu was overjoyed. Wang Yun pressed wine upon him with great attentiveness and continually praised the virtues of Grand Preceptor Dong and Lü Bu. Lü Bu laughed heartily and drank his fill. Wang Yun dismissed the attendants, leaving only a few serving women to pour the wine. When they were half drunk, Wang Yun said, “Call my daughter here.” A short while later, two maids in blue led Diaochan out, magnificently adorned. Lü Bu asked in astonishment who she was. Wang Yun said, “This is my young daughter, Diaochan. I have received such undeserved regard from the general that I consider you no different from my closest kin; therefore I have asked her to meet you.” He then ordered Diaochan to offer Lü Bu a cup. Diaochan presented the wine, and the two exchanged glances, each sending secret meaning to the other. Feigning drunkenness, Wang Yun said, “My child, entreat the general to drink several more cups. Our entire household depends upon him.” Lü Bu asked Diaochan to sit, but Diaochan pretended she meant to withdraw. Wang Yun said, “The general is my dearest friend. What harm is there if you sit?” Diaochan seated herself beside Wang Yun. Lü Bu stared at her without once shifting his eyes. After several more cups, Wang Yun pointed to Diaochan and said to Lü Bu, “I wish to give this girl to the general as a concubine. Would you be willing to accept her?” Lü Bu left his seat and thanked him, saying, “If I should receive such a gift, I will repay you with the devotion of a dog or horse.” Wang Yun said, “I will choose an auspicious day soon and send her to your residence.” Lü Bu’s delight knew no bounds, and he repeatedly looked toward Diaochan. Diaochan, too, sent affection through the autumn waves of her eyes. Soon the banquet ended. Wang Yun said, “I had intended to keep the general here for the night, but I fear the Grand Preceptor might become suspicious.” Lü Bu thanked him again and again, then departed.

Several days later, Wang Yun saw Dong Zhuo at court. Taking advantage of Lü Bu’s absence, he bowed to the ground and petitioned, “I wish to trouble the Grand Preceptor’s carriage with a visit to my humble dwelling for a banquet. I do not know whether this accords with your honored will.” Dong Zhuo said, “Since the Minister over the Masses invites me, I shall attend at once.” Wang Yun bowed his thanks and returned home. He arrayed every delicacy from land and water, set a place of honor in the center of the front hall, spread brocade and embroidery across the floor, and hung canopies both within and without. At noon the next day, Dong Zhuo arrived. Wang Yun came out in full court dress to receive him and bowed twice in formal greeting. Dong Zhuo descended from his carriage, surrounded by more than a hundred armored guards bearing halberds. They escorted him into the hall and formed ranks on either side. Wang Yun again bowed twice from below the hall. Dong Zhuo ordered attendants to help him rise and granted him a seat at his side. Wang Yun said, “The Grand Preceptor’s majestic virtue towers so high that neither Yiyin nor the Duke of Zhou could equal it.” Dong Zhuo was delighted. Wine was served and music played, while Wang Yun showed him the utmost reverence. When evening fell and the wine had taken effect, Wang Yun invited Dong Zhuo into the rear hall. Dong Zhuo ordered his armored guards to withdraw. Raising a cup in congratulation, Wang Yun said, “From childhood I have studied the patterns of heaven. Observing the celestial signs by night, I see that the allotted span of the House of Han has run its course. The Grand Preceptor’s merit and virtue resound throughout the world. As Shun received the realm from Yao and Yu succeeded Shun, so would this accord perfectly with the will of heaven and the wishes of mankind.” Dong Zhuo said, “How would I dare aspire to such a thing?” Wang Yun said, “From ancient times, ‘Those who possess the Way punish those who lack it; those without virtue yield to those who possess it.’ How could this be excessive?” Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “If the Mandate of Heaven truly comes to me, the Minister over the Masses shall be the first among my founding ministers.” Wang Yun bowed his thanks. Ornamented candles were lit throughout the hall, and only female attendants remained to pour wine and serve food. Wang Yun said, “The music of the imperial academy is unworthy of your presence. By chance, I have a household performer whom I would dare summon to attend you.” Dong Zhuo said, “Excellent.” Wang Yun ordered the curtains and latticed screens lowered. Amid the circling music of mouth organs and pipes, Diaochan was escorted forth to dance beyond the curtains. A lyric in her praise says:

She seemed a lady from Zhaoyang Palace,A startled swan wheeling, a body light enough for a palm—One might think she had flown across Dongting in spring.The Liangzhou melody ended; her lotus steps held steady,A lovely flower, wind-swayed, one fresh branch—The painted hall, fragrant and warm, could scarcely contain the spring.

Another poem says:

Red ivory clappers urge the beat; the swallow flies in haste,A drifting cloud descends into the painted hall.Her darkened brows awaken the wanderer’s grief;The first sight of her face breaks an old friend’s heart.Elm coins cannot purchase one smile worth a thousand gold;What need has her willow waist of jeweled adornment?Her dance complete, she steals a glance beyond the curtain—But who among them is King Xiang of Chu?

When the dance was over, Dong Zhuo ordered her to come nearer. Diaochan passed within the curtains and bowed twice, deeply. Seeing the beauty of her face and figure, Dong Zhuo asked, “Who is this girl?” Wang Yun said, “She is the singing girl Diaochan.” Dong Zhuo said, “Can she sing?” Wang Yun ordered Diaochan to take up her sandalwood clappers and sing a song softly. It went:

One cherry point parts her crimson lips;Two rows of shattered jade pour forth the spring.Her clove-soft tongue releases a tempered swordTo strike the treacherous ministers who plunge the realm into chaos.

Dong Zhuo praised her without end. Wang Yun ordered Diaochan to offer him a cup. Raising it, Dong Zhuo asked, “How many years has your youth?” Diaochan replied, “This lowly woman is sixteen.” Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “Truly, you are one who belongs among the immortals!” Wang Yun rose and said, “I wish to present this girl to the Grand Preceptor. I do not know whether you would be willing to accept her.” Dong Zhuo said, “If you show me such generosity, how am I to repay your kindness?” Wang Yun said, “If this girl is permitted to attend the Grand Preceptor, her fortune will be greater than she deserves.” Dong Zhuo thanked him repeatedly. Wang Yun at once ordered a covered carriage prepared and had Diaochan sent ahead to the Chancellor’s residence. Dong Zhuo then rose and took his leave. Wang Yun personally escorted him all the way to the Chancellor’s residence before saying farewell and turning back. He had ridden less than halfway home when he saw two rows of red lanterns illuminating the road. Lü Bu approached on horseback, halberd in hand, and came face to face with Wang Yun. Reining in, he seized Wang Yun by the lapel and demanded sternly, “You promised Diaochan to me, Minister, yet now you have sent her to the Grand Preceptor. Why have you made a mockery of me?” Wang Yun hurriedly stopped him and said, “This is no place to speak. Please come to my humble dwelling.”

Lü Bu accompanied Wang Yun home, dismounted, and entered the rear hall. When they had exchanged the proper courtesies, Wang Yun said, “Why does the general blame this old man?” Lü Bu said, “Someone informed me that you sent Diaochan in a covered carriage to the Chancellor’s residence. What is the meaning of it?” Wang Yun said, “So the general does not know! Yesterday, at court, the Grand Preceptor said to this old man, ‘I have a matter that requires me to visit your house.’ I therefore made preparations and waited for him. While we were drinking, he said, ‘I hear you have a daughter named Diaochan whom you have promised to my son Fengxian. Fearing your word might not yet be settled, I have come expressly to request her, and also to see her.’ This old man dared not disobey, and so I brought Diaochan out to bow before her father-in-law. The Grand Preceptor then said, ‘Today is an auspicious day. I shall take this girl home at once and wed her to Fengxian.’ Consider it, General: when the Grand Preceptor came in person, how could this old man dare refuse or obstruct him?” Lü Bu said, “Minister, forgive me. I misjudged the matter in the heat of the moment. Tomorrow I shall come bearing the thorny switch to beg punishment.” Wang Yun said, “My daughter has a small dowry. Once she has entered the general’s residence, I shall send it there at once.”

Lü Bu thanked him and departed. The next day, Lü Bu made inquiries throughout the residence but heard not the slightest news. He went straight into the hall and questioned the serving women. One replied, “Last night the Grand Preceptor slept with the new lady, and they have not yet risen.” Lü Bu was furious. He slipped behind Dong Zhuo’s bedchamber and peered inside. At that moment, Diaochan had risen and was combing her hair beside the window. Suddenly she saw, reflected in the pool outside, the shadow of a man of extraordinary height wearing a headdress that bound up his hair. Glancing secretly toward him, she saw that it was Lü Bu. Diaochan deliberately drew her brows together, assuming an air of sorrow and misery, and repeatedly wiped tears from her eyes with a fragrant silk handkerchief. Lü Bu watched her for a long while, then withdrew. Soon afterward, he entered again. Dong Zhuo was already seated in the central hall. Seeing Lü Bu, he asked, “Is all quiet outside?” Lü Bu said, “All is quiet,” and stood in attendance at Dong Zhuo’s side. Dong Zhuo was eating. Stealing a glance, Lü Bu saw a woman moving to and fro behind an embroidered curtain, watching him. Half her face appeared for an instant, and her eyes sent him a message of love. Lü Bu knew it was Diaochan, and his soul drifted from him. Seeing his condition, Dong Zhuo became suspicious and jealous. He said, “Fengxian, if there is nothing more, withdraw.” Lü Bu went out, bitter and discontented.

After taking Diaochan, Dong Zhuo became so besotted with her beauty that for more than a month he did not go out to conduct affairs. When he happened to fall slightly ill, Diaochan never loosened her clothing night or day and devoted herself to gratifying his every wish, which pleased him still more. Lü Bu entered the inner apartments to inquire after his health and found Dong Zhuo asleep. Diaochan leaned half her body out from behind the bed and gazed at Lü Bu. She pointed to her heart, then pointed to Dong Zhuo, all the while shedding tears without cease. Lü Bu’s heart seemed to shatter. Dong Zhuo opened his bleary eyes and saw Lü Bu staring fixedly behind the bed. Turning, he saw Diaochan standing there. Dong Zhuo flew into a rage and shouted at Lü Bu, “You dare make advances to my beloved concubine!” He called the attendants to drive Lü Bu out and forbade him ever again to enter the hall. Lü Bu returned home filled with fury and hatred. On the road, he happened to meet Li Ru and told him what had occurred. Li Ru hurried in to see Dong Zhuo and said, “The Grand Preceptor intends to take the realm. Why reproach the Marquis of Wen for so slight an offense? If his heart should turn against you, the great enterprise will be lost.” Dong Zhuo said, “What should I do?” Li Ru said, “Tomorrow, summon him inside, grant him gold and silk, and soothe him with kind words. Then nothing will come of it.” Dong Zhuo followed his advice. The next day, he sent someone to summon Lü Bu into the hall and consoled him, saying, “The other day, in my illness, my mind was clouded, and I mistakenly spoke words that wounded you. Do not take them to heart.” He then bestowed upon him ten jin of gold and twenty bolts of brocade. Lü Bu thanked him and returned home. Yet though his body remained at Dong Zhuo’s side, his heart was wholly bound to Diaochan.

When Dong Zhuo had recovered, he entered court to deliberate on affairs. Lü Bu followed him, carrying his halberd. Seeing Dong Zhuo engaged in conversation with Emperor Xian, Lü Bu seized the opportunity to take his halberd and slip through the inner palace gate. Mounting his horse, he rode directly to the Chancellor’s residence, tethered his horse before the gate, and entered the rear hall with his halberd in hand to seek Diaochan. Diaochan said, “Go to the rear garden and wait for me beside the Phoenix Pavilion.” Lü Bu went directly there and stood beneath the pavilion beside its curving balustrade. After a long while, Diaochan came, parting the flowers and brushing through the willows. She was indeed like an immortal maiden from the palace of the moon. Weeping, she said to Lü Bu, “Though I am not Minister Wang’s own daughter, he has treated me as if I were his flesh and blood. When I first saw the general and was promised to serve you with broom and dustpan, my life’s desire was fulfilled. Who could have imagined that the Grand Preceptor would conceive an evil desire and violate me? I hate that I did not die at once. Only because I had not yet taken final leave of the general did I endure the shame and cling to life. Now, by fortune, I have seen you, and my wish is complete. This body has been defiled and can no longer serve a hero. I wish to die before you, so that my resolve may be known!” When she had spoken, she gripped the curved railing and made to leap into the lotus pond. Lü Bu hastily caught her in his arms and, weeping, said, “I have long known your heart! I have only hated that we could not speak together!” Diaochan clutched him and said, “If in this life I cannot be your wife, then let us pledge ourselves to meet in the next.” Lü Bu said, “If in this life I cannot make you my wife, I am no hero!” Diaochan said, “Each day to me is like a year. Have pity on me, my lord, and save me.” Lü Bu said, “I stole this moment to come here. I fear the old villain may grow suspicious, so I must leave quickly.” Diaochan caught hold of his robe and said, “If you are so afraid of the old villain, there will never be a day when I see the light of heaven again!” Lü Bu stopped and said, “Allow me time to devise a sound plan.” Having said this, he raised his halberd to leave. Diaochan said, “Shut away in the women’s quarters, I heard the general’s name like thunder pouring into my ears. I believed you the foremost man of the age. Who would have imagined that you, too, were subject to another man’s command?” When she had spoken, her tears fell like rain. Lü Bu’s face filled with shame. Once more he leaned his halberd aside, turned back, and took Diaochan in his arms, soothing her with tender words. The two clung close together, unable to bear parting.

Meanwhile, in the palace hall, Dong Zhuo turned and saw that Lü Bu was gone. Suspicion rose in his heart. He hurriedly took leave of Emperor Xian, mounted his carriage, and returned to his residence. There he saw Lü Bu’s horse tethered before the gate. He questioned the gatekeeper, who replied, “The Marquis of Wen went into the rear hall.” Dong Zhuo dismissed his attendants and went directly into the rear hall, but though he searched, he found no one. He called for Diaochan, but she too was absent. He urgently questioned the serving women, and one replied, “Diaochan is looking at the flowers in the rear garden.” Dong Zhuo hurried into the garden. There, beneath the Phoenix Pavilion, he saw Lü Bu and Diaochan speaking together, with the painted halberd leaning to one side. In a fury, Dong Zhuo gave a thunderous shout. Seeing him, Lü Bu was greatly alarmed, turned, and fled. Dong Zhuo snatched up the painted halberd and charged after him. Lü Bu ran swiftly; Dong Zhuo was fat and could not overtake him, so he hurled the halberd at Lü Bu. Lü Bu struck it aside, and it fell to the ground. Dong Zhuo picked it up and gave chase again, but Lü Bu was already far away. As Dong Zhuo rushed through the garden gate, a man came flying toward him and collided squarely with his chest. Dong Zhuo toppled to the ground. Indeed:

His heaven-soaring rage rose a thousand fathoms high;His fat bulk struck the earth and lay there in a heap.

Who this man was will be revealed in what follows.

Minister Wang Ingeniously Sets a Chained Stratagem; Grand Preceptor Dong Makes Havoc at Phoenix Pavilion

Then Kuai Liang said, “Now Sun Jian is dead, and all his sons are still young. If we seize this moment of weakness and advance with all speed, Jiangdong can be won in a single charge. If we return his body and cease fighting, allowing them to recover and build up their strength, they will become a danger to Jingzhou.” Liu Biao said, “Huang Zu is still in their camp. How could I bear to abandon him?” Kuai Liang said, “What is wrong with giving up one witless Huang Zu in exchange for Jiangdong?” Liu Biao said, “Huang Zu and I are intimate friends. It would be dishonorable to abandon him.” He therefore sent Huan Kai back to the enemy camp, agreeing to exchange Sun Jian’s body for Huang Zu. Liu Biao recovered Huang Zu, while Sun Ce received his father’s coffin, ended the fighting, and returned to Jiangdong. He buried his father on the plain at Qu’e. When the funeral rites were over, he led his army to Jiangdu, recruited worthy men, welcomed scholars, humbled himself in dealing with others, and gradually drew heroes from every region to his service. But that need not be told here.

Meanwhile, in Chang’an, when Dong Zhuo heard that Sun Jian was dead, he said, “I have rid myself of a mortal threat!” He asked, “How old is his son?” Someone replied, “Seventeen.” Dong Zhuo therefore gave him no further thought. From then on, he grew still more arrogant and overbearing. He styled himself “Exalted Father” and, whenever he went out or came in, unlawfully used the ceremonial procession of the emperor. He appointed his younger brother Dong Min General of the Left and Marquis of Hu, and his nephew Dong Huang Palace Attendant, with overall command of the imperial guards. Every member of the Dong clan, old or young, was made a marquis. Two hundred and fifty li from Chang’an, Dong Zhuo had the Mei Stockade separately built, conscripting two hundred and fifty thousand civilian laborers for the work. Its walls, outer defenses, height, and thickness were exactly like those of Chang’an. Inside, he built palaces, chambers, granaries, and storehouses, and stockpiled enough grain for twenty years. He selected eight hundred young and beautiful women from among the people and filled the place with them. Gold, jade, colored silks, and pearls were piled up there in numbers beyond counting. All his family lived inside. Dong Zhuo traveled back and forth to Chang’an, sometimes returning once every half month and sometimes once every month, while the highest ministers and nobles always waited to see him off beyond Heng Gate.

Dong Zhuo often had a pavilion tent set up beside the road, where he drank with the highest ministers and nobles. One day, when Dong Zhuo left through Heng Gate, all the officials came to see him off. Dong Zhuo kept them there for a banquet. Just then, several hundred surrendered soldiers from Beidi, who had accepted amnesty, arrived. Dong Zhuo immediately ordered them brought before the gathering. Some had their hands and feet cut off, some had their eyes gouged out, some had their tongues cut out, and some were boiled in great cauldrons. Their screams of misery shook the sky. The officials trembled and dropped their chopsticks, but Dong Zhuo continued eating, drinking, talking, and laughing as calmly as ever. On another day, Dong Zhuo held a great assembly of all the officials at the government offices, seating them in two rows. After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu strode in and spoke a few words into Dong Zhuo’s ear. Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “So that is how it is.” He ordered Lü Bu to seize Minister of Works Zhang Wen at the banquet and drag him out of the hall. All the officials turned pale. Before long, an attendant entered carrying Zhang Wen’s head on a red platter and presented it to Dong Zhuo. The officials were terrified out of their wits. Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “Gentlemen, do not be alarmed. Zhang Wen conspired with Yuan Shu and plotted to harm me. He had someone bring a letter, but by mistake it was delivered to my son Fengxian, so I had him beheaded. None of you has done anything wrong, so there is no need to fear.” The assembled officials murmured their agreement and dispersed.

Minister over the Masses Wang Yun returned to his residence and thought over what had happened at the banquet that day. He could not sit at ease. Late at night, under the bright moon, he took his staff and walked into the rear garden. Standing beside a flowering rose arbor, he looked up at the sky and shed tears. Suddenly, he heard someone beside the Peony Pavilion heaving long and short sighs. Wang Yun quietly drew near and looked. It was Diaochan, a singing girl in his household. She had been selected for his residence when she was very young and trained in singing and dancing. She was now sixteen years old, and both her beauty and her skill were exceptional. Wang Yun treated her as his own daughter. That night, he listened for a long while, then shouted, “Wretched girl! Are you having a secret love affair?” Startled, Diaochan knelt and replied, “How would this humble woman dare have a secret affair?” Wang Yun said, “If you have none, why are you sighing so late at night?” Diaochan said, “Allow me to speak what is in my heart.” Wang Yun said, “Hide nothing. Tell me the truth.” Diaochan said, “My lord has shown me the kindness of raising me, trained me in song and dance, and treated me with exceptional courtesy. Even if my body were ground to powder and my bones broken to pieces, I could not repay one ten-thousandth of your kindness. Recently, I have seen your brows locked in sorrow. I knew it must concern some great affair of the state, but I did not dare ask. Tonight, I again saw that you could find no peace whether walking or sitting, and so I sighed. I never expected my lord to see me. If there is any use you can make of me, I will not refuse even ten thousand deaths.” Wang Yun struck the ground with his staff and said, “Who would have thought that the fate of the Han realm would rest in your hands! Follow me into the painted chamber.”

Diaochan followed Wang Yun into the chamber. Wang Yun ordered every maid and concubine to leave, invited Diaochan to sit, then bowed before her and knocked his head on the floor. Diaochan fell to the ground in alarm and said, “My lord, why are you doing this?” Wang Yun said, “Take pity on all the living people beneath the Han realm!” When he had spoken, tears poured from his eyes like a spring. Diaochan said, “Just now, this humble woman said that if you have any command for me, I will not refuse even ten thousand deaths.” Wang Yun knelt and said, “The common people are in danger as if hanging upside down, and ruler and ministers are in peril like a stack of eggs. No one but you can save them. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo intends to usurp the throne, and none of the civil or military officials at court can devise a plan against him. Dong Zhuo has an adopted son whose surname is Lü and whose given name is Bu. His courage and ferocity are extraordinary. I have observed that both men are lecherous. I now wish to use a chain of connected schemes. First, I will promise you in marriage to Lü Bu, and afterward I will present you to Dong Zhuo. While between them, you must seize your opportunities and contrive to make father and son turn against each other. Then Lü Bu will kill Dong Zhuo and put an end to this monstrous evil. Restoring the dynasty and reestablishing the realm will all be your achievement. I do not know what you think of this.” Diaochan said, “I promised my lord that I would not refuse even ten thousand deaths. Please present me to them at once. I know what to do.” Wang Yun said, “If the affair is exposed, my entire household will be exterminated.” Diaochan said, “My lord, do not worry. If I fail to repay this great cause of righteousness, may I die beneath ten thousand blades.”

Wang Yun bowed and thanked her. The next day, he took several bright pearls kept in his household and ordered a skilled craftsman to set them into a golden crown. He then secretly sent it to Lü Bu. Lü Bu was delighted and personally went to Wang Yun’s residence to thank him. Wang Yun had prepared excellent delicacies and fine dishes. When Lü Bu arrived, Wang Yun went out through the gate to welcome him, led him into the rear hall, and offered him the highest seat. Lü Bu said, “Lü Bu is only a general in the Chancellor’s residence, while the Minister over the Masses is a great minister of the court. Why do you wrongly show me such honor?” Wang Yun said, “There is no other hero in the world today. There is only you, General. I do not honor your office; I honor your ability.” Lü Bu was overjoyed. Wang Yun attentively offered him wine and constantly praised the virtue of Imperial Preceptor Dong and Lü Bu. Lü Bu laughed loudly and drank to his heart’s content. Wang Yun ordered the attendants to withdraw, leaving only several serving women to pour the wine. When Lü Bu was half drunk, Wang Yun said, “Call my child here.” A short while later, two blue-robed maids led out Diaochan, splendidly dressed. Lü Bu asked in astonishment who she was. Wang Yun said, “She is my daughter Diaochan. I have received such undeserved affection from you, General, that you are no different from my closest family. For that reason, I have asked her to meet you.” He then ordered Diaochan to offer Lü Bu a cup. Diaochan brought Lü Bu wine, and the two exchanged glances and silent signs of affection. Pretending to be drunk, Wang Yun said, “Child, beg the general to drink several cups to his heart’s content. My entire household depends on him.” Lü Bu asked Diaochan to sit down, but Diaochan pretended she was about to withdraw. Wang Yun said, “The general is my closest friend. What harm is there in my child sitting with us?” Diaochan then sat beside Wang Yun. Lü Bu stared at her without taking his eyes away. After several more cups, Wang Yun pointed to Diaochan and said to Lü Bu, “I wish to give this girl to you as a concubine. Would you be willing to accept her?” Lü Bu left his place and thanked him, saying, “If I could obtain such a gift, I would serve you faithfully like a dog or horse.” Wang Yun said, “I will soon select an auspicious day and send her to your residence.” Lü Bu’s delight was boundless, and he repeatedly looked toward Diaochan. Diaochan also sent him affection through her limpid autumn glances. A short while later, the banquet ended. Wang Yun said, “I originally wished to keep you here overnight, General, but I fear the Imperial Preceptor might become suspicious.” Lü Bu thanked him again and again, then left.

Several days later, Wang Yun saw Dong Zhuo in the court hall. Taking advantage of Lü Bu’s absence from Dong Zhuo’s side, he bowed to the ground and invited him, saying, “Wang Yun wishes to trouble the Imperial Preceptor’s carriage and escort by asking you to attend a banquet at my humble home. I do not know whether this accords with your honored wishes.” Dong Zhuo said, “Since the Minister over the Masses invites me, I shall come at once.” Wang Yun bowed his thanks and returned home. He prepared every delicacy from land and water, placed the principal seat in the center of the front hall, spread embroidered brocade over the floor, and set up curtains both inside and outside. At noon the next day, Dong Zhuo arrived. Wang Yun came out in full court dress to welcome him and bowed twice in formal greeting. Dong Zhuo descended from his carriage. More than a hundred armored guards bearing halberds surrounded him as he entered the hall, then formed two ranks on either side. Wang Yun bowed twice below the hall. Dong Zhuo ordered that he be helped up and granted him a seat at his side. Wang Yun said, “The Imperial Preceptor’s glorious virtue towers so high that even Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou could not equal it.” Dong Zhuo was delighted. Wine was served and music played, while Wang Yun showed him the utmost respect. When evening came and Dong Zhuo had drunk deeply, Wang Yun invited him into the rear hall. Dong Zhuo ordered his armored guards to withdraw. Wang Yun raised a cup in both hands and offered congratulations, saying, “Since childhood, I have studied the patterns of heaven. When I observe the celestial signs at night, I see that the allotted destiny of the Han house has reached its end. The Imperial Preceptor’s achievements and virtue shake the world. As Shun received the throne from Yao and Yu succeeded Shun, so this fully accords with Heaven’s will and the people’s desire.” Dong Zhuo said, “How could I dare aspire to that?” Wang Yun said, “Since ancient times, ‘those who possess the Way attack those without the Way, and those without virtue yield to those with virtue.’ How could this be excessive?” Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “If Heaven’s Mandate truly comes to me, the Minister over the Masses shall be the foremost among my founding ministers.” Wang Yun bowed his thanks. Painted candles were lit in the hall, and only female attendants remained to pour wine and serve food. Wang Yun said, “The music of the imperial academy is not worthy of being offered to you. I happen to have a household performer whom I dare ask to entertain you.” Dong Zhuo said, “Excellent.” Wang Yun ordered the screens and curtains lowered. Reed pipes and mouth organs sounded in winding harmony, and Diaochan, surrounded by attendants, danced outside the curtain. A lyric praised her:

She came, it seemed, from Zhaoyang Palace hall;A startled swan, she turned, so light she could dance upon a palm.One might think she had flown across Dongting in spring.She danced the Liangzhou melody through, her lotus steps steady;Like one fresh branch of lovely flowers swaying in the wind,She filled the painted hall with fragrance, warmth, and overwhelming spring.

Another poem said:

Red ivory clappers urge the beat as the swallow darts in flight;A drifting cloud arrives within the painted hall.Her dark brows gather up the traveler’s grief;The first sight of her face breaks an old friend’s heart.Elm coins cannot buy a smile worth a thousand gold;Why should willow ribbons need adornment with a hundred treasures?Her dance complete, she secretly looks through the curtain,Not knowing which man is King Xiang of Chu.

When the dance was over, Dong Zhuo ordered her to come closer. Diaochan passed inside the curtain and bowed deeply twice. Seeing Diaochan’s beautiful appearance, Dong Zhuo asked, “Who is this girl?” Wang Yun said, “She is the singing girl Diaochan.” Dong Zhuo said, “Can she sing?” Wang Yun ordered Diaochan to take up the sandalwood clappers and softly sing a song. It went:

A cherry point parts her crimson lips;Two rows of broken jade pour out the warmth of spring.Her lilac tongue spits forth a tempered steel sword,To cut down the treacherous minister who throws the realm into disorder.

Dong Zhuo praised her without end. Wang Yun ordered Diaochan to offer him a cup. Dong Zhuo raised it and asked, “How many years are in your youth?” Diaochan said, “This humble woman is just sixteen.” Dong Zhuo laughed and said, “You are truly one of the immortals!” Wang Yun rose and said, “I wish to present this girl to the Imperial Preceptor. I do not know whether you would be willing to accept her.” Dong Zhuo said, “If you show me such kindness, how could I repay your favor?” Wang Yun said, “For this girl to serve the Imperial Preceptor would be more good fortune than she deserves.” Dong Zhuo thanked him again and again. Wang Yun immediately ordered a felt-covered carriage prepared and sent Diaochan ahead to the Chancellor’s residence. Dong Zhuo also rose and took his leave. Wang Yun personally escorted Dong Zhuo all the way to the Chancellor’s residence before saying farewell and returning. He had not ridden halfway home when he saw two rows of red lanterns lighting the road. Lü Bu came riding toward him with his halberd in hand. When he met Wang Yun, he reined in his horse, seized Wang Yun by the collar, and demanded fiercely, “Minister over the Masses, after promising Diaochan to me, why have you now given her to the Imperial Preceptor? Why are you playing with me?” Wang Yun hurriedly stopped him and said, “This is no place to talk. Please come to my humble home first.”

Lü Bu accompanied Wang Yun home, dismounted, and entered the rear hall. When they had completed the formal courtesies, Wang Yun said, “General, why do you blame this old man?” Lü Bu said, “Someone reported to me that you sent Diaochan into the Chancellor’s residence in a felt-covered carriage. What is the reason for that?” Wang Yun said, “So the general does not know! Yesterday, in the court hall, the Imperial Preceptor said to this old man, ‘I have a matter that requires me to visit your home.’ I therefore made preparations and waited for the Imperial Preceptor. While we were drinking, he said, ‘I hear that you have a daughter named Diaochan whom you have already promised to my son Fengxian. I fear your words may not be certain, so I have come especially to ask you about it and to request a meeting with her.’ This old man did not dare disobey, so I led Diaochan out to bow before her father-in-law. The Imperial Preceptor said, ‘Today is an auspicious day. I shall take this girl home at once and give her to Fengxian.’ Consider it yourself, General. When the Imperial Preceptor had personally come, how would this old man dare refuse or obstruct him?” Lü Bu said, “Minister, forgive my offense. I misunderstood the situation for a moment. Tomorrow, I shall come carrying thorn branches on my back to ask your pardon.” Wang Yun said, “My daughter has a small dowry. Once she reaches your residence, I shall send it there.”

Lü Bu thanked him and left. The next day, Lü Bu made inquiries at the Chancellor’s residence but heard no news at all. He went straight into the hall and questioned the serving women. One replied, “Last night, the Imperial Preceptor slept with the new woman, and they have not yet risen.” Lü Bu was furious. He secretly went behind Dong Zhuo’s sleeping chamber to look inside. At that moment, Diaochan had risen and was combing her hair by the window. Suddenly, she saw a man’s reflection in the pool outside the window. He was extremely tall and powerfully built and wore a crown that bound his hair. She stole a glance and saw that it was Lü Bu. Diaochan deliberately knitted her brows, assumed a sorrowful and unhappy expression, and repeatedly wiped away tears with her fragrant silk handkerchief. Lü Bu watched for a long while and then left. A short time later, he entered again. Dong Zhuo was already seated in the central hall. Seeing Lü Bu arrive, he asked, “Is everything quiet outside?” Lü Bu said, “Nothing is wrong.” He stood in attendance beside Dong Zhuo. As Dong Zhuo ate, Lü Bu secretly glanced aside and saw a woman behind the embroidered curtain moving back and forth and looking out. She showed half her face and sent him affection with her eyes. Lü Bu knew it was Diaochan, and his soul and spirit drifted away. Seeing Lü Bu in this state, Dong Zhuo grew suspicious and jealous. He said, “Fengxian, if there is nothing else, withdraw for now.” Lü Bu left in resentment.

After taking Diaochan, Dong Zhuo became so infatuated with her beauty that for more than a month he did not go out to conduct affairs. Dong Zhuo happened to fall slightly ill. Diaochan did not even loosen her sash, but attended him constantly and did everything possible to please him. Dong Zhuo’s delight in her increased. Lü Bu entered the private chamber to ask after Dong Zhuo’s health and found him asleep. Diaochan leaned half her body out from behind the bed and looked at Lü Bu. She pointed at her heart, then pointed at Dong Zhuo, and continued shedding tears. Lü Bu’s heart seemed to break. Dong Zhuo opened his dim, drowsy eyes and saw Lü Bu staring behind the bed without once looking away. He turned and saw Diaochan standing there. Dong Zhuo flew into a rage and shouted at Lü Bu, “How dare you flirt with my beloved woman!” He called his attendants and had Lü Bu driven out, ordering that he never again be allowed into the hall. Lü Bu returned home filled with anger and hatred. On the road, he happened to meet Li Ru and told him what had happened. Li Ru hurried in to see Dong Zhuo and said, “The Imperial Preceptor intends to take the realm. Why blame the Marquis of Wen over so small an offense? If his heart should change, the great enterprise will be lost.” Dong Zhuo said, “What should I do?” Li Ru said, “Call him in tomorrow morning, grant him gold and silk, and comfort him with kind words. Then naturally nothing will be wrong.” Dong Zhuo followed his advice. The next day, he sent someone to summon Lü Bu into the hall and reassured him, saying, “The other day, while I was ill, my mind was confused. I spoke wrongly and hurt you. Do not keep it in your heart.” He then gave him ten jin of gold and twenty bolts of brocade. Lü Bu thanked him and returned home. Yet although his body remained at Dong Zhuo’s side, his heart was truly fixed on Diaochan.

When Dong Zhuo had recovered from his illness, he entered court to discuss affairs. Lü Bu followed him carrying his halberd. Seeing Dong Zhuo speaking with Emperor Xian, he seized the opportunity to carry his halberd out through the inner gate, mounted his horse, and rode straight to the Chancellor’s residence. He tied his horse in front of the residence, carried his halberd into the rear hall, and sought out Diaochan. Diaochan said, “Go into the rear garden and wait for me beside the Phoenix Ceremonial Pavilion.” Lü Bu went straight there with his halberd and stood beside the curved railing beneath the pavilion. After a long while, Diaochan came parting the flowers and brushing past the willows. She truly looked like an immortal maiden from the palace of the moon. Weeping, she said to Lü Bu, “Although I am not Minister Wang’s own daughter, he treated me as if I were his own child. After I met you, General, and was promised to serve you with broom and dustpan, my lifelong desire was fulfilled. Who would have thought that the Imperial Preceptor would conceive an evil desire and violate me? I regret that I did not die at once. Only because I had not said a final farewell to you did I endure the shame and steal a little more life. Now I have fortunately seen you, and my wish is complete. This body has been defiled and can no longer serve a hero. I wish to die before you and thereby make my resolve clear!” When she finished, she seized the curved railing and made to leap into the lotus pond. Lü Bu hurriedly caught her and, weeping, said, “I have long known your heart! I only hate that we have had no chance to speak together!” Diaochan clutched Lü Bu and said, “If I cannot be your wife in this life, I hope we may be united in the next.” Lü Bu said, “If I cannot make you my wife in this life, I am no hero!” Diaochan said, “Each day seems like a year to me. I beg you to take pity on me and save me.” Lü Bu said, “I came today by stealing a free moment. I fear the old villain may become suspicious, so I must leave quickly.” Diaochan pulled at his robe and said, “If you are so afraid of the old villain, there will never be a day when I see the light of heaven again!” Lü Bu stopped and said, “Allow me time to devise a good plan.” After speaking, he lifted his halberd and was about to leave. Diaochan said, “From my secluded chamber, I heard the general’s name thunder in my ears and believed that you stood alone as the greatest man of this age. Who would have thought that you would instead be controlled by another?” When she finished, her tears fell like rain. Lü Bu’s face filled with shame. He again leaned his halberd aside, turned back, and embraced Diaochan, comforting her with tender words. The two clung closely together and could not bear to part.

Meanwhile, in the palace hall, Dong Zhuo turned and saw that Lü Bu was gone. Suspicion arose in his heart. He hurriedly took leave of Emperor Xian, entered his carriage, and returned to his residence. There he saw Lü Bu’s horse tied outside the gate. He questioned the gatekeeper, who replied, “The Marquis of Wen went into the rear hall.” Dong Zhuo ordered his attendants to withdraw and went straight into the rear hall. He searched but could not find Lü Bu. He called for Diaochan, but she too was nowhere to be seen. He urgently questioned the serving women, and one said, “Diaochan is looking at the flowers in the rear garden.” Dong Zhuo went into the rear garden to find her and saw Lü Bu and Diaochan talking together beneath the Phoenix Ceremonial Pavilion, with the decorated halberd leaning to one side. Dong Zhuo was enraged and gave a great shout. Seeing Dong Zhuo arrive, Lü Bu was badly frightened. He turned and ran. Dong Zhuo snatched up the decorated halberd, leveled it, and pursued him. Lü Bu ran swiftly, while Dong Zhuo was too fat to catch him. Dong Zhuo hurled the halberd at Lü Bu, but Lü Bu knocked it to the ground. Dong Zhuo picked it up and pursued him again, but Lü Bu was already far away. As Dong Zhuo chased him out through the garden gate, a man came racing toward him and collided squarely with his chest. Dong Zhuo fell to the ground. It was just as these lines say:

His rage soars skyward, a thousand fathoms high;His fat body falls to earth in a heap.

Who this man was is not yet known. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.