Chapter 9

Lü Bu Helps Minister Wang Destroy the Tyrant; Li Jue Invades Chang’an at Jia Xu’s Counsel

The man who had knocked Dong Zhuo down was none other than Li Ru. Li Ru helped him to his feet and escorted him into the study, where they sat down. Dong Zhuo said, “Why have you come here?” Li Ru replied, “I had just reached the gates of your residence when I learned that the Grand Preceptor had stormed angrily into the rear garden in search of Lü Bu. I hurried here and happened to meet Lü Bu rushing out, crying, ‘The Grand Preceptor means to kill me!’ In alarm, I ran into the garden to mediate, never imagining I would collide with my honored lord. I deserve death! I deserve death!” Dong Zhuo said, “That intolerable traitor! He dallied with my beloved woman. I swear I will kill him!” Li Ru said, “My honored lord is mistaken. Long ago, at King Zhuang of Chu’s ‘severed cap cords’ banquet, he did not investigate Jiang Xiong for dallying with his beloved consort. Later, when he was hemmed in by the forces of Qin, Jiang Xiong fought to the death and rescued him. Now Diaochan is no more than one woman, while Lü Bu is the Grand Preceptor’s trusted and valiant general. If the Grand Preceptor takes this opportunity to bestow Diaochan upon Lü Bu, he will be grateful for this great favor and will surely repay the Grand Preceptor with his life. I beg the Grand Preceptor to consider carefully.” Dong Zhuo pondered for a long while, then said, “There is truth in what you say. I shall think it over.”

Li Ru thanked him and withdrew. Dong Zhuo entered the rear hall and summoned Diaochan. “Why have you been carrying on in secret with Lü Bu?” he demanded. Diaochan wept and said, “I was looking at the flowers in the rear garden when Lü Bu suddenly appeared. Just as I drew back in alarm, Lü Bu said, ‘I am the Grand Preceptor’s son. Why should you avoid me?’ He raised his halberd and pursued me as far as Phoenix Pavilion. I saw that his intentions were evil and, fearing he would force himself upon me, meant to throw myself into the lotus pond and die, but the brute caught me in his arms. I hung between life and death until the Grand Preceptor came and saved me.” Dong Zhuo said, “What if I now bestow you upon Lü Bu?” Diaochan was appalled. Weeping, she said, “I have already given myself to a noble lord, and now you suddenly wish to give me down to a household slave. I would rather die than suffer such disgrace!” With that, she snatched the precious sword from the wall and made to cut her throat. Dong Zhuo hurriedly wrested the sword away and embraced her, saying, “I was only teasing you!” Diaochan collapsed into his arms, covered her face, and sobbed. “This must be Li Ru’s scheme! Li Ru is close to Lü Bu, and that is why he devised it, caring nothing for the Grand Preceptor’s dignity or this lowly woman’s life. I could eat his flesh alive!” Dong Zhuo said, “How could I bear to give you up?” Diaochan replied, “Though I have received the Grand Preceptor’s tender love, I fear this is no longer a safe place to remain. Lü Bu will surely murder me.” Dong Zhuo said, “Tomorrow I shall take you back to Mei Citadel, and there we will enjoy happiness together. You must not worry or doubt me.” Only then did Diaochan dry her tears and bow in gratitude. The next day, Li Ru came to see him and said, “Today is an auspicious day. You may send Diaochan to Lü Bu.” Dong Zhuo said, “Lü Bu and I stand as father and son. It would be improper to bestow her upon him. I shall simply decline to pursue his offense. Convey my feelings to him and soothe him with kind words.” Li Ru said, “The Grand Preceptor must not let himself be bewitched by a woman.” Dong Zhuo’s face changed. “Would your wife consent to be given to Lü Bu? Say no more about Diaochan. If you speak of it again, I will have you beheaded!” Li Ru went out, raised his face to heaven, and sighed: “We shall all die at the hands of a woman!” Later generations, reading to this point, composed a poem in lament:

The Minister’s subtle scheme was entrusted to a crimson skirt;It needed neither blades nor ranks of soldiers.Three battles at Hulao had squandered strength in vain—Yet the victory song was played at Phoenix Pavilion.

That same day, Dong Zhuo ordered the return to Mei Citadel, and all the officials bowed as they saw him off. From her carriage, Diaochan caught sight of Lü Bu amid the dense crowd, his eyes fixed upon the carriage. She partly covered her face, as though weeping bitterly. Once the carriage had gone far away, Lü Bu reined in his horse upon a mound and gazed after the dust it raised, sighing in anguish and bitter regret. Suddenly he heard someone behind him ask, “Why does the Marquis of Wen not accompany the Grand Preceptor? Why remain here, gazing into the distance and sighing?” Lü Bu turned and saw that it was Wang Yun, Minister over the Masses. After they had exchanged greetings, Wang Yun said, “In recent days I have been confined at home by a slight illness and therefore have not seen the general for some time. Today, as the Grand Preceptor was departing for Mei Citadel, I had no choice but to struggle out despite my illness to see him off, and I am delighted to have met the general. May I ask why you are sighing so deeply here?” Lü Bu said, “It is because of your daughter.” Wang Yun feigned surprise. “After all this time, has she still not been given to the general?” Lü Bu said, “The old villain has kept her for his own pleasure all this while!” Wang Yun pretended to be thunderstruck. “I cannot believe such a thing!” Lü Bu recounted everything that had happened. Wang Yun raised his face and stamped his feet, remaining speechless for a long while. At last he said, “I never imagined the Grand Preceptor would behave like a beast!” Taking Lü Bu by the hand, he added, “Come to my humble home, and we will discuss the matter.”

Lü Bu followed Wang Yun home. Wang Yun invited him into a private chamber and offered him wine. Lü Bu then gave a detailed account of his encounter with Diaochan at Phoenix Pavilion. Wang Yun said, “The Grand Preceptor has violated my daughter and stolen the general’s wife. The whole world will laugh at this—not at the Grand Preceptor, but at you and me! Yet I am merely an old and ineffectual man, scarcely worth mentioning. What a pity that the general, a hero without equal under heaven, should also suffer such humiliation!” Lü Bu’s fury surged to the sky, and he struck the table with his hand and roared. Wang Yun hastily said, “This old man has misspoken. General, calm your anger.” Lü Bu said, “I swear I will kill that old villain and wash away my shame!” Wang Yun quickly covered his mouth. “General, do not say such things, or I fear you will implicate this old man.” Lü Bu said, “A true man born between heaven and earth cannot remain forever stifled beneath another!” Wang Yun said, “With the general’s abilities, you are certainly not a man whom Grand Preceptor Dong should be able to constrain.” Lü Bu said, “I want to kill the old villain, but because we stand as father and son, I fear the judgment of later generations.” Wang Yun smiled faintly. “The general’s surname is Lü; the Grand Preceptor’s surname is Dong. When he hurled his halberd at you, where was the bond between father and son?” Lü Bu sprang up in fervor. “Had the Minister not spoken, I would nearly have ruined myself!” Seeing that his mind was made up, Wang Yun pressed him further: “If the general supports the House of Han, you will be a loyal minister whose name is handed down in the green annals and whose fragrance endures for a hundred generations. If the general assists Dong Zhuo, you will be a rebel minister, recorded by the historian’s brush and leaving a stench for ten thousand years.” Lü Bu left his seat and bowed before him. “My mind is made up. Minister, do not doubt me.” Wang Yun said, “I fear only that the enterprise may fail and bring a great calamity upon us instead.” Lü Bu drew the knife at his belt, cut his arm until blood flowed, and swore an oath. Wang Yun knelt and thanked him. “If the sacrifices of Han are not cut off, it will all be thanks to the general. Take the greatest care not to let the secret escape! When the moment comes, I shall devise a plan and inform you.” Lü Bu gave his solemn assent and departed.

Wang Yun immediately invited Shisun Rui, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Huang Wan, Colonel Director of Retainers, to confer with him. Shisun Rui said, “His Majesty has only just recovered from illness. We can send an eloquent man to Mei Citadel to summon Dong Zhuo for a council. At the same time, we can deliver the emperor’s secret edict to Lü Bu and have armored soldiers lie in ambush inside the palace gate. Once Dong Zhuo is drawn in, they can execute him. This is the best plan.” Huang Wan said, “Who would dare go?” Shisun Rui replied, “Li Su, Cavalry Commandant and fellow countryman of Lü Bu, deeply resents Dong Zhuo for failing to promote him. If we send this man, Dong Zhuo will suspect nothing.” Wang Yun said, “Excellent.” He invited Lü Bu to join their deliberations. Lü Bu said, “It was this same man who once persuaded me to kill Ding Jianyang. If he refuses to go now, I shall behead him first.” They secretly sent someone to summon Li Su. Lü Bu said to him, “In the past, you persuaded me to kill Ding Jianyang and join Dong Zhuo. Now Dong Zhuo deceives the emperor above and torments the living below. His crimes have reached their full measure, and both men and spirits are enraged. You can carry the emperor’s edict to Mei Citadel and summon Dong Zhuo to court. We will lay an ambush and execute him, lend our full strength to the House of Han, and together become loyal ministers. What is your honored opinion?” Li Su said, “I too have long wished to rid the world of this traitor; I have only regretted having no one of like mind. Now that the general has resolved upon this, it is a gift from heaven. How could I harbor a second heart?” He broke an arrow and swore an oath. Wang Yun said, “If you can accomplish this, why should you fear that high office will not be yours?”

The next day, Li Su led a dozen riders to Mei Citadel. When word came that he bore an edict from the emperor, Dong Zhuo ordered him admitted. Li Su entered and bowed. Dong Zhuo asked, “What edict has the emperor issued?” Li Su replied, “The emperor has newly recovered from his illness and wishes to assemble the civil and military officials in Weiyang Palace to discuss yielding the throne to the Grand Preceptor. He has therefore issued this edict.” Dong Zhuo said, “What is Wang Yun’s view?” Li Su replied, “Minister Wang has already ordered men to construct a Terrace for Receiving the Abdication. They await only my lord’s arrival.” Dong Zhuo was overjoyed. “Last night I dreamed that a dragon covered my body, and now this joyful news has indeed arrived. The moment must not be lost!” He ordered his trusted generals Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou to command three thousand Flying Bear troops and guard Mei Citadel, while he himself prepared that very day to return to the capital. Turning to Li Su, he said, “When I become emperor, you shall be Commandant of the Capital.” Li Su bowed in thanks and addressed him as sovereign. Dong Zhuo went inside to take leave of his mother, who was then more than ninety years old. She asked, “Where are you going, my son?” Dong Zhuo said, “Your son is going to receive the abdication of Han. Before long, Mother, you will be Empress Dowager!” She said, “Lately my flesh has trembled and my heart has quaked. I fear these are not auspicious signs.” Dong Zhuo said, “You are about to become Mother of the Realm. How could some forewarning of awe not come to you?” He took his leave and departed. Before going, he said to Diaochan, “When I become Son of Heaven, I shall make you an Honored Consort.” Diaochan already understood the truth behind the affair, but feigned delight and bowed her thanks.

Dong Zhuo left the citadel and mounted his carriage. Surrounded by escorts before and behind, he set out toward Chang’an. Before they had gone thirty li, one wheel of his carriage suddenly broke, and Dong Zhuo dismounted and took a horse. Before they had gone another ten li, the horse reared and screamed, snapping its bridle. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “The carriage has broken a wheel and the horse has snapped its bridle. What do these omens mean?” Li Su said, “They signify that the Grand Preceptor is destined to receive the abdication of Han, cast off the old for the new, and ride in a jade carriage with a golden saddle.” Dong Zhuo was pleased and believed him. The next day, while they were traveling, a violent wind suddenly arose, and dark mist veiled the sky. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “What sign is this?” Li Su replied, “When my lord ascends the dragon throne, there must be crimson radiance and purple mist to magnify the majesty of heaven.” Again Dong Zhuo was delighted and entertained no suspicion. When he reached the outskirts of the city, all the officials came out to welcome him. Only Li Ru, confined at home by illness, was unable to receive him. Dong Zhuo proceeded to the Chancellor’s residence, where Lü Bu came to congratulate him. Dong Zhuo said, “When I ascend the imperial throne, you shall command all the armies under heaven.” Lü Bu bowed in thanks and lodged outside his tent. That night, a dozen or so children were singing in the countryside, and the wind carried their song into the tent. They sang:

“Grass for a thousand li—how green, how green!Ten days above—it cannot live!”

The song was mournful and piercing. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “What fortune or disaster does this children’s song foretell?” Li Su said, “It means only that the house of Liu will perish and the house of Dong will rise.”

At daybreak the next morning, Dong Zhuo arranged his ceremonial escort and entered the court. Suddenly he saw a man of the Way in a blue robe and white headcloth, carrying a long pole from which hung a length of cloth ten feet long, with the character “mouth” written at either end. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “What does this man of the Way mean by that?” Li Su replied, “He is a man deranged in the heart.” He called to the soldiers to drive him away. Dong Zhuo proceeded toward court. The assembled ministers, each in full court dress, came to greet him along the road. Li Su walked beside the carriage, holding a precious sword. When they reached the Northern Side Gate, all the troops were stopped outside; only the twenty-odd men of the carriage escort entered with him. From a distance, Dong Zhuo saw Wang Yun and the others standing at the palace gate, each holding a precious sword. Alarmed, he asked Li Su, “Why are they holding swords?” Li Su did not answer, but pushed the carriage straight in. Wang Yun shouted, “The rebel is here! Where are the warriors?” More than a hundred men wheeled out from either side, bearing halberds and leveling spears to stab him. Dong Zhuo’s armor prevented their weapons from penetrating, but he was wounded in the arm and fell from the carriage. He cried out, “Where is my son Fengxian?” Lü Bu strode out from behind the carriage and thundered, “I bear an edict to punish the traitor!” With one thrust of his halberd, he pierced Dong Zhuo’s throat, while Li Su at once cut off his head and held it aloft. Lü Bu held his halberd in his left hand and drew the edict from inside his robe with his right. He shouted, “By imperial edict, the traitorous minister Dong Zhuo has been punished. No others will be called to account!” The generals and officers all cried, “Long live the emperor!” A later poet lamented Dong Zhuo:

If his great enterprise succeeded, he would be emperor;If it failed, he would at least be a wealthy lord.Who knew that Heaven’s will admits no crooked favor?Mei Citadel was scarcely built before he perished.

Lü Bu then shouted, “The man who helped Dong Zhuo commit his cruelties was Li Ru! Who will seize him?” Li Su immediately volunteered to go. Suddenly shouts arose outside the court gate, and someone reported that Li Ru’s household slaves had bound their master and brought him to surrender. Wang Yun ordered Li Ru taken in bonds to the marketplace and beheaded. Dong Zhuo’s corpse was then exposed as a warning at the main thoroughfare. Because Dong Zhuo’s body was grossly fat, the soldiers guarding it placed a flame in his navel as a lamp, and his grease ran across the ground. Of the common people who passed, not one failed to throw something at his head or trample his corpse underfoot. Wang Yun then commanded Lü Bu, Huangfu Song, and Li Su to lead fifty thousand troops to Mei Citadel and confiscate Dong Zhuo’s property and household.

When Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou heard that Dong Zhuo was dead and that Lü Bu was approaching, they led the Flying Bear troops away by night and fled toward Liangzhou. When Lü Bu reached Mei Citadel, his first act was to take Diaochan. Huangfu Song ordered all the sons and daughters of respectable families held within the citadel to be released. But every member of Dong Zhuo’s family, old or young, was put to death. Dong Zhuo’s mother was also killed. His younger brother Dong Min and his nephew Dong Huang were both beheaded and their heads exposed as warnings. The citadel’s stores were inventoried: several hundred thousand in gold, and immeasurable quantities of silks, gauzes, pearls, jewels, utensils, and grain. They returned and reported to Wang Yun. Wang Yun richly rewarded the soldiers and held a banquet in the main government hall, assembling all the officials to drink and celebrate. In the midst of the feast, someone suddenly reported, “Dong Zhuo’s corpse is exposed in the marketplace, and a man has suddenly thrown himself upon it and begun to weep bitterly.” Wang Yun said in anger, “Dong Zhuo has suffered execution, and officials and commoners alike celebrate. Who is this man who dares weep for him?” He called to the guards: “Seize him and bring him to me!”

Before long, the man was brought in. When the assembled officials saw him, they were all horrified, for he was none other than Cai Yong, Palace Attendant. Wang Yun rebuked him: “Dong Zhuo was a rebel and traitor. His execution today is a great blessing to the realm. You are a minister of Han, yet rather than celebrate for the nation, you weep for a traitor. Why?” Cai Yong prostrated himself and confessed his guilt. “Though I am without talent, I understand the great principles. How could I turn my back upon the realm and side with Dong Zhuo? It was only because, for a time, he recognized and valued me. Moved by that gratitude, I could not help weeping once for him. I know my crime is grave. I beg you to pardon me. If I might have my forehead tattooed and my feet cut off, yet be allowed to complete the history of Han and thereby redeem my offense, I would count myself fortunate.” The assembled officials valued Cai Yong’s talent and all pleaded urgently for him. Ma Midi, Grand Tutor, also said privately to Wang Yun, “Bojie is a rare and extraordinary genius. If he were permitted to complete the history of Han, it would truly be a splendid achievement. Moreover, his filial conduct has long been renowned. If you kill him so hastily, I fear you will lose the esteem of the people.” Wang Yun said, “In former times, Emperor Wu did not kill Sima Qian, but later allowed him to write history, with the result that a book of slander circulated through later ages. The fortunes of the state are now in decline, and the government is in disorder. We cannot allow a flattering minister to wield his brush beside a young sovereign and expose us all to his mocking judgment.” Ma Midi withdrew without replying. Privately, he said to the officials, “Will Wang Yun have no posterity? Good men are the moral bonds of the nation; works of lasting form are its statutes. If he destroys the bonds and abolishes the statutes, how can he endure?” Wang Yun refused to heed Ma Midi’s words and ordered Cai Yong imprisoned and strangled. When the scholar-officials heard of it, they all shed tears. Later commentators held that Cai Yong was certainly wrong to weep for Dong Zhuo, but that Wang Yun went too far in killing him. A poem laments:

Dong Zhuo seized all power and indulged his cruelty;Why did the Palace Attendant bring death upon himself?At that time Zhuge Liang lay hidden in Longzhong—Would he lightly have risked himself to serve a lawless minister?

Meanwhile, Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou had fled to the lands west of the passes. They sent a man to Chang’an with a memorial requesting pardon. Wang Yun said, “Dong Zhuo’s tyranny was aided in every act by these four men. Though a general amnesty is proclaimed throughout the realm, these four alone shall not be pardoned.” The envoy returned and reported this to Li Jue. Li Jue said, “If pardon cannot be obtained, we may each flee and seek our own survival.” Their strategist Jia Xu said, “If you gentlemen abandon the army and travel alone, a single village constable will be able to bind you. Better to rally the men of the western lands together with the troops under your own command, attack Chang’an, and avenge Dong Zhuo. If the enterprise succeeds, you may uphold the court and bring order to the realm; if you are defeated, it will not be too late to flee.” Li Jue and the others approved his words. They spread a rumor through Xiliang: “Wang Yun intends to wipe out every man from this region.” Everyone was thrown into panic. Then they proclaimed, “It is useless to die for nothing. Will you follow us in revolt?” All declared themselves willing. They gathered a force of more than a hundred thousand, divided it into four columns, and drove toward Chang’an. On the road they encountered Dong Zhuo’s son-in-law, Niu Fu, General of the Household, who was leading five thousand men to avenge his wife’s father. Li Jue joined forces with him, appointed him vanguard, and the four commanders advanced one after another.

When Wang Yun learned that the troops of Xiliang were coming, he consulted Lü Bu. Lü Bu said, “Minister, put your mind at ease. These rats are scarcely worth counting!” He led Li Su and their troops out to meet them. Li Su went ahead and encountered Niu Fu. They fought a fierce battle, but Niu Fu could not withstand him and fled in defeat. Unexpectedly, during the second watch that night, Niu Fu took advantage of Li Su’s lack of preparation and launched a surprise attack on his camp. Li Su’s troops scattered in confusion and fled more than thirty li, losing over half their number. Li Su returned to Lü Bu, who said furiously, “Why have you blunted the edge of my army?” He had Li Su beheaded and hung his head at the camp gate.

The next day, Lü Bu advanced against Niu Fu. How could Niu Fu withstand Lü Bu? Once again he suffered a crushing defeat and fled. That night, Niu Fu summoned a trusted man named Hu Chi’er and said, “Lü Bu is fierce and brave. We can never oppose him. Better to conceal our intentions from Li Jue and the other three, secretly pack up the gold and pearls, and abandon the army with three or five personal followers.” Hu Chi’er agreed. That night they gathered the gold and pearls, deserted the camp, and fled with three or four attendants. As they were about to cross a river, Hu Chi’er conceived a plan to seize the treasure. He killed Niu Fu and brought his head to Lü Bu. Lü Bu questioned him about what had happened, and one of the attendants denounced him: “Hu Chi’er murdered Niu Fu to steal his gold and jewels.” Lü Bu was enraged and immediately had Hu Chi’er executed. He then led his army forward and met Li Jue’s forces head-on. Without waiting for them to form their ranks, Lü Bu leveled his halberd, spurred his horse, and swept his army straight into them. Li Jue’s men could not withstand the charge and retreated more than fifty li. They made camp at the foot of a mountain, where Li Jue summoned Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou to confer. He said, “Lü Bu is brave, but he has no strategy and need not concern us. I shall hold the mouth of the Ren Valley and lure him into battle each day. General Guo can lead a force around to strike his rear, following Peng Yue’s method of harassing Chu: advance when the gong sounds, withdraw when the drums beat. Lords Zhang and Fan should divide their troops into two columns and go directly to seize Chang’an. Unable to aid both head and tail, Lü Bu will certainly suffer a great defeat.” They adopted his plan.

Lü Bu brought his troops to the foot of the mountain, and Li Jue led his army out to challenge him. Lü Bu charged in fury, and Li Jue withdrew up the mountain. Arrows and stones rained down from above, and Lü Bu’s troops could advance no farther. Suddenly a report came that Guo Si was attacking from behind his formation, and Lü Bu hurried back to meet him. But then the drums thundered, and Guo Si’s army had already withdrawn. Just as Lü Bu was about to recall his troops, a gong sounded, and Li Jue’s army came on again. Before he could engage them, Guo Si led his troops in another attack from the rear. By the time Lü Bu arrived, Guo Si once more beat the drums and withdrew, leaving Lü Bu’s breast choked with fury. This continued for several days. He could neither force a battle nor bring the fighting to an end. While he was still seething with anger, a courier galloped up with word that Zhang Ji’s and Fan Chou’s two armies had driven straight against Chang’an and that the capital was in mortal danger. Lü Bu hurriedly led his army back, while Li Jue and Guo Si attacked from behind. Lü Bu had no heart to linger in battle and thought only of escape, losing many men and horses. By the time he reached the walls of Chang’an, the rebel forces had massed like clouds and gathered like rain, surrounding the city. Lü Bu’s troops fought them without success. His soldiers feared his savage severity, and many surrendered to the rebels. Lü Bu was deeply troubled.

Several days later, Li Meng and Wang Fang, remnants of Dong Zhuo’s faction within the city, opened the gates in secret to aid the rebels, and the four rebel armies poured in together. Lü Bu charged left and right but could not hold them back. Leading several hundred riders to the Qing suo Gate, he called up to Wang Yun, “The danger is desperate! Minister, mount a horse and leave the pass with me. We will seek another sound plan.” Wang Yun said, “If, through the blessing of the spirits of the altars of soil and grain, the realm may be secured, that is my desire. If it cannot be so, then I shall offer my life in death. I will not steal safety for myself when disaster comes. On my behalf, thank the lords east of the passes, and urge them to devote all their strength to the nation!” Lü Bu tried again and again to persuade him, but Wang Yun refused to leave. Before long, flames from every gate towered into the sky. Lü Bu had no choice but to abandon his wife and children. With more than a hundred riders, he raced out through the pass and went to seek refuge with Yuan Shu.

Li Jue and Guo Si loosed their troops to plunder without restraint. Chong Fu, Minister of Ceremonies; Lu Kui, Minister Coachman; Zhou Huan, Minister of State Ceremonial; Cui Lie, Commandant of the City Gates; and Wang Qi, Colonel of the Elite Cavalry all died in the national calamity. The rebel soldiers pressed their siege of the inner palace so fiercely that the attendants asked the emperor to ascend the Xuanping Gate and command the disorder to cease. When Li Jue and the others saw the yellow canopy, they restrained their soldiers and cried, “Long live the emperor!” Emperor Xian leaned upon the tower and asked, “Without awaiting permission or submitting a petition, you have entered Chang’an on your own authority. What do you intend?” Li Jue and Guo Si raised their faces and reported, “Grand Preceptor Dong was a minister who upheld Your Majesty’s altars of state, yet Wang Yun murdered him without cause. We have come expressly to avenge him and do not dare rebel. Let us only see Wang Yun, and we will withdraw our troops.” Wang Yun was then at the emperor’s side. Hearing these words, he said, “I acted only for the sake of the state. Now that matters have come to this, Your Majesty must not spare me and thereby imperil the nation. I ask leave to descend and face these two rebels.” The emperor paced back and forth, unable to bear it. Wang Yun leaped down from the tower of Xuanping Gate and shouted, “Wang Yun is here!” Li Jue and Guo Si drew their swords and demanded, “What crime did Grand Preceptor Dong commit that he should be killed?” Wang Yun said, “The crimes of the traitor Dong filled heaven and spanned the earth; they cannot all be told. On the day he was executed, the officials and people of Chang’an celebrated together. Did you alone not hear it?” Li Jue and Guo Si said, “The Grand Preceptor may have been guilty, but what crimes have we committed, that you refused to pardon us?” Wang Yun cursed them. “Why waste words with traitors? For Wang Yun today, there is only death!” The two rebels raised their weapons and killed Wang Yun beneath the tower. A court historian composed a poem in his praise:

Wang Yun set his stratagem in motion,And the treacherous minister Dong Zhuo fell.His heart bore the nation’s bitter wrongs;His brows were locked with the court’s deep cares.His heroic spirit joined the vault of heaven;His loyal heart pierced Dipper and Ox.To this day his soul and vital breathStill circle Phoenix Tower.

After killing Wang Yun, the rebels sent men to put every member of his clan to death, old and young alike. No official or commoner could keep from weeping. Then Li Jue and Guo Si thought, “Now that we have come this far, if we do not kill the emperor and undertake a great enterprise, what better moment are we waiting for?” Brandishing their swords, they roared and forced their way into the inner palace. Thus:

The chief traitor paid his crime, and disaster had just subsided;His followers ran rampant, and calamity came anew.

What became of Emperor Xian’s life will be revealed in what follows.

Lü Bu Helps Minister Wang Destroy the Tyrant; Li Jue Invades Chang’an at Jia Xu’s Counsel

The man who had knocked Dong Zhuo down was none other than Li Ru. Li Ru immediately helped Dong Zhuo to his feet and led him into the study, where they sat down. Dong Zhuo said, “Why have you come here?” Li Ru said, “I had just reached the residence gate when I learned that the Grand Preceptor had angrily entered the rear garden in search of Lü Bu. I hurried here and happened to meet Lü Bu running out, crying, ‘The Grand Preceptor is trying to kill me!’ In alarm, I rushed into the garden to mediate, but unexpectedly collided with my gracious lord. I deserve death! I deserve death!” Dong Zhuo said, “That intolerable traitor! He dallied with my beloved woman. I swear I will kill him!” Li Ru said, “My gracious lord is mistaken. Long ago, at King Zhuang of Chu’s ‘Broken Hat Strings’ banquet, he did not investigate Jiang Xiong for dallying with his beloved woman. Later, when Qin troops surrounded him, Jiang Xiong fought desperately and saved him. Diaochan is now no more than one woman, while Lü Bu is the Grand Preceptor’s trusted and valiant general. If the Grand Preceptor takes this opportunity to give Diaochan to Lü Bu, Lü Bu will be grateful for the great favor and will certainly repay the Grand Preceptor with his life. Grand Preceptor, please think it over carefully.” Dong Zhuo pondered for a long while and said, “What you say is also right. I shall think about it.”

Li Ru thanked him and withdrew. Dong Zhuo entered the rear hall, summoned Diaochan, and asked, “Why did you have a secret affair with Lü Bu?” Diaochan wept and said, “I was looking at the flowers in the rear garden when Lü Bu suddenly arrived. As I started away in alarm, Lü Bu said, ‘I am the Grand Preceptor’s son. Why must you avoid me?’ Holding up his halberd, he chased me as far as the Fengyi Pavilion. I saw that his intentions were evil and feared he would force me, so I tried to throw myself into the lotus pond and take my own life, but that brute seized me. While I stood between life and death, the Grand Preceptor arrived and saved my life.” Dong Zhuo said, “What if I now give you to Lü Bu?” Diaochan was horrified and cried, “I have already served a noble lord. If I am suddenly to be given to a household slave, I would rather die than endure the disgrace!” She then snatched a precious sword from the wall and tried to cut her own throat. Dong Zhuo hastily took the sword away, embraced her, and said, “I was only teasing you!” Diaochan collapsed into Dong Zhuo’s arms, covered her face, and wept bitterly. “This must be Li Ru’s scheme! Li Ru is close to Lü Bu, so he devised this plan without caring for the Grand Preceptor’s dignity or my worthless life. I ought to devour his flesh while he still lives!” Dong Zhuo said, “How could I bear to give you up?” Diaochan said, “Though I have received the Grand Preceptor’s loving favor, I fear this is no longer a suitable place to remain. Lü Bu is sure to kill me.” Dong Zhuo said, “Tomorrow I will take you back to the Mei Stronghold. There we shall enjoy happiness together. Be careful not to worry or doubt.” Only then did Diaochan stop weeping and bow her thanks. The next day, Li Ru came to see him and said, “Today is an auspicious day. You may send Diaochan to Lü Bu.” Dong Zhuo said, “Lü Bu and I stand as father and son. It would not be proper to give her to him. I will merely refrain from investigating his offense. Convey my meaning to him and comfort him with kind words.” Li Ru said, “The Grand Preceptor must not allow himself to be deceived by a woman.” Dong Zhuo’s expression changed, and he said, “Would your wife be willing to go to Lü Bu? Say no more about Diaochan. If you speak of it again, I will certainly have you beheaded!” Li Ru went out, looked up to heaven, and sighed, “We shall all die at the hands of a woman!” Later readers, reaching this point in the story, wrote a poem of lament:

The Minister of State placed his subtle plan in a red skirt;He needed neither weapons nor soldiers.Three battles at Hulao wasted all their strength,But the victory song was played at Fengyi Pavilion.

That same day, Dong Zhuo ordered the return to the Mei Stronghold, and all the officials bowed as they saw him off. From inside the carriage, Diaochan saw Lü Bu at a distance among the dense crowd, staring into the carriage. Diaochan partly covered her face as though weeping bitterly. When the carriage had gone far away, Lü Bu slackened his reins on top of an earthen hill and watched the dust raised by the carriage, sighing in sorrow and resentment. Suddenly he heard someone behind him ask, “Why does the Marquis of Wen not accompany the Grand Preceptor? Why do you remain here, gazing into the distance and sighing?” Lü Bu looked and saw that it was Minister of State Wang Yun. After they had exchanged greetings, Wang Yun said, “Recently I was afflicted with a slight illness and stayed behind closed doors, so I have not seen the general for a long time. Today, because the Grand Preceptor was returning to the Mei Stronghold, I had to come out despite my illness to see him off, and I am delighted to have met the general. May I ask why the general is sighing here?” Lü Bu said, “It is because of your daughter.” Wang Yun pretended to be astonished. “After all this time, has she still not been given to the general?” Lü Bu said, “That old villain has been enjoying her himself for a long time!” Wang Yun pretended to be greatly shocked. “I cannot believe such a thing!” Lü Bu told Wang Yun every detail of what had happened. Wang Yun looked up, stamped his feet, and said nothing for a long while. At last he said, “I never imagined the Grand Preceptor would commit such a beastly act!” He took Lü Bu by the hand and said, “Come to my humble home, and we shall discuss it.”

Lü Bu followed Wang Yun home. Wang Yun invited him into a private chamber and entertained him with wine. Lü Bu again gave a detailed account of what had happened at Fengyi Pavilion. Wang Yun said, “The Grand Preceptor has violated my daughter and stolen the general’s wife. Truly, the whole world will laugh at this disgrace—not at the Grand Preceptor, but at me and the general! Yet I am only an old and incapable man, not worth mentioning. What a pity that the general, a hero without equal in the age, should also suffer this humiliation!” Lü Bu’s rage rose to the sky. He struck the table and shouted. Wang Yun hurriedly said, “This old man has misspoken. General, calm your anger.” Lü Bu said, “I swear I will kill that old villain and wipe away my shame!” Wang Yun hastily covered his mouth and said, “General, do not say that, lest you involve this old man.” Lü Bu said, “A true man lives between heaven and earth. How can he remain frustrated beneath another man for long?” Wang Yun said, “With the general’s abilities, you truly are not someone Grand Preceptor Dong can keep under his control.” Lü Bu said, “I want to kill this old villain, but because we stand as father and son, I fear later generations will criticize me.” Wang Yun smiled slightly and said, “The general’s surname is Lü, and the Grand Preceptor’s surname is Dong. When he threw the halberd at you, was there any bond of father and son?” Lü Bu roused himself and said, “Had the Minister of State not said this, I would almost have misled myself!” Seeing that Lü Bu’s mind was made up, Wang Yun urged him further: “If the general supports the House of Han, you will be a loyal minister. Your name will be handed down in the green records of history, and your good fame will endure for a hundred generations. If the general helps Dong Zhuo, you will be a rebel minister. The historian’s brush will record it, and you will leave a stench for ten thousand years.” Lü Bu left his seat and bowed before him. “My mind is made up. Minister of State, do not doubt me.” Wang Yun said, “I fear only that the affair might fail and instead bring a great disaster upon us.” Lü Bu drew the knife from his belt, cut his arm until it bled, and swore an oath. Wang Yun knelt in thanks and said, “If the sacrifices of the Han are not cut off, it will all be due to the general’s gift. You must not reveal this! When the time comes, I will have a plan and will inform you.” Lü Bu gave his solemn promise and departed.

Wang Yun immediately invited Director of the Imperial Secretariat Shisun Rui and Colonel Director of Retainers Huang Wan to discuss the matter. Shisun Rui said, “His Majesty has only recently recovered from illness. We can send an eloquent man to the Mei Stronghold to invite Dong Zhuo to discuss affairs. Meanwhile, a secret edict from the Son of Heaven can be given to Lü Bu, who can conceal armored troops inside the court gate, lure Dong Zhuo in, and kill him. This is the best plan.” Huang Wan said, “Who would dare to go?” Shisun Rui said, “Cavalry Commandant Li Su is from the same commandery as Lü Bu, and he deeply resents Dong Zhuo for not promoting him. If this man is sent, Dong Zhuo will certainly have no suspicions.” Wang Yun said, “Excellent.” He invited Lü Bu to join their discussion. Lü Bu said, “This was also the man who once persuaded me to kill Ding Jianyang. If he will not go now, I will behead him first.” They secretly sent someone to invite Li Su. Lü Bu said, “In the past, you persuaded me to kill Ding Jianyang and join Dong Zhuo. Now Dong Zhuo deceives the Son of Heaven above and cruelly oppresses the living people below. His crimes and evils have reached their full measure, and both men and spirits are enraged. You can carry the Son of Heaven’s edict to the Mei Stronghold, summon Dong Zhuo to court, and have concealed troops kill him. Then we can use all our strength to support the House of Han and become loyal ministers together. What is your honored opinion?” Li Su said, “I too have long wished to remove this villain. I regretted only that I had no one of the same mind. Now that the general intends this, it is a gift from heaven. How could I, Li Su, harbor any divided loyalty?” He broke an arrow and swore an oath. Wang Yun said, “If you can accomplish this affair, why worry that you will not gain high office?”

The next day, Li Su led more than ten horsemen to the Mei Stronghold. When it was reported that an edict had come from the Son of Heaven, Dong Zhuo ordered Li Su to be admitted. Li Su entered and bowed. Dong Zhuo said, “What edict does the Son of Heaven have?” Li Su said, “The Son of Heaven has newly recovered from his illness and wishes to assemble the civil and military officials in Weiyang Palace to discuss yielding the throne to the Grand Preceptor. That is why he has issued this edict.” Dong Zhuo said, “What does Wang Yun think of it?” Li Su said, “Minister of State Wang has already ordered men to build the Abdication Terrace. They are waiting only for my lord to come.” Dong Zhuo was overjoyed and said, “Last night I dreamed that a dragon covered my body, and now this joyful news has indeed arrived. The proper time must not be lost!” He ordered his trusted generals Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou to lead three thousand troops of the Flying Bear Army in guarding the Mei Stronghold, while he prepared his procession and returned to the capital that same day. Turning to Li Su, he said, “When I become emperor, you shall be Bearer of the Gilded Mace.” Li Su bowed in thanks and addressed him as his sovereign. Dong Zhuo went inside to take leave of his mother. She was then more than ninety years old. She asked, “Where is my son going?” Dong Zhuo said, “Your son is going to receive the Han emperor’s abdication. Mother, you will soon become Empress Dowager!” His mother said, “Recently my flesh has trembled and my heart has been alarmed. I fear it is not a good omen.” Dong Zhuo said, “You are about to become Mother of the State. How could there not be signs of alarm beforehand?” He then took leave of his mother and departed. Before leaving, he said to Diaochan, “When I become Son of Heaven, I shall appoint you as Noble Consort.” Diaochan already understood what was really happening, but pretended to be delighted and bowed her thanks.

Dong Zhuo left the stronghold and mounted his carriage. With men clearing the way before him and crowding around behind him, he set out toward Chang’an. Before he had traveled thirty li, one wheel of his carriage suddenly broke. Dong Zhuo left the carriage and mounted a horse. Before he had gone another ten li, the horse roared and neighed, then pulled until the reins snapped. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “The carriage wheel broke, and the horse snapped its reins. What do these signs mean?” Li Su said, “They are signs that the Grand Preceptor is destined to receive the abdication of the Han, cast away the old and take up the new, and soon ride in a jade imperial carriage with a golden saddle.” Dong Zhuo was pleased and believed his words. The next day, while they were traveling, a violent wind suddenly rose, and dark mist covered the sky. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “What omen is this?” Li Su said, “When my lord ascends the dragon throne, there must be crimson light and purple mist to display the majesty of heaven.” Dong Zhuo was again delighted and had no suspicions. When he reached the city outskirts, all the officials came out to welcome him. Only Li Ru remained at home because of illness and could not come to meet him. Dong Zhuo entered the ministerial residence, and Lü Bu came in to congratulate him. Dong Zhuo said, “When I ascend the imperial throne, you shall have supreme command over all the troops and horses in the realm.” Lü Bu bowed his thanks and then lodged before Dong Zhuo’s tent. That night, more than ten children sang a song in the countryside, and the wind carried their voices into the tent. The song went:

Grass for a thousand li, how green it is!Above ten days, it cannot live!

Their singing was mournful and piercing. Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “What good or evil does this children’s song foretell?” Li Su said, “It merely means that the house of Liu will perish and the house of Dong will rise.”

Early the next morning, Dong Zhuo arranged his ceremonial escort and entered the court. Suddenly he saw a Daoist wearing a blue robe and a white headcloth. The man held a long pole with a strip of cloth one zhang long tied to it, and on each end was written the character “mouth.” Dong Zhuo asked Li Su, “What does this Daoist mean?” Li Su said, “He is merely a man whose mind is diseased.” He called the soldiers to drive him away. Dong Zhuo proceeded toward court. The assembled ministers, each wearing full court dress, came to greet him along the road. Li Su held a precious sword and walked beside the carriage. When they reached the Northern Side Gate, all the soldiers were stopped outside. Only the twenty-odd men attending the imperial carriage entered with him. From a distance, Dong Zhuo saw Wang Yun and the others standing at the palace gate, each holding a precious sword. In alarm, he asked Li Su, “What is the meaning of those swords?” Li Su did not answer but pushed the carriage straight inside. Wang Yun shouted, “The rebel has arrived! Where are the warriors?” More than a hundred men rushed out from both sides, holding halberds and leveling long spears to stab Dong Zhuo. His armor prevented the weapons from piercing him, but his arm was wounded, and he fell from the carriage. He shouted, “Where is my son Fengxian?” Lü Bu came out from behind the carriage and cried in a stern voice, “There is an edict to punish the traitor!” With one thrust of his halberd, he struck Dong Zhuo directly in the throat, while Li Su quickly cut off his head and held it in his hand. Lü Bu held his halberd in his left hand, drew the edict from inside his robe with his right, and shouted, “By imperial edict, the traitorous minister Dong Zhuo is being punished. No others will be questioned!” The generals and officials all shouted, “Long live the Emperor!” A later poet lamented Dong Zhuo:

If his imperial enterprise succeeded, he would become emperor;If it failed, he would at least be a wealthy gentleman.Who knew that heaven’s will shows no private favor?The Mei Stronghold had just been completed when he perished.

Lü Bu then shouted, “The man who helped Dong Zhuo commit his cruelties was Li Ru! Who can seize him?” Li Su immediately volunteered to go. Suddenly they heard shouting outside the court gate, and someone reported that Li Ru’s household slaves had bound Li Ru and brought him to surrender. Wang Yun ordered that he be taken bound to the public execution ground and beheaded. He also had Dong Zhuo’s corpse displayed as a warning in the main thoroughfare. Dong Zhuo’s corpse was fat, so the soldiers guarding it placed a flame in his navel to use it as a lamp, while grease ran all over the ground. None of the common people who passed failed to throw something at his head or trample his body underfoot. Wang Yun then ordered Lü Bu, Huangfu Song, and Li Su to lead fifty thousand troops to the Mei Stronghold and confiscate Dong Zhuo’s property and household.

When Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou heard that Dong Zhuo was dead and Lü Bu was coming, they led the Flying Bear Army away during the night and fled to Liangzhou. When Lü Bu reached the Mei Stronghold, he first took possession of Diaochan. Huangfu Song ordered the release of all the sons and daughters of respectable families who had been kept inside the stronghold. But every relative of Dong Zhuo, without distinction between old and young, was put to death. Dong Zhuo’s mother was also killed. His younger brother Dong Min and his nephew Dong Huang were both beheaded, and their heads were displayed as a warning. An inventory was made of the several hundred thousand pieces of gold stored in the stronghold, while the patterned silks, gauzes, pearls, jewels, vessels, and provisions were beyond counting. They returned and reported to Wang Yun. Wang Yun richly rewarded the soldiers, held a banquet in the main government hall, assembled all the officials, poured wine, and celebrated. While the feast was in progress, someone suddenly reported, “Dong Zhuo’s corpse is exposed in the marketplace, and a man has suddenly thrown himself over it and is weeping bitterly.” Wang Yun angrily said, “Dong Zhuo has been punished and killed, and all the officials and common people are celebrating. Who is this man who dares to weep for him?” He called to the warriors, “Seize him and bring him to me!”

Before long, the man was brought in. When the officials saw him, all were shocked and horrified. The man was none other than Palace Attendant Cai Yong. Wang Yun rebuked him: “Dong Zhuo was a rebellious traitor. His execution today is a great blessing to the state. You are a minister of Han, yet instead of celebrating for the country, you weep for a traitor. Why?” Cai Yong admitted his guilt and said, “Though I have little ability, I understand the great principles of duty. How could I turn my back on the state and side with Dong Zhuo? It was only because I felt grateful that he once recognized my worth that I unconsciously wept for him. I know my crime is great. I beg you to forgive me. If I might have my face tattooed and my feet cut off, yet be allowed to continue and complete the History of Han so that I may atone for my crime, it would be my good fortune.” The officials valued Cai Yong’s talent, and they all pleaded strongly for him. Grand Tutor Ma Midi also said privately to Wang Yun, “Bojie is an extraordinary and unmatched talent of our age. If he is allowed to continue and complete the History of Han, it will truly be a glorious achievement. Moreover, his filial conduct has long been renowned. If you suddenly kill him, I fear you will lose the people’s trust.” Wang Yun said, “In former times, Emperor Wu did not kill Sima Qian but later allowed him to write history, and as a result a slanderous book was handed down to later ages. The fortunes of the state are now declining, and the government of the court is in disorder. We cannot allow a flattering minister to hold the historian’s brush beside a young sovereign and subject us all to his mocking criticism.” Ma Midi had nothing more to say and withdrew. Privately, he said to the assembled officials, “Will Wang Yun have no descendants? Good men are the framework of the state, and works of scholarship are its enduring standards. If he destroys the framework and casts aside the standards, how can he last long?” Wang Yun refused to heed Ma Midi’s words and ordered Cai Yong imprisoned and strangled to death. When the scholars and officials of the time heard of it, all shed tears for him. Later commentators held that Cai Yong was certainly wrong to weep for Dong Zhuo, but Wang Yun also went too far in killing Cai Yong. A poem laments:

Dong Zhuo seized power and freely practiced cruelty;Why did the Palace Attendant bring about his own death?At that time Zhuge Liang still slept in Longzhong;How could he have lightly offered himself in service to a rebel minister?

Meanwhile, Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou had fled to the Shaanxi region. They sent a man to Chang’an with a memorial requesting pardon. Wang Yun said, “Dong Zhuo’s tyranny and arrogance were all aided by these four men. Though there is now a general amnesty throughout the realm, these four alone will not be pardoned.” The envoy returned and reported this to Li Jue. Li Jue said, “Since we cannot obtain a pardon, we should each flee and save ourselves.” The adviser Jia Xu said, “If you gentlemen abandon your troops and travel alone, even a village constable will be able to bind you. It would be better to summon the people of the Shaan region and combine them with the troops and horses under your own command, then fight your way into Chang’an and avenge Dong Zhuo. If the affair succeeds, you can uphold the court and bring order to the realm. If you do not prevail, it will still not be too late to flee.” Li Jue and the others agreed with his proposal. They spread a rumor throughout Xiliang that “Wang Yun intends to wipe out all the people of this region.” Everyone was terrified. They then publicly declared, “There is no profit in dying for nothing. Can you follow us in rebellion?” Everyone was willing to follow. They therefore gathered more than a hundred thousand men, divided them into four columns, and charged toward Chang’an. On the road they met Dong Zhuo’s son-in-law, General of the Household Niu Fu, who was leading five thousand troops and intended to avenge his father-in-law. Li Jue joined forces with him and made him the vanguard, while the four commanders advanced one after another.

When Wang Yun learned that the Xiliang troops were coming, he discussed the matter with Lü Bu. Lü Bu said, “Minister of State, set your mind at ease. These rats are hardly worth counting!” He then sent Li Su out with troops to meet them. Li Su advanced first and encountered Niu Fu. They fought a fierce battle. Niu Fu could not withstand him and was defeated. Unexpectedly, during the second watch that night, Niu Fu took advantage of Li Su’s lack of preparation and raided his camp. Li Su’s troops scattered in confusion and fled for more than thirty li. More than half the army was lost before Li Su came to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu was furious and said, “Why have you blunted the edge of my army?” He then beheaded Li Su and hung his head at the camp gate.

The next day, Lü Bu advanced his troops against Niu Fu. How could Niu Fu stand against Lü Bu? He was again completely defeated and fled. That night, Niu Fu called his trusted follower Hu Chier to discuss matters. He said, “Lü Bu is fierce and brave. We can never resist him. It would be better to deceive Li Jue and the other three, secretly take some gold and pearls, and abandon the army with three or five personal attendants.” Hu Chier agreed. That night they gathered up gold and pearls, abandoned the camp, and fled with three or four followers. As they were about to cross a river, Hu Chier plotted to seize the gold and pearls. He killed Niu Fu and brought his head to present to Lü Bu. Lü Bu questioned him about what had happened, and one of the followers accused him, saying, “Hu Chier plotted to murder Niu Fu and seize his gold and valuables.” Lü Bu was furious and immediately had Hu Chier put to death. He led his army onward and encountered Li Jue’s troops. Without waiting for them to form their battle lines, Lü Bu leveled his halberd, spurred his horse forward, and signaled his troops to charge straight at them. Li Jue’s army could not resist and retreated for more than fifty li. Li Jue set up camp below a mountain and invited Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou to confer. He said, “Though Lü Bu is brave, he has no strategy and is not worth fearing. I will lead troops to guard the mouth of Rengu Valley and lure him into battle every day. General Guo can lead troops around to strike his rear, following Peng Yue’s method of harassing Chu: sound the gong to advance and beat the drums to withdraw. Lords Zhang and Fan can divide their troops into two columns and go directly to take Chang’an. He will be unable to support both head and tail and will certainly suffer a great defeat.” They adopted his plan.

Lü Bu brought his troops to the foot of the mountain, and Li Jue led out his army to challenge him. Lü Bu furiously charged forward, and Li Jue retreated up the mountain. Arrows and stones fell like rain from the heights, and Lü Bu’s army could not advance. Suddenly it was reported that Guo Si was attacking from behind the battle line, so Lü Bu hurried back to fight him. Then a tremendous beating of drums was heard, and Guo Si’s army withdrew. Just as Lü Bu was about to gather his forces, a gong sounded and Li Jue’s army attacked again. Before Lü Bu could engage him, Guo Si again led troops in from behind. By the time Lü Bu reached him, Guo Si beat the drums, withdrew his army, and left. This provoked Lü Bu until rage filled his breast. The same thing continued for several days. He could neither obtain a battle nor bring the fighting to an end. While he was seething with anger, a mounted messenger suddenly raced in and reported that the two armies of Zhang Ji and Fan Chou had gone straight against Chang’an and that the capital was in grave danger. Lü Bu hurriedly led his army back, while Li Jue and Guo Si attacked from behind. Lü Bu had no desire to continue the battle and thought only of escaping, losing many soldiers and horses. By the time he reached the walls of Chang’an, the rebel troops had gathered like clouds and massed like rain, completely surrounding the city. Lü Bu’s army fought them but gained no advantage. The soldiers feared Lü Bu’s violent severity, and many surrendered to the rebels. Lü Bu was deeply worried.

Several days later, Li Meng and Wang Fang, remnants of Dong Zhuo’s faction inside the city, secretly opened the city gates to aid the rebels. The rebel armies from all four directions poured in together. Lü Bu charged left and right but could not stop them. He led several hundred horsemen outside the Qingsuo Gate and called to Wang Yun, “The situation is desperate! Minister of State, mount a horse and leave the pass with me so that we may seek another sound plan.” Wang Yun said, “If, through the spirits of the altars of soil and grain, the state can be secured, that is my wish. If that cannot be achieved, then I, Wang Yun, will offer up my body in death. I will not escape dishonorably when disaster comes. Give my thanks to the lords east of the passes, and tell them to exert themselves and keep the state in their thoughts!” Lü Bu urged him again and again, but Wang Yun still refused to leave. Before long, flames from every gate rose to the sky. Lü Bu had no choice but to abandon his wife and children. Leading more than a hundred horsemen, he raced out through the pass and went to join Yuan Shu.

Li Jue and Guo Si allowed their troops to plunder freely. Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Ceremonies Chong Fu, Minister of the Imperial Stables Lu Kui, Minister of State Ceremonial Zhou Huan, Colonel of the City Gates Cui Lie, and Colonel of the Yue Cavalry Wang Qi all died in the national disaster. The rebel soldiers pressed urgently around the inner palace, and the attendant ministers asked the Son of Heaven to ascend the Xuanping Gate and stop the disorder. When Li Jue and the others saw the yellow imperial canopy, they restrained their soldiers and shouted, “Long live the Emperor!” Emperor Xian leaned against the tower and asked, “Without waiting to submit a report or request permission, you entered Chang’an on your own authority. What do you intend to do?” Li Jue and Guo Si looked up and reported, “Grand Preceptor Dong was a minister who upheld Your Majesty’s altars of soil and grain, yet Wang Yun murdered him without cause. We ministers have come especially to avenge him and do not dare to rebel. If we are only allowed to see Wang Yun, we will withdraw our troops.” Wang Yun was then beside the emperor. Hearing these words, he reported, “I originally acted for the sake of the altars of the state. Matters have now come to this. Your Majesty must not spare me and thereby harm the country. I ask permission to go down and meet these two rebels.” The emperor paced back and forth, unable to bear it. Wang Yun leaped down from the tower of Xuanping Gate and shouted, “Wang Yun is here!” Li Jue and Guo Si drew their swords and rebuked him: “What crime did Grand Preceptor Dong commit that he should be killed?” Wang Yun said, “The crimes of the traitor Dong filled heaven and stretched across the earth. They were too many to tell. On the day he was executed, the officials and people of Chang’an all celebrated with one another. Did you alone not hear of it?” Li Jue and Guo Si said, “The Grand Preceptor was guilty, but what crimes did we commit that you refused to pardon us?” Wang Yun cursed them loudly: “Rebellious traitors, why waste more words? Today, I, Wang Yun, have nothing before me but death!” The two rebels raised their weapons and killed Wang Yun beneath the tower. A court historian wrote a poem in his praise:

Wang Yun set his plans in motion,And the treacherous minister Dong Zhuo fell.His heart held anger for the state;His knitted brows showed his concern for the court.His heroic spirit reached the highest heavens;His loyal heart pierced the Dipper and the Ox.Even now his soul and spiritStill circle Phoenix Tower.

After the rebels had killed Wang Yun, they also sent men to kill every member of Wang Yun’s clan, old and young alike. All the officials and common people shed tears. Li Jue and Guo Si then thought, “Now that we have come this far, if we do not kill the Son of Heaven and plan a great enterprise, what are we waiting for?” They raised their swords, shouted loudly, and fought their way into the inner palace.

The chief wicked minister has paid for his crimes, and disaster has just subsided;Now his followers run wild, and calamity comes again.

What became of Emperor Xian’s life will be revealed in the next chapter.