Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 124 Joining Forces with Dong Zhuo, Liu Bei Aims to Change the World (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
The next morning, Dong Min hurriedly left the city and went to Xianyang Garden to explain everything that had happened in the city.

"Liu Bei only has two thousand soldiers from Yongzhou? He really is as bold as ever!"

Dong Zhuo was surprised to learn that Liu Bei dared to station his troops in the city with only two thousand men.

Although there was no longer any need to worry about Liu Bei taking advantage of his superior numbers to seize credit, Yuan Shao's control of most of Luoyang's troops angered Dong Zhuo, who resented Liu Bei for not bringing more troops.

"If I had known this would happen, I would have brought all the troops stationed in Mengjin to Luoyang," Dong Zhuo thought with renewed annoyance.

Dong Zhuo originally thought that if he joined forces with Liu Bei's six thousand troops from Yongzhou, it would be enough to deal with Yuan Shao.

Even though his troop strength was still inferior to Yuan Shao's, the border troops were far superior to the Imperial Guards. He never expected that Liu Bei would bring even fewer troops than him.

Dong Yue analyzed, "It seems that Liu Bei's ambitions are not in Luoyang! Otherwise, with the troops Liu Bei currently has in Yongzhou, if he really wanted to take control of Luoyang, he could have as many as 20,000 troops, let alone 6,000."

Dong Zhuo frowned and said, "Although Liu Bei's threat has decreased, Yuan Shao's threat has increased. Do you have any good ideas?"

Dong Min, Dong Yue, and Niu Fu all frowned.

Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice; how can one intimidate Yuan Shao without sufficient troops?

Just then, Niu Fu suddenly recommended, "Last night, while I was patrolling Xianyang Garden, I bumped into a scholar who had been drinking and was acting crazy, saying, 'How foolish the General is to not recognize talent.' I was surprised, so I struck up a conversation with him. This man's name is Li Ru, courtesy name Wenyou, and he is from Heyang County, Fengyi Commandery, Yongzhou."

"Four years ago, the officials of Heyang County built the Cao Quan Stele to commend the achievements of Cao Quan, the magistrate of Heyang. Li Ru donated 500 yuan to build it, and his name was engraved on the back of the stele, which reads 'Li Ru, a scholar, donated 500 yuan.' Later, he went to Luoyang to seek an official position, but was rejected by He Jin because of his deceitful words."

"It would be better to summon him and ask him; perhaps he will have a good solution."

Dong Zhuo pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, we can summon him for questioning."

After a while.

A middle-aged scholar staggered in, seemingly still drunk, which made Dong Zhuo, Dong Yue, and Dong Min all frown.

Niu Fu hurriedly explained, "Please don't be offended, Your Excellency. Dr. Li is still drunk." He then nudged Li Ru and whispered a few words in Li Ru's ear.

Li Ru laughed heartily: "Yuan Shao is a cowardly rat, all talk and no action. Why should we fear Dong Bingzhou?"

Dong Zhuo's brows relaxed, and he looked at Li Ru with more admiration: to actually call Yuan Shao a cowardly rat, this man certainly has guts.

Judging from what Yuan Shao is doing now, it is nothing short of audacious and reckless.

How can someone who has been plotting for many days and finally has the opportunity to ascend to the position of general be described as a cowardly rat?

Dong Yue, unable to tolerate Li Ru's arrogant attitude, shouted, "What ability do you have to speak so arrogantly? No wonder you were rejected by the authorities!"

Upon hearing Dong Yue's words, Li Ru jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, sobering up considerably. He shouted, "General, you don't recognize talent, and instead of helping the late emperor weaken the Yuan clan, you want to exterminate the eunuchs. How foolish! They are all henchmen cultivated by the late emperor. They should be united against the enemy. How can it be reasonable for henchmen to fight each other before the enemy is eliminated?"

"Although Yuan Shao came from an extraordinary background and had a good reputation, he always valued his life. He would become arrogant when he saw a small gain, but hesitated to take action on important matters."

"Just now, General Niu said that Dong Bingzhou's troops are too few to enter the city. I think that the fewer troops they have, the more we should enter the city. First, we should suppress Yuan Shao's morale so that he will not dare to act rashly. Then, we should use a clever plan to frighten the officials in the city. In this way, Yuan Shao will be powerless."

Dong Zhuoyue was increasingly impressed and bowed to Li Ru, saying, "May I ask Dr. Li, how should I devise a clever plan?"

Seeing Dong Zhuo bow, Li Ru straightened his clothes and returned the bow: "This matter is easy. Although Luoyang has many soldiers, they are scattered in various places. Dong, the governor of Bingzhou, can set up a false flag at Xianyang Garden, and after entering the city, he can forcefully take over the west gate and set up camp in the west city."

"After nightfall, secretly transfer the troops in the city back to Xianyang Garden. The next morning, they will enter the city again. Repeat this process, which will be enough to frighten the officials in the city who are unaware of the truth. The Western Garden, Northern Army, Tiger Guard, Feather Forest, City Guard, and Imperial Guard will not dare to act rashly upon hearing the news."

"Even if Yuan Shao could command all the troops in Luoyang, he could not do anything to Dong Bingzhou."

Dong Zhuo was even more surprised, and then praised, "Dr. Li is indeed quite resourceful. To come to this conclusion based on just a few words from Niu Fu. Would you be willing to join my ranks?"

Li Ru chuckled: "I only said that Yuan Shao couldn't do anything to Dong Bingzhou, not that Dong Bingzhou could do anything to Yuan Shao. In time, Yuan Shao will see through this plan. What abilities does Dong Bingzhou have that would make me serve under his command?"

Dong Yue and Dong Min's expressions changed drastically, and they shouted "Rude!" Niu Fu hurriedly pulled Li Ru away.

Dong Zhuo stopped Dong Yue and Dong Min, and became increasingly interested in Li Ru: "Those with great talent are often more arrogant than ordinary people. I don't have any great abilities, but I do have something that can change the world and command the court. I wonder if Dr. Li would be interested in knowing about it?"

Li Ru was startled, then composed himself and asked, "Does Governor Dong really have a secret edict in his possession?"

Dong Zhuo couldn't help but laugh and said, "It seems that Dr. Li's appearance at Xianyang Garden last night was not a coincidence. You have quite the nerve. Aren't you afraid that I, who dislike madmen, will chop you up with one stroke?"

Li Ru laughed heartily: "A true man should pursue fame and fortune in this world. How can he spend his days buried in classics, only knowing how to recite ancient texts?"

After laughing, Li Ru said seriously, "After Jian Shuo was captured and killed by the eunuch, a young eunuch from Jian Shuo's residence escaped. From him, I learned that both Jian Shuo and Liu Bei had received secret edicts from the late emperor. At that time, because Jian Shuo was killed, Liu Bei went to Yongzhou, so I didn't take it seriously."

"Later, Liu Bei suddenly entered Luoyang, and then a lot of rumors appeared in Luoyang. There were even prophecies saying, 'The main star is dim, the guest star is bright, a sign of great chaos. The wise should act like a cunning rabbit to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune.' I secretly investigated and found that the rumors all originated from Liu Bei."

"This reminds me of what the eunuch in Jian Shuo's mansion once said about the late emperor's secret edict. Although I don't know the specific content, I can speculate that it was related to the Prince of Chenliu. Yesterday, the Grand General was killed by the eunuchs. Liu Bei, who had not appeared in Luoyang for more than ten days, suddenly led his troops to attack the eunuchs' palace and Changle Palace. The speed was astonishing."

"After thinking about the prophetic words, I went to Xianyang Garden to avoid disaster."

Dong Zhuo was surprised: "But how do you know that I have a secret edict in my possession?"

Li Ru said solemnly, “I have a past relationship with Liu Ai, the Chamberlain. Long before the General summoned Dong Bingzhou to Luoyang, Liu Ai once told me while drunk that Dong Bingzhou had a secret edict from the late Emperor, inviting me to conspire with him on important matters. At the time, I thought Liu Ai was being misled and talking nonsense while drunk.”

"Last night I saw Dong Bingzhou arrive at Xianyang Garden under cover of darkness, which was very unusual. Putting everything together, I deduced that Dong Bingzhou possessed a secret edict, and that Liu Bei and Liu Ai were both Dong Bingzhou's allies. Therefore, I pretended to be drunk and crazy to attract General Niu's attention, hoping to conspire with Dong Bingzhou to achieve great things and pursue fame and fortune."

"Looks like I guessed right."

Dong Zhuo laughed heartily: "Dr. Li, I knew I hadn't misjudged you. I'm planning something big, and what I need most is a shrewd and decisive person like you! Would you be willing to join my ranks?"

Li Ru had long harbored this intention, and bowed respectfully, saying, "If you would not deign to serve you, I am willing to go to great lengths for you!"

Dong Zhuo laughed and then gave Li Ru some wine, and had Dong Min tell Li Ru about everything that was happening in the city.

After obtaining more intelligence, Li Ru changed his strategy, saying, "Since the magistrate has issued a secret edict, and His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu are both at Minister Lu's residence, there is no need to enter the city. We can first send someone to inform Liu Bei to bring His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu to the West Garden, and invite the Empress Dowager and all the officials to the West Garden as well."

"As long as the west gate is controlled, the troops of the lord and Liu Bei will be not much different from the Western Garden Army under Yuan Shao's command. The Northern Army, Tiger Warriors, Feathered Forest Guards, City Guards, and Imperial Guards are not Yuan Shao's direct troops, but are only under the command of the imperial seal. Seeing this situation, they will surely wait and see."

Dong Zhuo's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in praise: "Wenyou, this plan is brilliant. I arrived late, and my deployment in the city is certainly inferior to Yuan Shao's. If we hold the meeting in the West Garden, it will be enough to disrupt Yuan Shao's deployment in Luoyang."

"Dong Min, you enter the city immediately and have Liu Yongzhou bring His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu to the West Garden. Dong Yue and Niu Fu, each of you lead a thousand soldiers to quickly seize the West Gate. Anyone who obstructs you will be killed without mercy!" Dong Min, Dong Yue, and Niu Fu were also excited. If Li Ru's plan was followed, the various camps that Yuan Shao had painstakingly commanded yesterday, apart from the West Garden Army, would be useless!

Dong Min quickly entered the city and informed Liu Bei that Dong Zhuo intended to hold a meeting in the West Garden. He also asked Liu Bei to quickly go to Lu Zhi's residence to pick up Liu Bian and Liu Xie to prevent any unforeseen events.

"I understand Dong Bingzhou's intentions. I will bring His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu here shortly."

After seeing Dong Min off, Liu Bei smiled.

Xu You also laughed and said, "I didn't expect Dong Zhuo to choose the West Garden for the meeting. If Yuan Shao heard this news, he would probably be furious."

“Yuan Shao boasts that he has everything under control, but he only cares about immediate gains and ignores future troubles.” Liu Bei stretched and stood up, saying, “There is a lot of gold and silver in the camp. Ziyuan will stay in the camp to guard it. I will also leave Mengqi and Xiaozhi behind in case of any accidents. Zilong and I will lead five hundred cavalry to escort His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu out of the city. We will also send a message to Liu Biao, the Marquis of the Northern Army, asking him to also lead five hundred cavalry into Xiyuan.”

Xu You nodded and smiled, "Rest assured, my lord, we will ensure that no gold or silver is lost in the camp."

While contending with Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao, he also had to manage the gold and silver in the camp.

After a while.

Liu Bei led his troops to Lu Zhi's residence and invited Liu Bian and Liu Xie to board the carriage. Chunyu Qiong, who was guarding outside Lu Zhi's residence, was shocked and hurriedly led his troops to follow.

Upon reaching the west gate, Liu Bei led his troops out first, but Chunyu Qiong was blocked by Niu Fu's troops.

"Who are you, and how dare you stop me?" Chunyu Qiong was both shocked and furious, not knowing where Liu Bei was taking Liu Bian and Liu Xie.

Niu Fu snorted coldly: "Just now, when Liu Yongzhou left the city, he said that a group of people were following him suspiciously, intending to harm His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu. Who are you, and why are you coveting His Majesty and the Prince of Chenliu's carriage?"

You big-eared scoundrel, how dare you do this!
Suppressing his anger, Chunyu Qiong introduced himself: "I am Chunyu Qiong, Right Colonel of the Western Garden Army. I have nothing to hide, nor do I covet His Majesty's or the Prince of Chenliu's carriage. Let me out of the city at once!"

Niu Fu's expression changed: "The Xiyuan Army is now stationed at Pingleguan. You say you are Chunyu Qiong, the Right Army Commandant of the Xiyuan Army. How can you prove it?"

That damned woman!

Chunyu Qiong was even more furious. Suddenly, his left and right officers whispered, "Captain, this doesn't seem to be one of the city guards."

Once reminded, Chunyu Qiong finally realized what was happening and shouted, "Who are you, and why are you stationed at the west gate? Where is Meng Dai, the city gate captain?"

Niu Fu sneered: "Today His Majesty is going to hold a meeting in the West Garden. How can Meng Dai, a mere city gate captain, guarantee the safety of His Majesty and the other officials? I am here on the orders of Governor Dong to take over the West Gate. Chunyu Qiong, if you are not satisfied, then you shall bear with it!"

Chunyu Qiong then realized he had been tricked by Niu Fu and was furious: "You really dare to stop me?"

Niu Fu then gestured, and the archers on the city wall drew their bows and aimed at Chunyu Qiong.

Looking at the horrified Chunyu Qiong, Niu Fu sneered and mocked, "I'm just stopping you, what are you going to do about it?"

There is a stalemate.

Cao Cao then led his troops to the scene.

After verifying Cao Cao's identity, Niu Fu also allowed him to pass.

Chunyu Qiong was furious: "Why was Cao Cao allowed to pass by?"

Niu Fu's sarcasm was even more extreme: "The renowned scholar Xu Shao once praised Cao Cao as a capable minister in his monthly critique, and Dong Bingzhou greatly admired Cao Cao. Dong Bingzhou, on the other hand, does not admire you."

Chunyu Qiong was both angry and worried: Could it be that Cao Cao really wanted to help Liu Bei?
soon.

Another army arrived, led by Liu Biao, the Marquis of the Northern Army.

After his identity was confirmed, Liu Biao was able to leave the city without incident, which surprised Chunyu Qiong even more. He asked, "How was Liu Biao able to leave the city?"

Niu Fu sneered: "Liu Biao is a renowned scholar of the world, and Dong Zhuo, the governor of Bingzhou, respects renowned scholars the most. You are not worthy to be compared with him."

Although Niu Fu claimed that Liu Biao was a renowned scholar, Chunyu Qiong still sensed something was amiss and was even more alarmed: Could it be that Liu Biao also wanted to help Liu Bei?
A chill ran from the soles of Chunyu Qiong's feet straight up to his head.

at the same time.

Yuan Wei, Yuan Ji, Yuan Shu, and other officials in Luoyang all received news that they would be meeting at the Western Garden.

At first, Yuan Wei thought it was Yuan Shao's idea, but when he arrived at the West Gate, he found that even Chunyu Qiong was stopped there.

When Chunyu Qiong revealed that Niu Fu was acting on Dong Zhuo's orders, everyone's mood became even heavier.

"Gonglu, you must keep the Tiger Warriors in the city and not make any rash moves," Yuan Kui instructed Yuan Shu in a low voice.

Yuan Shu never wanted to be a mere supporting character to Yuan Shao, so this was exactly what he wanted.

"Uncle, rest assured, I will definitely guard the Tiger Warrior Camp well!"

In Pingguang, however, it is a positive view.

Upon learning that Dong Zhuo had appeared at Xianyang Garden the previous night, seized control of the West Gate, and invited the officials of Luoyang to a meeting at the West Garden, Yuan Shao was both shocked and furious.

"How dare that scoundrel Dong Zhuo!"

Yuan Shao was furious.

All the arrangements were in place, but Dong Zhuo appeared as soon as I woke up!
Not only did it appear, but it also directly disrupted Yuan Shao's plans in Luoyang.

A meeting at the West Garden?

You, Dong Zhuo, are just a commoner. What right do you have to discuss matters?
I am the Commandant of the Capital Region, holding the imperial seal and commanding military affairs. I did not even mention holding a meeting in the Western Garden. What qualifications do you have?
"Order all camps to proceed to Xiyuan."

Upon receiving the order, the eight armies of Xiyuan, excluding the Dianjun and Youjun battalions, numbered six thousand men and marched in a grand procession toward Xiyuan.

Yuan Shao's face was filled with ferocity: "You worthless brat! Now that I command the armies of Luoyang, what ability do you have to dare to fight me?"

(End of this chapter)