Three Kingdoms: I am not Liu Bian

Chapter 44: Tigers and wolves fall into the trap, Zhongying swears (plus more!)
(This chapter is a 4,000-word chapter, and there will be a 2,000-word chapter later. I'll just treat it as an extra chapter for you, the readers. Please don't hesitate to vote for me. Thank you!)

In midsummer, the Luoyang Imperial Palace was shrouded in a golden halo, and the glazed tiles on both sides of the blue brick palace road reflected the fine light.

A military commander in crimson robes advanced slowly, trailing behind the eunuch leading the way. The two white tails on his tiger-shaped crown trembled gently with his steps. As they passed outside a palace, a bronze bell from the eaves suddenly jingled, startling several palace maids who were sweeping the floor and hurriedly retreating to the base of the palace wall. However, they couldn't help but steal a glance at this walking "human-shaped giant tripod."

The general raised his hand to adjust his sweat-soaked belt. The waist belt, which was specially widened by three inches, had already become wrinkled due to his round waist and abdomen.

However, any discerning person could see that although this man was a little plump, he was not fat but rather strong and muscular from years of eating meat and exercising in battles.

He had broad shoulders and a thick back, his arms were as strong as pillars, and his muscles bulged faintly under the fabric, as if they could burst through the luxurious cloth at any time. There was a heavy sense of pressure in his steps, as if every step could make the ground tremble slightly.

Strictly speaking, a general with this kind of physique is more in line with the perception of a brave general in this era.

When he reached the gate of Yong'an Palace, a strong wind suddenly blew in, blowing a red ball down from the tree. The ball hit the tiger crown on his head and fell into his hands.

It turned out to be a peach.

The general looked up and saw that the green branches above his head were dotted with velvety fruits, some of which were so ripe that they looked as red as rouge.

However, he did not alarm the eunuch, but quietly put the peach into his sleeve, leaving only a faint fruity fragrance lingering in his hand.

At the palace gate, although Cao Cao, the General of the Tiger Guards, did not know why His Highness wanted him to stand guard outside the Yong'an Palace today, he had no objection.

But seeing the sturdy general hiding the peach in his sleeve, he couldn't help but frown, and the knuckles holding the hilt of the sword suddenly tensed.

While he was stunned, the strong general had already walked to the outside of the palace gate, passed by Cao Cao who was on duty, and entered the side hall.

In the main hall, the sound of cicadas penetrated into the hall through the gaps in the carved wooden windows, but it could not cover the sharp sound of the eight-sided Han sword slowly sliding across the blue bricks in the hall.

Liu Bian sat upright behind a black lacquer table, tapping lightly on the hilt of the sword with his fingertips. He then sheathed the sword, placed it on the sword rack behind him, and nodded to Gao Wang who was standing beside him.

"Announce the Eastern Lieutenant General Dong Zhuo into the palace!"

Gao Wang's shrill voice pierced the dull air, and the figure that had been Liu Bian's nightmare when he was a child appeared before his eyes.

Although there are slight differences in details, the real Dong Zhuo is almost the same as the one in his dream.

"Your Highness, General Dong Zhuo of the Eastern Palace, pays homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Dong Zhuo's voice was like a loud bell, and a strong aura of the people from Liang Province came over him.

Liu Bian did not bother with Dong Zhuo about the loud voice. He just gave Dong Zhuo a little support and asked Gao Wang to give him a seat.

"I have heard that in the first year of the Yongkang reign, the Qiang people of Liangzhou rebelled. The Eastern Lieutenant General, acting as the military commander of Zhang Ranming, the Lieutenant General protecting the Xiongnu, led his troops to defeat the enemy, killing their leader, beheading 3,000 people, and capturing over 10,000."

Liu Bian looked at Dong Zhuo and examined his face carefully.

His thick, curly beard grew wildly like an iron brush, his nostrils were slightly open, his eye whites were yellow, and his pupils were as sharp as an eagle's, revealing the alertness and ferocity of a wild beast.

Although he was wearing a luxurious official robe, it still could not conceal the wildness and brutality in Dong Zhuo's bones. He was like a tiger that had just walked out of the mountains of Liangzhou.

However, this tiger seemed to have walked out of the mountains and forests but entered a tiger cage.

Hearing Liu Bian's question, Dong Zhuo first straightened his back, as if he wanted to boast about his military achievements in the past, but then he seemed to remember something, and clasped his hands together in front of him awkwardly, his fingers twisting slightly uneasily, as if he didn't know where to put them.

Dong Zhuo bowed stiffly and lowered his voice, saying, "Your Highness, that is true. However, at that time, Yin Duan and Yin Boxing, who were also military commanders, also joined me in defeating the enemy."

As he spoke, Dong Zhuo secretly raised his head from time to time to look at the prince's expression. Seeing that the prince's face was calm, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Dong Zhuo, the fierce tiger, behaved extraordinarily well in front of Liu Bian, and even had a hint of flattery in his tone. Except for the first loud noise, his behavior was a bit stiff but quite polite, and he answered every question raised by Liu Bian.

Seeing Dong Zhuo like this, Liu Bian raised the corner of his mouth and couldn't help but chuckle.

Perhaps the future Demon King Dong would indeed be a fearsome hero, but at this moment Dong Zhuo looked like a "country bumpkin" who had just been transferred from the poor mountainous area of ​​his hometown to the capital, and his behavior was full of uneasiness.

"Why does my brave general have to act so elegantly?"

Liu Bian teased Dong Zhuo and ordered someone to give Dong Zhuo a bowl of honey water and a plate of fruit.

Dong Zhuo, upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, remained cautious and respectfully bowed, saying, "I am a crude warrior from Liang Province, ignorant of etiquette. I fear my behavior may offend the Crown Prince."

Liu Bian shook his head. Compared to his previous fear of Dong Zhuo, he actually felt a little fondness for Dong Zhuo, who presented a contrasting look to him.

Troubled times are like a flame that will quietly ignite the firewood-like ambition in everyone's heart. As the first bundle of firewood is ignited, this flame called "ambition" will burn brighter and brighter.

This was true for Cao Cao and Dong Zhuo.

But at least before the collapse of the Han Dynasty, didn't these people have the dream of becoming a loyal minister who assisted the emperor in reviving the Han Dynasty?
"It's okay, Zhongying, don't worry."

Perhaps in order to make Dong Zhuo relax, Liu Bian leaned against the gilded table, took a peach from the fruit plate on the table, took a big bite, and the sweet juice splashed on his sleeves.

But Liu Bian didn't care at all. Instead, his eyes lit up as he took a bite of the sweet peach flesh. He smiled and said, "Zhongying, try it. This peach is quite sweet."

Seeing the attitude of the actual ruler of the Han Dynasty, Dong Zhuo understood that even if this was not the prince's true nature, it was done for the purpose of making him relax.

Regardless of anything else, just in terms of attitude, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is far superior to Si Tu Yuan Wei.

Before entering the palace, he made a sudden study of etiquette and behavior at Yuan Wei's house, which led to his previous courtesy. However, Yuan Wei did not offer any substantial suggestions on how to get along with the young prince, but only kept saying "do not violate the etiquette of a minister."

After discussing with his aide Li Ru, he accepted Li Ru's suggestion of "the more courtesy, the less blame".

It's nothing more than lowering one's posture. He didn't mind lowering his posture in front of Yuan Wei, that stinky Confucian scholar, and listened to him taking advantage of his seniority and nagging about the favor of recommendation. What's more, he was the current ruler of the Han Dynasty?

Moreover, he had a good impression of the Crown Prince who was the regent.

When he first heard that the prince was going to lead the army in person, his reaction was different from that of the officials in the court.

As a native of Liang Province, Dong Zhuo naturally advocated the use of force, so he felt that the prince was extremely courageous and brave.

How can a coward who dares not lead his troops to war even when people post proclamations and insult him govern this country well?

The prince treated him with such courtesy, and did not look down on him at all because of his Liangzhou origin.

I heard that the Prince's Household Supervisor was originally from Liang Province, and now he was also the Governor of Henan Province. This showed that the Prince was very magnanimous and did not select officials based on their place of origin. Thinking of this, Dong Zhuo's initial resentment about the Prince taking his positions as Governor of Bing Province and Governor of Hedong disappeared.

After all, the post of Governor of Bingzhou was just a remote one for him, and it was just an additional position given to show his honor and favor. He had no power to interfere in the internal affairs of Bingzhou. The real powerful position was still the Prefect of Hedong.

But he felt really aggrieved when he spent the whole day in Hedong facing those empty-talking literati who could only talk but not do, and those wealthy families who had clearly occupied the people's land but he could not catch or even investigate them. He was far less comfortable than when he was the commander of the Western Regions Wu Ji.

Now things are better. He is appointed as the General of the Eastern Army and fights on the battlefield. He is also treated with such courtesy by the crown prince, which makes him even more satisfied.

Just as Dong Zhuo was sighing, Gao Wang, who was standing by, suddenly said, "The peach trees outside the East Palace were transplanted from the West Garden by Your Highness and have been carefully cared for. Thanks to Your Majesty's grace, these peaches are naturally sweet and delicious."

"I haven't had time to take care of this peach tree since the drought in early May. How can it have anything to do with me?" Liu Bian waved his hand.

"The peach tree has grown strong and provided shade for Your Highness, so it will naturally bear sweet fruit."

Dong Zhuo was slightly stunned when he heard this. Although he was a rough warrior, he was not stupid. He seemed to have heard the implicit meaning in Gao Wang's words.

If you accept the emperor's favor, the fruit will be sweet?
Seeing Gao Wang's half-smile, Dong Zhuo's left hand suddenly trembled.

He took out the peach that had just fallen into his hand from his sleeve, held it high in both hands, and knelt on the ground, saying in fear, "Your Highness, please forgive me. I was just passing by the palace gate when a peach fell from a tree into my hand. I greedily kept it for my own enjoyment."

Liu Bian picked up the peach that Dong Zhuo was holding in both hands, stared at Dong Zhuo who was kneeling on the ground, and after a few breaths, he smiled and said, "Haha, it's okay."

Liu Bian stood up and patted Dong Zhuo's shoulder. Seeing Dong Zhuo look up at him cautiously, he helped Dong Zhuo up and said, "It's just a mere desire for food. Besides, the fruit fell naturally in the wind, which shows that it is destined for Zhongying."

"Awang, since the Eastern General enjoys this kind of food, when he leaves the palace, have someone send ten boxes of honey peaches to his residence."

When Dong Zhuo saw Liu Bian's magnanimity, he couldn't help but feel the emperor's great grace.

His secret collection of peaches may seem insignificant, but according to Han law, it would be considered stealing from the palace, and his future would be ruined.

"By the way, I sent someone to inquire. Zhongying still has an elderly mother at home. I wonder if she will come with him to the capital?" Liu Bian shook Dong Zhuo's hand and asked about his well-being. "Mother has been very kind in raising you. Zhongying will be rich and worry-free in the future, but don't forget your mother."

Dong Zhuo was startled and quickly said, "My old mother is on her way to the capital, but she is frail and can only walk 20 miles a day."

Liu Bian chuckled and nodded. The embroidered envoy from Longxi County had already found out that at least two days ago, Dong Zhuo's mother had no intention of entering the capital.

But he had no intention of exposing it. Dong Zhuo was a smart man and should know his limits.

He could decide to use and trust Dong Zhuo because of his feelings towards him, but he would also leave behind means to check and balance Dong Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo's mother was the means to check and balance him.

Even the cruel and tyrannical Demon King Dong is still a good son who is filial to his mother.

Of course, he would not let Dong Zhuo grow up in vain, so he told Dong Zhuo that "you will have wealth and no worries in the future."

"Good, Zhongying is truly a filial son." Liu Bian patted Dong Zhuo's hand, then looked at Gao Wang again, "Awang, take twenty pieces of top-quality Xiangyi brocade to make clothes for Zhongying's mother."

"Your Highness is so kind, I have no way to repay you. From now on, I will obey your orders!"

Seeing Dong Zhuo crawling in front of him again, Liu Bian couldn't help but feel more satisfied with him.

He was a really smart man. He understood that he had been rejected by the emperor's grace of "rich and worry-free", so in the future he could only provide shade for him, rather than Yuan Wei, the sponsor.

Otherwise, there would be no fruit in the ten food boxes.

"I have not yet dealt with the memorial today. I will summon Zhongying and the General of the Central Army to explain military matters to me another day. Zhongying, please return home and rest."

Upon seeing this, Dong Zhuo held the peach in his hand, thanked the emperor and took his leave.

The sun was scorching outside the palace. When Dong Zhuo reached the palace gate, he saw Cao Cao standing there with his sword in hand.

"Cao Cao, General of the Tiger Guards, greets the General of the Eastern Guards."

Dong Zhuo looked at the man before him. Although he was short in stature, he was also quite imposing. He returned the greeting and said, "I wonder if Cao Huben has any advice for you?"

Cao Cao's fingertips brushed the red ribbon on the sword tassel. Seeing Dong Zhuo holding the peach, he smiled calmly, "I don't deserve your guidance, but I have some good advice for you."

"Please speak frankly, Cao Huben!"

"No matter how many fruits there are in the Eastern Palace, they belong to Your Highness." Cao Cao pointed to the peaches hanging from the branches above his head with one hand, and with his other hand pressed on his sword, saying, "If you pick them without permission, you will lose your head."

"Your Highness has given it to you, and you may take it."

"If His Highness doesn't grant it, you can't take it by force!"

Dong Zhuo was stunned, but instead of getting angry, he laughed out loud towards the sky.

With such a loyal, brave and capable minister, Your Highness must be a person who truly values ​​and cherishes talents.

After laughing, Dong Zhuo turned and faced the East Palace gate, shouting in a voice like thunder: "If I, Dong Zhongying, disobey the duty of a minister, I will not have a good end in the future, but will die by sword and arrow!"

Not long after, Gao Wang stepped out of the hall. He looked at Dong Zhuo with a puzzled look in his eyes. He cleared his throat and said, "Your Highness said, 'Tell Dong Zhongying to get out of the palace.' You're talking about life and death before we even go into battle. How ridiculous!"

Dong Zhuo rubbed the back of his head and said with a simple smile, "This minister was impulsive. This... well, I'm used to being rude. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

"It's okay. Your Highness knows the General of the Eastern Army, and I also know the General of the Eastern Army."

Gao Wang looked at Dong Zhuo's seemingly honest appearance, but muttered in his heart that it was a good thing that this guy would not have the heart to stab him, otherwise, with this guy's ability, he would probably have to give up his position as the prince's most trusted eunuch.

Cao Cao was also stunned watching from the side. He caught a glimpse of the historian standing on the steps writing furiously, and couldn't help feeling angry.

I was hoping to use your secret stash of peaches to show off in front of His Highness, but it turns out I've become your stepping stone instead?

Dong Zhuo caught a glimpse of Cao Cao gritting his teeth and couldn't help but laugh as he walked out of the palace.

Looking at Dong Zhuo's strong back as he left, Cao Cao couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Old thief."

(End of this chapter)