Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Dong Zhuo waved his hand nonchalantly, signaling everyone to take a seat. He then leisurely took the main seat, while Lü Bu and Ma Chao stood on either side. Ma Chao was deeply troubled, his thoughts wandering, and he seemed a bit lost in thought. Lü Bu, on the other hand, looked excited. He was fully armored, one hand supporting the Fang Tian Hua Ji standing beside him, the other at his waist, looking majestic and imposing.

Dong Zhuo gave the order for singing and dancing, and a group of dancers twisted their slender waists and began to dance. The ministers lost their appetite and watched Dong Zhuo and his generals engage in vulgar interactions, but they could only watch with their temper.

After three rounds of drinks, Dong Zhuo slowly waved his hand, and the gorgeously dressed dancers retreated in a well-trained manner. At that moment, the entire atmosphere seemed to be frozen, becoming extremely solemn. Everyone knew that Dong Zhuo was about to get back to business.

Dong Zhuo straightened his posture, his face serious and solemn. After clearing his throat, he spoke slowly in a deceptively calm tone, "Everyone, remember when the Ten Eunuchs dared to kill the general, causing chaos, the ministers and generals at the time were filled with resentment. Although you successfully killed the eunuchs, the emperor, under Lu Zhi's coercion, disappeared. Now the court is in turmoil and unrest. How can the country be without a monarch to preside over the affairs of the country? Since then, I have spared no effort to find the emperor's whereabouts, but to no avail. Now, the affairs of state have piled up like a mountain, the people are in dire straits, and wars are rampant everywhere. All of this clearly shows that the emperor was a mediocre and incompetent person during his reign."

At this point, Dong Zhuo deliberately paused for a moment, and then continued, "The current emperor is really nowhere to be found. For the long-term development and stability of the country, we have to find someone else to take on this important task. Fortunately, God still favors the Han Dynasty. Although the late emperor has passed away, there is still the emperor and the prince Liu Xie. Prince Liu Xie is extremely talented and intelligent. The current emperor is nowhere to be found, and it is difficult to know whether he is still alive or has been killed by the chaotic army. For the sake of this great country and the safety of this country, the Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager He and I have discussed and decided to establish Prince Liu Xie as the emperor. Do you have any different opinions on this?" Dong Zhuo's words seemed righteous, as if his heart was full of thoughts for the country and the world.

Dong Zhuo's words sent the court into an uproar. Though they had been prepared for this, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves. Those with a sense of loyalty even burst into tears. Dong Zhuo angrily shouted, "Silence!" He then declared arrogantly, "The Empress Dowager has entrusted me with important matters of state. This was her intention, and Empress Dowager He didn't object. So how can you all be sobbing and wailing?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao flew into a rage. He stood up abruptly and shouted, "Shut up! Who do you think you are? The great affairs of the world depend on the court, the emperor, and the ministers. And you, a mere vulgar warrior, dare to talk nonsense about deposing and enthroning the emperor?"

Dong Zhuo was furious and immediately drew his sword, shouting, "Do you want to test the sharpness of my sword?" Yuan Shao, undeterred, drew his own sword and confronted him, saying, "My sword is not weak either."

Lu Bu was about to step forward with his spear in hand. When the ministers below saw the situation develop to this point, they hurriedly begged for help.

As the two sides reached a stalemate, Ma Chao quickly stepped forward, grasped Dong Zhuo's arm tightly, and spoke earnestly and anxiously, "Mr. Dong, today's banquet is intended to discuss state affairs. It's normal for everyone to express their opinions, but you must not lose your temper over this. Mr. Dong, you are always wise and sagacious. You should prioritize the overall situation and not let your momentary anger mess you up, lest you ruin the whole thing. We still have many important matters that require long-term consideration. I hope you will calm down and reflect carefully."

Li Ru also hurried over to join Dong Zhuo's admonition. Yuan Shao, realizing his goal had been achieved, angrily sheathed his sword and turned to leave. The soldiers outside the tent, observing this, instinctively tried to intercept him. Before Dong Zhuo could express his opinion, Ma Chao decisively waved his hand, signaling his soldiers to retreat. Seeing Dong Zhuo had no other intentions, the soldiers obeyed without attempting to stop him, and could only watch as Yuan Shao hurried away.

When Yuan Shu saw Yuan Shao's actions and performance, he couldn't help but feel anxious. He secretly regretted that such a good opportunity to show off was taken by Yuan Shao first and took advantage of it. However, he didn't dare to say anything more in the current situation.

Sitting at the table, Minister Wang Yun observed all this. His gaze lingered on Ma Chao, then on Lü Bu, who, beside him, moved to advance with his halberd but ultimately remained silent. A whirlwind of thoughts began to race through his mind. He pondered: Ma Chao, though young, possessed a staunch sense of loyalty, a true disciple of Lu Zhi, capable of admonishing Dong Zhuo at a crucial moment. Perhaps he could be won over. Meanwhile, Lü Bu, while incredibly brave, seemed somewhat impulsive and rash in this situation. It seemed Dong Zhuo's forces were also brimming with talent. The situation was becoming increasingly complex. How would the situation unfold? How could he, amidst this turbulent situation, find opportunities and secure a path for the Han Dynasty? These thoughts tangled in Minister Wang Yun's mind, plunging him into deep contemplation.

After the banquet, Dong Zhuo sat at the head table, his face gloomy. He complained to Li Ru beside him, "Ma Chao's behavior at the banquet today really made me angry and upset. How dare he behave like that in public!" Li Ru quickly advised, "Lord, calm down. Ma Chao's upbringing has indeed made him a bit pedantic, but it's undeniable that he is a skilled warrior and a truly formidable general. Moreover, Miss Dong Bai has deep feelings for him, and you still have some affection for him. Perhaps you could give him another chance." Dong Zhuo frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Hmph, although I'm dissatisfied, considering his loyalty and integrity, I'll let him off this time."

At the same time, Wang Yun secretly met with Ma Chao in another secret room. Ma Chao walked into the secret room with a cautious look on his face. When Wang Yun saw him, he greeted him with a big smile and said, "General Ma Chao, I have long heard of your great name! I asked you to come here today because I have something important to discuss with you." Ma Chao frowned and asked, "Sir Wang Yun, why is it so mysterious?" Wang Yun lowered his voice and said, "General Dong has been acting more and more domineering and tyrannical recently. People all over the world are complaining about him. The Han Dynasty is in danger. General, you are a martial arts master with a great reputation. Don't you want to do something for the people of the world?" Ma Chao hesitated. After a moment, he slowly said: "Sir Wang Yun, Lord Dong has done me a favor, I can't betray him easily." Wang Yun said anxiously: "But he has now become a great threat to the Han Dynasty. If he is allowed to continue, the world will never have peace! General, are you going to watch the world in chaos?" Ma Chao pondered for a long time, and finally shook his head and said: "This matter is too serious. I need to think about it carefully. I hope you won't force me." Wang Yun sighed helplessly, but there was still a glimmer of unwillingness in his eyes.

After leaving Wang Yun, Ma Chao went straight to Cai Yong's residence. Upon meeting Cai Yong, he spoke directly to the point, "Sir Cai, Lord Dong is now so powerful that his decision to establish a new emperor is unlikely to be reversed. I urge you not to make unnecessary sacrifices and to be patient for now."

Cai Yong, however, maintained a resolute expression, stroking his beard as he spoke: "Mengqi, I have received great favor from the Emperor. How can I sit idly by and watch the traitor Dong commit such atrocities? I have made up my mind. I will do my utmost for the Han Dynasty, even if it means sacrificing my life."

Ma Chao frowned and continued, "Lord Cai, your loyalty is known to all, but given the current situation, resisting head-on is unwise. As long as there is life, there is hope. Who knows, there may be a turning point in the future."

Cai Yong shook his head, his eyes revealing determination: "Mengqi, there is no need to persuade me anymore. I have made all preparations. I will fight the thief Dong to the end and will never back down!" Seeing Cai Yong so determined, Ma Chao felt helpless in his heart, but he also deeply admired Cai Yong's integrity. He could only sigh and left silently.