Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Wang Yun's face darkened upon hearing Lü Bu's response. A sneer curled up at the corner of his mouth, and he snorted, "Hmph! General, have you ever forgotten how Dong Zhuo acted? Back then, he was all-powerful, completely manipulating the emperor. He had the final say in the court, doing whatever he wanted. How is the emperor treating us this way any different from how he treated Dong Zhuo back then? He's just using a different tactic. He's still acting arrogantly and manipulating us at will. Do you really think we're easy to bully?"

As Wang Yun spoke, the fierceness in his eyes grew stronger, like two burning flames. He stepped forward, his voice deliberately lowered, yet his words were filled with ruthlessness. "If we just don't take any action, are we just going to let him manipulate us so wantonly? Will we continue to suffer this humiliation, watching him give all the benefits to others while we can only stare blankly, gaining nothing? Can you swallow this? I can't!"

Although Lü Bu still felt that this was too risky and the risks were truly terrifyingly high, seeing Wang Yun's resolute attitude, he could only continue to persuade him: "Father-in-law, please think about Dong Zhuo's situation back then. Although he seemed so powerful at first, what was his ultimate fate? Wasn't he still disgraced and despised by the world, becoming an eternal sinner? We don't have the military support he has now. If we act rashly, I'm afraid all forces will seize the opportunity to encircle and suppress us, and then we will be doomed. Please, my lord, please reconsider carefully and do not act so impulsively."

Wang Yun waved his hand dismissively and said slowly, "Hmph, Dong Zhuo's failure was due to his opposition to the aristocratic families, offending the interests of too many. But I, Wang Yun, come from an aristocratic family myself. Most of the veteran ministers in the court today also come from aristocratic families, yet they have all been excluded by the emperor. Everyone is filled with resentment. How can this situation be compared to Dong Zhuo's time? Besides, it's not like we're expected to commit such heinous acts ourselves; it's simply a matter of fanning the flames when the opportunity arises. Furthermore, if the emperor were to pass away suddenly, leaving no heir, the person who would most effectively benefit from this would be Liu Xie, the King of Luoyang. Liu Xie had sat on the throne before and had tasted the power. Given the right opportunity, he would surely be willing to take advantage of it. So, this matter isn't as hopeless as you think. With proper planning, success is possible."

Wang Yun stared at Lu Bu with burning eyes, trying to persuade him again.

Wang Yun's face was serious, and he spoke earnestly, "Fengxian, think about it. How many injustices have we endured under the command of Emperor Liu Bian? Liu Bian doesn't take us seriously at all, stirring up trouble at will and treating our loyalty as worthless. If this continues, what good will we have?"

Lu Bu frowned, a look of hesitation on his face, but he was really angry about his current situation.

Wang Yun, seeing Lü Bu's expression, knew something was up, so he struck while the iron was hot and continued, "Although Dong Zhuo met a tragic end, his situation was vastly different from ours. We're not going to openly rebel like him; we simply want to follow the general trend. Look at the many veteran officials from aristocratic families in the court today. Who hasn't been excluded by Liu Bian? They all harbor resentment, and if this resentment were to coalesce, it would be a force capable of changing the world."

Lu Bu raised his head slightly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes, as if he was touched by Wang Yun's words.

Seeing this, Wang Yun took another step forward, lowering his voice, his expression growing more serious. "Furthermore, this matter doesn't require you and me to lead the charge and take the greatest risk. We just need to cleverly plan behind the scenes and add fuel to the fire. Then, even if there are any changes, we will have a plan to deal with them. Fengxian, please don't hesitate any longer. If you hesitate, we will be forever trampled under Liu Bian's feet and will never be able to make a breakthrough."

Lu Bu gritted his teeth, finally made up his mind, and nodded solemnly: "Father-in-law, you are right! I, Lu Bu, have had enough of this cowardice. I will do as you say!"

After deciding on this matter, Wang Yun and Lu Bu began to make careful plans. Wang Yun knew that if he wanted to succeed, he had to establish further contact with Liu Xie, the King of Luoyang, but he couldn't do it openly, so he came up with a plan and secretly bribed Liu Xie's eunuchs.

That day, the bribed eunuch took advantage of the fact that no one was around and quietly approached Liu Xie. He first looked around cautiously, and after confirming that no one was observing, he lowered his voice and said to Liu Xie, "Your Highness, I just received news that a master said he has important matters to discuss, and specifically asked me to ask you if you still want to be 'Your Majesty'."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie's eyes widened, his heart filled with astonishment and doubt. He had never imagined that someone would use such a strange method to convey information, and the mention of "Your Majesty" only made him even more suspicious. Who could have done this? And why? Was there some grand conspiracy?

Liu Xie paced back and forth in the hall, his brow furrowed tightly as he pondered various possibilities. On the one hand, he was genuinely curious about what the matter might be that required such a cryptic and bold message; on the other hand, he worried that there might be a hidden agenda, and if he accidentally fell into a trap, there would be no way back.

But the words "Your Majesty" conveyed by the eunuch were like an invisible hook, constantly tugging at his heart. Liu Xie knew that for someone to mention his status in this way, the matter must be more than simple. Moreover, although he was now the King of Luoyang, he had once sat on the throne of the Emperor, and he always had an inexplicable sensitivity and concern for power and the matters related to it.

As curiosity and worry clashed repeatedly and fiercely, Liu Xie finally couldn't contain his cat-like curiosity. He gritted his teeth and decided to take a chance to see who wanted to meet him and what they wanted.

So, late at night, under the secret guidance of the eunuch, Liu Xie carefully avoided everyone's sight and quietly walked towards the agreed meeting place. Along the way, his heart was in his throat, and with every step he took, he seemed to hear the sound of his heartbeat like thunder. He was both nervous and looking forward to the upcoming meeting.

The two men knocked gently on the door outside Wang Yun's study. When Liu Xie came in and saw that it was Wang Yun and Lu Bu, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. Then he was quickly let into the house by the two men, and they carefully closed the doors and windows to make sure no one noticed.

Wang Yun spoke first, bowing slightly and saying sincerely, "Your Highness, I invited you here so late at night because of an urgent matter. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Liu Xie waved his hand, his expression slightly nervous. "Lord Wang, General Lu, what is it that is so secretive? Feel free to tell me."

Wang Yun glanced at Lü Bu and then slowly said, "Your Highness, you are aware of the current chaotic situation at court. Emperor Liu Bian, despite holding a high position, has acted capriciously and recklessly, completely disregarding the Han Dynasty and the loyalty of our subjects."

Liu Xie frowned slightly and sighed softly: "Yes, I have also noticed it, but..."

Wang Yun interrupted him and continued, "Your Highness, Liu Bian's suppression and exclusion of the ministers from aristocratic families has caused panic in the court. If this continues, the Han Dynasty's foundation will be unstable. Your Highness, of noble status and having once sat on the throne, you are well versed in the ways of governance. If you can ascend the throne again, you will surely restore the Han Dynasty's glory and bring peace and prosperity to the people of the world."

Lü Bu echoed, "Your Highness, we are all concerned for the well-being of the Han Dynasty. Only you can turn the tide in this situation. Although I, Lü Bu, am a mere warrior, I am willing to serve Your Highness at my utmost and help you achieve your great cause."

Liu Xie's heart was filled with anxiety as he listened to their words, but when he thought of Liu Bian's methods, he showed fear again: "I appreciate your kindness, both of you. But your brother's methods are ruthless, and I really don't dare to have such unreasonable thoughts. If the matter is exposed, I am afraid..."

Wang Yun hurriedly stepped forward and said anxiously, "Don't worry, Your Highness! We haven't come here to ask Your Highness to do anything personally. We simply ask Your Highness to follow our instructions and provide a little assistance at this critical moment, and everything will fall into place naturally. Furthermore, many officials in the court are complaining about Liu Bian. They all hope for a wise leader to lead the Han Dynasty. Your Highness is exactly what they are looking for."

Liu Xie paced back and forth in the room, his heart in a fierce struggle. On the one hand, he did have a slight desire for the supreme throne, after all, he had tasted the taste of power before; on the other hand, Liu Bian's ruthless methods weighed on his heart like a mountain, making him afraid to take such a step lightly.

After a long moment, Liu Xie stopped and looked up, hesitation still in his eyes. "I will carefully consider what you two have said. However, this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. We must not act rashly."

Wang Yun and Lü Bu exchanged a glance. Although he failed to persuade Liu Xie immediately, he saw that he was beginning to waver. With a sincere expression and earnest eyes, Wang Yun softly addressed Liu Xie, "Your Highness, think about this. You and Emperor Liu Bian are very close, connected by blood. This is a relationship that others cannot envy. Because of this, you have easy access to the Emperor on a daily basis. This is a truly unique advantage."

Wang Yun saw this and struck while the iron was hot, saying, "So, Your Highness, we only need you to act according to the circumstances. You can usually be by the Emperor's side because of your close relationship. Just keep an eye out. If anything unexpected happens to the Emperor, we will act immediately and seize the opportunity to restore you to the throne. Then, everything will fall into place. The Han Dynasty's country and people will depend entirely on you, Your Highness."