Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Outside Luoyang, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, and other generals were still desperately pursuing the fleeing forces. They sometimes shouted, sometimes brandished weapons, while the Ten Eunuchs, accompanied by the palace dignitaries, fled in panic. Just as they were about to be caught up, the men threatened the lives of the palace dignitaries, hoping to perish with their pursuers.

However, Yuan Shao and his men showed no concern and continued their pursuit. Lu Zhi, Zhao Yun, and the others had no choice but to remain close guards beside the emperor. Lu Zhi comforted the frightened emperor, saying he had sent for his support, while bravely engaging the enemy in a desperate battle.

At this critical moment, Dong Zhuo's troops arrived like a tide. Guo Si and Li Jue, two commanders of the Flying Bear Army, led the troops, attacking Yuan Shao and Cao Cao from the left and right flanks. Instantly, Dong Zhuo caught the pursuing troops completely off guard.

Seeing that the situation was becoming increasingly critical, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had no choice but to give up and gather their troops to deal with this sudden change.

Dong Zhuo's army stabilized the situation. He sat steadily on his horse and slowly approached the group of people being hunted. He frowned slightly, a look of confusion and inquiry on his face, and then asked, "Who are you? Why are you being hunted by such an army?"

Those pursued by Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and their ignominious companions, now like frightened birds, were overcome with elation when Dong Zhuo appeared like a divine force, rescuing them from their dire straits. Their terrified faces were instantly transformed into ecstasy, with one man even boasting with a touch of arrogance, "Generals across the way, why don't you quickly come forward and pay your respects? We are the palace attendants Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong! General He Jin is plotting a rebellion, and we risked our lives to protect the nobles within! The Empress, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and other distinguished figures are among us, and why don't you quickly come and welcome them?" As he spoke, he raised his chin, his eyes filled with pride and arrogance, as if flaunting his wealth to Dong Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo's face flashed with surprise when he heard this, but it was fleeting like lightning. Then the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and a barely perceptible smile quietly emerged. That smile seemed to conceal endless cunning and complacency, as if everything was within his calculations.

He raised his whip and flicked it gently, the whip making a crisp sound in the air, like a trumpet of victory. Then, he dismounted slowly and unhurriedly, each movement appearing calm and determined, highlighting his majesty.

Dong Zhuo walked forward steadily, his steps firm and powerful, carrying an unstoppable aura. When he reached the so-called nobles, his eyes, sharp as a hawk, quickly scanned the crowd. However, his gaze did not linger on the Emperor and Empress Dowager He, but instead locked onto Empress Dowager Dong, who was in the crowd.

Dong Zhuo's face suddenly showed surprise. He widened his eyes and shouted loudly: "Dong Zhuo from Xiliang is leading his troops to rescue you!" The voice was as loud as a bell, echoing in the air.

Empress Dowager Dong finally came to her senses. A look of panic still lingered on her face, but her eyes were filled with relief and peace of mind. She shouted, "But Dong Zhuo? Dong Zhongying!"

After hearing this, Dong Zhuo hurriedly responded loudly: "Aunt, I am Dong Zhongying from the Dong clan! When I learned that something happened in the palace, I was extremely anxious and hurriedly led the troops to rescue you. I am sorry that I was late in rescuing you and frightened you!" As Dong Zhuo spoke, he quickly stepped forward to support Empress Dowager Dong, his face full of concern and self-blame.

Empress Dowager Dong gently patted Dong Zhuo's hand, her voice filled with emotion: "Zhongying, it's so great that you can come! The situation is so chaotic now, I am really worried!"

Dong Zhuo quickly said, "Don't worry, aunt. I'm here with you and will not let anyone harm you or Your Majesty!"

Empress Dowager Dong nodded slightly, a trace of relief flashing in her eyes: "Zhongying is thoughtful. You have made a great contribution by coming here this time!"

Dong Zhuo bowed and said, "It is my duty to serve my aunt and Your Majesty. As long as I can ensure the safety of my aunt and Your Majesty, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Empress Dowager Dong did not respond to Dong Zhuo's words. Instead, she pushed Liu Xie out and said to him, "Zhongying, this is the prince Liu Xie. The late emperor had high hopes for Liu Xie. Now that you are here, you must protect the prince's safety."

Dong Zhuo looked at Liu Xie, who was being pushed out, with a hint of doubt in his eyes, pondering something in his mind. However, he still stepped forward and respectfully greeted her, saying, "Grand Empress Dowager, I will do my utmost to protect the prince."

Dong Zhuo ignored the others, leaving them alone. This made Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong feel ignored and despised. They surrounded Empress Dowager He, their faces showing dissatisfaction.

The two men stood beside Empress Dowager He and said sternly, "You are so bold, Dong Zhuo! You only have eyes for the Grand Empress Dowager. You must know that Empress Dowager He and His Majesty are here. How dare you be so arrogant and disrespectful? Aren't you afraid that the Empress Dowager will punish you?"

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong's faces were filled with ruthlessness, their words were filled with arrogance, and they seemed to have no regard for Dong Zhuo's presence at all. They were still thinking about the alliance with Dong Zhong's forces, thinking that Dong Zhuo was just an insignificant general in Dong Zhong's forces, and there was no burden or pressure at all.

Dong Zhuo didn't react yet. He looked at the Grand Empress Dowager Dong, who said, "Zhongying, take down this damned eunuch and the evil queen!"

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo did not hesitate at all. He waved his hand and the soldiers around him rushed into the crowd like wolves and tigers, quickly capturing the arrogant eunuchs such as Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong. Even the people around Empress Dowager He and Empress Dowager He were controlled.

Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong and others showed horror on their faces and shouted at the top of their voices: "I, we don't understand! We were an alliance to deal with He Jin before, but now He Jin has been killed by us. Empress Dowager, what do you mean by this? Do you want to be a traitor?" Their voices were full of panic and confusion.

Dong Zhuo's face grew increasingly furious as he listened to their words. He glared, eyes wide, and roared, "Shut up!" This roar resonated like thunder in everyone's ears, terrifying them. He gestured resolutely to the generals on his left and right, his gaze filled with endless majesty and murderous intent.

After receiving the order, the generals drew their swords without hesitation and rushed directly into the group of eunuchs. With a swing of their swords, they beheaded all the eunuchs. It all happened so quickly that no one had time to react. The falling heads and the splattering blood stunned everyone present.

For a moment, a deathly silence fell. Everyone was silent, even breathing cautiously. They were shocked by Dong Zhuo's decisive order to execute him, and their hearts were filled with fear. Everyone understood that Dong Zhuo before them was not an easy man to deal with. He was a general with a large army and acted arbitrarily.

Even Empress Dowager Dong and Prince Liu Xie, the two people who were not threatened, could not help but tremble in their hearts at this sudden bloody scene. They began to re-examine the seemingly respectful Dong Zhuo, and their fear of him increased a bit.

When Empress Dowager He heard the news of He Jin's death, she felt as if struck by lightning, her heart was filled with grief, and her heart was burning. When she saw the eunuchs being ruthlessly killed by Dong Zhuo, she instantly understood that He Jin was her greatest support, her support and pillar in this deep palace.

She recalled her past with He Jin and felt a surge of regret, regretting her previous foolish behavior and not realizing how important He Jin was to her. This regret and self-blame surged into her heart like a tide, making it difficult for her to bear.

Under this strong emotional impact, Empress Dowager He's body shook uncontrollably, and she eventually fainted and collapsed to the ground. The surrounding soldiers saw this, but remained unmoved.

At this moment, Dong Zhuo strode towards the emperor, who was guarded by Zhao Yun and Lu Zhi. Seeing this, Lu Zhi's face suddenly became solemn. His brows furrowed, his eyes widened with anger, and he gripped his sword tightly. He suddenly swung it across, blocking Dong Zhuo and shouting, "Dong Zhongying, what do you want?"

A subtle flicker of embarrassment crossed Dong Zhuo's face, but he quickly regained his composure. He bowed respectfully, lowered his head slightly, and spoke sincerely, "Master Lu, you've misunderstood. In my early years, when I served under Master Lu and fought against the Yellow Turbans together, I have always admired him. Master Lu is wise and brave, and I, Dong Zhuo, have no evil intentions. I simply came to pay my respects to the Emperor."

Lu Zhi still protected the emperor tightly. He stared at Dong Zhuo with sharp eyes, not letting down his guard at all. He said, "The emperor is well and does not need to be disturbed or distracted."

Dong Zhuo was displeased by Lu Zhi's expression, but considering their old friendship, he couldn't get angry. He frowned slightly, a look of helplessness on his face, and stepped forward, asking the Empress Dowager with a slightly anxious tone what the next steps should be.

The Empress Dowager said, "The guards will return to the palace first. We will discuss this matter further once we are inside!"

Dong Zhuo's men quickly brought the carriage and respectfully parked it in front of the Empress Dowager and Prince Liu Xie. The Empress Dowager, supported by her attendants, boarded the carriage with some difficulty, while Prince Liu Xie followed closely behind, a look of uneasiness and fear in his eyes.

Dong Zhuo stood beside the carriage. Tall and imposing, clad in armor, he exuded a formidable aura. He personally served as a guard, his eyes warily scanning the surroundings to ensure that no danger approached.

Then, Dong Zhuo whipped his whip, and the procession began to slowly advance, heading towards Luoyang City. The wheels rolled, kicking up clouds of dust. Dong Zhuo, atop his tall horse, followed closely beside the carriage, his gaze stern and resolute, as if guarding something important. The others, drawn in by his presence, followed closely, the entire procession appearing heavy and oppressive in the afterglow of the setting sun.