After Cao Cao left, Shi Lan had intended to depart at once, but Dong Zhuo's army blocked her way.
"May I ask what official post you hold, General?"
Dong Zhuo rubbed his palms together. A strange smile tugged at his rugged features.
"I hold no official post. The tides of battle turn in an instant, and an opportunity, once lost, may never return. I ask that you clear the way, Governor."
Shi Lan furrowed her brow, irritation swelling within her. She had never been known for her patience, though recent days spent cultivating her temperament had tempered it somewhat.
The killing aura of the battlefield ceaselessly grated on her nerves. The Killing Intent she had accumulated in battle over the years had nearly been worn away, but now it showed signs of stirring again.
"Men risk their lives on the battlefield for no more than rank and title. With a beauty like yours, why put yourself through such hardship?"
Unmoved by Shi Lan's growing impatience, Dong Zhuo waved his hand and smiled.
"My army is short a commandant. Why not follow me? I can grant you a Principal Fifth Rank post in the Han. You need only attend me at my side, and you'll be spared the hardships of sleeping rough and braving the elements."
A few snickers and whispers rose from the ranks behind him.
"Impudent! Keep your filthy thoughts to yourself! You're a defeated general, yet you dare spew such vile filth here. Clear the way at once, or I'll chop you to pieces and feed you to the dogs!"
Before Shi Lan could speak, Guan Yinping had already ridden forward and shouted. She pointed her riding crop at Dong Zhuo. As Guan Yu's daughter, she had always been willful and proud—bold enough to venture alone into the