Lan Ziyu Strikes Again?

Yuan Shu was born into the Runan Yuan Clan and was the legitimate son of the Minister of Works, Yuan Feng.

Due to his illustrious background, he spent his youth chasing hawks and hounds, fully embodying the air of a spoiled playboy.

After reaching adulthood, Yuan Shu's flaws became even more pronounced; this was evident when he occupied Nanyang following the failed campaign against Dong Zhuo.

At that time, Nanyang held a population of over a million, yet he remained arrogant, extravagant, and licentious, imposing heavy taxes and levies on the people under his rule until their lives became unbearable.

Yuan Shu was greedy for pleasure and shortsighted; after obtaining the Imperial Seal from Sun Ce, he was no longer satisfied with his existing fame and status.

The strategist Zhang Jiong, a man from Henei, was adept at guessing the intentions of his superiors. Having previously persuaded Hao Meng to betray Lu Bu, he actively prepared omens to curry favor with Yuan Shu after Hao Meng's failed rebellion and subsequent execution.

At the beginning of the second year of Jian'an, Zhang Jiong presented Yuan Shu with carefully prepared omens. Believing himself to be the one destined by Heaven, Yuan Shu declared himself emperor in Shouchun, naming his regime the 'Zhong Dynasty'.

Yuan Shu appointed the Prefect of Jiujiang as the Governor of Huainan, established a full court of officials, performed sacrifices to Heaven and Earth according to the rites of the Son of Heaven, and ascended the imperial throne.

This act of usurpation was opposed by his vassal, Sun Ce, and after failed attempts at persuasion, the two severed ties.

Though Yuan Shu felt self-satisfied in his isolation, the various warlords still regarded the Han Dynasty emperor as the rightful sovereign of the world. Seeking the recognition of these lords, he sent Han Yin once more with gifts to Xiapi, requesting that Lu Bu fulfill his promise and send his daughter to Shouchun.

In the fifth month, the weather was warm and the flowers were in full bloom, but Lu Lingqi no longer possessed her former spirit. She rarely went to the training grounds to practice martial arts, and she spoke little in her daily life, transforming from a spirited young woman into an ordinary girl with dull, lifeless eyes.

Lu Bu grew suspicious and asked Lady Yan, "Lingqi has been silent for the past half-year; is she troubled by something?"

Lady Yan shook her head and said, "She has been like this since Hao Meng's rebellion. Could she have been frightened?"

"Frightened? That shouldn't be the case for Lingqi."

"Still, it is for the best. She is no longer young, and after years of dancing with blades and spears, it is time for her to settle down," Lady Yan sighed.

"Hmm, I will leave our daughter's affairs to you, Madam."

Just then, a guard arrived to report that Chen Gong requested an audience with Lu Bu.

Lu Bu hurried to the front hall, where Chen Gong rushed forward, cupping his hands and saying, "My Lord, Han Yin has just arrived from Shouchun. He has brought many more gifts and requests that you send the young lady to Shouchun to complete the marriage as soon as possible. Since you have accepted the betrothal gifts, you must not delay further. The Master said: 'If a man lacks sincerity, I do not know what he is good for.'"

Lu Bu nodded in agreement, "Gongtai speaks with reason. You go to the guesthouse to settle Han Yin, and I shall have Gao Shun prepare the carriage."

Gao Shun was stunned upon receiving the order; he had not expected Yuan Shu to come seeking the marriage again, nor did he know what to do about Lady Lu this time.

Time was pressing, and there was no chance to go to Xiaopei to seek counsel. Under the pretext of checking the ceremonial guard and the carriage, Gao Shun entered the residence to see the long-absent Lu Lingqi.

Seeing Lu Lingqi expressionlessly admiring the flowers in the back garden, Gao Shun stepped forward and asked, "Young Lady, are you aware that Han Yin has returned to Xiapi?"

"If he has come, then he has come. Why make such a fuss?" Lu Lingqi plucked a petal.

"Han Yin has come to seek the marriage. My Lord has ordered me to prepare the ceremonial carriage; he intends to send you to Shouchun tomorrow morning. Should I send someone to Xiaopei overnight?" Gao Shun asked.

Lu Lingqi shook her head and said, "What good would a plan do? Can I marry him, after all?"

"Why does the young lady say that? Did Lan Ziyu say something?" Gao Shun asked in shock.

"Though my father and Liu Bei are currently at peace, they are so close that war is inevitable sooner or later. I do not want Lan Ziyu to be put in a difficult position because of me and Gan Qian, so it does not matter who I marry," Lu Lingqi shook her head and sighed.

"But—"

"Go back now."

Gao Shun left in disappointment. He had originally held high hopes for this pair, never expecting such an outcome.

The next morning, Lu Bu arrived early to see the bride off, and Lady Yan wept as she helped Lu Lingqi into the carriage.

Last night, Chen Gong had pestered Lu Bu with conversation, preventing the man from getting dead drunk. Watching Gao Shun, Han Yin, and the others depart from Xiapi, he finally let out a long sigh of relief.

The red carriage exited the south gate of Xiapi, and the news quickly reached the Chen household. Chen Gui had no time for pleasantries and hurried to the residence to request an audience with Lu Bu.

Lu Bu was overjoyed to see Chen Gui, "Ah, Hanyu is here! I am marrying off my daughter today; you have come just in time to have a few cups with me."

"This is a grave mistake! Have you already forgotten the pros and cons I laid out for you before, General?" Chen Gui reminded him.

"Though there are pros and cons, they are not worth worrying about. The Master said: 'If a man lacks sincerity, I do not know what he is good for.' Am I a man who goes back on his word?" Lu Bu said sternly.

Chen Gui was speechless, thinking to himself, If you truly had sincerity, there would be no bandits in the world.

"My Lord, please listen to one word from Chen Gui. Cao Cao is currently serving the Emperor and assisting in the administration of the government; just last year, he recommended you as the Governor of Xuzhou. Now that Yuan Shu has usurped the throne, this act will make him an enemy of all the warlords in the world, and they will surely unite to punish him. If you form a marriage alliance with Yuan Shu at this time, will you not be branded with the name of being disloyal and unrighteous?" Chen Gui wore an expression of profound grief.

Lu Bu had been listening to Chen Gong's flattery, believing that by marrying into Yuan Shu's family, he would become a relative of the imperial house. Now, hearing Chen Gui's words, he was struck with sudden realization.

"Gongtai has misled me! But the wood is already carved into a boat; what can be done?" Lu Bu asked in a panic.

"The wedding procession cannot be moving fast. Why does the General not send men to pursue them?" Chen Gui suggested.

"If not for Hanyu's reminder, I, Lu Bu, would have nearly become a traitor to the state. My Red Hare is fast; I shall pursue them myself."

Just as Lu Bu was about to set off, Chen Gui waved his hand and said, "The General can also take the opportunity to capture the marriage envoy, Han Yin, and send him to Xudu to be delivered to Cao Cao. That will thoroughly extinguish any hopes Yuan Shu might have."

"I shall follow Hanyu's words."

After saying this, Lu Bu ordered his men to bring the Red Hare, and he rode out alone, vanishing toward the south of the city in a cloud of dust.

Han Yin was in high spirits after completing his mission. He rode a tall horse alongside Gao Shun at the front of the wedding procession.

"I heard that General Gao quelled the Hao Meng rebellion in a single night. A true hero, indeed." Han Yin knew the inside story of the events in Xiapi, and his words were genuine flattery.

"That is the duty of a soldier; I dare not claim the title of hero," Gao Shun said.

"My Lord has just ascended to the throne, and General Lu has followed the will of Heaven by forming this marriage alliance. High office and generous stipends will be yours in the future, and you, General, will also rise with the tide, enjoying endless glory and wealth," Han Yin laughed.

"Who can know what the future holds? Let us continue on our way," Gao Shun replied perfunctorily, unwilling to speak further.

Han Yin saw that this fellow was ignorant of worldly affairs and, with a cold sneer, spurred his horse to the right side of the procession.

The wedding carriage had been out of the city for over an hour when the sound of a horse galloping at full speed was heard approaching from behind.

The Xianzhen Battalion was extremely vigilant; seeing this, Gao Shun raised his hand to halt the convoy.

"General Gao, why have we stopped?" Han Yin asked, puzzled.

Gao Shun pointed toward the rear and said, "Someone is catching up to us. It may be a matter of urgency, and that figure looks like the Lord himself."

"General Lu is coming?" Han Yin rubbed his eyes, only to see a horse running like a streak of flame—it was indeed Lu Bu's mount, Red Hare.

"What other instructions does General Lu have, that he would chase after us in person?" Han Yin asked with a chuckle.

Lu Bu pulled on the reins and commanded, "Boping, turn the horses around immediately and take Lu Lingqi back to the city."

"Understood." Gao Shun was stunned for a moment, but he immediately executed the order.

"General Lu, what is the meaning of this?" Han Yin asked, bewildered.

Lu Bu cast a cold glance at Han Yin. "Bind this fellow as well and send him to Xudu."

Upon hearing this, Han Yin was terrified to the core; if he fell into the hands of Cao Cao, how could he possibly survive?

Gao Shun was filled with doubt, and at this moment, Lu Lingqi opened the carriage curtain.

Their eyes met, as if to say: Did Lan Ziyu make another move?