The right sleeve of Li Ru's robe was slightly longer, covering his entire right hand, which few people ever saw.
As Li Ru and Dong Zhuo spoke, not only the scholars under Li Ru's command but even the generals of the Western Liang Army kept their heads slightly bowed.
This was not merely due to Dong Zhuo's prestige, but also their awe of Li Ru.
In Liangzhou, Li Ru had earned the reputation, "Better to face the Yellow Springs than face Li Ru."
Dong Zhuo rode at the head, with Li Ru close behind. Only then did the main force follow, one after another. As he rode, Dong Zhuo asked, "Wenyou, your letter wasn't entirely clear. How do things stand East of the Passes now?"
There was a trace of darkness in his eyes, along with some excitement.
Li Ru immediately replied, "Zhang Jue, the rebel leader of the Taiping Army, defeated Huangfu Song in Hebei, and the court's Imperial Guards, the Yulin Guards, were annihilated.
"The situation across All Under Heaven has reached a critical juncture.
"The court needs time to rebuild the Imperial Guards, but the Taiping Army will not give it that time, so the court has ordered troops to be recruited throughout the realm.
"I expect the next step will be a summons to enter the capital and rally to the emperor. It will not be long, either. The messengers bearing the decree may already be on their way.
"That is why I called you back, so we could prepare early."
Joy filled Dong Zhuo's eyes at these words, but his face was a mask of fury as he barked, "Huangfu Song is incompetent! He has eaten the sovereign's bounty for nothing, surrendering authority and disgracing the nation like this! Yet he still shamelessly occupies high