Chapter Ten: Meeting Ding Yuan in Bingzhou

Yuyang. The Prefect’s Office.

Everyone entered and then took their seats according to their ranks.

Luo Ang said, “Gentlemen, now that Zhang Chun has been defeated, Youzhou has returned to a time of peace.”

Xi Zhicai clasped his fists and said, “It is all thanks to the lord’s skillful command and leadership.”

Luo Ang smiled and said, “Zhicai, don’t flatter me so much. I am not as capable as you say.”

Xi Zhicai replied, “My lord, you are too modest. If you had not known how to employ men wisely, Zhang Chun’s rebellion would not have ended so swiftly.”

Luo Ang chuckled, “No matter what, Zhang Chun’s uprising was like a sword hanging over Youzhou’s head—a warning to us all.”

Chen Jiao said, “My lord speaks wisely. The most important thing now is to calm the hearts of the people of Yuyang, lest another rebellion arise.”

Luo Ang nodded at Chen Jiao’s words and said, “Ji Bi is right. Zhang Chun’s revolt was a blade poised above us; we must take heed and not allow a second one to occur.”

Tian Feng added, “My lord is absolutely correct. Having just escaped the tiger’s mouth, we cannot leap into the wolf’s den!”

Luo Ang said, “Precisely. Therefore, in the coming days, I hope all of you will soothe the people’s fears and guide them out of their panic.”

Everyone stood up and clasped their fists, “Yes, my lord.”

Thus, they all began to ease the terrified hearts of the people of Yuyang.

A few days later, the panic of the Yuyang populace had been calmed.

Luo Ang joyfully said, “The people are finally no longer as fearful and uneasy as before!”

Chen Jiao said, “All thanks to the lord’s deeds.”

Luo Ang waved his hand, “No, it is all thanks to you gentlemen that the people are no longer so frightened. We shall stay in Yuyang for a day and return to Jixian tomorrow.”

Everyone clasped their fists, “Yes, my lord.”

The next morning, Luo Ang led the army along with Guan Yu, Xi Zhicai, Tian Feng, Zhang He, Chen Jiao, and Dian Wei to Jixian.

Luo Ang said to a soldier, “Go to Hunü and inquire whether Liu Fang has finished pacifying the people. If so, proceed to Jixian.”

“Yes,” the soldier responded and left.

Jixian. The Cai Residence.

Cai Yan was standing in a pavilion, gazing at the sky, lost in thought.

Cai Yong saw his daughter standing there, seemingly preoccupied, and walked over to ask, “Wenjian, what are you thinking about?”

Hearing her father’s voice, Cai Yan came back to herself and looked at him, “Father.”

Cai Yong approached and asked, “I saw you were distracted just now. Are you thinking about Zicheng?”

Hearing him mention her secret thoughts, Cai Yan hesitated before confessing, “Yes. Since Zicheng went to quell Liu Chun’s rebellion, a whole month has passed without any news. I am very worried about him.”

Cai Yong asked, “Have you fallen for him?”

Upon hearing this, Cai Yan blushed deeply and lowered her head in silence.

Seeing this, Cai Yong knew he had hit the mark and smiled, “When the time comes, you should tell Zicheng how you feel.”

Cai Yan shyly replied, “I dare not go.”

Cai Yong sighed, “Very well, I will speak to Zicheng on your behalf.”

A few days later, Luo Ang and his army returned to Jixian.

The Prefect’s Office.

Luo Ang appointed Guan Yu as General Who Conquers the East, Dian Wei as General Who Conquers the South, Zhang He as General Who Conquers the West, Tian Feng as Left Assistant Officer, Xi Zhicai as Right Assistant Officer, Chen Jiao as Registrar, Chen Qun as Chief Clerk, Liao Hua as General Who Conquers the North, and Pan Zhang as Auxiliary General. Then he addressed everyone, “Now that Zhang Chun’s rebellion is quelled, you have all worked hard. I grant you two days’ leave to rest and recuperate.”

Everyone clasped their fists, “Thank you, my lord.”

That night, Luo Ang sat on a stone chair in the rear courtyard pavilion, sipping wine brought by a servant and gazing at the full moon.

Holding his wine cup, he thought to himself: I am living well here, but I wonder how my father and mother are faring?

At that moment, a familiar voice came, “Lord Yan is drowning his sorrows here alone, huh?”

Luo Ang recognized the voice immediately and said, “I didn’t expect you, sir, to have time to visit me!”

He set down his cup on the stone table, stood up, and turned to see Cai Yong stepping into the pavilion.

Cai Yong entered and said, “Lord Yan, you have a refined taste—drinking in the pavilion while admiring the bright moon.”

Luo Ang responded humbly, “You flatter me, sir! Please, call me by my courtesy name!”

Cai Yong smiled, “Very well. Since Zicheng insists, I cannot argue.”

Luo Ang asked, “May I inquire the reason for your visit?”

He gestured for Cai Yong to sit.

Cai Yong sat and said, “It is about my daughter.”

Luo Ang sat too, curious, “About Wenjian?”

Cai Yong nodded, “Yes. Zicheng, do you have someone you like? Are you betrothed?”

Luo Ang shook his head, “No. Why do you ask?”

Cai Yong revealed his purpose, “Actually, back in Luoyang, Wenjian had already taken a liking to you, though she did not know how to express it.”

Luo Ang was stunned, unable to believe that Cai Yan liked him.

Cai Yong continued, “I am here today to ask your feelings on this matter.”

Luo Ang came back to himself and said, “Since Wenjian likes me so, I cannot refuse.”

Cai Yong said, “Zicheng, do you promise?”

Luo Ang nodded, “Yes.”

Cai Yong stood, “In that case, I shall take my leave.”

Luo Ang also rose, “Safe journey, sir. I cannot accompany you far.”

Cai Yong left the prefect’s office and headed to his residence.

Luo Ang watched him depart, sighed, and said, “I had no intention to love anyone, but it seems Cai Wenjian likes me—truly unexpected!”

The Cai Residence.

Cai Yong entered Cai Yan’s room.

Seeing her father, Cai Yan put down the bamboo slip she was reading, “Father.”

Cai Yong said, “Wenjian, Zicheng has agreed to your request!”

Cai Yan was overjoyed, “That’s wonderful!”

Cai Yong advised, “You must cherish this marriage.”

Cai Yan nodded, “I will, Father!”

Her cheeks flushed again, for she was soon to be with her beloved.

Cai Yong sighed, “Rest early tonight.”

Cai Yan replied, “Yes.”

He sighed once more and left.

Cai Yan sat down, no longer interested in reading, as her thoughts had already flown to Luo Ang.

The next morning, a servant hurried into Luo Ang’s room and clasped his fists, “My lord, Ding Yuan from Bingzhou has come to visit.”

Luo Ang was puzzled by Ding Yuan’s appearance in Youzhou under his jurisdiction, “That is strange. Why would Ding Yuan come to Youzhou? Please show him in.”

“Yes,” the servant said and left.

Luo Ang set down the bamboo slip on his desk, stood up, and went outside.

He saw Ding Yuan entering with the servant’s guidance and immediately greeted him, “I pay respects to Inspector Ding!”

Ding Yuan saw Luo Ang’s humility and his favor grew, “We are all lords and colleagues serving the same court; no need for formalities.”

“Lü Bu pays respects to Lord Yan!” Lü Bu clasped his fists.

Lü Bu, courtesy name Fengxian, was a renowned general from Jiuyuan County, Wuyuan Commandery, Bingzhou during the late Eastern Han. Brave and skilled in battle, he was appointed Registrar by Inspector Ding Yuan, but eventually killed Ding Yuan and became the adopted son of Dong Zhuo. He was made Zhonglang General but was distrusted by Dong Zhuo. Later, under the instigation of Chancellor Wang Yun, he assassinated Dong Zhuo, was promoted to General of Martial Valor and Grand Commandant, titled Marquis of Wen, and was ultimately killed at the White Gate Tower.

Luo Ang looked at the servant, “You may step back.”

The servant withdrew.

Luo Ang said to Ding Yuan, “Brother Jianyang, please follow me.”

Ding Yuan nodded, “Good. Fengxian, you stand outside the pavilion.”

This was directed at Lü Bu.

Lü Bu clasped his fists, “Yes.”

He took his halberd and stood outside the pavilion.

Luo Ang and Ding Yuan entered the pavilion and sat down, beginning to converse.

Luo Ang asked, “Brother Jianyang, may I ask why you have come to Youzhou under my command?”

Ding Yuan answered frankly, “I have something to discuss with you.”

Luo Ang inquired, “What matter?”

Ding Yuan said, “The emperor favors the Ten Eunuchs, and his health declines day by day. It is uncertain whether the throne will pass to the eldest son Liu Bian or the youngest Liu Xie. I fear the Han dynasty may perish.”

Luo Ang laughed, “So that is your concern! I believe the throne will first pass to Liu Bian, then to Liu Xie.”

Ding Yuan was puzzled, “Why do you say that?”

Luo Ang explained, “I am certain that after the emperor’s passing, He Jin will move quickly before the Empress Dowager to enthrone Liu Bian. Shortly after, he will summon Dong Zhuo to the capital, use him to eliminate the Ten Eunuchs, then accuse Dong Zhuo of killing the emperor’s favored, and have Dong Zhuo killed. In this way, He Jin can hold all power.”

Ding Yuan was surprised by He Jin’s scheme.

Luo Ang continued, “This cannot be blamed on He Jin; after all, he acts for his family’s future and his nephew. However, we must guard against Dong Zhuo, whose nature you surely know.”

Ding Yuan immediately recalled Dong Zhuo’s character and his defeat at the hands of the Yellow Turbans on the battlefield.

Luo Ang said, “Whatever happens, we must take precautions in advance.”

Ding Yuan nodded, “Indeed. Dong Zhuo is a beast in human skin—ruthless, cruel, and treacherous. Since the founding of the empire, none has matched his wickedness. I hope He Jin will not summon Dong Zhuo to the capital.”

Luo Ang sighed, “Let us hope so.”

Ding Yuan said, “By the way, if misfortune befalls me, I hope you will take over my Bingzhou.”

Luo Ang was curious, “Why do you say this?”

Ding Yuan revealed the truth, “Because He Jin sent me to Luoyang as a safeguard.”

Luo Ang said, “Since you must go to Luoyang, I can only wish you a safe return.”

Ding Yuan sighed, “I hope so. If misfortune strikes, please take over Bingzhou.”

Luo Ang waved his hands, “That is absolutely unthinkable!”

Ding Yuan said, “You must not refuse. When Fengxian and I first entered your jurisdiction in Youzhou, we saw the poor people of all counties well-fed and able to attend school. Such peace and prosperity is unmatched. So, if misfortune comes, I entrust Bingzhou to you.”

Luo Ang sighed, “Very well. Since you say so, I cannot refuse. Stay here a day and depart tomorrow.”

Ding Yuan stood, clasped his fists, “I cannot refuse such kindness.”

Luo Ang also stood, clasped his fists, “Farewell.”

Ding Yuan left the pavilion and, with Lü Bu, departed the prefect’s residence.

Luo Ang watched them leave and said, “Send for Xi Zhicai and Tian Feng to come to my study for a meeting.”

“Yes,” a servant took the order.

Ding Yuan and Lü Bu were walking away.

Ding Yuan said to Lü Bu, “Fengxian, I see that Luo Ang has a dignified bearing and will surely achieve greatness. If anything happens to me in Luoyang, you must join Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Song Xian, Wei Xu, Zang Ba, Cao Xing, Hou Cheng, Cheng Lian, and Hao Meng to serve Luo Ang. After all, he has brought Youzhou to such prosperity.”

Lü Bu said, “I understand, foster father. I will obey your wishes.”