Chapter Fifteen: Dong Yuan’s Affection

Outside the city of Luoyang.

At this moment, all the officials were searching for the Young Emperor Liu Bian and King Chenliu Liu Xie, and soon they found them hidden in a haystack.

As the officials prepared to return to Luoyang, they saw Dong Zhuo arrive with his men and soldiers from Xiliang, approaching Liu Bian and Liu Xie.

Seeing them in the outskirts, Dong Zhuo hurriedly descended from his carriage, and along with his officers and soldiers, knelt before Liu Bian and Liu Xie.

Dong Zhuo said, "Dong Zhuo pays respects to His Majesty."

Liu Xie asked, "So you are Dong Zhuo?"

Dong Zhuo replied, "I am indeed Dong Zhuo, your servant."

Liu Bian said, "Previously, you failed in your campaign against the Yellow Turbans. Do you acknowledge your fault?"

Dong Zhuo answered, "I acknowledge my fault."

Liu Xie said, "Today you have arrived promptly to escort us, so your merits shall offset your faults."

Dong Zhuo expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Liu Xie commanded, "Escort us back to the palace."

Then, the court officials led Liu Bian and Liu Xie onto Dong Zhuo’s carriage, and they returned to Luoyang.

Dong Zhuo and his officers watched as Liu Bian, Liu Xie, and the officials departed, then proceeded towards Luoyang, setting up camp not far outside the city.

Zhang He, upon learning that Dong Zhuo had camped near Luoyang, sent messengers to inform Luo Ang.

Luo Ang was shocked to hear this news, not expecting Dong Zhuo’s arrival to be so swift. He discussed the matter with Tian Feng.

Luo Ang asked, "Yuanhao, what should we do?"

Tian Feng replied, "My lord, rest assured. Dong Zhuo will not harm us."

Luo Ang said, "Even so, I worry Dong Zhuo will slaughter the people of Luoyang. After all, he is cruel and ruthless, killing without mercy—there is no humanity in him, let alone respect for officials. Therefore, we can only pray he spares the common folk."

Hearing Luo Ang’s concerns, Tian Feng realized the gravity of the situation and nodded in agreement.

The next morning, Dong Zhuo led his armored troops into Luoyang, pillaging and slaughtering the townspeople, abducting the women.

Instantly, the people of Luoyang were gripped by terror.

Luo Ang, upon hearing of Dong Zhuo’s brutal incursion, was furious. "I never imagined Dong Zhuo would bring troops into Luoyang, committing such atrocities—pillaging, burning, killing without restraint. Worse still, they have abducted all the women."

Tian Feng, equally enraged, said, "Indeed! Dong Zhuo is a reincarnation of King Zhou and Emperor Xia—the most tyrannical of rulers!"

Luo Ang sighed, "The situation has come to this. I must go alone to Dong Zhuo’s camp and reason with him."

Tian Feng was alarmed, "My lord, you must not!"

Luo Ang raised his hand to stop Tian Feng, "My mind is made up, Yuanhao. Speak no more. Besides, I trust Dong Zhuo will not harm me, especially with Dian Wei and Zhang He nearby."

Knowing he could not dissuade Luo Ang, and aware of his lord’s foresight, Tian Feng warned, "If you insist on going, be careful."

Luo Ang nodded, "I will be."

With that, he left the inn and headed toward Dong Zhuo’s camp.

At Dong Zhuo’s camp.

Dong Zhuo was troubled over the marriage of his third daughter, Dong Yuan. She did not like Niu Fu, though Niu Fu had long admired her.

Dong Zhuo sighed, "Yuan Yuan is truly difficult—she dislikes the one who loves her and instead favors Luo Ang."

He sighed again, unsure of how to resolve the dilemma.

Suddenly, a soldier hurried in, saying, "My lord, Marquis Yan has arrived!"

Upon hearing it was Luo Ang, Dong Zhuo immediately stood and said, "Bring him in!"

"Yes," the soldier replied and left.

Soon, Luo Ang entered.

Dong Zhuo greeted him respectfully, "Marquis Yan, to what do I owe this visit?"

Luo Ang scolded, "Of course, it’s because when you entered the city, your armored troops cut a path by slaughtering the people and abducting the women. You know this well—why ask me?"

Dong Zhuo recalled the massacre and abductions during his entry and realized Luo Ang’s visit concerned those young and beautiful women.

Dong Zhuo said, "Marquis Yan, rest assured. I will discipline those disobedient soldiers and return the women."

Luo Ang nodded, "That would be best. Since the matter is settled, I shall take my leave."

Dong Zhuo called after him, "Marquis Yan, please wait!"

Luo Ang asked, "What is it?"

Dong Zhuo confided, "My third daughter has taken a liking to you and wishes to wed."

Luo Ang replied, "I already have a wife, and I have no feelings for your third daughter. General, I take my leave."

Just then, an armored woman entered, saying, "Father."

Dong Zhuo said to her, "Yuan Yuan, greet Marquis Yan."

Dong Yuan shyly said, "Dong Yuan greets Marquis Yan," her gaze fixed on the man she longed for.

Luo Ang greeted her, "Greetings, Miss. General, I must be going."

He turned and left.

Dong Yuan watched his retreating figure anxiously and hurried after him, attempting to detain him.

Dong Zhuo sighed, "It seems Yuan Yuan is truly infatuated with Luo Ang."

Dong Yuan caught up to Luo Ang, blocking his path.

Luo Ang looked at her, puzzled, "May I ask what you need, Miss?"

Dong Yuan asked, "Why are you in such a hurry to leave, Marquis Yan? Is there something you must attend to?"

Luo Ang answered, "Just returning to the inn, nothing else."

Dong Yuan said, "Since you are going back to the inn, allow me to accompany you."

Luo Ang declined, "No need, I can go alone."

Dong Yuan said, "Marquis Yan, I heard every word you said to my father just now—you already have a wife?"

Luo Ang knew he could not hide it and admitted, "Yes."

Dong Yuan asked, "Would you consider taking another wife?"

Luo Ang firmly refused, "No! Now, I must leave. Farewell."

He mounted his horse and rode toward Luoyang, leaving Dong Yuan standing alone.

Watching him depart, Dong Yuan’s affection deepened.

In Luoyang, at the inn.

Tian Feng saw Luo Ang return and asked, "My lord, how did it go?"

Luo Ang dismounted, "It’s been settled."

Tian Feng said, "Thank you for your efforts."

Luo Ang replied, "Not at all."

Tian Feng expressed concern, "My lord, I fear Dong Zhuo will not return those young and beautiful women. He is lecherous, like Emperor Xia."

Luo Ang said, "If that is so, I will visit Dong Zhuo’s camp again and reason with him."

Tian Feng stopped him, "No. If you go again, he might detain you. For now, the best course is to turn a blind eye and pretend ignorance."

Luo Ang found this advice sensible and nodded, "Very well. I will follow your counsel, Yuanhao."

That night, Dong Yuan lay in her tent, lost in daydreams, her thoughts soaring far away.

"Yuan Yuan! Yuan Yuan!"

Startled, she looked up to see Niu Fu entering. She frowned, "It’s you."

Niu Fu asked, "Yuan Yuan, what were you just thinking about?"

Dong Yuan replied, "Nothing."

Niu Fu retorted, "Were you thinking about Luo Ang who came to the camp today?"

Dong Yuan’s expression changed, surprised that Niu Fu knew her secret.

Niu Fu sneered, "We grew up together. Did you think I don’t know your heart? I know you don’t like me, but I truly like you—past, present, and future. Yet you fancy Luo Ang."

Hearing this, Dong Yuan stood up angrily, "Niu Fu, I tell you, past, present, or future—I only love Luo Ang!"

Niu Fu said, "Then I will kill that scoundrel Luo Ang, and you will be mine!"

Dong Yuan shouted, "You dare!"

Niu Fu retorted, "I’m going to kill him!"

Dong Yuan declared, "If you kill Luo Ang, I will die before you!"

Niu Fu questioned, "You threaten me?"

Dong Yuan said, "And what if I do? I’d rather die than marry you in this lifetime!"

Niu Fu said, "Then I will go to your father!"

With that, he left to find Dong Zhuo.

Dong Yuan, seeing Niu Fu head to her father, immediately mounted a swift horse and galloped furiously toward Luoyang.