Chapter Eighteen: Arrival in Bingzhou
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Bingzhou, an ancient prefecture adjacent to Youzhou, is said to have been one of the nine provinces delineated by the legendary Yu the Great during his flood control efforts. According to the "Rites of Zhou" and the "Geographical Records" in the "Book of Han," Bingzhou was one of the nine provinces, covering areas roughly corresponding to today’s Inner Mongolia Hetao region, Shanxi’s Taiyuan and Datong, and Hebei’s Baoding.
In the middle years of Emperor Wu of Han’s Yuánfēng era, the Bingzhou Inspectorate was established as one of thirteen administrative divisions, overseeing nine commanderies including Taiyuan, Shangdang, Xihe, Yunzhong, Dingxiang, Yanmen, Shuofang, Wuyuan, and Shangjun. By the Eastern Han period, Bingzhou’s capital was located at Jinyang, and in the eighteenth year of Jian’an, it was merged into Jizhou.
Luo Ang and his remaining troops entered Bingzhou, heading toward the prefectural seat—Jinyang.
Luo Ang asked, “Fengxian, are there any capable ministers or generals in Bingzhou?”
Lü Bu shook his head. “I’m not sure. I’ve always stayed by my foster father’s side.”
Luo Ang said, “In that case, let’s proceed to Jinyang first, then discuss how to recruit talented people.”
Lü Bu and the others clasped their fists. “Yes.”
A few days later, the army arrived at Jinyang.
At the Prefect’s Mansion, everyone sat according to rank, discussing how to recruit soldiers and scholars, and how to transform Bingzhou’s economy and prosperity into a strength comparable to Youzhou.
Tian Feng said, “Lord, we should invite the strategist Xì Zhìcái to Jinyang to assist in recruiting talent.”
Luo Ang thought Tian Feng’s idea was good. “Alright, let’s follow Yuan Hao’s suggestion. However, I hope Yuan Hao can make a trip to help Ji Bi and Chang Wen govern Youzhou.”
Tian Feng clasped his fists. “For the lord’s future great enterprise, I am willing to make the journey.”
Luo Ang looked at Wei Xu and Zang Ba, who had been with the army. “Wei Xu, Zang Ba, you will take five hundred soldiers to escort Yuan Hao to Youzhou, then escort Zhìcái to Jinyang.”
Wei Xu and Zang Ba stood, clasped their fists. “Yes.”
They then led five hundred soldiers to escort Tian Feng to Youzhou.
Luo Ang said, “Everyone has worked hard today. You may rest now.”
Everyone stood and clasped their fists. “Yes.”
With that, they withdrew, leaving only Luo Ang and Dong Yuan in the main hall.
Luo Ang looked at Dong Yuan, who sat on the left, and asked, “Yuan Yuan, why don’t you go rest?”
Dong Yuan said, “I feel guilty, ashamed that I am Dong Zhuo’s daughter.”
Luo Ang stood, approached Dong Yuan, and half-kneeling said, “This is not your fault. My father’s mistakes are to blame. As a child, you bear no fault, yet you live with the shame. So try to hold on, then let go. After all these days together, your character is completely different from your father’s. His nature is fierce, arrogant, narrow-minded, and volatile, but yours is kind and virtuous. That alone makes you far better than he was. When I return to Youzhou, I will discuss with my wife about marrying you.”
Hearing this, Dong Yuan suddenly embraced Luo Ang and burst into tears. “Why did you only say this now?”
Luo Ang patted her back. “Don’t cry. I will make it up to you.”
Jixian County, Prefect’s Mansion.
Cai Yan anxiously awaited Luo Ang’s safe return so they might be reunited.
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At that moment, a servant rushed in. “Madam, Tian Feng requests an audience!”
Upon hearing Tian Feng had returned, Cai Yan invited him in.
Tian Feng entered and bowed. “I greet you, Madam.”
Cai Yan asked, “Sir, you must be weary. Have you come to tell me that my husband is safe?”
Tian Feng replied, “Indeed. The lord is currently in Jinyang, strengthening Bingzhou’s economy and prosperity.”
Cai Yan curiously asked, “Bingzhou was Ding Yuan’s territory. Why is my husband there?”
Tian Feng recounted the events but omitted anything about Dong Yuan, knowing it was Luo Ang’s private family matter to reveal.
Cai Yan said, “Sir, you must be tired from the journey. Please rest.”
“Thank you, Madam,” Tian Feng said, bowing before taking his leave.
Watching him depart, Cai Yan felt a weight lift from her heart now that her husband was safe.
Tian Feng left the Prefect’s Mansion but did not return home. Instead, he went to Xì Zhìcái’s residence to inform him of Luo Ang’s arrival in Bingzhou.
At Xì Zhìcái’s residence.
Seeing Tian Feng enter, Xì Zhìcái apologized, “Brother Yuan Hao, it’s been a long time. You kept me waiting so long!”
Tian Feng approached, “I have something to discuss with the strategist.”
Hearing this, Xì Zhìcái’s expression grew serious. “Please.”
They entered the main hall.
Xì Zhìcái sat and asked, “Brother Yuan Hao, what is the matter?”
Tian Feng also sat. “The lord is now in Jinyang and hopes you can go there to help recruit talent.”
Xì Zhìcái asked, “The lord has settled in Bingzhou?”
Tian Feng nodded. “Yes. He intends to stay several days to strengthen Bingzhou’s prosperity to rival Youzhou’s.”
Xì Zhìcái said, “In that case, I will leave for Jinyang tomorrow to assist the lord.”
Tian Feng said, “Before coming, the lord ordered Wei Xu and Zang Ba to escort me here. When you arrive in Jinyang, the lord will have them escort you.”
Xì Zhìcái’s admiration for Luo Ang grew considerably. “Understood.”
Tian Feng rose. “I will take my leave.”
Xì Zhìcái stood as well. “Safe travels.”
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Tian Feng then left Xì Zhìcái’s residence.
Watching Tian Feng’s departing figure, Xì Zhìcái murmured, “I didn’t expect the lord to settle in Bingzhou. Now is the time to gather talent.”
The next morning, Xì Zhìcái saddled his warhorse and, escorted by Wei Xu and Zang Ba, set off for Jinyang.
Luoyang.
“Ha ha...” Dong Zhuo stood atop the inner palace walls, looking down and laughing heartily.
With Ding Yuan dead, a major rival was eliminated, and Luoyang would soon be his alone.
“Lord, Luo Ang’s army has arrived in Bingzhou!”
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo’s face turned pale with alarm.
Li Ru advised, “Lord, Luo Ang is most loyal to the court. If you issue an edict pardoning him, he will obey your commands.”
Dong Zhuo said, “Very well, we’ll follow your plan.”
Li Ru said, “I will write the letter to Luo Ang immediately.”
Dong Zhuo said, “Go ahead.”
Li Ru then withdrew.
“Lord, the Emperor and the Prince of Chenliu have arrived.” Dong Zhuo’s subordinate brought Emperor Liu Bian and Prince Liu Xie before him.
Liu Bian was timid and trembled among the soldiers, lacking any imperial dignity. Liu Xie, however, was much more composed.
Liu Xie stepped forward and demanded, “Dong Zhuo, why have you brought the Emperor and me here?”
Dong Zhuo said nothing but glared at them before slapping Liu Xie across the face.
Liu Xie’s cheek swelled, but he held back tears, refusing to weep.
“How dare you!” a famous attendant shouted, drawing his weapon.
Dong Zhuo roared, “Kill them!”
His guards immediately drew weapons and cut down the attendants.
Liu Xie’s face paled. Though only eight years old, he managed to remain composed amid the bloodshed—a remarkable feat.
In contrast, Liu Bian was overwhelmed, his face pale and repeatedly vomiting. Without eunuchs supporting him, he would have collapsed.