Chapter Twenty: Arrival in Luoyang

That evening, Luo Ang and Dong Yuan lay on the bed, still awake.

Dong Yuan asked softly, "Zicheng, may I call you my husband?"

Luo Ang looked at her and replied, "Of course. After all, you are already my wife in name, though not yet fully."

Dong Yuan spoke gently, "Husband, once we leave Luoyang, I want to go to Ji County to visit my sister, Wenji."

Luo Ang said, "Very well. When we return safely from Luoyang, we shall go back to Ji County."

Overjoyed, Dong Yuan embraced Luo Ang tightly, unwilling to let go even slightly.

Seeing her hold onto him, Luo Ang embraced her in return, offering her a sense of support.

Early the next morning, Luo Ang and Dong Yuan left Jinyang, setting out for Luoyang.

Meanwhile, Cheng Lian stood atop the city tower, saying, "Our lord refuses to heed our advice and insists on going to Luoyang."

Song Xian responded, "Indeed. Should anything befall him, Bingzhou and Youzhou will fall into others’ hands."

Zhang Liao added, "Let us hope our lord remains safe."

At Luoyang, in Dong Zhuo’s mansion, the warlord was delighted to learn of Luo Ang’s surrender, beaming broadly.

The envoy Dong Zhuo had sent reported, "My lord, the Marquis of Yan also said that if you truly intend to depose the emperor, you must entrust the Empress Dowager and the emperor to him for protection, to prevent any misfortune."

Dong Zhuo agreed, "Very well, I accept his request."

The envoy continued, "The Marquis also said he will be coming to Luoyang accompanied by Miss Dong Yuan."

Dong Zhuo was stunned; he had never expected Luo Ang to come to Luoyang, let alone bring Dong Yuan.

"Understood. You may leave," Dong Zhuo said.

"Yes." The envoy departed.

Sighing, Dong Zhuo remarked, "I never imagined Yuan would follow Luo Ang to Luoyang."

Li Ru suggested, "My lord, once the Marquis of Yan arrives, we shall depose the old emperor and enthrone the new one."

Dong Zhuo nodded, "Very well, we shall proceed as you say."

A few days later, Luo Ang and Dong Yuan arrived in Luoyang.

The city was as bustling as ever, unchanged in its lively atmosphere.

Looking at the vibrant city before him, Luo Ang thought silently: They still do not know that a terrible disaster is about to befall them.

Seeing Luo Ang’s solemn expression, Dong Yuan asked, "Husband, what troubles you?"

Luo Ang quickly composed himself and shook his head, "Nothing, I was just lost in thought."

Dong Yuan was half convinced, "Is that so?"

Inwardly, Luo Ang vowed, I will change this chapter of history, where foreign invaders ravaged China and slaughtered its people.

Soon they arrived at the guesthouse established for visiting lords just outside the court and dismounted their horses.

"Brother Zicheng!" a voice called from behind them.

Luo Ang and Dong Yuan turned toward the voice, keen to see if it was someone sent by Dong Zhuo.

Cao Cao stepped forward, clasping his fists, "Brother Zicheng, a month has passed since we last met. You look spirited!"

Luo Ang returned the gesture, "Brother Mengde, likewise! Please, let us talk inside the guesthouse."

They entered the guesthouse and reminisced warmly.

Luo Ang asked, "Brother Mengde, what brings you here?"

Cao Cao replied, "Dong Zhuo intends to depose the emperor!"

Dong Yuan exclaimed in shock, "Father’s actions will bring eternal infamy!"

Cao Cao looked at her, "Your father wants to control the court and can only choose Prince Chenliu."

Luo Ang sighed, "Is this any different from the usurper Wang Mang?"

Cao Cao said, "Dong Zhuo’s deeds will surely provoke Heaven’s wrath and the people's hatred!"

Dong Yuan anxiously said, "No matter what, we must stop my father!"

Cao Cao sighed, "It’s impossible. Most of Luoyang’s troops answer to him."

Dong Yuan declared, "I will confront my father."

With that, she left the guesthouse and headed toward Dong Zhuo’s mansion.

Inside, Dong Zhuo sat in the main hall with Li Ru, discussing how to depose the young emperor Liu Bian and enthrone Liu Xie, so he could control the court and command the officials.

Suddenly, Dong Yuan stormed in, furious, "Father, are you truly going to depose the current emperor?"

Dong Zhuo and Li Ru looked at her, understanding why she was so enraged.

"Dong Yuan," Dong Zhuo said, "I do this for the sake of our family."

Dong Yuan pressed, "Even so, this path will lead to our family’s destruction!"

Dong Zhuo pleaded, "Yuan, you thought of yourself before; now think of me."

"I am thinking of our family!" she insisted.

Li Ru said, "Third Miss, I understand your feelings, but the lord cannot maintain power in Luoyang without this."

Dong Yuan was left speechless. Since Dong Zhuo’s arrival, his armored troops had massacred many civilians, abducted women, and stirred anger among Luoyang’s citizens and officials throughout the provinces.

Dong Zhuo said, "Yuan, I understand your position, but you must understand mine."

Dong Yuan said, "Father, I am leaving now."

She departed the hall, troubled, and walked back to the guesthouse.

Watching her leave, Dong Zhuo sighed.

Li Ru asked, "My lord, what shall we do next?"

Dong Zhuo replied, "Proceed as before."

"Yes."

Back at the guesthouse, Luo Ang saw Dong Yuan return looking dejected. Approaching her, he asked, "What’s wrong, Yuan? You seem down."

She shook her head, "Nothing, just tired."

Luo Ang guessed her thoughts but did not press. "If you’re tired, let’s rest now. Tomorrow, we will visit your father’s mansion."

Dong Yuan looked at him, "Is that alright?"

Luo Ang replied, "As a man, once I say it, I must follow through. Besides, I intend to formally propose to your father."

Dong Yuan blushed and lowered her head, "Please, no more, husband."

Seeing her shy demeanor, Luo Ang smiled, "Alright, let’s go inside and rest."

She nodded, and together they went to their room.

Early the next morning, they set out for Dong Zhuo’s mansion.

Dong Zhuo was deep in thought about how to force Han Shaodi Liu Bian to abdicate and install Liu Xie as emperor so he could control the court.

Suddenly, a servant rushed in, "Master, the Marquis of Yan and Third Miss have arrived."

Dong Zhuo said, "Let them in!"

"Yes."

Soon Luo Ang and Dong Yuan entered.

Dong Yuan glanced at Luo Ang shyly and said, "Father, the Marquis of Yan has come to propose for your daughter."

Dong Zhuo beamed, "That puts my mind at ease. Bring in the wine and food—I want to welcome my beloved son-in-law."

Luo Ang clasped his fists, "Thank you, father-in-law."

Dong Zhuo smiled, "We are family; no need for formalities."

Servants soon brought in tables laden with food and wine, placing them before Dong Zhuo, Luo Ang, and Dong Yuan.

Dong Zhuo said, "My worthy son-in-law, now that Yuan is married to you, I am at peace."

Luo Ang assured, "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will take good care of Yuan and never let her suffer harm."

Dong Zhuo said, "Good. Come, drink."

He filled his cup to the brim.

Luo Ang did the same, and they drank together.

Placing his cup on the table, Dong Zhuo said, "Son-in-law, stay at my mansion tonight."

Luo Ang placed his cup down as well, "No need. I am a lord of my own domain; staying here would invite gossip."

Dong Zhuo nodded, remembering this, "In that case, I won’t insist. Let’s continue drinking."

"Please, father-in-law."

They resumed drinking.

After a while, Luo Ang set down his cup, stood, and said, "Father-in-law, I cannot drink any more or I won’t be able to return."

Dong Zhuo placed down his own cup and stood, "Travel safely."

Luo Ang clasped his fists, "Thank you for your care. I will remember."

With that, he left with Dong Yuan, who had already risen.

Dong Zhuo said, "Bring these away, and then summon Li Ru."

"Yes," a servant responded and left at once.