Chapter One Hundred: A Sudden Outburst

“Jade Gentleman…” Wang Yun nodded with a smile. “His reputation has soared recently. Even that fellow Cai Bojie praised him as ‘a talent beyond compare.’”

Diao Xiuer nodded with a look of relief, then lifted her head, her eyes clear as spring water, gazing deeply into Wang Yun’s inscrutable eyes.

“If Jade Gentleman returns and learns that Xiuer has conspired with her sworn father in a chain of schemes… Although Jade Gentleman is usually gentle and pure, when stubborn, he has strong convictions. Xiuer fears he might act impulsively…”

“There’s no need to worry, Xiuer. The poetic fervor at the Cai Mansion hasn’t died down yet. Jade Gentleman is highly sought after here in Chang’an and likely won’t have time to return to this humble residence anytime soon. As for what comes next, the overall situation will be settled by then. Your father trusts that Jade Gentleman understands the greater good—even if it is hard for him to accept, there’s no alternative. Such grand endeavors are never without hardship. You have sacrificed greatly, and I have carefully planned; this matter must succeed, failure is not an option!

As long as that traitor Dong lives another day, countless innocent families will be torn apart, wives separated from children. Our Han people have suffered too long from chaos and ruin, our nation devastated! If this plan succeeds, it will benefit the people. Even if he resists, we must proceed.”

“Xiuer understands.”

…

The carriage galloped swiftly.

The sky was growing dim.

Han Long glanced out from behind the curtain, then turned back. “Young Master, the streets are empty.”

“Is that unusual?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Yu leaned forward to look. “Damn, there really is no one here…”

No sooner had he spoken than the carriage came to a halt by the roadside.

“Young Master, young warrior, I can only take you this far.”

“Why? Are you afraid I don’t—” Zhang Yu reached into his clothes to pull out some money.

“No, no, no, it’s not about money,” the coachman hurriedly waved him off. “You don’t know? Someone informed me early this morning that after nightfall, no ordinary carriages or horses may pass through the five streets adjacent to the Situ Mansion…”

“When did this rule come into effect?”

“It’s been on and off. I heard it’s for the safety of important people. After all, even under the Son of Heaven’s gaze… ahem, tonight there might be some noble visitor coming to this area… Could it be you, Young Master?” The coachman glanced up at Zhang Yu.

Me? I’m here to stop the important people.

“Not me. But if you leave us here, it’s nearly dark—how are we supposed to get back?”

“Well… I have no choice. Fortunately, you have this brave warrior to protect you. You’ll be safe.”

With that, the coachman pulled the reins and hurriedly drove the carriage back the way it came.

“Damn it!” Zhang Yu stomped his foot hard.

…

“Young Master, what do we do now?”

“Run! Run through it!”

“All right!”

Han Long assumed a sprinting stance. “Young Master, where to?”

“Uh… how the hell should I know!”

The wide, silent streets gave no sense of menace.

The Situ Mansion was already quiet, and with the imposed restrictions, there were no idle passersby or stray whispers.

The mansion’s golden splendor illuminated the night sky brightly, a stark contrast to its usual serene and modest atmosphere.

Such extravagance at the Situ Mansion was rare, but this was the second time it had appeared within a short period.

The sound of horse hooves was steady and disciplined. Though few in number, the force was intimidating.

A squad of elite cavalry tightly guarded a splendid carriage, enough to deter any with ill intent.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped in the middle of the street.

“When things go awry, there must be a demon behind it. Grand Tutor, you must be vigilant.”

“Hey! Wen You, you’re overthinking! I know that old Wang Yun well. He’s usually silent at court but loves gathering with officials privately. I was just thinking if he didn’t make a move soon, I’d have to visit uninvited!”

“Visiting uninvited might be fine, but he recently hosted a banquet for General Fengxian and now invites you again today…”

“What’s the matter? Fengxian is my sworn son and a dear favorite general. Wang Yun inviting him shows some sense.”

“Grand Tutor,” Li Ru forced a smile, “think about whom he invited before—some loyal Han ministers, others opposing you, even someone like Cao Cao. Yet no one from Xiliang nor anyone close to you. Why such frequent banquets now? We must be cautious—”

“All right, all right, I get it. That Cao Cao business got nowhere anyway. Wen You, go back once we arrive.”

Dong Zhuo replied casually, closing his eyes to feign rest.

Grand Tutor Wang Yun… he’s definitely plotting something.

Li Ru sighed softly, then quietly dismounted and headed to his residence.

The carriage moved again, now heading to—

Situ Mansion.

“Senior Sister Xiuer must have already met Lü Bu.”

“I despise deceit more than anything in life.”

Running through the alley closest to the Situ Mansion, Zhang Yu grit his teeth alongside Han Long.

“If Senior Sister Xiuer really is with Lü Bu, that might be acceptable—after all, he’s the greatest warrior of the Three Kingdoms and treated Diao Chan well. But under no circumstances must that old scoundrel Dong Zhuo defile her!”

“Wang Yun! Situ Wang Yun! Why must you act so stubbornly? You’re nothing but a white-haired old villain with a grizzled beard!”

At the height of youthful passion, the sting of betrayal and manipulation filled Zhang Yu’s heart, surging fiercely all the way to his crown.

“Hopefully, it’s not too late!”

“Wang Yun, greetings to the Grand Tutor.”

“Hahaha, Situ Wang Yun, I’ve long wanted to visit your mansion.”

Dong Zhuo stepped forward, patting Wang Yun’s bowed shoulder, then strode inside. Wang Yun hurried to follow.

“Earlier, I felt my humble abode unworthy to host the Grand Tutor. Now, having tidied it somewhat, I dare to invite you. Still, forgive any shortcomings.”

“Nonsense! Your thoughtfulness alone pleases me greatly!”

They entered the main hall directly, while Dong Zhuo’s elite troops stood outside the mansion’s gates, dismounted, weapons at the ready, swords sheathed.

In the center fluttered a banner embroidered with a bear bearing wings on its ribs, rippling in the night breeze.

This was the Flying Bear Army.

Led by Dong Zhuo’s trusted generals like Li Jue, composed entirely of the finest men and extraordinary talents from the Xiliang forces. The burly man in the ranks, if Han Long and others were present, they would recognize him immediately.

He was Hu Che’er—the man who had once galloped wildly through the Western Market, abducting women. Said to be capable of carrying 500 pounds and traveling 700 li a day, a mere servant elevated by Dong Zhuo to personal guard status.

With Hu Che’er as precedent, the others were no less formidable. Though only around fifty men were present here, if the force in the Western Market was this army, the famed Eighteen Riders of Yan and Yun would be fools to think they could break through so easily.

Under the clear moonlit night, one figure seemed to leave the moonlight behind.

Zhang Yu had sent Han Long to the guest quarters to await news. Even if the Eighteen Riders arrived, it would be futile now, and Zhang Yu himself possessed the skill “Speak of the Devil” to escape.

He felt his emotions teetering on the edge of explosion. Facing Dong Zhuo’s might, any bold move felt like striking a stone with an egg.

Or like a quail egg shattering the sky.

Yet he still wanted to act. His primal power was beyond control.

One man, one sword, a single figure in azure robes.

He appeared before the Flying Bear Army, swiftly raising their alertness after a brief lapse.

His appearance was exactly as if crafted for those legendary sword heroes of future martial novels—stunningly beautiful, poised, ethereal as an immortal.

The only difference was…

He was panting like a dog.