Chapter 70: The Most Stunning Siblings

"You!" Wang Yun pointed at Zhang Yu, his whole body trembling.

"Minister Wang, I beg you, I, Zhang Yu, implore you." Seeing that he wouldn’t yield to force, Zhang Yu adopted a mournful, compassionate tone, his words clouded with deep sorrow. "If my plan truly brings harm to Lady Xiu, I shall neither eat nor sleep in peace, and live my life burdened by guilt!"

And in the judgment of countless readers, I would become the shame of all those who transmigrate.

Hearing Zhang Yu's heartfelt lament, Wang Yun sighed as well. "Yu Lang, tell me honestly—have you fallen for Lady Xiu?"

Zhang Yu was stunned, and he heard Diao Xiu’er behind him catch her breath. Turning to look at her peerlessly beautiful face, he felt only kinship or admiration—no covetousness or desire.

Many men whose hearts retain a touch of innocence would understand such feelings. At least for Zhang Yu, Diao Chan’s beauty did not stir any impure thoughts in him.

"It is not so. When I see Lady Xiu, she reminds me of an elder sister, and I cannot help but wish to protect her. How could I bear to see her make such a sacrifice?"

Zhang Yu bowed to Wang Yun, then turned to Diao Xiu’er. "Since it was I who proposed this plan, I should bear the responsibility. I am willing to go directly to Lü Bu’s residence and persuade him to rid us of the traitor Dong!"

At this point, Zhang Yu could think of no better delaying tactic. Of course, he would not go to his death—instead, he could use the time to search for someone in Zhantai who might take Diao Chan’s place.

"Imperial Brother!"

"My lord, you must not! Your plan serves the Han, serves all the people; how could it be wrong? Since you returned from the palace yesterday, word of you being named imperial brother has spread throughout Chang’an, and I have had the good fortune to hear others praise your fine works.

You know, 'White bones exposed in the wild, for a thousand miles no chickens crow.' You must also know, if the peace of the realm could be bought with one woman's sacrifice—"

"It cannot be bought. Remove Dong Zhuo, and another will take his place—the world is rotten to its core."

"Imperial Brother! Mind your words!" Wang Yun scolded with a fierce glare.

"Moreover," Zhang Yu narrowed his eyes at Wang Yun, "do you really believe Lü Bu would kill the traitor Dong for the sake of a woman?"

"Lü Bu is brave but lacks wit. If I apply a little stratagem—"

"Minister, there are countless strategies. Surely there is one most suitable. The chain plan is but a passing idea of mine; better solutions will surely arise in time," Zhang Yu said earnestly.

Wang Yun’s perpetually stern face suddenly broke into a bitter smile. Then he said, "You two truly seem like real siblings." Whether intentionally or not, he changed the subject in the kindly manner of an elder. "Since, Yu Lang, you are so insistent, let us set aside the chain plan for now."

"Indeed, so it should be. Thank you, Minister!" Seeing Wang Yun finally persuaded, Zhang Yu turned to Diao Xiu’er with a bright smile. The beauty of youth seemed to bring starlight to the ink-dark night.

"Minister... my lord..." Diao Xiu’er was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Wang Yun before quickly lowering her gaze.

"Yu Lang, since you care so deeply for Xiu’er, and she is older than you by some years, why not become sworn siblings?"

Become sworn siblings with Diao Chan? What scheme is this old fox plotting now?

Zhang Yu pondered a moment, finding nothing amiss. Gazing at the moonlit, celestial beauty of Diao Xiu’er, he smiled and nodded.

"From now on, Lady Xiu, you are my elder sister. Whoever dares to bully you, I will not forgive!"

"My lord," Diao Xiu’er’s beautiful eyes turned gentle as clear water. "My humble status is unworthy to be called your sister."

"What of that? Before I became the imperial brother, I was but a commoner—and had I been born earlier, merely the son of a despised merchant. As the saying goes... ‘Are lords and ministers born to their station?’"

Zhang Yu’s words suddenly echoed a revolutionary slogan, making Wang Yun cough uncontrollably, thinking, Now that you’re imperial brother, what are you implying?

When his coughing fit passed, Wang Yun smiled at them. "Status is indeed no matter. Today, your words and deeds have moved me deeply, Xiu’er, and I admire you. You’ve stayed at my residence for many days—why not become my adopted daughter?"

It seemed to Zhang Yu that he glimpsed the truth of it and laughed. "So, Minister Wang, you just want to take advantage of me, is that it?"

"Hey, you little rascal," Wang Yun laughed. "At my age, what advantage could I gain? If you and she can be siblings, why can’t I make her my daughter?"

"You old fox, always scheming! It’s written all over your face," Zhang Yu coughed as well.

"You dare mock me? Leave, get out this instant! My residence has no place for you!"

"I’m not leaving, old fox! I, the imperial brother, shall stay right here! Tomorrow, my brothers will come as well—you’d better have your servants ready!"

Diao Xiu’er could hardly believe the turn of events. After such tension, the atmosphere had transformed utterly.

In the blink of an eye, she had gone from a humble servant girl to the sister of Zhang Yu, peerless scion of the age, and the daughter of Wang Yun, esteemed Minister of the Court. It all felt like a dream.

Watching the old and the young bicker under the moonlit eaves, she thought this was the most beautiful moment in life.

After the commotion deep into the night, Zhang Yu was still excited at having Diao Chan as an elder sister, while Wang Yun was already drowsy with sleep. Diao Xiu’er helped Wang Yun to his bed, and Zhang Yu took his leave to rest.

Diao Xiu’er settled Wang Yun onto the couch, then turned to gently close the door, missing the fact that Wang Yun’s eyes were wide open and sleepless.

As she tucked the covers around him, Wang Yun, feigning half-sleep, murmured, "Xiu’er..."

"Father, I am here... Father!?"

"Even an outsider like Zhang Yu is so insistent—do you think I, as your father, truly wish you to sacrifice yourself to the tiger’s maw? Every word I spoke tonight was like cutting my own flesh..." Wang Yun lay flat, tears streaming down to soak his pillow.

"But... there’s no other way. Cao Cao’s assassination failed. I, Wang Yun, nearly had my plot exposed. Even the coalition against Dong Zhuo has scattered like beasts and birds."

With a long sigh, Wang Yun said, "This chain plan is the best we have for now."

"I understand," Diao Xiu’er replied, gazing at Wang Yun. "I saw your signals earlier. Of course, I am willing to sacrifice myself for the Han. But what of Lord Zhang... my brother?"

"This is not Hebei. He holds only an empty title as imperial brother—what storm can he truly raise here?" Sensing his tone was too harsh, Wang Yun softened. "One day, he will grow up. He will understand my pains, just as you do."

Diao Xiu’er bowed her head. "I wish to ease Father’s burdens."

"Do you know why I asked you to become sworn siblings with Zhang Yu?"

"I do not, Father."

"To tell the truth, it’s my own little selfishness." Wang Yun rolled over to gaze at Diao Xiu’er, his eyes full of guilt. "If my plot succeeds, my name will be remembered for generations; if it fails, our family will be destroyed. Yu Lang is well-known in Hebei, and has an uncle who is about to become famous as Imperial Uncle. If the great matter fails, Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu will not take their anger out on you. My death will matter little, but at that time, I must rely on you to help Gai’er, Jing’er, and Ding’er find refuge in Hebei."

"Surely it won’t come to that. But if it does... do not worry, Father. I will do my utmost to persuade my brother to protect the three young masters in Hebei."

"Good. With your promise, I am at ease. It’s getting late. Go rest now. Make do for one more night—tomorrow, I’ll have Wang Feng arrange a new residence for you."

"Yes, Father."

After Diao Xiu’er left and closed the door behind her, Wang Yun lay silently, waiting until all was still.

"Wang Feng."

"I am here, my lord."

From behind the screen, a figure seemed to emerge from thin air.

"Tomorrow, you will..."