Chapter 111 Turning Point at Jinyang – Part 2 (1/2)
Chapter 111 – Turning Point at Jinyang – Part 2
The infamous name of Lu Bu started when he killed his foster father and joined Dong Zhuo in 189 AD. There were many factors that drove Lu Bu into making the decision.
In the historical timeline, Dong Zhuo held a high position in the imperial court before he became the Chancellor of the Han Dynasty. Most officials at the time supported his cause as he was a major political powerhouse leader. This was the first tempting factor, the influence of the high court rank.
The father-killing event happened in Luo Yang where Ding Yuan and Lu Bu had been summoned back to help with the Capital stability. As a country bumpkin, Lu Bu was vulnerable to the luxurious lifestyle of the Capital officials and the city. This was the second factor.
The third factor was the chain that bound Lu Bu with Jinyang City, his wife, and his daughter. The event in the real timeline happened in 189 AD when Lu Lingqi had grown a bit and his wife married him for years. As old couples, their relationship became dull. Thus, the chain was loose.
And the last factor, the tempting of controlling a massive army. In 189, Dong Zhuo controlled the majority of the troops in the Capital as the other imperial armies were battered from the long battles with the remnants of Yellow Turban bandits. Controlling Dong Zhuo entire army meant that he controlled the entire Capital forces.
With many benefits, Lu Bu killed Ding Yuan as proof of his allegiance to join Dong Zhuo in the true timeline.
But in this world, Lu Bu might not be a person with the politic skills, but he was not stupid. A decade on the frontline and countless battles taught him about wits, tactics, and mental strength. In addition, Li Feihong had also influenced him with the way of thinking from the 21st-century, moral integrity, and the law of consequences.
Most importantly, the timing, the location, and the tempting factors for the event, which caused Lu Bu to betray Ding Yuan and joined Dong Zhuo, was off!
The butterfly effects that reincarnators caused was about to take a strange turn.
…
…
June 17th, 182 A.D.
8 A.M.
Tong, Zhou Cang, and Julu escort troops packed their belongings in the preparation to journey back home. Their purpose of this trip had been completed as Jinyang and Julu would open the border to each other for trading. In addition, they agreed to send troops to help each other when one of the parties needed.
Tong planned to continue staying in order to monitor Zhang Ji and his men's action in this city. However, Ding Yuan had already scheduled Tong's departure date yesterday, which Tong was not able to refuse because Ding Yuan had to attend the new guests. It might raise suspicion from Ding Yuan if Tong insisted to stay.
For those reasons, Tong had to pretend to leave.
At the exit gate, a general with a stern face stood there. Gao Shun came to send them off in place of Ding Yuan and his men.
”Thanks for coming, brother Tong. I hope we can spar again. I need my rematch.”
Gao Shun said with a friendly smile. The spar he had with Tong was a good experience to him. With their similar skill in swordsmanship, Gao Shun treated Tong as a friend and a rival.
Tong nodded in appreciation of Gao Shun's goodwill. He thought of something for a moment, then he leaned forward and whispered.
”Keep an eye for your boss. Dong Zhuo's men are trying to make Lu Bu betray Ding Yuan.”
”WHAT!?”
Shocked by the sudden news, Gao Shun exclaimed out before Tong covered his mouth and gestured him to quiet down.
”Don't panic. I talked with Li Feihong and already told him about this. He will try to stop Dong Zhuo's plan, but he can't do much on his own. You should coordinate with him on this matter. I can't help you much because it's your internal affair. But I don't want to see your boss end up branded as a father killer.”
Gao Shun's face turned solemn as he nodded. This was a serious matter. He, too, did not want Lu Bu to become someone unfilial to his benefactor.
”Also, remember this. If you and others have troubles, don't hesitate to contact me. My city will always open the gate for you.”
Feeling Tong's sincerity, Gao Shun gave Tong a warm smile and nodded. He patted Tong's shoulder and dashed back to his camp.
Both men parted way. Gao Shun rushed back to see his boss in a hurry. He hoped that he was not too late for this.
Tong gazed at the back of Gao Shun who was leaving. He gave an order to Zhou Cang in a low voice.
”Zhou Cang, go back with the others. I'll remain in this city for one more day.”
”My lord?”
”I'll go back to Julu on my own. For now, go!”
”Y-Yes, sir!”
Tong watched as Zhou Cang and his men departed. Then he texted a message in the system Clan Chat.
”Feihong, open the gate for me.”
…
…
8.10 AM.
In front of Lu Bu's camp, fifty Redhare horses lined up in order. They were being guided by Xu Da and his assistants.
Lu Bu stood in front of the camp, staring at the horses in astonishment.
His Xiangnu warhorses were smaller than the Redhare by half. These red horses were even taller than Lu Bu, who was almost 2 meters in height. He could not help but extend his hand to touch the horse in front of him in admiration.
”How about it, Lord Lu Bu. We will give you these 50 horses as our goodwill. There are a thousand of them back in Tianshui City. We can give you all of them to you for your private use. You can keep them to yourself or give them to your men, we won't mind it at all.”
Xu Da's sales talk continued to pull out Lu Bu's greed.
However, the face of Lu Bu changed from the greed look into a mocking smile for a second. Then, he looked at Xu Da with a friendly smile.
”Please give my thanks to Lord Dong Zhuo. I really like these horses. As for the future matters, I will have to consult with my men and my family first. You see, my father took care of me for decades. I can't just simply leave him without saying goodbye or consult with him if it's a good choice.”
Xu Da was taken aback by the reply. Those were not the answer he had predicted.
'WTF!? Is this the backstabber Lu Bu? Isn't he recorded as a capricious and frivolous man? Why does he act like a cunning fox!?'