While the battle raged in Hedong Commandery, Yuan Shu had already gone to Runan to assume his post.
Liu Biao of Jingzhou also began to unite with local powerful families to suppress Yuan Shu's protégés.
The impact of that court assembly was far-reaching. Yuan Shu's protégés and former officials were everywhere, and Lu Ming's statement about Wang Mang's humility before his usurpation easily led people to question whether Yuan Shu was qualified to take this position. Upon closer examination, it seemed quite plausible!
If other powerful families hadn't begun suppressing Yuan Shu's protégés, the neutral faction would have been more inclined to establish their own power base and seek a way to survive.
Yuan Shu wouldn't have assumed his post so quickly, but given his abilities, the extent to which he could achieve anything remained uncertain.
At this time, in Bingzhou, Dong Zhuo was still suffering from sandstorms.
Survival in Bingzhou was difficult; even the larger cities had fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.
The region was plagued by sandstorms year-round, lacking water and food. Only in the south could crops be grown, and even then, the Taihang Mountains provided a barrier; only near the Taihang Mountains could a small population be found.
Meanwhile, in the Taihang Mountains lived the Black Mountain Yellow Turbans, numbering in the millions. Although Emperor Ling had granted them official positions and amnesty, they still frequently raided the surrounding areas, making the region truly desolate.
Faced with attacks from the rebel army and the Wuhuan cavalry, Dong Zhuo's forces were fortunate to still have the Xiliang cavalry; otherwise, they would surely be dead.
After defeating the Wuhuan cavalry again, Dong Zhuo returned to his camp. A soldier reported that Zhang Ji's wife, Madam Zou, had been ambushed and killed on her way.
This caused the generals who had originally intended to bring his wife and children to him to abandon their plans—the cost was too high!
"Outrageous!" Dong Zhuo's long-suppressed anger finally erupted. He slammed his fist on the table, his already ferocious face becoming even more demonic. "Summon Chief Clerk Li."
Shortly afterward, Li Ru, the military advisor and son-in-law, arrived, bringing with him another person. This man had a face like a red date, eyebrows like silkworms; his eyes were like lightning, his voice like a chime; he was handsome, imposing, and exuded a commanding presence.
"My lord, this is Lü Bu, the adopted son of Ding Yuan. He has come to reinforce Yanmen Commandery. Lü Bu is skilled in archery and horsemanship, brave and martial. He once defeated the Southern Xiongnu cavalry that invaded Shuofang Commandery, and is known in the army as the Flying General!" Li Ru was not one to speak without reason. As a strategist, he was loyal to Dong Zhuo, and besides Dong Zhuo, he could not take up a post anywhere else; he would be unrecognized, not belonging to any particular circle, even among scholars.
Lü Bu's arrival, coupled with his knowledge of the strained relationship with Ding Yuan, led him to consider poaching him.
In Bingzhou, Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo were at odds.
Ding Yuan had originally secured his position, but with Dong Zhuo's arrival and a large army, the situation suddenly became a two-way struggle.
If it weren't for the threats posed by Zhang Chun's rebel army and nomadic tribes like the Wuhuan and Xianbei, a war would likely have broken out long ago.
"Oh, very well, Fengxian is indeed a handsome man, not bad at all." Although Dong Zhuo didn't understand Li Ru's intentions, he still treated Lü Bu with relative politeness out of respect for military generals.
"Greetings, General." Lü Bu still possessed a certain arrogance; in his view, nothing was worthy of his respect.
The wheels of history continued to turn, seemingly having taken a turn, yet inexplicably returning to their rightful place.
Lu Ming led a troop of personal guards into the city, first going to his own residence to fetch Liu Ming and her mother-in-law, and then proceeding to the prefect's residence.
Liu Ming and her mother-in-law were women he had obtained through the first exercise of his power, fueled by his inner malice and a desire for revenge; they held a very special significance.
If Lu Ming's corruption occurred in Chang'an, Yuan Wei taught him a harsh lesson in Luoyang, showing him the true meaning of a corrupt and treacherous heart!
Local officials patrolled the streets, seemingly casually, but subtly surrounding him.
They were monitoring him, but Lu Ming ignored them. Instead, he browsed the bustling market, examining everything from cheap willow baskets to silk and fuel.
He entered the city in the morning and didn't arrive at the prefect's residence until noon.
The nobles and powerful families of Chang'an all sent people to inquire about Lu Ming's whereabouts, observing his actions. They were all wondering what Lu Ming's motives were. Did he have some ambition?
Not only the four great families were puzzled, but even Yang Cong was somewhat confused. Only one person had a thoughtful expression in his eyes, seemingly guessing that Lu Ming had come for business.
"Oh, Lord Yang, it's been a long time! A pleasure to meet you! I've long wanted to see you, and it's truly an honor to meet you today. Please come in!" Lu Ming immediately launched into a string of pleasantries, even taking the initiative to invite him into the living room.
Yang Cong was momentarily taken aback, only regaining his composure as they walked side-by-side. "Brother Anmin, you've become even more charismatic than before. Speaking of which, Lu'er should call me Uncle; we're practically family now."
This was a veiled reminder that there was no conflict between them, and they could even cooperate.
Lu Ming understood somewhat. Lately, he'd been spending a lot of time with Cai Wenji and Zhang Yulan, reading and chatting, and he'd found his interpersonal skills had improved considerably.
Moreover, Cai Wenji's emotional intelligence was truly remarkable. No wonder she became a renowned woman of talent; intelligence alone wasn't enough; one also needed to master social skills.
"Of course, Lu'er and I will host a banquet for Lord Yang when we have time." Lu Ming nodded, agreeing. There was no harm in a joint effort.
Many others attended the banquet, men with men, women with women.
In another garden, princesses, noblewomen, and wives of powerful figures were enjoying themselves, watching the actors perform.
Men discussed serious matters, women chatted about family matters, and in the process, some information was gleaned; inevitably, someone would inadvertently let something slip.
"Come, let me introduce you to Anmin, these are the influential figures of Chang'an. If they stomp their feet, even the entire Guanzhong region trembles." Yang Cong's smile was somewhat disdainful, clearly showing his contempt for these powerful figures.
It was evident that he didn't have a good relationship with these people; his words carried a hint of sarcasm.
"I dare not accept such an honor. Lord Yang is the ruler of Chang'an City; you are the true master. We merely wish to live an honest life," Jia She retorted sarcastically. He couldn't accept this title; it would bring him trouble.
If word got out, people would think they controlled Chang'an City!
Some things can be done covertly, but it's inappropriate to do them openly.