Chapter 313: Division, Chaos in Chang'an

Chang'an City.

It's mid-September.

The meeting in the south had already ended, but Dong Zhuo was still worried about winter food.

Why did Li Jue and Guo Si dare to lead people to oppose Dong Zhuo? It was because Dong Zhuo could not pay the military salaries.

In the past two years, the population loss in Guanzhong has been extremely serious. To make matters worse, with no one to cultivate the land, the harvest has dropped sharply.

Even if Li Jue and Guo Si allowed their troops to plunder, they could not collect much food and fodder, let alone Dong Zhuo, who had been competing with ministers in the court.

Under the current circumstances, even Emperor Liu Xie could only eat simple meals, and only Dong Zhuo could still eat meat in Meiwu.

This further exacerbated the tense atmosphere in Chang'an City.

At present, Dong Zhuo's army is divided into four parts, with Dong Zhuo, Duan Wei, Li Jue and Guo Si each leading a part.

Dong Zhuo's direct subordinates, Niu Fu led more than 10,000 troops, plus Dong Yue and Dong Yu led 10,000 imperial guards.

Li Jue and Guo Si initially led more than 5,000 men each, but now their numbers have swelled to 20,000 each.

There was no one guarding Hangu Pass, and Dong Zhuo had already recalled Niu Fu to be in charge of public security and defense in Chang'an City.

As for Duan Wei, he established a military farm in Huayin and remained neutral, no longer taking orders from Dong Zhuo.

Behind all this, of course, was the Emperor Liu Xie and his faction headed by Huang Wan.

Even Li Jue and Guo Si were targets of rebellion; otherwise, they would not have dared to challenge Dong Zhuo even if they had ten times the courage.

The study in the Tai Shi Mansion in Meiwu.

Dong Zhuo worked hard day and night, and looked a little thin and old. Under his gray hair and beard, his round face was full of wrinkles, and there were age spots all over his face, making him look decadent.

Opposite him stood a scholar with gray hair on his temples. His sinister temperament was gone, only the spirit of a scholar remained.

This person was Li Ru. Dong Zhuo's inability to control the government made it difficult for him, his son-in-law in the court, to take any step forward and he was repeatedly suppressed by Huang Wan and others.

As long as Li Ru doesn't want to be promoted, Huang Wan's attack will be in vain.

On this day, the father-in-law and son-in-law met in the study because of something important.

As Li Jue and Guo Si's troops grew stronger, Dong Zhuo's own generals such as Niu Fu and Dong Yu became increasingly dissatisfied.

The cause was that Li Jue and Guo Si allowed their soldiers to plunder, while the original Xiliang Army's military discipline became increasingly strict, causing complaints from the soldiers, and some people began to leave the team and join Li and Guo's army.

The situation became more and more serious, and all the generals except Duan Wei could not bear it anymore.

"Wenyou, I will never allow you to let your soldiers run wild!"

As tough as Dong Zhuo was at the beginning, he became more worried later: "But being deserted by my friends and relatives is not what I want."

After all these years, with so much effort but repeated setbacks, Dong Zhuoyue's aging mentality gave rise to the idea of ​​retiring and wanting to have a good ending.

It would be impossible for him to have a good ending if he returned to his hometown. If he continued to dominate the government, his demise would not be far away.

In Dong Zhuo's view, there was only one way to survive, which was to flee to the south.

But they couldn't go empty-handed, so the somewhat disciplined Xiliang Army became a gift for meeting them.

It seems that the south is most in need of cavalry, and it is not difficult for Dong Zhuo to have a good end and a future for his son by presenting such a big gift.

Unfortunately, among so many people under his command, only Li Ru understands him.

"My lord, please don't be proud."

Li Ru, wearing a feather fan and a hat, said with a confident look, "The innocent will be innocent. One day, they will understand your painstaking efforts."

At this time, Dong Zhuo sobbed like a lonely old man, "I'm afraid I won't be able to wait until that day."

A look of contempt flashed through Li Ru's heart. What's the use of shedding more crocodile tears? It was all his own fault.

However, Li Ru would not show any expression on the surface. Even if he looked down on Dong Zhuo, the two of them were in the same boat.

One glory and one glory.

"My Lord, please explain everything to the generals. Those who are willing to follow you can stay, and those who are not willing can be allowed to leave."

Li Ru came up with another plan: "If someone becomes prosperous in the future, they will always consider the kindness of the ancestors."

"This..." Dong Zhuo hesitated and said, "Is there no way to have the best of both worlds?"

Li Ru sighed secretly and said, "My lord, it is often difficult to have both in this world. The current situation is turbulent and people's minds are changing. We are in the center of the vortex, so we need to judge the situation and make the most beneficial choice for ourselves.

The generals have their own ambitions. Some are eager to achieve great things, while others may just want to live a stable life. Nothing can be forced.

If you can be honest with me, it will not only show your magnanimity, but also test your sincerity. Why not do it?"

“Besides, my lord, what you are worried about is nothing more than worrying that this move will weaken your own strength.

However, true strength does not lie in the number of people alone, but in the support of people's hearts. Leaving behind those warriors who are truly willing to follow and face the difficulties together is far more reliable than a group of soldiers who have different intentions and are reluctant to stay.

As for those who choose to leave, maybe they will become our helpers at some point in the future. After all, things are unpredictable, and today's enemy may become tomorrow's friend. "

"My lord, if you hesitate to make a decision, you will suffer the consequences. Right now, the most important thing is to stabilize people's hearts and clarify the direction, so that we can find a glimmer of hope in this chaotic world. Please think twice."

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo frowned, as if he was having a fierce ideological struggle.

“This matter…this matter…”

"Ugh…"

A sigh seemed to drain all the energy from Dong Zhuo, and the once invincible giant bear turned into an old and decrepit bear.

After a long while, Dong Zhuo said, "Go ask the generals for their opinions first."

Li Ru's contempt in his heart was even stronger, but he did not show it on the surface, and replied, "Yes."

He slowly backed away and turned around when he reached the door.

During this period, Dong Zhuo kept staring at Li Ru, as if he would kill him if Li Ru made any unusual movements, without any sign of his previous behavior.

It turns out that everything was a false illusion, Dong Zhuo actually doubted Li Ru's loyalty!

Fortunately, Li Ru did not show any disrespect, at least on the surface.

Because Li Ru knew that the more it was at this time, the more he could not relax.

The tiger is old and has lost its claws and fangs, but it still has a lot of strength. A slap from it will either cripple or injure someone.

The meeting hall.

When the generals saw Li Ru coming, they all stood up, clasped their fists and said, "Li Lingjun."

Looking at the eager eyes of the crowd, Li Ru did not exaggerate or deliberately conceal anything, and answered Dong Zhuo's question in a tactful manner.

"Li Wenyou!"

Niu Fu looked like a young Dong Zhuo, with a big belly, and asked arrogantly: "What is going on?"

The generals present were divided into close and distant relatives. Except for Dong Yu, Dong Huang and a few other members of the Dong family, the other generals did not dare to breathe.

As Dong Zhuo's son-in-law, Li Ru had long disliked Niu Fu, but now he was more gentle.

"It's nothing." Li Ru said calmly, but the meaning behind his words was terrifying. He said, "I just want to ask you if you want to imitate Li Jue and Guo Si."

"Li Ru!" Dong Yu was the first to speak up and stop him.

Everyone present was shocked. Li Ru's words were meant to hurt their hearts. He was asking if they wanted to establish their own country. Everyone present was a general. If they couldn't understand this rhetoric, they might as well go home and kill pigs.

Niu Fu sneered, "I want to meet the lord and let him take a good look at your face!"

Li Ru sneered, and almost said, "Go sue me."

"Stop arguing."

Dong Yu stepped forward to act as a peacemaker, saying, "We are now in a time of trouble. There are foreign princes eyeing us covetously, and the military needs to stabilize its morale. Why should we damage our own harmony because of a momentary impulse?

Although Li Wenyou's words were straightforward, they were also meant to remind us to always remember the Lord's kindness and not to harbor any other thoughts. "

"General Niu, if you really have any doubts, you may as well report them to the lord in person. I believe that the lord is wise and will be able to distinguish right from wrong.

Before that, we should unite and overcome the difficulties together. Mr. Li, you are also one of our think tanks. We naturally value your opinions, but please consider the gentleness of your words so as not to hurt the feelings of your colleagues. "

Dong Yu was Dong Zhuo's younger brother, and no one present could match him. What he said was reasonable and logical, and he did not offend either side. It could be said that he had worked hard.

"Humph!"

Niu Fu snorted coldly. He knew Dong Zhuo's current situation.

Forced by the situation, if Niu Fu does not show tougher behavior, his generals will rebel against him!
After all, Li Jue and Guo Si were the generals who defected from Niu Fu's command, so there would be no problem if Zhang Ji, Yang Feng or others defected as well.

In short, this is a family directing and performing their own show for outsiders to hear.

But this is just wishful thinking after all.

Zhang Ji and other generals looked at each other and exchanged glances, completely ignoring the several Dong family members whose singing skills were poor on the stage.

Li Ru saw all of this but kept silent about it.

Dong Yu and Niu Fu were complacent with themselves, but had no idea that danger was approaching.

In the midst of the storm, Li Ru made up his mind: "Let me repay my lord's kindness!"

Afterwards, Li Ru returned to his study alone, regardless of how turbulent the situation outside was.

"Wenyou!"

When Dong Zhuo saw Li Ru coming back, he was as excited as a 300-jin white wild boar. He rushed to him, tears in his eyes, and looked at him nervously and expectantly, and asked, "How is it?"

Li Ru shook his head and sighed, "Outsiders are harboring evil intentions, insiders are completely unaware, the building is about to collapse!"

Dong Zhuo fell back in shock, knocking over the table and knocking over countless bamboo slips and papers, muttering, "Impossible...Impossible!"

Such an embarrassed look hurt the softest part of Li Ru's heart.

Even if Dong Zhuo is still as ferocious and domineering as before, like a wolf king in the northwest, killing people without blinking an eye, it is better than the fact that he is now old and only cares about protecting himself.

But there are some words that can never be said.

The price of awakening the Wolf King must be blood and tears. Li Ru will definitely be the first to be sacrificed. This is the behavior of a fool.

“Wenyou…Wenyou!”

Dong Zhuo held out his hand and cried, "You must save me!"

Li Ru sighed and said, "My lord, the world is unpredictable and human power will eventually reach its limit. What you are looking for may be beyond human power, or it may be destiny, which cannot be changed by you or me.

Today, we should focus on how to consolidate our foundation in this turbulent time, rather than dwelling on past glories and unsolved mysteries.

“You were once a beacon of light in these troubled times, illuminating our way forward. Even though your light is no longer as bright as before, your wisdom and experience are still our most valuable assets.

We should unite as one and face the coming storm together, rather than acting independently and being trapped by vague obsessions. "

"As for what you are worried about, maybe you can think about it from another angle. Everything in the world has its destiny. Those overturned bamboo slips and papers may be the destiny telling us that some secrets should be kept secret and some roads should be opened up.

We should look to the future and find new directions, rather than blindly looking for answers in the past. "

"Please rest assured, my lord. Wenyou will do his best to give you advice and ensure the stability of our Xiliang foundation."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Dong Zhuo nodded vigorously and said, "I knew Wen You would find a way to save me!"

Dong Zhuo stood up slowly as he spoke, looking very exhausted.

Li Ru did not step forward to help when he saw this. This was a very dangerous move. Even though Dong Zhuo looked like he was about to die of old age, if he really believed it, you would be the only one to die!
"Please come quickly, Wenyou." Dong Zhuo stood up, stretched out his hands as if to hug, and said, "I will definitely go to the recruitment office."

Li Ru cupped his hands and said, "I heard that Cao Cao surrendered to the general and has gained support. He is now preparing his troops to attack Hebei."

"Why don't we take this opportunity to learn from Cao Cao..."

Before Li Ru could finish his words, Dong Zhuo fiercely stopped him: "Shut up!"

At this time, Dong Zhuo still had some of the backbone of the hero he once was, but then his momentum quickly declined and he became like a naughty boy.

This is typical Alzheimer's disease!

Even though Li Ru didn't know the symptoms, he knew that Dong Zhuo was indeed seriously ill. This was why he refused to believe that Dong Zhuo was telling the truth.

Several short-sighted fools had already died at the hands of Dong Zhuo, and even Diao Chan and her son Dong Xu almost fell into his hands.

No matter how much Dong Zhuo regretted it later, Li Ru would never take the risk.

Sure enough, after a while, Dong Zhuo calmed down and asked worriedly, "Is this the only way to go?"

After that, he said with great sadness: "Back then, I rewarded you with the title of General, but now you have to rely on others to survive."

"Oh..." A long sigh, filled with inexpressible sadness.

Li Ru was not moved at all. He would have to surrender sooner or later anyway, so why not surrender as soon as possible? If he had to wait until things were too late, how many bargaining chips would he have at his disposal?
Li Ru would never say these words to Dong Zhuo again.

"Okay." Dong Zhuo seemed to have aged ten years, his head almost shrank back into his stomach, and he asked with no desire to live: "Who can be the envoy?"

Li Ru folded his hands in a very formal manner, bowed deeply, and said, "I am willing to go."

Dong Zhuo's head shot up like a turtle biting a fish. His eyes glared angrily, and he pointed at Li Ru and shouted, "You!"

then.

"you?"

At last.

"you…"

Dong Zhuo waved his hand dejectedly and said, "Go ahead."

Li Ru bowed again and said, "Before I leave, there are a few things I need your attention."

Li Ru picked up a blank bamboo slip on the ground, picked up a pen and started writing.

After a while, Li Ru rolled up the bamboo slips, held them in both hands, and handed them over, saying, "This contains a brilliant plan that you can use if you encounter any difficult decisions during my absence."

In fact, there are just a few simple points of attention. If Dong Zhuo is still in normal condition, there is no need to remind him.

The reason why Li Ru said this was that he was afraid of arousing Dong Zhuo's rebellious psychology.

What if Dong Zhuo’s self-esteem is hurt and he picks up a sword to kill Li Ru? Who can he turn to for justice?
Dong Zhuo took it very carefully and said solemnly, "Thank you for your kindness."

Li Ru bowed again, then retreated to the door before leaving.

Dong Zhuo stared at Li Ru's back, with deep meaning in his eyes. After a moment, the deep meaning turned into confusion, and Alzheimer's disease began again!

(End of this chapter)