Chapter 112: The Past of Dong Zhuo (Combined Two-Part Chapter)

This poem is actually a fusion of two works, authored by the renowned Su brothers, Su Shi and Su Zhe.

The opening couplet was written by Su Zhe, subtle in tone yet heavily laden with sarcasm.

"Once a master of strategy, in later years avoiding war,"—surely, these words would have been most displeasing to Dong Zhuo.

"Back then, heroes and wise men were alike; whether in Yan to the south or Zhao to the north, all served the capital." This line places Dong Zhuo alongside those who sought comfort and ease before the land was pacified, implying their inevitable downfall.

Su Shi’s subsequent two lines lay the mockery bare.

"My armor is thick beneath my robes, I fear nothing! My stronghold at Mei Fort is rich in provisions, an impregnable bastion."

Alas, no armor can withstand the halberd’s stroke, and no riches can bury the weight of accumulated sins.

As for the phrase "reflecting on one’s own fat," few then could have imagined its original meaning was to expose Dong Zhuo like a sky lantern—most likely, it was only taken as a simple jibe at his corpulence.

Even if some thought so, what did it matter?

Zhang Yu certainly did not believe that Dong Zhuo had brought him to Mei Fort merely for tea. Since it was almost certainly a trap, he had no reason to be courteous.

Passing through the city gates, the mansion and palace buildings rose grand and imposing.

After escorting Zhang Yu to the fortress, Zhang Liao returned with his men, while Zhang Xiu rode ahead, leading Zhang Yu directly to the grandest building within Mei Fort.

"Young Lord Yu, this is the true residence of the Grand Tutor."

Zhang Yu eyed it, flicked his feather fan, took a deep breath, and ascended the many steps.

He had been to the imperial palace; in terms of refinement and grandeur, this place was no less, only smaller in scale.

Zhang Xiu did not follow inside—likely not of high enough rank—and waited briefly at the foot of the stairs. Seeing no resistance from Zhang Yu, he departed. Zhang Yu, on the other hand, strode decisively toward the main hall.

After all, since he held a trump card for survival, he might as well let matters take their course.

Inside the great hall, birds sang and swallows danced; the air was filled with music and the clinking of wine cups.

On a platform inlaid with gold and jade sat a man, savoring some delicacy, surrounded by four maidservants—two holding ornate canopies, one feeding him, and another pouring wine into his cherry-red mouth.

Upon Zhang Yu’s entrance, a woman of uncommon beauty stepped forward, gracefully pacing as if conducting a thorough inspection from head to toe, much like a modern airport security check.

Her subtle fragrance and the delicate touch of her fingers nearly made him sigh with comfort.

"As a sovereign, indulging in vanity and licentiousness should be a source of shame," Zhang Yu muttered, shading his forehead with his fan to avoid looking directly at the spectacle below.

On either side stood eight children—four little boys and four little girls—each exquisitely carved and adorable, so much so that even a guest at a trap like Zhang Yu found himself charmed.

"Little ones, have you eaten?"

"Dong Zhuo!" Dong Zhuo bellowed from the platform.

"Ah, Grand Tutor, good day," Zhang Yu bowed deeply.

"This feast is arranged personally for you. Are you satisfied?"

"Very much so, though I would be happier if this were not my last meal."

Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, then suddenly kicked the table before him, sending fruits and wine crashing to the floor. The maidservant feeding him cowered in fear.

"Damn, quick to lose temper over nothing," Zhang Yu thought, yet maintained a composed expression, leisurely waving his feather fan.

"What a wonderful world, yet you are so irritable—this will not do, no—"

"You, puerile brat, how dare you insult me?"

The bloated old villain—insult me? As if!

Silently cursing, Zhang Yu hurriedly said, "Grand Tutor, you wrong me. Who said I meant to harm you?"

"Hmm?"

"I intended to harm Wang Yun, that old crone," Zhang Yu said with a helpless shake of his head.

"To harm Wang Yun? Why?"

"I favor Diao Chan. He wishes to present her to you, and I cannot bear it. But I dare not strike you, so I thought to kill him first and then take Diao Chan away."

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo first bristled, then recalled Lü Bu’s expression upon seeing Diao Chan. Truly, she was a peerless beauty; any man would be hard-pressed not to be moved. He found himself somewhat convinced.

"But you killed my Xiliang soldiers—what do you say to that?"

"How was I to know you were going to the Minister of Works' residence that day for a banquet? I said it was Wang Yun who caught wind and sent guards."

"Then why didn’t you stop when you saw Zhang Xiu?"

"Stop? I have grievances with him, Grand Tutor. It’s the perfect chance to kill him—why not?"

Throughout the exchange, Zhang Yu showed no signs of panic. He spoke confidently, with reasoned arguments, believing he had performed admirably.

After a long silence, Dong Zhuo placed his wine cup steadily on the floor.

"Preparing to smash the cup as a signal, huh? Surely, behind that large folding screen hides a number of armored soldiers," Zhang Yu pondered silently.

"Your answer has one flaw," Dong Zhuo said.

"What flaw?"

"You are too calm."

"What?"

"In such a situation, excessive composure breeds suspicion," Dong Zhuo said with a mocking smile.

If I wanted to kill you, would I need an excuse?

"...System, are you sure Dong Zhuo’s intelligence isn't above eighty? Shouldn't this be a case of ‘clever youth calmly answering questions, gaining trust, escaping successfully, and receiving rewards’? Why isn’t this Xiliang brute cooperating with me, pretending not to see? The script’s all wrong!"

"However, I’m in a good mood today!" Dong Zhuo stood up, while Zhang Yu silently observed the scattered fruit on the floor.

"In a good mood, and want someone to talk with."

"Many things, at this point, no one remains to converse with."

"Marquis Wuji, today you shall keep me company, an honor, yes?"

Zhang Yu chuckled inwardly, already picturing the scene.

---

Dong Zhuo recounted his glorious deeds and bloody crimes before drawing a pistol on himself: "Sorry, you know too much."

Bang!

"I will not entertain your talk!"

...

"Back then, I was like you, in the prime of youth!"

"Of course, everyone has a youth," Zhang Yu replied casually. Some things one must do, whether willing or not...

"I wandered through Xiliang, earning some renown, especially among the Qiang people. But chivalry and righteousness are not lasting paths. Soon, my pockets were empty, and I had to return home as a farmer."

Dong Zhuo drained his cup; Zhang Yu followed suit.

"Before long, the Qiang arrived. They brought iron blades and fierce passion to join me, to accomplish great deeds!"

"This was the first and only time in my life I was truly moved."

"I threw down my hoe in the field and led them home. I asked neighbors for wine, but... there was no food."

"What was I to do?"

"Slaughter a cow," Zhang Yu said—he had read this before.

"Exactly!" Dong Zhuo’s eyes gleamed as he smiled at Zhang Yu.

"At home, I had only one plow ox—my fate."

"But these brothers were more important than fate."

"When the beef was cooked, my heart ached but I felt exhilarated!"

"I raised my cup and said to them, ‘Gentlemen, your kindness is acknowledged by Dong. But Dong Zhuo is incompetent and poor, unworthy to lead you to success! This hastily arranged feast, drink this cup, finish this ox... brothers, please return.’"

"The disappointment in their eyes remains vivid to me, but what could I do?"

For the first time, Zhang Yu truly listened.

"The pots were empty; the men dispersed; the land lay fallow."

"I thought my life would end so."

"For days, I could eat no more. Dong Zhuo, a hero, yet because of poverty could not rise!"

"Then, hoofbeats and clamor broke into my ears."

"It was the most moving melody I ever heard."

"But the Qiang people?"

"Haha! Indeed!"

"Like an army of beasts—sheep, cattle, horses, no fewer than a thousand!"

"They said, ‘Dong Zhuo, this livestock is our debt to you. Remember this one thing.’"

"I hurriedly replied, ‘Speak freely!’"

Dong Zhuo sipped his wine, drunk; Zhang Yu continued fanning.

"They said, ‘You had but one plow ox and were willing to kill it. We see your character rightly and vow to follow your banner, Dong Zhuo, to the end!’"

"Solid comrades!" Zhang Yu clinked his cup against Dong Zhuo’s.

"Today, Dong Zhuo swears on his broken arrow: should he succeed, he will never forget your aid!"

...

"Later, I entered the capital as a Guardsman. But born lowly, surrounded by scoundrels, unable to kill them, life was vexing."

"Then the Western Qiang rebelled."

"As military commander, I led my brave men, slaughtering so fiercely that the Qiang were utterly broken, their heads hung from horses."

"News came: the court promoted me to Langzhong and awarded nine thousand bolts of silk. What use had I for this cloth? I fought to protect the nation, not for riches."

"I gave all the silk to my soldiers. They were true fighters, and I was grateful."

Zhang Yu’s fan stopped mysteriously. "Is this the Dong Zhuo of old? If he fought to protect the nation, why become the villain who plagues it?"

"Listen quietly."

"You’re young and don’t yet know the pain time brings," Dong Zhuo, now tipsy, said.

"I led troops against the Western Qiang in my prime."

"But every moment is precious, and once lost, what can be done?"

"Before long, I was over fifty."

From thirty to fifty—the years a man should make his mark, especially a general like Dong Zhuo, destined for the battlefield.

Yet these golden years vanished without notice.

Zhang Yu felt a tragic grandeur.

"That year, I lost a battle against the Yellow Turbans. Losses were not severe; I could still recover!"

"But the court ordered my dismissal," Dong Zhuo’s voice held deep sorrow.

"Ridiculous. After a lifetime of fighting, I realized I knew nothing of power."

"I bled for Han, sacrificed on battlefields, yet gained no reward!"

"Meanwhile, traitorous ministers formed factions, harming the nation, reveling atop the corpses of loyal soldiers."

"They deserve death! Death! Death!"

Three cries for death, mingled with anger, resentment, and a domineering aura, made Zhang Yu’s hair stand on end.

"To serve such a court is folly."

Dong Zhuo laughed, and Zhang Yu felt a chill.

Perhaps everyone’s ‘fall from grace’ has a cause.

---

Of course, that can never excuse wrongdoing.

"The next year, someone in Xiliang rebelled."

"Ma Shoucheng and Han Wenyue raised tens of thousands. In crisis, the court thought of me again—ha!"

"Despite complaints, I went. My brave soldiers mostly hail from Liangzhou. I cannot oppose the court; this rebellion must be quelled by me."

"Outnumbered, a vast dark army surged from the horizon. Before battle, a messenger galloped back—our main forces had been routed; I was ordered to retreat."

"Pathetic..." Zhang Yu sighed. "What level of operation is this?"

"Retreat? The enemy is ahead. To withdraw now is suicide!" Dong Zhuo fumed even after so much time.

"How did you retreat, Grand Tutor?"

"I rode to the front lines. Half Qiang myself, I treat heaven as a blanket and earth as a seat!"

"I ordered the army to move to the riverbank, build dikes and dams, and rest on the fresh fish from the river before fighting to the death."

"The Qiang laughed and let us go."

"Surely expecting me to collapse without a fight."

"Exactly."

"And then?"

"I indeed retreated without battle."

Zhang Yu understood Dong Zhuo’s meaning and resumed waving his fan.

"But I didn’t expect, of six armies, only mine escaped intact. Ha! Those scoundrels grew jealous."

...

"In a blink, four years passed."

"Until that night... a giant star streaked across the sky like flowing fire, its glowing tail over ten zhang long, flying straight through the ranks of Han and Ma armies—"

"The camp shone bright as day; horses neighed; soldiers panicked!"

"This was heaven’s aid!"

Seeing Dong Zhuo’s joyous yet fierce expression, Zhang Yu could vividly imagine the scene.

What that strange meteor truly was, however, he left to the all-knowing scientists.

"After defeating the enemy, surely rewards followed?"

"Haha, indeed! The wise emperor granted gold, silver, and silk, appointing me Minor Treasurer—a grand title!"

"Treating me like a fool. I fought for the country but was summoned and dismissed at will. Even as Minor Treasurer, I had to pay bribes—do they think me spineless?!"

"With traitors ruling court, why obey? My soldiers fight with me for their future. If court denies, I take it myself!"

Zhang Yu saw that Dong Zhuo had changed.

Looking into his eyes, he saw a burning desire for power.

He was no longer the chivalrous youth slaughtering an ox for friends, nor the general distributing riches to his troops.

He was old.

His life could no longer afford waste.

Thus, he sought power—not for its own sake, but to do what he wished and to sweep away decades of injustice.

"So, I moved my base to Hedong, refusing orders."

...

"He Jin sent me a letter, inviting me to defend the emperor. Yu Lang, what do you think of his plan?"

"Foul beyond words."

"Haha, yes, foul beyond words. What can a butcher like him devise? Eunuchs all, easily crushed by a great general, yet they scheme grandly. This delights me greatly."

"But it was these buffoons who gave me the chance to rise!"

What followed Dong Zhuo recounted matched what Zhang Yu knew.

Escorting the young emperor, commanding three thousand troops to deceive tens of thousands, manipulating the court ministers like pawns.

This stratagem, often attributed to Zhuge Liang, had decades earlier been the handiwork of Dong Zhongying.

"I am nearly sixty," Dong Zhuo said, gazing at Zhang Yu with a hint of envy.

"Zhang Yu, tell me: after a life of toil, what have I gained? What have I truly achieved?"

"Diligence in service, fighting for the nation, yet where is the court? The so-called loyal ministers and generals? Even the emperor was driven out!"

"I lacked status. The great families despised me and my Xiliang soldiers. Who defends the nation? Them?"

"Tell me, should these scoundrels live?"

"People say I bring chaos to the land, yet they do not see the country has long been rotten in their hands!"

"I know this world belongs to the aristocracy. How could a ‘lowly’ man like me earn their respect?"

"But I refuse! I refuse that I, Dong Zhuo, who stood tall and roaring, should kneel to these fools."

"I am old, childless, with no attachments. So why not play with you all for a while?"

"I deposed emperors, enthroned emperors; those who resist die."

"I sought to move the capital; those who resist die."

"I finally tasted freedom and power, and slew those who deserved death."

Dong Zhuo drew his sword and looked around but did not strike.

"Let us see whose heads are harder—theirs or my blade!"