Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Enchantress’ Chain of Schemes

Page (1/3)

"What strategy!?" The young emperor and the old Grand Tutor blurted out in unison, as if struck by lightning.

"This plan is called the Beauty’s Interlinked Stratagem."

"The Beauty’s Interlinked Stratagem?"

Liu Xie mulled it over; given his tender age, it was only natural he did not understand. Glancing at the old man by his side... Zhang Yu had gotten used to calling him that; the resemblance was uncanny—truly a scion of the Wang family of Grand Tutors.

At the side, Wang Yun's deeply furrowed brows gradually relaxed. At first, the idea seemed narrow, but then clarity dawned, and with sudden enlightenment, he turned to Zhang Yu: “Royal brother, what a marvelous plan. I believe I glimpse some of its subtlety—would you expound upon it in detail?”

This old man was not without his merits; his devotion to the Han dynasty was beyond question, and he was willing to pay any price at critical moments. Yet this scheme would certainly spoil Diao Chan; in later generations, it left behind no small measure of infamy.

If it were up to Zhang Yu, he would simply suggest spending generously at the brothels of Changtai to procure someone. Should her status be too humble, she could be adopted as a goddaughter. Courtesans were accustomed to such pretenses; it was their daily bread. What’s more, one side was the Grand Tutor, the other the mightiest general—there would be plenty willing to throw themselves into the fray; why involve Diao Chan at all?

Having resolved to propose a plan different from the one in history, Zhang Yu was about to speak when a soft voice came from outside the door: “Your Majesty, Chancellor Dong has arrived at the entrance of Weiyang Palace. It will not be long before he enters.”

“Wretch!” Liu Xie cursed, then looked to Wang Yun and Zhang Yu. “Cousin, Grand Tutor Wang, you two should return for now. As the emperor, my position limits what I may discuss or participate in, but I trust you both will help restore the Han’s glory!”

“Your humble servant would face death a hundred times to rid Your Majesty of this traitor!”

“Without question.”

The two hurried out of the hall, taking a side door and making their way to the palace gates.

“Where do you intend to go, royal brother?”

“For now, I will stay at the eastern city guesthouse.”

“Why not reside at my residence? The guesthouse is simple and not fit for long-term stay. With your current status, it would be quite improper.”

“In my recollection, this old man only extended such invitations three times: the first led to Cao Cao’s infamous knife episode, which resulted in the tragic death of the Lü family; the other two were involved in the Interlinked Stratagem with Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu. This man is dangerous!”

Zhang Yu hesitated, but thoughts of that legendary beauty—one who could make fish sink and birds alight—crossed his mind. Having come to the Three Kingdoms, how could he not meet her?

“Then I shall trouble you, Grand Tutor. Forgive the imposition.”

The divine steed, Snow White, was a rare sight even within the palace. Yet, given the strict etiquette at the emperor's feet, no one dared gawk or gossip.

Mounting his horse, Zhang Yu felt as if, in that instant of ascent, his fortunes had soared as well—from a merchant’s son to the emperor’s cousin, it was as though he had risen ninety thousand miles in a single bound. Henceforth, all his endeavors would be justified.

Page (2/3)

Even when Liu Bei called upon Zhuge Liang three times, he did not forget to announce, “I am Liu Bei, Left General of the Han, Marquis of Yicheng Pavilion, Governor of Yu Province, and Imperial Uncle, come to pay my respects.”

It was not the office or the title that mattered, but something even more significant. However tenuous the connection, as long as the clan records matched and the emperor acknowledged it, it was valid.

During the Western Han, there existed the "Seven Categories of Exile": criminal officials, murderers, matrilocal sons-in-law, registered merchants, those who had been merchants, those whose parents had been merchants, and those whose grandparents had been merchants. People believed that these seven types prized profit over life, making them fierce in battle and thus useful for conscription. The law also stipulated that merchants were forbidden to ride in carriages or on horseback.

Merchants lived wretched lives, fated to earn money but rarely to enjoy it. Back then, Emperor Wu of Han ordered Li Guangli to lead 130,000 infantry and cavalry to Suofang; most were merchants. What else could one do in that era besides study or farm?

Fortunately, by the late Eastern Han, many such restrictions were fading with the times. Otherwise, and under the pressure of livelihood, Zhang Yu’s grandfather Liu Hong would never have married his daughter to a man of such low status—a merchant. After all, even his son Liu Bei had resorted to selling straw sandals.

Riding toward the guesthouse, Zhang Yu was unsure whether riding was permitted in Chang’an. No one had explained the rules. However, he saw plenty flying by on horseback, all fierce and arrogant-looking, far more intimidating than himself, which put his mind at ease.

After making brief arrangements at the guesthouse, Zhang Yu decided to go to Grand Tutor Wang’s residence alone. The Wang household was not lavish—if anything, slightly inferior to his own—and rather tranquil, clearly a place for peaceful retirement. Bringing his entire retinue would have been inappropriate, so he instructed Xiahou Lan and Han Long to lead the eighteen riders to a nearby lodging, keeping watch for any disturbance.

At the gate, Wang Yun personally welcomed him, leading him to an elegant and quiet courtyard, with several comely maids to attend him.

Zhang Yu glanced around—the girls were all fresh-faced and youthful. He muttered inwardly that Wang Yun, the old fox, was certainly enjoying the pleasures of his later years. Who knew where he had hidden Diao Chan? As a guest, it would not do to wander, so after a brief tour of the rear garden, he retired to his room to rest.

The next morning, after court had dispersed, Wang Yun hurried home and immediately sent for him—such was the loyal heart devoted wholly to Han.

They sat across from each other in the main hall, incense burning and tea brewing.

The youth in white, the silver-haired old man...

“Royal brother Zhang...”

“Just call me Yulang.”

“Very well. Yulang, what is the full plan you spoke of yesterday?”

“This is a variation of the Interlinked Stratagem. Because it requires a beauty, I have called it the Beauty’s Interlinked Stratagem.”

“You mentioned that yesterday. I have thought it over; is it that you wish to use a beauty to assassinate Dong Zhuo?”

“Hm?” Grand Tutor, what a strange line of thought—Dong Zhuo, after all, was a formidable warrior. Where would you find a woman capable of assassinating such a man?

“That would be exceedingly difficult.”

“Which is why I trust you have another scheme.”

Page (3/3)

The bystanders are lost in the game. Wang Yun had not yet grasped the essence of the stratagem—such is the advantage of a transmigrator.

“Since it is an Interlinked Stratagem, the key must be that the chains are tightly bound together. The other critical element is—Lü Bu!”

“Lü Bu!” Wang Yun started, but immediately grasped the idea. After a moment’s reflection, he laughed heartily. “Yulang, your plan is even more intoxicating than the Emperor of Jade’s drunkenness! Once we succeed, and Dong Zhuo is slain, you will be the chief hero of the day!”

“You flatter me, Grand Tutor. As the emperor’s cousin, it is my duty to offer counsel for the Han. What credit is there in that?”

“Hahaha! I have not admired many men in my life. Today, I count you among them, Yulang!”

Wang Yun was overjoyed to have received a brilliant plan, and his mind was already whirring with schemes.

“However, I have one thing to add.”

“Please speak, Yulang.”

“The beauty should be found at Changtai.”

“And why is that?” Wang Yun was puzzled.

Changtai was a street in Chang’an renowned for its brothels; thus, the name became synonymous with pleasure districts.

Zhang Yu hesitated. “Er...because the women there are more experienced.”

“Ah, Yulang, you are mistaken. Courtesans may be skilled in their arts, but their air is too sullied, and their status too low. How can they stir the hearts of those two men?”

“What’s the alternative? If it were a respectable lady, would she not be sacrificed in vain?”

“To rid the land of Dong Zhuo, what is one body worth? Not only a respectable woman—even if I had a daughter, I would willingly send her for the sake of the Han!”

What an old fox!

Zhang Yu could not help but feel a mix of admiration and exasperation at this stubborn old man so eager to offer his daughter for the state. He took his leave dejectedly.

Neither he nor Wang Yun noticed the shadow that flickered past the door and vanished.