Chapter Thirty-Four: History Repeats Itself

Page (1/3)

Snow was swirling across the sky, blanketing the land in ice for a thousand miles. The bitter wind howled from north to south, and on a branch, a solitary crow hunched its head, trembling with cold.

Yet, within Lü Bu’s military camp, an unexpected visitor arrived...

“General, there is a scholar outside the tent, requesting an audience. He claims to be your old schoolmate.”

“Oh, an old schoolmate? Let him in at once.” Upon hearing these words, Lü Bu paused in thought and a strange smile crossed his lips.

“Fengxian, I hope you’ve been well! It’s been many days since we last met—I came specially to see you.” The visitor was dressed in a dark robe, edged with intricate embroidery and made of a light, supple fabric; his sleeves seemed to flutter even without wind, lending him an air of extraordinary spirit. Yet his shivering frame made the scene almost comical.

“Lord Li, I wonder what brings you here... My foster father, Ding Yuan, bears some grievance against Dong Zhuo, so I hope you won’t trouble me on his account.” Lü Bu adopted a look of anxious concern.

“No, no, I only seek a modest position, far from the title of ‘Lord Li’... Please, don’t mock me. I’ve come purely for personal matters, not official business. Fengxian, may I beg you to move our conversation to the main hall? This bitter cold is... unbearable!”

“Very well…”

As they walked, Li Ru took the opportunity to observe the camp’s arrangements. The encampment was laid out with careful order: gates controlled entry and exit, paths allowed movement in all directions, giving an impression of flexibility while concealing the true nature within. Weapons were placed within easy reach of the soldiers, patrols marched in ceaseless succession, and the challenge calls echoed throughout. The camp was guarded with stern vigilance, a force poised for battle at any moment, able to march out at the command.

It had to be said that, though Lü Bu’s character was questionable, he was a masterful commander. Ding Yuan’s trust in him was well-founded, and Lü Bu’s ranks were filled with heroic warriors, fierce and bold, with a martial culture that thrived. Moreover, Lü Bu himself considered himself the greatest warrior under heaven.

He possessed undeniable qualities: towering over seven feet, with a slender waist and broad shoulders, his form powerful and imposing. His face was like powdered jade, brows sharp as swords, hair tied high with a golden clasp, and eyes bright and piercing. His nose was straight as a jade pillar, lips red as cinnabar, ears large and curved, crowned with a radiant silver headdress adorned with twin dragons and pearls, shining brilliantly. A pheasant plume trailed behind, fluttering above his head.

Page (2/3)

He wore a pink brocade battle robe, embroidered with golden thread and flowers, belted with a sapphire silk sash studded with pearls and rare jewels. His trousers matched the pink brocade, and his feet were clad in flying-cloud boots of the same hue. A sword hung at his side, and as he stood, he radiated a commanding presence, inspiring awe and a chill respect.

“Fengxian, you truly lead your troops well! And with your martial prowess, you are sure to achieve greatness,” Li Ru exclaimed, admiring the camp’s ingenious layout.

Lü Bu eyed Li Ru warily. “What brings you here today? Is it to persuade me to surrender?” Li Ru chuckled, “I merely wish to reminisce with you, Fengxian.”

“Today, we meet only for private matters, not official business. Rest assured…”

After several rounds of wine, Li Ru felt the moment was ripe and asked, “What do you think of Dong Zhuo as a man?” Lü Bu paused before replying, “Dong Zhuo is indeed a hero of his domain. His commanders are seasoned veterans, his Western Liang troops are elite, and skilled in open-field battles—a true warlord. Now he controls the court; his strength should not be underestimated.”

Li Ru noticed Lü Bu’s favorable opinion, and though there were minor reservations at first, his overall assessment was lofty. Quickly, Li Ru presented treasures of gold and silver, saying, “These jewels are a token of the Grand Tutor’s goodwill. If you pledge yourself to him, high rank and riches will be yours—whatever you desire, Dong Zhuo has promised, you need only ask! Not long ago, he acquired a peerless steed, Red Hare, famed for its speed; if you agree, it shall be yours as well.”

“Fengxian, a wise bird chooses its tree. Ding Yuan cannot last long—think carefully!” Seeing Lü Bu silent, Li Ru pressed on.

Ding Yuan, after all, hailed from humble origins, rough in demeanor and possessing some martial skill, but ultimately just a commoner. Fengxian, you need not rush to refuse. Consider your own future! Look at Sima Zifan in Youzhou—so young, yet already a high-ranking official. Compare your own authority—even if Ding Yuan trusts you, your influence remains limited. If you join Dong Zhuo, it will be different: gold, jewels, high office, and fame. You would become a renowned general throughout the land.

“You make some valid points. But Ding Yuan has treated me well; if I betray him, the world will scorn me. This is a grave matter... I must think it over.” Lü Bu gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Who could resist the lure of high office and fame, save perhaps the foolish Zifan...

“No rush, Fengxian. Take your time, and tell me when you’ve decided. I’ll leave for now.” Li Ru rose with a conspiratorial smile.

“Grand Tutor, Lü Bu may not match Zifan in command and loyalty, but his martial prowess is unmatched—a peerless warrior. His troops are fierce, and although I did not persuade him to surrender today, I believe he will come to us within three days. You need not worry…” In the Grand Tutor’s mansion, Li Ru softly reported everything to Dong Zhuo.

Page (3/3)

Compared to Zifan, Lü Bu is merely a talented general. He commands some troops, but not many. Zifan, on the other hand, leads all of Youzhou, with numerous skilled soldiers and officers—a rare and invaluable talent. The difference lies thus: a commander stands above others, with sharper insight and greater innovation, adept at seizing opportunities and discerning the subtle. “He who commands soldiers is a general; he who commands generals is a commander.”

General—A general endures hardship, stands firm in times of need, and enforces strict discipline. He prefers his subordinates to obey his orders precisely, struggles with internal conflicts, and tends to be blunt—drinking with friends is never enough, but a single ill-chosen word is too much. To put it simply, he lacks flexibility.

Commander—A commander excels at planning, delegating tasks, and leaving room for contingencies. His understanding of execution centers on control. Communication is his basic skill: he speaks appropriately to anyone, finds common ground, adapts readily, and always makes the right decision. Calm in adversity, he thinks deeply before acting.

Some aspire to be commanders but are only suited to be generals; others hold the rank of commander but thrive only as generals.

Midnight...

Lü Bu tossed and turned in his quarters, unable to find peace. He had to admit his heart was stirred—no one is flawless, and who can possess Zifan’s unwavering resolve? Lü Bu, though new to officialdom, had learned over the years that connections are the quickest path to promotion. Now, Dong Zhuo ruled the court, standing above all but the emperor himself. If Lü Bu joined him, high rank and riches would be easily attained—what could possibly be denied him?

At dawn the next morning, Lü Bu went in person to visit Li Su. High office, wealth, gold and jewels... these were now his greatest desires, the things he had long dreamed of.