Chapter 85: Wang Yun

Dong Cheng’s Residence.

Sima Fang’s face was etched with worry. “General, though we have seized control of Xiangyang, the assassination of the Imperial Advisor and Libationer is a matter of utmost gravity. There are still many Han officials loyal to Sun Jian in the court. If the attempt on Jiang Wen’s life disrupts our plan to assassinate Sun Ce thereafter, all our efforts these days will be meaningless.”

Yang Biao nodded in agreement. “Sima Gong is correct. This man has long held command over the Bureau of Affairs. Once he enters the city, he will surely have its protection. If we attempt an assassination, the chances are slim, and it will only make him wary.”

Dong Cheng, confident and composed, replied, “Since we’re speaking of assassination, I have made preparations long ago. In fact, besides you gentlemen, there is another guest visiting today.”

“And who might this guest be? Why not invite him to meet us?” Yang Biao asked curiously.

“There’s no need. For the sake of our great undertaking, he is already making preparations. He is the most crucial link among us!”

Jiang Residence, West Courtyard.

“Lady Diao, someone waits at the door claiming to be a relative,” the gatekeeper reported to Diao Chan.

Xiao Shu said, “A relative? My lady has never had any family. It must be someone causing trouble. Go and drive him away!”

Diao Chan was lost in thought and paid no heed.

The gatekeeper, still bending low, dared not look directly at the lady, fearing any offense. He took a jade pendant from his pocket. “The man said the lady would recognize this.”

Xiao Shu took the pendant. The jade was cool, translucent, and exquisitely crafted.

She approached Diao Chan and placed the pendant beside her. “Miss, there’s someone outside claiming to be an old acquaintance. He insists on seeing you. This is what he left.”

“Hmm? What did you just say, Xiao Shu?” Diao Chan blinked, a confused look on her face, her delicate beauty tinged with a unique charm.

Xiao Shu grinned, “My lady, an old acquaintance wishes to see you. He said you would recognize this.”

Diao Chan took the jade pendant from Xiao Shu, first stunned, then perplexed. “Where is he?”

“Outside.”

“Wait, slow down, miss! Your veil isn’t ready yet!”

Outside the Jiang Residence, a carriage waited by the roadside. An elderly man inside occasionally lifted the curtain to peer at the mansion.

And then, a figure appeared.

The gatekeepers on either side bowed. “Greetings, Lady Diao.”

Diao Chan asked, “Where is this person?”

“Lady, he’s in the carriage. If you find him bothersome, we can drive him away immediately!”

“No need. I’ll go meet him.”

Diao Chan walked toward the carriage. “Xiao Shu, you need not follow.” Xiao Shu, about to move, stopped at the words.

Diao Chan approached the carriage. The old man lifted the curtain: his hair was neatly tied, his attire a deep blue robe. His face made Diao Chan’s beautiful eyes narrow slightly.

“Wang Yun!”

“Why are you here, foster father?” Diao Chan’s red lips parted in surprise.

“Come inside, Chan’er. I’ve prepared wine and food at the inn. It’s been so long, I miss you.”

“Let me inform the servants first, foster father.”

Diao Chan told Xiao Shu, “I’m going to the inn today. Tell the lady there’s no need to prepare my meals.”

Xiao Shu glanced furtively at the carriage. “Miss, there’s already a rift between you and the master. If you get in the carriage in front of the servants, I fear…”

“No, he is my foster father. Nothing will happen. Go on.”

Inside the inn.

Diao Chan knelt gracefully, setting her veil aside. Wang Yun gazed at her with admiration. “Chan’er, your beauty remains unsurpassed.”

Diao Chan smiled, her pearly teeth showing. “Thank you, foster father, for your praise. You must have endured much hardship traveling from Chang’an to Xiangyang; you should take care of your health. But I am curious—how did you leave Chang’an?”

Wang Yun sighed. “After Dong Zhuo was killed, I resigned and spent my days immersed in books, chess, poetry, and painting—a tranquil life. When the officials fled Chang’an for Xiangyang, I did not go with them, burdened as I was by infamy. They would not deign to accompany me.”

“But as time passed, I wanted to see His Majesty free from the tyranny of the traitor, to witness the glory of the Han dynasty!”

“Recently, Cao Cao’s strategist defeated Lü Bu at Xuchang. In order to recover quickly, many soldiers were transferred from Chang’an, leaving the city defenseless for a time, so I took the opportunity to depart.”

“Did you face any difficulties with food and clothing, foster father?”

“I still have many friends in the court. I told them my plans, and many are willing to trust me—not cowards who submit to traitors!”

“Your deeds are for the realm, yet others do not recognize your worth. It is truly unjust,” Diao Chan replied calmly. “Is there something you seek from me this time?”

Wang Yun’s face grew troubled. “Since you ask, I will not hide it. I once thought that with Dong Zhuo dead, His Majesty would restore the Han. But who would have guessed that His Majesty has escaped the tiger’s den only to fall into the wolf’s lair!”

“The wolf you speak of… is it Sun Jian?”

“You are perceptive, Chan’er!” Wang Yun said with bitter indignation. “The people praise the Prime Minister, but scholars know this is only Sun Jian using the emperor’s authority to win hearts. His ambitions are dangerous!”

“But I heard not long ago that Sun Jian is dead.”

“His son is still alive!” Wang Yun said sternly. “Sun Ce, like his father, refuses to yield power to the emperor. Such men are sure to cause chaos!”

Diao Chan’s expression shifted slightly. “Foster father, do you mean for me to seduce Sun Ce?”

Wang Yun was delighted; he had expected to persuade her with emotion, but she was already so obedient. “Chan’er, you once seduced Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo for the emperor and the Han dynasty.”

Diao Chan’s slender fingers tightened around her cup, but her face showed no change. Wang Yun continued, “I know you well, Chan’er. But this time, the objective is not just Sun Ce.”

“Oh? Then what else should I do?”

“Your target also includes Jiang Wen, the Imperial Advisor and Libationer!” Wang Yun said. “Sun Jian treats you as a pawn, forcing you to marry Jiang Wen as his concubine. I know you resent this. But if you can make them turn against each other, one of my friends can clear my name, and you could marry his son as wife!”

“Of course, all my friends are prominent officials. If you marry into their family, given your beauty, you will surely be cherished.”

Wang Yun felt relief—Dong Cheng had promised him that once Jiang Wen was eliminated, he would help clear Wang Yun’s name.

Being falsely accused is deeply uncomfortable; now that he could be vindicated, he would spare no effort.

Yet Diao Chan, the beauty, fell silent. She picked up the kettle and poured herself a cup of water.