41 only 10 days
ChatGPTFortunately, while waiting for Xun Yu and Xun You, Lu Bu had already issued orders. His subordinates were busy orderly carrying out his commands, not wasting precious time.
The sharp-minded and agile guard, Wu Chong, was sent by Lu Bu to execute the "shifting flowers and swapping branches" plan.
Led by Chen Wei, five hundred soldiers disguised themselves as ordinary citizens, scattered throughout the streets and alleys of Luoyang City, spreading rumors. They claimed that Dong Zhuo was about to enter the capital, emphasizing Dong Zhuo's greed and vulgarity from living in the harsh and cold western regions. It was said that he would exploit and oppress the people of Luoyang, turning the city into a place of chaos and devastation. To safeguard their wealth and lives, the people were advised to swiftly evacuate Luoyang.
People fear nothing more than having their wealth taken away and their lives threatened by others. Driven by this psychological factor, no matter how baseless the rumors were, they found believers. Moreover, the people of Luoyang were well aware of the notorious behavior of Dong Zhuo's forces from the western regions, confirming the credibility of the rumors. As a result, some began to inquire about where could be a safe place under the heavens.
The five hundred soldiers led by Chen Wei were from the Yulin, Huben, and Xiyuan Four Armies. These soldiers were mostly recruited from the surrounding areas of Luoyang, having relatives and connections within the city. After hearing Lu Bu's analysis of the current situation, they believed it without a doubt. Immediately, they informed their relatives and friends in Luoyang, who then spread the word to others. With the additional propaganda from these soldiers among the common people, rumors quickly circulated that the new Inspector of Ji Province was none other than the formidable and favored Lu Bu. With him guarding the city, Ji Province was sure to be secure.
Li Hei led a group of people bearing gifts, visiting renowned scholars and wealthy merchants in Luoyang. Their mission was to persuade them to return to Ji Province and serve under Lu Bu.
Most of the scholars who had settled comfortably in Luoyang and were unwilling to give up their positions refused the invitation. However, those scholars whose wealth was still in Ji Province decided to return temporarily.
The timid and cowardly merchants, after hearing the rumors spread by Chen Wei, believed them wholeheartedly. The majority agreed to Li Hei's invitation and decided to swiftly transfer their businesses from Luoyang to Ji Province.
When Lu Bu, with a mix of three parts anger and seven parts disappointment, returned to the main camp at Xiaoping Crossing, Li Su, disguised as an ordinary merchant, visited him under the cover of night.
Lu Bu had already implicated Duan Gui in the assassination of Ding Yuan, but he was still concerned about his subordinates discovering the truth. Therefore, he pretended that Li Su was a merchant sent by his father-in-law, Yan Mu, to establish contact. Lu Bu had kept his subordinates busy with various tasks, so nobody paid much attention to Li Su.
Lu Bu invited Li Su into the central military tent and ordered the Red Guards to guard the tent, preventing anyone from approaching.
Seated on a chair, Li Su took a sip of water and provocatively said, "Lord Lu, congratulations on your promotion to such a high-ranking position. Ji Province is indeed the top province in the empire, with fertile lands and a dense population—a real treasure trove."
Ignoring his words, Lu Bu asked, "Brother Li, what's the situation with Dong Zhuo? When will you enter the capital?"
Li Su sneered, "Now that I'm under General Dong's command, receiving his pay and worrying about his troubles, how can I disclose our military details because of our old friendship? Let's keep official matters official and private matters private. Today, following General Dong's orders, I came to inquire about when you plan to leave the capital. If you don't leave, how can we enter?"
Lu Bu smiled without saying a word and ordered a Red Guard member to bring a tray covered with a black cloth.
Uncertain of Lu Bu's intentions, Li Su hesitated before uncovering the tray. In that moment, Li Su's face turned pale, and he pointed at Lu Bu, exclaiming, "You... you killed him?"
Lu Bu laughed heartily, "Exactly. Weren't you planning to infiltrate Luoyang using him?"
The covered tray revealed the severed head of Pan Yu, the gatekeeper of the west gate of Luoyang.
Pan Yu's collusion with Dong Zhuo's brother, Dong Min, had long been noticed by Gao Shun. To prevent Dong Zhuo from entering Luoyang prematurely, Lu Bu secretly informed Empress Dowager He to issue an order for Pan Yu's execution. Subsequently, Lu Bu sent Wang Yue to assassinate Pan Yu and seize control of his troops. Wang Yue then led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to guard the three western city gates, blocking Dong Zhuo's elite forces.
Before Li Su could recover from the shock, Lu Bu instructed to bring in a large bag. Opening it, a person curled up inside pleaded, "Lord Lu, it was definitely not my second brother who killed him. Please spare me. As long as you spare me, I will make sure my brother repays you generously."
Seeing Li Su's face still in disbelief, Lu Bu explained, "Li Su, you dare to capture Dong Zhuo's younger brother. Hurry up and release Lord Dong Min. Otherwise, my West Liang Iron Cavalry will soon bloodbath Xiaoping Crossing."
Lu Bu coldly snorted, "Who's afraid of who? With Dong Zhuo losing his brother and son in his early years, he only has this younger brother left. How could I not know Dong Min's importance in Dong Zhuo's heart? Blame Dong Zhuo for trying to collaborate from both inside and outside, foolishly placing his brother in the capital. As long as Dong Zhuo dares to attack my forces in Bingzhou, I will kill Dong Min to honor my banner!"
Huddled in the corner, Dong Min shouted at Li Su, "Li Su, you damn traitor! You can't wait for me to die. Quickly kowtow to Lord Lu and apologize, or I'll go back and skin you alive!"
Helplessly, Li Su frowned and was about to kneel to Lu Bu.
Lu Bu quickly approached and pressed Li Su onto the chair, then kicked Dong Min and sternly ordered, "Shut up! If you dare to speak nonsense, I'll have Shi A torture you to death."
Lu Bu appointed Shi A as the "Thief-Hunting Commandant" to lead a group of rogues and thugs familiar with the inner workings of Luoyang. With this new position, Shi A quickly located Dong Min, captured him, and brought him to the main camp of the Bingzhou army. In gratitude, Lu Bu rewarded Shi A with a hundred gold coins.
After the execution of Tang Yu, the gatekeeper of the west gate of Luoyang, and the capture of Dong Min, Li Su had no choice but to say, "I will follow Lord Lu's arrangements. Whatever you say, I will report back to Lord Dong."
Lu Bu calculated the time needed for a complete withdrawal of troops and assets, the time needed to excavate the treasures left by the Ten Attendants, the time needed to purchase food and farming tools, and the implementation time for the palace's "shifting flowers and swapping branches" Li Dai Tao Jiang plan. He then smiled and said, "I need ten days. After ten days, my Bingzhou army will cross the Yellow River. Regardless of what happens in Luoyang, it has nothing to do with me. Additionally, Dong Zhuo's son-in-law, Niu Fu, must withdraw from Hedong Commandery and hand it over to me. If Dong Zhuo agrees to these two conditions, I will naturally return Dong Min to him. Otherwise, I will let Dong Min meet his elder brother sooner. However, there's something I want to make clear. If Dong Zhuo cruelly harms the people upon entering the capital, I will rebel against Dong Zhuo for the sake of the people. If Dong Zhuo cannot compete with Yuan Shao and others, and he retreats to Chang'an, he absolutely cannot burn down Luoyang. Otherwise, I will lead an army to break through Chang'an and execute him."
Li Su thought to himself that with a hostage in your hands, you could make any demand you wanted, and Dong Zhuo would have no choice but to agree.
