Chapter 13: return home
When Lu Bu arrived at the prime minister's mansion, Dong Zhuo himself stepped out to greet him, a gesture of high courtesy that struck Lu Bu deeply.
"How can Lao Xiangguo personally receive me?" Lu Bu hurriedly saluted, showing his respect.
"Fengxian truly embodies an unmatched prowess," Dong Zhuo approached and clasped Lu Bu's hand, radiating warmth. "With Fengxian by my side, what need have I to fear the Guandong factions?"
"Xiangguo's praise is too generous," Lu Bu replied, inwardly delighted by the reception. However, he remained modest and didn't let it go to his head. He then presented Sun Jian's body, explaining, "This is the remains of Sun Jian. Though our paths diverged, he was a man of honor and virtue. I couldn't bear to dismember his body, hence I've preserved it intact."
"A hero honoring a hero," Dong Zhuo mused, his gaze fixed on the fallen warrior. He sighed, "Had Sun Jian chosen reconciliation earlier, such a tragedy might have been averted."
Dong Zhuo had long harbored the desire to recruit Sun Jian. During discussions with Zhang Wen regarding Bian Zhang and Han Sui, Sun Jian had showcased remarkable military acumen. Unfortunately, Sun Jian held Dong Zhuo in low regard and refused to submit. Instead, he became a front-line commander for the Kanto factions, launching two assaults.
However, Lu Bu's act of beheading Sun Jian hadn't caused a significant stir within Dong Zhuo. While the Jiangdong Tiger was renowned, his downfall at Xu Rong's hands left him with his life intact. This time, facing Lu Bu, the outcome was swift and decisive. While Dong Zhuo admired Lu Bu's courage, he couldn't help but scorn Sun Jian for his lackluster performance.
"Come, Fengxian, let us proceed inside. Share with me the strategy that led to the downfall of the Jiangdong Tiger," Dong Zhuo extended his arm, leading Lu Bu into the mansion, a chuckle escaping his lips.
Lu Bu's visit served a dual purpose: to witness Hu Zhen's unfavorable report and to claim credit for his achievement. He acquiesced to Dong Zhuo's invitation and had Hua Xiong explain the details of Hu Zhen's defeat. Although Lu Bu wasn't directly involved, Hua Xiong narrated the account comprehensively.
Hu Zhen's ambition had been his downfall, caught up in the pursuit of personal glory. However, Sun Jian had set a clever trap. With limited time, and with an added element of the Yique Pass, Sun Jian managed to catch Hu Zhen off-guard. Later, it was uncovered that Zhao Cen had covertly collaborated with Sun Jian, a revelation that incensed Dong Zhuo, leading to Zhao Cen's execution.
Lu Bu and Hua Xiong had no objections. A traitor, no matter the circumstances, was deserving of consequences. However, their conversation didn't veer off course. Currently, the Xiliang army was somewhat unsettled with the capital in flux. Though Lu Bu had informed Dong Zhuo he might not return that night, he was still welcomed with a banquet. However, due to state affairs, Dong Zhuo had to leave for the palace, causing the banquet to conclude. Still, Lu Bu's reward remained, and the focus was on stabilizing the region.
"Did you face peril during this expedition, my husband?" Back at home, Mrs. Yan presented Lu Bu with a pot of simmering soup. The original plan was a banquet, but due to Dong Zhuo's abrupt departure, the event had been cut short. Despite Lu Bu's reassurances of his potential late return, his wife awaited him with warm soup.
"Dangers are inconsequential with the Red Hare and my halberd at hand. Who in this world could harm me?" Lu Bu spoke with pride.
Yan Shi's lips curved into a faint smile. Her appearance bore traces of the Hu ethnicity, her smiles revealing gentle dimples. An unmistakable beauty, she remained noticeable in a crowd. Over the years, crow's feet had appeared around her eyes, but despite the changes, there was a timeless allure. Approaching their ten-year anniversary, their daughter was now seven years old. Previously, the signs of aging had been visible, but now, as she looked at her husband under the candlelight, she noticed a lingering thought, not fiery, but a delicate sentiment.
"No matter how powerful my husband is, he's still human. The battlefield is unpredictable; blades and arrows show no discrimination. My concerns may be unnecessary, but it's crucial for my husband to consider the well-being of Lingqi and me. If something should befall you, what will we do?" Yan Shi sighed.
In the past, such musings from his wife would irritate Lu Bu, yet this time, seeing her toil by candlelight, he gently placed down his soup bowl and approached her, standing protectively by her side.
"What are you doing, husband?" Yan Shi's voice trembled slightly as she gazed up at Lu Bu.
"Madam, I long for your presence," Lu Bu replied, his fingers brushing her delicate frame. The yearning was genuine. After a decade apart, he realized his wife and daughter occupied substantial portions of his heart.
"Husband…" Yan Shi's voice quivered. Since the confirmation of her inability to bear children, it had been years since Lu Bu spoke to her in such a manner. The tenderness she once knew resurfaced, causing a hint of moisture to gather in her eyes. She leaned into his embrace, seeking solace.
"Lu Bu chuckled, his calloused hand cupping Yan Shi's cheek, a gesture both affectionate and nostalgic. It was a moment suspended in time, rekindling a gentle connection.