Chapter 1356: The Plot
Chapter 1356: The Plot
Lu Hai Kong and the various warlords had agreed to meet on October 15th, but the warlords arrived much earlier, gathering outside Luoyang City as early as October 7th.
The warlords' early arrival and the formidable strength displayed by their armies caught Lu Hai Kong's side off guard.
Consequently, the hospitality offered to the warlords was filled with blunders and oversights.
Lu Hai Kong's side tried their best to conceal their weaknesses, but ultimately, their vulnerabilities were exposed.
The revelation of Lu Hai Kong's weaknesses emboldened the warlords even further.
Led by Dong Zhuo, the allied forces of the warlords demanded an audience with Lu Hai Kong as soon as they arrived. When Lu Hai Kong did not comply, the warlords, under Dong Zhuo's leadership, began a series of provocations and troubles for Lu Hai Kong.
In response, Lu Hai Kong's side had no choice but to change their representative, entrusting Xi Zhi Cai with the task of handling the warlords.
The situation changed immediately after the replacement. Xi Zhi Cai's handling of the warlords' provocations showcased his wisdom, despite being at a subtle disadvantage.
Although they maintained their composure, Lu Hai Kong's side gradually lost confidence over the next few days.
As Lu Hai Kong's confidence waned, the warlords grew bolder in their attitude.
With Lu Hai Kong's prolonged absence, the warlords had the perfect excuse to repeatedly pressure Xi Zhi Cai.
Eventually, they even issued threats, declaring that if Lu Hai Kong did not show himself, they would storm Luoyang City. Their attitude was so arrogant, as if they had Lu Hai Kong right where they wanted him.
Lu Hai Kong's people secretly mocked this behavior, but on the surface, they appeared apprehensive, offering various words of persuasion.
The more they tried to pacify the warlords, the more it fueled their arrogance.
Led by Dong Zhuo, some of their actions crossed the line. On October 11th, the warlords even launched a surprise night attack on Luoyang City under the cover of darkness.
This unexpected assault nearly succeeded in capturing the city, but fortunately, Dian Wei and Huang Zhong emerged at the critical moment. With Lu Hai Kong's promise to meet them on the 12th, the warlords withdrew their troops.
Although the warlords retreated, this battle exposed Lu Hai Kong's true situation. The warlords believed they had figured out Lu Hai Kong's weaknesses and were eager to take advantage on the 12th. If possible, they even intended to devour Lu Hai Kong.
Lu Hai Kong was more than willing to give them this opportunity.
October 12th, in the camp of the warlords' army.
The five warlords gathered together, and at this moment, whether it was Dong Zhuo, Liu Bei, Yuan Hong, or even the most suspicious Cao Cao, all of them wore smiles on their faces.
It could be said that Lu Hai Kong's people had put on a remarkable performance over the past few days.
Not only did they successfully delay the warlords for five days, but they also used this time to set up defenses, cutting off any chance of escape. During these five days, they also managed to create an image of being at their wit's end.
Even Cao Cao believed that Lu Hai Kong was on the verge of collapse. Before Lu Hai Kong's arrival, the warlords had already begun discussing how to divide the spoils. At this moment, in their eyes, Lu Hai Kong was nothing more than a dish to be devoured at their pleasure.
The only slight blemish on this perfect plan was that when Lu Hai Kong became a helpless mess, the unity among the warlords that had been displayed initially vanished without a trace.
Even before the true benefits were in sight, the warlords began to split apart, driven by their desire for personal gain. Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian's factions had already begun to clash, their tensions palpable.
However, these three were all powerful warlords in their own right, each with their own grand ambitions. Despite their disputes, they maintained a certain level of restraint, ensuring that no unsightly scenes occurred.
At least, not until Lu Hai Kong truly fell and the benefits were within their grasp. Only then would they truly show their true colors.
But even this was enough to satisfy one particular person in the room.
With this level of success, his task could be considered accomplished.
As Yuan Hong's face lit up with joy, and Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian exchanged glances with hints of tension, Dong Zhuo's expression was one of amusement. Just then, a general entered the room and announced, "Your Highness, the Prince of Jin has arrived!"
At this news, everyone's spirits lifted.
The five warlords present displayed a mix of emotions on their faces. There was anticipation at seeing Lu Hai Kong's predicament, but also a hidden tension and vigilance. Nonetheless, they all rose with radiant smiles to greet the Prince of Jin.
Outside Luoyang City, beyond the vast army of the warlords...
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As the five warlords stepped forward to greet the Prince of Jin, Lu Hai Kong, accompanied by Huang Zhong and Dian Wei, approached the army's perimeter.
Upon seeing Lu Hai Kong, Liu Bei and the others were momentarily dazed. After several years of separation, they were reunited with the same Lu Hai Kong—every gesture exuding an innate dominance, a man confident in his control and unshakable in his composure.
However, at this moment, his air of dominance and confidence was overlooked by those present.
Having witnessed Lu Hai Kong's recent struggles, they were certain that he had reached the end of his rope. Thus, his once-intimidating demeanor held no weight in their eyes.
Despite the wariness on their faces, it was now tinged with mockery, as if to say, 'Even you have come to this.'
Meanwhile, Lu Hai Kong's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
Jia Xu's plan had unfolded far more smoothly than he had anticipated. Lu Hai Kong had believed that Liu Bei and the others, being formidable warlords, would not be so easily manipulated.
But over the past few days, as Lu Hai Kong monitored the progress of the plan, he witnessed firsthand how Liu Bei and the others changed upon learning of his true strength. Lu Hai Kong had to admit that he might have overestimated them.
'Let all their illusions shatter today!'
Just as this thought crossed Lu Hai Kong's mind, the expressions of Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and the others, who had come to greet him, simultaneously changed.
At that very moment, Lu Hai Kong's face also underwent a transformation.
He realized that he had been restrained, and in the instant when the mocking smiles on the faces of Liu Bei and the others vanished!
It was then that Lu Hai Kong understood that Liu Bei and his allies might have known his true intentions from the very beginning!
(End of Chapter)
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