Chapter 60 Soft Knife

  The night was deep, and Luoyang City gradually quieted down.

  Luo Zheng was still reading by the light of a candle at night, studying some strategic tactics in "Wei Liaozi".

  Later generations often simply think that the strategies of ancient times are just some simple and sinister plots. With the broad vision of 21st-century people, if they were to go back in time to ancient times, they would definitely be smarter than Zhuge Liang.

  But standing in the context of this era and studying it, one finds that such thinking is too naive.

  People of this era are limited by the constraints of social productivity and ideology, with a relatively narrow field of vision.

  But if we talk about wisdom, the wisdom of ancient people is not necessarily inferior to that of later generations.

  Those with extraordinary wisdom and strategic thinking can leave a lasting name for eternity; how could they be foolish and simple-minded?

  For example, some of the strategies in "Wei Liaozi" are not simple, not only conform to the social background of this era, but also make people think deeply, involving astronomy, geography, human nature and other aspects.

  Every time I read it, I have different feelings and thoughts.

  Gan sat on her knees beside him, quietly grinding ink for Luo Zheng, like a lonely orchid in an empty valley.

  The heavy footsteps outside shattered the tranquility of the room, Luo Zheng put down his bamboo slips and looked towards the door.

  Xu Chu pushed open the door and walked in, saying: "My lord, Grand Administrator Wang Yun has sent someone to invite you."

  Lu Zhen was taken aback, but since Wang Yun was one of the three dukes, how could he possibly send someone to invite a small Zhonglang Jiang like himself? However, thinking that Dong Zhuo had died due to Wang Yun's beauty trap, his heart skipped a beat and he said: "I accept your invitation."

  Xu Chu responded with a single word and turned around to leave the door.

  Gan's family then hastily got up and retreated into the back hall.

  Soon, Xu Chu brought in a servant in his thirties.

  Wang Hao has met General Luo Zheng.

  The newcomer bowed respectfully to Luo Zheng and gave him a very polite greeting.

  A mere servant, Luo Zheng would naturally not lower his status.

  He raised his hand and said, "No need for formalities, I don't know why you've summoned me, Sir Cai, what's the important matter?"

  Wang Hao presented a letter and replied: "The Grand Tutor has important business to discuss with the General, please have the General move his carriage to the Grand Tutor's mansion tomorrow."

  "Please report back to Grand Councilor Sir, I will arrive tomorrow as scheduled."

  Wang Hao made another bow and then backed out.

  Xu Chu immediately pulled up the gate and personally escorted Wang Hua out.

  Luo Zheng tore open the letter and took a glance, his face immediately changed color.

  "Li Ru, Niu Fu, Li Jue."

  Luo Zheng's eyes condensed, with a cold and ruthless killing intent brewing.

  This letter is written in great detail, with some of the original words written clearly, making it impossible for people not to believe.

  But how would Wang Yun know such a secret thing?

  Luo Zheng's mind turned around and suddenly became clear.

  If things go as expected, there must be Wang Yun's eyes and ears in Niu Fu's mansion.

  It seems that these courtiers of the Northern Zhou Dynasty are not to be underestimated. After all, the Western Liang army has only recently entered the capital and does not have a strong foundation or connections in Luoyang. In terms of hidden power, they are indeed inferior to those courtiers who have been active in Luoyang for decades.

  It's not impossible for someone to have arranged a few eyes and ears in Fuzhong.

  "What a good King Wang Yun, indeed he is not a benevolent ruler."

  Luo Zheng soon understood Wang Yun's sinister plan, and a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

  This letter was unsigned, so even if someone saw it, Wang Yun could still deny any involvement.

  No matter whether the contents of the letter are true or not, I will be on my guard. Moreover, judging from Luo Zhen's words, it is likely that Li Ru, Niu Fu and Li Jue have conspired against me. This would be in line with what some people want.

  Wang Yun sent this letter, but it's not a kind reminder to be more vigilant.

  If Luo Zheng were to be secretly killed by Li Ru and others so easily, some people might be disappointed.

  On the other hand, the more intense the internal struggle within the Western Liang army is, the happier some people will be.

  Although Luo Zhen had never dealt with the officials of the court, he knew that Dong Zhuo was actually murdered by Wang Yun's design. It can be seen that there are many ministers in the court who hope for Dong Zhuo's death, and Wang Yun would not have such a good heart.

  Even if he himself took this letter to Dong Zhuo, it would probably be of no use.

  Even if Dong Zhuo believed that this letter was written by Wang Yun and killed him, he would gain nothing.

  If the content of the letter is true, and he himself is not a close follower of Dong Zhuo's rise to power, in the end, if Dong Zhuo has to choose between Li Ru and others and himself, he will likely lean towards Li Ru and others, this is an undeniable fact.

  The best way to deal with it is to pretend you don't know anything.

  However, Wang Yun invited him, and he couldn't go, nor could he not go.

  It's gone, and it will definitely take no more than one night for the news to reach Dong Zhuo's ears.

  If he doesn't go, it's likely that Li Ru and Niu Fu are secretly plotting against him, and the news will soon be all over the streets. This would force him to become even more hostile towards Li Ru and others, and once they break their faces, the situation will become even more worrying.

  Before gaining enough trust from Dong Zhuo, having a falling out with Li Ru and others would only bring harm without any benefit.

  When that time comes, Dong Zhuo will not hesitate to sacrifice him for the stability of the Western Liang army.

  "This Wang Yun is really good at playing tricks and plotting."

  Luo Zheng's face was gloomy, and he racked his brains to think of a way to deal with Wang Yun's vicious plan.

  It wasn't long before he thought of a countermeasure.

  The next morning, all officials gathered at the Deyang Hall for a meeting.

  The civil and military officials were divided into two classes, while Dong Zhuo had set up a soft couch, sitting alone under the imperial case, his dignity and honor visible to all.

  The meeting was very short, and Emperor Xian of Han Liu Xie was just a puppet of Dong Zhuo. The proposals that Dong Zhuo nodded in agreement to were naturally passed smoothly; those he disagreed with were all vetoed, and the young emperor had no choice but to nod in agreement.

  Early in the morning, Luo Zhen immediately went to Jia De Hall to see Dong Zhuo.

  After waiting for a good half an hour, he was led in by the personal guards and saw Dong Zhuo.

  "I will see you later, Your Excellency."

  Lu Zheng was meticulous and respectful in his courtesy, not daring to be the slightest bit presumptuous.

  "Exempt from ceremonial rites."

  Dong Zhuo asked with a seemingly benevolent tone: "You came to see me as soon as the morning court session ended, do you have any important matters to report?"

  Luo Zheng replied, "Yesterday I received an invitation from Sir Wang Yun, asking me to visit him at his residence today. As I don't know what he wants, I dare not go rashly, so I came to ask for your instructions, Master."

  Dong Zhuo narrowed his eyes, seemingly pondering Wang Yun's words, and asked calmly, "What is Ping's true intention?"

  Lu Zheng replied, "If I don't go when the Minister of Works invites me, I'm afraid others will take advantage of it and speak ill of me behind my back, saying that I'm arrogant and look down on even the current Minister of Works. They'll use this to criticize our Western Liang army for being overbearing and lawless. Therefore, I think I should go to the Minister's residence and see what he wants with me."

  Dong Zhuo nodded, "Hmmm, Shengping's consideration is quite thorough, then go take a look!"

  Luo Zheng made another bow before backing out.

  Only after leaving Jiade Hall did he secretly wipe away a cold sweat.

  If I don't take the initiative to give Dong Zhuo a preventive shot, and rashly go to the Imperial Tutor's mansion at Wang Yun's invitation, who knows what rumors will spread. Even if Dong Zhuo doesn't send me to the Cold Palace, he will definitely have doubts in his heart.

  When they arrived at Situ Mansion, they found out that Wang Yun had invited not only himself, but also several high-ranking officials from the imperial court.

  The Minister of Works Zheng Zhong, the Colonel of the City Gates Huang Wan, and the Colonel Yang Tan were all present.

  "Haha, come on in, Ping, quickly!"

  Wang Yun personally got up and went out to welcome him, and led Luo Zheng into the main hall.

  Luo Zhen led the team to make a bow and pay respects to Zheng Zhong, Huang Wan and other ministers.

  Zheng Zhong and Huang Wan are men of high virtue and prestige, so it's alright even if they don't get up to receive him.

  Yang Can was just a school lieutenant, and his position was still under Luo Zheng, but he just nodded slightly, with a very cold expression.

  Luo Zheng was somewhat displeased, and he didn't want to come in the first place. Now he still had to watch people's faces. If it weren't for Si Tu Wang Yun being extremely enthusiastic, he would have probably turned around and left without saying another word. Anyway, he didn't rely on these people to make a living, so why bother watching their faces?

  "Rise and take your seats!"

  Wang Yun saw all this and smiled as he invited Luo Zhen to take a seat on the right side of Yang Zan.

  Yang Cang was even more displeased, letting out a cold snort, and didn't even glance at Luo Zheng.

  Luo Zheng ignored this bird person and continued drinking wine and eating meat, watching what kind of tricks Wang Yun was playing.

  Under Wang Yun's hospitality, the atmosphere at the banquet was still quite lively.

  Zheng Zhong and Huang Wan both praised Luo Zheng a few words, all of which were some nonsense about being brave and resourceful, commanding troops in an orderly manner.

  Only School Lieutenant Yang Zan was quite displeased with Luo Zheng, but he didn't know where Luo Zheng had offended him.

  Before long, a dancer floated in, singing and dancing lightly to the sound of rustling silk and bamboo instruments, displaying a captivating charm.

  Wang Tu, Zheng Zhong and Huang Wan were watching with a smile, stroking their beards from time to time, their faces full of joy.

  Yang Can was young and robust, his eyes fixed intently on the dancer, with no attempt to conceal the naked desire in them.

  Lu Zheng was originally not interested in this kind of dance, but when he saw the dancer, his eyes widened involuntarily, thinking that there was such a stunning beauty in the world, even more beautiful than Gan and Wu Zhen.

  It's not enough to describe it as stunning the country and city, it's simply a disaster for the nation and its people.

  When the music stopped, the dancer retreated with a flourish, and Luo Zheng finally withdrew his gaze.

  He turned his head to look at Yang Zan, but saw that this guy had a look of being enchanted, and even his soul was almost hooked away.

  Wang Yun, Huang Wan and Zheng Zhong, the three old men, had been secretly observing Luo Zheng. Seeing that Luo Zheng remained calm and composed, although his gaze at the dancing girl was a bit lewd, it was far from being as unbearable as Yang Zan's, so they all looked up to him with increased respect.

  Since ancient times, heroes have loved beautiful women. Those who are not moved by beauty are either eunuchs or men of extremely strong will.

  Moreover, with that dancer's stunning beauty, even a eunuch would be moved, it's just that his heart is willing but his body is weak.

  Just look at Yang Zan's performance and you'll know how strong that woman is.

  He attracts attention with his appearance but doesn't want it, he is rewarded but doesn't accept it, how can he not teach a few old foxes who have already become spirits to look up to him?

  Wang Yun stroked his long beard and chuckled: "What does Shengping think of this girl?"

  Lu Zheng's expression remained unchanged, but in his heart he praised: "With the beauty of a fish sinking and a goose falling, with the face that makes the moon hide and the flowers blush, with one smile, a hundred charms are born, the six palaces' beauties have no color, even if Chang'e descended to the mortal world, it would not be more than this, indeed Xishi is reborn!"