Stay calm and be patient.

“Let us set this matter aside for now and focus on appeasement and stability. When I return, we shall discuss it further.” After pondering for a moment, he turned to Liu Yu, Zhou Xiu, and the others, saying, “However, should you encounter someone whose crimes are heinous, who has incurred the wrath of the people, and who obstinately resists our Rising Han Army, show no mercy—such chief villains must be executed!”

“Master, you are wise! We shall remember your words!” The appointed officers clasped their fists in salute.

Wang Bo waved his hand and added, “Niu Da, you will lead two thousand Crimson Tiger soldiers to garrison Yanmen’s Gouzhu Pass! This is the lifeline of our army—under no circumstances can it fall! Niu Hong, Niu Meng, and Niu Dazhuang will command the reserves and march with the supply convoy, ensuring our grain lines remain secure!”

“Yes, sir!” The Niu brothers answered in unison, their voices loud and clear. Even after issuing these orders, Wang Bo still felt uneasy and reinforced them with another two thousand Crimson Tiger troops.

“All remaining officers will march south with me! This battle concerns the very survival of our Rising Han and the fate of a million commoners in Bing Province. I hope all my brothers will join hearts and efforts, upholding the illustrious reputation of our army!”

“We will not fail you, Master! Victory for the Rising Han!” Their passionate cries echoed throughout the vast meeting hall, and in the next instant, they surged outdoors, their voices soaring into the sky.

A sharp crack reverberated through the opulent palace. The exquisitely carved jade cup, just a moment ago being played with in a plump hand, was hurled to the ground, shattering and sending sharp fragments flying—some even sliced bloody lines across the faces of those kneeling below. But the portly man groveling on the floor dared not utter a sound, trembling all over as sweat dripped unchecked from his chubby cheeks onto the marble.

“Defeat! Defeat! Yet another defeat!” Seeing that his throw had missed Niu Fu, Dong Zhuo was beside himself with rage. His huge face—broad forehead, thick brows, and a wide mouth—exuded a natural authority, but now, in his fury, his long triangular brows bristled and the scar on his temple pulsed, making him look even more terrifying.

Anger still unspent, Dong Zhuo kicked over the small table in front of him and heaved his massive body to stand. The young girls serving on either side hurried to steady him, but he shoved them aside, sending them sprawling. One, scantily clad, was left half-naked, but even as she fell, she quickly turned and prostrated herself, not daring to cover her exposed skin.

“I see you’re nothing but a bungler—good for nothing but causing disaster! Since you came to Luoyang with me, you’ve done nothing but eat, drink, and chase women. Where is the spirit of a Xiliang warrior?” He thundered forward, delivering a kick that sent Niu Fu rolling across the floor. Everyone else, bowing their heads in confusion, quickly knelt, trembling in fear.

“When my Xiliang sons march, who dares stand against us? And yet you have shamed our army! You were beaten by a rabble of ragged White Wave bandits; you lost to Guo Tai, then to Hu Cai; now again to Yang Feng, defeated by some so-called axe-wielding champion! Champion, you say? Nonsense! That’s just an excuse for your own incompetence! If not for my daughter’s sake, I’d have had you chopped up and fed to wild wolves by now!”

His tirade left his mouth dry, and he turned to look for his teacup, only to remember he’d already smashed it. Before he could vent his anger further, the naked girl, who had been watching him closely, quickly stepped forward with another prepared cup, holding it up with both hands.

Dong Zhuo glared at her swaying figure, then drained the cup in one gulp. The warm tea soothed him somewhat, easing the fire in his chest.

At his side, Li Ru—slender but full of energy—stroked his short goatee, straightened the official cap marking his rank, and approached Dong Zhuo, bowing and offering a sycophantic smile. “Prime Minister, please calm yourself—anger harms the body! The tens of thousands of Xiliang sons still await your leadership to share in endless glory and riches. I beg you to look after your health, my lord!”

“Hmph—such incompetence!” Dong Zhuo grumbled, but Li Ru’s flattery soothed him, and he settled his bulk back onto his seat, his tone growing less coarse.

“General Niu Fu is loyal to you, my lord. Though his men are few, their valor is unmatched! Surely it is the bandits’ superior numbers and their use of guerrilla tactics in the mountains that have made victory difficult.”

Dong Zhuo nodded, unwilling to punish Niu Fu too harshly—after all, his son-in-law was family, and however dim-witted, at least he was loyal. He didn’t trust outsiders with military power. Sighing, he glared at Niu Fu, venting the last of his anger.

“All of you, rise!” Dong Zhuo ordered, restoring his usual authority. But his brow soon furrowed again. “Though we brothers now enjoy power and wealth, men like the Yuans and Weis remain dissatisfied; Han Fu, Kong Zhou, and Zhang Miao are fools; and Yuan Benchu and Yuan Gonglu are treacherous at heart! We must not let our guard down.”

“Though we may be crushed to dust, we fear nothing so long as we repay your kindness, Prime Minister!” Li Ru loudly reaffirmed his loyalty, echoed by the others, with Niu Fu knocking his head on the floor in fervent agreement.

Seeing Niu Fu’s fearful expression, Dong Zhuo felt a pang of pity and sighed. “Rise and speak! Why has such a minor bandit problem dragged on so long, with no results and repeated setbacks?”

Niu Fu’s face turned from caution to deep grievance. “Prime Minister, Guo Tai and Yang Feng are cunning villains! Whenever I lead men to suppress them, they scatter into the mountains, only to regroup and ambush us as soon as we return. It is most vexing!”

“Then why were you so soundly defeated in open battle this time?” Dong Zhuo’s temper flared at the reminder of failure.

Sensing his father-in-law’s anger, Niu Fu immediately knelt. “Forgive me, Prime Minister! We had only five thousand men, while the White Wave bandits had somehow gathered tens of thousands. Though our Xiliang sons fought bravely, we were hopelessly outnumbered. Worse, their commander was a fierce man wielding an axe, charging through our lines as if cutting vegetables—none of my officers could withstand a single blow. Truly, he was terrifying! Even Lu Fengxian would struggle against such a foe. If I hadn’t escaped…”

“Not a single one of you could stand against him? Why, when I swept through Liang and Bing, did I never hear of such a man? My son Fengxian’s valor is unmatched—who could defeat him? There must be something wrong with your leadership!” Dong Zhuo cut him off, his anger unrelenting.

After catching his breath, Dong Zhuo pressed further, “You rely too much on brute force and lack strategy. Did I not send Jia Wenhe to assist you? Why haven’t you used him? Is that scholar all talk as well?”

“Jia Xu has done nothing but mumble and urge me to defend, defend, defend! I think he’s just afraid of the White Wave bandits…”

“Hmph! I thought him capable, but he’s just a useless scholar after all! Why did Wenyou praise him so highly?” Dong Zhuo turned to Li Ru, frowning.

Li Ru hesitated, then bowed. “He did seem insightful when I met him, but it appears I misjudged him. Please punish me, Prime Minister.”

In truth, Li Ru was pleased; moving Jia Xu away would secure his own position. He offered contrition, but inwardly rejoiced.

Dong Zhuo, who favored Li Ru’s words, waved it off. “No matter! Scholars are all useless—I've long known this. That man is no exception. Niu Fu, have him executed and be done with it!”

“He may be clever with numbers and words, Prime Minister. Perhaps he could serve under Niu Fu in a lesser capacity, thus proving your magnanimity and discernment,” Li Ru suggested, winking at Niu Fu.

“A good suggestion, Wenyou. Jia Wenhe may lack great talent, but he’s well-organized with logistics and paperwork. I’ll spare him for now.”

With that, Dong Zhuo dismissed Niu Fu and coughed loudly, addressing the assembly. “The court is settled, but the White Wave are still at large, and now the eastern rebels have risen!…”

His voice grew louder and more agitated, his huge frame quivering, the scar on his brow throbbing more ominously.

“Bridge Mao, Cao Ahman—what are they? Nobodies, sons of concubines and eunuchs! And yet they shamelessly claim justice? I have treated Liu Dai and Zhang Miao with utmost generosity, even honored the Yuan clan as my guests, and still they oppose me. Do they think me weak, my blade dull?”

In the grand audience hall, dozens of officers bowed their heads in silence, Dong Zhuo’s voice echoing through the room. Even the glittering treasures seemed to lose their luster under the weight of his anger.

At length, after venting his spleen, the Grand Tutor exhaled deeply and steadied himself. “Given this situation, what counsel do you all have? Speak freely.”

“Father, be at ease! I am willing to lead my several thousand Bingzhou Wolf Riders to ease your worries. Axe-wielding champions? Eastern warlords? They are nothing but paper tigers! My halberd will smash them all!” As soon as Dong Zhuo finished speaking, a voice rang out from below, its strength making the hall tremble.

Dong Zhuo didn’t need to look—only Lü Bu would dare shout so loudly in his presence. He frowned and scolded lightly, “There is no father and son in council! Fengxian, stand down!”

Lü Bu looked up, puzzled by Dong Zhuo’s displeasure. He opened his mouth but said nothing more, bowed, and withdrew under a cloud of ridicule and disdain.

“Wenyou, what is your opinion?” Dong Zhuo’s gaze swept the assembly and settled on Li Ru.

Bowing, Li Ru stroked his short beard and, after a pause, replied, “Prime Minister, there is no need for such anger. The eastern rebels are but untested scholars, their armies made up of men softened by long peace, no match for our Xiliang cavalry. Luoyang is surrounded by formidable passes—how could their schemes succeed? Simply send several top generals to guard the main approaches. When the enemy’s momentum fades, sally forth and rout them; they will scatter in terror.”

Dong Zhuo nodded thoughtfully. “Then, Wenyou, how would you deploy our forces?”

Li Ru’s eyes flashed as he surveyed the generals. “The Sishui and Hulao passes are the only routes to Luoyang—these are the key to the whole campaign. I hear General Hua Xiong is renowned for his valor and can be entrusted with this vital task. General Xu Rong, skilled in both courage and strategy, can support him.”

“Will you take on this responsibility?” Dong Zhuo asked the two.

“We are willing! We will not fail you!” Both generals knelt without hesitation.

“As for the rebels in Henei and Jingnan, they are but small bands. Assign generals to hold Mengjin, Xuanyuan, and Guangcheng passes, and there will be no worry. Thus, you, Prime Minister, need only hold Luoyang and watch our Xiliang sons destroy the eastern rabble!”

“Excellent! Wenyou, you are truly my right hand. We shall act as you advise!” Dong Zhuo’s eyes gleamed, and he burst into laughter.

When the laughter faded, Li Ru bowed again. “Prime Minister, men like Bridge Mao and Yuan Shu are simply jealous of your power and seek to coerce you with these rebellious acts. Their bluster is no real threat. What concerns me are the White Wave bandits…”

“Oh? The White Wave are a mere rabble—why worry? Don’t tell me you’re being overly cautious?” Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, joined by his officers, especially the sly Li Su whose derision was plain.

Li Ru hid his contempt, but mentally took note of those who mocked him most. When Dong Zhuo’s laughter faded, he stepped forward gravely. “Prime Minister, the White Wave may seem a trivial ailment, but they are as tenacious as weeds—difficult to root out, yet dangerous if left alone. Otherwise, would General Niu Fu have struggled with them for months to no avail?”

Dong Zhuo frowned and nodded.

“In the past, they were not a major concern, but times have changed. Now, with the eastern rebels in arms and the Yuan brothers stirring, you must station our main force east of Luoyang to guard against threats. Consider this…” As he spoke, Li Ru produced a map of the Han Empire and, with the help of two maids, displayed it for all to see.

“If we do so, the area west of Luoyang to Chang’an will be left vulnerable. Should the White Wave join with the eastern rebels, moving south through Hedong to threaten Hongnong, our army could be caught in a fourfold trap!” Li Ru traced the map as he spoke.

A collective gasp passed through the hall as Dong Zhuo and his officers grasped the gravity of the situation for the first time, understanding at last the peril posed by the White Wave army.