Chapter 95: Let Her Choose Willingly

Wang Yun believed the traitorous Chen was cunning and not easily deceived; it would be difficult to restrain him with righteousness alone.

However...

If he could succeed in killing Dong Zhuo, with his high office as Minister over the Masses and the power of the Wang clan of Bing Province behind him, it was not impossible that he might rise to become the foremost figure of the realm.

The coalition armies of the nobles were drawing near.

Should he gather those forces, relying on Luoyang, the seat of imperial power, he could restore the Han and secure a reputation for virtue that would echo through the ages.

“Enough. Zining, whatever reward you require, as long as it is reasonable, I will not refuse.”

Chen Cong’s cold expression softened. He cupped his hands to Wang Yun, his smile dazzling.

“In this life, one seeks either fame or profit. Since we are to slay the traitor, my reputation must be rightful. I request an imperial edict, so that my name may be proclaimed throughout the world. Surely that is not too much?”

Wang Yun hesitated. The request was not excessive; what troubled him was the fear that Chen Cong would use the edict to trick Dong Zhuo and thus bring harm to the Emperor...

But on second thought, he realized there was no great risk.

For all Dong Zhuo’s tyranny, it was he who had placed this Emperor on the throne, and he justified his actions with grand principles. Even if Dong Zhuo grew enraged, he would never lightly kill the Emperor.

“Very well. I will ask the imperial physician Ji Ping to enter the palace tonight, explain the situation to His Majesty, and obtain the edict.”

Chen Cong nodded. “Now that glory is settled, I’d like to ask for a minor profit.”

“Proceed.”

“There are seventy-four pleasure houses in Luoyang. Their trade is base and taints the names of the gentlemen involved; why not let me take charge of them all?”

It was not that Chen Cong wished to become a brothel master.

With the experience he’d gained from his month of leisure in Gong County, he understood that the profit from the pleasure houses was secondary to the power of the information network behind them.

The true master of such affairs would be his second-in-command, Shi A.

Chen Cong made his request lightly, but Wang Yun’s mouth twitched.

A base trade, spoken of so easily! Did the ministers and nobles not know its infamy? Why, then, did they all meddle in it? For profit, nothing more!

Behind the seventy-four pleasure houses of Luoyang were the interests of hundreds of families—this was not a matter to be taken lightly.

“Zining, choose another condition. In this matter, I am powerless.”

“Truly impossible?”

Wang Yun shook his head firmly, advising, “It is not that I am unwilling, but there are too many parties involved. I fear it cannot be done.”

Chen Cong saw through him clearly. The so-called difficulty in persuading others was merely an excuse. The real reason was that Wang Yun did not wish to offend the powerful families entangled in these interests.

To speak plainly, with the wealth of the great clans, the seventy-four pleasure houses were not even a drop in the bucket—not enough to harm them in the least.

Those old parasites were simply so accustomed to their privileges that they could not easily lower themselves.

Of course, they hoped Wang Yun would fob Chen Cong off with some official post; after all, the post belonged to the court, but the profits were their own.

“So be it. With the traitor about to move the capital, I only ask that when the time comes, you gentlemen take the buildings and the people with you—don’t let others profit instead.” Chen Cong hoisted his chest and strode out, giving Wang Yun no time to reconsider.

“This—!” Wang Yun was stunned.

He had considered everything on the premise that Dong Zhuo would die, so that seizing the profits for his own house would be worse than letting others have them.

But he forgot that if Dong Zhuo did not die, never mind the seventy-four pleasure houses—the losses to all their other interests would amount to millions in gold!

“Wait! I agree. Tomorrow, before noon, come to my residence to collect the deeds and contracts.”

Chen Cong secretly thought, “As expected, what a bunch of scoundrels.”

“Very well. I have one last request.”

He set down the chest and opened its lid. Inside, it was lined with soft cushions, with a vent deliberately cut into the top, a bed of pale red silk, and a blanket of woven white silk.

Wang Yun stared, feeling a chill at his back.

This boy couldn’t possibly be...

He stammered, “I—I... Zining, do not joke about such things. It is an affront to propriety.”

Chen Cong rolled his eyes skyward. Old fool, always thinking of such things!

“Minister Wang, you’d do well to hang a few more bronze mirrors by your couch and spend more time looking into them.”

Wang Yun, relieved, pointed to the chest.

“What, then, do you mean by this?”

“Minister Wang, you surely know that I am now the head of the Chen family in Qiao County, but my heirs are few. I have heard you have a daughter, Diao Chan. Would you be willing to aid my family’s line?”

Wang Yun: ...

So, it was only a request for a beauty. Was there really any need to prepare such an elaborate chest?

“If Chan’er is willing, I will not stand in the way.”

Chen Cong bowed with a smile. “Then I must trouble you to persuade her.”

Wang Yun’s face turned black as the bottom of a pot.

He had seen many shameless men in his years, but none as brazen as Chen Cong.

For the sake of the greater good, for the sake of a virtuous name in history, he could indeed sacrifice much.

But after all this time, Chen Cong had not once mentioned what he would do if, after receiving his reward, he failed to assassinate Dong Zhuo—or if he failed in the attempt.

His displeasure was written plainly on his face.

“If you only take the rewards...”

Chen Cong understood at once. He drew the golden seal of the Chamberlain for the Imperial Treasury from his robe and slapped it on the table.

“I, Chen Cong, am peerless in valor. This seal never leaves my side. Write whatever you wish, and seal it with this. If I break my word, you may show it to the world.”

“Agreed.”

As Wang Yun reached for the seal, Chen Cong snatched it back, tucking it into his sleeve.

Smiling, he said, “Minister Wang, it is better to wait until everything is prepared before you take the seal. For now, let me see your sincerity.”

He nodded toward the chest.

“Hmph!”

...

...

A winding path meandered deep into the residence.

On both sides, flowers bloomed in profusion, green lawns lay soft as carpets, and the shadows of trees swayed gently in the breeze.

Amidst this, orioles sang among the willows, rabbits played, and butterflies flitted among the blossoms—a tranquil, leisurely scene.

At the end of the path stood pavilions and towers.

Surrounded by trees, their red doors and windows, carved beams, and painted rafters could be glimpsed through the foliage.

When he had agreed to Chen Cong’s terms, Wang Yun had felt nothing. But as he drew near the courtyard, his heart ached.

He had raised the most beautiful caged bird in the world, in the most splendid gilded cage.

Her beauty was unmatched in all the land!

Now, he was to give away the fruit of years of care with his own hands. Was this not its own form of torment?

Wang Yun stood outside the courtyard for a long time.

At last, as the gentle notes of the zither sounded, he gathered his courage and entered.

The music paused.

Behind a stone table, a young woman sat with her hands upon the instrument, her face veiled in gauze that fluttered in the breeze, her beauty and serenity as ethereal as the goddess of Xiang.

A single soft word—“Father”—broke Wang Yun’s final defenses. He collapsed to the ground, unable to meet those enchanting, soul-stirring eyes.

“Chan... Chan’er, forgive your father... I am unworthy!”

“Why would father say such a thing?”

Wang Yun brushed aside Diao Chan’s support with his sleeve. Hardening his heart, he said through gritted teeth, “The four-hundred-year foundation of the Han now rests in your hands. I, Wang Yun, shamelessly beg you to humble yourself and serve the traitor.”

Her fair hand froze in midair...

Beneath the gauze, a resolute light flashed across her exquisite face.

After a long silence...

Her lips parted, and in a clear, cold voice she said, “Father’s kindness is beyond repaying. I am willing. But may I ask when, so that I may prepare myself?”

Wang Yun bowed his head even lower.

“This very moment!”

...