Reincarnation in the Three Kingdoms Era with a System

Chapter 667: 667 Persuading Dong Zhuo

Dong Zhuo had come at the invitation, hoping to gain a share of the spoils. Holding military power meant he could reap some benefits.

Moreover, he was genuinely displeased with Lu Ming. Liangzhou was his territory, now belonging to Lu Ming.

What was most infuriating was the relocation of the Dong family to Didao, instantly stripping them of their local power. Although they retained their wealth, their property and houses were gradually swallowed up—like water without a source!

Dong Zhuo was furious; Lu Ming was far too unscrupulous.

He needed to teach his nephew a lesson. An uncle is an uncle; one cannot overstep one's bounds!

But now, Dong Zhuo needed to think, to consider how to resolve the problem.

"How many casualties does Lu Ming have?"

"Not quite sure, probably no more than a hundred."

Even the scouts didn't know…

Because there were indeed very few wounded soldiers to be seen.

"Nonsense! How could that be!" Niu Fu shouted. In battle, veterans are the most important; how could so many men die on one side while so few on the other?

"It's not impossible...and Lu Ming's army is very strong. My lord, I think we need to observe the situation."

Li Ru thought for a moment and then reported. He was certain that even if they joined forces against Lu Ming, they would only be fools.

Yes, fools, fools who sacrifice themselves for others without any benefit.

Currently, it's clear that Lu Ming has turned against Luoyang.

They don't need to turn against Lu Ming, nor is it time to do so. At this moment, someone else came in to report, "Report! A man claiming to be Lu Su, a strategist under the Governor of Liangzhou, has come to pay his respects outside the camp."

"Invite him in."

Dong Zhuo was somewhat suspicious, but he didn't delay. Lu Ming had demonstrated his strength and power, enough to make him take him seriously.

A short while later, Lu Su, dressed in a brocade robe, entered. With his distinctive mustache, he looked like a handsome young man.

"I am Lu Su, the Registrar of Chang'an, greetings to General Dong."

"Lu Su, have you come with some business?"

Dong Zhuo asked with a hint of suspicion and wariness.

"My lord, Governor Lu, has a great deal of wealth and honor to bring to General Dong."

Lu Su was a skilled persuader, and his persuasive abilities were considerable.

"Heh, Governor Lu is now at odds with Luoyang; he's probably in dire straits himself. Besides, we've come at the Crown Prince's behest. You're the fish, and we're the knife. Your words are laughable!"

Li Ru sneered menacingly from the side. He couldn't bear to see his lord led astray. Interrupted, Lu Su remained unperturbed, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture to Li Ru. "Is this the renowned scholar Li Ru before me?"

"Indeed, it is I. I am but a humble man, unworthy of the title 'renowned scholar'." Li Ru was not easily swayed by flattery; he had no other choice but to press on.

Faced with the aggressive Li Ru, Lu Su already had a plan in mind. He stroked his beard. "My lord is a man of extraordinary talent, a dragon among men, invincible on the battlefield, winning battle after battle. Frankly speaking, even if you all joined forces with Ding Yuan of Luoyang, you would be no match for him. Today, Ding Yuan's 20,000 men were annihilated by my lord. My lord has never suffered a defeat since his debut, a fact General Dong is well aware of. My lord often says that without General Dong's guidance, he would not have achieved his current success. I was sent here not out of fear, but simply to repay a debt of gratitude."

Before Li Ru could say anything more, Dong Zhuo waved his hand, saying: "Anmin is indeed a capable general, and his governance is very effective. I am ashamed to admit my inferiority; he has surpassed me. Since Anmin sent you here, tell me what great wealth awaits me then."

Dong Zhuo did not doubt Lu Su's words. He knew very well whether Lu Ming was a good general or not. "A weak soldier is just one weak soldier, a weak general is a weak army" means that the incompetence of a soldier is only one person and has little impact; however, the incompetence of a general will affect the entire army's combat effectiveness.

This refers to the strength of an army's combat power, with the general's command being crucial. It also generally means that if the leader is incompetent, the cause is bound to fail.

"When one person is outstanding, those around them are bound to be capable as well. Since things haven't broken down yet, it won't affect cooperation." "My lord wishes to join forces with General Dong to take Luoyang. Afterwards, my lord only requires books, some provisions, and the families of his enemies. Luoyang and His Highness the Crown Prince will be given to General Dong. General Dong can then support the Emperor to command the disobedient, achieving great things, and being ennobled and appointed prime minister is within reach. My lord is willing to recommend General Dong as prime minister. My lord only wants the position of Grand General Zi, as well as Liangzhou and the Three Auxiliary Regions."

Lu Su's expression was somewhat strange. He had originally intended to say "holding the Emperor hostage to command the princes," but saying it like that was a bit too frightening. Although doing so was somewhat treasonous, Lu Su didn't think it was a bad idea.

He was one of the few people who knew Lu Ming's strategy. In his view, unifying the world wouldn't take ten years.

"Leave Guandong to Dong Zhuo to fight it out with the other warlords. They can focus on conquering Yizhou, the land of plenty, its granary, then occupying Jiangyou to gain a springboard for attacking Jingnan, or even invading Jiaozhou—any strategy is viable."

"They could even launch an attack from Liangzhou, first taking Bingzhou, then Jizhou and Youzhou.

Then they could march south, attacking from north to south—historically the most successful strategy."

Li Ru remained silent for a long time after hearing this, nodding slightly when Dong Zhuo looked at him.

"This news is too shocking and too tempting. Why doesn't Governor Lu want Luoyang?"

Dong Zhuo also pricked up his ears, wanting to hear some insightful opinion, wondering if there was some conspiracy involved!"

Lu Su smiled and said, "My lord has no interest in occupying Luoyang, but he is very interested in collecting classics and educating people. If it weren't for the Crown Prince's excessive pressure, my lord wouldn't be acting this way."

"Very well, I agree."

Dong Zhuo didn't think for long and agreed immediately.

As long as they entered Luoyang, the Yuan clan would be no threat. He could even use Luoyang as a base to recruit soldiers and horses. Whichever way he went, it would be a good outcome.

Lu Su was overjoyed and immediately explained his plan.

Dong Zhuo was also delighted. He would benefit, and Lu Ming would benefit too—this was a good thing.

As for the Eastern Han Dynasty not having a prime minister, it didn't mean it couldn't be restored. He could become prime minister, and might even be able to spend nights on the emperor's bed! Thinking of this, Dong Zhuo was already impatient.