Diao Chan, One of the Four Great Beauties: Infatuation (Part II)

Translated and Compiled by Michelle Guo

A few days later, Wang Yun met Dong Zhuo at court and, in Lü Bu's absence, invited him to a banquet at his home. Dong Zhuo accepted. 

The next day, Wang Yun ordered a grand feast to be prepared and decorated his hall magnificently. Soon, Dong Zhuo arrived with over a hundred soldiers. Dressed in court attire, Wang Yun welcomed Dong Zhuo, bowing with the same respect as he would for an emperor. Dong Zhuo granted him a seat, and Wang Yun graciously took it. 

During the meal, Wang Yun praised Dong Zhuo, comparing him to the virtuous Yi Yin and Duke of Zhou. Dong Zhuo, pleased by the flattery, drank heartily. After the meal, they moved to the rear hall to continue drinking. Seizing the moment, Wang Yun mentioned that he had observed celestial omens, indicating that the Han Dynasty's mandate was nearing its end, subtly suggesting that Dong Zhuo, with his great virtue, should seize power. Dong Zhuo, delighted by this, laughed heartily, "If that's truly Heaven's will, then you, Minister, will be the founding hero!"

As evening fell, Wang Yun suggested inviting his household singers to perform. Dong Zhuo readily agreed. Wang Yun ordered the curtains to be lowered, and as the music began, a graceful figure appeared behind the screen, moving with such elegance that it seemed as if the legendary Feiyan, a dancer who had become a Han empress, had returned to life. Despite having seen countless performances, Dong Zhuo had never witnessed such a captivating dance and was full of praise.

After the dance, Wang Yun summoned Diao Chan to pay her respects to Dong Zhuo. Seeing her delicate features and ethereal beauty, Dong Zhuo was struck, feeling that all his other concubines paled in comparison. Fixing his eyes on Diao Chan, he asked, "Can you sing as well?" 

Wang Yun quickly ordered Diao Chan to sing. Her voice, as sweet as a phoenix's call, moved Dong Zhuo deeply. After the song, Wang Yun instructed Diao Chan to serve Dong Zhuo wine, which further delighted him.

Wang Yun seized the moment, bowing deeply, "I wish to present this girl to the Grand Commandant. Would you accept her?" 

Overjoyed, Dong Zhuo expressed his gratitude. Wang Yun immediately arranged for a carriage to take Diao Chan to Dong Zhuo's mansion. Dong Zhuo, unable to contain his excitement, quickly left to return home. Wang Yun personally escorted him out.

On his way home, Wang Yun heard the sound of galloping hooves—it was Lü Bu, who was furious and grabbed Wang Yun by the collar, demanding, "How could you give Diao Chan to the Grand Commandant after promising her to me? How could you mock me like this?" 

Wang Yun quickly reassured him, saying, "This is not the place to discuss such matters. Please, let's talk at my home." 

Once there, Wang Yun explained, "It seems you are unaware. Yesterday, the Grand Commandant mentioned that he heard I had promised Diao Chan to you and feared I would not keep my word. He came to my home to formally request her hand, and I dared not refuse. But the Grand Commandant assured me that this was merely a formality and that he would still give her to you." 

Lü Bu, realizing his mistake, apologized profusely, "I was too hasty. Please forgive me. I will make amends." 

Wang Yun reassured him, and Lü Bu left, feeling relieved.

The next day, Lü Bu woke up early and prepared himself, but after waiting for a long time, he still didn’t see Diao Chan being brought to him. Growing more suspicious and anxious, he couldn't resist going to the prime minister's residence to inquire. However, he couldn’t find any trace of Dong Zhuo. He then asked a maidservant, who said, "The Commandant spent last night in the bridal chamber with the new bride and hasn’t gotten up yet." 

Lü Bu was enraged and snuck into the back hall to spy on Dong Zhuo’s bedroom. There, he saw Diao Chan combing her hair in front of a mirror by the window. Suddenly, she noticed the reflection of a tall figure peeking from the wall by the pond and realized it must be Lü Bu. She furrowed her brows and pretended to wipe her tears with a scented handkerchief. Lü Bu watched for a long time before leaving and then re-entered through the main door.

By this time, Dong Zhuo had gotten up and was sitting in the main hall, ready to eat breakfast. Seeing Lü Bu come in, Dong Zhuo started chatting with him. While Dong Zhuo was busy eating, Lü Bu secretly glanced around and noticed the embroidered curtain slightly parted, revealing half of a beautiful face with affectionate eyes gazing at him. Lü Bu knew it was Diao Chan, and he was instantly overwhelmed, wishing he could take her away immediately. However, Dong Zhuo noticed Lü Bu staring longingly behind him and, feeling suspicious, said displeasedly, "If there's nothing important, you may leave now." 

Lü Bu had no choice but to leave, feeling frustrated and angry.

From then on, Dong Zhuo became infatuated with Diao Chan, neglecting state affairs. Not long after, Dong Zhuo fell ill with a minor ailment, and Diao Chan attended to him with utmost care, never leaving his side, which made Dong Zhuo dote on her even more. One day, Lü Bu came to Dong Zhuo’s bedroom to pay his respects, only to find that Dong Zhuo was still asleep. Diao Chan emerged from behind the bed, pointed at her heart, then at Lü Bu, tears streaming down her face. Just as Lü Bu’s heart was breaking, Dong Zhuo woke up and, through sleepy eyes, saw Lü Bu staring dazedly at Diao Chan. Enraged, Dong Zhuo scolded Lü Bu, "How dare you flirt with my beloved concubine!" He then ordered his attendants to drive Lü Bu out of the room and forbade him from entering again.

Lü Bu left in shame and anger. On his way out, he ran into Li Ru, one of Dong Zhuo’s men, and couldn't help but complain to him. Li Ru, a clever man, quickly went to see Dong Zhuo after hearing this. "Grand Commandant, you aspire to rule the world; how can you blame Lord Lü for such a trivial matter? If he turns against you, it could ruin everything!" 

Dong Zhuo realized the truth in his words and asked Li Ru what should be done. Li Ru suggested summoning Lü Bu, giving him gold and silk, and offering kind words of comfort. The next day, Dong Zhuo called Lü Bu to his home, reassured him, saying, "I was confused by my illness and wrongly blamed you; don’t take it to heart." 

He then rewarded Lü Bu with ten pounds of gold and twenty bolts of brocade. Lü Bu thanked him and continued to serve Dong Zhuo as usual, though his heart was constantly occupied with thoughts of Diao Chan.

Once Dong Zhuo recovered and returned to court for discussions with the Emperor, Lü Bu found an opportunity to leave the palace. He mounted his horse and rushed to the prime minister's residence, carrying his halberd straight into the back hall, where he found Diao Chan. Diao Chan told him to wait for her in the Fengyi Pavilion in the back garden. 

Lü Bu waited for a long time before finally seeing Diao Chan approaching gracefully. After not seeing her for several days, she seemed even more beautiful, like an immortal. As soon as Diao Chan saw Lü Bu, she began to weep and said, "Although I’m not the chancellor's biological daughter, he has always treated me as his own child. I was fortunate to meet the general and was promised to you by my foster father. I thought I could serve you from then on, with no other desires in life. But who knew the Grand Commandant would harbor evil intentions and defile me? I only wish I could die immediately. I have endured this disgrace only because I hadn’t yet said goodbye to you. Now that I am fortunate enough to see you, my wish is fulfilled. Since I’ve lost my purity, I can no longer serve a great hero like you. I only wish to die before you to prove my loyalty." 

With that, she clung to the railing and was about to jump into the lotus pond.

What happened to Diao Chan? Come back next time to read the rest of the story.