Diao Chan, One of the Four Great Beauties: The Scheme (Part I)

Translated and Compiled by Michelle Guo

The phrase "causing fish to sink, geese to fall, the moon to hide, and flowers to feel ashamed" is a famous expression from ancient China used to praise the extraordinary beauty of a woman. Among these, "hiding the moon" is commonly believed to refer to Diao Chan, a maiden in the Three Kingdoms period who played a critical role in a scheme that successfully freed the Han Dynasty of the corrupt general Dong Zhuo. Shen Yun's 2020 dance drama, Diao Chan, brings this captivating story to life on stage.

At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the government was corrupt, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion caused widespread panic. Amid this turmoil, Emperor Ling of Han passed away, leaving behind two young sons. The general Dong Zhuo seized the opportunity to usurp power, deposing the young emperor and installing the Prince of Chenliu (later Emperor Xian of Han) as a puppet emperor. Dong Zhuo then appointed himself as the Grand Commandant and Chancellor, holding absolute power over the imperial court.

Dong Zhuo was brutal and lascivious, frequently using cruel methods to slaughter innocent people and violate women. He openly defied imperial protocols, showing no respect to the young emperor, revealing his clear intention to usurp the throne. Although the court officials were outraged and disgusted, Dong Zhuo's military might, especially the invincible prowess of his adopted son Lü Bu, made them helpless.

Wang Yun, the loyal Minister of Works, was deeply troubled, constantly pondering ways to eliminate Dong Zhuo. One day, after Dong Zhuo publicly executed a minister who opposed him, Wang Yun returned home, restless and anxious. Late at night, while he was weeping under the sky in his garden, he heard someone sighing nearby. It turned out to be his adopted daughter, Diao Chan. She had noticed her father's distress over the state of the nation and, grateful for his kindness in raising her, wished to share his burden, even if it meant risking her life. However, she didn't know how to help, so she sighed under the moonlight.

Diao Chan had been sent to Wang Yun's household as a young girl to be trained as a singer and dancer. Due to her exceptional beauty, talent, and kindness, she quickly became the apple of Wang Yun's eye, and he and his wife treated her as their own daughter. Seeing his daughter's filial devotion, Wang Yun felt somewhat comforted. As he gazed at her graceful and peerless beauty under the moonlight, an idea suddenly struck him.

Noticing her father's silence, Diao Chan waited respectfully without asking any questions. Suddenly, Wang Yun, as if waking from a dream, struck the ground with his cane and sighed, "I never thought that the fate of the Han Empire would rest in your hands! Follow me!" Although puzzled, Diao Chan obeyed.

Wang Yun hurried to the drawing room, dismissed the servants, and commanded Diao Chan to sit down. Then, he knelt before her. Diao Chan was shocked and quickly prostrated herself, asking, "Father, why are you doing this?" 

With tears streaming down his face, Wang Yun said, "The fate of the Han Empire and its people depend on you now!" 

He then explained the situation with Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu, describing their treachery and cruelty. "I see that both of them are fond of women, so I have devised a plan. I intend to betroth you to Lü Bu first and then offer you to Dong Zhuo. They will both desire you, and when the time is right, you can drive a wedge between them, causing them to turn against each other. Then, Lü Bu can be incited to kill Dong Zhuo, ridding the world of this menace. At that point, the nation will be saved, and it will all be thanks to you. Are you willing to do this?"

Upon hearing this, Diao Chan was stunned. Firstly, the plan was extremely dangerous—if discovered, not only would she lose her life, but Wang Yun's entire family would also face extermination. Secondly, the idea of sacrificing her purity by serving such vile men was something she found deeply repulsive. But looking at her father's white hair and tear-streaked face, and thinking of the suffering of the common people amidst the chaos, Diao Chan knew the weight of her responsibility. Steeling herself, she kowtowed and said, "To repay your kindness, I am willing to die a thousand deaths. Please offer me to the two villains, and I will find a way." Wang Yun expressed his deep gratitude.

The next day, Wang Yun took out a few treasured pearls from his collection and had a skilled craftsman create a jeweled gold crown, which he secretly sent to Lü Bu. Lü Bu, being proud and vain, was naturally overjoyed to receive such a treasure and personally came to the Minister’s residence to thank Wang Yun. Wang Yun had anticipated this visit and had prepared a feast. When Lü Bu arrived, Wang Yun personally went out to welcome him, inviting Lü Bu into the main hall and seating him in the honored position. Lü Bu, feeling modest, said, “I am just a mere military officer. Why do you, Minister, show such great favor to me?” 

Wang Yun replied with a smile, “In the world, the only true hero is General Lü Bu. I respect you not for your position but for your talent!” 

Lü Bu was delighted by this flattery. Wang Yun continuously offered toasts and praised both Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu’s virtues and abilities.

Halfway through the meal, Wang Yun summoned Diao Chan, saying, "This is my daughter, Diao Chan. You, General, have shown me such favor that I regard you as family. Therefore, I have asked my daughter to greet you personally." 

Lü Bu looked up and saw an exquisite beauty approaching, as graceful as a celestial being. Wang Yun ordered Diao Chan to serve wine to Lü Bu, and as they exchanged glances, Lü Bu was utterly enchanted. 

After a few more cups, Wang Yun said, "I would like to betroth my daughter to you. What do you think?" 

Overjoyed, Lü Bu immediately bowed in thanks, "If such a thing could happen, I would be eternally grateful!" 

Wang Yun laughed and said, "In that case, I will choose an auspicious day to send my daughter to your residence." 

Lü Bu, overjoyed, reluctantly took his leave.

Did Lü Bu end up marrying Diao Chan? Would Wang Yun's plan succeed? Come back next time to read the rest of the story.