Chapter 100: Lu Bu Enters the City, Disdainful and Arrogant

The soldiers surrounding Yuan Shu ignored his outburst; they had grown accustomed to it.

Sweet water, sweet water—on the brink of execution, yet still fixated on that wretched drink.

Lu Bu spurred his horse forward, rapping the prisoner’s cart with his double-bladed halberd. With a cold snort, he sneered, “Feng Lu, you usurping traitor, now reduced to a captive at our feet, still craving your sweet water… Hmph! Even this general doesn’t indulge!”

Yuan Shu no longer feared Lu Bu.

As a captive, death was inevitable, so fear served no purpose. Instead, he became more defiant, bellowing angrily, “Impudent child, Lu Bu! Regardless of my current state as a prisoner, I am not one for you to disrespect!”

“Shut up already!” Lu Bu replied impatiently, clearly annoyed. “We’re almost at Yecheng. Once you’ve seen the Emperor, you can enjoy your sweet water in the underworld!”

“The Emperor?” Yuan Shu scoffed disdainfully. “How foolish! Do you truly believe the Emperor in Yecheng is genuine? He’s merely a fraud procured by Yuan Shao! Only imbeciles like you would fall for his lies.”

“In fact, I have a stronger claim to the throne than him!”

After all, Yuan Shu had ascended to the imperial position following the receipt of the Imperial Jade Seal and performing sacrificial rites to Heaven. Even after his demise, history books would record him as having been an Emperor!

The Emperor in Yecheng was merely some imposter scrounged up by Yuan Shao from who knows where.

If Yuan Shao’s Emperor were genuine, Lu Bu would swallow the Imperial Jade Seal on the spot!

Lu Bu wasn’t offended; if Chen Gong called him foolish, he wouldn’t have disputed it. But Yuan Shu, that idiot, had no right to do so.

With scorn evident on his face, Lu Bu retorted, “Even Dong Zhuo, wielding immense power over court and country, dared not proclaim himself emperor. How much territory and troops do you command compared to him, yet you had the audacity to claim the throne? In my view, you’re the world’s greatest fool! Within less than half a year, vast Yangzhou fell entirely under siege. What kind of imbecile dares lecture this general?”

“Y-you!” Yuan Shu, overwhelmed with shame and fury, nearly choked on his own breath.

Blinded by arrogance, he believed himself the most powerful warlord, bolstered further by possessing the Imperial Jade Seal, which led him to foolishly declare himself emperor.

Yet, he never anticipated that within mere months, relentless attacks from other warlords would reduce him to a captive at their feet.

Lu Bu grew tired of engaging with Yuan Shu, convinced that his accomplishments merited being appointed Great General—a position requiring association with intelligent individuals.

Waving his horsewhip, he spurred his mount back to the front of the procession.

As they approached Yecheng, Lu Bu noticed an increasing number of civilians lining both sides of the road. The closer they got to the city gates, the more people gathered, seemingly there specifically to welcome him.

“It’s Marquis of Wen! He has brought the traitor Yuan Shu!”

“So that’s Yuan Shu in the prison cart? Doesn’t look like emperor material at all.”

“Marquis of Wen looks truly formidable; just gazing upon his double-bladed halberd feels heavy.”

As Lu Bu listened to the discussions among the people lining both sides of the road, he felt more invigorated than savoring honey on a scorching summer day.

The sensation of being praised by commoners was unexpectedly delightful—an experience entirely new to him.

“General, there is someone approaching from ahead,” Liu Bei cautioned.

Lu Bu, momentarily intoxicated by the adulation, raised his head and spotted a grand ceremonial procession heading their way—roughly numbering several hundred individuals!

Realizing this, he promptly ordered his troops to halt.

As the procession neared, Lu Bu noticed a group atop majestic horses leading it, each clad in splendid attire, exuding an air of distinction.

Their leader stood out even more, surrounded like the moon amidst stars.

“Yuan Shao?” Recognizing him instantly, Lu Bu looked somewhat taken aback.

In the past, Yuan Shao had drawn his sword against Dong Zhuo right in the imperial court, with Lu Bu as a witness. Later, while guarding Hulao Pass, tensions between them escalated further.

After Dong Zhuo’s death, when Lu Bu sought to join Yuan Shao, he faced disdain and harsh words instead.

Yuan Shao, who had led his ceremonial entourage and closest confidants to wait outside the city for quite some time, approached Lu Bu with a jovial smile. “Having captured the usurping traitor and retrieved the Imperial Jade Seal, Marquis of Wen presents them both to His Majesty the Emperor. This general has specially organized this grand procession, gathering officials to welcome you!”

To win over Lu Bu, Yuan Shao spared no effort.

Not only did he personally lead his inner circle out of the city to greet him, but he also mobilized numerous citizens within the walls. A ceremonial escort comprising hundreds paraded with drums and cymbals crashing, streets cleansed by sprinkled water, and paths adorned with flower petals—a spectacle of immense scale.

Behind Lu Bu, Zhang Fei muttered discontentedly to Liu Bei, “Dage was clearly the one who played the biggest role in capturing Yuan Shu. Why does that scoundrel Yuan Shao mention only Lu Bu without acknowledging Dage’s contribution?”

“Be patient, Third Brother,” Liu Bei said anxiously. “Yuan Shao’s elaborate display is clearly aimed at courting Lu Bu.”

Yuan Shao’s intentions were evident to all. Liu Bei feared that Lu Bu might be swayed by such gestures; if Yuan Shao succeeded, any hope for freeing the Emperor from captivity would vanish.

However, Lu Bu quickly dispelled his concerns.

With an expressionless face, showing neither gratitude nor joy, Lu Bu casually cupped his hand towards Yuan Shao. “This general must escort the traitorous Yuan Shu to the palace for an audience with His Majesty. I cannot afford to linger here. Please step aside, General Yuan.”

As Lu Bu finished speaking, Yuan Shao’s smile froze on his face.

The strategists and generals behind him glared angrily at Lu Bu.

Their lord had personally ventured out to welcome him with such grandeur, yet he showed no appreciation?

“Sir—” Chunyu Qiong began, ready to rebuke Lu Bu, but before he could utter another word, Yuan Shao’s stern gaze silenced him, forcing him to hold his tongue.

“It seems this general was remiss in not considering your stance fully. His Majesty is indeed delighted by your arrival, General.”

“Make way for Marquis of Wen; do not obstruct his entry into the city.” Yuan Shao maintained his smile, seemingly unfazed by Lu Bu’s lack of courtesy.

Unbothered, Lu Bu led his troops toward the city gate.

As the prison cart carrying Yuan Shu passed Yuan Shao, their eyes met briefly.

Yuan Shu’s mocking expression spoke volumes, clearly deriding Yuan Shao’s attempts to curry favor with Lu Bu.

In contrast, Yuan Shao remained composed. Why argue with a man about to meet his end?

Once Lu Bu’s forces entered the city, Chunyu Qiong couldn’t contain himself any longer and exclaimed indignantly, “My lord, how dare Lu Bu treat you with such disrespect!”

Feng Ji also expressed his displeasure with a cold huff, “Arrogant and disdainful, such conceit does not warrant the gracious treatment from our lord!”

Yuan Shao gently spurred his horse forward, joining the procession escorting Lu Bu, leaving them with a calm command:

“Enter the city.”

At the front of the escorting force, Liu Bei rode up to Lu Bu and expressed his admiration, “General, your composure is remarkable! To remain unfazed by Yuan Shao’s lavish attempts at flattery truly impresses me!”

Everyone knew that Lu Bu craved recognition for his achievements. Today, Yuan Shao had catered to this desire with an extravagant welcome.

Liu Bei expected Lu Bu to be elated by such gestures, yet he remained surprisingly indifferent. This completely defied the common perception of Lu Bu.

“Hmph, does he think I’m unaware of his intentions?” Lu Bu scoffed disdainfully. “With accomplishments as significant as mine, when I seek rewards from His Majesty, my sole request will be the title of Great General. Yuan Shao’s obsequiousness clearly stems from fear that I might usurp his position!”

Liu Bei blinked in surprise. Was this the reason behind Lu Bu’s cold treatment towards Yuan Shao?

“He thinks I can be easily deceived? Little does he know, this general sees right through him!” Lu Bu boasted triumphantly.

Such petty tactics could never deceive this general!

”…,” Liu Bei fell silent, speechless.