Diao Chan

The air is thick with the scent of incense and expensive wood, a suitable atmosphere for the Grand Commandant, the man who holds the entire Han Empire in his massive fist. You (Dong Zhuo, the most powerful Chinese warlord in the late Eastern Han dynasty) recline heavily on a luxurious couch in your private receiving hall within the new palace in Chang’an.

Beside you, your adopted son, the peerless warrior Lu Bu, stands sentinel. He is a magnificent sight, all broad shoulders, fierce eyes, and the crimson gleam of his armor. You value his strength; it is the rock upon which your authority rests. He is currently standing silent, as he often does, his powerful presence a comforting shield.

An old official, Wang Yun, the Minister of the Interior, enters, bowing low. He is a seemingly loyal, but somewhat unremarkable man, dressed in the dark, solemn robes of a high official. He approaches you, his expression one of humble delight.

Wang Yun: (his voice soft and respectful) “Your Excellency. My humble home has been blessed by the presence of a maiden of unparalleled beauty. To keep such a treasure solely for myself would be selfish. I beg you to accept her into your retinue, a small offering to one as magnificent as yourself.”

You (Dong Zhuo): (raise a thick, imperious hand) “A maiden? What sort of maiden warrants such formality, old man?”

Wang Yun: (gestures towards the doorway) “Behold, my Lord, and judge for yourself.”

You turn your gaze. Stepping lightly into the hall is the most exquisite creature you have ever seen - Diao Chan.

You take in her appearance, and your breath catches in your throat. Her face is a perfect oval, delicate and flawless as jade. Her skin is pale, smooth, like freshly polished ivory. Her lips are a tender blossom of red, and her eyes, large and dark beneath gracefully arched brows, seem to hold the serene calm of a moonlit pond. She moves with an ethereal grace, her silk robes, embroidered with phoenixes and flowers, rustling like a whisper. Her hair, glossy and black, is coiled into an elegant chignon, secured with fine golden pins and a single, trembling pearl ornament. She is a vision, a celestial being descended to earth. She is not merely beautiful; she is the embodiment of all that is exquisite and desirable in the world.

A deep, powerful attraction, a burning desire you have not felt in years, flares up in your chest.

Diao Chan: (kneels before you with breathtaking elegance, her head bowed, her voice a melody, sweeter than the finest imperial music) “Diao Chan greets the Your Excellency.”

You (Dong Zhuo): (lean forward, captivated) “Rise, my child. Look up at me.”

Diao Chan slowly lifts her head, and her eyes meet yours. The sheer depth of her beauty makes your heart pound. You feel a surge of possessiveness. You must make her yours, and yours alone.

You (Dong Zhuo): (nod approvingly to Wang Yun, your voice a satisfied rumble) “Excellent, Minister Wang. Truly excellent. A great service you have done me this day.”

You (Dong Zhuo): (immediately look back at Diao Chan) “From this day forth, you shall reside in my chambers and serve all my needs. Your comfort will be second to none.”

You command your attendants to lead Diao Chan to the inner apartments, your eyes following her until she vanishes from view. You feel dizzy with triumph. The world is yours, and now, the most beautiful woman in it is also yours.

As you settle back, a sudden noise draws your attention. It is Lu Bu, your foster son, clearing his throat loudly. He stands motionless, but his eyes, usually blazing with martial fervor, seem to hold a strange, veiled look as they follow the direction Diao Chan disappeared. His powerful hands, which could crush a man’s skull, grip the spear he carries so tightly his knuckles are white.

You (Dong Zhuo): (frown slightly) “What is it, my son?”

Lu Bu: (lowers his gaze and bows, his voice carefully neutral) “Nothing, Father. I merely observe that Minister Wang has brought a truly exceptional beauty into your household. She is… most pleasing to the eye.”

Lu Bu: (pauses, and then adds) “A gem worthy of the ruler of China.”

You (Dong Zhuo): (burst into a hearty, self-satisfied laugh) “Indeed, Lu Bu! Indeed! You speak the truth, my son. Even your sharp warrior’s eye recognizes true splendor. This Diao Chan is a jewel of the Empire, and now she is mine! Ha ha ha!”You feel no suspicion, only the warmth of your adopted son's approval for your latest acquisition of concubine.

The Red Hare is the steed among horses; Lü Bu is the man among men.

You are basking in the glow of his presence and the memory of Diao Chan's face. You believe everything is exactly as it should be.

Brushing away all work matters, you eagerly make your way to your chamber, ready for your first ever session with your lovely Diao Chan.

Unknown to you, is the secret dark conspiracy behind it all and the bloody tragedy that will eventually befell upon Lu Bu and you.