Chapter 47: The Arrogant Zang Ba, the Restless Lu Bu

Although Zang Ba had already humbled himself greatly, Lü Bu had no intention of letting him off. Lü Bu slammed his hand on the table in fury and barked coldly, “Your conduct is truly outrageous. If I do not enforce military law upon you today, how will I command the respect of my men in the future?”

Seeing Lü Bu’s relentless stance, Zang Ba felt his own sense of grievance rise. He had already lowered himself so much, yet Lü Bu insisted on making an example of him—what exactly did he mean by this? In the past, he had even fought Lü Bu once, and his fear of Lü Bu was never as deep as others’. Thus, he glared fiercely, though refrained from rebuking Lü Bu outright, his attitude now openly confrontational.

Chen Gong, sensing that this was not the time to inflame serious discord among their fierce warriors—given that they were in critical need of every man—stepped in to smooth things over. “Fengxian, as this is Zang Ba’s first offense, why not forgive him this once? There’s no need to pursue the matter further.”

But Lü Bu, stubborn as a mule in his rage, cared nothing for anyone’s plea. Initially, he had not meant to make a fuss, but Zang Ba had spoken out of turn, and now dared glare at him in defiance. Proud as he was, Lü Bu resolved to use this incident to punish Zang Ba.

“You are a man of courage. Tell me plainly—did you or did you not violate military discipline this time?” Lü Bu demanded.

“I did. Since the general wishes to pursue it, then kill me or punish me as you see fit!” Zang Ba’s own temper flared, and his words met Lü Bu’s head-on, refusing to back down an inch.

Chen Gong was helpless; under such circumstances, how could he possibly mediate? Lü Bu sneered. “Very well. Zhang Liao, summon everyone at once. I will mete out punishment before them all!”

Zhang Liao, seeing there was no way out, could only accept the order and depart.

Lü Bu had Zang Ba brought to the army’s platform and waited as the soldiers gathered. As the troops assembled, whispers began to ripple through the crowd.

“What’s going on? Has something been exposed? Is Lord Wenhou about to settle accounts with them?”

“So the rumors were true after all?”

“Heavens, if there’s to be a bloody purge, how many generals might be implicated?”

What began as a mere breach of discipline—drinking in the ranks—now grew in Lü Bu’s mind as he overheard the soldiers’ furtive discussions. Suspicion gnawed at him.

He looked up at Zhang Liao and asked, “What is it? What else is being hidden from me in the army?!”

Zhang Liao stammered, “In the army… in the army…”

Lü Bu’s anger exploded. He kicked the war drum from atop the platform and pressed his drawn sword to Zhang Liao’s throat. In a fierce voice, he demanded, “Enough! What are you hiding? Why do you falter and hesitate? Are you plotting to betray me and defect to that Cao Cao?”

With matters at this point, Zhang Liao dared not conceal the truth any longer and confessed that the previous day, letters had been shot into the city, which he had since burned.

“I still have one letter!” came a voice from the crowd. All eyes turned to see Hao Meng, one of the Eight Champions, stepping forward with a letter in hand.

“I tried to dissuade General Zhang yesterday from destroying the letters, but failed, so I secretly kept one myself,” Hao Meng declared. His words crashed like thunder. The soldiers below were all stunned, Lü Bu was furious beyond measure, and Zhang Liao and the others now glared at Hao Meng with obvious hostility.

Yet, even Lü Bu, simple as he was, realized something. “Since they all wanted to burn the letters, why did you secretly keep one for yourself?”

Hao Meng replied, “I believe that nothing should ever be concealed from the general.”

Lü Bu immediately believed him and, with a note of praise, said, “Good. You are truly a rare loyal and righteous man under my command. Bring the letter here for me to see.”

Taking the letter from Hao Meng, Lü Bu read it carefully, his anger mounting with each line. The letter, shot in from Cao’s camp, invited any soldier in Xiapi who wished to defect to contact the officers named within, stating that these officers had already pledged themselves to Cao Cao.

Lü Bu glanced through the names. Among his Eight Champions, except for Zhang Liao, Hao Meng, and Zang Ba, all the others were mentioned.

“So, it seems you remain here in body, but your hearts have already turned to Cao Cao!” Lü Bu’s gaze was so fierce, no one dared meet his eyes.

“Fengxian, this matter must be investigated thoroughly. The letter was sent in by Cao’s men—it could well be a ruse to sow discord. You must not fall into their trap!” Chen Gong, seeing Lü Bu’s terrifying expression, felt fear himself, but had no choice but to press his counsel.