Chapter 32: Sun Ce joins the army

The guard approached Yuan Shao and quickly knelt before him, catching his breath before delivering the message. "Lord Yuan Shao, urgent news from Chenggao. It's a messenger from Lu Bu!"

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao exchanged glances, both sensing the significance of this development. A message from Lu Bu could mean a shift in the situation, and they were eager to hear what it entailed.

"Bring the messenger here immediately," Yuan Shao ordered the guard.

Within moments, the messenger arrived, disheveled from the haste of his journey. He knelt before Yuan Shao and delivered the message he carried. "I bear tidings from General Lu Bu. He is approaching Chenggao with reinforcements and seeks alliance with the coalition forces against Dong Zhuo."

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. Lu Bu, who had previously aligned himself with Dong Zhuo, was now offering to join forces with the coalition against him.

"Meng De, what do you make of this?" Yuan Shao turned to Cao Cao, his brows furrowed in thought.

Cao Cao, too, was deep in contemplation. The situation had become incredibly complex. "It's a risky proposition, my lord. Lu Bu is known for his unpredictability, and we can't be certain of his true intentions. But if his offer is sincere, his military strength would be a significant asset in our struggle against Dong Zhuo."

Yuan Shao nodded, weighing the pros and cons. "We must meet with this messenger and General Lu Bu. If there's a chance to turn him into an ally, it could tip the scales in our favor. Prepare for our departure to Chenggao."

As the messenger relayed their decision, it became clear that the alliance was at a crossroads. Lu Bu's offer had introduced a new element of uncertainty, and the lords had to carefully navigate this shifting landscape to achieve their goal of challenging Dong Zhuo's tyranny.

In the days that followed, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, along with a delegation of their trusted advisors and generals, set out for Chenggao. They were determined to meet with Lu Bu and assess the sincerity of his proposal. The fate of the coalition, and perhaps the entire realm, hung in the balance, and every decision would be crucial in the turbulent times ahead.

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao nodded in agreement. This was a critical moment for the coalition, and they needed every capable warrior to step forward. Sun Jian's death was a painful loss, but his sons, Sun Ce and Sun Quan, had shown tremendous courage and potential.

"Prepare yourselves, Sun Ce, Huang Gai. We march on Chenggao to meet with Lu Bu," Yuan Shao ordered.

The news of Sun Jian's death and the determination of his sons to avenge him spread quickly among the alliance leaders. It served as a grim reminder of the cost of this struggle and further fueled their resolve to confront Dong Zhuo's tyranny.

The coalition forces mobilized once again, their spirits a mix of determination and sorrow. They knew that the battle ahead was fraught with danger, but they also understood that it was their best chance to bring about change in the realm.

As the various factions converged on Chenggao, alliances were forged, strategies were discussed, and the weight of their collective purpose bore down on them. The fate of the coalition and the future of the realm hung in the balance, and they could only move forward with unwavering resolve.

The stage was set for a decisive confrontation with Dong Zhuo, and the outcome would shape the course of history. The coalition leaders, including Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and others, braced themselves for the tumultuous battles that lay ahead, ready to face the challenges and uncertainties of the days to come.