After spending some time together, and given that Jian Shuo was a close attendant of the emperor, Dong Zhuo also understood the principle that having connections in the court makes things easier.
Therefore, during their encampment, Dong Zhuo would often invite Jian Shuo to drink and eat meat together. Jian Shuo knew that the emperor valued Dong Zhuo highly, so he never refused Dong Zhuo's overtures.
Over time, the two became quite familiar with each other and started teasing each other.
"Thank you for your hospitality, General Dong!"
Seeing the roasted lamb leg handed over by Dong Zhuo, Jian Shuo didn't hesitate. He took it, bit off a large piece, and ate it in big mouthfuls.
"Haha~, Attendant Jian is indeed straightforward!"
Seeing Jian Shuo's hearty way of eating, Dong Zhuo couldn't help but admire him. This burly eunuch who ate meat in big bites was fundamentally different from the eunuchs he had seen before.
"General Dong, didn't we hear you were on a diet? Why...?"
After taking a bite of mutton, Jian Shuo wiped the grease from his mouth without any regard for appearances, and then looked at Dong Zhuo, who was eating meat and drinking wine with great curiosity.
"Ugh!"
"Winter on the grasslands is just too cold. You can't stand it without eating some meat and drinking some wine..."
Upon hearing Jian Shuo's question, Dong Zhuo swallowed the meat in his mouth and then awkwardly wiped his mouth.
"Yeah! That's right! The wind outside feels like knives on our faces! This is the first time we've ever known there's a place this cold!"
Thinking about the cold he had endured along the way, Jian Shuo couldn't help but sigh. He then picked up the wine bowl in front of him and gulped it down.
"Hehe~, that's right! We've come all this way from home. If we don't eat and drink well and protect ourselves, how can we serve His Majesty?"
Dong Zhuo chuckled and, as he spoke, picked up the wine jar and poured a large bowl full for Jian Shuo.
"General Dong's words are exactly what I want to hear! Eat and drink well, serve His Majesty... Cheers!"
Dong Zhuo's words struck a chord with Jian Shuo. If it weren't for wanting the emperor to think highly of him, why would he have followed Dong Zhuo to this harsh and cold place?
"Constable Jian is indeed magnanimous! Cheers!!"
Seeing Jian Shuo down another gulp, Dong Zhuo also picked up his wine bowl and downed it in one go.
After a few bowls of wine, Dong Zhuo, his face flushed, moved closer to Jian Shuo.
"By the way, Attendant Jian, please forgive my intrusion, but I have a question for you...!"
"Ah...? What is it? General Dong... please ask!"
At this point, Jian Shuo's mind was starting to wander, and he was speaking haltingly.
Seeing the somewhat bewildered Jian Shuo, Dong Zhuo asked softly, "Jian Changshi has served Your Majesty for so long, I wonder if Your Majesty has any preferences...?"
"His Majesty's preferences...? You've come to the right person, His Majesty he...!"
Upon hearing Dong Zhuo suddenly inquire about the emperor's affairs, Jian Shuo was about to say something in his dazed state when he suddenly snapped out of it and quickly stopped talking.
Then Jian Shuo frowned, looked at Dong Zhuo, and said in a deep voice, "General Dong, why are you asking about this?"
"Haha~, Consort Jian, you are overthinking it! I have been favored by His Majesty, receiving promotions and rewards. I just wanted to give His Majesty a gift to make him happy!"
Seeing Jian Shuo looking at him warily, Dong Zhuo smiled nonchalantly. He really just wanted to please the emperor.
"I see! Since General Dong is so interested, then let me tell you..."
Seeing that Dong Zhuo seemed to have no other thoughts, Jian Shuo was finally relieved.
"I'm all ears!"
Dong Zhuo also quickly sat up straight and looked at Jian Shuo.
Jian Shuo pondered for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty likes novel gadgets, but those things must be useful to the Han Dynasty and its people!"
His Majesty loves money, but he has never spent a penny more than necessary on himself!
His Majesty appreciates the diligence of his officials, the victories of his soldiers, and even more so, the well-being of his people!
Oh, by the way, His Majesty also seems to have an endless habit of staring at the area surrounding the map of the Han Dynasty!
"This... is gone...?"
Upon hearing the last part, Dong Zhuo was stunned.
"Hmm, that's all!"
Jian Shuo spread his hands and said, "I've served His Majesty for so long, and this is all I've seen! Gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, and calligraphy and paintings—His Majesty doesn't even look at them!"
As for women... His Majesty is still young, and doesn't know yet!
"Thank you, Attendant Jian, I understand...!"
At this moment, Dong Zhuo finally understood that the emperor Jian Shuo spoke of was clearly the template for a sage ruler throughout history! He not only cared about the people's livelihood and cherished his soldiers, but also had the ambition to expand the territory!
If you want to please the emperor, some clever tricks are completely useless; give them up!
In a moment of realization, Dong Zhuo felt he had figured it out: doing things honestly was better than anything else.
"Report!!"
Just as Dong Zhuo was lost in thought, a messenger suddenly walked in, bringing with him a gust of cold wind that sobered him up considerably.
"What's up?"
Dong Zhuo stood up and looked at the messenger.
"Reporting to the General, Mr. Cheng has a letter for you!"
As they spoke, the messenger took out a letter from his bosom and handed it to Dong Zhuo.
Dong Zhuo took the letter, glanced at it, and couldn't help but show a look of joy on his face.
"General Dong, what did Mr. Cheng say?"
Seeing the change in Dong Zhuo's expression, Jian Shuo also came over.
"Hmm~, Mr. Cheng means that we can make our move! Juyan has sent more than 7,000 people to raid the Xiongnu!"
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