Chapter 4: A Ten-Thousand Payment Before Even Meeting?!

Xiahou Dun’s expression instantly darkened.

What does this mean?

People named Xiahou Dun can’t be used?

Is it wrong for him to be called Xiahou Dun?

“What do you mean by that?” Xiahou Dun no longer tried to lift the stone hammer; he wanted to get to the bottom of this matter.

No such prejudice allowed!

Dian Wei still carried himself with an air of boldness.

“It means nothing special. It’s just that Lord Lu’s roster has your name on it, so you don’t need to try. Even if you could lift the stone hammer, Lord Lu wouldn’t permit you to enlist.”

“This is outrageous!” Xiahou Dun couldn’t stand it any longer and lunged at Dian Wei.

This was too much!

At the city gate earlier, two guards had refused them entry simply upon hearing Cao Cao’s name, which had already irritated Xiahou Dun greatly.

Now here, Dian Wei dismissed him just because of his name, speaking as if they were beneath consideration!

Cao Cao had wanted to intervene but reconsidered; he was curious to see just how formidable Dian Wei truly was, so he swallowed his words.

He knew Xiahou Dun’s prowess.

Not daring to claim he was the bravest soldier in the army, but certainly among the fiercest generals. If Dian Wei could hold his own against Xiahou Dun, it would be worth the effort to recruit him.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Dian Wei and Xiahou Dun had already started fighting. Both were fierce and resolute, clashing like the tip of a needle against the edge of a blade, neither willing to yield, exchanging brutal punches.

Then, Xiahou Dun’s right hand began to tremble uncontrollably. Gritting his teeth, he stifled any sound.

Was Dian Wei even human?

Fighting him felt like hitting a stone.

No matter how hard Xiahou Dun struck, he couldn’t budge his opponent an inch.

Instead, he felt a backlash, his vitality surging turbulently.

Dian Wei stood unmoving, his expression unchanged.

“Well fought, warrior! But since your name is already on Lord Lu’s roster, there’s no way I can use you. You should leave.”

Dian Wei was stubborn.

Although Xiahou Dun’s strength surprised him, if Lord Lu said no, then no meant no.

Xiahou Dun, having lost the duel and already feeling humiliated, grew even more upset upon hearing Dian Wei’s words.

He clenched his right fist tightly and rested it on his sheathed sword.

Bare hands are no match for you, but do you think I can’t beat you with a weapon?

Battlefield combat is not just about brute strength!

Having trained in martial arts since childhood, Xiahou Dun refused to believe he could lose to a reckless brawler like Dian Wei.

Seeing Xiahou Dun’s movement, Dian Wei’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes flashing dangerously.

“Someone, bring me my twin halberds!”

“Wait! Don’t start fighting!” Cao Cao hurriedly stepped forward, blocking Xiahou Dun and turning to Dian Wei.

“Brave warrior, may I see that roster you mentioned? Why can’t those on the list be used?”

Cao Cao’s curiosity was piqued.

Logically, Xiahou Dun’s display should have earned Dian Wei’s respect. If Dian Wei truly sought capable soldiers, he would never overlook a fierce general like Xiahou Dun.

Yet, merely because of that roster, Dian Wei refused Xiahou Dun.

Wasn’t that strange?

Recalling how two guards had refused them entry at the city gate, Cao Cao’s curiosity deepened.

Dian Wei shook his head and tucked the roster deeper into his coat.

“No, my lord said this roster is very important and must not be seen by outsiders. Since that Xiahou Dun is already on Lord Lu’s roster, it’s no use wasting effort here. If you want to enlist, try elsewhere.”

Cao Cao felt disappointed. He had come here out of interest in the county magistrate of Lu County but encountered obstacle after obstacle, which frustrated him.

Still, since his main goal was to meet the mysterious Lord Lu, Cao Cao suppressed his curiosity and left with Xiahou Dun.

Perhaps meeting Lord Lu would unravel these mysteries.

Xiahou Dun snorted coldly, clearly dissatisfied but unwilling to oppose Cao Cao, so he followed him away.

They left the square without visiting anywhere else, instead making inquiries until they arrived at the gates of Lu Chuan’s mansion.

Seeing the mansion, Xiahou Dun coldly scoffed again.

“For a mere county magistrate, such extravagance! Hmph!”

Cao Cao frowned as well; the gate of Lu Chuan’s mansion was indeed imposing.

This was no ordinary wealthy household but a towering, grand structure.

Typical official residences had gates just over three meters high—anything taller was unnecessary, costly, and difficult to maintain.

Only high-ranking officials in Luoyang, wishing to flaunt their status, would adorn their gates more elaborately, but even then, there was a limit.

Yet Lu Chuan’s gate was nearly six meters high—almost as tall as a city gate!

Though made of wood, it was sheathed in iron, giving a heavy, formidable impression.

Outside stood a pair of stone lions, smaller than those at the city entrance but worth a fortune.

Cao Cao briefly calculated the cost of the gate and lions in his mind and felt a surge of envy.

The Cao family was wealthy—during the reign of Emperor Ling, Cao Cao’s father had even purchased the position of Grand Commandant, ranking among the top three ministers.

Yet even so, their residence paled in grandeur compared to that of Lu Chuan, the county magistrate.

Fortunately, this was Lu County, and no one scrutinized the scale of Lu Chuan’s mansion. Were it in Luoyang, many would surely envy and resent him, even filing formal accusations of overstepping authority.

Now that Dong Zhuo had seized Luoyang and thrown the court into chaos, Cao Cao had no interest in pursuing such petty matters.

Everything would wait until after meeting the mysterious magistrate.

If Lu Chuan was indeed capable, Cao Cao would give him face and overlook minor transgressions.

But if not, Cao Cao would settle all old and new scores at once.

And that fierce warrior Dian Wei must be recruited as well.

Such a mighty general was wasted in Lu Chuan’s hands.

As they arrived at the gate, two guards stopped them immediately.

“Stop! This is Lord Lu’s residence. No unauthorized persons may approach!”

Xiahou Dun again gripped the sword at his waist, truly enraged.

He had never wanted to kill someone as much as he did now.

Cao Cao quickly held him back.

“We are merchants from out of town, seeking to meet the county magistrate. Please notify him.”

The guards sneered.

“Merchants from out of town, no wonder you don’t understand Lord Lu’s rules! If you want to meet Lord Lu, it’s simple—a notification fee of ten thousand coins!”

“Ten... thousand?!” Cao Cao was stunned.

He knew many officials stationed gatekeepers who required notification fees, and many abused their position to extort money.

Especially in Luoyang, such unspoken rules were commonplace.

Yet even in Luoyang, Cao Cao had never seen a gatekeeper dare to demand ten thousand coins!

What qualifications or abilities did this small county magistrate of Lu County have to demand such a sum?