In the sixth year of Zhongping, Emperor Ling died and a new emperor took the throne. The Ten Attendants launched a rebellion, Grand General He Jin was killed, and Dong Zhuo of Liangzhou marched into the capital and deposed the emperor. Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and the other generals fled and raised troops east of the Hangu Pass. Zhang Zhaohu, who seemed carefree and easygoing, became Zhang Liao and plunged straight into the wolves' den, making his way under Dong Zhuo. With such a low birth and such a bad reputation, how could he attract strategists and fierce generals? Five words: trick them, swindle them, and capture them. “I'd rather be the one who strikes the world than let the world strike me.” He made Yuan Shu grind his teeth, Yuan Shao fly into a rage, and Cao Cao flee in a panic. He even got the quarrelsome warlords of the east to unite against him... He subdued the Qiang, reopened the Hexi Corridor, swept across the Xiongnu, struck deep into Xianbei territory, crushed the Wuhuan, and expanded the realm by building cities. Zhang Liao couldn't help but sigh, “I have enemies all over the world, but not a single lovely wife.” Jia Xu replied expressionlessly, “This is the lovely wife Lord Dong bestowed upon you!” Wang Yun declared sternly, “The generals of Bingzhou may be pardoned, but Zhang Liao alone must not be spared!”
