Soon after, Cao Cao forged a decree from the emperor calling for the overthrow of Dong Zhou. Lords throughout the realm believed the decree to be genuine and flocked to Cao Cao's side to form and alliance against Dong Zhou. Members of this alliance included Yuan Shao, a governor in northeastern Chine; Sun Jian, a governor in southern China; and Liu Bei and his oath-brothers. Although members of the alliance fought bravely, they were unable to overthrow Dong Zhou. This was mostly due to the strength of Dong Zhou's foster son Lu Bu, one of the fiercest warriors in all of China.

The Imperial Seal is Found

Wanting to establish another capitol, Dong Zhou looted the palaces and crypts of the existing capitol and ordered the city razed and burned. Among the ruins, Sun Jian later found the Imperial Seal, highly coveted by the other generals. The alliance fell into disarray as the generals fought over the seal.

Diachan and the Plot of "Double Links"

Wang Yun, the minister of the interior, was despondent over the alliance's failure. He sent his beautiful foster daughter Diaochan to the palace to plant mistrust between Dong Zhou and Lu Bu by convincing each man that she was in love with him and being abused by the other. In a jealous rage, Lu Bu killed Dong Zhou.