The Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Lu Bu is good at being filial

Chapter 2

＜ I thought it was a martial arts novel, but it was Lü Bu (2) ＞

7th year of Guanghe (184 AD), February.

Winter, with thin ice coldly settling on the barren wilderness.

“The Blue Sky is dead! From now on, it is the era of the Yellow Sky!”

Led by Zhang Jue, the leader of the Taiping Sect, they started a rebellion against the state.

The court called those with yellow headbands ‘Yellow Turbans’ and dispatched Zhu Jun, Huangfu Song, and Lu Zhi to suppress them.

And Bingzhou.

The court’s decree arrived.

– Bingzhou Inspector Zhang Wen is to exterminate the Yellow Turbans.

* * *

[Bingzhou Jinyang Fortress Military Camp.]

“They say that, but it’s ridiculous.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the content of the court’s decree that had flowed into the military camp.

“Yellow Turbans, huh.”

Working under the garden for nearly ten years, such absurdities can be counted on one hand.

“Bandits.”

I am more bewildered than when I realized I was Lü Bu, or when I realized this world was the Three Kingdoms.

“These damn bandits never cease.”

Because bandits have appeared again.

Whether they are Yellow Turbans or not might be important, but honestly, whether they are Red Turbans or Blue Turbans, the headache is the same.

“In the north, the Xiongnu are constantly raiding, and in the south, the Black Mountain bandits are swarming. And now, it’s the Yellow Turbans.”

“Captain. Are they really bandits?”

One of my subordinates approached me and asked.

“According to the people who came from afar, they are just a religious group.”

“Lieutenant Song. They are a band of bandits.”

The subordinate, whom I called ‘Song,’ scratched his head.

“Well…”

“If the court has judged them as bandits, then they are bandits.”

No matter what kind of people the Taiping Dao actually are, they have become bandits.

“Even if they don’t plunder, they are bandits. Even if they perform righteous acts by robbing the warehouses of corrupt officials and distributing grain to the starving and poor, they are still bandits.”

“…Even if they are innocent civilians?”

“The moment they don the yellow headbands, they become bandits. Under the name of Yellow Turbans.”

Yellow Turbans.

“You’ve already seen it, haven’t you? When starving peasants wield sickles and attack passersby on mountain paths, they are ultimately bandits.”

“…….”

“This time, the scale is quite large, so it seems the court is in a panic.”

“They finally requested reinforcements from us.”

They are certainly important, but when it comes to actually eradicating them in Bingzhou, the first response is ‘well…’

“We are already busy dealing with the Black Mountain bandits.”

Bingzhou has been fighting the Black Mountain bandits for years.

To be precise, they are not exactly called Black Mountain bandits, but we have been waging war against bands of bandits entrenched in every mountain valley.

No matter how many we capture and kill, bandits sprout like weeds.

Because these bands of bandits gathered in the mountains and turned them black, we decided to call them Black Mountain bandits.

“The court has ordered us to deal with the Yellow Turbans, but we are already struggling with the Black Mountain bandits. It will only get worse from now on.”

“Is it going to get worse than now?”

“The Yellow Turbans are starting to rampage from the plains over there. Do you think the bandits here will stay still?”

The moment they realize that the central power cannot reach Bingzhou, the bandits will become even more rampant than now.

“Isn’t the leader here?”

“Just because there’s one person, it doesn’t mean the bandits will disappear.”

“…But thanks to the leader, those who could have become bandits are quietly plowing the fields.”

“We did work hard to make them plow the land instead of stabbing people with pickaxes.”

Bingzhou cannot be said to be safe.

However, we are suppressing and controlling the bandits, educating them well so that they can live on their own without stealing from others.

I am doing that.

“Not just me, but if even one of you three is missing, the guys in the valley will sneak out and try to loot the civilian houses.”

“Ugh…”

“So, the proclamation is just a proclamation. Even if such an order was given to the Bingzhou Governor, our excellent Governor would not send a punitive force to the plains over there.”

“Governor Jeongwon…”

Captain Song shook his head.

“Enough. Let’s stop talking. Besides, it seems the meeting is about to start. Let’s go.”

“A meeting.”

A call came from the government office.

“We’re busy training the soldiers to death.”

“If the General just helped with the administration in the government office instead of plowing the fields, there wouldn’t be any meetings.”

“Even if we start the meeting, it will just end with our great Governor talking.”

“That’s why the General needs to be there. At least that guy is wary of the General.”

“It’s not a good thing.”

In many ways.

“Captain Song. I’m not trying to gild my own face, but there’s a rumor going around in the market.”

“A rumor that General Yeo is aiming for the position of Bingzhou Governor?”

“…I never aimed for it, but who spread such a rumor?”

“Who knows. Maybe the people spread it.”

There’s a rumor going around.

A malicious rumor that the people want me to become the Bingzhou Governor.

“This is troublesome. Our relationship has already soured because I refused Director Jeong’s proposal.”

“Proposal?”

“Didn’t he ask you to become his adopted son?”

“Oh, did you refuse that?”

“Huh?”

Director Song tilted his head.

“Director Jeong was very pleased, saying that the General had become his adopted son.”

“What nonsense is this?”

Oops.

A harsh word slipped out of my mouth.

“That’s ridiculous. I am Lu Bu. Not Jeong Bu.”

“……It’s rare to change one’s surname immediately after becoming an adopted son.”

“This won’t do. Director Song. I was planning to ignore the meeting, but…”

I gathered my hat and robe that I had taken off.

“Song Heon.”

“Yes, General.”

“Let’s go to the Jin Yang City government office. I need to hear directly from Director Jeong what he was thinking when he said that.”

* * *

There are two directors in Byungju City.

I had known for years that such rumors were circulating.

The director recognized by the court.

The director recognized by the people.

It’s quite funny to say, but if you become the person involved, it can be an extremely troublesome situation.

The position of provincial director is granted by the emperor.

Sometimes, people say that some places buy the position by bribing eunuchs who stamp the emperor’s seal, but at least in Byungju, that’s not the case.

Given the rugged terrain and the fact that it faces the Xiongnu to the northwest, the provincial director responsible for Byungju must be strong.

Whether they have excellent leadership or personal martial prowess.

The provincial director, who is more like the supreme commander of the Byungju army than an administrator, has been held by a person named Jeong Won for the past ten years.

However, for several years now, there has been a story circulating among the people.

– It would be great if General Ye became the provincial director.

At first, I thought it was a joke to tease me.

When I first heard it, I was so shocked that I shouted, ‘How dare you say such a thing?’

One does not speak lightly of the position bestowed by the Emperor.

When I responded like that-

-Then, if the Emperor commands, will you become the governor of Bingzhou?

There was someone who tried to embarrass me.

-Governor Jeong is strong and healthy, so how can someone like me, who barely knows how to read, become the governor of Bingzhou?

I brushed it off like that.

But as I continued to defeat the bandits, such public opinion kept growing, and eventually, my relationship with Jeong Won, who recommended me, became distant over time.

Even now, it’s the same.

“Come in, Lu Bu.”

The old general, Jeong Won, whose hair and beard had turned white, greeted me warmly.

“It’s been a long time, Lord Jeong Won.”

“…….”

At my polite and respectful attitude, Jeong Won immediately frowned in displeasure.

“Although this is the government office, I told you to speak comfortably as I consider you like a son.”

“My father has passed away.”

“…….”

I can feel the gazes around me.

Why are you being so tactless?

Can’t you just go along with it?

‘There are people who can do social life and those who can’t.’

Jeong Won is quite capable as the governor of Bingzhou, but he is not someone to get close to personally.

I haven’t seen him commit any corruption or irregularities, but he is neither kind nor righteous.

He is not a hypocrite, but he is a person who is hard to become emotionally attached to.

“As the governor, you should act as the governor, and I, as the general following your orders, should strive for this country.”

“……Alright.”

Jeong Won openly shows his dislike, but I do not regret it.

I don’t know how many years this discomfort will continue-

‘Talking like you’re my father.’

It would be too disrespectful to my fathers to serve him as a father.

He is someone to serve as a superior in the government office, but it is quite difficult to respect him as a human being.

“I called you because I have something to discuss with you.”

Jeong-won said officially, calming the blood rush to his reddened face.

“The Yellow Turbans.”

“…….”

“What should we do?”

Jeong-won asks for my opinion.

The advisors standing on either side of Jeong-won are looking at me with eyes that test what opinion I will give.

And next to them, the military officers close their eyes, feeling uncomfortable with the gaze of Jeong-won and the advisors.

There are three forces in the government office of Byeongju.

The existing bureaucratic faction centered around Jeong-won.

The emerging military officers centered around me.

And those who are watching from a step behind, trying to see who will take control of Byeongju’s military power.

‘Instead of wasting time like this, they should go out and catch at least one more Xiongnu.’

I have no particular thoughts, but they are creating factions and causing chaos among themselves.

Honestly, I know that I am the cause of this.

I know that Jeong-won considers me a political enemy because I am taking an ambiguous stance.

Either become Jeong-won’s son and clearly stand on his side.

Or show the ambition of a young rookie aiming for the position of Byeongju’s governor.

Black or white.

In this dilemma, those jackals are trying to side with the stronger faction.

But even so-

“General Yeo, do you have any opinions?”

“Opinions.”

“Anything is fine. I will listen to whatever you have to say.”

Jeong-won, who is trying to test me through those fickle-minded people, is more unpleasant than them.

“When things proceed based on my opinion, who will take responsibility?”

“…….”

“Is it correct to proceed as I said?”

“Hey, General Ye!”

“If there is something I need to take responsibility for, I will surely advise against it.”

I took a bow with my fists clasped.

“Suppressing the Yellow Turbans. If that is the imperial command, then we just need to eliminate the Yellow Turbans without overinterpreting it.”

“That’s right. Therefore…”

“There might be Yellow Turbans in Bingzhou as well, so I will lead a thousand soldiers to patrol the Bingzhou area.”

“……..”

Jungwon remains silent.

What does he want from me?

“If the court has not requested support for Bingzhou, then Bingzhou must have left that action plan to its discretion. If the governor of Bingzhou orders me to dispatch troops, I will head to Pyeongwon.”

“…….”

“The governor of Bingzhou is you, sir. Please give the order.”

Jungwon stared at me for a long time.

“I heard that bandits have appeared again in Ma’eup County of Anmun-gun.”

He quietly opened his mouth and pointed outside.

“I will give you a thousand soldiers, so go and confirm whether they are Yellow Turbans or not.”

“Yes, sir.”

Everyone became uncomfortable, but I do not regret it.

* * *

A little later.

After drafting a thousand soldiers from the barracks, I rode up the mountain path with my three lieutenants.

“General Ye.”

“Yes, Lieutenant Hu.”

“Is it because Governor Jung keeps urging you to marry the daughter of the Eom family that you are at odds with him?”

“That’s not it.”

While riding in step with the infantry climbing the mountain, Lieutenant Hu asked me.

“Then why did you refuse to marry the second daughter of the Eom family? It’s not like you can’t perform your duties as a man, and you’re even the best among us.”

“You rascal.”

“Where does it not stand… wait. Don’t raise your fist.”

Hu slightly backed away from me, increasing the distance.

“Is it really because you don’t like the daughter of the Um family?”

“If not that, then what? Is it because of the family? Even the Um family thought highly of you until you refused the marriage proposal.”

“It’s not because of the family.”

“It’s not about her background either. After all, you made your own way, and they know that well. Could it be that you think Miss Um is unattractive?”

“She’s not unattractive.”

By the standards of this era.

“There’s something you don’t know.”

“Wi-sok, do you know anything?”

“Isn’t it because of the smell?”

Another deputy, Wi-sok, says something strange.

“Except when going to the battlefield, don’t you wash your hair with changpo water every day? You even wash your body with ash water every day.”

“Are you mocking me now?”

“Of course not. I’m just inferring from the general’s action of turning his head away when Miss Um tried to embrace him, after looking down at the top of her head.”

“…….”

“If our hair was greasy or something, wouldn’t you have kept more distance from us? Haha.”

“Deputy Wi, sometimes not telling the truth is a way of being considerate. Just like how I keep it a secret that your hair is slowly thinning.”

“What…!”

Wi-sok was momentarily startled.

“General, this is what we call ‘putting oneself in another’s shoes’.”

“I know, Deputy Hu.”

“You can understand the meaning and say it, but can’t write it down, right?”

“Do you think I don’t know that? Two ‘gal’ characters…”

Wait.

“I don’t think the middle character is ‘gal’.”

“…….”

“No, didn’t I leave the writing to you in the first place? Don’t try to teach me such things, just handle it yourself.”

“Yes, that’s right. Just like how Miss Um defended your inability to read or write properly as ‘human charm’.”

“No, the story is…”

“It’s not just about Miss Um. The other ladies are the same.”

“That’s right, General.”

Chief Song grumbled.

“The eldest one is almost thirty years old, yet he remains unmarried and lives alone. Tsk.”

“He’s got a good face, a good body, exceptional bravery, and… wait, why do you keep pestering me about it? It’s not something to be embarrassed about.”

“Because you’re the one who keeps asking for trouble.”

I untied the bow strapped to my back and gripped it in my hand.

“The three of you will lead the first, second, and third units respectively and join up.”

“Surely, General, not alone again─”

“I’m going ahead.”

I kicked the horse’s thigh.

“No, General!!”

“There he goes again.”

“The first unit will follow me! The second and third units will move according to their respective commanders’ orders!”

Leaving the three commanders who were quickly organizing the soldiers behind me, I dashed forward.

Whiiing.

In the wind brushing past my face, a faint scent of blood.

The scent of blood that I had to endure for the past ten years grew stronger as I ran forward.

‘Distance, direction… it’s close.’

By the time I arrive, the horse will already be exhausted from the sprint.

Ahead.

“aaah!!”

I raised my bow towards the direction of the scream.

A middle-aged woman fleeing with two children.

Behind her, a bearded man wielding a sharp sword.

No matter how fast the horse runs, it won’t reach the woman before the sword does.

‘Place the arrow in the center.’

Click.

As I drew the bowstring and released it like a flick, the arrow flew.

Pang!

It struck the bearded bandit right between the eyebrows as he was about to swing his sword.

“Wha, what…?”

“Run in the direction I came from. The Byungju army will follow.”

“…! Hair flowing down on both sides…! Hair as smooth as silk…! No way…!”

Bang─.

“General Ye!!”

“If you understand, leave with peace of mind.”

“Yes, General!!”

The woman shouts urgently.

“My son is fighting the bandits to buy time! Please, save him…!!”

“I will do my best.”

I can’t easily promise to protect him.

I have said so before and failed to keep my word many times.

‘There are too many bandits.’

No matter how dysfunctional the central government is, there are too many bandits.

“Run a little more. A person’s life depends on you.”

I patted the neck of the panting horse with my hand, urging it on.

The horse ran as fast as it could along the forest path, and soon, as we exited the forest, a village on a hill in the mountains came into view.

It’s burning.

Looting is happening, and weapons are clashing.

Clop, clop.

As we got closer, the sound of weapons clashing diminished.

And slowly, the voices of people could be heard.

“Hahaha! This monster! He cut down fifty men!”

A bandit with a tiger-patterned butcher’s knife in both hands is seen.

In the direction he points his knife, a young man barely stands with a broken spear.

Around the young man, nearly thirty bandits, stabbed and slashed, lay sprawled.

Corpses.

He must have cut down bandits in other places too.

“But this is the end!! You damn─”

Bang─.

“Captain!!”

“Who-ugh!!”

The bandits, seeing an arrow lodged between their leader’s eyebrows, gape at me in horror.

“It’s Huang Chong─!!”

Huang Chong.

Grasshopper.

The bandits, who despise me, gave me this nickname because my long hair flowing down on both sides looks like antennae.

Although it’s unpleasant, such a nickname is helpful in times like this.

If the enemy knows me, just seeing me makes them turn tail and run.

Neigh, snort, whinny.

“…Good job.”

I dismounted from my horse.

Its legs were trembling from running along the mountain path, and I approached the young man while shooting arrows at the fleeing bandits’ backs.

“I rescued a middle-aged woman with a mole on her lower face and two children. Are they your family?”

“!!”

The young man, covered in blood, looked at me in shock.

“Not bad. With a little more training, you could become a fierce warrior.”

“…….”

“Rest. The soldiers of Bingzhou have arrived.”

“Ye···.”

With that one word, the young man collapsed.

He fell to the ground, one knee bent as if the tension had been released, but he did not let go of his spear until the end.

“…….”

Whoosh.

The wind blowing from the burning village carried the stench of burning flesh.

* * *

Almost 10 years.

From the time I received the name Lü Bu and was called to serve in the court, to rising to the position of a general in the bandit suppression army of Bingzhou.

The number of Xiongnu and bandits I personally killed during that time would be enough to turn a mountain red and flow into the Yellow River.

I have killed far too many.

But they were all deserving bandits and murderers.

When I handed him a pickaxe to try to rehabilitate him, there was one who struck the back of the supervising soldier with the pickaxe and ran away.

“Songheon. Huseong. Wisok.”

“Yes, General.”

After ordering the soldiers to collect the bodies in the village, I gathered the officers.

“The Master said that a time of chaos would come.”

“…….”

“I thought we had been experiencing chaos for the past ten years, but perhaps it is just beginning now.”

Chaos.

A world will come where more people will die than those I have killed so far.

“You asked why I treat Governor Jeong as a superior but do not respect him as a human being.”

“…….”

“He intends to use my martial prowess to make a name for himself in the court.”

“……..”

“He has no interest in the people dying here. He only talks about eliminating bandits on the surface, but he is full of thoughts of securing a position in the central government by exploiting the chaos.”

At least, that was how I saw Governor Jeong.

“The next governor of Byeongju should at least… no, before that.”

Whiiing.

“There are too many bandits in the world.”

The sky at sunset was covered with dark clouds.

“I will eliminate the bandits. The thing I do best is fighting, cutting, and breaking. I will kill all the bandits that appear before me.”

I turned to my officers.

“If you follow me, the path will be one of blood and slaughter. Will you still follow?”

“General.”

The three men simultaneously took a fist and bowed their heads.

“We have been walking that path with you for ten years already.”

“If the General continues on that path, we will gladly follow.”

“That’s right. At least if it’s behind the General…”

“Behind?”

“When my son grows up and asks, ‘What did my father do?’ it will be a path I can answer without shame.”

“……That’s right.”

This path, I will not be mistaken.

“Even if I die later and meet my parents, I hope I can say that I lived a life that I am not ashamed of.”

I will not be mistaken.

＜ I thought it was a martial arts novel, but it was Lü Bu (2) ＞ End