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

Chapter 48

＜ A Reason to Die (2) ＞

A moment later.

I arrived at the site of the incident, Hongnong, in no time at all.

The soldiers did not try to stop me.

After all, the soldiers of Dong Zhuo stationed in Hongnong were already engaged with other troops.

“Get lost!!”

“That’s not possible.”

The general wielding an axe swings it threateningly.

“Don’t come any closer! If you take even one step forward, I’ll cleave you in two!!”

The axe swishes past me, but the cavalry commander standing before him doesn’t flinch.

“I told you not to come!”

The soldiers behind the commander echo his sentiment.

“You really must be desperate to die! Do you know who I am?”

“I’ve already explained several times that I am Wu Bo.”

“Yes! I am Wu! The son-in-law of Grand Commandant Dong Zhuo! The one responsible for the defense of this Hongnong County!”

Wu Bo taps the cavalry commander’s shoulder with the tip of his axe, trying to push him back.

“How dare you try to enter the Hongnong I protect!”

About three hundred of Dong Zhuo’s soldiers block the entrance to Hongnong, but ten cavalrymen from the commander’s side stand firm at the entrance without dismounting.

“If you want to enter Hongnong, bring the order from Grand Commandant Dong!!”

Before entering the imperial palace, I had sent the cavalry commander and his soldiers to Hongnong first.

“I told them I came to investigate Hongnong on the orders of General Bi.”

“Do you have proof?! Do you have any proof?!”

“Proof is…”

“Even if General Bi himself came—”

“What if I did come in person?”

As I appeared, riding in from behind, all the soldiers who were in a standoff were taken aback.

“Y-You Fei!”

The Dong Zhuo army, including Wu Bo, was stunned by my sudden appearance.

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“General, that red horse…?”

“It’s the horse from Yangzhou that I promised to receive after defeating Hua Yong in the martial arts competition.”

And everyone is astonished to see the red horse I rode in on.

“Ha….”

Indeed, a fine steed is a fine steed; even the cavalry commander, who treats gold like a stone, swallows hard at the sight of the red horse.

“General.”

At the same time, the cavalry commander changes his expression and casts a questioning glance at me.

Are you perhaps… keeping it for yourself?

I shook my head firmly.

“Cavalry Commander.”

“Yes, Vice General.”

“The noble families who committed wrongs in the commandery, they always have their usual tricks, don’t they?”

“…Indeed.”

A nod is all it takes.

“It’s a bribe.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Will you take it?”

“Not a bribe, but rather a trophy and a confiscated item.”

“I understand.”

Without needing further words, the cavalry commander immediately grasped my meaning.

Having given a fine steed and a fine sword, I’m asking him to treat me well, or at least not to kill me, right?

Such things don’t happen in the commandery.

“Ubo.”

“How dare you speak to me so recklessly…!”

“Where is the reason for Lee Yu?”

“…….”

At the question about Lee Yu’s whereabouts, Ubo’s face turns pale.

“He should be inside the village of Hongnong. If he’s not there and has fled, it means he has something to hide, just like Yuan Shao.”

Lee Yu cannot flee recklessly.

Unlike Yuan Shao, who tried to swallow his own costs by running away, Lee Yu’s only lifeline is Dong Zhuo.

‘What a pity.’

The one holding that lifeline has directly given me a gift.

Red Horse.

And Dong Zhuo’s sword.

Ubo is feeling confused as he looks at the sword sheath of Dong Zhuo that I have strapped to my waist.

“If we investigate, everything will come to light. Our Bingzhou army may not be good at much, but we excel at uncovering corruption.”

“Corruption? What do you mean…!”

He probably thought I would brush it off casually.

Just like they always do.

“Do you think we brought our horses here without knowing anything?”

“W-what do you mean…?”

“He said to conduct a fair investigation.”

The cavalry commander and soldiers came down right here, but I stopped by the imperial palace to confirm everything.

“Here, I have the emperor’s edict.”

“!!”

I held up the silk bearing the emperor’s decree.

Naturally, this is the order prepared by the emperor before I left Luoyang, complete with the imperial seal.

“What are you doing? This is no time for formality.”

“Ugh… ugh…”

“Surely you’re not thinking of receiving the imperial command outside the village.”

Even with the imperial command in hand, they still try to hold their ground.

“Is Dong Taiwei’s command above that of the emperor?”

“Th-that’s…”

Of course not.

Yet, the reason they refuse to step aside is that it’s too dangerous.

There are secrets that must not be revealed to those they consider enemies.

“It seems there’s something inside that you find hard to show me.”

“…….”

Ubo, and the life of Yi Yu.

“Yes. They all have that look in their eyes.”

I can see the same look in Ubo’s eyes as those who tried to endure their mistakes in Bingzhou with their private soldiers and servants.

The image of them rolling their eyes left and right, clutching an axe, trying to navigate the situation with sheer numbers is vivid in my mind.

They resist because letting us in could cost them their lives.

Beyond that wooden fence, within the village, a truly horrific scene must be unfolding.

“Ubo. Do you know? The smell of blood doesn’t just vanish easily, even after a few days.”

“……!!”

“The stench of decay is wafting up from the ground, brushing against our noses in the wind.”

“What, what are you talking about?!”

“I’d say at least thirty people have died.”

“…….”

“It’s obvious.”

There’s no need for lengthy explanations.

“It’s evidence tampering. Though they are human.”

The cavalry commander and the soldiers did not back down, for they too could smell the stench of death, just like I could.

“What good does it do to shake off and wipe the blood from your clothes? There are droplets of blood in places where the sword’s hilt and blade don’t touch.”

“!!”

Ubo anxiously examines his axe handle.

Some of the soldiers behind him also cast wary glances at their swords.

“Just as I thought.”

It’s a lie.

But if they hadn’t seen blood recently, they wouldn’t be so flustered, inspecting their weapons like that.

“They must have poisoned the former emperor and empress dowager, and they really died. And then they killed everyone connected to their deaths. The dead don’t speak.”

“…….”

They probably didn’t administer the poison directly; they must have had someone do it for them.

Whether it was in water, food, or clothing, those who secretly dosed the poison would have all been killed before they could carelessly open their mouths.

“We have come to investigate the royal family’s poisoning incident that occurred in Hongnong under imperial decree. Yet here you are, blocking our way.”

Even if they have been deposed, royalty is still royalty.

“What do you believe you’re holding out for? Dong Zhuo? Or the steed I rode in on?”

“…….”

“Do you think I’ve come here to ally with Dong Zhuo to spare you?”

Ubo’s expression contorts.

At the same time, the soldiers behind Ubo begin to exchange glances, one by one, and start reaching for their sheaths.

“Before coming here, I met with Dongtak. I received this sword. Dongtak said he had done nothing wrong.”

“What, what…!”

“You are all forsaken.”

Leading the red horse, I move forward.

“Whether Dongtak ordered you to kill the deposed emperor, or whether you killed him out of excessive loyalty, you have already severed your ties.”

“Ugh, ugh…!”

No matter the details, the soldiers in Hongnong are finished now.

“I suppose that’s how things have been handled in Yangju? High-ranking officials exchanging expensive gifts to smooth things over with ‘let’s not do that again next time.’ Just hoping to avoid death.”

It used to be the same in Bingzhou.

“Or are you trying to fabricate the situation from now on? Claiming it was actually Yuan Shao’s poisoning. Accusations of slander. This is defamation. You can create witnesses, and anyway, the Yuan family is still under arrest.”

In truth, it would be similar no matter where you go.

“Bingzhou is different. I am not like that.”

I extend the sword given to me by Dongtak, still sheathed, forward.

“Since Dongtak gave me this sword, I will govern you all with it.”

“Calm down, General Bi.”

A man approaches from behind Ubo.

“Are you really trying to kill us?”

The reason.

It seems he hasn’t slept properly, as dark circles stain beneath his eyes.

His disheveled clothes are covered in reddish-brown dirt, as if he had hurriedly dug into the ground.

“For what reason?”

“It’s increasing in real-time. The crime of defying the imperial decree and obstructing the path of General Bi.”

“…….”

“Fundamentally.”

If there is a reason for their death.

“The crime of killing people recklessly.”

“Does that… count as a crime?”

“Of course.”

“Then.”

The reason straightens his back.

“That wouldn’t be our sin.”

“What?”

“The former emperor and empress dowager drank poison and took their own lives.”

“Th-that’s the reason!”

Ubo shouted at Iyu in surprise.

“As the Hongnong Middle General, I have identified and executed all those involved. The crime of daring to assassinate the royal family deserves death.”

But Iyu, without changing his expression, stepped forward and knelt.

“Iyu, Hongnong Middle General. I accept the imperial decree. Please feel free to come in and investigate.”

Has he gone mad?

“How much will truly come to light from your investigation?”

That’s not it.

“Ah. I understand your hostility. It’s because Cao Cao, who vowed to investigate us, ended up killing our soldiers.”

It might also be a result of trying to survive, and since all those involved have already been killed, he must be confident that the truth will not be revealed.

“An investigation.”

I looked at Ubo.

“It seems you managed to control Hongnong well, but it appears you didn’t use any tricks all the way to Luoyang.”

“…What?”

Iyu was trying to erase his weaknesses, but human affairs are not that simple.

“Ubo. I heard you spent such a passionate night with the maid sent by Empress Dowager Hata.”

“H-how do you know…!”

“Hey, you…”

Ubo turned pale.

At the same time, Iyu’s face twisted.

“You might have thought you killed everyone involved, but there are always those who manage to survive.”

I pointed towards Luoyang.

“General Cao Cao has already secured witnesses in Luoyang. It’s not just you, Ubo; it seems there are quite a few others.”

Before leaving, Cao Cao conveyed everything he had investigated.

“I don’t even need to investigate further or grasp the truth. The details are… too disgusting to speak of.”

Empress Dowager Hata tried to use her maids to manipulate the troops of Hongnong.

And then she died.

Used in reverse.

“The attempt to make it look like the Won family killed them was a good idea.”

The most ideal outcome would have been a situation where ‘Won So killed the deposed emperor and empress! The entire Won family must be executed for the royal assassination!’

“But for such a grand plan, the results are quite messy. For all the scheming, the actions don’t follow suit.”

“W-what…!!”

Lee Yu’s expression twists in confusion.

“Ideals are lofty, but the ambition cannot keep up with the ability.”

Once, Ga Hu had pretended to be Lee Yu in his place.

What if Ga Hu were here now?

Zhao Zhao would be dead, and no witnesses would remain, while evidence of treason would be perfectly planted in the Won family’s home.

‘It’s an inferiority complex.’

He could do as much as Ga Hu.

He tried to show that, but made a mistake and ended up in despair.

And the punishment for that is death.

“Rest assured. At least I won’t kill you here. I will drag you to Luoyang and make Dong Tawei question you about your crimes personally.”

Just as I executed the garden myself.

“Even if Dong Zhuo cannot wield his sword, I will make sure to kill you before his eyes. With this sword he gave me.”

“……I can’t just leave.”

Lee Yu smirks slyly.

“Though this is Luoyang, the people of Yangzhou have their own laws.”

“What nonsense are you trying to say?”

“General Wu Bo. I entrust this to you.”

“M-me?”

Lee Yu glares at Wu Bo.

“Take responsibility. Resolve the situation with your skills, with force. That is, ‘martial arts.'”

Oh ho.

Challenging martial arts in this situation?

“Let’s compete in martial arts here and see who is right.”

“Y-you want me to fight with Lü Bu right now?”

“Shut up, will you…!!”

Lee Yu shouts at Woo Bo.

“General Lee has already proven her martial prowess as a general. But before that, shouldn’t those who have a dispute resolve it among themselves first?”

Lee Yu points not at me, but at the cavalry commander beside me.

“Since there has been a conflict between Lord Woo Bo and his subordinates, let us settle it with a duel.”

“…….”

“If you lose the duel, you will go to Luoyang for an investigation without a fuss. But if you win, I will refuse any investigation until I either go to Dong Taiwei or he comes to me directly.”

“Even if that is by imperial decree?”

“How can I meekly comply and face death, when I might be wrongfully accused of assassinating the royal family?”

How utterly shameless.

Or perhaps he has completely lost his mind.

‘Indeed, his abilities are far inferior to Ka Hu’s.’

If it were Ka Hu, he would have changed the game from the very beginning to avoid such a situation.

Perhaps he wouldn’t resort to poisoning; instead, he might have driven the former emperor and empress to despair, leading them to take their own lives.

‘Is this the kind of difference even among schemers?’

Lee Yu, this man.

“I will stake my life on Woo Bo’s victory!”

“Y-You, Lee Yu!”

Desperate to buy time, he blurts out anything to escape the current situation, seemingly unaware of what he is saying.

“Then General, stake your life as well!”

“Hah.”

It’s absurd.

“So you want me to wager my life on the outcome of the duel?”

“That’s right!”

On the surface, it seems like a political matter.

But there’s a hidden agenda.

“I can entrust my life to Woo Bo! What about you?”

“Cavalry Commander.”

“Yes, General.”

“Let’s leave the duel to fate.”

I handed Dong Zhuo’s sword, scabbard and all, to the cavalry commander, who swiftly snatched it and dismounted.

“That’s an order. Go and defeat the author.”

“Understood. But….”

The cavalry commander drew his sword, discarding the scabbard, and subtly pointed his gaze at Ubo.

“Is it just a simple duel?”

“This is a matter of life and death; it cannot end merely as a contest of skill.”

There are different types of duels.

“Life-and-Death Decision.”

“W-what…!!”

“You may kill me. I entrust my life to you.”

“Your Excellency.”

The cavalry commander, gripping his sword with one hand, slowly walked towards Ubo.

“Wait a moment…! Y-you say I can kill you, what does that mean…!”

“I said it’s a life-and-death decision. A duel to the death, Ubo. If you kill him…”

I pointed alternately between Ubo, the cavalry commander, and my own neck.

“I’ll let you kill me. I will willingly offer my life.”

“……!!”

“I swear to my father in heaven. I promise.”

Ubo’s eyes widened as he gripped the axe tightly.

“Y-you arrogant…!”

Yet gradually, a thrill, a glimmer of hope, and a murderous intent began to fill his eyes.

“He’s dead, that dog…!”

The realization that if he killed the cavalry commander, he could kill me.

Moreover, since I had wagered my father, my life now belonged to the cavalry commander.

“Die, Leopo──!!”

Ubo charged at the cavalry commander.

With the commander in front of him, Ubo raised the axe high, aiming directly for my neck.

Whoosh—

The axe sliced through the air.

Ubo’s eyes met mine.

“Tsk.”

To let one’s guard down in the midst of battle.

“Where are you looking?”

I pointed down with my hand.

“You should be watching your opponent.”

The moment Ubo’s gaze shifted beneath his arm, gripping the axe handle.

“It’s late, but—”

Thud!

The cavalry captain thrusts his sword into Ubo’s shoulder as he lowers his body.

“Ugh…?!”

Ubo is taken aback.

He hurriedly retrieves his axe, trying to respond, but the captain’s hand was already moving toward his waist.

A dagger.

Thrust.

The captain grips the dagger in reverse and drives it toward Ubo’s neck.

“Cough.”

Ubo’s eyes rolled back, unable to resist, and he fell backward, collapsing under the force of the thrust.

Ubo, deceased.

A sword belonging to Dongtak hangs from his shoulder, swaying gently.

“Hey there, cavalry captain.”

“Yes, General.”

“Why did you stab his shoulder first when you could have pierced his heart or neck directly?”

“……It was merely to create an opening.”

The captain shrugged as if it were nothing, but I had already seen from afar when he had jostled Ubo’s shoulder with the axe handle during their scuffle.

The captain is a soldier who lives and dies by orders, but he is still human.

“……What on earth?”

The reason left me speechless in shock.

At the same time, the soldiers behind Ubo also discreetly lowered their hands that had been resting on their swords, swallowing hard.

“How… How could you…? Ubo, in one blow…?”

“Reason. Do I look like someone who would recklessly entrust my life to another?”

I do not entrust it to just anyone.

“On the contrary, to entrust something means to trust that much.”

I feel sorry for Song Huwi, but there are only two people I can entrust my life to as a warrior.

One is Zhang Liao.

And the other is this man.

“Since you killed Ubo, your reputation will surely spread. What do you think, should we start making your name known?”

“I’ve only done what I needed to do as a soldier. I did not step forward to make a name for myself.”

The cavalry commander.

“And even if my name were to be widely known, I would prefer to promote the name of the entire unit that fights alongside me, rather than just my own.”

It’s suffocating, but that makes it all the more trustworthy.

“Later, let’s make sure to give a solid name to the unit stationed in Mengjin. How about we just call it ‘Mengjin Brigade’?”

“It won’t only be in Mengjin, so let’s choose a different name.”

“…….”

“General. More importantly, the orders.”

It feels like we’re going in circles now.

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“Well, that’s not urgent.”

I patted the neck of the red horse and walked forward, standing in front of Yi Yu.

“Hongnong Middle General Yi Yu.”

“Ugh, ugh?!”

I grabbed Yi Yu by the collar and lifted him up.