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

＜ The Path of Beasts and Suras (2) ＞

“It is the order of the General. Open the city gates.”

I instructed the soldiers guarding the north gate of Luoyang, and as soon as the gate opened, I stepped outside.

“It’s been a while, both of you.”

Jang Se-pyeong and So-sang.

They were active mainly in Yuzhou during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

However, after the chaos of the Yellow Turbans was somewhat settled, they flowed into Byeongju.

Sensing the smell of money.

“If it were any other time, I would have welcomed you with a smile, but it seems this is not the time for that.”

“It’s been a while, General. Given the flag is up, might I ask if someone of high status has passed away?”

As expected of outstanding merchants, their intuition is remarkable.

“Did you not hear any news at the inn before crossing the Yellow River?”

“Ah, it seems we’ve crossed paths.”

“Indeed. Empress Dowager Dong has passed away.”

“Ah… Is that so? Hey, So-hyung. I think we need to loosen up the wine you brought.”

“That would be best.”

Both Jang Se-pyeong, who runs the Inn Alliance, and So-sang, who operates the ‘Pyo-guk’, pursue money, but they are not the type to forsake humanity for it.

“If you permit, I would like to present the wine brought from Jinyang to honor the spirit of the late Empress Dowager.”

“That would be in your names, right?”

“How could a mere merchant do such a thing? If you mention it to the palace, someone will come from there.”

“How interesting.”

They do not forsake humanity, but they certainly do not suffer losses.

While the wine is expensive, they likely believe that establishing connections with the palace through that wine is more beneficial.

“I will inform King Wang Yun about this. That will serve as compensation for the transportation costs of the goods brought.”

“We have done nothing other than receive the goods and deliver them.”

Soosang pointed to the cart filled with goods behind him.

The cart, which appeared to be about fifty in number, was quite large.

Some were carrying jars, while others seemed to have bundles of straw covered with cloth.

One might wonder what kind of merchant would go to such lengths to wrap up straw—

Flap.

As the cloth was unfurled and the bundles of straw were removed, the hidden items revealed themselves.

“Quite impressive.”

A large quantity of arrows.

“We have come down on behalf of the transport unit of Byeongju. If the transport unit were to move directly…”

“It would likely be easily detected by those in Heuksan.”

If the arrows had simply been transported, one of two situations would have likely occurred.

Either the transport unit was ambushed.

Or our main force, Jin Yangseong, was ambushed instead.

“Is there a chance that the Heuksan bandits are after the tribute?”

“Yes. They seemed to have no idea that weapons were hidden within the tribute as they crossed the Yellow River. Moreover, the arrows here are…”

“From Giju.”

A gift sent by Gahu.

These are Giju Mountain arrows, neatly delivered to Luoyang from the armories of each district in Giju.

“I haven’t received any such information yet, but what has happened to Giju?”

“They say they could not capture Eopseong. A man named Zhang He is guarding the fortress.”

“Oh, that guy.”

He is the general who suppressed the Yellow Turban rebels.

I had recommended him to Jeongwon when I heard that name, but at that time, Jeongwon did not heed my words as he was wary of me.

“If Zhang He was defending with soldiers, there was nothing that could be done.”

I wondered if he might come to Byeongju, but he was appointed to Giju.

I had since stopped paying attention, but I did not expect him to reveal such capabilities.

“It is a pity that Giju’s governor, Han Bok, could have made him sound the alarm.”

One of the allied lords, Han Bok’s soldiers crossed the Yellow River in large numbers.

The information was gathered by a scout who was roaming the Yellow River area in a small boat.

The loss of the hanbok.

It was undoubtedly the result of the armies of Wusok and Seongnyeom threatening Giju.

“The arrows are ready… what about the other items?”

“I brought them well. Since it’s winter, they haven’t rotted or rusted, so there shouldn’t be any major issues in utilizing them.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

As I opened the lid of the earthenware jar made of yellow clay, something white and slightly glistening greeted me from within.

It wasn’t exactly a foul smell, but it certainly couldn’t be described as pleasant.

It was oil solidified from the mountains of Byeongju.

Extracted from the fat of wild beasts, it was a byproduct of my failed attempt to make soap, where I had wracked my brain in the process.

“Please tell me you didn’t bring something valuable.”

“Oh dear, General Bi. It’s not cooking oil. It’s all waste oil.”

“Good. Then that’s a relief.”

The weather was slowly starting to warm up, causing the exterior of the jar to melt, but I was grateful that it had arrived in Luoyang without significant spoilage.

“Please wait a moment. I’ll have Taewi let you in—”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Before I knew it, Dongtak had approached from behind.

“While you were talking to them, I had already sent soldiers to install a flue in the palace.”

“I pay my respects to you, Taewi.”

“Um. …….”

Dongtak was fiddling with something in his hands, licking his lips.

“Ah, perhaps—”

“No. That’s enough. I can’t ask for such things from those who have come for the sake of the general and the nation.”

Was he perhaps referring to something that would strengthen relationships—bribes?

‘Unexpected.’

Receiving bribes in a situation like this is common among the upper echelons of this era, yet Dongtak chose to forgo it himself.

‘They say when a person suddenly starts acting strangely, it’s a sign of impending death.’

Is it really okay?

For me, it’s good that the two people who are helping to grow Byeongju’s commerce aren’t unnecessarily coughing up their wealth.

“More importantly, over there.”

Dong Zhuo reached out with his finger towards something that was neither the wine of the Bingzhou Mountain nor anything else, but rather something held by the blacksmiths.

“That weapon.”

“Ugh, ahem…!”

Noya gave a glance to his disciples.

The blacksmiths holding the Hwa-geuk averted their eyes with a pained expression, but they did not intend to present the Hwa-geuk to Dong Zhuo.

“…Is it your weapon?”

“It is a custom-made item.”

Fearing that he might covet the weapon, I stepped forward and took the Hwa-geuk.

“Huh?”

It was lighter than I expected.

It seemed to be made of solid metal up to the spearhead like the previous Hwa-geuk, but this one was much lighter than before.

“What is this…?”

“It is a Hwa-geuk made using the finest ore from the Bingzhou forge, General Ye.”

Noya spoke confidently while keeping an eye on Dong Zhuo.

“…It seems like there’s something being hidden?”

“Ahem. That’s it.”

Noya quickly scanned the surroundings with his eyes.

It seemed there was something difficult to discuss in an open place.

“Ah.”

Dong Zhuo’s eyes were fixed on the Hwa-geuk.

Though I was somewhat concerned about Dong Zhuo, it was indeed lighter than before.

It felt as if the weight was being lifted by an ancestor.

“Say, do you happen to have another one?”

“Commander Dong, do you not use the Hwa-geuk?”

“If it’s such a Hwa-geuk, the story is different.”

“Well, you see. It was made with the payment received from General Ye… I thought of it as a replacement for the Hwa-geuk that was used, so there is only one.”

“I see….”

Dong Zhuo continued to lick his lips in disappointment.

“Does it have a name?”

“No, it does not.”

Noya looks at me.

“General Ye, what shall we name it?”

“It’s a Hwaguk, isn’t it? No special name is needed.”

A weapon is ultimately just a tool of war.

“Haha.”

Dong Zhuo let out a hollow laugh, as if in disbelief.

“I have seen countless treasures in Yangzhou, but this is the first time I have encountered such a mysterious weapon. The sword I wield is made of Baekryeonjeonggang (百鍊精鋼), yet this is even more magnificent. It could truly be called a divine weapon.”

“…….”

Is it really that impressive? There is certainly a feeling of it.

“General Ye, may I be permitted to name this weapon?”

“Permission…?”

“If I leave a mark in history, I would like to leave a line as the one who named your divine weapon.”

Dong Zhuo gazes at Hwaguk with a somewhat wistful expression.

His eyes, looking as if this is a lifelong wish, made me feel inexplicably sorry.

“…Very well.”

Not as a powerful figure, Dong Taiwei, but as a warrior.

I have no intention of becoming a grandson-in-law, but naming a weapon is no big deal.

“But I will refuse if the name is strange.”

“Bangcheonhwaguk (方天畵戟).”

Dong Zhuo pointed to the part where the moon is attached.

“In the future, many warriors of later generations will imitate and use this Bangcheonhwaguk, but that will all be because you used it, and they will admire you and follow in your footsteps.”

“…….”

“I’m envious.”

Something must have gone wrong somewhere.

* * *

After Chaeong left.

Before the Horogwan opened, the remaining lords, excluding the one who had departed from the Sasu-gwan—or this world—gathered in one place.

“Thank you all for coming.”

If Yuan Shao had called, perhaps not everyone would have gathered like this.

“I have gathered you here as a servant of this country and as an official, prior to being nominated as emperor by Lord Won.”

Yuu.

Among the lords, there are some with virtue, but as Yuu himself said, he is the one who has been proclaimed emperor by the coalition forces.

“The Empress Dowager has passed away. All of you are officials appointed by the late emperor. Since his mother has died, it is only right to observe the proper decorum.”

“Lord.”

Yuan Sha stepped forward.

“If you say that, does it mean that everyone here is no better than beasts?”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“I naturally understand the way of being human. Although I have heard stories about my household being stripped of its status, I am still Yuan Sha.”

Yuu frowned at Yuan Sha’s words.

“Have you come out here to speak of yourself?”

“If I don’t speak first, everyone will feel uncomfortable, so I must take the initiative. Before you misunderstand me as a beast.”

Yuan Sha placed his hand on his chest and scanned the crowd.

“The Yuan family of Luoyang has been plotting treason for a long time.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“They attacked the imperial palace during the Incident of the Ten Eunuchs. Yes, they slaughtered the eunuchs. The head of the Yuan family was aware, and Yuan Shu was involved as well.”

“So what do you want to say? Is the Yuan family of Luoyang truly treasonous? Are you innocent?”

“Isn’t it true that the Yuan family of Luoyang is not the real Yuan family, but rather I, Yuan Sha, who is the true Yuan family of Yennan?”

“……Huh.”

A sigh escaped Yuu at Yuan Sha’s resolute demeanor.

“I wish to discuss the matter of the royal family’s elder passing, yet you are preoccupied with throwing off the noose around your own neck.”

“That is also a way to respond to the affairs of the imperial palace.”

“Is it because you are the head of the Yuan family?”

“Yes.”

Yuan Sha took a stance and surveyed the crowd.

“I have control over the land of Yennan. The areas influenced by the Yuan family are also within my sphere of influence.”

“…….”

“Chai Yong said this before returning to Luoyang. If everyone returns to their own lands right now, there will be no accountability.”

The lords showed signs of discomfort under Yuan Sha’s gaze.

“He said that those who return in that manner will be reinstated to their positions by the current emperor’s decree.”

“That is what he said.”

“Will you do that when the time comes?”

Yuan Sha slowly raised his voice.

“Right now, we are gathered as a coalition, but once we disperse, they will lock down Luoyang and try to defeat each territory one by one, just like they did with Jizhou.”

“Ugh…!”

“For now, the closest area to Bingzhou has been attacked, but it’s only a matter of time before the cavalry from Bingzhou comes over.”

The lords swallowed hard.

They were all glancing at each other, but no one dared to stand up from their prickly seats.

“Lords, the moment we turn back, what awaits us is not a letter of appointment but a death sentence.”

“What! Are you saying that Chao Weng lied?!”

“Lord Zhang, I know very well that your child wishes to be appointed in Luoyang. However….”

Yuan Sha pretended to grip his own neck with his hand.

“Will they truly allow the child of a coalition lord and his family to be favored in Luoyang?”

“Ugh…!”

“They may be appointed, but do you think they can rise to a high position? The eyes around are many, and Dong Zhuo controls the court?”

“But including Chao Weng, the Qingliu faction…!”

“That Chao Weng was also invited by Dong Zhuo to come to the capital.”

The lords could not say anything.

“It’s not just Luoyang.”

Yuan Sha lightly tapped the floor with his foot.

“It would also be impossible to pass on official positions to your children.”

“What!”

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“They consider us traitors. In reality, I am the only one who has been falsely accused of treason, but in their minds, all of the coalition are already traitors.”

“…….”

“I know that some of you here are secretly in contact with Luoyang.”

“!!”

A few of the lords avoided Yuan Sha’s gaze or gently closed their eyes.

“Rather than communicating with the Luoyang palace, you are likely sending people privately. You can go around through the west of Luoyang.”

“Are you saying that we are colluding with the palace?”

“How could that be? You know very well that it is to ascertain whether what Yuan Shu said is true or not. It must be to find out whether this Yuan Sha is a truthful person or not.”

Yuan Sha stood before Yu You.

“Public. The truth is something we create.”

“Um…!”

“Will you truly ascend as the emperor, or will you return as a traitor, maintaining the dignity of a member of the royal family?”

“…….”

“If you refuse the proposal, that’s one thing, but from the moment you are here with me, you have no choice but to be with me.”

“Are you threatening me now?”

“Yes, it is a threat. A threat concerning not your own life, but the safety of your children and your family.”

Yuan Shao smiled broadly.

“Will you finish your official duties as the provincial governor and pass down a declining family to the next generation?”

“Ugh…!”

“The court controlled by Dong Zhuo. Naturally, another Dong Zhuo, his brother or children, will step forward. They will determine the official positions. Ah, at least the people from Bingzhou will be somewhat favored.”

“…….”

“Luoyang will be filled with those from Xiliang. Right now, there are some figures of the Qingliu like Chai Weng, but even they will eventually succumb to the fangs of the Xiliang wolves as they age.”

Yuan Shao mimicked cutting his neck with his hand.

“This is the opportunity. Now that we have breached the Holo Pass, we only need to cross three more city gates.”

“The outer and inner walls of Luoyang.”

“And within the inner walls, the imperial palace.”

“……!!”

The lords clenched their fists and swallowed hard.

“Lords, we stand at a crossroads in history. If we succeed in capturing Luoyang, we will be the victors of history, but if we scatter like this, we will be defeated one by one and ultimately branded as traitors and die.”

“…….”

“I will not stop those who wish to leave. However, I, Yuan Shao, will surely remember.”

“How terrifying. Just how far are you willing to go?”

“The line has already been crossed by them first. The moment they sent Yuan Shu to commit such acts, I, Yuan Shao, have already crossed a river of no return. Yes.”

Yuan Shao’s smile faded.

“If we retreat, we will be traitors, but if we succeed, everyone here will receive the title of king.”

“…….”

“Victory makes us heroes, while defeat makes us traitors.”

Yuan Shao clasped his hands together and bowed his head to Yu.

“Under the new emperor, we will truly reign as kings in our own lands. Under one emperor, each of us will govern our own territories as kings.”

“Are you suggesting we turn the world into the Warring States period?”

“No. This country will be maintained. There will simply be a king who deserves to be treated accordingly within it.”

“Is the emperor someone who governs several kings, literally the vassals?”

“Yes.”

For a long time, the vassals were at a loss for words.

“Lord Yuan.”

Gongsun Chan stood up.

“Where shall we host the emperor? Luoyang?”

“Any place is fine. Just…”

Yuan Shao pointed westward.

“Luoyang must be turned to ashes so that it can never be established as the capital again.”

“……Isn’t that going a bit overboard?”

“Are you saying it’s hasty to the point of recklessness? No, that’s not it. This is…”

Yuan Shao bowed his head to everyone.

“A decision for the salvation of the country.”

“……Is that so.”

You opened your mouth in a low voice.

“I understand. However, I will not issue an order.”

“…….”

“You shall act according to your own will. Those who wish to go to Luoyang may go to Luoyang. Those who wish to return to their hometown may return to their hometown.”

At You’s words, the expressions of the vassals changed dramatically.

In particular, Gongsun Chan frowned as he looked at You, but You closed his eyes tightly against everyone’s gaze and replied.

“I have no intention of ordering soldiers to march to a place where people have died. I do not wish to leave my name in history in such a manner.”

“I understand. However, what if you consider this?”

Yuan Shao was speaking to You, but his gaze was no longer directed at You.

“If it is a problem to invade during the funeral, then we can enter after the funeral is over.”

“……Listen here, Ben Chao.”

“Let us pay our respects to Empress Dong and observe a solemn mourning period of five days.”

Yuan Shao smiled gently at the vassals.

“Five days is sufficient. If it exceeds that, then it is not a funeral, but rather they are using the death of Empress Dong to prevent us from attacking.”

“…….”

“I want to pass on the king’s title to my children, even if it means being labeled a traitor for the time being. What about you, lords?”

Yuan Shao chuckled softly.

“I only hope that my children will not be captured by Dong Zhuo and dragged to the execution ground, where they would be beheaded with the words, ‘Your father is a traitor, so you must die too,’ and come to resent their parents.”

* * *

Five days have passed.

Those who call themselves the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition have not disbanded, and as soon as the five days were up, they began to approach Luoyang over the Holo Pass.

“Zhang Liao. Do you see the beasts approaching beyond the horizon?”

“Yes, General. The enemy’s vanguard is coming. What shall we do?”

The wounds have healed.

There is no reason to avoid a fight against traitors with hearts as cold as beasts.

“The troops of Bingzhou are already fully prepared.”

I gripped the Fangtianhua halberd with one hand and lightly tugged on the reins of the red horse with the other.

“Let them come.”