My Father in Law is Lu Bu

Chapter 653

“Zhuge Kongming!” Liu Mang’s voice resounded.

Several people had gathered at the residence including the princess. It was a joint hearing of the top personnel of Yangzhou. Sitting at the main seat was Liu Mang. His wives, including Qian Yu were also present. Though he was sitting at the front, his heart was withdrawing to the back.

Below him stood Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, Lu Su and the others. Kneeling there was also Sun Shangxiang. It was frighteningly calm until Liu Mang broke the silence.

“Zhuge Kongming. Tell me your crime!” Liu Mang said preemptively. He gloomily questioned Zhuge Liang while he discreetly looked at his wives to see their reaction. Unfortunately for him, they had already mastered the skill to look indifferent.

“What am I guilty of?” Zhuge Liang asked back astonishedly.

“You are not guilty? Then what about the matter with Sun Shang…! Sun Changhu!” Liu Mang almost said Sun Shangxiang’s personal name before stopping himself. His wives were already frowning. If he were to say her personal name, it was like admitting to the scandal.

“Oh! So the Lord called me here early this morning to talk about Sun Changhu’s matter.” Zhuge Liang replied without a care.

“Then what other matter is there?”

“That is simply. Passionate love is human nature.” Zhuge Liang replied.

“Hm?” With these words, Liu Mang’s wives started to glare at him. Liu Mang called them over because he wanted to show that he was entrapped by someone. But now Zhuge Liang is implying that Liu Mang was seeking out Sun Shangxiang.

“Wives. I have been accused wrongly.” Liu Mang tried to tell his wives with his eyes. At the same time, he glared at Zhuge Liang.

He gnashed his teeth at Zhuge Liang. “High Official Zhuge. You should know what I am talking about! Didn’t this one already allow Sun Changhu to leave Yangzhou? Why is she still in Yangzhou, and on top of that, in my room?” Liu Mang mumbled the last few words.

“So Milord is asking about this!” Zhuge Liang said in realization. “Sun Changhu was about to leave but then she still had things to discuss with Milord. So Zijing told her where your residence is. Your two generals Zhou Cang and Guan Hai allowed her in to rest because it was late. Did something happen?” Zhuge Liang looked back innocently.

“I…! You…!” Liu mang pointed at Zhuge Liang, not knowing what to say. Liu Mang recalled that the room he slept in was beside the study and not his personal room. It was normally a room for the host but it is also sometimes used for guests. Since Liu Mang was tired after reading, he got Zhou Cang and Guan Hai to find him a nearby room. Suddenly a woman appeared.

“Oh! It would seem that His Highness the King of Shu does not like to sleep in his own personal room and prefers the side room!” Da Qiao said while glaring.

“Milady. I was wronged. You must believe me!” Liu Mang said to his wives. “I really did not know!”

“How could you not know there was someone beside you when you sleep?” Miss Lu questioned.

“Haha! Of course the Lord knows. The lady of the Sun Family entered the room before the Lord. How could he not know when the lady is such a beauty?” Zhou Cang poured oil into the raging fire.

“Don’t speak too much!” Guan Hai turned pale with fright at Zhou Cang’s words. He wanted to stop Zhou Cang but was too late. Guan Hai already felt like crying after they were called out by Zhuge Liang. They can only wait to be punished. Yet Zhou Cang only made things worse. Guan Hai already felt killing intent coming out from Liu Mang.

“Haha!” Liu Mang sneered coldly at Zhou Cang. Zhou Cang laughed back awkwardly the moment he realized his mistakes.

“Zhou Cang. I wonder why the pastries in my residence are always missing a few pieces.” Liu Mang said with a sneer. Zhou Cang was a glutton so he always sneaked away a few of the delicacies given to Liu Mang.

“This… This one was simply testing for poison. We cannot allow you to be fed poison!” Zhou Cang had at some point learned how to make excuses.

“Oh is that so? You are so good?”

“Of course. This Zhou Cang is loyal and devoted to Milord. This one will not allow anyone or anything to harm the Lord.” Zhou Cang said righteously.

“Then why I do keep hearing about you sneaking off to the kitchen from the people at the residence.”

“I… I saw that the kitchen was busy so I went and help them. Milord, your residence is big and you did not hire more people. Look at the servants. How can they carry such heavy things? This one is only helping them.” Zhou Cang said. Since Liu Mang did not like to have so many female servants, he dismissed all of them except for the bare minimum.

“Oh, in that case, I have to thank you!”

“Oh, no need. This one loves to help others.”

“Since you like to help others, then from today onwards, you no longer need to be my guard and instead, you shall help out in the kitchen. Liu Chen!” Liu Mang said and then called out to the housekeeper.

“Your Highness!”

“I will leave Zhou Cang to you!”

“Huh? Your Highness, when will General Zhou return to you?” Liu Chen asked.

“Whenever the kitchen is no longer busy then he can come back.” Liu Mang said, not having any other option to punish Zhou Cang. He could not beat up Zhou Cang nor could he kill Zhou Cang. Since Zhou Cang loved the kitchen so much he might as well work there.

“Milord. I…” Zhou Cang wanted to object when Guan Hai quickly interrupted him. “Thank your Milord for your grace.”

“Why are you still standing there? Liu Chen, take this fool away!” Liu Mang wasn’t making a huge fuss over a minor issue. Zhou Cang had brought someone over and did not inform Liu Mang. It was fortunate that Sun Shangxiang wasn’t an assassin.

“Haha! Your Highness is so majestic!” Miss Lu sneered even though she did not stop Liu Mang from punishing Zhou Cang.

Liu Mang smiled bitterly. “Milady. I really did not know since the start.”

“Who knows whether you know or not!”

Fortunately, Zhuge Liang no longer played the fool. “Milord and his wife. The Lord is a King. Normally, he should have hundreds of concubines. As the Lord is the Sage King, he does not need hundreds of concubines. But he should still have at least three wives and four concubines to show his stature.”

“Three wives four concubines? Hmph!” The few women there harrumphed believing that Zhuge Liang and Liu Mang were in cahoots. But Liu Mang was actually the wronged party.

“Confucius say it is unfilial to be childless. The Lord is the King of Shu yet he has no heirs. Therefore it is urgent to increase the number of people.” Zhuge Liang’s words caused the others to become dumbstruck. After all, none of them had gotten pregnant despite their nightly activities. At Liu Mang’s age, he should already have a few children of his own. If he does not, then accepting concubines was a necessity.

Zhuge Liang then continued to persuade Liu Mang’s wives, telling them that they would keep their position even if Liu Mang accepted more concubines. Even if Liu Mang has more women outside, they would not be able to control it. After all, Liu Mang was the King of Shu. As long as they give birth to a son, it would not matter. Their children would take priority over the concubine’s children when it comes to inheritance.

“Miss Sun is closely related to the Lord’s ambition. I hope you will all be able to consider the overall situation.” Zhuge Liang said as he pulled Lu Su over to kneel together. Originally, accepting a wife or a concubine was supposed to be Miss Lu’s duty. After all, she was the Princess. She was like the Empress in charge of the imperial harem. Zhuge Liang had no right to interfere. But now, Zhuge Liang was using a righteous cause to interfere.

“Sisters. What do you think?” Miss Lu turned to the others.

“My father has three wives and seventy two concubines.” Yuan Fang said, showing her consent. Qian Yu remained silent since her father was the barbarian king who had several wives. In comparison, Liu Mang was much better.

Qiao Yu walked up to Sun Shangxiang and said. “You are Xiang aren’t you? Do you still remember me?”

“You… Are you Sister Yu’er?” Sun Shangxiang could not believe it. Qiao Yu may have more power but it was still Miss Lu that sits in front. That was why Sun Shangxiang did not notice Qiao Yu until now.

“No. Sister Yu’er have already died at Wancheng.” Sun Shangxiang shook her head.

“Silly girl. If I am dead, then who are you talking to? I still remember you using bamboo slips to roast my rabbit.” Qiao Yu said. In the past, Qiao Yu and her sister had raised a rabbit. But then Sun Shangxiang went and roasted it using one of her brother’s bamboo books as firewood.

“Are you really Sister Yu’er?” Sun Shangxiang could not believe it.

“Let us talk about everything later.” Qiao Yu said and then pulled Sun Shangxiang over to their place.

“What… what just happened?” Liu Mang asked.

“Hmph! My good husband! You better wait for my approval the next time you bring in a new sister. If what happened today happens again… Hmph!” Qiao Yu harrumphed at Liu Mang. It was evident that she believed Liu Mang planned this. Liu Mang must have wanted to take in Sun Shangxiang but was afraid of his wives so he brought Lu Su and Zhuge Liang over to help him.

“Lord’s wife is wise!” Zhuge Liang and Lu Su knelt. “When is the wedding ceremony?” Zhuge Liang asked.

Qiao Yu said. “Sister Xiang’er was already eaten so she is already his wife. In that case, as early as possible.”

“The day after tomorrow would be a good day. Would it be possible?” Zhuge Liang asked.

“Alright.”

“Who should we notify and when should we notify them?” The two continued to discuss, ignoring the person involved. It was as though it wasn’t even Liu Mang’s wedding. Liu Mang could only smile bitterly at this.

***

“What? That Liu Mang Liu Hanyang is marrying another wife?” Lu Bu suddenly sat upright indignantly. “That whelp keep getting married again and again. What about my Ling’er?”

“Lord Marquis, you should not be so short tempered. No matter what, right now you are a Bulwark General.” Lu Bu’s wife said resentfully.

“Wife. That Liu Mang is taking another wife. He wants another wife? The matter with Jingzhou’s Lady Cai has not yet even settled and here he goes again. Where is he putting our Ling’er? No! I must go to Shouchun and have a talk with him!”

“General, just sit down. So what if it is four wives? Don’t you also have three wives?” Lady Yan said to her husband.

“I only have three wives and he has four wives!” Lu Bu sulked.

“Aiya! The two of you…!” Lady Yan shook her head. On one hand, Lu Bu was genuinely worried about his daughter suffering a loss. On the other, he was jealous. It is said that fathers pampers their daughters so much that the daughter’s husband are their enemies. Now not only did Liu Mang make it harder for his daughter. He even have more wives than Lu Bu. How can Lu Bu accept this?

“My Lord Marquis Hou. Do not forget that while your son-in-law has four wives, you are the one who has married the most beautiful woman in the land!” Lady Yan placated Lu Bu.

“Hmm. That’s true.” Lu Bu nodded. Diao Chan was extremely beautiful. At the very least, this is true to Lu Bu. As a result, Lu Bu started to feel better. So what if you have more wives? Lu Bu has the most beautiful one!

Lady Yan could not help but shake her head. She no longer envied Diao Chan that much because Lady Yan was also getting old. She was already over forty years old. At that age, she just want her family to live in harmony and prosperity.

“No need to attend Mang’er’s wedding. You will just stress him out!” Lady Yan said to Lu Bu.

“If I don’t go, then what will you a single woman go there for?” Lu Bu furrowed his brows.

“Of course I have a reason to go. Ling’er has been with Mang’er for so long and yet there are no children. Even if you as a father is not anxious, I am anxious!” Lady Yan had long wanted to embrace her grandchild.

“You want to use that prescription?” Lu Bu furrowed his brows.

“Yes. I as a mother would be relieved once they have a child.”

“Alright, go. I will send troops to escort you.”

“No need. Mang’er have already sent people to receive me.” Lady Yan smiled. It was not possible for Liu Mang to actually place Zhou Cang at the kitchen. If he did that, there would be no food left. That was why he sent Zhou Cang to Lujiang to escort people.

***

Two days have passed. If Liu Mang wanted to marry Sun Shangxiang, he should go to the Sun Family with a betrothal gift to make his proposal. The Sun Family has to agree before the marriage could go through. However, a lot of these steps were skipped because the marriage was done for political purposes.

All the important people in Yangzhou attended the banquet. Even Zhang Liao and Chen Gong were present. The only one not there was Lu Bu.

Lu Bu’s absence was a good thing because Liu Mang felt guilty. After all, Yangzhou grew using Lu Bu’s capital. After taking away his daughter and his property, Liu Mang went and take in mistresses. How could Liu Mang not feel guilty?

In that world, Liu Mang did not have any elders so Lady Yan sat in the seat of honor for Sun Shangxiang to pay respects to. After three kneelings and nine prostrations. Sun Shangxiang was sent to the lady’s chamber while Liu Mang stayed behind to drink. The others would definitely not let Liu Mang go. Though Liu Mang was the Lord and they were his subordinates, there were no distinction of rank during such moments. It was just a big drinking party at the front courtyard.

Meanwhile the rear court was also bustling with noise. It was where Liu Mang’s wives ate, drank and chat.

“Mother. Why are you here alone? Where is Father?” Miss Lu asked since she had written an invitation letter for her father as well.

“Someone has to look after Lujiang. Chen Gong had been doing it for so long, it is good to allow him to rest for a while. Besides that, if your father attends, would this marriage ceremony go well?” Lady Yan replied to her daughter.

Miss Lu nodded. With her father’s fiery temper, Liu Mang would definitely go back while lying down.

“Ling’er. Come and tell your mother. How is your activity with your husband in bed?” Lady Yan suddenly asked her daughter.

“Huh? Mother. Why are you suddenly talking about this?” Miss Lu’s face turned red.

“I am just asking you if you are pregnant.” Lady Yan replied.

Miss Lu’s expression turned dark. She and Liu Mang had sex many times during the past few days but there was still no signs that she was pregnant.

“Sigh. It is not surprising.” Lady Yan shook her head bitterly.

“What’s wrong Mother?” Miss Lu asked.

“Ling’er. When I was pregnant with you, your father was just a small man at Bingzhou. Every day, he is on edge as more and more foreigners appear. Every time your father would go out and come back covered in blood. Once, we received false information and the enemy entered the city.” Lady Yan explained. Miss Lu was born prematurely because the foreigners entered the city to loot and kill. Due to that, there was not enough nutrition so Miss Lu had defects, affecting her ability to give birth.

“Ah!”

“Fortunately, I met a divine doctor. He gave you this prescription. If you take this and have sex, you can have a baby.” Lady Yan said to her daughter.

Miss Lu took the medicine but there was also a drawing. Miss Lu’s face turned red as she saw a drawing of various sex positions and instructions.

Besides Miss Lu, Liu Mang’s other wives also had their faces turn red. They were naturally listening in to the conversation between mother and daughter. Though the medicine was not for them, they could still make use of the postures in the drawing.

Miss Lu had someone prepare a room for her mother. Meanwhile, the drawing in her hands was taken by Qiao Yu.

“Sister. This drawing…” Miss Lu panicked.

“Alright. We know this is to try and have a child.” Qiao Yu smiled and replied. Lady Yan did not avoid them when explaining things to Miss Lu.

Qiao Yu’s face also turned red as she looked at the drawing.

“Ling’er. Though we allowed that ungrateful man to marry Xiang’er, we cannot just let him off!”

“Sister. What do you mean?”

“Let us teach you.”

Once the drinking party at the front courtyard was over, Liu Mang returned. Though he had been held up for a long time to drink, the wine in that era was not as strong and the wine from the modern era. Liu Mang who had modern era training could still hold on.

With his bodyguard’s help, Liu Mang returned to the rear court. It was a happy day so Liu Mang could not help but smile. Though there were many beautiful women amongst his wives, Sun Shangxiang also had her own beauty. The past few days, Liu Mang could not satisfy his cravings so this night, he would definitely satisfy himself.

Sun Shangxiang loved to take the initiative and could also satisfy Liu Mang.

Liu Mang opened the door and walked in while addressing his wife. Sun Shangxiang was there, wearing a red dress.

“Wife. Your husband is here. Come, let me lift your veil!” Under the moonlight, Sun Shangxiang’s face was even more seductive.

“Wife. Let us go to bed.” Liu Mang blew out the candlelight and Sun Shangxiang shyly pushed him to bed.

“Hm?” Once in bed, Liu Mang realized something was wrong. “Wife. Aren’t you taking it off too quickly?” Sun Shangxiang’s red dress wasn’t removed yet. But Liu Mang did not mind. It was more convenient this way. Liu Mang wanted to embrace the beauty before him when he realized that both sides of him were also soft.

This felt like his other wives. Liu Mang’s eyes grew wide. All five of them were here.

“This…” Liu Mang had a bad premonition. He even had the urge to run away. But he was caught before he could do so. “Husband. Didn’t you want to have sex? Come!”

Liu Mang was immediately drowned.

“H-Help!” His miserable condition could not be conveyed.