My Father in Law is Lu Bu

Chapter 680

“Young Master Liang.” A book servant said happily and awkwardly as he came out from behind the wall.

The book servant did not look like much but had sharp eyes.

“This…!” The housekeeper felt embarrassed. He just said that Zhuge Jin had gone out but now Zhuge Jin’s book servant has appeared. Isn’t this obviously deceiving people? The housekeeper did not know how to explain himself. Fortunately, the book servant spoke instead.

“Young Master Liang. Master is… not in. He has gone out.” The book servant’s explanation was terrible. His actions only showed that he was trying to hide something.

Zhuge Liang furrowed his brows. “Wu Shun. My brother is really not in?” Zhuge Liang asked again.

“He is not in! He is really not in!” The book servant, Wu Shun, stammered.

“Oh?” Zhuge Liang purposefully raised his tone and said, causing Wu Shun to become even more nervous. With a closer look, one could see the cold sweat on Wu Shun’s forehead. Wu Shun was afraid that Zhuge Liang would continue to press him. At that time, the secret would be revealed.

Fortunately, Zhuge Liang did not continue to ask questions and simply sighed. Wu Shun was one of the Zhuge Family’s book servant and was always together with Zhuge Liang’s Wu Hui. They had always followed the Zhuge brothers. Zhuge Liang did not leave Wu Hui even when he came to Jiangdong. Naturally, this meant that Zhuge Jin would not leave Wu Shun behind.

In other words, Wu Shun’s presence here along with this scenario simply meant that Zhuge Jin himself did not want to come out and see them.

Meanwhile, Wu Shun was still thinking to himself on how to deceive Zhuge Liang. Should he say that Zhuge Jin had went Jingzhou or maybe somewhere else? He also felt regret that his actions caused him to be noticed by Zhuge Liang.

Before Wu Shun could find a suitable place to use as an excuse, Zhuge Liang said. “Brother has really went out. It is hard to avoid going out if you stay in the same place for a long time. Really. Brother should have invited me to come along. We haven’t hunted in a while.” Zhuge Liang grumbled towards Wu Shun and the housekeeper. “Alright, Wu Shun. Go and prepare me a room here. I want to wait for my brother to return.”

“Ah!” Wu Shun and the housekeeper were dumbstruck. They were convincing Zhuge Liang that Zhuge Jin had gone out. This could range from a single day to several days. If Zhuge Liang were to live here, then it would become a huge joke. The courtyard wasn’t even that big so Zhuge Jin would have to be trapped in his room for several days.

“This…” The housekeeper did not know what to say.

“What’s wrong? Are there no available rooms?” Zhuge Liang asked as though he was being considerate. However, he was actually sneering at them.

“Yes, yes. High official Zhuge. This residence is small and has no rooms left!” The housekeeper quickly said.

“Is that so? In that case, I won’t trouble you. I will come back in two days.” Zhuge Liang said to the housekeeper but his voice was extra loud.

“Of course. If the Chief Ambassador returns, we will send someone to inform High Official Zhuge.” The housekeeper replied politely.

Zhuge Liang sneered in his heart. If they had any intention of informing him of Zhuge Jin’s arrival, they would have just let him stay. They did not even ask for his address. It clearly showed that they have no intentions of saying anything.

“In that case, I will take my leave!” Zhuge Liang said as he cupped his fists. Zhuge Liang could not do anything if Zhuge Liang does not want to see him.

The housekeeper escorted Zhuge Liang and the other guests out while Wu Shun returned to the back.

“Kongming. Did you elder brother really go out?” The young general asked.

“Yes. He had really gone out. It is a place he could reach just by lifting his leg.” Zhuge Liang replied.

“Just by lifting his leg?” It was obvious that this is either exaggerated or a ridicule. The young man quickly understood after hearing it. “Are you saying he did not leave the residence?”

Zhuge Liang did not reply but his expression showed that the guess was correct.

“Then why did you not call Zhuge Jin out? Does he not know who our Lord is? He just hides and does not dare to meet us. How daring. Let this Guan Hai go and drag him out!” Guan Hai grumbled after hearing Zhuge Jin’s words. His Lord had travelled a long distance just to meet Zhuge Jin yet he refuses to even see the guests.

“Come back! Don’t make trouble!” Liu Mang said sternly. He was not only berating Guan Hai with this but he was also pushing down his own resentment.

“Milord. Please don’t blame General Guan Hai. He is just thinking of Milord! Today is this Liang’s fault. My brother has forgotten himself.” Zhuge Liang said apologetically. He could sense Liu Mang’s dissatisfaction as Liu Mang had come to Jiangdong because of his request. Zhuge Liang made this request so that Yangzhou has another talent and also because for his brother’s sake. Becoming the assistant to the Ministry of Affairs is several ranks higher than Zhuge Jin’s current position. Yet, Zhuge Jin did not come out to see him.

The reason why Zhuge Liang did not press Wu Shun earlier was because he knew it would not be of any use. His brother would still refuse to see him. That was why Zhuge Liang chose to give up and leave first before discussing what actions to take next.

“Milord. Please send someone to watch the residence to make sure no one comes out.” Zhuge Liang said.

“That would be no problem!” Liu Mang nodded and then ordered Guan Hai to go to the naval barracks and bring over two groups of soldiers to patrol around the front and back entrances of Zhuge Jin’s residence.

***

“Master! It is not good! Master Liang said he would come back in a few days!” Wu Shun immediately notified Zhuge Jin about Zhuge Liang’s words.

“So Kongming noticed that I am still in my residence.” Zhuge Jin shook his head bitterly. This was the information he obtained after hearing Wu Shun’s words.

“He will come in two days. No. I must leave now!” Zhuge Jin muttered to himself. He did not want to see Zhuge Liang. He has no face to see Zhuge Liang. Rather than be embarrassed in the future, it was best to leave now.

“Ah! Master, we have not yet finished packing our luggage!” Wu Shun said. They have not yet finished packing up everything.

“There is no need for it anymore. We need to go now!” Zhuge Jin said urgently. Seeing Zhuge Jin being so resolute, Wu Shun nodded and followed Zhuge Jin to leave. They only carried a bit of money for travelling expenses. They also left using the backdoor instead of the front door.

“Haha!” Zhuge Jin thought his actions went unnoticed but his every move was already read by Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang smiled bitterly as he watched the two leave and thought to himself. “My dear brother. If you are going to leave, you should have just left. If you are going to disguise yourself you need to change your temperament. Just changing your clothes will not do. You might as well shout out your name.”

Zhuge Jin failed so hard that the common people shouted ‘Chief Ambassador’ when greeting him. Zhuge Jin was extremely embarrassed but did not dare to admit it.

“Milord. Should we go and catch these two?” Guan Hai asked Liu Mang.

Liu Mang turned towards Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Jin was Zhuge Liang’s elder brother so Zhuge Liang has a say in it.

“Milord. There is no need to stop them.” Zhuge Liang was happy to see his brother and also found his brother funny. He finally understood why his brother refused to see him. Zhuge Jin was just trying to prevent himself from becoming a bad role model for Zhuge Liang.

“Are you going to let them leave?”

“No Milord. Have Jianye’s defenders close the gates.” Zhuge Liang could not go out and stop Zhuge Jin. This would just put Zhuge Jin in an even more awkward position. That was why Zhuge Liang chose a method that would force Zhuge Jin to go back to his residence.

“What? The gates are closed? No one can leave?” Zhuge Jin was struck dumb when he heard the news from Wu Shun. They wanted to leave Jiangdong but Jianye’s gates were closed. How are they supposed to leave now?

“Wu Shun. Did you ask why the gates are closed?” Zhuge Jin asked as he looked at the sky. It was still bright so it was not yet time for the gates to close.

“I already asked. The officer there said it is a precaution in case Huiji’s rebel army attack Jianye! That is why the gates are closed during the day!” Wu Shun explained.

“Rebels from Huiji? How can there be rebels coming from Huiji?” Zhuge Jin could not help but shake his head. Huiji was being attacked by Sun Ce’s army of fifty thousand. They would have their hands full defending themselves. If they were to come and attack, they would just be courting death since Jianye was now being defended by Yangzhou.

“Master. How about we tell them our identity? That way, they would definitely open the way for us.” Wu Shun suggested with an honest expression.

“Tell them our identity? Wouldn’t we be exposed then?” Zhuge Jin said as he used his palm to hit Wu Shun in the forehead, implying that Wu Shun’s idea was terrible and he should really use his head. Zhuge Jin wanted to remain anonymous. If he were to tell others who he was, he would just be seeking trouble.

Was Wu Shun actually that stupid? Of course not. Even a moron would become smart if they stay by the side of someone like Zhuge Jin for many years.

On the contrary, Wu Shun was actually witty. He knew that revealing their identities would be of no use. If they wanted to leave, they had to do it quietly. But Wu Shun does not want to leave. He wanted to expose everything so that they would have no choice but to meet Zhuge Liang.

“Then where should we go?” Wu Shun rubbed his head and asked.

“Let us go to an inn!” Zhuge Jin said to Wu Shun.

“An inn? Master, we do not have much money left!” Wu Shun said to Zhuge Jin.

“How much do we have?” Zhuge Jin asked skeptically. “Is it not enough to stay in the inn?”

Wu Shun actually carried enough money for them to stay at the inn for over half a month. However, Wu Shun would not speak the truth. “Master, we were in a hurry so I only managed to grab a few silvers. This is only enough for us to return to Jingzhou. If we stay in an inn, we won’t have enough money to take a ship back to Jingzhou!” Wu Shun said while acting as though he was at a complete loss. Zhuge Jin gritted his teeth. He could not stay at an inn so he could only return home.

When Zhuge Jin returned, the housekeeper was confused as to why Zhuge Jin was back.

“Kongming. It is really not easy to be your brother. He must have committed a lot of sins in his past life.” Liu Mang commented as he watched Zhuge Jin return home. All of this was caused by Zhuge Liang.

“Milord. Don’t tease me anymore!” Zhuge Liang also felt helpless. He finally understood that his elder brother was avoiding him because of face. So who else could feel more helpless than Zhuge Liang? His brother was right in front of him but he could not even go to his brother.

“So what now?” Liu Mang asked. If Zhuge Jin were to continue avoiding him and Liu Mang was unable to force Zhuge Jin to come out, how was he supposed to recruit Zhuge Jin?

“Milord. Tomorrow, take Guan Hai with you there. I will not be accompanying you.” Zhuge Liang said.

“Hm?” Liu Mang was confused. The next day, Zhuge Jin was once again tried to leave Jianye with Wu Shun. Unfortunately, his luck was not good. The gates were closed again, forcing Zhuge Jin to go back.

Some might ask. Won’t closing the gate cause the common people to complain? Of course not. This is because the gates were immediately opened after Zhuge Jin left. So it was impossible for Zhuge Jin to leave during the day. At night, it would be even more impossible. Zhuge Jin was not a superhero. He did not have the ability to leap over the walls.

That day, someone sent a notice saying that the wanted to greet Zhuge Jin.

“Master. Someone sent a visiting card saying he wants to visit you.” Wu Shun said as he showed Zhuge Jin the visiting card.

“Someone wants to see me? Bring me the visiting card!” Zhuge Jin was stunned. Who in Jiangdong still wants to pay him a visit? Zhuge Jin was already relinquishing his position of Chief Ambassador in Jiangdong.

Zhuge Jin read the visiting card and immediately dropped it from fear.

“What’s wrong, Master?” Wu Shun asked. Wu Shun then read the visiting card and his mouth could no longer close. This is because the name on the card said The King of Shu, Liu Mang Liu Hanyang.

The King of Shu was paying a visit.

Wu Shun was shocked but also excited. In the past, this person has nothing to do with Wu Shun but now, Jiangdong was also going to be Liu Mang’s territory. Their future prospects would be bright if they could get Liu Mang’s appreciation.

“Where is the person who delivered this?” Zhuge Jin asked Wu Shun.

“That person is the young man who came with Young Master Liang the other day.” Wu Shun replied.

“The one that came with Liang?” Zhuge Jin’s expression turned severe.

“Go…” Zhuge Jin said to Wu Shun.

For a moment, Wu Shun felt excited. He thought that his master would tell him to invite that person in. Though Wu Shun did not know whether that person was the King of Shu or not, he was certain that the man was at least someone close to the King of Shu. If they could get recognized by the King of Shu, their future prospects would be bright.

“Go and tell that honored guest that I have not yet returned!” Zhuge Jin finished, causing Wu Shun to feel very disappointed.

“Master. What is…?” This was a rare chance. They should be holding on to it to be successful. But then his master decided to refuse. Wu Shun was starting to suspect that his master was unable to think clearly.

“Did you not hear me? Tell that honored guest that I am not in!” Zhuge Jin repeated indifferently. Seeing Zhuge Jin’s expression, Wu Shun understood that his master has no intention of meeting the honored guest. Wu Shun would not be able to advise Zhuge Jin either. He could only hang his head dispiritedly and leave to explain matters to that honored guest outside.

After Wu Shun left, Zhuge Jin’s indifferent expression crumbled. With shivering hands, he once again picked up the visiting card and reread the name on it.

“King of Shu, General of Agile Cavalry, Liu Mang Liu Hanyang is paying a visit!” Zhuge Jin muttered with complicated feelings.

First of all, he was excited since Liu Mang was a high ranking noble in the Han Dynasty. On top of that, Liu Mang was the Lord of Jiangdong and Yangzhou. How could Zhuge Jin not feel excited when such an important person was paying him a visit?

However, Zhuge Jin also had misgivings. If he were to meet with the King of Shu, how would the rest of the world view him? This was like immediately abandoning his former liege. Though Sun Ce have already surrendered, Zhuge Jin’s principles would not allow him to do this. At the very least, he could not agree to meet the King of Shu after a single visiting card. That was why Zhuge Jin chose not to meet.

That being said, would there be another of such opportunity? Zhuge Jin could already see the King of Shu becoming enraged at being refused, closing of the doors towards opportunity. Jiangdong was finished and Jingzhou was without ambition and could barely defend themselves. It was impossible to count on Liu Biao. Others like Ma Teng and Gongsun Du either don’t have any future prospects or were shortsighted. Cao Cao was not too bad but Cao Cao already has so many tacticians. There was no point for Zhuge Jin to go.

“Forget it! Do things one at a time! At worst, I will just be a farmer!” Zhuge Jin said in a relax manner but his troubled expression did not change.

“He refused?” Liu Mang was confused. The previous day, Zhuge Jin was too embarrassed to see his brother. But this time, Liu Mang came personally. He even sent a visiting card.

“Honored guest. It is not that he refused. It is just that our master has not yet returned!” The book servant explained apologetically.

“Has not yet returned? Hahaha. Don’t bother joking anymore. Everyone knows that your master is in! Do you not know who our Lord is? If you still avoid seeing him, do you believe he can just send someone to demolish your residence?” Guan Hai was dissatisfied with Zhuge Jin’s arrogance. Zhuge Jin was just a defeated general. How can he dare to do all this when even his previous liege, Sun Ce, has already surrendered?

“This… I…” Wu Shun also did not know what to say. If it was someone else, Wu Shun would have retorted or even get people to chase them off. After all, these people were here to pay a visit to Zhuge Jin, not the other way around. However, Wu Shun did not dare to do this to these two guests. If he did, even this Chief Ambassador’s residence would be destroyed.

“Guan Hai, forget it! This Zhuge Jin is too busy to see us. Let us go back!” Liu Mang was gloomy but he still held in his anger. Zhuge Jin may be talented but he wasn’t indispensable.

“Milord. Are we just going back like this?” Guan Hai was still defiant.

“Otherwise?” Liu Mang glared back at Guan Hai. “Little brother. We will take our leave here.”

“Honored guests, walk carefully.” Wu Shun replied and escorted Liu Mang and the others back out but he did not dare to rush them.

“This is really too much! Milord. Allow me to send two people to drag Zhuge Jin in front of you!” Guan Hai said.

“Let’s go!” Liu Mang did not say much and simply looked back at the residence with discontent.

“Where are we going?”

“We go and find the vulgar Zhuge.” Liu Mang said. He even already had the attention to cut down Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang was the one who had him come to Jiangdong. Zhuge Liang was also the one who suggested using visiting cards. Now, Liu Mang has lost face and was chased out. Who else could Liu Mang look for if not Zhuge Liang?

“Right! We find that vulgar Zhuge!” Zhou Cang also shouted before being hit on the head.

“You are also calling him that! How impolite!” Liu Mang treated Zhou Cang as his punching bag.

“Vulgar Zhuge! Come out now!” Liu Mang shouted out towards a room when he returned to the lodge. He could call Zhuge vulgar all he wants because he was the Lord.

“Milord. You are back?” Zhuge Liang walked out of the study. When Liu Mang saw Zhuge Liang, he was very angry. Wasn’t Zhuge Liang just harming himself and others? Zhuge Liang made him lose face and was not laughing. Liu Mang really felt like cutting Zhuge Liang down.

“Milord. Were you chased out by my brother?” Zhuge Liang asked with a smile.

“You know and yet you still ask! Vulgar Zhuge! You are harboring evil intentions! Will you be happy only after I get chased out like you?” Liu Mang asked in a terrible mood.

He did not expect Zhuge Liang to cup his fist and shout respectfully. “Congratulations Milord. The Ministry of Affairs will now have another talent. Milord will have another capable advisor!” Zhuge Liang congratulated.

“Hm? You are congratulating me? Have you gone mad? I was chased away by your elder brother. I did not recruit him!”

“Milord. What kind of proud person are there?” Zhuge Liang did not get angry and simply asked.

“Proud people?” Liu Mang gave Zhuge Liang a glance. “There are two kinds of proud people. The first kind are talented people. They have an air of arrogance because they already see through you. They get to be conceited because of their ability. The other is a fool. Idiots who have terrible brains or terrible upbringing who only court disaster. Their arrogance are not backed by their abilities.

“Then Milord. Which one of these two is my brother?” Zhuge Liang asked.

“How should I know? He could be like you who is not normal!” Liu Mang replied. This can be a praise or an insult, depending on whether you want to see it as being too smart or too stupid.

Zhuge Liang knew that he was being insulted but he did not get angry. “Milord. You should know of my brother’s talent. Do you not want such a person?” Zhuge Liang was saying that Zhuge Jin was proud and arrogant because of his talent. One definitely needs to pay a huge amount to get such a talent.

“So what if I want him? He doesn’t even want to meet me! What can you do about it?” Liu Mang replied unhappily.

“Haha. Milord, go and visit him again tomorrow.” Zhuge Liang said to Liu Mang.

“Go and embarrass myself again?”

“No. If you go again tomorrow, the Ministry of Appointments would have a new assistant minister.” Zhuge Liang smiled.

“Are you telling the truth?” Liu Mang asked.

“If it doesn’t happen, Milord can come and find me!” Zhuge Liang patted his chest confidently.

“What’s the point in looking for you?” Liu Mang grumbled.

“Haha.” Zhuge Liang laughed.

Though Liu Mang was in a bad mood, he still listens to Zhuge Liang’s advice. So the third day, Liu Mang visited again, this time bearing gifts. He went to Zhuge Jin’s residence after lunch.

“Sigh!” Wu Shun was sighing inside Zhuge Jin’s room while walking up and down. It goes without saying, they had once again failed to leave the city.

“Wu Shun. If you are sick you should take your medicine to prevent the illness from becoming serious.” Zhuge Jin said to his book servant while holding a book in his hand.

“Huh? Master. I am not sick. Aren’t I very healthy and active right now?” Wu Shun replied.

“Then why are you sighing so much?” Zhuge Jin asked.

“Master. I am sighing because of you! When His Highness the King of Shu paid you a visit, you should have at least received him. Why did you turn him away? Now we can’t go Jianye and we even offended His Highness. Does Master really want to go back to Jingzhou to become a farmer?” Wu Shun complained.

“What’s wrong? Are you unwilling? What is wrong with farming?” Zhuge Jin asked back. “Oh right, I forgot. You have not yet experienced the prosperity of the world yet. Don’t worry. I can return to Jingzhou alone. You can stay here. I will send a letter to Liang, and ask him to take care of you.” Zhuge Jin was almost thirty years old. He could afford to go back to Nanyang and till the land. However, Wu Shun was still a young man. How could he endure such a boring life?

“Master. That is not what I meant! Sigh. Either way, I want to stay by Master’s side. I will go where you go!” Wu Shun quickly replied. He was not thinking all of that selfishly for himself. He was sincerely lamenting sighing because Zhuge Jin seems to be giving up his ambitions to lead a life a farmer’s life. There is not much difference between the dead and a living person without ambitions. Wu Shun did not want Zhuge Jin to become like this.

Master. If we cannot stay in Jiangdong, we can go to Yanzhou or Xudou. I heard that Cao Cao is a wise ruler!” Wu Shun said as he tried to comfort Zhuge Jin. Zhuge Jin did not know whether to laugh or cry.

“Enough, enough! Are you afraid that I would die from hunger?” Zhuge Jin laughed at the advice. If you are poor, care for yourself. If you are rich, care for the world. According to this principle, Zhuge Jin must be really poor.

Zhuge Jin could not help but shake his head as he looked at the sky outside. “Wu Shun. What is the time now?”

“It is about four in the afternoon.” Wu Shun replied.

“Four!” Zhuge Jin repeated as he looked at the darkening sky. A single day passed by so quickly. He could not help but feel a bit gloomy. Now that the residence was quiet, Zhuge Jin could not help but have worries about personal gains and losses. Yet, Zhuge Jin would still choose not to meet Liu Mang even if had another chance.

Just as Wu Shun was bringing in dinner, there was a lot of noise.

“Chief Ambassador! There are a lot of troops advancing towards our residence! They might be looking for you!” The housekeeper said to Zhuge Jin.

“Looking for me?” Zhuge Jin was stunned.

“Master. Could it be His Highness the King of Shu’s people? Are they here to visit as guests again?” Wu Shun suggested happily.

“Chief Ambassador. I don’t think it is His Highness paying a visit. All of the ones here are soldiers carrying Yangzhou’s banner. Their swords were all unsheathed as well!” The housekeeper explained to the two.

“Could it be? Oh no!” Wu Shun shouted. “Could it be that His Highness came to arrest you out of anger because you denied his visit?” Wu Shun speculated.

“Ah! If this is the case, you must run away quickly! Quickly get out of the city then His Highness can’t do anything to you!” The housekeeper quickly suggested.

“Get out of the city? Can we even leave?” Zhuge Jin was not filled with any sense of urgency even at this moment. They had been trying to leave for a while now but the gates were always closed. Zhuge Jin already felt that something was fishy. There would be some familiar faces watching their residence. It was easy to tell that these were the King of Shu’s men.

The sound of the metallic armor collided as footsteps drew closer. These were the sound of Yangzhou’s elites barging into Zhuge Jin’s residence one by one. All of them carried a very serious expression.

“Generals. May I ask why you have come to my humble home?” The housekeeper stepped forward and asked the armored general.

“We are looking for someone!” The armored general replied.

The housekeeper felt a bad premonition and carefully asked. “Who is the general looking for?”

“Haha. Your words are truly interesting. Whose residence is this? Isn’t it the residence of your Chief Ambassador? Of course I am here to look for your Chief Ambassador Zhuge Jin!” The armored general replied to the old housekeeper.

“Ah!” The housekeeper’s bad premonition has come true. They were really here to look for Zhuge Jin.

“General. Our Chief Ambassador is out and have not yet returned!” The housekeeper carefully said.

“Haha. He is still outside? Sir. Do you think you have the final say here?” The armored general sneered. The housekeeper’s forehead started to sweat. This general had gone onto the battlefield to kill hundreds. His eyes carried killing intent.

“Our… Our Chief Ambassador is really not in!” The housekeeper gritted his teeth and persisted. His head was already full of sweat.

“He is not in? Men!” The armored general’s sneer grew wider and ordered “Go to the back and bring our Master Zhuge Jin out!”

“Understood!” A group of fully armored soldiers went deeper into Zhuge Jin’s residence.

“Wait! This is the Chief Ambassador’s residence! You cannot…!” The old housekeeper tried to obstruct the soldiers but was instead stopped by two burly men. They then carried him away, with the housekeeper screaming. As the housekeeper had a good reputation in the residence, the other servants tried to obstruct the soldiers as well.

“How daring! If they continue to try and obstruct us, kill them!”

“Understood!” The soldiers all took out their swords, startling the servants.

“Stop!” Just as the soldiers was about to charge in, a calm voice echoed as Zhuge Jin walked out with full of integrity. He had a commanding presence even in the face of the loud soldiers.