My Father in Law is Lu Bu

Chapter 688

Guan Hai knew that he was tricked by his Lord. Why didn’t his Lord tell him that these pastries were made by his wife? Now he cannot take those words back. He can’t even say it was delicious after spitting out of the pastries.

“Milord! This…!” Guan Hai wanted to cry. There had been no problems but suddenly he offended his Lord’s wife without a good cause.

“Alright. Guan Hai, there is no business for you here. You can leave!” Liu Mang waved at Guan Hai. He only wanted to borrow Guan Hai’s mouth. Now that Guan Hai said what he needed to say, there was no need to trouble Guan Hai any further.

“Yes.” Guan Hai quickly left feeling cheated.

“Xiang’er. Skills are not learned in a single day. You can go back and continue learning from Mother-in-law. Once you improve, I would be forcing you to make more for me instead!” Liu Mang placated Sun Shangxiang. Hearing this, Sun Shangxiang started to smile again.

“Come. Let me eat the best round pastries here!” Liu Mang said teasingly.

“How dislikeable!” Sun Shangxiang pushed Liu Mang away.

Just as Liu Mang was about to flirt with Sun Shangxiang, Guan Hai shouted from outside. “Milord. The imperial bodyguard said that there is a woman outside who came to visit.”

“A woman?” Sun Shangxiang immediately turned skeptical. Sun Shangxiang haven’t entered the family for long but she was taught by the two tigress Qiao Yu and Lu Lingqi. When she came to Jiangdong she really had no intentions of supervising Liu Mang. “Which family’s girl did you hook up with this time?” Sun Shangxiang asked strictly.

“I did nothing!” Liu Mang had been looking for talent this entire time. He did not have time to go look for women. However, it was obvious that Sun Shangxiang did not believe him.

“Oh. Lord’s wife. That woman is here to see you!” Guan Hai quickly explained before things turned bloody.

“Looking for me?” Sun Shangxiang was stunned.

“Yes. She said she is your close friend.” Guan Hai added.

“See! She is here to see you, not me! Guan Hai! Couldn’t you have just said everything from the start?” Liu Mang felt indignant. He was almost killed by Sun Shangxiang.

“That woman also said that she knows you!” Guan Hai added.

“Hm?” Sun Shangxiang raised her voice again.

“Milady. This is a misunderstanding! This is definitely a misunderstanding! How could I have known anybody from Jiangdong?”

“We will know once we go out and see!” Sun Shangxiang would not let Liu Mang off so easily. She stood up and straightened her clothes before leaving the room. “Where is that woman? Take me there!” Sun Shangxiang said to a guard. The guard nodded and escorted her.

“Guan Hai. Come in!” Liu Mang’s cold and unhappy voice came out.

“Milord. Are you looking for me?” Guan Hai entered the room and asked skeptically.

“Did you do it on purpose?” Liu Mang asked while gnashing his teeth.

“Do what on purpose?” Guan Hai saw that Liu Mang’s face had already turned red on one side and white on the other. It was clear that Liu Mang was restraining himself. Guan Hai laughed in his heart but did not dare to laugh for real. Instead, he just looked at Liu Mang innocently.

“Don’t play dumb! Hmph! You dare to scheme against your Lord! Come and finish up the rest of these pastries! I will come looking for you if you dare leave any leftovers!” Liu Mang said ruthlessly as he pointed at the pastries.

“Aah!” Guan Hai cried mournfully as he took out the box of pastries.

Meanwhile, Sun Shangxiang arrived at the hall. A woman in white was sitting there quietly.

“You are…?” Sun Shangxiang approached her and asked skeptically.

The woman stood up and turned around. When Sun Shangxiang saw her face, she called out. “Yue’er!”

“Qiao Yue greets Princess Shu!” The woman in white bowed towards Sun Shangxiang.

“Yue’er, why are you so courteous? Just call me Xiang’er!” Sun Shangxiang said to Qiao Yue (Xiao Qiao).

“Sister Xiang’er!” Qiao Yue greeted.

Sun Shangxiang laughed and nodded. She had good relations with the two sisters from the Qiao Family. Qiao Yu (Da Qiao) was now in Shouchun. Since she was supposed to be killed in Wancheng, Sun Shangxiang did not dare to say that Qiao Yu was alive. ꭆåNồ𝐛Ёs

In actual fact, Qiao Yue already knew that her elder sister was alive.

“Why are you here alone?” Qiao Yue suddenly asked.

“Hm?” Sun Shangxiang could not understand. What do you mean by this? Weren’t you looking for me?

Qiao Yue also realized that she had been rude. So she lowered her head and blushed as she asked again. "I was asking if His Highness is not with you.”

“Him? He is in his room getting ready to return to Shouchun.” Sun Shangxiang said to Qiao Yue.

“Huh? You are all going back already?” Qiao Yue became nervous.

“Yes. Is something the matter?” Sun Shangxiang looked at Qiao Yue strangely. In the past, Qiao Yue has always been lively. Even Sun Shangxiang getting female servants to train as a female squad was Qiao Yue’s idea. Yet, this girl was being very shy.

“No. Nothing!” Qiao Yue said hurriedly. Even though Liu Mang had been in Jiangdong, he was going to go back to Yangzhou before Qiao Yue could even see his face. Qiao Yue did not know why she felt her heart ache. “It is just that Sister Xiang’er is going back so quickly that I felt begrudged to part.” Qiao Yue hid her thoughts.

“If you are thinking of me, you can always look for me at Shouchun.” Sun Shangxiang replied.

“I can do that?” Qiao Yue asked happily.

“Of course you can! As long as your father agrees, you can come whenever you want!” Sun Shangxiang said.

Qiao Yue’s mood plummeted. Her father did not like the King of Shu because of Qiao Yu’s matter. He still believed that the King of Shu caused his daughter to die. It would be strange if he had any good opinions of Liu Mang. Naturally, she would be forbidden to go to Shouchun.

“Are you here to look for me?” Sun Shangxiang asked.

“No! I came to find him!” Qiao Yue inadvertently replied.

“Him?” Sun Shangxiang thought that something was strange. She then remembered Guan Hai saying that this person also knows His Highness the King of Shu. Could it be that Qiao Yue was looking for her husband?

Qiao Yue immediately realized that she said something wrong. “I mean yes!”

“Yue’er is here?”Lady Wu’s voice resounded as she appeared.

“Mother!” Sun Shangxiang called out when she saw her mother.

“Madam!” Qiao Yue also greeted respectfully. She did not dare to be impudent.

“Are you here to see Brother Zhou Yu?” Lady Wu asked.

Hearing this, Sun Shangxiang remembered that Zhou Yu was also here. Zhou Yu was also engaged to Qiao Yue.

“Go! Gongjin has been injured for a long time so you must be worried! Someone escort her to Gongjin.” Lady Wu said while nodding. After finding out that her sons would live, she was happy and became good natured.

Qiao Yue who had been trying to escape from Sun Shangxiang took the opportunity to leave.

“This Yue’er!” Sun Shangxiang shook her head.

“Are you going back soon?” Lady Wu may not care about everything but there were still things that she knew.

“N!” Sun Shangxiang nodded. “I will accompany my husband home. He has been here for several days now and need to return to handle government affairs.” Sun Shangxiang said to her mother.

“Those are important things!” Lady Wu said understandingly.

“Mother. How about you follow us to Shouchun?” Sun Shangxiang did not want to part with her mother and suggested.

“I won’t go. I am already old. Also, they have not come home yet. If I leave, who will take care of this place?” Lady Wu said while patting Sun Shangxiang’s head.

“Then you must take care of yourself.”

“Silly child.”

Meanwhile, Qiao Yue was escorted by a female servant to where Zhou Yu was. Zhou Yu had been playing the guzheng. He also looked healthier than a few days ago. After all, his biggest worries were gone and was now able to take care of his own health.

Qiao Yue slowly became calm after hearing Zhou Yu’s guzheng.

Once Zhou Yu was finished, he looked to the side and saw Qiao Yue. “Yue’er. You are here!” Zhou Yu said with a smile. It was as though he knew that Qiao Yue would come.

“Brother Gongjin!” Qiao Yue shouted.

“You did not see him?” Zhou Yu asked with a smile.

Qiao Yue nodded. She had already told Zhou Yu that she did not love him romantically. She only saw him as an elder brother. Zhou Yu did not mind. In the past, Zhou Yu would have gotten angry since Qiao Yue was his fiancé. But now, Zhou Yu would not. This is because he already knew what he wanted and what he loved. All of him, is for that person. As a result, Qiao Yue also got demoted to ‘little sister’.

“Based on the timing, he is about to leave?” Zhou Yu asked as he lightly plucked a string. The string shook like Qiao Yue’s heart.

“N!” Qiao Yue replied.

“What do you plan to do? Are you going to Shouchun with him?” Zhou Yu asked.

“I don’t know.” Qiao Yue had no plans at all. How could she go to Yangzhou with Liu Mang? She had no status and she could not even convince her father.

Zhou Yu sighed. “Yue’er. Is it worth doing this?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that the day I spent with him was the happiest day of my life.” Qiao Yue shook her head as she thought about the day she and her sister misunderstood him and made a lot of noise. Though it was a difficult day, it was also one of the happiest days in her life.

“I understand.” Zhou Yu understood that Qiao Yue had already fallen so deeply in love that she could no longer be saved. At the same time, he could not understand what was so attractive about Liu Mang that so many women want to be with him.

“Yue’er. This time, I might accompany His Highness to Shouchun. You can accompany me.” Zhou Yu said to Qiao Yue. Zhou Yu knew that even if Liu Mang was relaxed around him, Liu Mang would still not allow Zhou Yu to stay at Jiangdong. So he believed he would end up going to Shouchun as well.

Qiao Yue became happy hearing Zhou Yu’s words. However, she soon became gloomy again. “What about my father?”

“Don’t worry. I will go and talk to him.” Zhou Yu nodded at Qiao Yue.

“Thank you, Brother Gongjin!” Qiao Yue said with gratitude.

***

“Is there still no news about Zijing?” One of the reasons Liu Mang went to Jiangdong was to look for Lu Su. After Lu Su got cheated by Zhou Yu, he felt that he no longer had any face to see Liu Mang. Lu Su wanted to give Jiangdong to Liu Mang. But even though Liu Mang had obtained Jiangdong along with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, Lu Su still have not returned.

“No.” Zhuge Liang shook his head. Most of Yangzhou’s spies have already been dispatched. There were even people from Jiangdong who joined in the search. However, there is still no news.

“Sigh. Lu Su, why are you so inflexible!” Liu Mang had affection towards Lu Su because of Lu Su’s dedication. However, Lu Su was too earnest. Sometimes, it was better to let things go.

“Boyan. You cannot stop searching for him even after I return to Yangzhou!” Liu Mang was very worried about Lu Su. Jiangdong was at war and could be very dangerous.

“Don’t worry, Milord. We would immediately inform you if we receive information about High Official Lu.” Lu Xun nodded.

“Good! Prepare to board to ship!” Liu Mang nodded.

“Grand Governor. Take care!” Zhou Yu and several generals from Jiangdong were to accompany Liu Mang back to Yangzhou. The ones that remained send them off. They could remain behind as they were more familiar with Jiangdong and there were no drawbacks to leaving them there.

“Everyone should also take care! If there is a chance, I will return to pay a visit!” Zhou Yu nodded as he looked at the opposite bank of the river. He had lived in Jiangdong for so long that he was reluctant to leave. But then he thought about it again. In the beginning, they were just thinking about supporting the Han. So now they could display their talents under Liu Mang.

In the beginning, all these local rulers were loyal to the Han as they had the power an authority. But after many years, the Liu bloodline had no outstanding individuals, causing others to have lower opinion of them. They were just regular people and not some rightful “Son of Heaven”. If this kind of person could become Emperor, why not me? Slowly, more of these rulers started to work only for themselves.

“Is the Lord waiting for someone?” Zhou Yu thought to himself as Liu Mang seemed reluctant to leave Jiangdong. However, Liu Mang was not from Jiangdong so he should not be missing it.

“Seems like it. Who is he waiting for? Could it be him?” Zhou Yu thought for a while and finally got an idea.

“Quick! Take me to the Lord’s ship!” Zhou Yu said to the people beside him. Liu Mang had a separate ship arranged for the Jiangdong generals in order to prevent them from arguing with Yangzhou’s officials.

The people beside Zhou Yu did not know what was going on but they did as Zhou Yu ordered.

“Who are you? Stop right there!” Someone stopped them before they could reach Liu Mang’s ship.

“Generals. We are the Jiangdong officials accompanying His Highness back to Yangzhou!” One person explained.

“Jiangdong’s officials? Shouldn’t you be on the other ship? This is the Lord’s ship!” One bodyguard replied.

“No! No!” Zhou Yu’s subordinates wanted to give an explanation before they were stopped by Zhou Yu. “Generals. Please go and tell the Lord that Zhou Yu Zhou Gongjin wants to visit him to inform him about an important matter.” Zhou Yu said to the bodyguard.

“Zhou Yu? You are Jiangdong’s Grand Governor?” The guard did not realize that Jiangdong’s Grand Governor was the one sitting on that chair. Zhou Yu was quite famous. It was to the extent that one of the reasons Liu Mang visited Jiangdong personally was to recruit Zhou Yu.

“I am he.” Zhou Yu did not know if he was fortunate or not. The fortunate thing was that even the King of Shu’s bodyguards know him. The unfortunate thing was the fact that he is just a surrendered general.

“Wait. I will go and inform him. I am not the one who decides whether he agrees to see you!” The bodyguard replied.

“Thank you general!” Zhou Yu nodded.

“Zhou Yu wants to see me?” Liu Mang who was inside the cabin was puzzled.

“Yes. He said that there is something important to discuss with you.”

Was there an important matter that could not be discussed in Yangzhou? Though he was puzzled, Liu Mang still waved to the guards. “Let him come here. Forget it. I will go to him.” Liu Mang replied before changing his mind. Zhou Yu was still injured so he did not want Zhou Yu to move around too much.

Liu Mang went out of the ship’s cabin and saw Zhou Yu.

“Milord.” Zhou Yu was moved to see how much Liu Mang valued him. He only needed to announce his visit and Liu Mang came out personally to see him.

“Gongjin. You said you have something important to discuss with me?” Liu Mang asked.

“Yes Milord. Is Milord looking for someone?” Zhou Yu asked. Liu Mang was surprised that Zhou Yu knew. “Is that person Lu Su Lu Zijing?”

“You have news of Zijing?” Liu Mang was certain that Zhou Yu would not speak without thinking. Zhou Yu must have some news which is why he came to inform Liu Mang.

“Yes!” Zhou Yu nodded.

“Where is Zijing?” Liu Mang quickly asked. He urgently wanted news of Lu Su.

“Milord. He is not in Jianye but at Huiji.” Zhou Yu replied.

“Huiji?” Liu Mang was dumbstruck. “He is within Sun Quan’s army?”

“Yes.” Zhou Yu nodded.

“Why is Zijing with Sun Quan?” Liu Mang could not understand. Sun Quan may be Lu Su’s old friend but Lu Su already cut off connections with Sun Quan after being betrayed.

“I am afraid Zijing wants to make use of Sun Quan’s troops to restrict Bofu’s actions and help Milord obtain Jiangdong!” Zhou Yu said to Liu Mang. The last time Zhou Yu saw Lu Su, Lu Su and the others intruded his residence with the intentions of using him to force Sun Ce to surrender. If it was not because of Liu Mang’s doctor Hua Tuo, Zhou Yu would have died.

“Sigh! That stubborn guy! Who asked him to go help Sun Quan?” Liu Mang could not help but feel remorse after hearing Zhou Yu’s story. According to Zhou Yu, Lu Su’s voice and face was destroyed. Even Zhou Yu himself was not sure if he could recognize Lu Su had he not been so familiar with Lu Su.

But now that Liu Mang knew where Lu Su was, the rest was easy to manage. “Lu Xun, pass down my orders. We advance to Huiji and help Sun Ce capture Huiji faster.” Liu Mang gave his order.

“No Milord!” Zhuge Liang replied before Zhou Yu could interrupt.

“Hm?” Liu Mang furrowed his brows. Now that he know where Lu Su was, he should go and take Lu Su back. What’s wrong with that?

“Milord. If you dispatch now, Jiangdong’s Second Lord will definitely be killed!” Zhuge Liang explained. Right now, the battle at Huiji was Sun Ce and Sun Quan’s personal struggle. If Yangzhou enters the equation, they would need to give an explanation to the casualties Yangzhou’s men suffered. This meant that Sun Quan would have no choice but to die.

Liu Mang gritted his teeth. He already made a promise to Lady Wu to spare Sun Quan and Sun Ce’s lives. If not for that promise, he wouldn’t care at all and choose to let Sun Quan die in order to take back Lu Su.

“Lu Xun. Go and dismantle the ballista and give it to Sun Ce. Go and help him make some catapults too. You must help me take Huiji as fast as possible!” Liu Mang ordered.

“No Milord!” Zhou Yu said this time as he composed himself. He felt that Liu Mang really thought of Sun Ce and himself as his own people now. Otherwise, Liu Mang would not be willing to divulge the secrets to the ballista and the catapult.

“Hm?” Liu Mang was confused. Now it was Zhou Yu who stopped him?

“Milord. If you were to give Bofu catapults and ballista, you could indeed obtain Huiji earlier. However, it would be dangerous for Zijing if Zijing is with the rebel army. He could lose his life in the battle!” Zhou Yu reminded. The catapults would not recognize friend from foe. It would just crush the ones that happen to be in its way. Also without the walls, everyone in the rebel army would have to fight regardless of their station. At that time, it would be hard for both Sun Quan and Lu Su to escape.

“Then what should we do?” Liu Mang was extremely concerned. He regretted not listening to Zhuge Liang’s advice.

“Milord. There is no need to worry. Respect your talent. Huiji will fall soon!” Zhou Yu said to Liu Mang.

“What do you mean?” Liu Mang asked.

“Milord. Don’t you believe in Zijing?” Zhuge Liang said. Lu Su was also his friend. “Even now, the strongest walls cannot withstand attacks from both sides. With Zijing inside the city and Marquis Wu outside the city, Huiji is as good as fallen!” Zhuge Liang explained.

___

1. So many times I type Xiao Qiao. So many times, I corrected myself… only to type down Xiao Qiao again. Curse you Dynasty Warriros D: