Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Became the Eldest Son of Sun Ce - Chapter 144



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Episode 144. Truce (3)

Even though Zhou Yu had finished reading the letter, silence filled the barracks.

It seemed that he couldn’t believe the contents of the letter sent by Sun Ce.

No, to be exact, I guess you don’t want to enforce a ceasefire order that’s not your thing.

‘Considering that this war was the last spark of the old men’s spirit… it went out quite meaninglessly.’

A heavy silence followed.

“This can’t be happening, this can’t be happening!”

The one who broke the silence was Han Dang. Among the elders of the Son family, he spoke with a face flushed with anger.

“How could my lord order us to call a ceasefire? Does my lord really not know what this war means to this old man!”

I secretly agreed with Han Dang’s words.

‘Do you understand? I’m just a guy who cares about myself.’

If it were Sun Ce of the past, his subordinates probably wouldn’t care much about Sun Ce, who was lying around in a daze.

Meanwhile, Hwang Gae, who had been blankly staring into space, sighed as if he had come to his senses and spoke.

“The lady has passed away. The lord must not have fully recovered from his grief yet. How can he continue the war?”

‘Are you sad? He’s the one who ordered a ceasefire as soon as Madam Oh died?’

But Han Dang gritted his teeth and shouted in anger.

“…Even though the Lady has passed away, we can’t have a ceasefire so easily! How can we do that when the capture of Anryukseong is just around the corner!”

At that time, Zhou Yu spoke calmly.

“…You may not believe it, but it is enough of a justification to stop the war.”

“Your Majesty, please explain it so I can understand!”

At Han Dang’s voice full of resentment, Zhou Yu began to explain in earnest.

“As everyone here knows, there are many reasons for this war. So we couldn’t dare to stop it with such a weak reason. But when the great lady passed away, the situation of Jianye changed drastically.

My uncle gave the very obvious excuse that war is forbidden during mourning. Who would dare persuade my uncle to continue the war during mourning?

In the past, in Jo Maeng-deok’s case, it was a revenge war because his family was destroyed. But this time, the result is different. The great lady died in Geon-eop.”

“But our war too….”

When Han Dang tried to use Sun Jian’s example, Zhou Yu responded in a cold tone.

“Oh Jeong-hoo’s revenge is revenge, but if he does that, who will pay for the funeral for his deceased wife?

What I mean is, the problem is that it became a topic of debate in the first place.

“My uncle was given the bare minimum of a justification for a ceasefire, and he carried it out. There will be many discussions in Geon-eop during this time, but my uncle’s position and power will easily crush such noises.”

Simply put, Sun Ce was given the bare minimum justification to carry out his stubbornness.

Originally, it was fiercely opposed because there was no justification for it, but now it has at least some justification.

In fact, it was strange that Sun Ce’s ceasefire order was not carried out.

The other generals only then understood and looked at each other with blank expressions.

When everyone was looking dejected and empty, Joo-yu asked lightly in a passing tone.

“…Baekso, did you know something like this would happen? The timing of your appearance is so strangely overlapping.”

‘As expected, Joo-yu. You really are quick-witted.’

But I responded with a look of apparent resentment.

“I just found out that my grandmother passed away, so how could I have known that this kind of news would reach me?”

“Hmm….”

Zhou Yu looked at me with a puzzled look for a moment, but there was nothing he could do to me.

“I understand. But since the ceasefire has been declared, there is no reason to go to war. We will stand down for the time being… What are you going to do?”

I answered Joo-yu’s question with a bitter smile.

“What should I do? I too must return to Gangneung Castle and carry out the commander’s orders.”

First, the purpose of advancing north to Jianghe Army had been achieved. Now, all he had to do was legally sit in the Southern Army and wait for Sun Ce’s death.

But before that, I thought I should have a talk with the Hyungju officials.

Now that the news had reached here, it was only a matter of time before Liu Biao found out.

If Yoo Biao had a snake coiled inside him, it was obvious that he would not miss this opportunity and drag it back to the previous one.

In fact, from Sun Ce’s point of view, it was right to stop the war here.

Sun Ce himself would not want to lose the reputation of having avenged his father to me.

‘… Well, in the end, both of them are writers who won’t live long… If you want to struggle, then go ahead and fight.’

The moment I was about to leave after saying hello, Joo-yu raised his voice firmly.

“The enemy general who stopped my attack was Moon Joong-eop. He was a surprisingly great general.”

Family business.

If you were to name the most famous general in Hyeongju with the surname Moon, there would be only one.

‘Moon Bing!’

It was quite an interesting story, considering that General Moon Bing was a famous general who defended Jiang Xia’s army against the Wu nation in the history of Yuan.

I responded with a faint smile and left the room.

“Thank you for letting me know, Your Majesty.”

***

July 207.

Hyungju Namgun Yangyangseong.

The tooth of the ox.

In fact, Liu Biao’s face had been slightly clouded since Gangneung Castle was taken away.

What kind of castle was Gangneungseong? Wasn’t the topography of Hyeongju a natural fortress second only to Yangban (Yangyangseong and Beonseong)?

When I thought about all the wealth and grain that had been accumulated in Gangneung Castle, I felt so sorry that the castle had been robbed that I almost died.

However, after hearing the news of Jianye, the dark shadow on Liu Biao’s face disappeared without a trace.

‘You’re saying there’s a ceasefire because Madam Oh is dead? Then why don’t I just give more strength to the cause of the ceasefire?’

Although he was sick, Liu Biao, who had outstanding political sense, had already finished planning his own life.

Liu Biao said with a pale smile on his lips.

“Son-ga, you must have heard about Madam Oh’s death.”

Then Chae-mo and Go-wol bowed their heads and answered.

“Yes, my lord.”

Liu Biao’s gaze briefly lingered on Cai Mo, who had failed to recapture Gangneung Castle.

Liu Biao believed that the cause of the defeat was ultimately Cai Mo’s lack of military resources. He wanted to take away Cai Mo’s official position and military power, but he could not bring himself to do so.

The Chae family is allied with Liu Biao and is a powerful aristocrat in Yangyang Province.

It was not easy to destroy that powerful foundation with just one defeat.

Liu Biao opened his mouth, swallowing the anger that boiled over him every time he saw Cai Mo.

“Then why hesitate any longer? We just have to give them a pretext for war.”

“What do you mean…?”

Perhaps because of the recent defeat, Cai Mo’s brain was completely rusty. Liu Biao, who felt it keenly, clicked his tongue and answered.

“You are saying that I am giving them one less reason to come against me. They invaded and plundered Xingzhou on the trivial pretext that I had performed a ritual.

I feel wronged, but I still take responsibility for spreading such terrible rumors.

If I step down from the position of Dokgyo Yangiju and give up my position as the head of the province, how can you punish me? If that is not enough, I should consider stepping down from the position of Hyeongju governor and becoming the governor of Hyeongju.”

The Sajijeol was a government position that had the right to kill officials with less than 2,000 seok of power in normal times, and the Dujiaoyangiju was an official position that had the right to supervise Jiaozhou and Yangzhou.

However, Liu Biao gave up such great positions to try to eliminate the justification for war.

‘I’ve felt suffocated once or twice, but how long do I have to feel like this?’

Yangyangseong was adjacent to Gangneungseong.

Of course, Sun Ce’s army would not be able to easily capture Yangyang Castle, but how can one be so sure about the affairs of people?

That is why Liu Biao wanted to completely cut off any justification for war with Sun Ce’s forces.

Meanwhile, Chae-mo and Goe-wol looked at each other with embarrassed expressions and lowered their heads.

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“However, my lord, aren’t you giving away too many official posts?”

Yoo Biao furrowed his brow at Chae Mo’s ignorant remark.

“Wait a minute, now that we’ve reached a ceasefire, if we don’t cut off the excuse for war, the Son-ga guys might invade at any moment!”

“More than anything, even Sun Ce didn’t come forward, and yet Jingzhou is like this! If Sun Ce comes forward, what will happen to Jingzhou?”

This was the reason why Liu Biao chose to compromise with Sun Jia.

How could Liu Biao not feel resentful that Xingnan was taken away? However, Xingnan was taken away without Sun Ce stepping forward.

But what if Sun Ce also steps forward? Wouldn’t he lose even the Jingbei he had worked so hard to conquer? These thoughts were eating away at Liu Biao’s mind.

Meanwhile, the two officials who were somewhat convinced by Liu Biao’s words became silent. They believed that although Liu Biao’s health was deteriorating day by day, his political judgment remained the same.

Liu Biao said.

“Anyway, since you’ve made up your mind, send an envoy to Gangneungseong to properly conclude an armistice agreement.

“It would be even better for us if we could get Gangneung Castle back in the process… but, tsk, that’s probably impossible.”

After finishing speaking, Liu Biao looked at Cai Mo with deep eyes, and Cai Mo, feeling a sense of guilt over his defeat, flinched.

At that moment, Goewol shouted out loud. If they left it alone, it seemed like the relationship between the two would get worse.

“As commanded by my lord, I will select the best men and send them to Gangneung and Geonup.”

Liu Biao, who understood the meaning of the strange moon, stopped questioning Cai Mo and nodded.

“So be it.”

As soon as the two officials left, Liu Biao let out a sigh.

In any case, it was fortunate for Liu Biao that Hyung Joo had gained some time to breathe.

But on the other hand, there was something questionable.

That was precisely why Sun Ce ordered a ceasefire.

There is no way that the monkey who used to run wild because Gangdong was too small has now become a human being… .

The suspicion between Liu Biao’s eyebrows grew even darker.

‘I still don’t understand. If we had left it as it was, Yangyang would have been in great danger… . The moment Yangyang was in danger, a ceasefire… . Is it perhaps to keep someone in check?’

The moment he thought about it, a flash of light illuminated Liu Biao’s mind.

Finally, he smiled coolly.

“Hahahaha! That’s right, that’s right! A beast is a beast after all!”

***

July 207.

Yangyang Namgun Gangneungseong.

Bangsanmin went south to Gangneungseong as an envoy of Yu Biao.

He was a member of the Bang family, which boasted great power in Yangyang.

Moreover, he was a valuable asset in the Bang family, so his talent was indescribable.

And the reason why Bangsanmin volunteered to be Gangneung’s envoy was simple.

‘I haven’t heard any news at all about Brother Sawon’s safety…’

The purpose was to check on the safety of Namgun, or rather his cousin who was working in Gangneungseong.

After Gangneungseong fell into the hands of the Tang Dynasty, communication with Yangyangseong was completely cut off.

However, if I went to Gangneung Castle without any plan, I might die, so I had no choice but to go out under the pretext of being a messenger.

That’s how we arrived at Gangneungseong… .

Looking at the people of Gangneung Castle, they all looked bright and cheerful.

There was a look of regret on Bang San-min’s face when he saw him.

If the people of Gangneungseong had looked like they were having a hard time, it would have been at least a justification for getting Gangneungseong back, but the faces of the people are so bright that they can’t even get their principal back.

‘The one who rules Gangneungseong is Son So… Is he the grand duke of the Son family that has been gaining fame recently?’

This was something that had been planned since the moment Son So defeated Hyung Joo’s famous master, Cai Mo.

Now that Chae Mo’s status is ranked within the top five in Yangyang, it is strange that it is not spreading.

There was a mixture of faint doubt and admiration on Bang San-min’s face.

‘You know that the terms and conditions haven’t even been agreed upon yet, so how can you treat the people so well?’

Most of the internal affairs of Gangneungseong were handled by Sim Woo, but Bang San Min, who was unaware of this, was simply amazed by Son So’s talent.

After being guided for a long time, Bang San-min soon arrived at the reception room.

Then Bang San-min asked with a puzzled look on his face.

“No, how can you not guide me to the dentist….”

“Your Majesty has given orders. If you wait here, he will arrive soon.”

The Bangsanmin who went south to sign the armistice agreement kept their mouths shut. Since they came as envoys, there was no need to cause unnecessary friction.

As Bang San-min was spending time in the reception room, the door finally opened and a young official appeared.

A cold-looking official who looked to be in his thirties. He glanced at Bangsanmin and then opened his mouth.

“I am Sim Ja-jeong (Sim Woo), who is in charge of the central task force.”

Then, Bang San-min opened his eyes wide and shouted.

“Yangju’s famous person, Sim Ja-jeong!”

Sim Woo wiggled his eyes and spoke in a strange tone.

“…Who is the messenger who came?”

“I use the name Sanmin of the Bang family.”

Then Sim Woo snorted softly and said.

“…Huh, Junjae, who is loved and cherished by Yangyang’s family, has come as an envoy.”

“Even if I have a reputation, would I be able to do it only for the sake of Yangju? It’s all just empty fame.”

As Bangsanmin became polite, Simwoo slightly raised his lips and opened his mouth.

“Anyway, the lord will be here soon. Let’s talk about the main topic then.”

At that moment, heavy footsteps were heard from outside.

And then the door opened with a jerk, revealing a young man who still looked young and a shabby general.

At that time, the man who had not yet shed his childishness said with a smile.

“I heard you came as an envoy of Hyungju. It’s good to see you. I am Son Baek-so.”

Meanwhile, Bang San-min looked at the young man for a moment and then saluted him.

“I am a Sanmin with the surname Bang. It is an honor to meet you, Son Shin-an.”

In a more gentle atmosphere than expected, Bang San-min found himself at ease without realizing it.

‘… Son Ga-ui’s Jun-jae is said to be one of the best Jun-jaes in the South… . Even Heo Myeong has never seen such a famous person! Now that I look at him, he’s not a very mature young man!’

And then, there was a voice that broke Bangsanmin’s thoughts.

“So…. Mr. Bang, who is so famous, why did you come all the way here?”

The face of Sonso smiling with his lips pulled in tightly.

But Bang San-min, who witnessed him, couldn’t laugh either.

‘Why are you laughing?’

Because I couldn’t just dismiss Sonso’s smile as a laugh.

That smile seemed as bright as the sun, but for some reason there was an eerie aura surrounding it.

Above all, Son So’s eyes, which had drawn a crescent moon, were coldly scanning Bang Sanmin one by one.

Bang San-min, who had been swept away by Son So’s gentle atmosphere, only then realized Son So’s scary side.

‘The moment I look down on you because you’re young, I’ll be the one getting swept away!’

At that moment, Sonso asked in a strange tone.

“By the way, if your last name is Bang… do you know about the radiation source?”

At a time when I was raising my guard against Son So, the name of my cousin suddenly came out.

Bang San-min blurted out the truth without realizing it.

“Isn’t Brother Sawon working here, in Gangneungseong?”

“…Is that so? It’s in Gangneungseong?”

For some reason, Sonso’s smile became even brighter.

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