Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Became the Eldest Son of Sun Ce - Chapter 157



Only Noblemtl
Read Novel Noblemtl

Episode 157. Zhuge Liang (5)

Liu Bei quietly entered Liu Biao’s quarters and spoke softly.

“Did you call, Yoo Hyeong-ju?”

Then, the middle-aged man lying on the bed, Liu Biao, spoke with a pale face.

“…I haven’t been able to see you lately…. I heard you were in Yangyang. That’s why I called you.”

“I am sorry for causing you such trouble because I was negligent towards you, Yu Hyeong-ju.”

“…No, what would you expect from someone who moves around so quickly? Right?”

Liu Bei had a gut feeling at Liu Biao’s words that contained bones.

Liu Biao knew that he had gone all the way to Dangyang County without permission. And he had called him in to question him about it.

But this was what Yu-bi had expected. He had already been bowing his head. He bowed even more deeply.

Yu-bi said.

“I caused a big problem on my own. I’m sorry, Yoo Hyung-joo.”

As Liu Bei quickly admitted it, Liu Biao also asked straight away without hesitation.

“…Why did you do something like that?”

“I recently found out that the scholar family of Yongzhong was forcibly kidnapped by Son Baekso.

So, as I was chasing them, I found myself in Dangyang-hyeon. Because of that, I had no choice but to give them an excuse.

“If things get to the point where they can’t be reversed, I’ll take the lead, so don’t worry too much, Mr. Yoo Hyung-ju.”

Then Liu Biao swallowed his sigh.

Provoking Son So-gun because of a single scholar’s family. It was something he could never have imagined.

“No matter what the circumstances, are you confident that you can stop Son So-gun if he advances north? Those guys who took over Hyungnam and the southern part of Namgun in less than a year since they started the war?”

In response to Liu Biao’s continued pressing questions, Liu Bei soon spoke with an indignant expression.

“As you know, Your Majesty Yoo Hyung-ju, the Son family is a family that inherited the insignificant bloodline of Gangdong.

Although they are born with the fortune to be great generals, they are essentially just a small-scale barbarian. And even if we somehow manage to get through now, when the time comes, they will try to take over Heungbuk like they did last year.

“Since we lost my brother-in-law in the first place, this is an unavoidable war. And it cannot be avoided. Even though I am stupid and cannot be confident of victory, I will protect Yangyangseong with my life.”

As Liu Bei spoke in a determined tone, Liu Biao’s mind became complicated.

Liu Biao originally intended to reprimand and pressure Liu Bei to settle this matter.

However, to him, who had been lying in bed due to illness, Yu-bi’s words were as refreshing as a ray of sunshine.

‘Every word is correct.’

To begin with, it was absurd for someone of lowly bloodlines to persecute the most noble bloodline in the world.

Liu Biao, who was satisfied with Liu Bei’s words, changed his mind a moment ago.

Rather than pressuring Liu Bei, he decided to pursue the Yangyangseong officials who failed to protect Rongzhong’s scholars.

Above all, there was still a grudge against them.

The outrageous crime of trying to raise the prestige of their family while Yoo Biao himself is still alive.

And for the sake of succession, it was necessary to dampen their momentum.

“Ahem, I understand what you mean. I will tell my servants to make sure that no major damage is done to you. However, since you are the cause of the protest, you will have to be prepared to suffer some losses.”

“The fact that I was able to stay in Shinya was thanks to Yoo Hyung-joo’s grace, so what more can I say? Do as you wish.”

“…Okay, let’s wrap up Son Baek-so’s letter of protest here. I don’t think they want to make it any worse either.

From what I hear, it seems like Uncle Son is keeping Baek-so in check, so he won’t be able to move around as he pleases.”

Liu Bei took Liu Biao’s confident words to heart.

Even though it may seem like nothing, each piece of information was very important to Yu-bi, who was only a guest.

“Yes, Yoo Hyeong-ju.”

Liu Biao weakly turned his gaze, met Liu Bei’s eyes, and asked.

“Next, I have something to ask you. Actually, my energy is not what it used to be. I need to take over the family business before I collapse forever… Will you take over?”

At that moment, Yu-bi fell to the ground faster than anyone else.

It was different from the past when Dokyeom inherited Seoju.

At that time, the local aristocrats of Xuzhou had helped Liu Bei and inherited Xuzhou under the pretext of saving Xuzhou, but now they are just a guest house.

And the relationship with the local aristocrats of Yangyang is not very good.

This was clearly a trap.

In a split second, Yu-bi quickly gathered his thoughts and spoke.

“How could I, who have been so kind to you, covet your position? Please give it to me.”

“Hehe, don’t you hate it too much? I thought of it as my family business and worked hard to raise it.”

Despite Liu Biao’s laughter, Liu Bei still prostrated himself.

“No, please take it away. It is something I cannot dare to hear.”

Looking at Liu Bei, who was lying face down and not moving an inch, Liu Biao clicked his tongue as if he felt regret.

“Then…. In your opinion, who would be better to succeed him?

“Among the eldest and second sons, I would say the third son. By the way, he is excluded because he lacks talent and is young.”

“How can I discuss the successor of Yoo Hyung-joo? Please step back from this too.”

Yoo Biao, who had let everything else slide, spoke firmly this time.

“Oh! I’m just asking for other people’s opinions, so feel free to speak up too.”

Liu Bei tried to remain silent until the end, but was finally forced to open his mouth due to Liu Biao’s continued urging.

“… Since you have given me such an order, I will briefly explain. What did You Hyeong-ju feel when he saw the cases of the deceased Wu Zhenghou—Sun Jian—and Yuan Ji-ju—Yuan Shao?”

Sun Jian left the succession to his eldest son, Sun Ce, and Sun Ce was now ruling the world.

But on the other hand, what is the situation for the sons of the element who have not properly chosen a successor?

Aren’t the children fighting each other and forgetting the great legacy of Habuk left behind by their father?

At Liu Bei’s words, Liu Biao’s face turned pale as if he had been hit by a dagger. He remained silent for a while, then opened his mouth.

“…I understand what you mean. But I’m starting to get tired now.”

“Yes, then I will take my leave now.”

As he turned around like that, the corners of Yu-bi’s mouth were twitching slightly.

Liu Biao’s second son, Liu Zong, is related to Chae Ga through marriage.

That is why the devotion that Chaega poured into Yujong was enormous.

In Chaega, he pushed Yujong to be his successor and dreamed of Chaega’s infinity… But didn’t he just ruin that future?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * Read Korean Novel * *
* * * Noblemtl dot com * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

‘If Yoo-gi inherits the Yoo family lineage, Chae-ga’s great prestige will also end.’

***

Hyungju Namgun Gangneungseong.

The back garden of a mansion.

While colorful carps swam in the pond, two men were sipping tea in the pavilion behind the backyard.

In the silence, Bangtong was the first to speak.

“It was really hard to see your face in the forest. That’s why I put in some effort.”

But instead of responding to Pang Tong’s words, Zhuge Liang asked with a stern face.

“…Moving Son Ga’s forces south of Myeonsu, that was your plan, wasn’t it?”

“…Did you notice?”

“I came here and thought about it, and now I understand. My brother is a very stubborn person, so he can’t use such tricks. But… if you were here, it would be a different story.”

Zhuge Liang glared at Pang Tong with a cold glare. Then Pang Tong shook his head with a proud expression.

“…I’m sorry.”

“If you really feel sorry, send me back to Yongzhong.”

“…That is impossible. My lord has already decided to employ you.”

Then, Zhuge Liang let out a small groan. It was because he had no idea why Sun Zhao was so eager to see him.

‘Even if there are rumors about Bokryong Bongchu, it is only a rumor that lasts for a week… Why do you want to employ me?’

Bang Tong opened his mouth and looked at Zhuge Liang with a complicated look.

“…My lord will probably appoint you to a high-ranking position in the government. I congratulate you in advance.”

But Zhuge Liang shook his head firmly. It was a clear refusal.

“I have never said that I wanted to hold such a position. Especially not a position in the Son family. No matter how much you recommend me a high-ranking position, my thoughts will not change.”

“Haha, you don’t know your master even though you’ve only met him once?”

“…What does that mean?”

“That’s it….”

Just when Bangtong was trying to explain something.

A servant came into the room naked and opened his mouth.

“Excuse me, Mr. Son Hyeong-ju wants to meet Mr. Jegal. What should I do?”

Zhuge Liang wanted to issue an order to expel guests.

But now I wasn’t alone. My wife was also staying here. I didn’t want to put her safety at risk in that situation.

Zhuge Liang spoke, barely suppressing his surging anger and resentment.

“…Bring him.”

Meanwhile, Bangtong sighed with a face full of regret.

“Oh. The lord has already come. Then I have nothing more to say. I will go back now. See you later.”

With that greeting, Bang Tong left the sponsorship, and a while later, Son So appeared at the sponsorship.

Sun So, dressed in purple silk, started spewing out words that would scratch Zhuge Liang’s nerves from the moment he appeared.

“I heard that you lived in a thatched hut that was about to collapse… Isn’t it better to live here? What do you think, teacher?”

***

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang, who was sitting in the pavilion, glanced at me for a moment, then sighed and said.

“…No matter how luxurious it is, it is not as comfortable as my own home, so it is worse than a thatched cottage.”

“Oh my, there aren’t many luxurious mansions like this in Gangneungseong, so why do you say it’s inconvenient?”

Besides, this mansion was used by the Chae family. It is not unrelated to Zhuge Liang.

Then Zhuge Liang looked at me with a look of disbelief.

“…A house doesn’t have to be this big. If it’s a place where you can feel safe and comfortable, that’s a home.”

That was nonsense.

Zhuge Liang still seemed unaware of why he had been brought here.

‘Tsk tsk, if your house was really safe, how would I have caught you? If you lived in a large mansion in Yangyangseong, I wouldn’t have even attempted to kidnap you.’

But I am a kind lord. I have decided to hide the bitter truth from the person who will become my subject for a while.

“Haha, how can a house that is about to collapse be safe and comfortable? That is something I don’t know.

“I have a strong army of soldiers, so who can invade the teacher’s house? There are strong stone walls, so how can the wind shake them?”

Then Zhuge Liang shook his head as if he saw someone he couldn’t understand, and then he said.

“…That’s enough. This conversation will never end. I’ll get to the point. Now, please send me back to Yongzhongshan.

“If you send me back to Yongzhong, I will bury this kidnapping as if it never happened.”

I said firmly.

“I will refuse.”

Who do I want to send Zhuge Liang back to Longzhong for?

Zhuge Liang’s trembling mouth soon let out a cold voice.

“Son Baek-so, your fame is known throughout the world, but is it really your true nature to persecute a powerless scholar?”

Zhuge Liang, who had been relatively polite until now.

Judging from the fact that he called me by my name, it seemed like he was going to finish me off. Zhuge Liang’s icy gaze contrasted with the clearing weather.

But I faced him with a warm smile on my lips.

“Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and what you see in me now is also one of my aspects. And the powerless scholar?

Hey, how can you be such a weak scholar? There are few scholars in Yangyang with such a promising future as you.

Isn’t your daughter from the Hwang family, a family renowned in Myeonsu? And isn’t your father-in-law the son-in-law of the Chae family and the head of the Hwang family?

The teacher’s sisters also married into families of great fame. So how can the teacher be a powerless scholar?

“Teacher, are you trying to insult the truly powerless scholars other than yourself?”

A thatched cottage at the foot of Longzhong Mountain where Zhuge Liang lives. When you just hear this, you might think, ‘Ah, he’s really poor.’

But this is a prejudice.

Zhuge Liang was clearly an upper-class scholar who was considered the best in Yangyang Province.

His sisters married into powerful families, and his wife, Hwang Wol-yeong, was from one of the most prominent Hwang families in Yangyang.

In other words, it is safe to say that Zhuge Liang reached the peak of his power as the son-in-law of a powerful family.

When I told him all the facts, Zhuge Liang was dumbfounded as if my answer had hit him in the right spot. It seemed that my honest answer had touched his heart.

‘Where are you acting weak, acting weak?’

Read Novel Noblemtl
Read Novel Noblemtl