The Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Lu Bu is good at being filial - Chapter 77



＜ The Rise of Warlords, Opening (2) ＞

What kind of place is Yangju?

The land is a wasteland close to a desert, and as you go northwest, it rises into high mountain ranges.

‘Is it Xingan?’

There may be some differences in administrative divisions, but it is commonly said that it is geographically similar to the place where the ‘Demon Sect’ exists in martial arts.

Of course, there is the ‘Heavenly Mountain’ that can only be reached by going deeper than that.

Even apart from martial arts, it remains unchanged that Yangju is currently a border region in this country.

Ma Deung, a member of the anti-Dongtak allied warlords, is a lord of such a border region.

“According to reports from those among the prisoners who claim to be somewhat literate, they have raised one of the warlords, ‘Xiliang Governor Ma Deung.’”

“Xiliang Governor…?”

“That position does not exist, General Ye.”

Wang Yun immediately clarified my question.

“Perhaps if it were Yangju Governor, it might be acceptable. But to call it ‘Xiliang’? That’s nonsense.”

“Privately, they may refer to it that way, but officially, it is correct to call him Yangju Governor.”

Dongtak calmly raised his cup.

Knowing what it means to be called Xiliang, he appeared somehow composed and unperturbed.

“Isn’t it because of the way Xiliang has shown itself until now that everyone calls it Xiliang?”

What he is drinking is even tea, not alcohol.

“I intend to root out that prejudice this time.”

“What do you mean by prejudice?”

“That not all people from Yangju or Xiliang are rough, crude, and sinister.”

Is Dongtak’s statement sincere?

No, what is Dongtak really thinking?

“The situation in the Central Plains will change significantly in the future. The warlords will form alliances and counter-alliances, but no warlord will act for the court of Luoyang.”

Dongtak smiles bitterly.

“What was the reason the warlords started to rampage in the first place? A country bumpkin from Xiliang arrived in Luoyang a little earlier and ascended to the position of Taewi, and they rebelled against the court out of jealousy.”

“Dong Taewi.”

“However, if Dong Zhuo retreats to Yangzhou, their justification will disappear even more.”

The Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition.

“…It doesn’t seem to hold much meaning.”

There is a flaw in Dong Zhuo’s words.

“Even if the news of Dong Zhuo leaving for Yangzhou spreads to each province, those who have already become lords of the coalition will have no choice but to raise their spears against the court.”

“…….”

“They are no longer the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition. They are certainly not the Rescue Lu Bu Coalition. If I were to make a metaphor, it would be the Spring and Autumn…”

“The Warring States.”

Wang Yun murmurs, picking up my words.

“The world will be divided into four parts, and each province will become a ‘kingdom.’ Just as there were various states before the Qin Dynasty unified the world, the world will be split again.”

“Therefore, the term Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition is already meaningless, Dong Taewi.”

“…….”

“I cannot understand the mere intention to eliminate the justification of the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition. The idea of leaving Luoyang for Yangzhou.”

“To be honest, there are a few more reasons.”

Dong Zhuo holds the empty cup with both hands, fiddling with the rim with his fingers.

“One is the desire to gather the troops of Yangzhou. To honor the souls of those who died in this battle and to send at least part of the bodies back to their hometowns.”

“…….”

If it were the Dong Zhuo before the coalition’s battle, he would have left the bodies unattended and burned them.

“The other reason is that there are warlords who can defend Luoyang even without me.”

“Warlords.”

Dong Zhuo’s gaze is too intense to ignore.

“I would say I am more a minister and soldier of this country than a warlord.”

“But you can also be called a lord in your own right.”

Dong Zhuo looks at me with fierce eyes.

“General Ye. They will build not the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition, but the ‘Anti-Lu Bu Alliance’ in the future.”

“On what grounds?”

“There is no external justification, and it will not be revealed. But behind the scenes, they will form a ‘secret pact’ to oppose you.”

“…….”

Dong Zhuo lowers his head and mutters something.

The shape of his lips seems to say, ‘If it were me, I would do that,’ sending a chill down my spine.

“While I, Dong Zhuo, am in Luoyang, it will not be justifiable to confront them. They will surely say this.”

Dong Zhuo pointed to the ground.

“If the great general of the world claims to uphold the stability of the court, how can he not eliminate the greatest thief sitting in the Grand Commandant’s office?”

“…….”

It sounds plausible.

Indeed, it is so.

If I were in the position of a feudal lord and Yuan Shao were sitting in Dong Zhuo’s place, I would surely have shouted that to the armed men in my position.

“Then make it clear to them. Dong Zhuo, who has caused turmoil in the court, has fulfilled his duties in the court and returned to Yangzhou, so there will be no one left to act arbitrarily in the court.”

“Perhaps.”

Though it is unlikely.

“Is it to alleviate the political burden when I confront the feudal lords?”

“That is correct.”

It seems my thoughts are indeed right.

“This Dong Zhuo does not wish to be a weakness for those who wear the robes of salvation.”

“…….”

Dong Zhuo’s presence in the court is undoubtedly one of the weaknesses of the imperial army.

Dong Zhuo has left Luoyang on his own, seeking the stability of the court.

“This Dong Zhuo has indeed acted arbitrarily, as they say. Of course, there is a difference between the degree of arbitrariness they speak of and my actions…”

Dong Zhuo glanced around as if to excuse himself for a moment, then let out a deep sigh.

“Even if I say I have never done such a thing, those under me have committed such acts countless times.”

Whether it be reasons or excuses.

“The faults of my subordinates are my faults. The Emperor has forgiven me and commanded me to repay that sin with military merit, but in the end, I received your assistance.”

Though already dead, there are still those among the Qingliu faction in Luoyang who harbor such sentiments against Dong Zhuo for this reason.

“When I fight against the feudal lords after leaving Luoyang, you may say that you have expelled me from the court. One of the objectives claimed by the coalition forces was the ‘subjugation of Dong Zhuo’ and the normalization of the court.”

In reality, the feudal lords of the coalition hoped to kill Dong Zhuo and ascend to that position themselves, but the external justification was ‘the peace of the court.’

For the greater good.

What a fitting and noble phrase.

“But there are those who say that Lü Bu expelled Dong Zhuo and took control of the court?”

“Such people, regardless of what they say, have treacherous intentions in their hearts, so they will throw around any words to make accusations.”

Dong Zhuo scoffed.

“Will it not become clearer? If there are feudal lords who do not heed the words of the central court even after Dong Zhuo has left Luoyang.”

“…If there are those who pretend not to hear the edicts of the court, or outright refuse the imperial decree, it means they intend to rebel centered around that region.”

“Indeed. The situation will become simple and clear.”

The situation in Luoyang had changed.

Even though Dong Zhuo had departed, those who still say ‘After all, Dong Zhuo is in Luoyang’ can be said to harbor treasonous intentions.

“This is the last gift I can give you. General Ye.”

“…….”

“Do you perhaps know why I have come to speak such words at this late hour? Tomorrow morning, I plan to go to the imperial palace to seek the emperor’s permission.”

It was just before the seal would be stamped.

At this moment, it was merely a stage of thought and planning, and if one wished to withdraw, it could easily be done.

However, that is not what Dong Zhuo desires.

“Commander Dong.”

I clasped my hands together towards Dong Zhuo.

“Even if you have changed in Luoyang, remember that those in Yangzhou have not changed like you and those beneath you.”

“Mm.”

“Those who have faced me in a contest in Luoyang may not understand, but if they are not such individuals, they may find it difficult to accept your change.”

“…Hahaha!!”

Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, slapping his thigh.

“Indeed, you are General Ye. Now that it has come to this, let me ask you something honestly.”

Dong Zhuo looked at me with a grin.

“You must know what I most want to hear from you right now, don’t you?”

“Respectfully.”

I took a stance.

“I wish you good fortune.”

“……Ah.”

Dong Zhuo rose from his seat and, like me, clasped his hands together.

“I will show you. This Dong Zhongying, the dream of youth I once held has not yet faded.”

* * *

After Dong Zhuo left.

“Chao Xian.”

“Yes.”

“Is Dongtak going to die like that?”

I asked Chosun, who was beyond the thin line drawn beside my blanket.

“……Ah.”

Before Chosun blew out the candle, she scanned the surroundings and cleared her throat.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“It’s true that the black star of the western night sky is gradually fading, but the celestial phenomena of the night sky can suddenly brighten if one diligently performs rituals and prays.”

“……?”

What nonsense is this?

‘No, that’s not right.’

I shouldn’t have any prejudices.

Right now, it’s the ancient era, and perhaps it’s possible now, but in the future, it could be rendered obsolete due to technological advancements or the application of science.

“What are you thinking right now?”

“I’m just wondering if praying at the altar can actually extend one’s lifespan.”

“…As long as no one suddenly comes in and disrupts the ceremony by pulling back the tent, I guess it should be fine.”

“Really?”

“I’m joking. I can read celestial phenomena, but I’ve never seen anyone who actually extended their lifespan that way.”

Chosun shrugged lightly and lay down on the bedding.

“Dongtak avoided his fate. That fate was, in a way, the most miserable and terrible death.”

“What fate?”

“He gets killed by his son.”

“His son?”

I thought all his sons were dead.

“A father and son fight over a woman, and the son, seeing his woman taken by his father, goes mad and betrays him.”

“Hmm….”

“What do you think?”

“Seems like he deserves to be betrayed?”

Chosun looked at me with a ‘just as I thought’ expression.

“No, wait. Are you saying I was wrong?”

I firmly lowered my hand.

“What kind of father in the world would touch the woman his child loves? That’s crossing the line first.”

“Isn’t it surprisingly common for a father to touch his daughter-in-law?”

“That’s an act that betrays the natural order; how can you say it’s common? If a father intentionally inflicts a wound on his child that will never heal, then he cannot be called a father.”

While it is a crime against filial piety for a child to kill their father, there are indeed rare cases that make one think, ‘What could have driven them to do that?’

“If Dongtak is such a case, then that’s Dongtak’s fault, not the son’s.”

I am not a completely foolish person.

“If I were to take someone as my father, and that father were to touch the one I love…”

I already know who the ‘son’ that Chosun is talking about is.

“First, I would hold that father accountable with these two hands.”

Me.

At one time, I was almost Dongtak’s son.

“To be precise, I was a son-in-law.”

Seeing that Dongtak’s adopted son had died, he tried to attach his granddaughter, whom he raised like a daughter, to me as a son-in-law.

“But Chosun.”

“Yes?”

Son-in-law.

Dongtak’s biological granddaughter.

“If what you envision for the future is true, then Dongtak is… what should I say…”

Just thinking about it makes me feel nauseous.

“…someone who would touch his own blood?”

“…….”

“Why?”

“No, it’s just that I thought you really lived without any interest in the principles of heaven at all.”

Chosun opens her eyes slightly, lying in bed, turning only her face towards me to look.

“Have you ever heard of the term ‘Yeonhwan-gye’?”

“…….”

It feels like I might have heard it before, or maybe not.

“Wait. I think I might remember….”

“Oh, really?”

Chosun approaches me with sparkling eyes.

“Golden thread.”

“That’s not important right now.”

Is it really worth showing this much interest, even crossing the boundary laid out on the bedding?

“So, where did you hear about the ‘Lianhuan’ strategy? Try to think a bit, even if it hurts. I’m sure something will come to mind…!”

“…Lianhuan. Lianhuan.”

Ah.

It came to me.

“My master said that a strategy woven from various schemes is called Lianhuan.”

My master said.

“…….”

“Why?”

“No, just. Yes. That’s right. Lianhuan. Just as it is.”

Chosun flops back down onto the bedding again.

“You know, that ‘master’ person.”

“Yeah.”

“Could they be someone similar to us?”

“No.”

It’s natural for Chosun to be suspicious, but that can’t be the case.

“My master was simply a genius.”

“A genius….”

“Because if my master had both knowledge and an understanding of the flow of destiny, then not only would the Rebellion of the Ten Sides not have occurred, but neither would the Yellow Turban Rebellion.”

If it were possible to know the flow of destiny and act accordingly, my master would have held a higher position than the minister Wang Yun.

From noble mtl dot com

“My master would have been the Chancellor, right?”

“The Chancellor.”

Chosun ponders for a moment over what I just said.

“You know Dong Zhuo? If he had risen to the position of Chancellor, he would surely have died. No, the Prime Minister.”

“…Isn’t that the position Dong Zhuo desired?”

I’ve heard this before.

Would Dong Zhuo be satisfied as the Grand Commandant? No, he aimed for the position of Chancellor, which was essentially the same as being the Emperor’s regent.

“Chancellor? Prime Minister. Hmm….”

“It’s complicated, so let’s just unify it as ‘Chancellor.’ After all, the highest power after the Emperor is the same.”

“One below the Emperor, ten above the commoners?”

“That’s right. And right now… there is no Chancellor.”

Chosun spread four fingers.

“Throughout the history of this country, there are very few people who can be properly called a Chancellor. Soha, Jo Cham, Ban Gwae. Ah, of course, whether they were great statesmen or not….”

“…….”

“Alright. I’ll change the explanation. If there were a Chancellor, you know? If the Emperor were to pass away, the person chosen by that Chancellor would be the Emperor.”

“Is it that simple? Of course, there is no Empress Dowager, but—”

“Regardless of the royal elder.”

Chosun mimicked cutting her throat.

“To put it extremely, it means that after forcibly handing the royal seal to the royal elder, the person who has the power to issue edicts as they flow from the Chancellor’s mouth.”

“That’s… quite a tremendous person.”

“Yes. So generally, a Chancellor is not someone just anyone can be. If an era comes where anyone can become Chancellor, it would also be proof that the country is falling apart.”

Chosun let out a deep sigh.

If Dong Zhuo had become Chancellor, would the situation be even more terrible than it is now?

“Dong Zhuo leaves Luoyang without becoming Chancellor. If he really does that, maybe he could escape the fate determined by heaven.”

“The fate determined by heaven.”

It’s hard to believe.

“Isn’t that already all twisted?”

I pointed to the pile of silk stacked behind Chosun.

“I think it twisted from the moment I decided to live a life without a single shame before heaven, from the moment I began to be ‘Yeobongseon.’”

“……Ha.”

Chosun covered her face with both hands, looking distressed.

“Since it turned out well in the end, I can’t say anything.”

“Hehe. Just think of it as you suffering to enjoy the favor of Wang Yun.”

Chosun diligently read the heavenly secrets and sold the future.

“The world will not be divided into three.”

Now, it has mostly become useless.

“Even if Dong Zhuo dies, he won’t die from an unfilial act. He survived when his sons committed such acts, so where are his children now?”

“Isn’t it possible that there are subordinates who are cherished like children?”

“Those are the subordinates that Dong Zhuo cherishes like children, yet those children kill Dong Zhuo? If Dong Zhuo had first laid hands on his wife, then he would have committed a grave sin, but if that is not the case…

I can assert this.

“That would simply mean being killed by a parricidal wretch who would sell out their own parents, so, in a sense, one could say that Dong Zhuo died as fate had decreed.”

Fate is predetermined, and a person cannot escape their fate?

“But at least in facing that fateful death, it was not Dong Zhuo who committed the sin, but those children, wouldn’t you agree?”

If it cannot be avoided.

“Even if fate is predetermined, I will at least live and die without shame.”

* * *

When Dong Zhuo first arrived in Luoyang, there was no one to welcome him, not even a single person from the Yangzhou army.

Though he had become a deposed emperor, and had entered Luoyang to save the emperor of that time, the looks they cast upon him were filled only with fear and terror.

“…….”

Dong Zhuo rode out into the streets.

Behind him were the assets he had amassed in Luoyang, along with the treasures of gold and silver given by the imperial palace for the ‘Yangzhou army.’

Even the number of carts was in the hundreds.

The source of the wealth on those carts included not only his own riches but also some of the assets of people like the Chancellor Wang Yun and the Minister Chao Yong.

Did the emperor order them to contribute?

No.

The officials of the Qingliu willingly offered their assets.

There were those who did not come out to see Dong Zhuo off until the very end, like those from the Luoyang aristocracy, but Dong Zhuo thought nothing of it.

– The wolf of Xiliang departs as the loyal minister of Yangzhou.

One of the scholars of Qingliu commented thus.

Things will gradually change from now on.

They will no longer be called Xiliang, nor will they be treated carelessly as the land of the former Qin, nor will they be insulted as the land of rough wolves.

So—

“Hehe, General.”

“…Li Jue, and Guo Si.”

As he was leading his horse down the road, Li Jue and Guo Si approached him.

“When it was time for battle, you didn’t even show your tails.”

“Ah, we did our best, didn’t we! Although we arrived on the day the battle ended…!”

“…….”

“Please believe me. As you know, our children can be quite rough. It’s because we’ve had a hard time soothing them.”

“…….”

The reinforcements that Dong Zhuo had hoped for did not arrive.

Correction.

They did arrive.

The very next day after the Horoguan fell.

It seemed as if they had rushed over upon hearing that ‘the battle was over,’ but Dong Zhuo suppressed something boiling inside him—

Pah—!

“Cough…!”

“This time, let’s end it with this.”

Dong Zhuo struck the back of Li Jue’s head with his hand, helmet and all.

“……Tch.”

Li Jue spat blood-mixed saliva onto the ground, and Guo Si followed suit beside him.

“…….”

“…….”

The two warriors exchanged glances, but Dong Zhuo could only stare straight ahead.

“Wow, wowww!!”

The citizens of Luoyang who had come out onto the streets.

The number could not be compared to when Lü Bu returned to Luoyang with the Emperor, but there was hardly a spot left empty on either side of the street.

“…….”

Dong Zhuo, desperately swallowing another rising emotion, smiled broadly and waved at the residents of Luoyang.

Waaah─!!

Cheers directed at Dong Zhuo and the Yangzhou army.

Dong Zhuo was intoxicated by the cheers of the Luoyang citizens who welcomed and sent them off.

“At this moment, the cheers I receive are greater and more delightful than any I have received in my lifetime, so I have no regrets even in death!”

* * *

A week after Dong Zhuo left for Yangzhou.

A piece of news flew into Luoyang.

Western Luoyang.

Flames soared in the canyon near Hamgokgwan, and news of Dongtak’s death spread.