My Father in Law is Lu Bu

“Brother He. Stay well.” The leader of the guards shouted loudly. He had the affectionate expression of someone who wants to curry favor. It was to the extent that others wouldn’t be able to tell if the two were sworn brothers.

Yang Chen waved back to show that he understood. The carts also started to move further away.

Once Yang Chen and the others left, the leader of the guards put down his hand.

“Leader. Do you need to do that? Isn’t he just a henchman?” One guard asked hesitantly. His immediate superior was still a military officer while Yang Chen was just a servant.

“What do you know? He may be a servant but he is someone who personally sees to his master. If you treat him well, he may report it to his master and we would be able to get a promotion. Don’t tell me you want to stand here and watch this gate for the rest of your life?”

“Of course I don’t want to do that.” Who would want to guard the gates for their entire lives? Their jobs weren’t much better than the servant from earlier. They can’t make extra money and even have to toe the lines.

“That is why we should curry favor and have him help us enter the army!” The leader of the guards said as he looked towards the future.

“Yes, yes!” His subordinates all replied.

“What are you all being so noisy for early in the morning?” One middle aged man walked out unhappily.

“Housekeeper Zhou. The He Family Patriarch sent someone to deliver fresh fruits for the Grand Governor. This subordinate sent them to the back door where they have access to the kitchen. We did not expect the noise to wake you up.”

“Patriarch He?” The housekeeper was already in a bad mood but after hearing about this, his mood improved. “Brother He is really considerate.” He nodded.

He Rui knew how to conduct himself. Though both families were friends, He Rui also befriended Housekeeper Zhou to have deeper connections. He Rui had shown this housekeeper a lot of respect in the past so the housekeeper’s mode improved.

“They went to the kitchen?” The housekeeper asked as they had always given him benefits in the past.

“Yes. I already had someone escort them there.” The guard replied, wanting to show off his contributions.

“Good work. There may be opportunity to join the army in the future. I will go there and take a look.” The housekeeper nodded and went back in. He wanted to find He Rui’s people because they usually gave him money.

“Yes! Yes!” The leader of the guards said happily. He then turned to his subordinate. “How is that? Because of them I can get a promotion!” The leader said with satisfaction.

“The boss is wise!”

The housekeeper was happily walking towards the kitchen to receive his presents. Since Jiangdong was in a bad shape, the housekeeper’s income has also reduced. Now that someone was giving money, the housekeeper felt happier than usual.

“Housekeeper Zhou! The Grand Governor is looking for you!” One servant hurriedly ran towards the housekeeper and shouted.

“The Grand Governor is looking for me? Did he say why?” The housekeeper furrowed his brows and asked. It was unfortunate timing.

“No, but he told you to hurry to him!” The servant replied.

“I understand. I will go at once!” The housekeeper nodded and left towards Zhou Yu’s room with the thought that he could not collect his money. However, he was not worried since the money would not run away. He Rui had to give him money to maintain a good relationship.

***

“Everyone. This is the back door. Once you enter, you will be at the kitchen.” The guard said enthusiastically. His leader told him to escort them and because of this, his future prospects was also looking good.

“Alright. We have troubled you!” Yang Chen thanked the guard.

“No problem at all. If there is nothing else, I will go back first.”

“That’s right. Brother. How do we get to the Grand Governor’s room from here?” Yang Chen suddenly asked.

“Go to the Grand Governor’s room?” The guard hesitated.

“That’s right. After this, we still need to follow our Patriarch’s instructions and meet the Grand Governor.” Yang Chen said trying to dispel the guard’s vigilance.

“I see. From the kitchen, go that side and turn around that corner. Then walk this way and you will arrive there.” The guard tried to explain as he pointed.

“How can we understand that? Can you just draw a map for us?” Zuo Jie complained, immediately raising the guard’s vigilance. Why would you want a map of the residence for?

“No need for that brother. If we cannot find our way, we will ask around.” Yang Chen laughed. “You can just deal with your business.”

“Oh. Then I will go now. Farewell.” The guard said and left. Though he thought it was strange, he did not think too much.

“Young Master Zuo. Can you use your brain when you do something?” Yang Chen angrily said towards Zuo Jie. Asking a guard for a map is like courting death. That is like asking a security guard where the bank vault is. It would be strange if someone doesn’t immediately become suspicious of you.

“What do you mean I don’t use my brain? You are just a servant! How dare you point your fingers at me!” Zuo Jie said unhappily.

“Enough!” Lu Su stopped them from continuing. “We still have work to do. We did not come here to quarrel. If you want to continue quarreling, do it after we get out! Young Master Zuo. Have you forgotten your father’s words?” Zuo Li had already said for Zuo Jie to follow Lu Su’s instructions. If Zuo Jie refused, then Lu Su had the right to punish him.

“Get the things. It is time to act.” Lu Su said to the two.

“Master. Should we go and ask for directions?” Yang Chen asked.

“No need. I know the way.” Lu Su already remembered what the guard said.

“Yes!” They then quickly dug out the fruits and reached towards the swords at the bottom.

***

“Grand Governor. Do you need me for something?” The housekeeper asked when he arrived outside Zhou Yu’s room. Zhou Yu was his everything. For as long as Zhou Yu is around, he, the housekeeper would also be respected.

“Zhou Yi. What do you think of He Rui?” Zhou Yu asked as he plucked his guzheng.

“He Rui? Patriarch He?” The housekeeper started to became anxious when Zhou Yu asked this with an expressionless face.

“Patriarch He is the Grand Governor’s friend. This small one does not dare to judge.” The housekeeper replied cautiously. There were times where Zhou Yu address He Rui as ‘brother’ due to the closeness between their two families. So how could a servant dare to address He Rui as a brother as well?

“I am telling you to say it so just say it! If you don’t say it, then what is the point of me asking you!” Zhou Yu stopped plucking the guzheng as loudly and was focusing more on listening.

“Patriarch He Rui is devoted to the Grand Governor and Marquis Wu of Jiangdong!” The housekeeper said.

“Haha.” Zhou Yu laughed lightly causing the housekeeper to feel unsettled. Serving an intelligent master would give you a lot of benefits but at the same time, there would be more pressure since they could see through you easily.

“It would seem my Brother He has given you, Zhou Yi, a lot of benefits for you to speak for him!” Zhou Yu said to the housekeeper.

Zhou Yi immediately panicked. “Grand Governor! It is not that this slave wants to accept but it is Brother He, no, Patriarch He that insists. This slave has no choice but to accept. This slave is loyal and devoted to the Grand Governor! Grand Governor, please understand!” Zhou Yi panicked and kowtowed. His job of serving people is not actually a good one. If Zhou Yu really cared about this, then Zhou Yi would suffer heavily from the consequences.

“I didn’t say I want to punish you so why are you kowtowing?” Zhou Yu shook his head. “Zhou Yi. Sometimes you are smart which is why I can feel at ease letting you handle the Zhou Family’s affairs. You did well recently as well. But now I just realized that you are also a little stupid. You did not even think about asking me before accepting He Rui’s gifts! Without my approval, how can you accept He Rui’s gifts? That fish plate from the Shang-Zhou dynasty has at least a thousand years of history. If you sell it, it would be over a hundred gold!” Zhou Yu pointed and said.

The more Zhou Yu spoke, the more Zhou Yi felt terrified. The fish plate was a gift from He Rui. It was wrapped up in a black cloth and kept in a box. Even when delivering it over, it was done in secret. He did not expect the Grand Governor to find out. However, Zhou Yi also felt more relaxed at the same time as the tone Zhou Yu was using showed that he did not intend to get rid of him.

“Get up!” Zhou Yu said to the housekeeper.

“This slave does not dare!” The housekeeper was terrified.

“So you dare to ignore my orders?” Zhou Yu asked with a laugh.

“I understand.” Zhou Yi quickly stood up. If he kept kowtowing then he would be considered disobedient.

“I did not call you here to question you about He Rui’s gifts. I simply wanted to ask you how long you have not received his gifts.” Zhou Yu said. He noticed He Rui giving Zhou Yi with gifts but did not stop it and allowed He Rui to curry favor. It was a good thing to reciprocate when someone treats you well. Otherwise, they would not feel at ease. However, if you give help in return then they would feel at ease. Zhou Yu wanted He Rui to help handle matters without worry.

“This… It has been about half a month.” Zhou Yi replied awkwardly.

“Half a month? That shouldn’t be!” Zhou Yu furrowed his brows. According to reason, He Rui would not let go of this chance to curry favor. Wouldn’t He Rui be afraid that Zhou Yi would feel angry for not receiving a gift in half a month? Suddenly stopping now could offend someone and could provoke Zhou Yi to sabotage instead of help He Rui.

Zhou Yu thought it was strange that He Rui stop sending gifts for half a month. According to the reports sent by Zhuge Jin and Bu Lu, there were a few nobles that did not appear for a while and were instead replaced by a representative. This was frightening as these people simply watched when Sun Quan attacked Sun Ce. These people should still be afraid that Sun Ce would hold them accountable but now they don’t even bother showing up. The actions of others are understandable but He Rui going missing makes Zhou Yu worried.

He Rui was Zhou Yu’s trusted aide. So when the Zhang Family is disposed, He Rui would not be affected. He was Zhou Yu’s mole. Yet for some reason, He Rui went missing.

“This He Rui…” Zhou Yu furrowed his brows as he muttered.

Seeing Zhou Yu’s expression, Zhou Yi started to become anxious.

“Grand Governor. Patriarch He must have been busy the past few days. As a matter of fact, he still came to deliver fresh fruits for you.” Zhou Yi said hoping to dispel Zhou Yu’s doubts towards He Rui.

“Deliver fresh fruits? If He Rui is here, why did he not come to see me?” Zhou Yu asked doubtfully. Normally, He Rui would greet Zhou Yu first before giving gifts.

“Grand Governor. Though Patriarch He had sent fruits, he did not come personally. He instead sent his subordinates over. I already had the gatekeeper sent them towards the kitchen.” Zhou Yi said, speaking on behalf of He Rui.

“A subordinate? How did you know?” Zhou Yu asked.

“That servant carried Patriarch He’s token that was how I know of their identity.”

“He Rui’s token. That token I gave He Rui?” Zhou Yu’s eyes grew wide.

“Yes.” Zhou Yi nodded. Though he did not see it personally, the leader of the guards did not dare to conceal this fact from him.

“You then sent them towards the kitchen?” Zhou Yu’s eyes grew even wider. Zhou Yi simply nodded.

“Not good! Zhou Yi quickly go out and get all the guards to come here!” Zhou Yu suddenly stood up. He could not help but wince in pain as he aggravate his injury.

“Grand Governor. What’s the matter?” Zhou Yi turned pale with fright as he went to support Zhou Yu.

“Don’t mind me! Quickly gather the troops here! Go!” Zhou Yu spoke despite his pain.

Zhou Yi did not understand but he still tried to act according to Zhou Yu’s wishes. Unfortunately, it was already too late.

“It is too late!” One voice spoke. Zhou Yi who just went out, returned with a mournful expression and a sword held to his neck.

“How brazen! Who are you all? How dare you enter this Zhou Yu’s residence! Do you not want to live anymore?” Even at this moment, Zhou Yu was fearless.

“Young whelp Zhou Yu. Even at this moment you can act this way?” One voice echoed. Zhou Yu turned his head to see Zuo Jie.

“You…” Zhou Yu looked at Zuo Jie doubtfully. “Who is Zuo Li to you?” Zhou Yu tried to remember.

“Zuo Li is my father!” Zuo Jie replied.

“Haha. Even your father do not dare to speak to me like this!” Zhou Yu sneered as he looked at Zuo Jie.

“Haha. Zhou Yu. Do you still think you are the Grand Governor? Right now, you are just a prisoner!” Zuo Jie said as he arrogantly walked into the room. “For a mere prisoner to speak to this Young Master this way. Courting death!” Zuo Jie said as he was about to slap Zhou Yu. However, he was stopped by the black robed stranger.

“Young Master Zuo. Remember your father’s words!” Yang Kui said.

“The Zuo Family and who else? I already knew from earlier why He Rui did not come despite being so polite!” Zhou Yu smiled bitterly. He Rui was really a bootlicker who always stuck to Zhou Yu. How could such a person not appear for half a month? Truthfully speaking, Zhou Yu felt it was weird without He Rui’s presence.

“Who else? Other than your dog He Rui, our Zuo Family, the Cheng Family, the Hao Family and even the Zhang Family. All of the nobles of Jiangdong want to rebel against you and that Sun Ce Sun Bofu!” Zuo Jie revealed everything proudly. It was to be expected as Zuo Jie was about the same age as Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. Unfortunately, he was too incompetent compared to them. He could only look up at them, who was the Lord of Jiangdong and the Grand Governor. Even his father always said things like “Marquis Wu did this.” Or “The Grand Governor did that.” This planted a seed of hatred in Zuo Jie’s heart. If Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were still in those high positions then Zuo Jie would not do anything. However, it became a different story now that Zhou Yu was his prisoner. All of his pride was laid bare.

“He Rui is dead?” Zhou Yu was stunned. He thought that He Rui would have rebelled like the rest. He never expected him to be dead.

“That’s right! He is dead! Initially he wanted to rebel but he unexpectedly cowered. So we could only kill him!” Zuo Jie said ruthlessly.

“Enough, Young Master Zuo. We do not have much time. We still need to bring Zhou Yu to Lord Zhang.” Yang Kui said.

“You…?” Zhou Yu felt that something was strange. This black robed person seemed familiar but he could not seem to recall. “Have we met?”

Yang Kui did not reply.

“You want to take me to go and see the Second Lord?” Zhou Yu asked as he looked at the others.

“There is no chance for that.” Zhou Yu shook his head. “The Lord has thirty thousand soldiers while the Second Lord is only a prisoner. Even if you break him out of prison, the Second Lord will still lose!” No stratagem would succeed without troops.

“Not necessarily.” Zuo Jie said. “So what if you have thirty thousand troops? Uncle Cheng has three thousand Shanyue elites. Uncle Hao has five thousand of Yan Baihu’s men. The Second Lord himself would also be able to recruit lots of men. Also I am sure Sun Ce would give in once he finds out we hold you captive.” Zuo Jie said proudly.

“Zhang Zhao Zhang Zibu! I never expected you to also be able to act so desperately!” Zhou Yu said coldly.

“There is no other choice. Who asked you to force Lord Zhang’s hand? Dismissing him was one thing but you exiled him to Xudou. Sun Ce’s end is near!” Zuo Jie laughed grimly.

“Haha. Even if I don’t force his hand, do you think he would not rebel?” Zhou Yu sneered. “My Lord treats Zhang Zibu with respect and allowed him to be the most influential noble despite not coming from Jiangdong. Yet Zhang Zibu is still too ambitious. Such a person would rebel sooner or later. I should not have allowed the Lord to be so merciful then. He should have been more ruthless!” Zhou Yu said resolutely. He had been merciful to Zhang Zhao and wanted to let Zhang Zhao leave Jiangdong. But now, Zhang Zhao decided to rebel.

“No matter how much you speak, it would be of no use. Let’s go.” The black robed person said to Zhou Yu.

“You want to use me to get the Lord to surrender? You are gravely mistaken!” Zhou Yu said with disdain and then took out a dagger.

Zuo Jie was greatly alarmed. If Zhou Yu dies here, the rest of them would not be able to leave the Zhou Residence. Everything would be finished.

“You want to kill yourself? Haha. Go ahead. Once you are dead, Sun Ce would also be ruined!” The black robed person said without care.

“What do you mean?” Zhou Yu asked.

“You should know why Marquis Wu did not kill the Second Lord. This is because the Second Lord is Marquis Wu’s little brother. He did not have the heart to do it. On top of that, Elder Lady Wu also pressured Marquis Wu to spare him!” The black robed person explained. No one would want to kill his own sibling and since Sun Ce’s mother also raised the both of them, she could not bear to see the two kill each other. With pressure from his mother, Sun Ce only imprisoned Sun Quan and did not even treat Sun Quan like a regular convict.

“If you die by the Second Lord’s hand, do you think Marquis Wu would avenge you?” Yang Kui asked.

Of course Sun Ce would take revenge. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu was surpassed that of Sun Ce and Sun Quan. In fact, in the original timeline, Sun Ce would have handed down his position to Zhou Yu if it was not because of the pressure from his mother.

“On one side is his little brother. On the other is his sworn brother! Grand Governor. Do you think he should help avenge you or not?” Yang Kui continued. If Sun Ce were to take revenge, he would have to kill his own brother and his relationship with his mother would be broken. If he doesn’t take revenge, he would not be able to forgive himself as Zhou Yu had already sacrificed too much for him. Sun Ce would have to live with a guilty conscience for the rest of his life.

“No! No!” Zhou Yu suddenly shouted, losing control of himself. He did not want either one of these to happen. Zhou Yu had never lost control of himself like this before. Even with Zhuge Liang burned down all of the Jiangdong’s elites he did not lose himself. But now, Zhou Yu was frantic.

However, as one would expect of Zhou Yu, he quickly collected himself. He lifted his head and with a piercing gaze, he asked the same question as Zhang Zhao. “Who are you? Why have I never seen you in Jiangdong before?”

Yang Kui simply smiled and did not speak. Without a reply, Zhou Yu was helpless. “Are you trying to say that if I submit, the Lord won’t be in pain? If I were to submit, will my Lord still be able to live?” Zhou Yu smiled bitterly. If he were to kill himself, Sun Ce had a chance to win but Sun Ce would have to suffer for the rest of his life. On the other hand, if Zhou Yu forced Sun Ce to surrender, then Sun Ce would end up dead. Zhang Zhao would not allow Sun Ce to live in order to remove the threat. They would not be able to sleep in peace for as long as Sun Ce is alive.

“Haha. If you surrender, you will survive.”

“How?” Zhou Yu asked.

Yang Kui then approached Zhou Yu and whispered. “Give Jiangdong to Sun Quan and have your Lord surrender to Yangzhou. Request His Highness to dispatch troops and pacify Jiangdong. You will live, Sun Ce will live. Sun Quan will also live.”

Yang Kui secretly revealed his plans to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce had stirred the people, causing them to lose trust in Yangzhou. Unless Liu Mang pacifies a rebellion in Jiangdong, he would no longer be able to enter Jiangdong.

To the people of Jiangdong, Liu Mang is a butcher. Liu Bang’s victory over Xiang Yu was normal but even if Liu Bang killed Xiang Yu, so what? Jiangdong’s heart was still with Xiang Yu. Even after Xiang Yu’s death, Jiangdong continued to struggle. In the end, Liu Bang had to give Xiang Yu a posthumous title to calm the people.

Right now, Liu Mang was in an even worse situation compared to Liu Bang since he was already rejected and Sun Ce was not even dead.

If Yangzhou wanted to enter Jiangdong, they had to change the people’s perception of them. Only by doing this can they properly conquer Jiangdong and use Jiangdong’s first rate troops.

To change Jiangdong’s perception of Yangzhou, the one that started the trouble had to be the one to finish it. So Sun Ce had to surrender to Yangzhou to make Liu Mang’s rule legitimate.

“It’s you!” Zhou Yu’s eyes grew wide in realization.

“Yes. It’s me.” The black robed person replied.

“I did not expect you to still be here!” Zhou Yu smiled bitterly.

“Gongjin. You made me have no face to go back. I cannot go back with this injustice.” Lu Su said.

“Capturing me to threaten the Lord must be your plan.” Zhou Yu looked at Lu Su calmly. He was too familiar with Lu Su. Zhang Zhao may be talented but he would not dare act against Zhou Yu. It is not because Zhang Zhao was foolish but it was because someone in Zhang Zhao’s position would not have the courage to do so. For many years, Zhou Yu has been putting pressure on Zhang Zhao which caused Zhang Zhao to be afraid.

It was for the same reason that Zhang Zhao did not help to attack Sun Ce. If he had personally helped Sun Quan, then Sun Ce would have died even with Liu Mang’s warning. After all, Zhang Zhao was in charge of Jiangdong’s weapons. Even if Sun Ce could dodge an arrow from the ballista, he would not be able to dodge five.

“It seems that I still misjudged you.” Zhou Yu sighed bitterly as he shook his head.

“No. You did not misjudge me. It is simply because you forced me to change.” Lu Su looked back at Zhou Yu bitterly. The two of them were friends that could even sleep together. Yet now, they were opponents on a battlefield.

“Are you not afraid I would divulge your identity?” Zhou Yu asked. If he had revealed Lu Su’s identity here, then Lu Su’s life would be threatened.

“No. Even if you do, the Second Lord has no other options anyway.” Zhou Yu was Lu Su’s friend but so was Sun Quan. Sun Quan who had already lost everything would not hesitate to take this gamble. He has nothing left to lose and if he wins, he would gain huge profits.

“On top of that, Gongjin. Where can your Lord go if I die?” Lu Su asked Zhou Yu. Revealing Lu Su’s identity would mean Lu Su’s death. However, Sun Quan would not change his plans. So all that would happen is that Sun Ce would no longer be able to surrender to Yangzhou.

“Gongjin. You have no other choice. Admit defeat.” Lu Su continued. Even though victory was in his grasps, Lu Su was not that confident. This is because Lu Su had never beaten Zhou Yu before in chess.

“Haha. Zijing. I never expected to lose to you. You win this time!” Zhou Yu laughed. “But there is something I have been wanting to say to you but was unable to. Now I will have to say it as I would no longer have another opportunity to.”

“Hm?” Looking at Zhou Yu’s smile, Lu Su felt his heart ache and also a sense of dread.

“I am sorry!”

Lu Su’s eyes grew wide. His hand stretched out in fear. “No don’t!”

But it was too late. Zhou Yu’s dagger swung towards his own injury, splashing blood all over the place.