My Father in Law is Lu Bu

Sun Changhu looked at her acquaintance, Lu Su, and knew that she could not try and fool others anymore. Lu Su was one of Zhou Yu’s good friend and also one of Sun Ce’s advisors. Lu Su frequently had things to do with Sun Quan.

Though Sun Quan was fickle, he still welcomed his little sister with a smile and loved her. That was why Sun Changhu frequently visits Sun Quan, which meant meeting with Lu Su.

As the two have met, there was nothing left to hide.

“You are Sun Shangxiang?” Liu Mang looked at Sun Changhu inquisitively.

“Hm?” Liu Mang’s words caused Yangzhou’s officials to turn and look at him with a smile.

“How do you know my personal name?” Sun Shangxiang looked at Liu Mang with doubt.

Liu Mang immediately realized that he had violated a taboo. In ancient times, women had no name. People like Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Diao Chan were all addressed differently. Their more well-known names were all personal names only known by family or next of kin. Yet, Liu Mang addressed Sun Shangxiang by her personal name despite not being close to her. This can only mean that Liu Mang was interested in her to the extent that he had even made inquiries of her personal name.

“No, no! I did not investigate you!” Liu Mang quickly tried to explain. However, this action would only make things worse. Even Liu Mang started to find himself suspicious.

“Someone told me that there was a talented woman in Jiangdong with aspirations greater than men.” Liu Mang praised in order to avoid suspicion.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s compliments.” Sun Shangxiang blushed. She knew she could no longer hide her identity so she untied the bun in her hair, allowing her hair to fall freely. With graceful hair, a heroic face and good figure, her appearance was truly Heaven’s gift.

“Second Miss. How about marrying our Lord. That way, we can promote good relations between Jiangdong and Yangzhou.” Zhuge Liang persuaded.

“Marrying His Majesty? As a main wife or a side wife? Does the Lord intend to sideline Lady Lu and Lady Yuan?” Sun Shangxiang asked Liu Mang mockingly.

Of course Liu Mang could not do this. Sun Shangxiang seemed like a successful woman that loathes the idea of three wives and four concubines.

“Their positions cannot be changed but we can still make you a wife.” Zhuge Liang said. Liu Mang was a King. According to the law, he could have one queen, three wives, nine imperial concubines and more1. The queen was naturally Miss Lu. Qiao Yu and Yuan Fang were two of the three wives. Qian Yu may be a barbarian princess 

“This subject thanks the King and Official Zhuge for the kindness. However, I am starting to feel homesick so I should take my leave. Please allow this subject to go.” Sun Shangxiang refused.

“Alright.” Liu Mang wanted to let Sun Shangxiang leave. At the same time he felt indignant. He didn’t even want to marry her so why was she refusing?

“Thank you Your Majesty. This subordinate will hand over her tasks to her subordinates before leaving.” Sun Shangxiang did not expect Liu Mang to agree so easily.

“Hm?” Zhuge Liang noticed that Liu Mang was angry and did not persuade Sun Shangxiang to stay. So Sun Shangxiang took her leave.

“Yuanzhi, pass down my orders. Have Lu Xun and the Jiangxia Navy be on standby. Then send a letter to Guangling and have Chen Deng notify Gan Ning to go against the river and wait for my orders before attacking from both sides.” Liu Mang said angrily. It was just an insignificant Jiangdong. So what if he had no status or righteousness? He has money and troops! If Sun Ce was sensible, he would surrender. Otherwise, Liu Mang would remove him by force.

“No Milord!” Lu Su quickly stepped forward to stop Liu Mang. He knew what Sun Ce was like. Sun Ce has high pride. He cannot be persuaded by force. If you try to use force against him, he would fight back with all his might.

However, Zhuge Liang pulled Lu Su back before Lu Su could further object. Liu Mang was angry so any persuasion would be useless.

“Disperse!” Liu Mang said and stormed off angrily.

***

Sun Shangxiang entered the women’s barracks. As all the women in the army were there, there were patrols to ensure men do not enter with bad intentions. It would not be strange if these brutes thought about women all day.

Sun Shangxiang entered her own tent with complicated feelings.

“Master Changhu. The sword you wanted have already been delivered by the Ministry of Works.” A women’s official entered the tent and reported. Even if they were medical personnel, it would be hard to avoid battle. Their own troops might even turn on them. So Sun Shangxiang had made a report to obtain weapons for women. Although the quality of the weapon may not be as good as the ones given to men, it was enough for them to protect themselves. The swords must not be too short, nor could it be too long to the extent it gets in the way of treatment. That was why the Ministry of Works send weapons to Sun Shangxiang for inspection. Sun Shangxiang will test the weapons and then make proposals for the Ministry of Works so that the Ministry of Works can send the appropriate weapons over.

“Put it down first!” Sun Shangxiang said to her subordinate with a smile.

“Put it down?”

“Master Changhu. We are running out of gauzes and charcoal.” Another official came and reported. The gauzes were used to wrap wounds while the charcoal was needed to boil water.

“Hong Xiang. You don’t need to worry about this anymore.” Sun Shangxiang said to the official. These two officials were Sun Shangxiang’s servants that followed her to Yangzhou. The three of them were exceptional and managed to enter Yangzhou’s army without relying on anyone. In Yangzhou, their positions was higher than a general that handles miscellaneous duties.

“Huh? Master Changhu. These are things the army urgently needs. Are we really going to ignore it?” Hong Xiang thought that Sun Shangxiang was angry.

“I am telling you to not to worry about it anymore. No need to ask so many questions!” Sun Shangxiang replied indignantly.

“Understood.”

“Go to the camp quickly and pack up your things.” Sun Shangxiang added.

“Miss? What…”

“We are returning back to Jiangdong.” Sun Shangxiang said to her servants.

“Returning to Jiangdong? What about the women’s barracks?”

“Yes, we are returning to Jiangdong. We have been away for so long I am sure my brothers and the others are worried. Once we return to Jiangdong, His Highness the King of Shu will find someone else to handle affairs here. These are no longer our concerns. I have already resigned. His Highness have also agreed. Let us go pack our things and we can leave early in the morning.” Sun Shangxiang said to her servant.

“What about Shang Yun?” Sun Shangxiang suddenly asked.

“Miss. Shang Yun should be with General Lu at Jiangxia.” Hong Xiang said with a hint of envy.

“She is with Lu Xun?” Sun Shangxiang frowned. Shang Yun’s attitude towards Lu Xun was obvious. Lu Xun had also constantly come to the women’s barracks to look for Shang Yun. When Lu Xun was dispatched to Jiangxia, Shang Yun had volunteered to go as well.

“Sigh.” Sun Shangxiang shook her head. “Let us pack up and leave.”

“Miss. Are we not going to wait for Sister Shang Yun?” Hong Xiang asked. When they arrived at Yangzhou, they were a group of four. Now only three were left.

“No. She can stay here if she wants. Send her a letter and tell her that if she wants to go back, she can find us at Jiangdong. Otherwise she can stay at Yangzhou.” Sun Shangxiang said. Leaving Shang Yun here was a good thing for her since Lu Xun has Liu Mang’s favor. It would not be strange for Lu Xun to gain a title and the admiration of many. So it was a good ending for Shang Yun as well.

After saying that, Sun Shangxiang went to pack up her own things. Then she realized that Hong Xiang was still standing around awkwardly.

“What’s wrong? Why haven’t you gone to pack up your things? It is getting late, we need to hurry.”

“That…” Hong Xiang stammered and did not dare to look at Sun Shangxiang.

“What’s wrong?” Sun Shangxiang asked. “You may be my servant but we are actually more like sisters. You can speak to me plainly.”

“Miss. I… I don’t want to go back to Jiangdong. I also want to stay in Yangzhou.” Hong Xiang said.

Sun Shangxiang was shocked and did not react for some time. Hong Xiang became even more nervous. If Sun Shangxiang refuses to allow her to stay in Yangzhou, then she would not be able to stay.

At Yangzhou, Hong Xiang could live her own life. She could gain respect. But at Jiangdong, she can only be a mere servant. She was a mere commodity. She was fortunate that her master was Sun Shangxiang. If her luck is good, she would accompany her master when her master gets married off. Otherwise, she would just be sold again.

Seeing that Sun Shangxiang did not react, Hong Xiang knelt down. “Miss. I already have a lover in Yangzhou. I have also promised to marry him already.” Hong Xiang’s face was red as she explained. “I beg you for your permission!” Hong Xiang begged as she placed her head on the ground.

“You already have a lover? Who is it?” Sun Shangxiang asked.

“Yes. It is General Xu Sheng.” Hong Xiang replied with a blush.

“Xu Sheng? The Commander of the Black Flag Army?” Sun Shangxiang had contact with the other generals as she worked for the Yangzhou Army. Hong Xiang was the one in charge of dealing with the Black Flag Army.

“That’s good!” Sun Shangxiang sighed. “You should also stay.” She was also happy that Hong Xiang found a general to marry in Yangzhou. It was better than staying as a servant in Jiangdong.

“Miss. Let me help you pack your things.”

“Alright.” Sun Shangxiang nodded. “Hong Xiang. Once I leave, you all should take care of yourselves properly. If someone bullies you, go and find Lu Su Lu Zijing at the Ministry of Appointments. He is friends with my second brother so he should help you.” Sun Shangxiang thought of her servants even when she was about to leave.

“I understand Miss. Miss, I do not want to separate from you. Can you not leave? Stay in Yangzhou!” Hong Xiang wept as she threw herself into Sun Shangxiang’s arms. “His Highness the King of Shu is good. Didn’t you like weapons? His Highness allowed you to lead the women’s barracks. You should stay and become a general.”

“Silly girl. It is not like we will never meet again. You can always come to Jiangdong to see me. You can also write a letter to me. No need to cry anymore. If you keep on crying, you will become ugly and General Xu Sheng won’t want you anymore. At that time you will have no choice but to follow me back.” Sun Shangxiang said.

“Pft!” Hong Xiang could not help but burst into a laugh. “Miss, you really know how to joke. But are you really not going to stay?”

“Yes. I still have to leave. This is not my home after all.” Sun Shangxiang shook her head knowing that she was too spoilt. She was not like other women who preferred feminine arts. Sun Shangxiang preferred martial arts. This gave Sun Ce such a headache that he forbid from going out. This caused Sun Shangxiang to want to leave Jiangdong. Finally, she heard about the women’s barracks in Yangzhou and fled here.

But after staying at Yangzhou for a while, Sun Shangxiang became homesick. She missed her two brothers and her mother.

“If Miss agrees, this place can also be your home.” A voice came from outside the tent while the two girls were talking.

Sun Shangxiang turned around to see the intruder. “It’s you!” It was someone Sun Shangxiang did not like.

“Hong Xiang greets Minister Zhuge.” Hong Xiang saluted. The one that arrived was the high official of the Ministry of Justice, Zhuge Kongming.

Zhuge Liang nodded and replied. “Official Hong. Leave us for a moment. I have things to say to your lady.”

“I understand.” Hong Xiang nodded and left.

“What can you not say in front of others?” Sun Shangxiang hated Zhuge Liang because Zhuge Liang exposed her identity and tried to wed her with Liu Mang.

“Nothing much. I just want to persuade you not to leave Yangzhou. If you do, you would only have yourself to blame when things go badly.” Zhuge Liang said.

“Why? Does Lord Zhuge want to stop this girl or is it that His Highness wants to make things hard for me?” Sun Shangxiang sneered.

“Haha. Our Lord did not have any intentions to stop you. You can leave if you want to!” Zhuge Liang waved his hand.

“Hmph! Then that’s great!” Sun Shangxiang said as he carelessly grabbed a few things. “Hong Xiang, are you done with the preparations? I want to leave!”

“Miss. Are you taking only taking this many things with you?” Hong Xiang went back in after hearing Sun Shangxiang’s words. She saw that Sun Shangxiang had only taken a few things. There were still many things she did not pack up.

“No need. Jiangdong will also have things that Yangzhou has.” Sun Shangxiang said as she avoid looking at Zhuge Liang. Nobody liked to be schemed against.

“Good! Leave quickly and see your two brothers kill each other! How tragic! This family is going to end like this!” Zhuge Liang said again.

Sun Shangxiang immediately stopped and turned to face Zhuge Liang. “Minister Zhuge! I am showing respect to you but do not insult others. Don’t blame me for being impolite if you curse my family again!”

“Curse? Haha. I, Zhuge Kongming, is just an insignificant mortal. I cannot do supernatural things. I am just telling you the truth as it is.”

“What do you mean?” Sun Shangxiang said angrily as she pulled out her sword. “If you don’t give me a good explanation, I will kill you even if I have to sacrifice my life.”

“I simply want to inform Miss Sun that your two brothers are killing each other. If you return now, you will find one dead and the other alive.” Zhuge Liang said.

“You’re lying!”

“Why should I lie to you? Since ancient times, there is no familial affection for kings. Though Marquis Wu is not a king, he is still a feudal lord.” Zhuge Liang explained as he fanned himself.

“Impossible! My second brother…! No! He would not do it!”

“Haha!” Zhuge Liang laughed. He did not even say who was responsible but Sun Shangxiang was already shaking her head, showing that she knew the answer.

“Impossible is it? Come, Zijing. Tell Miss Sun here if I am lying or not!” Zhuge Liang said. He had already dragged Lu Su over earlier. Lu Su also shook his head bitterly at the kind of work he is made to do. Zhuge Liang was really too much. He had already taken the role of the good person while all the bad roles were given to Lu Su.

Lu Su glared at Zhuge Liang for a moment before cupping his fists at Sun Shangxiang. “Miss. Kongming’s words are the truth. Zhongmou… No. The Second Lord has rebelled against Marquis Wu. He sent Xu Gong to assassinate Marquis Wu.”

Lu Su’s words were more effective on Sun Shangxiang. This is because Lu Su was Sun Quan’s friend.

“How is my eldest brother?” Sun Shangxiang was a little panicked.

“Don’t worry. Marquis Wu is alright. Gongjin took an arrow in place of Marquis Wu and is now seriously injured. As for the Second Lord, he is thrown into prison.” There are three intelligence groups in Yangzhou. It can be said that no others could compare to Yangzhou when it comes to gathering information.

“Liar! You are all liars! I know you are all conspiring together!” Sun Shangxiang shouted in distraught. Her thoughts were in disorder due to concern.

“What benefits would we get for lying to you? Both Brother Zijing and I have reached the highest positions as officials. It would be a joke if we need to lie to a silly little girl like you! You might as well leave quickly. The sight of you is making me annoyed.” Zhuge Liang’s expression also changed to disgust.

“I…” Sun Shangxiang wanted to walk away but she was afraid Zhuge Liang’s words were true.

“Zijing. How long can your good friend live?” Zhuge Liang asked teasingly. Lu Su and Sun Quan have already broke off their relationship. They weren’t good friends any more.

“If Gongjin lives, the Second Lord can still live. If Gongjin perishes, so will the Second Lord.” Lu Su said.

“No! No!”

“Zijing. Let us go.” Zhuge Liang said and wanted to leave with Lu Su.

“You cannot leave!” Sun Shangxiang immediately used her sword to stop Zhuge Liang and Lu Su.

“Second Miss. Me and Zhuge Kongming did not offend you did we? The road is over there. Leave if you wish.” Lu Su also started to feel uncomfortable.

“Save my brother. Save Jiangdong.” Sun Shangxiang gritted her teeth and knelt down.

“Second Miss. Why do you ask us to save your two brothers? How can we of Yangzhou save your Jiangdong.” Zhuge Liang pretended to be astonished.

“I know you can!” Sun Shangxiang said firmly. She knew that Zhuge Liang would not bother telling her all this if Zhuge Liang and Lu Su did not have a plan.

“Good. Since you say that, I will no longer keep you in suspense. We do have a way. It only depends on whether you agree to do it.” Zhuge Liang smiled. Sun Shangxiang has taken the bait.

“As long as it is within my abilities, I will even be willing to die to do it.”

“You do not need to sacrifice your life. In fact, it would be a wonderful thing. Once it is successful, the Sun Family would prosper!” Zhuge Liang said patiently. Lu Su rolled his eyes. If he did not know better, he would think that Zhuge Liang was someone in the human trafficking business.

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1.  One 后queen, 3 夫人 wives, 9 嫔Imperial concubines. Then 27 世妇 shi fu and 81 女御 nu yu, etc.  Just think of it as different ranks of concubines for the sexually frustrated monarchy.