It Wasn’t a Martial Arts World, but the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 13. To the Next Destination

The news that Qing Niujiao, who had frequently pillaged the Wuyuan area, had been killed spread like wildfire.

Moreover, the fact that it was done by the notorious “Mad Dog of Bingzhou” became a sensational story, spreading far and wide among the people.

Thus, Unryong, the Mad Dog, was recognized for his accomplishments and appointed as the Governor of Manbo County.

Though Manbo County was nothing more than a backwater in Bingzhou, and the position wasn’t something to boast about, it was still considered a significant step up for someone like Unryong, who had been holed up in the mountains until now.

However, Unryong had a major concern lately.

“…Haryeong, could you give me some space?”

“Pardon?”

Whether during training, eating, or even when I left to relieve myself—this little girl clung to me at every moment.

Recently, I haven’t had a single moment to rest.

The bigger issue was that Haryeong didn’t seem to realize what she was doing.

“What’s the problem?”

“It’s… hot.”

“It’s winter right now. If anything, it’s cold. How can you be hot? And I’m not even clinging that much.”

As she said this, Haryeong rubbed her head against my arm.

Unryong seriously began to wonder if the nickname “dog” was more fitting for Haryeong than for him.

She didn’t have ears or a tail, but otherwise, wasn’t she just like a puppy?

You know, like those dogs that wag their tails excitedly and cling to you as soon as you come home.

That was exactly what Haryeong was like right now.

“And it’s not like I have nothing to do, which is why I’m sticking with you, Big Brother. I’m managing all the administrative work you should be doing. Officially, you’re the governor, but how can I handle everything on my own?”

“I told you, just handle it however you see fit. I’m too dumb for that stuff.”

Of course, I could probably do it if I put in the effort, but I didn’t want to waste my time on such tedious tasks.

It was great that I had the position, but if it got in the way of my martial arts training, it would be putting the cart before the horse.

At my words, Haryeong clicked her tongue.

“Even so, there are responsibilities that come with it. You need to understand at least this much.”

“…Fine, you can do whatever you want, Haryeong.”

“I was planning to anyway.”

Resting her head on my shoulder, Haryeong carefully examined the bandaged wound on my body.

“Does it still hurt?”

“No, it’s healed.”

“Liar. If it’s healed, why are you still wrapped up like that?”

Tears began to well up in Haryeong’s eyes as she said this.

She was always on the verge of tears, which left me feeling utterly drained.

“Next time, you can’t do anything dangerous like that.”

“Alright, alright. Just stop with that face, it’s too much.”

“Even when I worry, you’re always like this!”

And so, this became our routine.

Around this time, a proclamation issued by a single woman began to turn the entire world upside down.

From Nanyang to Jizhou, Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Henei, Chenliu, Dong Commandery, Shanyang, Beihai, Guangling, Xuzhou, Xiliang, Beiping, Shangdang, Changsha, Bohai, and all across the land, a grand uprising began.

Upon hearing this news, Haryeong, flustered, hurriedly ran to her brother to deliver the information.

There could be no better news for her brother, who had been planning to go to Luoyang before coming to Bingzhou.

However, by the time Haryeong found him, Unryong was sitting with an unusually serious expression.

“The time has come.”

“…”

Her brother, who had lived his whole life in the mountains, often made these unexpected statements.

Sometimes, he seemed carefree and aimless, but then there were times when he made predictions like a seer.

Whether it was animal instinct or prophetic insight, it was undeniably impressive.

A dragon born in the mud, who would one day shed light on the dark and stormy world.

Haryeong was confident that her eyes hadn’t been wrong about him.

***

So, what should I do now?

The process had been a bit messy, but I had somehow managed to secure an official position.

The next step was to join the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition by borrowing the name of one of the lords.

But whose name should I borrow?

The well-known figures were Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Sun Jian, Gongsun Zan, and Cao Cao. But would any of them lend their name to someone like me, who had merely cut down a bandit leader?

Besides, I wasn’t knowledgeable enough about Romance of the Three Kingdoms to know who the best choice would be.

The only person I felt any connection to was Liu Bei, but…

At this point, Liu Bei was also relying on borrowing names, so it was a complicated situation.

“…Was all of this calculated?”

While I was lost in thought, Haryeong opened the door and entered.

She looked at me with wide eyes, her shoulders trembling.

“Big Brother, you always surpass my expectations…”

It seemed she was under some grand misconception.

Surpass what? What expectations? I’m already struggling with just the knowledge I have.

“You’re planning to join the coalition too, right?”

“…Yeah, I am.”

“As expected… I need to work even harder.”

No, please stop looking at me with those sparkling eyes.

Compared to you, I’m no better than a birdbrain.

Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat and spoke.

“So, I’ve been thinking. To make a name for ourselves, we need to back someone.”

“You’re wondering who we should support, right?”

As expected, Haryeong hit the nail on the head.

She immediately unrolled a scroll and picked up a brush.

“Who do you think is closest to controlling the land, aside from Dong Zhuo?”

“Well… I’m not sure.”

Even if I were asked that question, I wouldn’t know the answer.

Perhaps Cao Cao, who’s often portrayed as the most capable in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but…

What came out of her mouth was an unexpected name.

“The descendants of the prestigious family that produced five Dukes. Yuan Shao, the Governor of Bohai, and Yuan Shu, the Governor of Nanyang.”

Yuan Shu?

That guy’s a joke.

From what I remember, he was petty and incompetent.

Seeing my puzzled expression, Haryeong continued.

“Of the two, Yuan Shu is the third son of Yuan Feng, who served as the Grand Commandant, and his family has held high office for four generations. It’s highly likely that he will be the one to lead the land in the future.”

“Hmm…”

I seriously doubt that.

And Yuan Shu came from such a prestigious family?

If I didn’t know better, I’d think he should have conquered the land by now.

As Haryeong continued to praise Yuan Shu, she suddenly paused.

“But, what about the people’s sentiment?”

With a cold smile, Haryeong crossed out Yuan Shu’s name.

“The people tend to support Yuan Shao of Bohai more than the Governor of Nanyang.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s only a rumor, but it was Yuan Shao who first raised his banner against Dong Zhuo in Luoyang.”

I knew about Cao Cao and Liu Bei, but I hadn’t realized Yuan Shao was such a significant figure.

Still, from what I knew, Yuan Shao wasn’t exactly a clean character.

He was the type who would devour anything—whether people, family, or anything else—in his relentless pursuit of power.

That was the Yuan Shao I knew.

Even if I rose through the ranks under Yuan Shao, could I truly achieve my goals under him?

That, I couldn’t be sure of.

The famous lords were far beyond my expectations, and there was a high chance I’d end up being used.

“So, who are the nearest governors among the rebels?”

“…Why do you ask?”

“Just tell me.”

“…Well, it’s probably the Governors of Shangdang and Henei.”

“I see.”

There’s no need to overthink this.

All I needed was to make a name for myself in the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition.

After that, I could find a good place to settle these people.

It wasn’t as if famous lords like Yuan Shao or Yuan Shu would accept nobodies like us without expecting something in return.

I needed someone who would lend their name without asking for too much.

That was what I needed right now.

“Then, it’s settled. Coca-Cola.”

“Coca…what?”

I ignored Haryeong’s bewildered expression and wiggled my fingers, chanting a traditional folk rhyme.

“Coca-Cola is tasty…”

“What are you doing—”

“Ding-dong-daeng!”

My finger pointed to Zhang Yang, the Governor of Shangdang.

“This one.”

“Wha-?! Are you really making such an important decision like that?!”

“Well, would Yuan Shao even accept us if we tried to join him? Do you think he’d take us in?”

“Well, no, but… it’s still worth a try.”

“Forget it. People like him care too much about their status. If we make even a small mistake, we’ll lose our heads.”

“…Well, now that you put it like that, you have a point. It’s not such a strange choice after all. Besides, the closer the governor is to Bingzhou, the more likely they’ll appreciate our contribution.”

After all, even if the Black Mountain Bandits were mere bandits, they had been a real threat in Bingzhou, so what she said wasn’t wrong.

Those who were familiar with the situation around here would be more likely to use us.

“Then, it’s decided. I’ll inform the others.”

“Great, thanks.”

With that, Haryeong nodded and quickly left the room.

In January of 190, we headed for Shangdang Commandery.