Transmigrating to the Three Kingdoms as Lu Bu: I Have a Pseudo-Apocalypse System

Upon hearing that her elder brother was going to give her to Lü Bu as a concubine, not as his wife, Sun Shangxiang was furious.

"I, the eldest daughter of the prestigious Sun family, am forced to marry a man more than ten years my senior, and not only that, I can't be his wife, but only a concubine. Why is that?"

Sun Ce said helplessly, "Little sister, this is for the survival of the Sun family. Lü Bu has already occupied six provinces, and most of the world is in his hands. It's only a matter of time before he unifies the world. Although I am the governor of Yang Province, I only control three counties and have no more than 20,000 soldiers. How can I contend with him? Offering you as a concubine is to show my loyalty to Lü Bu and in exchange for his support in attacking Yuan Shu and Liu Biao to avenge my father."

"So you're going to sell your sister for personal gain?" Sun Shangxiang sneered.

"It's not for sale!" Sun Ce was also a little annoyed. "Lü Bu is a hero of our time. Although he is old, he is only in his thirties, in the prime of his life. He is exceptionally brave and skilled in martial arts, and he is also the Grand Marshal and Duke of Jin, holding the highest position among officials. If you marry him, even as a concubine, it will not be a disgrace. Besides, this is for your own good. In chaotic times, women will eventually have to marry. Marrying Lü Bu will at least guarantee you a life of wealth and peace, and you may even have the opportunity to become a concubine in the palace in the future."

"I don't care!" Sun Shangxiang turned and left.

But Sun Ce had already made up his mind. He ordered Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin to personally escort Sun Shangxiang north, which was actually a form of escort.

Along the way, Sun Shangxiang attempted to escape three times.

The first time in Qu'a, she used the excuse of going to the toilet to climb out of the back window of the outhouse and rode her horse into the mountains. But Zhou Tai was prepared and led a light cavalry to catch up with her, capturing her in less than half an hour.

The second time in Dantu, she sneaked out of the inn at night, intending to steal a boat to cross the river. She was caught red-handed by Jiang Qin, who was guarding the boat, just as she untied the mooring rope.

The third time, in Jiangcheng, she feigned illness, drugged her maid with a sleeping potion, and disguised herself as a man to infiltrate a caravan. However, she was stopped by the guards when leaving the city, but Zhou Tai arrived in time and pulled her out of the caravan.

After three failed attempts, Sun Shangxiang knew she couldn't escape.

But she still harbored a deep resentment.

The fleet docked, and officials from Guangling County were already waiting at the pier. Leading them was Chen Jiao, the Prefect of Guangling, who had originally served under Tao Qian but had now submitted to the imperial court.

"Your humble servant, Chen Jiao, Prefect of Guangling, respectfully welcomes Miss Sun." Chen Jiao bowed.

Sun Shangxiang jumped off the deck and said coldly, "Lead the way."

Chen Jiao dared not delay, so he quickly prepared carriages and horses, and sent soldiers to escort them all the way to Tan County.

Seven days later, in Tan County, at the Duke of Jin's residence.

In the back room, Lü Bu was listening to Xun You report on intelligence from various regions.

With Cao Cao dead and his uncle Xun Yu serving the Duke of Jin in court, Xun You was the quickest to switch allegiance and the most resolute to serve Lü Bu after being captured. He is currently by Lü Bu's side and temporarily in charge of military affairs.

"Yuan Shao continued to send envoys to various places in Youzhou, Huainan, and Jingzhou to persuade the warlords to rebel against the court."

Lu Bu sneered, "A bunch of rabble, each with their own ulterior motives. It's as difficult as climbing to heaven for Yuan Shao to unite with them."

"My lord is wise," Xun You said. "However, Yuan Shao has already been recruiting soldiers in Ji and Qing provinces. It seems he is preparing to gamble everything and fight a decisive battle with our army."

"Let him prepare," Lü Bu said calmly. "Once Xu Province is stable, I will personally lead an expedition to Ji Province. I want to see just how capable this Yuan Shao, a man from a family that has held high office for four generations, really is."

Just then, a personal guard came to report: "My lord, Chen Jiao, the governor of Guangling, has escorted Sun Ce's sister, Sun Shangxiang, to the mansion."

Lu Bu was taken aback: "Sun Shangxiang? Sun Ce sent his sister here?"

Xun You laughed and said, "Sun Bofu is indeed decisive, offering his sister as a concubine. This is also to emulate Cao Bao and the Mi brothers, and completely side with our lord."

Lu Bu took Sun Ce's letter from his personal guard, and after reading it, he said, "Let Sun Shangxiang in."

Before long, Sun Shangxiang was led into the hall.

She was still dressed in a red outfit, a short sword at her waist, and despite her long journey, her heroic spirit was undeniable. Upon seeing Lü Bu, she did not kneel, but simply clasped her hands in a salute: "Sun Shangxiang greets Duke Jin."

Lu Bu looked her over, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

This young woman was unlike any other; she lacked any delicate fragility. Tall and slender, with beautiful features that also carried a touch of heroism, she was indeed a spirited young woman far superior to any ordinary, frail woman.

"No need for formalities," Lü Bu said. "Your brother said in his letter that he would give you to me as a concubine. Are you willing?"

Sun Shangxiang looked up and stared directly at Lü Bu: "If I said I didn't want to, would the Duke of Jin let me go?"

Lu Bu laughed: "No."

"Then why ask so many questions?" Sun Shangxiang pouted.

"You are quite straightforward." Lü Bu was not offended. "Now that you have entered the manor, you are one of my people. From now on, settle down and stay here. If you need anything, just tell the steward."

Sun Shangxiang bit her lip and remained silent.

Lü Bu said to the maid, "Take Miss Sun to the south wing and settle her in. Take good care of her."

"promise."

After Sun Shangxiang was taken away, Xun You said, "This woman has a rather strong personality and may not be easy to tame."

"It's alright." Lu Bu waved his hand. "Sun Ce sent her here, which shows his sincerity. As for the woman herself, let nature take its course."

However, in the following days, Lü Bu realized that he had underestimated Sun Shangxiang.

This young woman was not only fiercely independent, but also remarkably skilled in martial arts. She practiced swordsmanship and archery daily in the courtyard, attracting a large crowd of guards. Some unconvinced guards challenged her to a duel, only to be defeated in a few moves.

When Lü Bu heard about this, he became interested.

That afternoon, he went to the backyard and saw Sun Shangxiang practicing her sword. Her sword flashed and her moves were fierce. Although she lacked strength, she was agile and ruthless, and she did have some skill.

"Your swordsmanship is impressive. Who did you learn it from?" Lu Bu asked.

Sun Shangxiang sheathed her sword and glanced at Lü Bu: "This is a family-inherited sword technique; I have practiced martial arts since childhood."

"Would you dare to exchange a few blows with me?" Lü Bu asked with a smile.

A fighting spirit flashed in Sun Shangxiang's eyes: "If the Duke of Jin wishes to offer his guidance, Shangxiang would be more than happy to oblige!"

She took two wooden swords from the weapon rack and tossed one to Lü Bu.

Lu Bu took the wooden sword and casually stood down: "Come on."

Sun Shangxiang didn't hold back either, thrusting her sword straight at Lü Bu. This strike was swift and cunning, aimed directly at Lü Bu's throat.

Lu Bu dodged to the side, gently deflecting the attack with his wooden sword.

Sun Shangxiang felt a subtle force strike the sword, nearly causing it to slip from her grasp. She quickly retreated two steps, adjusted her stance, and attacked again.

Sword shadows flashed, each move ruthless.

But Lu Bu simply parried casually, his feet not moving, his wooden sword moving like a nimble snake, completely neutralizing Sun Shangxiang's attacks.

After ten moves, Sun Shangxiang was sweating profusely, but she hadn't even touched the hem of Lü Bu's clothes.

"Alright." Lu Bu flicked his wooden sword and tapped Sun Shangxiang's wrist.

Sun Shangxiang's hand went numb, and the wooden sword fell to the ground.

She stared blankly at Lü Bu, her eyes filled with shock.

She knew her martial arts skills were inferior to those of generals like Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai, but even ordinary soldiers, three or five of them, couldn't get close to her. Yet, in front of Lü Bu, she was as powerless as a child.

"Your swordsmanship is passable, but your strength is insufficient, and your moves are too hasty," Lu Bu commented. "If you want to improve, you need to practice the basics and progress step by step."

Sun Shangxiang bit her lip, then suddenly clasped her hands in a fist and pleaded, "Please, Duke Jin, instruct me!"

Lu Bu raised an eyebrow: "You want to learn martial arts?"

"Yes!" Sun Shangxiang looked up. "I have loved martial arts since childhood, but my elder brother is busy with military affairs and has no time to teach me. The instructors in the manor are mostly perfunctory. Today, seeing Duke Jin's divine skills, I finally understand what true martial arts are. Please, Duke Jin, accept me as your disciple and teach me martial arts!"

Seeing the longing in her eyes, Lü Bu thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, but martial arts training is hard work. Can you persevere?"

"Yes!" Sun Shangxiang said decisively.

"Okay, starting tomorrow, we'll do morning exercises together every day."

"Thank you, Lord Jin!" Sun Shangxiang exclaimed with delight.