Chapter 79: A Great Change Sweeps the Realm; Yuan Shao's Defeat and Death

——Ye City.

Such a sudden upheaval had already driven Yuan Shao into an absolute dead end.

This sudden upheaval exceeded everyone's expectations.

Did Yuan Shao do anything wrong?

Not at all!

One could say he had done far better than Yuan Shu.

Borrowing the Gu family's prestige, he first gained a firm foothold in Jizhou, then little by little draped that prestige over himself.

One could say Yuan Shao had done all of this perfectly.

Had it not been for the upheaval in Bingzhou, given Jizhou's current foundation, Liu and Cao might really not have been able to do anything to him.

Because he had the capital to drag things out.

But Liu and Cao were different — the pressure of fighting on two fronts would absolutely cause Yan and Qing, with their shallow foundations, to collapse before Jizhou and You.

But what's the use of saying all this now?

Having risen by these means, Yuan Shao had to bear the price of them today.

At this point in the times, even if Yuan Shao had heaven-reaching abilities, what good would they do?

Liu Bei and Cao Cao would not give him the slightest chance.

——Hanxing seventh year, April;

After nearly two months of siege.

The hearts of Ye City's people were in utter chaos, and at last someone took the lead in opening the city gates and surrendering.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei stormed into Ye City.

Under Lu Bu, Qu Yi and other generals' death-defying protection, Yuan Shao retreated toward Handan.

Wei Jun completely changed hands.

——May;

Liu Bei and Cao Cao successively took several surrounding cities, their spearheads aimed straight at Handan.

The two of them, as if by prior agreement, tacitly avoided Julu.

Under the pressure, Yuan Shao had no choice but to retreat again.

He had originally wanted to retreat to Julu, but the noble families and common folk within Julu Commandery blocked his path.

With no other choice, Yuan Shao could only retreat to Changshan Commandery.

He ceaselessly gathered troops, and sent word to Zhang Yan and Yuan Shu.

Hoping the two of them would lend a hand to help him through this calamity.

But how could the outcome possibly change?

A man like Zhang Yan — how could he possibly help Yuan Shao in a situation like this?

As for Yuan Shu, though he had the will, he lacked the strength.

Sun Jian's death was an absolutely fatal blow to him; among the generals under his command, which one could compare to Sun Jian?

The most critical point was—

Ji Ling was dead!

He had once again been outmaneuvered by Cao Ren, and died within Chen Liu Commandery.

The blow this dealt to the morale of his forces was nothing short of fatal.

Although Sun Jian's son, Sun Ce, had taken up the burden, to rescue Yuan Shao he would have to break through Cao Ren.

That was undoubtedly a fantasy!

By now, no one would doubt Cao Ren's abilities any longer.

Moreover, for Yuan Shu, he still needed to hold the Jingji region stable; it was simply impossible to deploy all his troops to Yanzhou.

Although Gu Chen had not yet directly attacked the Jingji region,

He still had to station heavy troops to guard against it!

June;

Cao, Liu and Yuan fought a great battle once more at Changshan.

In his desperation, Yuan Shao even sent envoys to the Xianbei and Wuhuan, promising rich rewards to entice the Xianbei to come to his aid.

The Xianbei's current strength was indeed formidable.

Although with Tanshihuai's passing, the entire Xianbei had once again split into eastern and western branches, their strength was still not weak.

Most critically, the rich rewards Yuan Shao promised could unite the eastern and western branches against a common enemy.

Yuan Shao had truly been pushed to the wall.

This did indeed bring Liu Bei and Cao Cao no small amount of trouble.

In any other era, this might have been Yuan Shao's chance to turn the tables.

But in this current age of heroes rising one after another, in the end it was nothing more than a last, gasping struggle.

In the original history,

The heroes of these Nine Provinces, even amid chaotic warfare, had beaten the four barbarian directions into thorough submission.

Let alone now?

The Han's overall strength far surpassed that of the original history.

This was a gap the four barbarian directions could not make up!

Without any surprise, Liu Bei and Cao Cao once again utterly routed the Wuhuan-Xianbei allied army at Changshan.

They even seized the chance to spread the news of Yuan Shao's alliance with the Xianbei and Wuhuan far and wide.

The news spread, and the people of Youzhou erupted in fury!

The barbarians from all directions had long been harassing Han's borders, and the hatred of Youzhou's commoners and aristocrats toward them ran deep in their bones.

Yuan Shao's actions amounted to abandoning the hearts of Youzhou once again.

The outcome was now utterly sealed.

July;

Gu Chen finally secured all of Bingzhou and marched his troops straight toward Heyin.

Luoyang was in grave danger.

The court aristocrats were forced to muster every ounce of strength to defend it.

Yuan Shu completely abandoned the campaign in Yanzhou and committed all his forces to cross Yuzhou and rush to Heyin to confront Gu Chen.

The two sides clashed fiercely in Heyin.

Gu Chen's momentum was overwhelming; he shattered city after city.

But he was ultimately halted at Huai County, Heyin's key stronghold.

August;

Yuan Shao fled to Hejian.

Surrounded by Liu Bei and Cao Cao's divided forces, he was finally cornered.

Generals Qu Yi, Chunyu Qiong, and others fought desperately to protect him.

The Xian Deng Camp was nearly annihilated.

All the senior generals perished on the battlefield, and only then was Yuan Shao's life spared, carried away by Lu Bu.

Cao Cao naturally wished to continue the pursuit.

But at this moment, Liu Bei halted.

The grand situation was now utterly settled.

For him, he must now do what he had long wished to do.

Lecheng.

"Xuande, are you truly going to Julu?"

Cao Cao looked at Liu Bei in surprise and urged: "We must indeed pay tribute to Gu Gong, but Yuan Shao is not yet dead."

"He could rise again at any moment."

"Why must Xuande go to Julu now? Why not wait until we've crushed the bandits, then go together?"

His expression was serious.

Paying tribute to the Gu family was something he must do.

This act would stabilize the hearts of Jizhou.

But for Cao Cao, everything required prioritization—Yuan Shao was still alive, and remained a dire threat.

"Brother Meng De, no more persuasion is needed."

Liu Bei's expression was grave; he said solemnly: "In years past, had it not been for Gu Gong's offhand words, I, Liu Bei, would never have achieved what I have today."

"Now that the grand situation is settled, I must go pay tribute to Gu Gong."

Hearing this, Cao Cao's gaze grew complex once more.

He became even more certain of his judgment of Liu Bei.

This man was truly extraordinary.

He could remain unmoved by the immense benefit of eliminating Yuan Shao.

Such character is beyond ordinary men!

Of course, Cao Cao understood the benefits of paying tribute to the Gu family.

But paying tribute to the Gu family could be done at any time, while the chance to eliminate Yuan Shao came but once.

The relative weight of each was clear.

He fell silent, then finally nodded, bowing to Liu Bei: "If so, I shall say no more."

"Please, Xuande, go first."

"After I crush the bandits, I will hasten directly to Julu to pay tribute to Gu Gong."

Liu Bei returned the bow.

Thus, the two parted ways in Lecheng.

It was as if the wheels of fate had turned at this moment—though they had traveled together for so long, they now walked divergent paths.

One toward Julu, one toward Bohai;

And so they parted.

——Julu.

While beacon fires and wolf smoke blazed across the land, only Julu enjoyed a measure of peace.

The Gu family's prestige not only protected the Gu family, but also shielded all of Julu.

At least within the Central Plains.

No one would now dare disturb Julu's peace at the risk of offending all under heaven.

Zhuge Liang had now become a young man.

Gu Ze had taught him every skill he possessed.

He was naturally gifted in civil administration—the knowledge Zhuge Liang learned most—and had also absorbed much of the Gu family's other teachings.

They held great expectations for him.

Zhuge Liang had already intended to depart for Jingzhou.

But as if it were fate itself.

Before Zhuge Liang had even left, Liu Xuande arrived.

As the most prominent warlord of the realm, Gu Ze naturally had to receive him.

And this disciple of Zhuge Liang, of course, would follow Gu Ze to pay respects to Liu Xuande.

Liu Xuande's sincerity in coming to Julu was evidently profound.

Even though he clearly knew Julu Commandery held no troops of his own and was a dangerous territory.

Yet he did not bring his main army to Julu.

He simply led Guan and Zhao, along with dozens of guards, and walked straight in, showing not the slightest concern for his own life.

When he saw Gu Ze.

Before Gu Ze could even bow, Liu Xuande bowed first and spoke: "I pay my respects to Young Master."

"What is the meaning of this, Lord Xuande?"

Even Gu Ze was stunned—he never expected Liu Xuande to be so humble.

He hurried to return the bow.

But Liu Xuande directly stopped him, his expression solemn: "Young Master, no need for such courtesy. Gu Gong has bestowed great grace upon me; the Gu clan is the very pillar holding up the Han."

"I cannot allow the Young Master to bow to me."

His tone was resolute.

This scene of "Lord Xuande" moved even Gu Ze deeply.

Though no sacrifice had yet been performed.

Yet between Liu Xuande and Yuan Shao, the difference was already clear.

"Please, Young Master, lead the way. I have already fasted; I wish to pay my first respects to Gu Gong."

Liu Xuande bowed again to Gu Ze.

He did not, as Yuan Shao had, first arrange for propaganda.

At this moment, Gu Ze and Zhuge Liang's expressions both changed slightly.

Gu Ze said nothing more.

Instead, he immediately made a gesture of invitation and led Liu Xuande directly into the Gu ancestral hall.

Inside the Gu ancestral hall, sandalwood incense curled gently.

Candles and incense burned without cease.

Liu Xuande's demeanor was solemn; he omitted not a single rite.

First he sacrificed to Gu Xiao, then to Gu Kang, Gu Sheng, Gu Liang, and others; finally, he reached Gu Xi's spirit tablet.

Then he knelt down directly.

He cared nothing for how other warlords might view him—he spoke before Gu Xi's spirit tablet of the current state of the realm.

He even spoke words of hatred toward "Emperors Huan and Ling."

His eyes were red.

Tears fell as he spoke.

"Gu Gong, rest assured. Though I am unworthy, I swear by my life to restore the Han."

"Should the Han ever rise again, I shall surely have the Son of Heaven bestow a new posthumous title upon Gu Gong, to honor his immortal merit."

Liu Xuande spoke these words before Gu Xi's spirit tablet.

This was the first time anyone had raised this issue.

Although Gu Chen, after seizing power, immediately revoked the posthumous title "Zhong Li" bestowed upon Gu Xi by He Jin and others.

He never assigned Gu Xi a new posthumous title.

——Because he felt the Han of today was no longer worthy.

He would sweep the realm clean, then bestow a new title upon Gu Xi!

For the common people, of course, no one cared much about such matters.

But for the scholar-officials, it was entirely different.

For a posthumous title was the judgment of a man's entire life's merit!

Considering Gu Xi's life.

Without a title, he remained incomplete!

Everyone's expressions changed at once.

Primarily, it was Gu Ze who was affected.

He could sense that Liu Xuande's visit differed fundamentally from Yuan Shao's.

Liu Xuande truly wished to sacrifice to Gu Xi.

The two were clearly distinct.

The sacrifice ended.

As head of the Gu clan, Gu Ze naturally hosted a banquet.

Liu Xuande seemed to understand Gu Ze's difficulties.

He uttered no words urging Gu Ze to leave seclusion; yet at the banquet, Zhuge Liang, who had been sitting beside Gu Ze, asked a question of his own.

"I wonder, Lord Xuande, how you intend to restore the Han?"

Zhuge Liang's appearance was exceedingly refined; perhaps because he was still young.

At this moment, he radiated an air of youthful vigor.

Hearing this, Liu Xuande fell silent for a moment, then did not conceal his answer: "To sweep away the bandits of the realm and remake heaven and earth."

A very simple and direct answer.

Zhuge Liang smiled faintly, his fingertip lightly tapping the sandalwood desk, producing a sound like metal striking jade: "In ancient times, Gao Zu entered Xianyang with a three-chi sword—not merely relying on the hot blood of Hongmen—"

"But with Xiao He chasing Han Xin under the moon, and Zi Fang strategizing within the tent."

A sudden night wind stirred outside the window; the candle flame flickered unsteadily on the bronze lampstand.

Gu Ze glanced at Zhuge Liang but said nothing to interrupt.

How could he not understand his disciple's talents?

"Emperor Guangwu shattered a million troops at Kunyang," Zhuge Liang suddenly rose, his wide sleeves stirring a faint breeze, "not merely through the desperate fighting of the Chunliu youths."

He lightly tapped his toe against the blue bricks, his eyes bright as he looked at Liu Xuande and spoke again: "Remember, the Martial Lord pacified the north, and divine troops descended from heaven to break through Longyou."

"—Can the restoration of heaven and earth rely solely on hot blood?"

Liu Xuande's expression was extraordinarily complex.

He stared intently at Zhuge Liang, finding it hard to believe such words came from so young a man; after a long silence, he finally spoke: "Mr. speaks truly."

"I have heard of Lord Liu Xuande's deeds."

Zhuge Liang spoke calmly, his expression unchanged: "Lord Liu Xuande rendered great righteousness by aiding Cao Cao, yet after defeating the bandits, you left the cities in Cao's hands."

"Tell me, what kind of man does Lord Liu Xuande believe the Governor of Yanzhou is?"

Liu Xuande frowned slightly, paused a moment, then said: "A Han minister."

Cao Cao had indeed launched an expedition against Langya.

Yet he never truly betrayed the Han; indeed, when he and Lu Zhi publicly proclaimed the crimes of the Yuan clan, he immediately turned to attack Yuan Shao.

From beginning to end, his every action showed not the slightest sign of betraying the Han.

"Lord Liu Xuande, you are mistaken," Zhuge Liang smiled and shook his head: "—A capable minister in times of peace, a ruthless warlord in times of chaos."

"That was the assessment given to Cao Cao in his youth. Does Lord Liu Xuande truly believe Cao Cao is a Han minister?"

He spoke calmly, laying out his judgment of Cao Cao.

"Since entering Yanzhou, Cao Cao has always followed the current of events, accumulating strength."

"First, he aligned with Yuan Shao."

"Quickly secured his foundation in Yanzhou."

"Then, under the guise of a Han minister, he attacked Yuan Shao, further swelling his prestige."

"Lord Liu Xuande, do you believe that if Yuan Shao falls after this war, given the current situation, Cao Cao will surely dominate You, Ji, and Yan provinces?"

"If Cao Cao then defeats Yuan Shu and takes Yuzhou and Yangzhou."

"What then becomes of Qingzhou?"

"Today, even the Liu clan's warlords watch as the Han court declines. Does Lord Liu Xuande truly believe men's loyalty will remain unchanged?"

Liu Xuande's expression grew even more solemn.

Zhuge Liang's words struck straight at the heart of the current situation.

This time, Liu Xuande fell silent for a long while, then rose directly and bowed deeply to Zhuge Liang: "I beg you, Mr., to instruct me."

"Lord Liu Xuande, you need not do this," Zhuge Liang quickly returned the bow earnestly, "I am unworthy of such a gesture from you."

"Mr., do not be so modest," Liu Xuande insisted firmly, "Your words have cleared the clouds and revealed the sun, opening my eyes completely."

"The world today is in constant turmoil. Though I swear to restore the Han, I grieve for my own lack of talent."

"I beg you, Mr., to instruct me."

Zhuge Liang glanced at Gu Ze; seeing Gu Ze's expression unchanged, he finally spoke slowly: "Today, warlords across the land divide the realm."

"Lord Liu Xuande holds Qingzhou."

"But with the strength of one province alone, it is impossible to pacify the realm."

"At this moment, Lord Liu Xuande should seize the opportunity: even if you cannot fully seize Ji and You provinces, you must take Bohai and Hejian commanderies to link with Qingzhou."

"At the same time, you may also take Guangyang and Yuyang in You province."

"."

Zhuge Liang spoke fluently.

Liu Xuande's expression grew even more complex.

For him, Zhuge Liang's words had cleared the mist and revealed the light.

He had never considered so much before—only relying on his own hot blood to pacify the realm.

He stared intently at Zhuge Liang; as soon as Zhuge Liang finished speaking, he knelt before him without regard for his status.

"My talent cannot compare to yours, Mr."

"If you will not reject me, I beg to make you my military advisor—I swear, for my life, I will never betray you."

Everyone froze.

Liu Xuande's action took everyone by surprise.

Zhuge Liang's expression subtly changed; he hurried to pull Liu Xuande up.

But Liu Xuande's expression remained steadfast, unmoved.

Countless thoughts flashed through Zhuge Liang's mind.

In that instant, he instinctively looked toward Gu Ze.

Gu Ze himself was also surprised.

Had it been him, he might already have accepted Liu Xuande's offer.

After all, since arriving in Julu, Liu Xuande's attitude toward the entire Gu clan had pleased him greatly.

But unfortunately, for the sake of the entire family, he could not leave Julu.

He made no intervention whatsoever.

He knew his own disciple's talent well enough.

It far surpassed his own as master.

This matter still required Zhuge Liang to make the decision himself.

Zhuge Liang seemed to have guessed Gu Ze's thoughts, and could not help but look at Liu Bei again. After a moment's hesitation, he finally shook his head:

"I am deeply grateful for Lord Xuande's great kindness, but Liang does not yet wish to emerge from seclusion, and cannot follow Lord Xuande."

Zhuge Liang's admiration for Gu Xi was absolute.

And precisely because of this—

He had long since sworn an oath: without meeting a worthy lord, he would never emerge from seclusion in this life.

Although Liu Bei did indeed appear benevolent and righteous now.

He still had to think it over carefully.

And most crucially, Zhuge Xuan had fallen ill, so no matter what he had to hurry to Jingzhou.

Hearing this, Liu Bei's body could not help but tremble slightly: "Mr., could it be that Bei..."

"Lord Xuande!"

Before Liu Bei could finish speaking, Zhuge Liang cut him off directly, and also knelt down toward him: "Lord Xuande's benevolence and righteousness, Liang knows well himself."

"But of all virtues, filial piety comes first."

"Liang truly cannot follow Lord Xuande for now."

He laid out the matter of Zhuge Xuan.

Hearing this, the ugly expressions on Guan Yu and Zhao Yun's faces only gradually eased a little.

And Liu Bei could say no more.

—The great Han rules the realm through filial piety!

No one could find any fault with Zhuge Liang's conduct.

But Liu Bei did not give up, and instead bowed once more to Zhuge Liang: "Since Mr. must fulfill his filial duty, Bei cannot stand in the way."

"On another day, Bei will surely travel to Jingzhou."

"To invite Mr. out of the mountain once more."

This time, Zhuge Liang did not say anything further, but merely nodded slightly.

Bohai.

Waves of shouting and killing rose without cease.

Yuan Shao sat in the seat of honor, his expression utterly solemn.

He had never anticipated it either.

That he would fall to such a state in the space of mere days.

The expressions of the assembled strategists were equally grave, every face etched with exhaustion.

At that moment, an urgent cry suddenly came bursting in.

"Report!"

A guard was seen rushing in in panic; the instant he stumbled into the hall he dropped straight to his knees on the ground.

"My lord, Lu Bu has suddenly led his men to abandon us, our battle line has collapsed utterly, and Cao's army has already broken in!"

The atmosphere changed sharply in an instant.

"That villain Lu Bu! How dare he abandon his lord and flee?"

"What a shameless wretch!"

Voices of disbelief rang out one after another.

But after only a few curses, the men seemed to realize something, and the voices cut off abruptly.

Abandon his lord and flee?

Lu Bu was capable even of slaying his own adoptive fathers.

How much less so of abandoning his lord and fleeing?

Thinking of this, some among them finally reacted at once, and one after another dropped to their knees before Yuan Shao.

"My lord, the situation is critical; we beg my lord to withdraw at once!"

"Quickly! Men, protect my lord!"

"."

The atmosphere within the entire hall changed at once; every man was in utter panic.

Yuan Shao himself, on the other hand, after a brief flare of anger, calmed down directly.

"Withdraw?"

"Withdraw to where?"

He looked calmly at the men like this, and laughed in self-mockery: "To think that I, Yuan Benchu, am a man whose name shakes the world, yet never expected to fall to such a state."

As he spoke, he only felt the qi and blood within him surging.

Countless thoughts kept flashing through his mind.

From the aspirations of his youth;

To the years past when he had allied with the noble houses to contend secretly against Gu Xi, and finally the thrill upon learning of Gu Xi's death.

When had his ambition taken root?

It seemed to have been at that very moment.

When he heard of Gu Xi's death, he felt that the heavens had seemingly already abandoned the great Han.

The Yuan clan's chance had finally come.

Without noticing, a strand of fresh blood suddenly trickled from the corner of his mouth.

But he paid no heed, slowly rising to his feet and walking out of the hall toward the crowd's panicked expressions, gazing at the brilliant sky.

"If Heaven has grown weary of Han, why not restore my Yuan clan?"

He let out a furious roar, his eyes filled with unyielding resentment.

A chorus of mournful sobs suddenly erupted.

Yuan Shao slowly drew the sword at his waist, then turned to face those present: "All of you are capable men."

"You need not die with me, Yuan Shao."

"My Yuan clan has produced four generations of Three Excellencies; I am a son of the Yuan line, and I will not die at the hands of eunuchs after them."

Only at this moment did the others finally understand what Yuan Shao intended to do.

"My Lord!!"

Someone immediately cried out, rushing forward to stop Yuan Shao.

But Yuan Shao had already made up his mind.

Without giving anyone a chance, he slashed the sword straight across his own throat.

A soft "puff."

Blood gushed forth instantly; Yuan Shao collapsed to the ground.

"My Lord!!"

Desperate cries erupted all at once.

Many rushed forward, trying to press their hands against the spurting blood.

But Yuan Shao's blade had struck a vital point.

How could he possibly be saved?

And more crucially, not everyone possessed absolute loyalty.

On the contrary, too many cared more for their own lives.

The entire Yuan Shao encampment descended into utter chaos.

Cao Cao had never anticipated this battle would end in such a manner.

When he led his troops to Yuan Shao's main tent, he too froze in place.

Dozens of corpses lay sprawled on the ground, surrounding Yuan Shao's body.

The news spread rapidly.

—Yuan Shao's swift downfall surpassed everyone's expectations.

Even Liu Bei had not foreseen it.

He had just left Julu when he received this news.

But for him, the most critical matter was not this.

Shortly afterward, Cao Cao sent word again: Lu Bu had led several thousand elite troops toward Qingzhou.

Zhuge Liang's words had come true.

It was as if this was forcing Liu Bei to withdraw from Jizhou and Youzhou.

Whether or not Cao Cao's words were true, Liu Bei must return to Qingzhou.

Qingzhou was his foundation.

Though he had left behind a few garrison troops in Qingzhou, nearly all his elite forces were under his command.

If Lu Bu truly marched on Qingzhou, Qingzhou would face grave danger.

He must return to reinforce it!

Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and others all begged to return and reinforce Qingzhou, urging Liu Bei to remain in Jizhou and contest Cao Cao for control of Jizhou and Youzhou.

But Liu Bei refused.

He looked at Guan Yu and Zhao Yun with resolute eyes.

"My third brother is still in Qingzhou; the garrison there consists of the old and weak, and there are tens of thousands of civilians who followed me, Liu Bei."

"How could I let them face peril?"

No matter whether Cao Cao had deliberately allowed Lu Bu to march on Qingzhou, he must return to Qingzhou.

This is Liu Bei!

Only he would act this way.

——————

"In the seventh year of Han's Revival, Liu Bei and Cao Cao joined forces to campaign against Jizhou.

Yuan Shao suffered an initial defeat at Ye City, retreated to defend Changshan, then allied with Wuhuan and Xianbei forces to resist the imperial army.

On the first day of the tenth month, Cao Cao personally led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to break through the Bohai front; the valiant general Lu Bu defected mid-battle, and the Jizhou army collapsed.

Yuan Shao ascended a high mound to observe the defeat, seeing banners fallen to the ground and smoke and dust obscuring the sky; he gripped his sword and sighed: 'Four generations of noble lineage end in the wilds! If Heaven has grown weary of Han's virtue, why single out my Yuan clan for destruction!'

He then turned his sword northward and cried fiercely: 'The bones of four generations of Three Excellencies shall not mingle with the dust of eunuchs! When I meet Emperor Guangwu beneath the earth, I shall still ask: whose tripod is heavier!'

With these words, he slashed his own throat; blood spattered five paces, as a sudden gale arose and the Bohai Sea moaned in sorrow."

—《Records of Heroes of the Late Han: Yuan Shao's Chapter》

(End of Chapter)