[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl":3,"chapter-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-83":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Controlling My Ancestors: Building an Immortal Clan Starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2285752,4471,"Chapter 83: The World Changes Drastically, Yuan Shao Falls in Defeat","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-83",83,"\u003Cp>——Yecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a massive change had thoroughly driven Yuan Shao into a desperate situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden, massive change could be said to have exceeded everyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did Yuan Shao do anything wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not at all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could be said that he performed far better than Yuan Shu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By borrowing the prestige of the Gu Shizi, he first secured a foothold in Jizhou, and then bit by bit, he added the prestige of the Gu Shizi to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could be said that Yuan Shao did all of this perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the incident in Bingzhou, given the current foundation of Jizhou, Liu and Cao might not necessarily have been able to do anything to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had the capital to drag things out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu and Cao were different; the pressure of fighting on two fronts would absolutely cause the under-resourced Yanzhou and Qingzhou to collapse completely before Jizhou and Youzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what is the use of saying all this now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Yuan Shao relied on this to rise to power in the first place, he had to bear the current price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the situation as it is now, even if Yuan Shao had heaven-defying abilities, what could he do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei and Cao Cao would not give him any chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——The seventh year of Han Prosperity, April;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After nearly two months of siege.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hearts of the people in Yecheng were in great chaos, and finally, someone took the lead in opening the city gates to surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao and Liu Bei charged into Yecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the desperate protection of great generals like Lu Bu and Qu Yi, Yuan Shao retreated toward Handan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weijun completely changed hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——May;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei and Cao Cao successively captured the surrounding cities, their military force pointing directly at Handan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if they had agreed upon it, the two of them tacitly avoided Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced by the pressure, Yuan Shao had no choice but to retreat again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He originally wanted to retreat to Julu, but the noble families and commoners within Julu Commandery blocked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helpless, Yuan Shao had no choice but to retreat to Changshan Commandery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continuously summoned troops and sent messages to Zhang Yan and Yuan Shu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hoped the two could take action to help him survive this crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could the outcome change?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could someone like Zhang Yan possibly help Yuan Shao in such a situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Yuan Shu, although he had the heart, he lacked the strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The death of Sun Ce was an absolutely fatal blow to him; among the generals under his command, who could compare to Sun Ce?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most critical point was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Ling was dead!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was once again schemed against by Cao Ren and died within Chenliu Commandery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blow this dealt to the morale of his troops was fatal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Sun Ce, the son of Sun Jian, took over the heavy burden, to save Yuan Shao, one would have to break through Cao Ren.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was undoubtedly a fantasy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this day, no one would doubt Cao Ren's capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, for Yuan Shu, he still needed to stabilize the capital region; it was impossible for him to mobilize all his troops to Yanzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Gu Chen had not yet directly attacked the capital region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had to station heavy troops to guard against it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>June;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three parties of Cao, Liu, and Yuan once again engaged in a great battle in Changshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his desperation, Yuan Shao even sent envoys to the Xianbei and Wuhuan, promising heavy rewards to get the Xianbei to assist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current strength of the Xianbei was indeed extremely strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the entire Xianbei had split into Eastern and Western parts following the death of Tanshihuai, their strength was still not weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most critical point was that the heavy rewards Yuan Shao promised could allow the Eastern and Western parts to unite against a common enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao was indeed pushed to the edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This did indeed bring no small amount of trouble to Liu Bei and Cao Cao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other times, this might have been Yuan Shao's chance to turn the tables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in this current era where heroes emerged in succession, this was ultimately just a lingering death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heroes of this land of the Nine Provinces could keep the barbarians of the four directions well-behaved even in the midst of chaotic wars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much more so now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overall strength of the Great Han far exceeded that of the original history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a gap that the barbarians of the four directions could not bridge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without any surprises, Liu Bei and Cao Cao once again crushed the coalition of Wuhuan and Xianbei at Changshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even took this opportunity to spread the news of Yuan Shao's alliance with the Xianbei and Wuhuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the news spread, the people of Youzhou were furious!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barbarians of the four directions had always been harassing the borders of the Great Han, and the hatred the people and noble families of Youzhou held for them was deep in their bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao's move could be said to have completely abandoned the hearts of the people of Youzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome was already completely sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>July;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen finally completely stabilized the entire Bingzhou and dispatched troops directly toward Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luoyang was in danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble families in the court had to do their utmost to defend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shu completely abandoned the war in Yanzhou and poured all his troops through Yuzhou to rush to Henei to meet Gu Chen in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sides fought a great battle in Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen's momentum was overwhelming, breaking through several cities in succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was ultimately blocked at Huaixian, a key town in Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>August;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao fled to Hejian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounded by the divided forces of Liu Bei and Cao Cao, he finally reached a desperate situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generals like Qu Yi and Chunyu Qiong fought to the death to protect him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vanguard Battalion was almost completely wiped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the great generals died on the battlefield, and only then was Yuan Shao's life preserved, being carried away by Lu Bu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao naturally wanted to continue the pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, Liu Bei stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overall situation had been completely settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him, he had to do something he had always wanted to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Le Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xuande, do you really intend to go to Julu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao looked at Liu Bei in surprise and persuaded him: \"We must indeed offer sacrifices to the Gu Shizi, but Yuan Shao is not yet dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He could rise again at any time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must Xuande go to Julu at this time? Why not wait until after the rebels are destroyed, and we go together?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was quite earnest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offering sacrifices to the Gu Shizi was naturally something he had to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter could stabilize the hearts of the people in Jizhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Cao Cao, everything had an order of priority; now that Yuan Shao was not dead, he remained a major threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Mengde, there is no need to persuade me further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei's expression was very serious as he said righteously: \"In the past, if not for a casual remark from the Gu Shizi, I, Liu Bei, would never have achieved what I have today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the overall situation is settled, I should naturally go to offer sacrifices to the Gu Shizi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the look in Cao Cao's eyes became complex once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He became even more certain of his judgment of Liu Bei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was truly extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be able to disregard the enormous benefit of eliminating Yuan Shao in such a situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such character is something ordinary people cannot reach!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Cao Cao also understood the benefits of going to offer sacrifices to the Gu Shizi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one can go to pay respects to the Gu clan at any time, whereas this is the only opportunity to eliminate Yuan Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which is lighter and which is heavier, the answer is self-evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent for a moment, ultimately nodded, and immediately bowed to Liu Bei: \"Since that is the case, I shall say no more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I ask that you, Xuande, go first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After I have eliminated the rebels, I will surely head straight to Julu to pay respects to the late Gu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei returned the bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two parted ways there in Lecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if the gears of fate began to turn at this moment; the two had traveled together for long, but in the end, they were walking down different paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One headed toward Julu, the other toward Bohai;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus they parted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beacons of war burned incessantly across the world, yet only Julu enjoyed a measure of peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prestige of the Gu clan could not only protect the Gu clan, but it could also protect all of Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least within these Central Plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, no one would risk offending the entire world just to disturb the peace of Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang was now a young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ze could be said to have taught him all of his own skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was naturally gifted in internal affairs, which was the knowledge Zhuge Liang studied most; beyond that, he had also learned much of the Gu clan's other knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held great expectations for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang had already intended to take his leave and head to Jingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was as if it were Heaven's will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhuge Liang could depart, Liu Bei arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the most prominent warlords in the world today, Gu Ze naturally had to receive him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Zhuge Liang, as his disciple, naturally had to follow Gu Ze to pay respects to Liu Bei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei’s sincerity in coming to Julu this time was clearly very high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he knew full well that there were no troops of his in Julu Commandery, making it a dangerous territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he did not bring a great army into Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely led the two generals Guan and Zhao along with several dozen guards and walked straight in, not caring at all about his own life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw Gu Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Gu Ze could even bow, he took the initiative to bow to Gu Ze and said: \"Greetings, Young Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is the meaning of this, Lord Xuande?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gu Ze was stunned, never having expected Liu Bei to be so humble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly moved to return the bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu Bei stopped him directly and said with a solemn face: \"Young Master need not do this. The late Gu showed great kindness to Bei, and the Gu clan is the pillar supporting our Great Han.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bei absolutely cannot allow the Young Master to bow to Bei.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His attitude was extremely firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Xuande\"—even Gu Ze was quite moved by this scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the memorial rites had not yet been performed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was already a clear difference between Liu Bei and Yuan Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I ask that the Young Master lead the way. Bei has already been fasting; Bei wishes to pay respects to the late Gu first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei bowed to Gu Ze once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not, like Yuan Shao, first have people create a spectacle for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the expressions of both Gu Ze and Zhuge Liang could not help but change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ze did not say much more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he immediately made a gesture of invitation and led Liu Bei directly into the Gu clan ancestral hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Gu clan ancestral hall, sandalwood incense curled in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The incense candles burned year-round.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei’s attitude was very solemn, and he did not omit any etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He first paid respects to Gu Xiao, then to Gu Kang, Gu Cheng, and Gu Liang, and finally reached the spirit tablet of Gu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And afterward, he knelt down directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not care at all about what others thought of him as a warlord, and just like that, he spoke of the current situation of the world before Gu Xi’s spirit tablet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even went so far as to speak of his hatred for the \"Emperors Huan and Ling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, tears even fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest assured, late Gu. Though Bei is untalented, I swear to spend this life restoring the Han house.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If one day the Great Han truly rises again, Bei shall have the Son of Heaven grant a new posthumous title to the late Gu, to honor the late Gu’s immortal achievements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei said these words before Gu Xi’s spirit tablet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time anyone had brought up this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Gu Chen had immediately abolished the \"Zhongli\" posthumous title that He Jin and others had set for Gu Chen after seizing power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had not yet set a new posthumous title for Gu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Because he felt that the current Great Han was no longer worthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would sweep across the world and then set a new title for Gu Xi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the common people, they naturally would not pay much attention to such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for the scholar-officials, it was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because a posthumous title was a judgment of a person’s life achievements!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Gu Xi’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a posthumous title, it would always be incomplete!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expressions of the group all changed at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, it was centered on Gu Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could feel that Liu Bei’s visit was fundamentally different from that of Yuan Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei truly wanted to pay respects to Gu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a very clear difference between the two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rites concluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the head of the Gu clan, Gu Ze naturally had to host a banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei seemed to know of Gu Ze’s predicament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not say anything about wanting to invite Gu Ze to join his cause, but at the banquet, Zhuge Liang, who had been accompanying Gu Ze, took the initiative to ask a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder how Lord Xuande intends to restore the Han house?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang looked extremely refined, perhaps because he was still young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he had an air of high spirits about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Liu Bei fell silent for a moment, but he did not hide his intentions: \"Sweep away the rebels of the world and rebuild the heavens and earth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A very simple and direct answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang smiled faintly, tapping his fingertips on the sandalwood table as if striking gold or jade: \"In the past, the Founding Emperor drew his three-foot sword into Xianyang, not relying solely on the hot blood of Hongmen—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But because Xiao He chased Han Xin under the moonlight, and Zifang planned within the command tent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night wind rose outside the window, and the candlelight flickered on the bronze lamp stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ze glanced at Zhuge Liang but did not speak to interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he not understand the talents of his own disciple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor Guangwu broke a million at Kunyang,\" Zhuge Liang suddenly stood up, his wide sleeves stirring a breeze, \"not relying solely on the desperate fighting of the Chongling clansmen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped his toes lightly on the blue bricks, looked at Liu Bei with bright eyes, and said again: \"One must know that Zhongwu pacified Hebei, and divine troops descended from heaven to break Longxi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"——To rebuild the heavens and earth, how can one rely solely on hot blood?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei’s expression was exceptionally complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared fixedly at Zhuge Liang, finding it hard to believe these words came from someone so young, and after a long silence, he finally spoke: \"What you say, Mr., is...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have heard of the affairs of Lord Xuande.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang spoke leisurely, his expression unchanging, \"Lord Xuande helped Cao with great righteousness, yet after breaking the rebels, you left the city to the Cao Army.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder what kind of person you think the Yanzhou Governor is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he said: \"A minister of the Han.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao had indeed once campaigned against Langya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he had never shown any act of betraying the Han, and when he and Lu Zhi proclaimed the crimes of the Yuan clan to the world, he immediately turned to attack Yuan Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From beginning to end, all his actions showed no sign of betraying the Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Xuande is mistaken.\" Zhuge Liang smiled and shook his head: \"—A capable minister in a peaceful time, a treacherous hero in a chaotic time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This was the evaluation Cao Cao received in his youth; does Lord Xuande actually think Cao Cao is a minister of the Han?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke of his assessment of Cao Cao without haste or hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since entering Yanzhou, this man Cao Cao has always acted in accordance with the trend, accumulating strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, he followed Yuan Shao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He quickly established his foundation in Yanzhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, using the name of a Han official, he attacked Yuan Shao again, further increasing his momentum.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Yuan Shao is defeated after this battle, given the current situation, I believe Cao Cao will surely dominate the three provinces of You, Ji, and Yan, Lord Xuande.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Cao Cao then defeats Yuan Shu and gains Yu and Yang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What then will become of Qingzhou?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In today's world, even the Liu clan lords sit and watch the decline of the Han house; do you truly believe, Lord Xuande, that the hearts of the people can remain unchanged forever?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei's expression grew increasingly solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This statement from Zhuge Liang could be said to strike directly at the core of the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Liu Bei remained silent for a long while, then stood up immediately and bowed deeply to Zhuge Liang: \"I ask that you instruct me, Mr.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need for this, Lord Xuande.\" Zhuge Liang hurriedly returned the gesture earnestly, \"I cannot bear such a salute from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr., please do not be so modest.\" Liu Bei was very persistent and said earnestly: \"Your words, Mr., are like parting the clouds to see the sun, clearing my confusion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The world is in constant turmoil today, and although I have sworn to restore the Han house, I only lament my insufficient talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I beg for your guidance, Mr.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang glanced at Gu Ze, and seeing that Gu Ze's expression had not changed, he then spoke leisurely: \"In the world today, lords from all four directions are carving out territories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although you reside in Qingzhou, Lord Xuande.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is naturally difficult to pacify the world with the strength of a single province.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this juncture, you should seize this opportunity, Lord Xuande; even if you cannot take all of the Ji and You lands, you must at least take the two commanderies of Bohai and Hejian to connect with Qingzhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the same time, you can also take areas such as Guangyang and Yuyang in Youzhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang spoke eloquently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei's expression became increasingly complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him, these words from Zhuge Liang were like parting the clouds to see the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had indeed never considered so many things, relying only on his own hot-blooded passion to try and pacify the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared fixedly at Zhuge Liang, and after Zhuge Liang finished speaking, he immediately knelt down before him, not caring in the slightest about his own status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your talent, Mr., is something I cannot hope to reach.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you do not find me unworthy, I am willing to appoint you as my military advisor, and I will never fail you in this life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This action by Liu Bei exceeded everyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang's expression also changed slightly, and he hurriedly tried to pull Liu Bei up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu Bei's expression remained firm and unmoved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts flashed through Zhuge Liang's mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this instant, he instinctively looked at Gu Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ze was actually quite surprised at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were him, he might have already agreed to Liu Bei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was very satisfied with Liu Bei's attitude toward the entire Gu family since arriving in Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately, for the sake of the entire family, he could not leave Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not make any interference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the talent of this disciple of his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It far exceeded his own as a master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter still required Zhuge Liang to make his own choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang seemed to have guessed Gu Ze's thoughts and could not help but look at Liu Bei again; after hesitating for a moment, he finally shook his head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am grateful for your great kindness, Lord Xuande, but I do not wish to enter the world yet, and I cannot follow you, Lord Xuande.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang held Gu Xi in high esteem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely because of this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long ago made a vow that he would never enter the world unless he met a wise lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Liu Bei appeared truly benevolent and righteous today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had to think carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most importantly, Zhuge the Elder had fallen ill, and no matter what, he had to rush to Jingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's body could not help but tremble slightly: \"Mr., could it be that I...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Xuande!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Liu Bei could finish, Zhuge Liang interrupted him directly and also knelt down before him: \"I am well aware of your benevolence and righteousness, Lord Xuande.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, filial piety is the first of all virtues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I truly cannot follow you, Lord Xuande, at this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He revealed the matter regarding Zhuge the Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the unsightly expressions of Guan Yu and Zhao Yun gradually eased a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Liu Bei was also unable to say anything more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The Great Han governs the country through filial piety!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could find any fault with this action of Zhuge Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Liu Bei did not give up, but bowed to Zhuge Liang once more: \"Since you must fulfill your filial duties, I cannot stop you, Mr.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the day comes, I will certainly go to Jingzhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And ask you to come out of the mountains again, Mr.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Zhuge Liang did not say anything else, but nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bohai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bursts of battle cries rang out incessantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao sat in the main seat, his expression incomparably solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he would fall into this state in such a short period of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expressions of the various advisors present were also incomparably heavy, and everyone's face was filled with exhaustion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, an urgent cry suddenly came from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Report!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guard rushed in in a panic, and as soon as he broke into the hall, he knelt directly on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord, Lu Bu has suddenly abandoned us with his men, our army's lines have collapsed, and the Cao Army has already broken in!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere changed abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lu Bu, that wicked thief! How dare he abandon his lord?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a shameless villain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds of disbelief rang out instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after cursing only twice, everyone seemed to realize something, and their voices stopped abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abandon his lord?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Bu was even capable of murdering his foster father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was abandoning his lord to him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, some people finally reacted and knelt down before Yuan Shao one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord, the situation is critical, please retreat quickly, my lord!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quick! Someone, protect my lord!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere in the entire hall changed instantly, and everyone was incomparably panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao, on the other hand, calmed down directly after a brief moment of anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Retreat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where else can I retreat to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at everyone calmly and smiled self-deprecatingly: \"I, Yuan Benchu, am also a man who shook the world, yet I did not expect to end up in such a state.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he only felt the blood in his body surging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his ambitions in his youth;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his past alliance with the noble families to secretly play a game against Gu Xi, and finally the excitement he felt when he learned of Gu Xi's death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When did he first have his ambition?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed to be at that very moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he heard of Gu Xi's death, he felt that Heaven seemed to have already abandoned the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opportunity for the Yuan clan had finally arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he realized it, a trickle of fresh blood suddenly flowed down from the corner of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he did not care in the slightest; he merely rose slowly and walked out of the hall, facing the panicked expressions of the crowd, and looked up at the dazzling sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Heaven has grown weary of the Han, why not favor my Yuan clan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a sudden, angry roar, his eyes filled with unwillingness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds of weeping and wailing suddenly erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao slowly drew the sword at his waist, then looked at the people present: \"You are all men of ability.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to die with me, Yuan Shao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Yuan clan has held the Three Ducal Offices for four generations; I am a son of the Yuan clan and must never die at the hands of that descendant of a eunuch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only at this moment did everyone finally understand what Yuan Shao intended to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone immediately shouted, wanting to rush forward to stop Yuan Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yuan Shao had already made up his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without giving anyone a chance, he held his sword and slashed directly across his own neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a \"puff\" sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fresh blood sprayed out instantly, and Yuan Shao collapsed to the ground immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds of desperate shouting erupted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people immediately rushed forward, wanting to stem the spraying blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yuan Shao had pierced a vital spot with that sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he possibly be saved?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most crucially, not everyone possessed absolute loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the contrary, too many people cared more about their own lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Yuan Shao camp fell into complete chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao had not expected this battle to end in such a manner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he led his army to storm Yuan Shao's main tent, he was also stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw the corpses of dozens of men lying on the ground, surrounding Yuan Shao's body in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news spread continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Yuan Shao's defeat and death occurring so rapidly could be said to have exceeded everyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Liu Bei had not anticipated it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only just left Julu when he received this news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for him, this was not the most critical part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, Cao Cao sent someone to deliver another message to him: Lu Bu had led several thousand elite troops to strike at Qingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words of Zhuge Liang had become a prophecy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could be said that this was forcing Liu Bei to withdraw from the Jizhou and Youzhou regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether what Cao Cao said was true, Liu Bei had to return to Qingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhou was his foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he had left behind a small number of garrison troops in Qingzhou, almost all of his elite forces were under his command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lu Bu had truly struck at Qingzhou, Qingzhou would be in great danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to return to reinforce it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and others all requested to return to reinforce Qingzhou, wanting Liu Bei to lead the army to remain in Jizhou to contend with Cao Cao for the benefits of Jizhou and Youzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu Bei refused this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Guan Yu and Zhao Yun with a firm expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My third brother is currently in Qingzhou, the garrison troops in Qingzhou are all old and weak, and there are tens of thousands of commoners who followed me, Liu Bei, there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could I watch them face danger?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether Cao Cao had deliberately allowed Lu Bu to strike at Qingzhou, he had to return to Qingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Liu Bei!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And only he would act in such a way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the seventh year of the Han revival, Bei and Cao joined forces to conquer Jizhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shao fared poorly in the initial battle at Yecheng, retreated to defend Changshan, and later united the forces of the Wuhuan and Xianbei to resist the royal army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day of the tenth month, Cao personally led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to break the formation at Bohai; the fierce general Lu Bu defected during the battle, and the Jizhou army collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shao climbed a high hill to observe the defeat, seeing banners cast to the ground and smoke and dust obscuring the sky; he stroked his sword and sighed, 'The four generations of officialdom end here in the wilderness! If Heaven has grown weary of the Han virtue, why destroy my Yuan clan alone!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then held his sword horizontally facing north and shouted sternly, 'The bones of four generations of the Three Ducal Offices shall not mingle with the dust of a eunuch's descendant! When I meet the Radiant Martial Emperor in the Nine Springs, I shall still ask of the weight of the tripod!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, he drew the blade across his throat, blood splashing five paces; at that moment, a fierce wind suddenly rose, and Bohai wept for him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\"Records of Heroes at the End of the Han: Yuan Shao Chapter\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4936,"2026-06-20T03:16:01.192Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","3de1aa1766febb706f13a870dc5c0035d24ed9e450242a179c69e4544fdc0345","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-84","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-82",167,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcontrolling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-cover.jpg"]