[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-118":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Overthrowing Han",{"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},1222877,1620,"Chapter 118: Surpassing","overthrowing-han-chapter-118",118,"\u003Cp>\"If you haven't seen it with your own eyes, it's truly hard to describe. But today I, Cao Mengde, finally understand that there really is someone under heaven who can slay villains amidst laughter and conversation — barely past twenty, yet already possessing the bearing of a famed general of old. From this, one can only imagine the brilliance of that battle where he burned Danhan by fire…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gongsun Xun stepped out of the main gate of the Qiao residence, he happened to hear this 'Meng De' praising him so lavishly. Yet he merely stood with his hands clasped to one side of the Qiao residence gate, allowing the soldiers and guests to carry out the corpses and gold, and also allowing that 'Meng De' to steal the limelight on his behalf over there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, no one was a fool after all, especially Qiao Xuan. Do not be fooled by his advanced age — when it came to firmness of mind and clarity of insight, there were probably few under heaven who could match him. Therefore, after briefly comforting his youngest son, this foremost elder of the court silenced the others, then personally took his son by the hand and came over to express his thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenqi, a great favor needs no words of thanks…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duke Qiao, say no more.\" Gongsun Xun suddenly raised a hand to stop him. \"Nor do I need Duke Qiao's thanks. Today I saved one of your sons precisely to demand repayment for this favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan nodded slightly. \"When one receives a kindness, one ought to repay it — how can one wait for the benefactor to come asking? Since I, Qiao, have received such a great kindness from you, naturally I will say nothing more about whether one can be relied upon or not. Wherever my power reaches, I will certainly lend you a hand… I shall enter the palace at once to request an audience with the Son of Heaven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having obtained the other's promise, Gongsun Xun could not help but exhale the pent-up frustration he had accumulated over half the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning around, Qiao Xuan went off to the Northern Palace. Those powerful neighbors naturally wanted to retrieve their own bloodstained gold. Yang Qiu naturally had to take the corpses and the sole surviving criminal back with his subordinates to deal with the aftermath. The various court security forces that had come to assist also receded like the tide. Even his own volunteer followers — Gongsun Xun directly had Han Dang lead them back as well…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the area around the Qiao residence, which had been packed so tightly before, swiftly returned to its usual desolation. Only that 'Meng De' and Gongsun Xun remained where they were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Mengde.\" With no other matters around, Gongsun Xun could finally formally make the acquaintance of this short, squinty-eyed man. \"Could it be Cao Mengde of Qiaocheng in Pei State? I, Xun, have long admired your great name. I never imagined that with so many complicated affairs today, I would only now be able to greet you properly. I beg my worthy brother not to take offense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must Wenqi be so formal?\" The other laughed heartily, utterly unconcerned. \"For you and me to become acquainted in such a manner is ten times better than exchanging polite formalities at a banquet! Besides, a man of your caliber — I have long communed with you in spirit. Meeting you today is truly like reuniting with an old friend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun recalled this man's conduct and style as described by his mother, understood at once, and immediately changed his expression with a smile. \"Since it is a reunion of old friends, how can we not find a place to share a drink?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Cao Cao grew even more delighted, then directly stepped forward and seized Gongsun Xun's sleeve, intending to head off somewhere… However, after just a couple of steps, he suddenly slapped his forehead and cursed himself for a fool, then actually headed straight back into the Qiao residence, where the blood on the ground had not yet dried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Qiao household was clearly extremely familiar with this short, squinty-eyed man, and they actually allowed him to go straight to the rear hall and find half a jug of wine from who knows where. Without even needing his instructions, they took the initiative to have the kitchen prepare some hot bean porridge and the like and serve it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Cao Cao personally ladled the porridge, and Gongsun Xun personally poured the wine. Without any sense of taboo, the two of them sat facing each other and began to drink right there in the very attic where the criminals had hidden earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After one mouthful of wine, Gongsun Xun could not help but laugh. \"No wonder Duke Qiao immediately refused the matter of ransom… I'm afraid his household truly has no surplus wealth. Who knows how many days this wine has been sitting? It has no flavor of wine left at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is the truth.\" Cao Cao squinted and smiled. \"Duke Qiao is by nature frugal and simple, with no surplus wealth in his home. In truth, my own family is not short of money, and in my youth I often yearned for splendor. But after becoming acquainted with Duke Qiao, I gradually developed a somewhat plain and mild disposition in matters of food and clothing… After serving a term as County Magistrate of Dunqiu and witnessing the hardships of the common people, I felt even more that Duke Qiao's teachings were absolutely correct — those in high positions should abstain from extravagance and uphold simplicity, to serve as an example. Of course, now I am merely a commoner, come to Luoyang to rescue relatives and friends. Saying such things must make Wenqi laugh at me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun repeatedly shook his head. \"My family is wealthy, but my mother has always taught me that there is no harm in enjoyment, yet waste is utterly meaningless. So, the principles under heaven are all interconnected — what is there to laugh at? As for that other matter Brother Mengde mentioned… forgive my bluntness, but your return to Luoyang at this time is of no use! I am in the Imperial Secretariat and hear of all matters great and small. The Son of Heaven's resolve to depose the Empress is extremely firm, and there is no room for reversal for the entire Song clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao, who had just picked up the bean porridge, could not help but look dejected upon hearing this, and he actually set the earthenware bowl back down on the low table before them. \"Yes, I have been in Luoyang for several days and have also sought out old acquaintances, relatives, and friends to inquire about news. Everyone has replied to me in the same way. But no matter what, as a relative by marriage, at a time like this, one must always do one's utmost to help…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no saving them.\" Gongsun Xun repeatedly shook his head, continuing to dissuade him. \"The Son of Heaven has ordered the execution of the entire Song clan, yet has cast the Empress into the Laundry Room, ignoring her completely. He is clearly waiting for the Empress to die on her own… Such hatred is known to all. Brother Mengde's presence in Luoyang is merely to collect the corpses of your relatives and old friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao grew even more dejected. \"In truth, I understand as well. Seeing the Son of Heaven's hatred, I fear there is not the slightest principle for reversal… And now, looking back, when we were in power back then, not to mention the Song clan, even I was somewhat unrestrained. Beating Uncle Jian Shuo to death was simple enough, but then one cannot blame Jian Shuo for secretly hating the Empress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Brother Mengde regret it?\" After taking a mouthful of bean porridge, Gongsun Xun could not help but grow curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is there to speak of regret?\" Cao Cao said dismissively. \"I come from a background of eunuchs. Fellows like Yuan Shao often mock me for this. If I cannot stand in opposition to the eunuchs, how can I speak of being accepted by the scholar-officials? And if I cannot be accepted by the scholar-officials, then my aspiration, cultivated through over ten years of arduous study, to become General Who Conquers the West — where would that even begin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was also filled with emotion. \"In truth, Brother Mengde, you are still relatively fortunate. Your family ultimately holds ministerial positions, and your clan has wide-ranging social connections. If one were like me, born in a border commandery, then it is not by beating others to death with a staff that one gains the recognition of the scholar-officials…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what does it rely on?\" Cao Cao could not help but ask with a forced smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On risking one's own life!\" Gongsun Xun answered with a cold laugh. \"What else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao immediately adopted a solemn expression, then raised his cup. \"We are both men helpless in this world. Let us drink this cup.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun also hurriedly clinked cups and drank down this cup of bland wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, if we only consider the present circumstances, Wenqi, you ultimately surpass me tenfold!\" After finishing the wine, Cao Cao was also somewhat emotional. \"You are in the Imperial Secretariat, planning great matters with Duke Qiao, while I am in Luoyang with nothing to do, merely sitting and waiting to collect the corpses of my relatives… Once this affair is over, I can only return to my hometown and live in idle retirement. Who knows in what year or month I might be reinstated?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun did not refute this, because it was the truth. The Cao Mengde before him was probably at the lowest point of his life — where was even a hint of the Wei Wu's heroic spirit that his mother had spoken of?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the other's words stirred something in Gongsun Xun's heart, and he naturally thought of the circumstances of Sun Jian and Liu Bei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of Sun Wentai, although they had never met, before Gongsun Xun went beyond the frontier, Sun Jian was merely an Assistant County Magistrate. And after the military defeat, having achieved no merit whatsoever, there was no way he could have been promoted. He vaguely recalled hearing someone say that Sun Jian had probably gone back to continue serving as his Assistant County Magistrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Liu Bei, though he had no idea what that kid was actually doing right now, at best he was probably just acting as a leader of wandering knights back in his hometown, no? Perhaps he could write a letter to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with this thought, Gongsun Xun then recalled Lu Bu, whom he had met once. At this very moment, was that fierce tiger of the age learning the zither or practicing martial arts? But in any case, he was just a commoner, right? He wondered if that fellow had actually believed that nonsense about the three-year promise? One must know that at the time, he himself had thought he would be spending two or three years at his post in Yanmen, which was why he had spoken so carelessly. Even if the other really came looking for him, he could just write a letter of recommendation to the Grand Administrator of Yanmen… But if, when the three-year term arrived, he happened to be sent out to serve as a County Magistrate, and Lu Bu really did come looking, was he supposed to give him a job as a county clerk doing accounts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuing this train of thought, there was also Liu Biao, idling at home due to the Proscription of Partisans; Han Sui, grinding out his seniority in Xiliang — it seemed none of them were doing particularly well? Ma Teng was also a man without a shadow. Even his own clansman Gongsun Zan was probably sitting idly at home at this moment, waiting for the Filial and Incorrupt nomination in the tenth month, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only that Great Han loyal subject Dong Fangbo had stabilized the situation in Bingzhou with merit, and it was said the court intended to give him a large commandery as Grand Administrator — he could be considered at the height of his power. And Liu Yu also seemed about to return to Luoyang for promotion; he should also be sent out for a term as a Two Thousand Piculs official. But then again, counting Liu Yan as well, these three were ultimately elders of the senior generation, so there was certainly no comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were also the brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu. For them, official position and career path were irrelevant, because their very surname was itself the greatest status under heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, calculating it this way, Gongsun Xun could not help but feel somewhat unsettled and at a loss… After all, he always felt that time waited for no one, and he wished he could execute the eunuchs tomorrow, become a County Magistrate the day after, and a Two Thousand Piculs official the day after that — only thus could he preserve his life! But why was it that, after all this scrambling around, he had ended up generally a cut above these various future warlords who would one day stir up storms?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that really the case or not?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this point in time, the first year of Guanghe, setting aside Dong Zhuo, Liu Yan, and Liu Yu, who were a generation older, and setting aside the Yuan brothers, whose disadvantage was no fault of their own, looking around — among all the future warlords who would rampage across the realm, which one was doing better than himself?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is Wenqi thinking about?\" Cao Cao could not help but call out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forgive me, Brother Mengde.\" Gongsun Xun quickly smiled. \"Hearing you speak of a stalled future, I could not help but think of the heroic men I have encountered in my travels north and south over these years. Thinking carefully, most of them are also in a state of stagnation…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has Brother Mengde ever heard of the deeds of the Fierce Tiger of Jiangdong, Sun Wentai?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would be glad to hear the details!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving aside Gongsun Xun and Cao Mengde discussing their stalled careers over bitter wine, on the other side, Qiao Xuan was finally about to face the Son of Heaven directly in the Northern Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said that the Son of Heaven had heard beforehand about how Qiao Xuan had urged Yang Qiu to assault by force, and his heart was already considerably shaken. Now, seeing the other, though advanced in years, standing below the steps with head high and chest out, his imposing manner undiminished, the Emperor immediately felt somewhat guilty. \"Minister Qiao, with such a major incident in your household, why not remain at home to offer some comfort? Why must you come to the palace to express thanks without a moment's pause? Jian Shuo, quickly grant him a seat…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thank Your Majesty for your kind intentions, but there is no need for such a fuss!\" Qiao Xuan bowed in salute, then answered with head held high. \"I have come to the palace for no more than three sentences. Once I have spoken them to Your Majesty, I shall leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, please speak frankly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My youngest son at home is merely a child, yet he drew the attention of the Son of Heaven, who dispatched the Tiger Guard Army to rescue him. No matter what, I must come to offer my thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is only right and proper.\" Since this was a private meeting between sovereign and minister, the Son of Heaven paid no heed to ceremony and immediately rose to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secondly, I believe that in matters of hostage-taking, one may assault but not indulge, one may be forceful but not weak. Only thus is it sufficient to overawe petty criminals… Therefore, I earnestly request that Your Majesty issue a clear edict to the Imperial Secretariat, to be proclaimed to all commanderies and kingdoms under heaven, establishing this as a fixed precedent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven recalled the circumstances at the time as reported by the inner attendants, grew even more emotional, and could not help but nod slightly. \"Your words, Minister, should serve as law for ten thousand generations. I shall immediately have the Eunuch Overseer draft an edict, to be openly issued to all commanderies and kingdoms under heaven: in all cases of hostage-taking, only forceful assault is permitted, no indulgence is allowed. Furthermore, local officials are not permitted to attribute the injury or death of hostages to the officers and soldiers who carried out the assault on the spot! What does the Minister think of this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, what is Minister Qiao's third sentence about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to Your Majesty.\" Qiao Xuan bowed slightly. \"My youngest son was playing in front of his own gate when this sudden calamity descended upon him. From this, one can see how abysmal the public order in Luoyang is at present…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the Minister says is absolutely correct.\" The Son of Heaven felt that Qiao Xuan's complaint was somewhat expected, and he immediately explained. \"Fortunately, I have already dismissed the previously ineffectual Colonel-Director of Retainers and entrusted this heavy responsibility to Yang Qiu. Although this man only assumed office today, I expect he will certainly not disappoint…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yang Qiu is fierce and severe, and perhaps he can bear the responsibility for Luoyang.\" Qiao Xuan nodded slightly, but then suddenly changed tack. \"Moreover, as Grandee of Glorious Fortune, I should not be concerned with the situation in a mere corner like Luoyang…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does the Minister mean by this?\" The Son of Heaven could not help but be taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Your Majesty know that ever since you ascended the throne, bandits across the realm have grown more numerous by the day, and the situation has worsened by the day…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, at that time Your Majesty was still young, and the governance of the court lay in the hands of Cao Jie and Wang Fu. The deterioration of the situation had nothing to do with Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is true enough…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now that Your Majesty has taken personal rule, and the Three Excellencies, the Imperial Secretariat, and the Yellow Gate Supervisors are all men chosen and employed by Your Majesty, if the situation deteriorates further, it will be hard to avoid the ridicule of all under Heaven!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, you may speak plainly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant, moved by the matter of my young son, wishes to use these old and decaying bones to cleanse the realm's order for Your Majesty!\" Qiao Xuan immediately prostrated himself in a grand bow. \"Since Yang Qiu has been appointed Colonel-Director of Retainers, the position of Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat is naturally vacant. Your servant wishes to assume it for Your Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven was at once stunned into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why does Your Majesty not utter a single word?\" Qiao Xuan raised his head and pressed the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it be that Your Majesty thinks your servant's seniority and moral standing are insufficient to bear this heavy responsibility?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, you are a renowned official within the seas, bearing the hopes of all under Heaven…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why does Your Majesty hesitate and refuse to give a clear answer?\" Qiao Xuan questioned indignantly. \"Back when Your Majesty was young and summoned your servant to Luoyang, appointing me as Grand Commandant, I, being old and decrepit, originally wished to decline. It was Your Majesty who stated in the decree that the court was in need of loyal and upright ministers like myself. Moved by Your Majesty's earnestness, I then left my home and entered Luoyang with this old and ailing body. But now, with Your Majesty personally ruling, you would rather employ men like Wang Fu and Zhang Hao to preside over court affairs. Your servant merely seeks the post of Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat on his own initiative, yet Your Majesty is unwilling to grant me even a few months' time to test whether my edge is still sharp enough… Could it be that this is Your Majesty's true heart, and that back then you merely saw your servant's fame resounding within the seas and wished to use me as a wooden statue in the court?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven was questioned until his face flushed red and he was utterly helpless, able only to look left and right for aid. Yet even Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, the two Regular Attendants he relied on most, wore helpless expressions and instead all signaled him to yield. Thus, the Son of Heaven had no choice but to personally descend the steps and help up this renowned official of the realm from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, what kind of talk is this?\" The Son of Heaven supported Qiao Xuan and spoke kindly. \"With your seniority, moral standing, and meritorious achievements, let alone a trial of a few months as Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, even directly seeking the just-vacated position of Minister over the Masses would be only natural… In truth, I would be only too eager for you, Minister, to take up substantive office and share my burdens! My earlier astonishment was merely because I never imagined that at your age, you would still actively seek office!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan nodded slightly and was about to express his gratitude, when the Son of Heaven sighed again with emotion: \"So be it. I had originally intended to appoint Colonel of the Chang River Encampment Yuan Kui to the position of Minister over the Masses, but never expected his fortune to be so thin… Very well then, please return home and make some preparations, Minister. Tomorrow I shall appoint you as Minister over the Masses, with oversight of the Imperial Secretariat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan raised his head and straightened his chest, cupped his hands in thanks, and looked entirely as if it were only to be expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was not all. When Qiao Xuan took his leave and requested to return, the Son of Heaven further ordered the several Regular Palace Attendants present to all go out together and escort the old man out of the palace on his behalf, which finally settled the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it happened, Gongsun Xun, far away in Qiao Xuan's residence, naturally never thought the old man would fail to secure a mere post of Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, but upon learning that he had returned so quickly, he was still quite impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Meng De… let us set aside the anecdotes about your younger brother Cao Hong for now.\" Pointing at the many empty wine flasks beside them, Gongsun Xun could not help but smile as he rose to his feet. \"Lord Qiao has returned to the residence. Having stolen his wine, it would not do for us to not go and greet him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao laughed heartily and also hurriedly stood up. The two then supported each other as they descended from the tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was dusk at that moment, and light and shadows danced. As they passed beneath the tower, Cao Cao suddenly raised his hand and pointed toward the tower window, then narrowed his eyes and smiled: \"Earlier when I was upstairs, I felt the shadow of the window was off. That arrow — could it be the one Wen Qi shot earlier?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun saw this and also smiled: \"We were drinking here, and caused the household to not yet have time to pull out that arrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the setting sun, Cao Cao could not help but shake his head: \"Wen Qi says he suffers from his frontier origins, but you probably do not know that I, Cao Mengde, greatly envy such a style as yours — slaying bandits with a laugh, galloping freely across the land… Never mind, let us not speak of it. But that arrow of Wen Qi's was truly a divine shot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's face grew increasingly cheerful, but in his heart he recalled the hostage incident from earlier at noon… The truth was, in that single instant, he had entertained the thought of taking advantage of the chaos to shoot and kill this heart of Wei Wu with a volley of arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, first, he did not wish to harm innocent children; second, with so many mouths and so many eyes, although both were commoners, Cao Mengde was no Xia Yu — his own volunteer followers might not necessarily keep their mouths sealed; third, once that thought arose, he also felt a jolt of warning — he was, after all, going to follow his mother's words and carve out a domain in Liaoxi to watch the outcome of events. Since that was the case, why entertain such murderous intent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, at this very moment, Gongsun Xun had even less than a shred of killing intent… for he had long since determined that Cao Mengde at this time was truly down and out to the extreme, and he indeed had no need to fear him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two men, half genuinely drunk and half drunk on themselves, supported each other as they walked to the gate and happened to meet Qiao Xuan returning to the residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Qiao Xuan, sizing up the two of them, suddenly changed color: \"The only few flasks of wine in my household — are they all gone?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao nodded like a pestle pounding garlic: \"At first we only stole that half-finished flask from last time. Later, Wen Qi and I were appraising the young talents of the age, and our conversation grew so engaging that we could not resist opening those few unopened flasks of Lord Qiao's wine as well…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All of you, get out of my sight!\" Qiao Xuan immediately flew into a great rage. \"Three bandits did not cause my household to lose half a copper, but you two who caught the bandits are about to bankrupt my house!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two men did not grow angry, but instead laughed heartily, then continued to support each other as they walked out, their mouths still ceaselessly discussing whose place they should go to next to continue drinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just at that moment, Qiao Xuan suddenly called out to stop one of them: \"Meng De, go on ahead. I am to assume the post of Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat tomorrow, and I need to discuss a public matter with Wen Qi…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao could not help but laugh, and at once cupped his hands in farewell and left first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the so-called public matter, it was merely Qiao Xuan explaining his own situation, frankly stating that his position as Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat was not yet secure, and then formally urging Gongsun Xun to swiftly set things in motion… The words were finished in a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this, Gongsun Xun naturally agreed wholeheartedly, and then prepared to go after Cao Cao to continue drinking together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after taking just two steps, facing the setting sun, he suddenly turned back again and called out to Qiao Xuan: \"Lord Qiao, I happen to have one matter to ask you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan, not thinking much of it, also turned around: \"If you have something to say, say it quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the matter of punishing the eunuchs succeeds, then in Lord Qiao's heart, between me and Meng De, who is superior?\" Gongsun Xun was clearly drunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan pondered for a moment, then flicked his sleeve and went straight back into the residence: \"I am going to see my own son. Such a trivial matter — if the punishment of the eunuchs succeeds, you may come ask again without harm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun could not help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———————I am a dividing line more beautiful than City North's Lord Xu—————————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cao Cao, styled Meng De, was a man of Qiaoxian in Pei State… In former times when Cao was in Luoyang, he and the Grand Ancestor were both held in high regard by the Minister over the Masses Qiao Xuan. However, Xuan, having known Cao for a longer time, esteemed him especially highly. In the first year of Guanghe, three bandits armed with weapons seized Xuan's young son, ascended a tower, and demanded goods. Xuan, ever stern and unyielding, refused, and instead ordered the Colonel-Director of Retainers to assault by force. The Grand Ancestor was at his side, and personally led his retainers inside, luring the bandit leader to send one man down the tower to verify the gold. Laughing, he shot him, killing him instantly on the spot. The remaining bandit was terrified and thereupon opened the tower and surrendered; Xuan's young son was also safe. Once outside, Cao sighed with emotion and said: 'In times of turmoil, one recognizes a hero. I never imagined Wen Qi's valor and ferocity possessed the manner of a famed general of old — I truly am not his equal!' Thereafter, he esteemed the Grand Ancestor all the more.\" — Old Book of Yan, Scroll 27, Hereditary Houses, Second\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: There is also a reader group 684558115, everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4896,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","b8f166742c2343b5070e2338612a2f1b9a72ce3d86319f86ed80a4e0cbda6f7c","overthrowing-han-chapter-119","overthrowing-han-chapter-117",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]