[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-136":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},1222895,1620,"Chapter 136: Ardent Spirit (Part 2) (Ten Thousand Words to Repay a Debt)","overthrowing-han-chapter-136",136,"\u003Cp>\"A county magistrate holds full authority over all county decrees, great or small, with sole discretion in every matter. In sending you to Xiangping, I do not fear you will encounter setbacks, nor that you will be bullied by superiors or opposed by the local gentry. What I fear is that you will use your power to bully others without restraint, and thereby stir up chaos once more!\" Before dawn, beneath a single lamp, a tall, lean man seated on a rush cushion spoke thus. \"Be cautious. Be prudent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at how Teacher speaks,\" Gongsun Xun, seated opposite, immediately laughed. \"I am a county magistrate, and one stationed right at the commandery seat at that. Even if I were utterly unrestrained, what chaos could I possibly stir up? Could I chase invading Xianbei all the way to Mount Danhan? Besides, whether this county magistrate can even walk out of Luoyang City today is still up in the air.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One matter is one matter,\" the tall, lean man — Lu Zhi — replied, neither angry nor impatient, only continuing his stern admonition. \"You have already arrived here. In today's matter I can do nothing, so I can only urge you to practice virtuous governance once you take up your post...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where under heaven is there any such thing as virtuous governance?\" Gongsun Xun scoffed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?\" Lu Zhi's tone rose, uncharacteristically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those are not my words,\" Gongsun Xun hurriedly explained upon seeing this. \"I heard them last night, first from Teacher Liu and then from Lord Qiao. Both are elders who have long served in the provinces, yet they said this independently of one another. I imagine there is some truth in it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the candle flame, Lu Zhi's expression flickered between light and shadow. \"As you say, both are elders long experienced in provincial governance. If both say so, there must indeed be some reasoning behind it. But do not take their words out of context and twist their meaning... What exactly did the two of them say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Much the same, with only minor differences,\" Gongsun Xun replied with a slight smile. \"I first asked Teacher Liu how one should govern. He spoke to me at length about the way of leniency and forbearance, so I countered by citing Lord Qiao's style of governance. Then I asked Lord Qiao how one should govern, and sure enough, he spoke to me at length about the way of strict discipline — whereupon I countered by citing Teacher Liu's style of governance...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zhi's facial muscles twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that point, both of them frankly admitted: where under heaven is there any virtuous governance? In administering a region, so long as the man in charge can understand the people's condition and refrain from evil governance, that is already a blessing for the locality, and he may already be called a dutiful official. And if, on that foundation, he goes a step further — whether by tightening laws and discipline or by lenient instruction — he may in fact already be called a good official. As for going yet further and achieving some pioneering work, then he may leave his name for a thousand ages and be called a capable minister or an excellent shepherd of the people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with his student's eloquent discourse, Lu Zhi found himself momentarily speechless... To put it plainly, although Teacher Lu had earned the rank of Erudite, suppressed bandits, served as Grand Administrator, and then gone on to head the most critical Civil Appointments Section within the Imperial Secretariat — amid all this, his actual tenure in provincial posts was extremely shallow. Both times he served as Grand Administrator, his terms were exceedingly short, and both were to suppress rebellions — a so-called \"firefighting Grand Administrator.\" He truly had no way to stand tall before his student on the matter of how to govern a region, let alone with the two universally acknowledged masters of provincial governance, Liu Kuan and Qiao Xuan, placed before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since Lord Qiao and Lord Liu have both already given you guidance, I shall say no more,\" Lu Zhi said after a pause, shaking his head. \"In sum, when you reach Liaodong, do not let the remoteness of the place breed impatience in your heart, nor let the fact that your family's influence can overshadow that region lead you to act recklessly... Although both lords said there is no virtuous governance, their words also hinted that you must not become a cruel official!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That much I did discern,\" Gongsun Xun replied with a bitter smile, shaking his head. \"And I cannot blame the two lords for the veiled criticism in their words. Truly, my conduct here in Luoyang, no matter how you look at it, resembles that of a cruel official — not to mention how close I have been to Yang Qiu... Even if Fangzheng were to die now, he would still be entered into the 'Biographies of Cruel Officials.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zhi sighed softly, though what he was thinking was impossible to tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, sounds were gradually rising from the corridor outside the door, and the light had brightened considerably. Teacher and student said no more, merely blowing out the lamp and sitting quietly to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After an unknown length of time, a clamor gradually arose outside the door. Then, after another interval, someone actually came and knocked directly. \"Minister Lu! The Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Lord Cao, summons you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zhi sat motionless. Gongsun Xun, however, picked up the two documents on the low table before him and rose directly to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chamber door swung open. Outside, the corridor was bright with morning light. The chicken coop beyond the corridor remained as noisy as ever. The many Masters of Writing, Senior Clerks of the Masters of Writing, and a few minor Eunuchs coming and going were all, as always, in hurried steps... Indeed — this place was none other than the Imperial Secretariat in the Southern Palace at Luoyang. Gongsun Xun had actually come here directly with his teacher before the sky had even brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord...\" The man who had called at the door, upon seeing who emerged, got out only half a syllable before standing frozen in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, it was not only this man. The many people passing through the corridor were all likewise dumbstruck... These people might not know the complicated events that had occurred after noon the previous day, but they all knew of the imprisonment of Yang Qiu, Chen Qiu, and the other two on charges of treason the day before. They all more or less knew that Wang Lang, having received hints from Lu Zhi and Liu Tao, had gone to tip them off. And they all fully understood that ever since Cao Jie had assumed the post of Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Gongsun Xun had hidden at home on sick leave for over a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That being the case, who had given him the courage to move against the wind today and suddenly come here to face Cao Jie directly... Had he gone mad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Dong, has the Prefect of the Masters of Writing already arrived?\" Gongsun Xun asked calmly, holding the two documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh, ah... yes!\" It took the visitor great effort to recover his composure. \"The Prefect of the Masters of Writing requests Minister Lu...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have business to discuss with Lord Cao for a moment. Take me to him first; we can look for my teacher later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah... very well!\" The visitor could only reply thus. And he was also exceedingly curious as to what Gongsun Xun intended, delivering himself to the door like this. \"Let us go...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words had even faded, Gongsun Xun, holding the documents in both hands, had already taken the lead and set off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Secretariat, which controlled all the empire's administrative affairs, was not actually very large. And the chamber where the Prefect of the Masters of Writing resided was not far either — merely two turns along the corridor. As soon as he rounded the last corner, Gongsun Xun caught sight of Cao Hanfeng, whose full head of white hair could not even be concealed by his tall cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, Cao Jie also saw him, as was only to be expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Cao.\" Gongsun Xun, neither servile nor overbearing, bowed in a half-ceremonial salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gongsun Xun,\" Cao Jie finally spoke after a full several dozen breaths, his gaze fixed dead on the young man before him. \"Why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to Lord Cao,\" Gongsun Xun raised the documents in his hands slightly and answered composedly. \"I am about to depart for Liaodong to assume the post of Magistrate of Xiangping. You are the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and I am a Master of Writing. It is only proper that I come to take my leave and humbly request your instruction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" Cao Jie nodded slightly, then clasped his hands behind his back beneath the corridor. \"Setting that aside for now — in truth, there is no need for much restraint between you and me. Let me simply ask you: do you not know that the Tiger Guard troops both inside and outside the Southern Palace are all under my command by imperial warrant?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, the Master of Writing named Dong who had followed them over, along with several others nearby, could not help but change color. Those who had been craning their necks to watch turned and fled at once — whether to fetch others or to report the news, none could say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could I possibly not know?\" Gongsun Xun answered immediately. \"Not to mention that the Tiger Guard is now rightfully under Lord Cao's command — even in those days when they were not under your command, did Yu She not still show you utter loyalty, deceiving me with empty words? Were it not for that, I fear none of the calamities that followed would ever have occurred... I have often lamented this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jie narrowed his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, there is little point in rehashing these old matters,\" Gongsun Xun continued in a clear, ringing voice. \"As Lord Cao himself said, the Tiger Guard is just outside, and utterly loyal to you... Yet what does that have to do with me? What crime has this Gongsun Wenqi committed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Hanfeng stared at him in silence for a long while, then suddenly nodded. \"Indeed, it has nothing to do with you. It is I who still remember old matters and, in a daze, imagined you were also implicated in the Yang Qiu case. In truth, you have been on leave for over a month and are entirely unconnected to this case... I am old. Master of Writing Gongsun, pay it no mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun immediately smiled and nodded. By now, the crowd around them was growing larger and larger; even two of the Ministers had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However,\" Cao Jie continued in an indifferent tone, \"there is no deep friendship between you and me. It is proper etiquette for the Master of Writing to come and take his leave of me, but I have nothing to impart to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is of no consequence,\" Gongsun Xun suddenly stepped forward, documents in hand, and spoke in a loud voice. \"Though Lord Cao may have nothing he wishes to impart to me, I have a word for Lord Cao that sticks in my throat like a fishbone. I cannot rest until I have spoken it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak, then.\" Cao Jie's expression remained unchanged, but he raised his head, straightened his chest, and also stepped half a pace forward with his hands behind his back. \"What doctrine does a youth barely past his capping have to teach me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Cao holds concurrent authority over both the inner court and the outer, controlling the ingress and egress of all the empire's decrees — your power and responsibility are the foremost under heaven. That being so, do you truly not understand the principle of benevolence and forbearance?\" Gongsun Xun came straight to the point, speaking without the slightest evasion. \"To this day, I still do not know the details of the crimes of the four lords — Yang Qiu, Chen Qiu, Liu He, and Liu Ne. And my station is too low to presume to discuss cases at such a level. But by common reasoning, all four men held eminent positions among the high ministers. Even if they schemed, it could not have been aimed at the Son of Heaven... To say they plotted treason — who under heaven would believe it?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your station is low, so naturally you do not know the full story of this affair,\" Cao Jie replied dismissively. \"Yesterday, His Majesty ordered me, along with the Regular Palace Attendants Cheng Huang, Zhang Rang, and Zhao Zhong, the Grand Commandant Liu Kuan, the Minister of Works Yuan Kui, the Grandee of the Palace Yang Ci, the Grand Palace Grandee Qiao Xuan, and other weighty ministers, to deliberate this matter together. A conclusion has long since been reached. Even if these four men did not commit acts of treason, they harbored treasonous intent to infringe upon the Son of Heaven's authority. The four of them exchanged letters among themselves, arranging for Yang Qiu to be appointed Colonel Director of Retainers, and then for him, once in office, to execute so-and-so and so-and-so. They also planned to recommend Chen Qiu as one of the Three Excellencies... I ask you: can a crime such as this be lightly pardoned?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faces of everyone around changed color. Even Liu Tao, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, turned deathly pale... Although they knew these men had acted to oppose Cao Jie, such private collusion to trade such eminent posts — any sovereign, no matter who, would be compelled to strike them down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is why I speak of the way of benevolence and forbearance,\" Gongsun Xun sighed. \"As Lord Cao says, my station is low and I do not know the full story. But since this was not collusion in outright treason, should not Lord Cao, as a key minister assisting the throne, have offered some remonstrance and preserved the families of the four lords?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should I preserve the families of these four men?\" Cao Jie could not help but sneer. \"They sought their own path to death and implicated their families. What does that have to do with me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I said, Lord Cao holds concurrent authority over both inner and outer courts and is a key minister assisting the throne. And a key minister should bear the bearing of a key minister,\" Gongsun Xun immediately raised his voice in righteous defiance. \"Moreover, even if you lack the intent for benevolence and forbearance, you still ought not to kick a man when he is down and willfully persecute innocent family members. When Lord Yang and I executed Wang Fu and Duan Wei back then, we did not extend the punishment to their innocent families...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When have I ever willfully persecuted the families of disgraced officials?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what do you call tolerating Cao Poshi — that lecherous, violent mad dog notorious throughout Luoyang for debauching men's wives — to go ransacking the homes of accused officials who have not even been sentenced?!\" Gongsun Xun demanded fiercely in return. \"With such conduct, how does Lord Cao expect to win the allegiance of all under heaven?! Today you sit on high and can destroy others' families. If another day someone else sits on high, can they not do the same in reverse?! Does Lord Cao have no family of his own?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jie was momentarily speechless, but continued to stare fixedly at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know what Lord Cao wishes to say!\" Gongsun Xun hurled the documents in his hands to the ground and spoke with indignation. \"Lord Cao wishes to say that you are a key minister bearing the imperial warrant, commanding both the Tiger Guard and the Feathered Forest armies, and that within the Southern and Northern Palaces, anyone below the rank of two thousand shi may be executed first and reported afterward... Today I have shown disrespect before a weighty minister such as yourself. If Lord Cao wishes to kill me, then kill me you may! But I implore Lord Cao not to think for a moment that killing a few men can stop the mouths of all under heaven! Beginning with Dou Wu and Chen Fan, have the men Lord Cao has killed been few? Has it stopped the mouths of all under heaven?! Has Lord Cao never stopped to consider why so many people, fearing neither death nor ruin, insist on opposing you?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faces of all the Ministers and Masters of Writing changed color... Was he courting death?! At this, even Liu Tao could not help but grasp the sleeve of a nearby Minister, waiting only for Cao Jie to erupt in fury so that he could forcibly drag this colleague forward to intervene!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But where was Lu Zigan?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Hanfeng stared expressionlessly at the young man before him. He was beardless below the jaw, yet a strand of grizzled hair at his temple stirred gently beneath his tall cap — whether it was a peculiar bristling of hair and beard alike, or simply a breeze coming through the window opposite, none could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Gongsun Xun's heart had already begun to pound like a drum... He swore this was the most unbearable stretch of time in his entire life so far!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day in the night raid on Kezuique at Lulong Pass, he had still had a horse beneath him and a tempered-steel lance in his hand to rely on. That day inside the great camp at Kezuitan, he had still had four trusted confidants following at his back to support him. Beneath Mount Danhan, he had still had over a thousand elite Han troops to serve as his backing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In those times, whether life or death, it was all his own choice, all his own doing... If he died, it was because his skill was inferior, his strength inferior. But today, though he stood taller than Cao Jie, stronger than Cao Jie, and even seemed to hold some inexplicable advantage, the other man needed only a single word, and he would meet the same fate as Duan Wei!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only would he die himself, but he would also implicate his family and leave his mother with no will to live... How pitiful that he still had no child! Had he known, he should not have yielded to Zhao Yun in everything; he should have taken a few concubines early on to bear sons and daughters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After an unknown length of time, Cao Jie suddenly moved!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bent down slightly, picked up the documents from the ground before him, and dusted them off. Then, incredibly, he handed them back to Gongsun Xun. \"What Wenqi says is quite reasonable. Those who govern should take leniency and forbearance as their first principle. No matter what, how can one bring calamity upon a man's family? These are your appointment documents — take them and keep them safe... In this matter, I was indeed in the wrong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving aside how the others reacted, Gongsun Xun, having received the documents, was drenched in sweat yet felt his entire body grow much lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case,\" Cao Jie answered, folding his hands together. \"I shall memorialize the Son of Heaven that the dependents of these four men be sent back to their native places, with no further investigation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Cao's benevolence will surely be rewarded with good fortune.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I seek no such good fortune.\" Cao Jie could not help but shake his head and smile. \"I only wish for my family's safety… My sons and daughters have all gone to our old home in Wei Commandery to offer sacrifices at the ancestral tombs. On your way to take up your post, Wenqi, you might stop there and carry a verbal message for me, telling them to return to Luoyang soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A simple matter along the way — of course.\" This settled the agreement to hand over the people in Hebei, and Gongsun Xun naturally had nothing more to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, go to the Official Carriage Office to exchange your documents and surrender your seal and cord!\" Cao Jie waved a hand casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun let out a great sigh of relief. He offered the other man a half-bow, then, under the astonished gazes of Liu Tao and the others, made a full round of deep bows to take his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just as Gongsun Xun was about to depart the Southern Palace of Luoyang, filled as it was with the Tiger Guard, Cao Jie, who had kept his hands still all this while, suddenly laughed in spite of himself and called him back: \"Just now, after Court Physician Gongsun spoke so grandly, he fell silent for a long while… What were you thinking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said that Cao Jie's voice was thin and soft when he spoke, but the moment he uttered a sound, the many high officials and staff of the Secretariat who had still been exchanging farewells all held their breath, and the Secretariat fell utterly silent once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will not hide it from Lord Cao,\" said Gongsun Xun, who, now ready to leave and free of pressure, was quite candid. \"Just now I was thinking that I should have taken more concubines long ago, to spread my branches and leaves. That way, even if I died today, my widowed mother would still have someone to rely on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Would a man like you truly fear death?\" Cao Jie stood before the Secretariat Director's chamber, facing the chicken coop outside the corridor, utterly motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who under Heaven does not fear death?\" Gongsun Xun answered, unconcerned. \"Man lives between Heaven and Earth, sudden as a traveler on a distant journey…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A dipper of wine for merriment, a little thickness is not thin.\" Cao Jie softly picked up the verse. \"How well this poem is written! Ah, it is better to be alive — once dead, there is nothing at all…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Court Physician Gongsun, since you fear death, why did you still make a point of entering the palace to speak these words to me? Did you not fear that I might truly let my ferocity run wild and have you die here within the Southern Palace? Is living not good?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A man living in this world must have things he will do and things he will not.\" Gongsun Xun looked at the other man's back, his patience already exhausted. \"My parting words are spent. Lord Cao, take care of yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your words may be spent, but mine are not.\" Cao Jie suddenly turned around and walked over. \"Just now I said that, as your superior, I had no words to bestow upon you for your new post. But now I do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that very moment, Gongsun Xun, standing inside the entrance of the Secretariat, caught sight of Qiao Xuan's figure in the distance, and his courage grew all the more… This was the man coming, as agreed the night before, to back him up. Though somewhat late, it no longer mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I beg Lord Cao for his instruction.\" Gongsun Xun's heart suddenly settled completely, and he was naturally at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I recall that not long after you first came to Luoyang, you did a great and notable deed, and thereby made your name known throughout the capital region… You openly bared blades with Duan Jiong on Bronze Camel Street, is that right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then later, in Luoyang, you joined with Yang Qiu and, in the name of Capital Deputy Officer, took part in executing Wang Fu and expelling Yuan She, thereby shaking the capital and winning the esteem of the scholars, is that right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then do you know how I regarded these two great feats of yours?\" As he spoke, Cao Jie had already paced over and come to stand before Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not.\" Gongsun Xun answered frankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To tell you the truth, I thought very little of them.\" Cao Jie shook his head slightly, then actually extended a finger toward the chicken coop outside the Secretariat window. \"In my eyes at the time, you were just like those little chicks hopping about outside the Secretariat window — utterly laughable!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's expression could not help but change abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duan Jiong was old and decrepit, long since bereft of his former spirit — a toothless dead tiger, nothing more. And you, a White Horse Cadet in the full flush of youthful vigor, what courage does it take to bare a blade against such a man?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun clutched his appointment documents and remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And as for the matter of executing Wang Fu and expelling Yuan She — search your heart and ask yourself, did you contribute even half a measure of real effort? From start to finish, you were merely a hatchet for others to wield, at most it could be called going with the current!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun remained silent still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not that what you did was insufficient, but that one must measure it against one's own strength!\" Cao Jie pointed toward the Secretariat Director's chamber and said. \"In that place there was once a man known as the 'Boy Who Sheathed His Blade' — do you know of him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is the story of Zhu Hui, the famed minister of our dynasty.\" Gongsun Xun answered seriously. \"In his youth, during the chaos of Wang Mang's new dynasty, the realm was in turmoil and his entire clan fled disaster. On the road they encountered bandits, who seized their goods and money and, not content with that, wished to violate the clan's women. By then, the clansmen who had courage were already dead, and those without courage could only lie prostrate on the ground, not daring to move. Only he, alone, stepped forward with a small blade to confront the bandits, saying, 'You may take the goods and money, but you may not touch the garments of my female elders, or I shall fight you to the death.' The bandits, moved by his courage, laughed and urged him to 'sheath his blade,' then left the women and turned away. From that time on, Zhu Hui was famed throughout the realm for his childhood deed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let this old body ask you: our dynasty has had countless men of surpassing valor, and those who have driven off bandits are as numerous as ox hairs — why is it that a 'Boy Who Sheathed His Blade' is still remembered to this day?\" Cao Jie did not wait for a reply before answering his own question. \"It is because, as a mere boy, he performed an act of filial duty and righteousness, facing a danger he could not possibly withstand! His courage came from within, unlike your previous deeds, which borrowed from external things! That is why I, Cao Hanfeng, can be moved by Zhu Hui's courage when reading of it, yet think so little of your former actions. Because what you did — anyone else placed in your position could have done it just as easily!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's expression did not change, but although his colleagues in the Secretariat did not whisper, they all began glancing left and right. As for Qiao Xuan, who had long since arrived, he stood utterly motionless, instead observing this scene with keen interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, Court Physician Gongsun.\" Looking at the other man's pale face, Cao Jie suddenly narrowed his eyes and continued. \"Your previous actions, in my eyes, were indeed as laughable as a posturing chick. But today, for the safety of your former acquaintances' dependents, you did not shirk danger, but entered the palace alone to confront me — this act faintly carries the air of Zhu Hui, the 'Boy Who Sheathed His Blade'!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expressions of those present instantly became exceedingly colorful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The same in that the weak confronts the strong, the same in that righteousness is put first, the same in making those of us who have done wrong feel heartfelt admiration!\" Cao Jie spoke slowly. \"What difference is there between my retrieving and returning your documents, and the bandits of that day laughing and telling the boy to sheathe his blade?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is still some difference.\" Qiao Xuan, who had been watching for a long while, finally interjected. \"Lord Zhu was, after all, a mere boy then. Though his blade came from within, it was not yet sharp enough. But Wenqi, as the years have grown, served first as a commandery clerk, then in the border army, then as a Secretariat Cadet, and now he is about to become the magistrate of a county… Tempered by all this, his blade is now hard within and sharp without, and it seems about to become so keen that it will be the finest under Heaven!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Qiao speaks well!\" Cao Jie cast a cold glance at Qiao Xuan, and only then did he calmly address Gongsun Xun. \"In that case, on this journey to Xiangping, I also hope you, Wenqi, will take good care of yourself, and not let fall this prestige of being 'hard within and sharp without, the keenest under Heaven'!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also hope Lord Cao will take good care of himself.\" Gongsun Xun, holding his documents, bowed deeply, then rose and walked with Qiao Xuan, who had come to receive him, out of the Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jie watched the two men gradually recede along the line of Tiger Guard sentries, and only then did he turn back and coldly rebuke the assembled Secretariat staff: \"In that case, may you all also attend to your own duties!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd, buzzing with discussion, dispersed at once — yet one Secretariat Cadet remained, uneasy and not daring to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to summon Minister Lu.\" Cao Jie, seeing this, could not help but instruct him. \"Court Physician Dong, you may go as well. Allow me a moment alone!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man hastily bowed in thanks and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when Cao Jie turned and entered the Secretariat Director's chamber to sit, his face gradually revealing an expression of sorrow, he suddenly heard someone knocking on his door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jie could not help but frown and demand: \"Who is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister of Civil Personnel, Lu Zhi, comes to pay a visit to the Secretariat Director.\" Outside the room was, unexpectedly, Lu Zigan, who had not shown his face at all before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jie hurriedly put away his sorrowful expression and went to open the door, but asked in puzzlement: \"Did I not just tell Court Physician Dong not to summon Minister Lu? Could he have misheard my words?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\" The door swung open, and the tall, imposing figure of Lu Zhi stood before it, holding a formal document case. \"It is I who had official business to seek out the Secretariat Director in the first place…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" Cao Jie hastily ushered the man inside, treating him with extreme courtesy. \"Lord Lu, is this a memorial?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is indeed.\" Lu Zhi said frankly. \"There is a memorial that needs to be delivered directly before the throne. As it happens, the Secretariat Director is also the Grand Prolonger of Autumn, in charge of the Yellow Gate Supervisory Office, so I brought it directly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jie naturally had no objection: \"Minister Lu, rest assured. This afternoon I must go to the Northern Palace anyway, so I will take it along for you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zhi did not linger. At these words, he cupped his hands slightly and departed directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once Lu Zigan had left, Cao Hanfeng felt that something was not quite right… Consider: just now, when Gongsun Xun was confronting him, first Liu Tao, then Qiao Xuan — a whole crowd of people came here one after another to watch, in truth wanting to protect that boy from his hands… So why, as that boy's benefactor and teacher, had Lu Zhi stayed holed up in his room the entire time? And why did this edict have to be delivered the very moment the boy left?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, Cao Hanfeng, with practiced ease, directly opened the memorial case that only the Son of Heaven was supposed to unseal, untied the cord, and proceeded to read the memorial Lu Zigan had written on the bamboo slips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after just a few hasty glances, Cao Hanfeng was greatly alarmed. It turned out that the memorial, in just a few brief lines, was all blunt and unadorned remonstrance:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, that most of those proscribed in the Partisan Prohibitions were guilty of no crime, and he begged that the partisans be pardoned;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, that Empress Song and her family had been killed unjustly, yet their corpses all lay exposed and uncollected, and he begged the Son of Heaven to issue a pardon and have them gathered up, to give peace to their wandering souls;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, the frequent transfer of commandery governors and regional inspectors harms administration; please set a three-year term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fourth, recommendations for office should follow court procedures; those who presumptuously seek office and then commit crimes should implicate their sponsors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifth, the Son of Heaven should personally attend to affairs and not entrust the great governance of the realm to certain shady and disreputable persons!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading the memorial and pondering it carefully, even as one of those “shady and disreputable persons,” Cao Hanfeng could not help but raise his head and sigh deeply… Lu Zigan truly has the bearing of a renowned minister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Cao Jie immediately understood why the other party had not tried to aid his student, and also understood why he had waited until his student had left the Masters of Writing before submitting this memorial… Lu Zhi had gone to such pains solely out of fear that his actions would in turn implicate Gongsun Xun!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could even imagine that, because his own student had been so conspicuously active, he had been sitting on this memorial for a long time! A blade hidden in a child, a blade hidden in a gentleman of the palace — was this Lu Zhi, Minister Lu, not also a hidden blade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, what did any of this have to do with him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of reflection, Cao Jie retied the cord, unconcernedly closed the wooden box, and prepared to go to the Northern Palace for an audience with His Majesty… He had already made up his mind: if the Son of Heaven was enraged, he would say nothing more; but if the Son of Heaven still remembered that Lu Zigan was a great Confucian scholar of his home region and held some slight bond of affection, then he might as well put in a word or two and protect Lu Zigan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did this not because he admired Lu Zigan’s fortitude, but because, as Zixian had said before his death, he truly ought to treat others with goodwill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why has Cao Hanfeng suddenly begun to regard you so differently?” At that same moment, Qiao Xuan, walking slowly along the main avenue of the Southern Palace, suddenly spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How would I know?” Gongsun Xun, holding his letter of appointment, immediately shook his head. “Surely he hasn’t seen my overwhelming heroic spirit — a young hero — and decided he wants to marry his maternal granddaughter to me as a concubine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan looked thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun could not help but be speechless: “Lord Qiao, are you actually taking that seriously?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An old man’s thoughts differ from a young man’s.” Qiao Xuan promptly smiled. “I vaguely sense that Cao Hanfeng’s edge is completely gone… To be honest, if my youngest son had been beyond saving that day, I fear I would be the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then does Lord Qiao have any granddaughters awaiting marriage?” Gongsun Xun asked seriously. “I am not jesting — it is just that two of my clan’s younger cousins are both still unmarried…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no granddaughters awaiting marriage.” Qiao Xuan shook his head. “If I truly did… marrying them as principal wives to those two, to be honest, would be worse than marrying them to you as a concubine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun did not believe a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You people still do not understand the thoughts of a man grown old.” Qiao Xuan spoke gravely. “When I said this to Meng De that day, he also laughed and scoffed repeatedly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, just as they were about to reach the gate of the Southern Palace, Gongsun Xun suddenly stopped in his tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan’s heart stirred, but his steps did not pause: “That you were able to turn back and re-enter the city twice yesterday truly raised you in my esteem. In this matter, you have indeed surpassed Meng De by a notch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun’s expression remained unchanged; he said nothing, merely holding the documents and catching up once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the two of them exited the Southern Palace and reached Bronze Camel Street, Gongsun Xun gave Qiao Xuan a formal bow, and they parted ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentleman of the Palace!” As soon as Qiao Xuan had left, Shen Pei, who had been waiting outside the palace, came forward with a face full of hope. “Is there any word?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have already persuaded Cao Jie to pardon the family members of the four lords, absolving them of guilt and returning them to their native places.” Gongsun Xun answered frankly. “But the four lords themselves are beyond anything we can influence!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand, I understand.” Shen Pei was first elated, then could not help but grow despondent, and finally, right there on Bronze Camel Avenue, he offered a formal bow. “This time, I am indebted to Gentleman Gongsun for his lofty righteousness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, holding the documents in both hands, openly accepted the bow, and only after the other had risen did he ask: “Brother Zhengnan, what will you do now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I cannot bear to say it, I know full well that my lord is in grave peril this time. As his subject, my first duty is to remain here in Luoyang to handle matters for him from beginning to end. And if the worst should happen, I must escort his coffin back to his homeland…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun nodded slightly… Although he said “if the worst should happen,” in truth that “worst” was already a certainty. The day before, he had personally asked Liu Kuan and Qiao Xuan, and both had said that the Son of Heaven’s intent to kill was already decided, and that it would likely be like Duan Jiong’s case — swiftly put to death in prison to avoid unnecessary turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all — a ruthless official, a renowned minister of a great clan, a Colonel of Infantry, and a high minister of the imperial house — when such men collude, even if they did not truly intend rebellion, the fact of rebellion was already there… How could the Son of Heaven possibly tolerate such people? Shen Pei probably understood this reasoning as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, Gongsun Xun asked candidly: “I know that speaking of this now is somewhat contrary to human sentiment, but I am leaving the capital today and must ask… Brother Zhengnan, if the worst truly happens, after you escort Lord Chen’s coffin to Xuzhou, will you have somewhere to go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Naturally, I will return home to farm and study.” Shen Pei answered without concern. “Why, does the Gentleman have some use for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am about to be sent out as Prefect of Xiangping and am not skilled in governance. If I could have Brother Zhengnan’s assistance, Xun would be endlessly grateful.” Gongsun Xun, holding the documents in his hand, extended the invitation directly there on Bronze Camel Street… In such circumstances, there was no need for formal pleasantries — come if you will, do not come if you will not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pei will speak plainly,” Shen Pei replied crisply. “I was renowned throughout Hebei from my youth. Following my Lord Chen, I rose from county clerk to commandery clerk, and then to a retainer of the Three Excellencies — my vision is exceedingly high. Moreover, my Shen clan is itself a great family of Jizhou, and my origins are no less than yours, Gentleman Gongsun. So by all reason, I would not accept an invitation from a mere county prefect… However, the ancients would knot grass to repay a favor as small as a daughter not being buried alive with the dead. Having received such great kindness from the Gentleman, how dare I not repay it with all my strength? Please, Gentleman, go ahead to your post. Once matters in Luoyang are settled, I will naturally come to Xiangping to hold a sword for the Gentleman!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was overjoyed beyond expectation, but then recalled another matter, and his expression stirred slightly: “Brother Zhengnan, first accompany me to the Public Carriage Office to exchange the documents, and then come with me to meet someone. This person may be able to assist you as much as possible here in Luoyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei naturally had no objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Cao, please wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Cao Jie had submitted Lu Zhi’s memorial and saw that the Son of Heaven showed no sign of anger, he took his leave directly to avoid incurring the jealousy of Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and the others. Yet he never expected that these two would actually take the initiative to chase after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What business do the two Regular Attendants have?” Cao Jie, now free of desire and with a clear conscience, was naturally full of confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is like this,” Zhang Rang spoke first. “Some days ago, the Son of Heaven agreed with us that starting yesterday, the official funds for the Zhuolong Garden (the Western Garden) would be formally instituted. For all official appointments, a sum of money must be paid according to rank to build His Majesty’s Zhuolong Garden… But yesterday, Lord Cao suddenly brought such a major case, and then we debated for most of the day, so the Son of Heaven forgot about it for the moment. But today, it can no longer be waived!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh!” Cao Jie suddenly understood. “In that case, starting tomorrow, I will have the Masters of Writing Office’s Personnel Section send an extra copy of every issued document to the Zhuolong Garden… At that time, you can ask them for the money yourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Cao… will not be handling the Zhuolong Garden affairs?” Zhao Zhong eyed him warily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will not.” Cao Jie answered frankly, and then, under the astonished gazes of the two men, he slowly walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after taking only a few steps, he turned back: “But, if we are to start from today, there is one person who likely had no time to pay at the Zhuolong Garden before leaving in haste. He is someone from the Masters of Writing Office going out to serve in the provinces, so he was able to obtain his documents directly… What do the two Regular Attendants think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What rank of office?” Zhang Rang asked sternly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A thousand-bushel county prefect, a first-rate major county.” Cao Jie spoke plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can this be allowed?” Zhao Zhong flared up in anger. “That is a full ten million cash! And it is the Son of Heaven’s money — does he dare embezzle even the Son of Heaven’s money?! Which county, which person? If Lord Cao tells us, we will naturally send a Junior Yellow Gate attendant to pursue him and demand payment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiangping in Liaodong, the former Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, Gongsun Xun!” Cao Jie still spoke plainly. “The two Regular Attendants are busy; I still have matters at home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Cao Jie left directly, leaving the two men standing dazed outside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since he has already left, then let it be,” Zhao Zhong said after a moment of stunned silence, suddenly speaking with a serious expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, the Son of Heaven is waiting to see the money!” Zhang Rang also suddenly came to his senses and said dismissively. “But Gongsun Xun has always had a reputation for integrity and has repeatedly rendered great service. I think we can just give him a direct discount of three million…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you going to pay it?” Zhao Zhong’s face immediately fell, and he turned and walked back inside, waving his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miser!” Regular Attendant Zhang could not help but fume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun knew nothing of what transpired in the palace, and even if he had known, he would likely have simply refused to pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, after busying himself in Luoyang for another half day, by dusk that day, all matters were settled. Gongsun Xun finally put his concerns to rest and, with a clear conscience, left Luoyang City carrying the jointly issued documents from the Public Carriage Office and the Masters of Writing Office. Outside the city, he met up with Zhao Yun, Han Dang, Gongsun Fan, and the others who had long been waiting there, preparing to catch up with Lou Gui and Lu Fan, who had gone on ahead, and to hurry to his post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment of departure, beneath the setting sun, Gongsun Xun could not help but turn his head once more to look back at the capital of this vast empire, and then remained silent for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When we left Luoyang to return home that day, I remember the Young Lord said that from Luoyang he had gained only one insight — that the classics could not save the Great Han. Might there be an insight today as well?” The one who asked was none other than Han Dang, who had ridden forward alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Naturally,” Gongsun Xun could not help but laugh softly. “And this time, it is not just one insight, but many ‘insights’…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That the Son of Heaven is not to be relied upon, the ducal clans are not to be relied upon, the ruthless officials are not to be relied upon… and the eunuchs are also not to be relied upon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what, in the end, can be relied upon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only oneself can be relied upon!\" As he spoke, Gongsun Xun smiled and turned his horse around. \"A eunuch taught me that... Time to go, time to go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aye!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dang answered, then immediately followed. The two returned to the caravan and headed straight east, leaving Hulao Pass that very night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A poem says: It strips the leaves of late autumn, yet can make the flowers of February bloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crossing the river, it raises thousand-foot waves; entering the bamboo grove, it bends ten thousand stalks aslant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—————I am the dividing line that finally owes no more debts—————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Late in the sixth month of the first year of Guanghe... Tiger Guard General of the Household He Jin killed Gentleman of the Household Yu She over a trivial matter. Also, Intendant of the Capital Yang Biao was promoted to Palace Attendant. Also, Prefect of Luoyang Sima Fang was promoted to Intendant of the Capital. Also, an earthquake occurred north of the Yellow River.\" — Records of the Three Adjuncts, Zhao Qi\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No more debts! And as one gets old, one really does get drowsy easily! Also, there's a reader group 684558115, everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",7946,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","e33e23ad52b587e85e9150310582982f7e154061f87331bbe8ce68137b56415b","overthrowing-han-chapter-137","overthrowing-han-chapter-135",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]