[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-152":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},1222911,1620,"Chapter 152: Close and Generous","overthrowing-han-chapter-152",152,"\u003Cp>\"Reporting to Your Excellency, the calculation and collection of the suanfu tax after this autumn harvest have all been completed. Please review them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was noon the day after the banquet for the Mushroom King. Wang Xiu was holding a thick stack of documents, reporting while standing three paces before Gongsun Xun. Behind him, two assistant clerks were carrying an entire basket of documents... It was fortunate they used paper account books; if these were bamboo or wooden slips, it would have been a nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Xiangping was the largest city beyond the frontier and also the largest county, governing over ten Battalion Commander, with flourishing trade and a concentration of prominent families. Such suanfu tax figures were only to be expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shuzhi, say no more,\" Gongsun Xun stepped forward to take the dossier, but set it aside and instead took the other man's hand. \"I am naturally at ease with your work. Besides, I have seen with my own eyes the hardship of your traveling through the villages these past days to verify the household registers and tax records. Now that the work is done, you should rest. Why not come with me to pay respects to my mother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, in this era, a superior carried the attributes of a lord; to honor his position meant loyalty to his person, and by extension, loyalty to his family. Thus, for a superior to make the gesture of 'ascending the hall to pay respects to one's mother' toward a subordinate was a sign of exceptional regard and closeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this sort of thing could only barely be done now, when he was merely a County Magistrate. Once he reached the rank of two thousand shi or higher, casually making such a gesture would seem like 'indiscriminate favor.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, even as a County Magistrate, such an act was somewhat unconventional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, everything depends on the person. Why speak of 'treating the worthy with courtesy'? If the other party truly was a worthy man, then naturally one should treat him with courtesy, descending the steps to welcome him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Wang Xiu, for example. Gongsun Xun initially thought he was someone who sought fame through affectation. Only after going to the man's hometown to make inquiries did he begin to trust him, and Lady Gongsun had no impression of this person at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, once Wang Xiu arrived in Xiangping and began working right under his nose, Gongsun Xun discovered that this man was truly a rare talent... This Wang Shuzhi was diligent every day, burying himself in the work of the Revenue Section. Not only did he keep the work in perfect order, but he never showed favoritism. Silver and goods flowed through his hands like water, yet he still wore only the clothes he arrived in and a few items bought with his meager salary. The only people attending him were the two official maidservants allotted to the Revenue Section and one Samhan horse-groom bestowed by Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What made one think even more highly of him was this: after Lady Gongsun arrived, many county clerks ignored the single street separating them, shuttling between the government office and Lady Gongsun's private residence to escape the stern-faced County Magistrate and perform as best they could before the County Magistrate's seemingly kinder, more generous mother... Yet Wang Xiu never once went to the private residence of the County Magistrate and his mother on the back street. When he was out verifying documents and data in the various townships, that went without saying; but when he was in the city, this man was either working in the public office or reading in the small courtyard the government office had assigned him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was truly remarkable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was no wonder that Gongsun Xun gradually developed a fondness for talent and prepared to give this man an explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, that afternoon, in the rear residence, Wang Xiu formally paid his respects to Lady Gongsun. The latter then waved her hand grandly and bestowed a stunning reward, from servants to valuables. Wang Shuzhi accepted it calmly... After all, it was a gift from an honored elder, so it was only proper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then everyone sat down, and Lady Gongsun took the lead in asking about Wang Xiu's hometown. For a time, the atmosphere could be called excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as everyone was conversing happily, someone suddenly disregarded propriety and came straight into the rear hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this person dressed as a gatekeeper, many present, from the seated County Magistrate's wife Zhao Yun to the household steward Lin Bayi, could not help but frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, before this person could speak, Gongsun Xun suddenly understood and immediately stood up overjoyed: \"Could it be that Shen Zheng Nan has arrived?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gatekeeper quickly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out that Gongsun Xun had given prior instructions: if Shen Pei arrived, there was to be no delay whatsoever, and he was to be brought straight in. And when Lady Gongsun heard this name, she also laughed: \"I was just thinking of meeting this famous scholar of Hebei. Wenqi, go out personally and invite him in!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun naturally followed her words and personally rose to go welcome him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the difference between people... Wang Xiu was a man of high morals and decent ability, who worked tirelessly and diligently without complaint, yet he was like a mushroom growing alone in a corner, unnoticed for a long time. It was only after he passed his probationary period and still performed exceptionally that he was given some preferential treatment, and even then, many county clerks were likely unconvinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why? Because no one had known this man before. From Gongsun Xun and his mother to the people of Xiangping, no one knew what this young man was really about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That being the case, it was naturally like when the Anli Firm just hired a new clerk; one needed to observe and examine him to determine his standard and character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Shen Pei?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the man even arrived, Gongsun Xun had already reserved the best position he could offer in the county, even being meticulous enough to instruct the gatekeeper in advance to give him special treatment. And Lady Gongsun wanted to summon him the moment she heard his name... At the same time, the people here in Xiangping, including the Assistant County Magistrate Tian Shao, who had previously agreed to voluntarily step aside when this man arrived, only felt pained about their own official posts, without thinking Shen Pei did not deserve such treatment. Even Lu Fan, who actually had considerable designs on an official post but only got the position of County Commandant this time, did not say much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone felt it was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the essence behind this 'only natural' was different. For people like Tian Shao and the silent Lu Fan, they valued Shen Pei's reputation as a famous scholar of Hebei, plus his resume as the steward of the Chen Qiu household... A steward of the Three Excellencies, repaying a debt of gratitude by condescending to serve as an Assistant County Magistrate under a County Magistrate—everyone found it admirable! Even if they were displeased, they could not voice it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gongsun Xun and his mother valued the meaning of the name Shen Pei even more... In Lady Gongsun's impression, although this man had some flaws, he was a first-rate general and advisor. Moreover, the loyalty and ability he displayed in the final days of the Yuan regime made one think exceptionally highly of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loyal minister—who doesn't like that? An able loyal minister, even more so!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And besides, although the current Shen Pei was young, he had long since been tempered through experience from the commanderies and counties to Luoyang, and was probably no half-finished product.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, given Gongsun Xun's current status and age, if he could truly bring such a man under his command, it would be an enormous bargain... It must be said, when Gongsun Xun took that tremendous risk that day, gritting his teeth and turning back to Luoyang to rescue the families of those four men, how much of that fierce determination was spurred by the departure of Tian Feng, unwilling to let Shen Zheng Nan slip away again? That was perhaps unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in comparison, that Xu You, who might be lured over by throwing money at him—better to let him honestly follow Yuan Benchu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zheng Nan, you've come at the perfect time!\" Gongsun Xun strode out to welcome him, his joy indeed showing on his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Excellency!\" Shen Pei had come alone on a single horse. Upon meeting, he immediately released his hand from his saber to salute and directly changed his form of address. \"Pei has come to fulfill the agreement. I hope Your Excellency will accept me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Gongsun Xun even more overjoyed. Right there in the courtyard, he grasped the other man's arm, and then actually forgot to turn around and lead him to pay respects to his own mother. Instead, he began asking him right there in the courtyard about events in Luoyang and what he had seen and heard along the way... And Shen Pei answered everything he knew without reserve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the two men spoke of how Chen Qiu and the others were tortured to death immediately after Gongsun Xun left, and they sighed together in sorrow; they heard how the entire family of Empress Song was collected for burial by various relatives, yet no one dared risk burying the Empress herself, and in the end, it was a group of minor eunuchs and palace attendants who pooled their money to bury her—this too made them sigh with regret; finally, when asked why he had arrived somewhat late, Shen Pei frankly replied that after escorting his late master Chen Qiu's coffin back to his hometown, he happened to hear news of Yuan Feng's funeral. Because he had also received the kindness of Yuan Kui pleading before the Emperor that day, he had actually made a trip to Runan before turning back... This made Gongsun Xun feel a twinge of lingering fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After recounting all this, Shen Pei actually took the initiative to ask in return: \"Pei has come because of Your Excellency's great kindness, precisely to be of use. I wonder if Your Excellency has any difficult matters that need my attention? If there is any assignment, please speak frankly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An autumn breeze stirred in the courtyard. Gongsun Xun was momentarily stunned, then suddenly gritted his teeth and spoke bluntly: \"I have the intention to carry out a deposition and enthronement in Goguryeo to establish extraordinary merit, yet I am confined to a mere thousand-shi County Magistrate post. I do not know where I can find troops for my use... Zheng Nan is familiar with the statutes of commanderies and counties and has served as steward to the Three Excellencies, giving you a strategic, high-level perspective and a different vision. Is there anything you can teach me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei pondered for a moment, then actually nodded slowly: \"Perhaps there is...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————I am a very proactive dividing line——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"(Shen) Pei was by nature fiercely upright. In all his words and deeds, he shunned hypocrisy and often admired the integrity of the ancients. Thus, there is the account of him traveling a thousand li to fulfill an appointment, not even brushing off the travel dust, dismounting his horse and immediately inquiring about difficult matters.\" — New Book of Yan, Volume 68, Biographies, Chapter 18\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Embarrassing, got stuck on the classical text. The pretentious second update lost face. Thanks to book friend Yang Ming for the reward. Also, new book group 684558115, everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1959,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","ff18af6d73f0dd547877d35065326acf92ba800831bc4e053892b4f1e10c0f04","overthrowing-han-chapter-153","overthrowing-han-chapter-151",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]