[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-168":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},1222927,1620,"Chapter 168: Requesting Surrender","overthrowing-han-chapter-168",168,"\u003Cp>The Hun River is the largest tributary of the Yalu River (called the Mazishui at this time), and was once even considered the main stem of the Yalu. But setting that aside, the Hun River, which makes a nearly ninety-degree turn midway, together with the upper reaches of the Yalu, perfectly encloses a rectangular area at the foot of Mount Zhangbai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For humankind, this is nothing short of the greatest blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historically, after the Goguryeo people were driven to rebellion by Wang Mang, they later reconciled with the Great Han founded by Liu Xiu. However, as this kingdom's military expansion eventually aroused the Great Han's vigilance, the two states finally entered a prolonged period of military friction. Facing the immense military pressure of the Great Han, the Goguryeo people, who had originally established their capital at Gulseong Fortress on the west side of the Hun River, promptly turned their gaze to the opposite bank of their own capital — that is, the feng shui treasure land mentioned before!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounded by water on three sides and backed by Mount Zhangbai on the fourth, this provided the territory with the most outstanding defensive features of the classical era. Moreover, this territory was extremely open, fully capable of providing sufficient agricultural support... and that was enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the course of more than a hundred years, the Goguryeo people used this strip of land as their foundation, continuously expanding, and stubbornly grew into a \"great power\" with a population of hundreds of thousands right under the Great Han's nose. They even frequently fought the Great Han's Xuantu Commandery to a standstill, with considerable vigor and success, which could be considered sufficient to comfort the first Goguryeo king, Zhu Meng, who was killed by Wang Mang as casually as slaughtering a chicken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the present, however, just as the first year of the Guanghe era of the Great Han was about to pass, the Han people had finally broken through the defenses the Goguryeo people had built over a hundred years on their periphery, bringing the flames of war to the banks of the Hun River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps this statement is not entirely accurate, because when Xu Rong breached the most important Goguryeo stronghold on the Hun River — that is, their old capital, Gulseong Fortress — he did not set a single fire, and only seven or eight people died... The latter was mainly because the advance troops, upon entering the Goguryeo temporary palace in this city, could not resist some looting, which then provoked a street battle of moderate scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was merely a minor interlude. With the stationing of several thousand cavalry and the heads of over a hundred Goguryeo people who dared to resist being hung up, this old capital of the Goguryeo people still fell completely into the hands of the Han army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And regardless, no matter how easily this city fell, it cannot erase the immense strategic significance of the Han army capturing it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, this is the old capital of the Goguryeo people, itself the second largest city in the Goguryeo kingdom. Its fall alone carries sufficient political weight. Even if the Han army stopped here, plundered the city, and then burned it down before returning home, it would still be enough to leave a name in history. From Gongsun Xun's perspective, it would also be enough to achieve his intended objective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, Gulseong Fortress is also the pivotal city on the Hun River. Controlling it means that the core strip of Goguryeo territory has been completely opened up. Even if the Hun River thaws, the Goguryeo capital at the foot of Mount Jian will still have its gates wide open to the Han army!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, Xu Rong had also inadvertently caught a very big fish in this city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are Myeongnim Dapbu?\" Looking at the short, shabbily dressed little old man before him, Xu Rong was half-believing and half-doubtful. \"Since you entered this city half a day before us, why did you not hold the city and defend it, instead allowing us to charge in so easily?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to this General...\" Myeongnim Dapbu, sitting on the ground, was indeed quite meek and submissive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Address me as Marshal. We have only one General in this army.\" Xu Rong immediately frowned and cut off the other's flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, this Marshal.\" Myeongnim Dapbu immediately corrected himself and answered in passable Han speech. \"I originally did wish to defend the old capital somewhat, but the helpless part is... I entered the city alone this time, lacking people around me. At first, I had no one even to help verify my identity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where are your people?\" Xu Rong could not help but ask curiously upon hearing this. \"The Grand Dae-ro of a nation, controlling the court for decades — even in such a military defeat, you should still have some followers, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In recent years, this old man has intentionally abolished old systems, offending many noble scions of the various tribes in the kingdom... Defeated like this, they naturally took the opportunity to push me aside.\" Myeongnim Dapbu still appeared extremely candid. \"When the Marshal was pursuing us along the way earlier, I had asked them to come to Gulseong Fortress, but they all clamored together, wanting to take advantage of the Hun River being frozen to cross directly to the capital...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why did you not go with them?\" Xu Rong grew even more curious. \"If you went to your capital, you might still have something to do. Coming here alone, aren't you just delivering yourself into my hands?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, this city is truly a vital strategic location, which I dared not abandon lightly. Second, I truly did not expect the Marshal to be so swift.\" At this point, Myeongnim Dapbu could not help but smile bitterly. \"Third, given the current situation, I also dare not go to the capital.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Afraid of being punished by your King?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to this Marshal, it is not fear of punishment. Actually, our Goguryeo kingdom originally has no codified law. If someone commits a crime, everyone discusses it together, and whoever shouts loudest wins... And my family is a great clan of this kingdom. Even with such a military defeat, it would be very difficult for them to punish me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what exactly are you afraid of?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is precisely them I fear...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hold!\" Xu Rong suddenly raised a hand to stop the other's explanation and turned his head to listen intently. \"What is happening outside? I seem to hear people clamoring in the distance without cease?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several guards immediately turned and ran out of the temporary palace, but quickly returned, then knelt to report with excited faces: \"Marshal, the people outside are all shouting that the General has entered the city! Many are heading to the West Gate to cheer and welcome him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He came so quickly!\" Both Xu Rong and Myeongnim Dapbu were startled for a moment — though the latter did not dare to voice it aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have this man change his clothes, then quickly bring him along to see the General.\" After his surprise, Xu Rong hastily ended this impromptu interrogation and swiftly gave another order to the guards beside him. \"Also, tidy up the temporary palace and prepare it for the General's stay!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun had indeed arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, once he confirmed the complete annihilation of the Goguryeo main army ahead, he had taken only a few dozen White Horse cavalrymen and headed straight here along the Qianshan pass, which was strewn with corpses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not because he was urgently seeking merit. On the contrary, he simply wanted to disgust the Xuantu Grand Administrator, Ju Teng... It is said that when the latter heard of the great victory ahead — that the fifty-thousand-strong Goguryeo army had been completely wiped out in a single day — he was, like everyone else, so shocked his jaw nearly dropped. But then he also displayed the bearing of a frontier commandery's two-thousand-bushel official of the Great Han. Reportedly, at that time, this Grand Administrator Ju, without even bothering to change his shoes, ran directly to the courtyard of the government office and mobilized the entire strength of Xuantu Commandery. Carts large and small, horses, civilian laborers, and able-bodied men were all dispatched directly toward Zuoyuan. Then he himself, mounted on a tall horse, wearing a pheasant-tailed helmet and iron armor, followed majestically right behind the main contingent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, with the battle fought to this extent, Gongsun Xun did not feel he would lack for merit or fame... Ju Teng had indeed contributed considerable effort; one could even say that without Ju Teng's support, the outcome of this battle would have been uncertain. So sharing some of the credit with him and letting the fellow earn the merit of a marquisate would be fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, when Gongsun Xun learned the details of Shen Pei's plea for reinforcements that day — namely, the matter of the latter being forced to eat the document — he could not help but feel a bit protective. So, taking advantage of the other's absence, he came straight to the front army, deliberately making Ju Teng come up empty... This behavior, like teasing a cat with dried fish, had no practical effect and was merely willful indulgence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, no one would think Gongsun Xun lacked the right to be willful now... especially since, in the blink of an eye, even Gulseong Fortress had been taken by the Han army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen, you have worked hard!\" Gongsun Xun, under the White Horse banner, greeted the Han army officers, great and small, who had rushed out to welcome him, waving at them as if in a prank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one raised their head and chest to shout \"We serve the Great Han!\" Instead, nearly everyone hurriedly knelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun threw his head back and laughed, then dismounted and stepped forward to help everyone up. At this moment, Xu Rong also hurriedly appeared within his field of vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, General!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Tadun, Mo Hukou, Duan Riyuming, Han Dang, Gongsun Yue, and others who had pursued alongside him were already clustered around Gongsun Xun, and that among the city's commanders, only he himself was missing, Xu Rong, despite having won a battle, felt inexplicably guilty and immediately knelt from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marshal Xu, please rise.\" Gongsun Xun also quickly smiled and stepped forward, taking the other's arm to help him up. \"A few days ago, from the high platform, I saw the Marshal drive straight through the enemy camp. Today, I heard you rode without pause straight into this city. This is what is called driving straight in — truly the manner of a famed general of old.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong was immediately overjoyed, and the inexplicable unease that had welled up earlier vanished: \"The General anticipated the enemy in advance and directed operations with composure. Only with the overall situation established could this great victory be achieved!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, there is no need for us to flatter each other.\" Gongsun Xun pulled the other's arm, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. \"Let us speak of serious matters. Grand Administrator Ju has already reached Zuoyuan, so I came ahead... Let me ask you, now that Gulseong Fortress has fallen, how is the army's morale? Can we move out quickly to besiege the Goguryeo capital?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong was momentarily stunned: \"Although speed is precious in war, why is the General in such a hurry? My thought is that since Gulseong Fortress has fallen, it would be better to rest and reorganize for a bit, wait for the rear forces to arrive, then assemble the army and capture the Goguryeo capital at our leisure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marshal Xu, those words are mistaken!\" At that moment, Mo Hukou suddenly jumped out. \"Since the General has issued a military order, we should simply carry it out. Why ask further?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, all the surrounding commanders actually nodded in agreement with Mo Hukou, leaving Xu Rong momentarily speechless. Moreover, that sense of unease he had just lost suddenly returned, yet he was utterly baffled, and could not help but stammer slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, seeing his attendants running over from the temporary palace, Xu Rong quickly changed the subject, strongly inviting Gongsun Xun to stay at the temporary palace, to feast first, and then discuss the matter of advancing the army during the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet at these words, the surroundings fell cold again for a moment, and even Gongsun Xun stopped in his tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\" Although still somewhat baffled, Xu Rong at least knew he must have done something wrong somewhere, and could not help but feel flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Gongsun Xun actually found it amusing. He only now realized that while Xu Rong was indeed an excellent fighter, he was terribly slow in political matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must know, although Goguryeo was merely a petty state, it had been founded and established for nearly two hundred years. Their Goguryeo King had even been formally enfeoffed by Liu Xiu. In other words, the regal system of this King was proper, genuine, and recognized by the central imperial court. And on this campaign, even if Gongsun Xun truly annihilated Goguryeo in the end, when reporting back, he would probably still have to hold his nose and write some nonsense like \"suppressing rebels on behalf of the Goguryeo King\" as a cover...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under such circumstances, how could Gongsun Xun, who had mobilized troops privately in the first place, ambiguously take up residence in the enemy's temporary palace? Wasn't that just asking for trouble? Not to mention, there was still the Xuantu Grand Administrator behind him. If Ju Teng behind him seized on this, it would be like a toad climbing onto your foot — it might not bite you to death, but it would disgust you to death. What then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, this bit of political sensitivity was possessed not only by Gongsun Xun, Gongsun Yue, and the others, but also by the barbarian chieftains like Mo Hukou, Tadun, and Duan Riyuming... For them, such matters of nominal legitimacy were perhaps even more serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it was precisely the Han army commander Xu Rong who had behaved improperly... In fact, he seemed to have just come from the direction of the temporary palace. It was even possible that he himself had rested there last night. One could even imagine that his subordinates might have looted the place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And judging from the reactions of the other commanders, everyone was likely generally harboring discontent, which was why they were making veiled insinuations in front of him, Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, so be it. It is merely a temporary palace,\" Thinking this, Gongsun Xun took the initiative to exonerate Xu Rong somewhat. \"Moreover, the current Goguryeo King was privately installed by a powerful minister, so there is no need to show excessive respect... Let's do this: staying there is unnecessary, but we shall hold a banquet inside. Then, except for those necessary for defense, all officers in the entire army from the rank of Company Commander and above shall go in and broaden their horizons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did everyone relax somewhat, and then their interest was piqued one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In just a short while, Marshal Xu has made two major mistakes in succession.\" Upon arriving at the temporary palace, just as Gongsun Xun took advantage of the time before the banquet to individually greet and comfort those mid-ranking officers permitted to enter, a voice suddenly came from behind Xu Rong's ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong turned his head to look closely, only to find that the speaker was actually Myeongnim Dapbu... It turned out that the earlier incident had flustered the former so much that he had not yet had the chance to hand this man over to Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This old man has no other intention.\" Myeongnim Dapbu quickly said in a low voice. \"It is just that, having been treated courteously by the Marshal, and since I myself have long handled administrative affairs and have some grasp of human nature, I spoke a few words out of turn, disregarding my status...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go on, let me hear it.\" Xu Rong was indeed somewhat puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, Commander Xu, you should not have presented the temporary palace to the entire army in public — that is a serious taboo. And you should not have occupied it privately before that either…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter was indeed a lapse in my judgment.\" Xu Rong immediately saw the light. \"I forgot this was a royal palace; I should not have invited the General to lodge here, and I certainly should not have stayed overnight here last night.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, Commander Xu, you should not have openly opposed your general's intention to advance swiftly…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has the General already made up his mind to advance?\" Xu Rong was instantly speechless. \"Didn't he specifically ask me whether we should advance or not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minglin Physician was also speechless for a moment: \"Commander Xu, since your general mentioned that Governor Ju has already reached Zuoyuan, he clearly does not want to share the credit with that Governor Ju — that is why he wants to advance swiftly. Taking your hand and saying this was even more a signal for you to voice your agreement… Even those Xianbei men could grasp this reasoning. How can a Han commander like you fail to understand such subtleties?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong was dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moreover,\" Minglin Physician continued, \"although I do not know what relationship you have with that Governor Ju, since your general took the initiative to speak to you about this matter, he clearly has expectations of you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong grew even more embarrassed upon hearing this: \"I am the full Commander of Xuantu Commandery. Governor Ju is precisely my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minglin Physician's eyelids drooped slightly: \"Then what exactly does Commander Xu think? Do you wish to aid this General Gongsun, or do you wish to aid that Governor Ju?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I will aid General Gongsun.\" Xu Rong answered without the slightest hesitation. \"Governor Ju has been in our commandery for several months, yet I have seen no grace or virtue from him. General Gongsun, on the other hand, though I have only been with him a few days, already shows the bearing of a great commander. That we can command ten thousand troops and have fought our way here is entirely due to his effective leadership! And I am not the only one who reveres the General — who in the entire army, high or low, does not submit to him? Even the reinforcements Governor Ju sent later, in just a few days, have all become sincerely convinced.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought as much.\" Minglin Physician quickly nodded. \"This General Gongsun, though young, truly knows how to command men. Just now he saw at a glance that Commander Xu had fallen into a deadlock, and he took the initiative to protect you — first by dropping the subject of advancing, then by bringing the entire army to the temporary palace, so that no one could wag their tongues at you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong could not help but nod slowly at these words, but then suddenly spoke again: \"In truth, I also committed a third grave error.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minglin Physician could not suppress a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……………………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So he is the Goguryeo Mangniji, Minglin Physician?\" Gongsun Xun set down his cup and laughed involuntarily. \"I thought he was some bookkeeper Commander Xu had found somewhere… Still, after many days of standoff, though I could not see his face clearly, his build and the shape of his beard and hair match — it should be him, no mistake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A defeated general, I make the General laugh.\" Minglin Physician hurriedly gave a dry laugh and knelt to beg forgiveness. \"I should never have opposed the celestial troops of the Great Han, and have only made myself a laughingstock.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Matters on the battlefield shift in an instant. A few days ago, it was not impossible for you to win. Had you won, would I not also have become a laughingstock?\" Gongsun Xun, seated at the head, said dismissively. \"However, the overall situation of the war is now settled. What remains is simply whether your kingdom's capital can be taken by us, and how this campaign will conclude… The Mangniji is being so forthright now; I presume you have something to say to me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Precisely.\" Minglin Physician hurriedly prostrated himself in salute. \"Since the overall situation is settled, I beg the General to permit me to continue presiding over Goguryeo's internal affairs after the war…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was asking a question, so naturally everyone held their breath and kept silent. Yet the moment Minglin Physician spoke these words, a wave of barely suppressed snickering arose all around. Even Gongsun Xun was momentarily taken aback: \"You are certainly blunt enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A petty subject of a foreign state dares not practice deceit before the General's divine might, that is all.\" Minglin Physician knelt in the main hall of the temporary palace, then raised his head and answered earnestly. \"I beg the General to allow me to explain my reasons…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak, then.\" Gongsun Xun did not lack the patience for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General,\" Minglin Physician said sincerely, \"I, your humble servant, squandered nearly all of our Goguryeo kingdom's military strength in one stroke at Zuoyuan. From the nobles of every tribe above to the common people of every city below, all hate me to the bone. If I am to remain as Goguryeo's regent, the only thing I can rely on after the war is the Great Han — therefore I will not be cunning or fickle, nor will I be disloyal to the Great Han or to the General! This is the first reason!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where there is a first, there must be a second,\" Gongsun Xun interjected with a face full of mockery. \"Continue, Mangniji!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second,\" Minglin Physician paid no heed whatsoever to the mockery from the man seated above and continued, \"although I am regarded with enmity by the entire kingdom, my Yeonna-bu clan is, after all, one of the five tribes of Goguryeo. Moreover, the Gwanna-bu's Aga Gari is already dead, the whereabouts of the Hwanna-bu's Uibaryu are unknown, and the royal clan was grievously weakened by my purges in the past. Therefore, though these people hate me to the bone, they can do nothing to me. I still have the ability to serve the Great Han.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does your clan still retain its power?\" Gongsun Xun showed a trace of genuine interest. \"From what I know, is there not still a force of fifteen hundred palace guards in your capital? You are now absent from the capital — if that king you installed has any skill at all, by now the Yeonna-bu may well have been wiped out, no?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The General thinks far too highly of our king.\" Minglin Physician could not help but sneer. \"And far too little of our kingdom's noble factions. The royal clan is merely one of six clans, and their power was already greatly diminished during the palace coup and deposition. As for those fifteen hundred palace guards, they are nothing more than the private soldiers of our three Na-bu tribes… How could they possibly wipe out our Yeonna-bu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so?\" Gongsun Xun could not help but look thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that is not all.\" Minglin Physician hastened to add. \"In truth, we Goguryeo people lack proper institutions; all matters are conducted without any codified laws or statutes to rely upon, and the size of one's office depends on the size of one's clan power… In my view, the situation in our Goguryeo capital is such that, far from wiping out my Yeonna-bu, those nobles who fled back likely have not even managed to elect a leader yet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is why you do not return?\" Gongsun Xun suddenly laughed in realization. \"If you were to return and give them a target, it would instead unite this rabble against your Yeonna-bu and suddenly spark internal strife?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minglin Physician immediately lowered his head, but for a moment did not reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case,\" Gongsun Xun raised an eyebrow at this and pressed further in a raised voice, \"if your kingdom is a sheet of loose sand, would it not be effortless for me to advance and attack now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I may speak frankly, I fear it is not so.\" Minglin Physician quickly raised his head again and continued answering in earnest. \"If the General does not go, they will naturally quarrel endlessly. But if the General truly besieges the city, I fear they may well unite around our king for a time. The hidden strength remaining in each clan would also be brought out in full… Our Goguryeo capital was built over a hundred years ago. It backs onto Mount Jian and occupies commanding heights, its walls are sturdy, and it is easy to defend and hard to attack. If the nobles can unite as one, the General may not be able to take it swiftly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the side, Han Dang and the others had been about to frown and shout rebukes, but the banquet had only just begun and they had not truly lost their sense of propriety. Seeing that Gongsun Xun at the head had actually turned solemn, for the moment no one dared to speak out of turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then this is the third point,\" Gongsun Xun said slowly. \"Are you not trying to say that attacking the city may not be advantageous, and so you wish to persuade me not to attack?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The General sees clearly!\" Minglin Physician's thin frame could not help but tremble. \"It is truly that attacking the city may not guarantee its fall. But if the General can spare our Goguryeo capital and allow me to take charge of state affairs at that time, then I guarantee that the kingdom's wealth will be poured out entirely for the Great Han, the General, and all of you gentlemen…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goguryeo is a tiny state,\" Gongsun Xun suddenly rose and said. \"It initiated armed conflict — can mere wealth settle this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our king is naturally willing to make a trip to Luoyang.\" Minglin Physician continued earnestly. \"Whether he is killed or imprisoned does not matter. With him in hand, the General need not worry about merit or prestige from this campaign. As for submitting as a vassal and ceding territory, that is also a matter of course…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what if I still feel it is not enough?\" Gongsun Xun asked, cup in hand, as he approached the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the General feels it is not enough, I am also willing to hand over all the kingdom's mineral deposits and mountain forests to the General's family Anli Trading House to operate!\" Minglin Physician immediately kowtowed repeatedly. \"I shall surely measure out Goguryeo's material resources to win the General's favor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun let out a long sigh: \"I understand now, Minglin Physician!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just now when Commander Xu spoke of your affairs, I found it strange. With your intelligence, could you not see that one man alone could not hold Heulseunggol Fortress? That being the case, why come here alone, only to walk straight into the trap? If you could not go to Heulseunggol Fortress and could not go to the capital, why not hide in some remote little city instead? Why insist on coming here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now I see. Minglin Physician, you actually sought to be captured this time, so that you could speak these words to me, is that not so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The General sees clearly!\" Minglin Physician pressed his head down deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————— I am the self-condemning dividing line ———————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When Taizu campaigned against Goguryeo, he captured the kingdom's Mangniji, Minglin Physician. Because Physician was advanced in years, he was not subjected to punishment or humiliation. Physician then begged to surrender at Heulseunggol Fortress, saying: 'Measure out Goguryeo's material resources to win the General's favor. Since there is an opportunity to repent of calamity, it is fitting to issue a memorial of self-reproach… Now in agreeing to this covenant, I see the General's lofty virtue in granting forgiveness, and I lament the ignorance of the foolish and tyrannical. Reflecting on it afterward, shame and indignation intermingle.' Alas, can a man who holds the reins of a state truly be so lacking in virtue?\" — From the Dianlüe, annotated by Pei Songzhi of Yan\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Thanks to the book friend Lonely灬Alright for the reward… I am deeply ashamed\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, new book group 684558115, everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4762,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","c51d5583ccd125ceee3d88d99ced771649117033ae7a2f32442b89aca1e85730","overthrowing-han-chapter-169","overthrowing-han-chapter-167",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]