[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-193":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},1222952,1620,"Chapter 193: No News of the Newcomer (Part 2) (All-Nighter 8k Compensation)","overthrowing-han-chapter-193",193,"\u003Cp>In the evening, within the city of Handan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the sunlight that was gradually losing its scorching heat, in a building diagonally opposite the county office, Lady Zhao Yun, wife of the Marquis of Wulu, sat stiff-faced under the eaves watching the maidservants pack up belongings, while her ill-fated fat cat, showing not the slightest consideration for its mistress's displeasure, was instead chasing and swatting paws with another, slightly thinner calico cat in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thin calico cat was something Feng Zhi had specially asked for from Lady Gongsun before departing… that day when Gongsun Xun had sent over a litter of cats, although Lady Gongsun was also quite fond of the gift, she only had a particular soft spot for the fattest big cat, even going so far as to have it neutered and keep it by her side; the rest she simply allowed to breed freely in the household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, aside from making Lady Gongsun secretly laugh at her overly obvious little scheme, Feng Zhi's request went smoothly enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Zhao Yun was not stiff-faced because of the two cats in the courtyard. In truth, as Gongsun Xun's principal wife, she had more than enough reasons to be unhappy at this moment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had toiled all the way to Handan, only for her husband to be absent at just the wrong time;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before coming, her mother-in-law had assigned her some matters concerning the Anli trading house — a form of recognition, but also a source of pressure;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her husband, careless as he was, had underestimated the scale of her entourage and had not prepared a residence, forcing her to purchase property on the spot and settle the maidservants, leaving everything still a mess after several days of hard work;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then there was that earlier visit from her own clansman… this was not the sort of matter a woman should have to handle alone, but the other party was so overly attentive that she had no choice but to put on a stern face and refuse him outright!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet all these could only be called annoyances, not enough to make Zhao Yun feel truly dejected. What really left her unable to let go were two matters:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was what that clansman of hers had secretly sent word about — that the local great families were privately conspiring, attempting to arrange a marriage alliance with her husband, and any woman would likely be displeased by such a thing;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other matter was that just now, the Tutor of the Zhao Kingdom had suddenly sent someone to deliver a yuefu poem… according to the messenger, this was a poem that the Tutor of Zhao, Sir Han, and her husband had privately agreed upon during their very first meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The sun rises in the southeast corner, shining upon the tower of our Qin family. The Qin family has a fair daughter, who calls herself Luofu…\" For some reason, compared to the marriage alliance with some local great family, Zhao Yun was far more troubled by this poem. She had read it only once, yet could not forget that simple, melodious opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister!\" Just as Lady Zhao was lost in wild thoughts, a crisp call rang out, and Feng Zhi, her forehead beaded with sweat, hurried over from the side courtyard that had only been connected the day before. \"I've found out clearly…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yun cast a light glance at her but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was the very first day our lord arrived in Handan,\" Feng Zhi said urgently, her face flushed red. \"He handled a case — it was that clansman of yours, Zhao Ping, trying to forcibly take a woman surnamed Qin as a concubine. Our lord stopped him and severely punished your clansman… presumably, that was when he took a liking to her!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yun sighed faintly, still silent, merely waving a hand to signal the maidservants to move farther away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister!\" Feng Zhi grew even more agitated. \"Why worry about such taboos at a time like this? What does it matter if they hear? This woman of the Qin family is not like the concubines others send! Didn't you see what was written in that poem? The white horse, the one who dwells in a walled city — it is plainly speaking of our lord! Yet this poem was something our lord begged that kingdom's Tutor to compose. I fear our lord took a fancy to that woman at first sight, and has been pining for her day and night, and then…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then what?\" Zhao Yun could endure it no longer. \"Since it was love at first sight for my husband, since he has taken a fancy to that woman, what exactly do you intend to do about it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I…\" Feng Zhi's voice immediately dropped. \"What I mean is, it would be better to let our lord take a whole crowd of other concubines than to let this woman of the Qin family enter our household. Our lord has always valued deeds and achievements — when have we ever seen him so emotionally stirred by a woman?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What exactly should be done?\" After a moment of silence, a trace of anticipation actually rose in Zhao Yun. \"Do you have some good idea?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't that clansman of yours, sister, still in the city?\" Feng Zhi was instantly overjoyed. \"If you ask me, while our lord is away, sister should have him step forward and openly take this woman of the Qin family as his own. Once she is married off to someone else, how could she still enter our household?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun could not help but waver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Lady Zhao was not hesitating over the feasibility of this plan, but rather doubting the intelligence of the person who proposed it. To be honest, she truly could not tell at this moment whether the little girl before her was ignorant to the extreme, or deliberately trying to kill two birds with one stone, planning to deal with both herself and that Qin woman at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Lady Zhao had, after all, been raised by her own grandmother, and she quickly came to her senses with clear thought — Feng Zhi was genuinely stupid, because if she were truly clever enough to execute a two-birds-one-stone scheme, how could she be so naive as to think that she would accept such a suggestion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that after nearly a year together, this Feng Zhi had all along thought she was a fool?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Zhao Yun simply could not be bothered to pay her any more attention… but that poem, \"Mulberry on the Path,\" lingered in her mind for a long, long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Gongsun Xun had never done anything so poetic and romantic for his own wife!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A falling bun coiled upon her head, bright moon pearls in her ears. Pale yellow silk for her lower skirt, purple silk for her upper jacket… does that lord who loves white horses truly fancy such adornment?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>………………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twilight was vast and dim, the Milky Way hung high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About a quarter of an hour after the evening meal, as expected, a servant of the Wei family came to the guest quarters to invite \"County Magistrate Huang\" for a private talk on behalf of his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan, well prepared for this, casually gave his son a few words of instruction, then swaggered off with the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in this private meeting, the two sides were utterly candid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask your honorable name?\" Inside the room where only the two sat facing each other, Wei Song came straight to the point. \"What office do you currently hold, and why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wei, my respects,\" before such a man, Liu Yan naturally had no need to keep playing the part of Huang Yan, Chief of Xiangguo. \"Liu Yan of Jiangxia, courtesy name Junlang, formerly Prefect of Luoyang. Because Governor Wang has returned to his hometown, I have been specially appointed by imperial edict to inspect Jizhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So it is the Regional Governor himself before me — I have been utterly remiss in courtesy.\" Though he had his suspicions, Wei Song was still somewhat startled when it came to the moment. \"I had thought it was some Attending Censor from the court sent here specifically to investigate the matter of the Chief of Xiangguo, but I never imagined the Governor would come in person to probe so soon after taking office… I have long admired your name from the eighteen years you ran a school at Mount Yangcheng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wei, no need for such ceremony; it was I who concealed my identity first.\" Liu Yan offered a casual polite remark in return, then got straight to the point. \"Since matters have reached this stage, I will speak bluntly. When I received this appointment, the various lords of the Secretariat mentioned the matter of the Prefect of Handan, Gongsun Xun, killing Zhen Du, the Chief of Xiangguo, without authorization. As the Regional Governor, I have no choice but to investigate this case thoroughly… Brother Wei, you are the head of the renowned families of the Zhao Kingdom and have long been engaged in civilizing and educating the local community in Handan. I presume you must have some insight into this matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was only natural. From any angle, Wei Song was one of the most authoritative witnesses — his status, family background, connections, and virtue. Whose word should one take if not his?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Song was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: \"Since the Governor asks me, naming names and addressing the matter directly, and moreover since I was indeed present at the scene when Zhen Du was killed and know the details thoroughly, it would be improper for me to remain silent…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, enlighten me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the course of events, everyone in the Zhao Kingdom knows it well; there is little point in repeating it.\" Wei Song lowered his eyelids and answered calmly. \"As for my personal view, the Prefect of Handan's actions that day could be described as 'exceeding his authority but not violating the law,' and judged by his intent, as 'losing minor integrity but upholding great righteousness'… Just like this present matter of the Prefect of Handan leaving his jurisdiction to suppress bandits — it is indeed somewhat beyond his authority, and if the Governor wished to use this to deal with him, no one could say a word against it. But to sweep away the scourge of bandits, bringing peace and joy to the scholars and common people, only to suffer such misfortune for it — that would ultimately be hard to reconcile with the hearts of the people of Zhao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan could not help but laugh in spite of himself. He had not expected the other party to be so resolute in attitude, without the slightest equivocation. In truth, he had imagined that most people in Wei Song's position would have ten thousand reasons to hem and haw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… how to put it? Such a forthright attitude from the other party was, for Liu Yan, who was already somewhat troubled, actually a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" At this thought, Liu Yan promptly stroked his beard and composed his expression. \"I have clearly received Brother Wei's meaning. However, in matters of the Zhao Kingdom, one cannot but listen to the words of Chancellor Xiang. Tomorrow, I shall go to Handan City in the identity of the Chief of Xiangguo to meet with Lord Xiang. I imagine the matter should then come to light.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Governor may ask Lord Xiang as he pleases.\" Wei Song's cheek twitched involuntarily. \"I am already a man who has withdrawn from public life, now wholly devoted to teaching. I shall not meddle further in official matters…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan, understanding the deeper meaning behind the words, promptly rose to take his leave and rest… This sort of private interrogation was never something that could be brought into the open, and was even somewhat at odds with the proper decorum of scholarly intercourse. So, having gotten a clear answer, there was no need to linger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly wished to form a connection, he could switch back to his public identity and do so openly and honorably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Governor.\" Just as Liu Yan cupped his hands in farewell and was about to return to rest, Wei Song suddenly looked up and spoke again. \"You have long cultivated your character in seclusion at Mount Yangcheng, and have come hurriedly from the central government this time. Perhaps you have a preconceived impression of the Prefect of Handan. I have a word of advice to offer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wei, please speak freely.\" Liu Yan had no objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In truth, although the Prefect of Handan is a student of Lord Wenrao and Lord Zigan,\" Wei Song said evenly, \"in my view, he more closely resembles the conduct of Lord Qiao in his day — only that, coming from the borderlands, his actions are somewhat more forceful and overbearing…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Qiao?\" Liu Yan looked thoughtful. \"Lord Qiao served in government for fifty years, indomitable through countless setbacks and rich in experience. How could Gongsun Xun, a young man, compare? Or do you mean he resembles Lord Qiao at a certain period?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Qiao, who as a mere County Merit Officer of Liang Kingdom deposed the Chancellor of Chen Kingdom; Lord Qiao, who, when a summoned renowned scholar failed to respond, threatened to marry off the man's widowed mother; Lord Qiao, who rose and fell three times; Lord Qiao, who served as both general and minister!\" Wei Song lifted his head and spoke with solemnity. \"In truth, there are quite a few similarities in all of these… Governor, I draw the comparison to Lord Qiao not to discuss their respective achievements or reputations, but to say that their temperaments are alike, and to use the lessons of the past to caution you: when sharing a territory with such a man, if you seek only to suppress him with official rank, office, or reputation, I fear you will only bring humiliation upon yourself, and in the future be recorded in the histories, becoming a laughingstock for all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan departed in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night passed without words; there is no need to elaborate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, \"County Magistrate Huang\" and County Magistrate Li rose early, washed, and breakfasted, then took their leave of Wei Song and the various local powerful families and magnates who had stayed overnight at the estate… \"County Magistrate Huang,\" coming to Xiangguo to \"take up his post,\" naturally had to first pay his respects to Chancellor Xiang Xu, Tutor Han Tuo, and the Prince of Zhao, Liu Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for County Magistrate Li, though it was not appropriate for him to visit the Prince of Zhao, Liu Yu, he too had heard of Xiang Xu's great name as a renowned scholar of Henei and decided to delay his journey by a day to pay a visit before turning toward Julu… How to put it? Though somewhat irregular, it was still a matter of common human feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for some reason, while Wei Song remained as composed as ever, the other local powerful families, knowing that the two were going to Handan to visit someone, all exchanged winks and nudges, their expressions full of disapproval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never mind any Chancellor or whatnot,\" in fact, not only did these powerful families show no respect whatsoever for the Chancellor, they even took the opportunity to produce a letter and hand it to \"County Magistrate Huang,\" whose eyes were both bloodshot. \"Since the Chief of Xiangguo is going to Handan, every household ought to have some token of respect to present. Please, do us this kindness and deliver this letter to the residence of the Marquis of Wulu on your way…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you all already settled on yesterday's matter?\" \"County Magistrate Huang\" — that is, Liu Yan — asked, momentarily curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not so.\" The one at their head, whom he vaguely recalled seemed to have the double surname Handan, shook his head and sighed. \"The stalemate continues. But word came last night that the lord is returning with his troops at great speed, and may arrive within days. We can no longer afford to delay…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then…\" Liu Yan grew even more bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We discussed it,\" another man surnamed Zhang, who it seemed had once served as a Commandery Assistant, spoke just as bluntly. \"Since that is the case, we might as well each write down the name of one woman from the leading families, and then let Lady Zhao choose one… It would be a way of leaving it to fate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That would at least be fair.\" Liu Yan was momentarily dazed, yet something still felt off. \"But if that's the case, why don't you deliver it yourselves?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who would deliver it?\" The Handan clan elder gave a bitter smile. \"Whoever goes, the others would likely be uneasy. And the messenger would, in the end, find it somewhat hard to save face…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I, a grand Regional Governor of Jizhou, going to present you with a concubine is somehow face-saving, and on top of that it's a pick-one-of-several situation?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan was dazed yet utterly stifled… because he at least knew that at this moment he was merely a five-hundred-bushel, unranked 'County Chief Huang,' and also the local Chief of Xiangguo. This trip was not only on his way, but paying a visit to Gongsun Xun's residence was precisely what a Chief of Xiangguo who knew his place ought to do… So, doing this errand actually seemed quite fitting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to seek help from Wei Song, but Wei Song kept his eyes lowered and his expression meek, pretending to see nothing. Liu Junlang, helpless, recalled the man's words from the day before. He could only suppress his bellyful of displeasure, accept the letter, and then hurry off toward Handan with County Chief Li and his party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Li Jin, County Chief Li, was an honest and sincere man. He had probably noticed the elder 'County Chief Huang's' displeasure, so on the road he voluntarily offered that if the elder found it inappropriate, he could deliver the letter himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan was helpless. Ultimately fearing that his identity would be exposed afterward and he would lose face, he held his nose and gave the letter to Li Jin. In his heart, he repeatedly memorized those seven characters — Yingtao Chief, Jiyin, Li Jin — and resolved that after this matter, he must properly promote this man… But that need not be mentioned further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, Liu Yan and his son, along with Li Jin, hurried into the city. With no time to admire the prosperity of this centuries-old Zhao capital, they went together toward the official residence of the Zhao Chancellor… Of course, even with Liu Yan's eighteen years of self-cultivation, even with County Chief Li being so honest and sincere, even with Liu Fan believing he had made progress during his year in Luoyang, they were now treated to an unprecedented eye-opener!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three stood inside the gate of the official residence, which was overgrown with weeds, and listened for about a quarter-hour as Wang Ran, the Assistant Officer of Zhao, and Li Ming, the Deputy Assistant Officer, told their story. Then they hastily left behind their respective so-called official titles and names, and together fled in utter disarray!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Liu Yan could not imagine how to speak face-to-face with such a person, much less how to adjudicate cases! In fact, by this point, not only Liu Yan, but even Liu Fan had come to understand the strange looks from the local gentry clans that morning!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone says the Prefect of Handan is domineering,\" Liu Fan said, tugging at his family's donkey cart at the intersection outside the official residence, shaking his head speechlessly. \"But if he weren't domineering, then when the previous Chief of Xiangguo committed such a grave crime, who would have dealt with it? If he didn't take over the governance of the state, who would handle its affairs? No wonder every prominent clan in the state follows the Handan Prefect's lead. No wonder the previous Regional Governor abandoned his post and fled. The problem in Zhao is not just the Handan Prefect's domineering alone — this Chancellor is clearly an enormous trouble as well! Father, eighteen years… Father has been in official service for eighteen years, and his posts have grown smaller and smaller. How is it that such a man can leap straight to a two-thousand-bushel rank? Why would Lord Yuan recruit such a person?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Say no more.\" Hearing his son mention Yuan Kui, Liu Yan hastily shot him a glare… In truth, even if Xiang Xu was that bizarre, he could still go and speak with him face-to-face. It was just that he had only come to deal with Gongsun Xun, and with Xiang Xu's conduct being what it was, he clearly could no longer be counted on. Moreover, with Li Jin present, he had simply chosen to withdraw for the time being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah!\" The plump Li Jin beside them was also pale-faced and could only bow in farewell. \"I had thought I might broaden my horizons, but I never expected such a situation… You are an elder, and along this journey I have benefited greatly from your company. But now that things have come to this, there are some matters I…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will accompany you to pay a visit to the Handan Prefect's home, and deliver the letter along the way.\" Liu Yan waved his hand wearily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This… If the elder does not mind, then let us do as the elder wishes.\" The short, stout, honest Li Jin was also helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, each harboring his own thoughts, the two went to the county office, inquired about Lady Zhao's new residence of the Gongsun family, then each announced themselves and were received by Lady Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is truly unfortunate,\" Lady Zhao, born of a great family, was poised and gracious. She led the two directly into the hall and received the guests from behind a screen. \"My husband happens to be away suppressing bandits and has not yet returned. Our household has also just moved and is not yet settled. I have been remiss in hosting you two county lords.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan and Li Jin both hurriedly protested that they were unworthy. Then the honest and sincere Li Jin presented the letter he carried and directly explained the matter entrusted to them by the prominent clans of Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhao showed no surprise at this. Instead, she directly tore open the envelope and examined it on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting Li Jin aside for the moment, Liu Yan, seeing her so serious, actually breathed a sigh of relief… Indeed, the truth was that Liu Yan had suddenly chosen to come with Li Jin precisely because he harbored ill intentions and was looking for fault. If this Lady Zhao dared to accept anyone on that list, he would use it to make a case, convict Gongsun Xun of the well-evidenced crime of lust, and severely fine him a year's salary!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, this troublesome matter could be brushed aside ambiguously, which would also serve as an ambiguous accounting to Lu Zigan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not that Liu Yan had truly grown afraid of Gongsun Xun, but rather that when he had chosen to come investigate, it had only been out of regard for Lu Zigan's reputation. Now, however, he felt it was no longer worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, throughout the Han dynasty, rule by man still outweighed rule by law. Virtue and reputation were as fearsome as the law, and even held a higher place… Or to put it another way, using what Wei Song had said the day before: some matters, though they overstep the bounds, are overstepping the bounds. If you want to deal with them, there is no problem, but you will not win the hearts of the people of Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And from the perspective of a newly appointed Regional Governor, from the perspective of a man serious about his office, Liu Yan absolutely would not permit himself to fail to win the people's hearts. Even if it meant displeasing Lu Zigan, who sat securely as the Director of the Bureau of Personnel, he did not care — the former was the foundation of holding office; the latter was merely icing on the cake!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what were the hearts of the people of Zhao? Nothing more than the attitudes of the local officials, gentry, and commoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And speaking of officials, gentry, and commoners, the clear attitudes of Wei Song and the local gentry clans already represented the will of the gentry and the people… As for the lower commoners, they were not qualified to be called 'the people'! And as for the clerks, who did not know that the clerical posts of Zhao had already been privately seized clean by Gongsun Xun? Finally, speaking of officials, the one official in Zhao who could firmly suppress the Handan Prefect, Xiang Xu, was in such a state that even if they met face-to-face, Liu Yan would have no mind to hear such a man's opinion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that lurking within all this were vague, messy undercurrents involving some petty, scheming Eunuch Attendant surnamed Zhao, that Prefect Zhao of peerless loyalty and filial piety, trusted disciples of Lord Wenrao, and some powerful minister surnamed Cao who was Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and so on and so forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why bother?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the moment he had emerged from that weed-choked official residence, this new Regional Governor of Jizhou had already made his decision regarding the matter of the 'Handan Prefect's unauthorized killing.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the screen, Lady Zhao finished reading the letter carefully, then could not help but frown slightly: \"If you two county lords will permit me, this humble woman will speak bluntly. These women are all from great families. If my husband were to take one of them, would it not invite suspicion of colluding with the local great clans? In the future, when he administers and handles affairs, people would surely gossip…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan tugged at his beard again until it hurt… Can none of you people operating in Zhao follow the standard script? You're a mere woman, your husband isn't even here, and you refuse so crisply and bluntly — aren't you afraid people will say you're jealous? Colluding with the local great clans — what business is that of yours?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And furthermore,\" Lady Zhao set the letter aside, her tone somewhat peculiar. \"As the principal wife, it is my duty to acquire concubines for my husband and extend his line… This very morning, I have already sent someone to the Qin family south of the city to properly, openly, and honorably seek a concubine for my husband. I have not yet received a reply. Why, at this moment, should I use these privately offered, messy things to add further chaos for my husband?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan truly plucked out a whisker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as the atmosphere in the hall grew awkward for a moment, with neither host nor guests knowing what to say, Lady Zhao continued in a tone of mixed emotions: \"If you two county lords are not in a hurry, would you perhaps stay a while and meet my husband this evening? Word came at noon that he has succeeded in suppressing the bandits and is riding swiftly back to Handan. He should arrive by tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 'two county chiefs' exchanged a glance. Though each harbored his own thoughts, what else could they do? They could only each nod in assent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The summer days are long. By the time the so-called evening arrived and the Marquis of Wulu entered the city, the light was still ample and everything was clear and bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan and Li Jin, being county lords, had actually been placed ahead of everyone else, standing side by side at the very front of the street corner, watching the distant procession of carriages and horsemen draw near from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the setting sun, banners were resplendent, troops and horses mighty. There were volunteer followers, commandery soldiers, righteous braves, and surrendered bandits — a full five or six hundred men and horses. At their head, a large contingent of elite warriors bore white-horse banners, all in white robes on white horses, wearing pheasant-tailed helmets and bearing arms, winding their way along the street. The city of Handan had a large population and thriving commerce, with broad streets. At this moment, naturally, a great number of gentry and commoners had been stirred by the news. Some watched along the street, some climbed buildings to gaze out, and from time to time they let out collective exclamations of admiration and wonder. There were even wandering knights who followed alongside, hands on their swords, asking questions, and women who tossed tokens to show their regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Liu Yan understood in his heart that this was the Handan Prefect deliberately making a show of force to let the people of Handan know that the bandit troubles in Zhao had been eliminated entirely by his own efforts, at this moment he could not help but be captivated… After all, he was a scion of a distinguished clan and the imperial house (his father had been the Grand Administrator of Changsha), raised in Jiangxia, and then a scholar who had run a school in the mountains for eighteen years. When had he ever witnessed such a scene?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The procession moved extremely slowly, but when it was still a hundred paces away, someone hurried forward to report the news. Immediately, a tall young white-horse warrior rode out from the group, leading a few conspicuously attired attendants straight toward the street corner. Liu Yan and his son could both see clearly: this man, though young, wore a purple cord and a gold seal — probably the only one of his kind in the realm. It was naturally the Handan Prefect, Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did not expect the new Chief of Xiangguo to be an elder?\" Seeing Liu Yan's appearance, the Marquis of Wulu hastily dismounted and saluted with clasped hands, not neglecting the slightest courtesy. \"Greetings, elder. I hear the elder is surnamed Huang, a man of Jiangxia?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not so!\" Liu Yan set aside all his previous thoughts for the moment, merely stroked his beard and smiled, standing in place neither returning the salute nor offering greetings. \"Chief of Xiangguo, the surname Huang — all are false. My surname is Liu, my given name Yan, my courtesy name Junlang. I am the newly appointed Inspector of Jizhou. I heard that under my jurisdiction there is a Handan Prefect who is domineering and lawless, overstepping his authority to kill without sanction. I therefore changed my name, wore common clothes, and came to investigate in secret…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, the several attendants beside the Marquis of Wulu all changed color. The Marquis himself, however, was not only unalarmed, but without a word, looked the new Regional Governor up and down with keen interest, leaving Liu Yan momentarily quite embarrassed and unsure how to proceed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not take offense, Regional Governor,\" the Handan Prefect said with a laugh after studying him for a long while. \"It is simply that I have long admired your great name, and never expected to meet you here today… But why is the Regional Governor the Regional Governor of Jizhou? Should you not be the Regional Governor of Youzhou?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question was utterly baffling. Liu Yan immediately tugged his beard and retorted speechlessly: \"The previous Inspector of Jizhou, Wang, abandoned his post and fled because of your unauthorized killing of the Chief of Xiangguo. That is why I was appointed Inspector of Jizhou… Why does the Handan Prefect ask me this instead?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wulu laughed again: \"So it seems the blame lies with me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the Marquis, unconcerned by the other's earlier intimidation, turned to Li Jin beside him: \"And this County Chief Li? Are you also a false name, a false surname, a false county chief?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The county chief is not false.\" The short, stout, honest 'County Chief Li' gave a simple, sheepish laugh and said awkwardly, \"But the name and destination are also false… I will not deceive the Regional Governor and the Marquis, and I also beg forgiveness from you both. I am Dong Zhao of Jiyin, courtesy name Gongren. I am the newly appointed Chief of Xiangguo, just assigned by the Imperial Secretariat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the Marquis of Wulu, for some unknown reason, showed a faint look of puzzlement, as if he had heard of this man but could not quite recall his background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu Yan and his son beside him were already dumbstruck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have the appearance of such an honest and sincere man — how could you also come to deceive people?!\" In the end, it was Liu Fan, being young, who could not hold back first. \"Were you pretending the entire journey?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why does the young master say such a thing?\" That Dong Zhao, Dong Gongren, still wore his honest and helpless expression. \"Was it not you who first said the Regional Governor was the Chief of Xiangguo? That being the case, could I still speak the truth? And how was I to know yesterday that the Regional Governor was the Regional Governor? If he had some hidden difficulty and was impersonating someone to me, and I rashly exposed him, would that not have harmed him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That… is actually true!\" Liu Fan was momentarily speechless. \"It really was we who forced you to change your name and office. And you were truly honest — knowing we were imposters, you still harbored good intentions and were unwilling to expose us…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only, how is it such a coincidence that you happen to be the Chief of Xiangguo?\" Liu Yan tugged his beard again… The people and affairs of this Zhao state were each more bizarre than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao grew even more helpless: \"Regional Governor… was not the Chief of Xiangguo killed by the Marquis of Wulu for colluding with bandits? I am a court gentleman who was only recommended as Filial and Incorrupt half a year ago. Being assigned a post now, should I not rightly be assigned here by the Imperial Secretariat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, hearing these words, suddenly threw his head back and laughed heartily: \"I understand now! Dong Gongren is truly honest and sincere!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao's expression changed in astonishment: \"What does the Marquis mean by that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun smiled without answering, merely cupping his hands toward Liu Yan once more in salute:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No sooner did the Governor arrive at his post than he changed his name and wore common clothes, toiling to investigate — truly a model of diligence and duty. The Chief of Xiangguo remained unflustered in the face of alarm, keeping a heart full of goodwill — honest and sincere indeed... Soon, I imagine, all of Zhao will be singing: 'Diligent and dutiful Governor Liu, honest and sincere Magistrate Dong!'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such praise seemed well-intentioned, but Liu Yan could not help feeling that something was off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the bandit troubles in Zhao have been quelled, and it happens to coincide with the Governor and the Chief of Xiangguo taking office... and moreover, my wife has just arrived from Liaodi to reunite with me — three joys at the door. We ought to hold a grand feast to celebrate!\" Gongsun Xun, unconcerned, raised his hand in invitation instead. \"Gentlemen, please follow me inside and share a cup of modest wine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan glanced at the bold and generous man before him; while somewhat embarrassed, he could not help but secretly admire the other's magnanimity. He had no choice but to set aside his thoughts of asserting authority, laugh wryly, accept the invitation, and prepare to turn around and join the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way,\" just as he turned, Liu Yan recalled the afternoon's events and shook his head with a rueful chuckle, stroking his beard. \"In truth, for the Marquis of Wulu, how could it be merely three joys? As I understand it, your household's Lady Zhao has just today proposed a marriage for the Marquis of Wulu — to a daughter of the Qin clan south of the city... I imagine it is settled by now. That makes it four joys at the door! Congratulations and felicitations!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's expression changed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————I am the dividing line that stayed up half the night————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dong Zhao, styled Gongren, was a man of Dingtao in Jiyin. Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, he was appointed Chief of Xiangguo... Passing through Handan, at the time the Grand Ancestor was the Magistrate of Handan, he paid a visit and was received. The Grand Ancestor, seeing the man, laughed: 'Dong Gongren appears honest and sincere, but inwardly he possesses hidden brilliance; he shall be a minister for the altars of state.' Those nearby thought this strange and asked about it. The Grand Ancestor replied: 'In the past, when I could not achieve my ambitions in Luoyang, I visited Yuan Benchu as a commoner, and I was just as honest and sincere as he.' All fell silent.\" — New Book of Yan, Volume 70, Biographies, Chapter 20\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: There is also a new book group 684558115 that everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One more digression: Dong Zhao ranks among the nine great strategists of Cao Wei... He is considered below the two Xuns and one Jia, and is placed in the same biographies as Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, Liu Ye, Liu Fang, and Jiang Ji. He can be regarded as one of the top-tier strategists in the official histories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, because he assisted Cao Wei in usurping the Han, he appears somewhat unremarkable in the Romance, and the stats given to him in the Three Kingdoms games are also very low... which is quite a disservice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6358,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","34388fc819fe22dfb07f86c99f4df03c33c74ba518f88188eaa29456dec192e9","overthrowing-han-chapter-194","overthrowing-han-chapter-192",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]