[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-206":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},1222965,1620,"Chapter 206: Prosperity and Adversity Lie Within the Heart (Part 1)","overthrowing-han-chapter-206",206,"\u003Cp>In the span of a single day and night, he had first lamented the state of the times with Lou Gui, then suddenly encountered the Taiping Dao’s assassination attempt on Liu Yan, then abruptly gained a Guan Yu, and later spent the night plotting with Liu Yan to kill the Zhang Jiao brothers… Even for Gongsun Xun, who considered himself widely experienced, after returning he found his mind tangled like hemp. He merely exchanged a few casual words with Lou Gui about the general situation before finally succumbing to a groggy exhaustion and lying down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this lying down proved no small matter. In that state between half-sleep and half-waking, history, the current situation, the future; heroes, petty men, rebels; loyal ministers, good generals, territory; the realm, the common people, ambition… all manner of affairs swarmed in upon him, making Gongsun Xun increasingly restless, unable to sleep, and ever more muddled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Liu Yan, “excessively frightened,” fled directly back to Yecheng with his provincial retinue, yet Gongsun Xun, the quintessential “subordinate” and junior, did not come out to see him off, claiming instead that he himself had fallen ill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Liu Junlang down to those provincial subordinate officials, everyone naturally assumed Gongsun Xun was feigning illness… only, the former thought the scoundrel was using this as an excuse to remain at the river embankment, thereby facilitating negotiations with the Taiping Dao at close hand, while the latter believed he was using it to shirk responsibility for the Provincial Governor’s assassination, with quite a few even making sarcastic remarks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after seeing Liu Yan off, the various men of Zhao returned to the “work shed,” only to find every one of them frowning with worry, because Gongsun Xun was genuinely ill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fever, coughing, nasal congestion… a classic case of “catching a chill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it must be emphasized that catching a chill is no small matter, at least not in this era. After all, there are fundamentally few real remedies for illness in these times, and many a person has died from a mere cold. What is more terrifying is that some “chills” are contagious; there are no few cases where one person catches a chill, then the whole family catches it, and finally the entire household perishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could even develop into a plague!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Gongsun Xun harbor suspicions after meeting Wang Xiu that day?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is it that in this era, a junior personally serving medicinal decoctions to an elder is considered a standard act of filial piety?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why are there so many “seasonal epidemics” nowadays?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer is simple and consistent… because this era lacks relevant hygiene knowledge, so falling ill and caring for the sick are both genuinely dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the willingness of these Zhao dignitaries to visit Gongsun Xun at his work shed was already a concession to the fact that it was still winter. According to their understanding, it seemed that winter chills were not so violently contagious… had they not observed that no matter how rampant the seasonal epidemics of spring, summer, and autumn, they all gradually subsided once winter arrived?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But visiting was one thing, and paying their respects was one thing; the group was ultimately helpless. And worse, after a brief visit, the group instead began arguing outside the work shed where Gongsun Xun lay ill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter originated from how to settle Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Men like Wang Xiu and Ju Zong discussed saying that the Handan County Magistrate should be sent to Handan City to recuperate properly; while elders like Wei Song and Cai Yong worried that traveling in the winter cold would itself worsen the illness and might not be better than staying here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, at first, these two sides argued endlessly, each with their own reasons, and both could be said to be acting for Gongsun Xun’s good. But it so happened that yesterday’s assassination still lacked a resolution, and the provincial officials had earlier shown them sour faces, leaving a bitter taste in people’s mouths. More importantly, with Gongsun Xun falling ill and Liu Yan leaving, the originally anticipated rewards and commendations after the river embankment work was completed instantly became illusory. Thus, the hearts of the surrounding Zhao local dignitaries were inevitably somewhat agitated, and they couldn’t help but take sides, each adding their voice until a clamor erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a time, the area outside the work shed was foul with chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a time like this, someone needed to step forward and take charge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, Lou Gui, the only person present with the standing to do so, shrank back at the critical moment, appearing somewhat hesitant and indecisive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He certainly had his difficulties. From his own perspective, Lou Zibo was naturally willing to agree with Wang Xiu and Ju Zong, but he was also the only one who knew of the many affairs his lord had undertaken the previous night, so he feared that sending Gongsun Xun back to Handan at this moment might cause some mishap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was Lou Gui overthinking things. Whether returning to Handan or staying here was not really the issue; gritting one’s teeth and making a decision to stop the quarrel was the main thing. But the crux of the problem was that this man, Lou Zibo, though he might have gradually improved in offering advice, was naturally deficient when it came to bearing responsibility and making decisions!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the many people under Gongsun Xun’s command, there were many who could take charge, but he, Lou Gui of Nanyang, was decidedly not one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lu Fan, Lu Ziheng, were here, he probably would not have let these people discuss it at all; he would have had Gongsun Xun sent back to recuperate early in the morning and then assumed his duties in his stead. And no one would have had anything to say about it. Because Lu Fan had long played a similar role—deputy commander, rear guard—he could almost be called Gongsun Xun’s explicitly designated second-in-command, specifically meant to handle situations like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if Shen Pei were here, given his character, he certainly would not have let the argument continue, because Shen Zhengnan would surely be “vehement and impassioned,” first drawing his sword, and whoever dared to shout would be tied up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Han Dang were here, things likely would not have come to such a pass, because everyone knew that Han Yigong was Gongsun Xun’s fellow villager, General Gongsun’s “Chief of Cavalry,” and Lord Gongsun’s head of attendants, inherently bearing the duty to safeguard and care for his lord in extraordinary times. So, if he had merely spoken up and expressed his stance, no one would have dared utter another word. After all, with Gongsun Xun ill, any act of opposition toward Han Dang would appear highly sensitive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Fan was stationed at Handan, Shen Pei was inspecting Boren and Zhongqiu counties, and when the lake bandits at Daluze had stirred earlier, Han Dang had even taken Wei Yue and a portion of the volunteer retinue to Yiyang to investigate (which now clearly seemed to have had a cause)… In any case, the person of highest status here was Lou Gui! Wang Xiu, Ju Zong, Wei Song, Cai Yong, and the others, for various reasons, could not easily overstep Lou Zibo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Lou Zibo was simply not cut from that cloth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, as the two sides argued endlessly, they themselves felt the awkwardness. Moreover, although the Xia Embankment was nearly complete, it was still not finished, and the Handan Public School also needed to prepare for final examinations… In short, there was still much proper work to do. So they smoothed things over with each other, each conceding half a step, and decided to move Gongsun Xun to a nearby wealthy household, while sending a light rider to inform Handan, so that Lady Zhao of Handan could send someone to care for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A day and night passed without a word, and the next morning, when Gongsun Xun, aching all over, turned over and sat up from the couch, he momentarily furrowed his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who wakes up to find they’ve changed sleeping places would probably frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, after a moment’s thought, and since even in his illness Gongsun Xun had not been asleep and motionless the entire time, he had some memories from his lucid moments and immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thereupon, roughly aware of the situation, Gongsun Xun turned over, preparing to be lazy and linger in bed a while longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the moment he lay down, he sat back up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is at the door?” Gongsun Xun asked, using the faint morning light to vaguely perceive someone standing guard outside, a figure of exceptionally striking stature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord!” The extraordinarily tall man outside pushed the door open and entered, then cupped his hands in greeting—it was actually Guan Yu. “My lord, you are awake? Do you find the open window too cold? This was Prefectural Overseer Lou’s instruction; he said it is beneficial for your health.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leaving the window ajar is correct; I should be fine as well,” Gongsun Xun said, forcing his eyes to blink as he spoke—an instinctive action to gauge one’s physical state before moving. “It’s just, Changsheng, why are you here? Seeing that the sky is not yet bright, have you been standing guard all night? Who sent you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, although Guan Changsheng had a resolute and unyielding character, he was also a man of extreme intelligence, and he almost immediately understood the other’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, seeing Guan Yu standing guard before his door, Gongsun Xun was somewhat worried that the other had been coldly treated or was the target of displaced anger. After all, anyone could imagine that the reason he, Gongsun Xun, had caught a chill was likely connected to chasing that large man the previous night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, if not based on such a fact, how could the proud and arrogant Guan Changsheng, upon first pledging his service, have voluntarily offered to guard the other’s door as a protector?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put it plainly, though he was proud, he placed even greater emphasis on repaying kindness. Since the matter had arisen because of him, how could he brazenly ignore it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this time, Gongsun Xun, upon just waking from his stupor, proactively inquired about this matter, his caring attitude evident beyond words and appearing especially sincere and trustworthy, which made Guan Yu feel even more indebted… In this era, nobles willing to make such gestures were themselves rare, and this kind of sincerity, so difficult to feign, was even rarer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, the words he had originally intended to explain solemnly reached his lips, but Guan Changsheng merely brushed the matter aside lightly: “Since I have accepted my lord’s recruitment, how could I do nothing? The river embankment work is complex, and everyone has their duties. Yu is an idle man, so I came just in time to stand watch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, sitting on the couch, heard this and laughed as he dressed: “Speaking of that, once I entrust Governor Dong to clear your case, I will arrange a post for you… But, Changsheng, is there any post within this commandery that you fancy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was essentially saying, within the limits of his ability, he could choose whatever post he liked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you had asked me this when I was still in Hedong, I would probably have said I wished for a military post. But now, having traveled all the way from Hedong, I have come to understand that the Spring and Autumn Annals do not speak falsely,” Guan Yu, hearing this, stood tall before the door and responded. “Therefore, my lord, in the future, wherever there are difficulties, simply entrust them to me; there is no need for deliberate arrangements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words sounded like a polite refusal, but were more akin to a kind of self-assurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gongsun Xun paid it no mind, merely stepping down from the bed and asking casually, “What matter do the Spring and Autumn Annals speak of?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The chapter on ‘Cao Gui’s Discourse on Battle’—the meat-eaters are base!” Guan Yu’s face was earnest and his heart calm. “What Yu has witnessed along the way is that those in power, those holding authority, are mostly mediocre and incompetent men. Even worse, they prey upon the common people, greedy and base beyond measure. So, even if I am utterly without ability, I cannot be worse than these men, can I?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was momentarily speechless with laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only say that the reply of this nine-chi giant before him was very much Guan Yu. At the very least, this pride toward the upper class, rooted in a lower-class perspective, was vividly immersive, exactly like in the stories told by his own mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it must also be admitted, pride aside, what he said was not false… Did Gongsun Xun, who had struggled and fought his way through various places, not know? Whether it was the greed and baseness of the meat-eaters, or the talent that Guan Yu himself prided himself on, both were indeed objective facts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, taking advantage of the now-bright sky, Gongsun Xun, having awoken from his serious illness, naturally fell into conversation with Guan Yu. The two emerged from the courtyard of this household, talking as they walked, gradually moving to a small slope outside. Their topics mostly revolved around the latter’s family situation and the events of his flight. It was only then that Gongsun Xun learned that Guan Yu actually already had a betrothal, and that his family in Jie County, Hedong, was not of the lowest stratum, for his grandfather had taught his grandson the Book of Changes and the Spring and Autumn Annals… This was already quite remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for his so evident pride toward superiors and empathy for inferiors, it was likely connected to his experiences during his flight… Guan Changsheng strictly adhered to morality, neither stealing nor robbing, so he could only mingle among the lowest commoners, inevitably experiencing the hardships of the people. One could say that this flight had played a powerful role in shaping Guan Yu’s character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, they had not talked long when, under the morning sun, the two saw from afar a commotion on the river embankment, and then several riders came galloping over, the one at their head being none other than Lou Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord!” Lou Zibo, seeing Gongsun Xun standing on the slope from a distance, could not help but be overjoyed. “You have indeed greatly recovered? When I heard the attendant report, I did not believe it at first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zibo does not know,” Gongsun Xun laughed from afar upon seeing him. “I am naturally unafraid of illness. Whether a major or minor ailment, a day or two of deep sleep and I recover. There must be some explanation for it. Think, did I not survive the situation at Mount Danhan back then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lou Gui, hearing this, grew even more delighted and hastily fetched a campstool from his horse, personally unfolding it and inviting his lord to sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun did not decline. As he sat, he directly asked, “Well, is there any hindrance on the embankment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“None at all,” Lou Gui said, after carefully scrutinizing Gongsun Xun’s complexion, finally letting out a complete sigh of relief. “Everyone, hearing that my lord is lucid, was mostly excited and urged me to come see. However, the matter from the night before last…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Changsheng is no outsider.\" Gongsun Xun smiled knowingly at the sight. \"Speak freely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lou Gui also understood. Besides, he had already spoken with Guan Yu the day before, so he merely offered a cupped-hand salute and promptly reported to Gongsun Xun: \"Zhang Cheng returned last night, and he brought with him the Grand Physician of the Taiping Dao — Zhang Jiao's youngest brother, Zhang Liang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They came that quickly?\" Gongsun Xun was taken aback. \"Though this place is close to Julu, to go and return within a single day and night means they must have made no stops at all along the way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\" Lou Gui said gravely. \"From their manner, it is clear this was Zhang Bao's private doing, and Zhang Jiao was unaware. Moreover, sending Zhang Liang here this time must have Zhang Jiao's approval, and he has words to convey to you, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I must trouble Zibo to bring the man here.\" Gongsun Xun had intended to feign cooperation with them anyway, so he had no objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lou Gui immediately did as instructed and turned back to the embankment to fetch the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, Gongsun Xun's catching a slight chill this time had given Lou Zibo a clearer realization... When the other was absent, though he clearly held great authority, he found every matter difficult to handle; yet the moment the other awoke, he felt everything was firmly within his grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How lamentable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Changsheng...\" While Lou Gui went back to bring the man, Gongsun Xun resumed his conversation with Guan Yu. \"You traveled east along the Yellow River for thousands of li on this journey, so you must have seen much. Let me ask you, have you ever dealt with the Taiping Dao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally.\" Guan Yu answered calmly. \"Hedong was unremarkable, but after entering Henei, the Taiping Dao became a frequent sight. Especially on the Yellow River, where dragons and serpents mingled, many among the river bandits and civilian laborers believed in this so-called Great Virtuous Teacher. And when I turned toward Hebei, in Wei Commandery and the Zhao Kingdom, the Taiping Dao had set up stations everywhere, just like government offices.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun smiled. \"And what is your impression of the Taiping Dao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think little of them!\" Guan Yu said frankly. \"But I cannot say I loathe them either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not loathe them because the common people truly have nothing to rely on, and these people, for now at least, are willing to treat the sick and save lives, to give out talisman water regardless of poverty or low status.\" Guan Yu answered seriously. \"But I think little of them because among their greater and lesser divisions, their canal leaders and chieftains, most are still local strongmen... Over time, I fear this Taiping Dao will simply become another tool for local strongmen to prey upon the common people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun sighed softly at these words. \"But no matter what, for the present moment, this Taiping Dao has ultimately bound the strongmen and the common people together. They cannot be underestimated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is true.\" Guan Yu nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case,\" Gongsun Xun suddenly smiled again, \"Changsheng, you should change your courtesy name. I think Yunchang is excellent. Yu means wings; with them, one can soar among the clouds. And gaining you today is like adding wings to a tiger — I cannot help but hope that you and I may long support each other, soaring forever among the clouds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Yu was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the other could speak, Gongsun Xun continued with a smile: \"After all, the name Changsheng carries a certain Daoist suspicion. Did you not say earlier that your grandfather 'cherished tranquility and esteemed the Dao'...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Yu grew even more bewildered. What of Daoism? But just as he was about to ask, a thought stirred in his heart, and he began to understand: \"My lord, do you mean that this Taiping Dao is about to stir up trouble?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\" Gongsun Xun was far more direct now, pointing toward several riders galloping in the distance. \"Those who assassinated the Inspector yesterday were none other than this Taiping Dao! And their Great Virtuous Teacher, Zhang Jiao, openly rebelled just a few years ago. Now he colludes with local strongmen and deludes the common people — I fear he is plotting something...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Yu, standing tall, narrowed his eyes slightly. \"In that case, changing it to Yunchang is no problem at all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, Lou Gui led Zhang Cheng and another middle-aged man — carrying a nine-section staff and wearing a yellow headband — up the small slope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter, Zhang Jiao's own younger brother Zhang Liang, upon seeing Gongsun Xun, simply offered a cupped-hand salute in apology: \"Greetings to the Marquis of Wulu. The incident the day before yesterday was truly my second elder brother being led astray by others and acting recklessly. My elder brother has sent me as his envoy to offer apologies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I built the Xia Embankment and achieved such merit. After the new year, I will likely be transferred to another commandery.\" Gongsun Xun slowly shook his head. \"I have long heard of your elder brother and the great name of the Taiping Dao, and I do not wish to stir up trouble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Liang bowed his head and listened, his expression betraying neither pleasure nor anger for the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, a Provincial Governor was assassinated under my jurisdiction. If I fail to deal with this, I fear it will damage my reputation!\" Gongsun Xun's tone suddenly hardened. \"Your Taiping Dao must understand — from Liaoxi to Luoyang, from Yanmen to Liaodong... over these years, the situations I have faced and the champions I have opposed are in no way inferior to your Taiping Dao or you three brothers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is precisely because the Marquis of Wulu's mighty name is so renowned that we came specially to offer apologies.\" Zhang Liang raised his head and spoke with effort. \"My elder brother also has a message to convey... but I must ask my lord to dismiss your attendants.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just the day before yesterday you committed an assassination, and today you ask my lord to dismiss his attendants?\" Lou Zibo sneered from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is no matter.\" Gongsun Xun slowly shook his head and gestured for everyone except Lou Gui and Guan Yu to withdraw temporarily... With Guan Changsheng — ah, Guan Yunchang — here, was there any fear of Zhang Liang attempting another assassination?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Lou Gui and Guan Yu remained, Zhang Liang could do nothing, but then he actually turned and signaled Zhang Cheng to also step back for the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cheng looked crestfallen for a moment, but could only obey, retreating with the group of Gongsun Xun's attendants to the foot of the small slope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord!\" Seeing only a few people left around them, Zhang Liang finally gritted his teeth and said, \"If my lord would show mercy this time and help us placate Inspector Liu, my elder brother is willing to offer a thousand jin of gold as recompense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Am I short of money?\" Gongsun Xun asked sternly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are aware that my lord's family is wealthy.\" Zhang Liang said frankly. \"This thousand jin is merely a gesture...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's expression softened slightly. \"In that case, I will naturally pass this thousand jin on to the Governor as consolation... But as I said before, though I wish to settle the matter peacefully, I am ultimately the chief official here and must give a clear public accounting to those above and below!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have long been prepared for this.\" Zhang Liang suddenly lowered his voice. \"The leaders of our Taiping Dao in the Zhao Kingdom — whether it is Old Ma or Zhang Cheng behind him, along with all the Taiping Dao followers under them — are all willing to be handed over to the Marquis of Wulu for judgment! In short, my elder brother asks my lord to judge clearly: the Taiping Dao truly harbors not the slightest rebellious intent... All the Taiping Dao followers throughout the Zhao Kingdom are proof of this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun studied the man before him with keen interest. Only after a long while did he smile. \"Indeed, though there are repeated rumors that your Taiping Dao harbors disloyal intentions, and that your elder brother's ambitions remain unchanged from those years ago, plotting rebellion... Yet, where would one find rebels who sever their own limbs to prove their innocence?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Liang could not help but be overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—————I am the dividing line that changed its courtesy name to start anew—————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, originally styled Changsheng, was a man of Jie County in Hedong. Fleeing as a fugitive to the Zhao Kingdom, he ran out of funds on the road but preserved his integrity and did not turn to banditry. Hearing that the Grand Ancestor was building an embankment on the Gelu River, he thereupon transported stones to the dike. The Grand Ancestor, standing upon the embankment, saw him and found him remarkable, and so he honored the worthy and condescended to the lowly, drawing him into his inner circle. Attendants mocked him as a fugitive, but the Grand Ancestor laughed and replied: 'Yu means wings. Now wishing to soar across the realm, one must cultivate wings. How could I reject a stalwart man over a crime and not use him?'\" — New Book of Yan, Volume 69, Biographies 19\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Earlier, when the protagonist recruited Guan Yu and compared himself to the Duke of Zhou, that was not an oversight... In the Han Dynasty, the Duke of Zhou was not seen as a powerful minister, but as a Confucian sage. A major dispute between the Old Text and New Text schools was whether the Duke of Zhou's status in Confucianism should equal that of Confucius. And Cao Cao's \"Short Song\" itself uses the Duke of Zhou to attest to his own innocence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, the new book group 684558115, everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4266,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","1671f8c6a7c3fcdd923f05d0e5a578b92820486411111bfd9a2ced1c485c9e9a","overthrowing-han-chapter-207","overthrowing-han-chapter-205",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]