[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-209":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},1222968,1620,"Chapter 209: I Journey South Alone (2-in-1, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival Everyone!)","overthrowing-han-chapter-209",209,"\u003Cp>In early February, the order from the central government indeed reached Handan. The Wulu Village Marquis Gongsun Xun was appointed to a local post, tasked with promoting education and fostering moral cultivation, building canals and reclaiming fertile fields. He was also granted the concurrent title of Court Consultant and summoned to the capital to have his merits assessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the capital was unavoidable, no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because, setting aside the Three Excellencies, two thousand dan essentially marked the ceiling of official rank for a Han official. Whether it was Equivalent to Two Thousand Dan, Two Thousand Dan, Full Two Thousand Dan, or True Two Thousand Dan, they were all two thousand dan, fundamentally the same stratum. The Three Excellencies, on the other hand, required age, moral virtue, and scholarly achievements in the classics. So, regardless of the circumstances — whether it was an organizational review or paying the Emperor a sum to buy the office and then turning back — one had to make this trip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The various local powers in the Zhao Kingdom, upon hearing this news, naturally came in droves to offer congratulations!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they not? A young man from a border commandery aristocratic background, at twenty-five, was about to become a two-thousand-dan official, becoming what everyone in this era of \"treating commanderies as kingdoms\" recognized as the \"master of a kingdom.\" And crucially, this two-thousand-dan post was not a border commandery appointment... Truly, it was quite remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, these people were bound to have their own limitations in viewing this matter. What they thought in their hearts or discussed in private was probably whether the Liaoxi Gongsun clan would, because of Gongsun Xun's sudden rise, achieve a breakthrough and become a truly top-tier aristocratic clan. Or perhaps, where was Gongsun Xun's personal ceiling? Would he ultimately navigate the vortex between eunuchs, consort kin, and scholar-officials to truly achieve something, or would he, like so many capable ministers and diligent officials, die pointlessly one day in such political machinations?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, Gongsun Xun could not be bothered with any of this... After all, it was meaningless, wasn't it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this did not mean Gongsun Xun's mood was particularly joyful, even though he had long been looking forward to this day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This less-than-joyful mood was not because he was nervous about soon dealing with Zhang Jiao. As someone with rich combat experience, one could even say someone raised from childhood as a military aristocrat of the border commanderies, since the plan for this matter was already set, there was no need to dwell on it. When the time came, it would still come down to crossing blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, this somber mood stemmed from Gongsun Xun's regret over his achievements during his tenure in Zhao, or rather, it was an amplified version of the lament he had expressed to the dike-building laborers on the river embankment that day... To put it bluntly, the thought that the Handan Public Academy, which was just beginning to take shape, the fertile fields reclaimed after the Xia Dike was built, the hidden households painstakingly uncovered, and even the Taihang Mountains that had just been swept clean, might all become worthless in the coming chaos of war — this left a bitter taste in Gongsun Xun's heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were things he had toiled over. Although from the start they were driven by utilitarian goals — for promotion, for training, to make others notice his administrative talent, to highlight his \"ability to govern chaos\" on the Hebei plains — when it came down to it, thinking that all this hard work would go to waste, how many could remain indifferent? Not to mention, it wasn't just his own hard work. If he just let things be, would that be fair to everyone else?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, how could he manage it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broad front courtyard of the Handan Public Academy, serving as the temporary venue for the farewell banquet, was now packed with well over a hundred people. Yet the one seated at the head could only be the day's guest of honor, Gongsun Xun. \"I am honored by your presence to see me off. By rights, we should be setting out wine, singing loudly, and departing with heroic spirit. But if some words are not clearly spoken, I fear neither you nor I will be at ease. Am I right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd laughed for a moment, but then quickly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I made agreements with you all that day, most matters were set for a two-year term. Now that I am leaving office less than a year after taking it up, I have let you all down.\" Gongsun Xun set down his wine cup and spoke deliberately. \"However, fortunately, most of the matters agreed upon that day have been settled. Only the matter of the public recommendation for inspection this winter remains unresolved...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the day the agreement was made, the crowd in the academy now was inevitably more mixed, so he could only hint at it and stop. Of course, those involved would naturally understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please rest assured, everyone.\" Wei Song, upon hearing this, naturally did not shirk the responsibility. \"This old man will reiterate it today before all of you: the agreement made that day will not change because of the Marquis of Wulu's departure. The sons of my Wei clan will still not participate in the kingdom's Filial and Incorrupt recommendation this year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li clan and the Handan clan also expressed their stance one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have also discussed this matter with the State Chancellor and the Regional Commissioner.\" Gongsun Xun, seeing this, interjected. \"Both of them particularly approved of last year's method for recommending Filial and Incorrupt candidates. Therefore, this year's Filial and Incorrupt candidates will still be selected from the public academy. After the autumn harvest, the academy gates will be opened wide for an examination. The top thirty, provided they are natives of Zhao, may participate in the recommendation... And Master Zhang, your youngest son is now serving as a Gentleman in Luoyang, and he also has a semi-teacher relationship with me. On this trip, I will certainly make arrangements and introductions for him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others aside, the Zhang, Wang, and Lu families were naturally overjoyed, though apart from the former Commandery Assistant Zhang Shu, the other two families could not openly rise to express their gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After drinking the toast offered by Zhang Shu, who had risen to his feet, Gongsun Xun could have stopped there. But as the wine went down his throat, he found himself unable to hold back: \"Everyone, I will certainly keep the promises I have made. But I also hope you will keep the promises you have made. Do not be strict with others and lenient with yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words were vague and rather discordant with the current atmosphere, so the academy courtyard, which had just been about to grow lively, instantly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask what exactly the Marquis is referring to?\" After the crowd exchanged puzzled glances, it was still Wei Song, as the leader of the local gentry, who rose from his mat and asked with a serious expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll speak plainly.\" Since he had already started, Gongsun Xun saw no need to be evasive. He swept his gaze over the assembled crowd and spoke bluntly and directly. \"After I leave, will those two thousand qing of fertile land distributed to the local commoners be immediately carved up and divided among you? Can you, for my sake, hold off for a while?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard fell utterly silent for a moment, but immediately someone tried to open their mouth to argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to say more... This is not something you can promise just by insisting on it. You must understand, you are officials, clerks, worthies, and also powerful and wealthy households. And those two thousand qing of land — some I distributed to the laborers who put in great effort digging the canals, some to the refugees lured back from the Taihang Mountains, and some to the commoners who lost their original fields because of the river works... These people are practically at your mercy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know what you are thinking in your hearts. It's nothing more than resenting me for meddling, resenting me for being harsh, resenting me for treating you renowned families poorly, resenting that even as I'm about to leave, I still make things difficult for you... But I must tell you, I am doing this entirely for your own good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The tyrannical Qin had a million armored soldiers, yet its downfall began with Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, a bunch of left-lane dwellers and convicts. Wang Mang also had a million armored soldiers, yet his death and the destruction of his clan began with the Red Eyebrows and the Greenwood Army... Is this a coincidence?! If you treat the commoners and humble families in this kingdom a little better today, you might just avoid the calamity of clan extermination because of it in the future! Do you understand?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm asking you a question!\" Gongsun Xun tapped the table in front of him with his wine cup, his face betraying neither joy nor anger. \"Why aren't you speaking?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will certainly engrave the Marquis's admonition in our hearts.\" The head of the Handan clan was the first to react, hastily bowing his head. \"Please...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your 'engraving in your heart' is only engraved on your lips,\" before the others could echo him, Gongsun Xun suddenly sneered with mockery. \"In truth, you are already impatient in your hearts... Am I right? The ignorant are fearless, after all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of the Handan clan, thinking only that the other party wanted to settle some score before leaving, was instantly terrified out of his wits and could only hurriedly rise from his mat and kneel to beg forgiveness: \"My lord Marquis, what Zhen Du said before his death that day was indeed slander and malicious accusation. The entire Handan clan has absolutely no disrespect for the Marquis!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not using this as a pretext, nor am I targeting you specifically.\" Gongsun Xun continued with a cold sneer. \"I am talking about everyone here... From a gentleman like Master Wei to someone like you, all of you are ignorant fools! I sincerely warn you, yet you have not the slightest self-awareness! Every one of you is short-sighted, utterly oblivious to the great calamity about to befall you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd looked at each other... If he were accusing them of lacking morals, they could still argue a bit. But accusing them of lacking intelligence, especially accusing everyone's intelligence, they didn't know what to say. As for talk of a great calamity about to befall them, it sounded even more absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that case, they might as well say nothing and let him ramble drunkenly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well,\" Gongsun Xun sighed deeply at the sight. After pouring and drinking a cup of wine by himself, he finally stopped his drunken talk. \"I won't explain it to you either... Just remember this one thing: when I, Gongsun Xun, enter Luoyang this time, I will most likely still end up serving as an official in Hebei, not far from you! The Xia Dike is the symbol of my achievements. If any of you dare tamper with my achievements, I will make that person pay immediately!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This threat, on the contrary, gave the local powerful families a measure of reassurance... After all, they were used to it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, after I leave, the funding for the public academy will continue as usual. But Master Cai is pedantic by nature and lacks a settled mind. I hope Master Wei can properly assist him and safeguard this academy well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cai Yong, who had thought this had nothing to do with him, immediately turned red and then pale. But he dared not argue publicly with the wine-influenced Gongsun Xun. Moreover, since the other party had previously given him the entire residence outright, he could only cover his face and drink in silent frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please rest assured, Marquis.\" Wei Song sighed helplessly. Unlike the others, eighty percent of his approval of Gongsun Xun came from this public academy. Hearing the other party entrust this matter so solemnly, even if the words contained some disrespect towards Cai Bojie, he could only accept it with dignity. \"Ever since Song stepped down from the State Chancellor post in Lu, I have already abandoned all thoughts of an official career, devoting myself solely to running schools. Having received the Marquis's gift of this library and established this public academy, I have no other thoughts for the rest of my life. My heart and mind will be entirely here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun nodded slightly, then turned his head to look at Zhao Ping, causing the latter to shiver and hastily rise from his mat to face him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after looking at this man for a long while, Gongsun Xun only uttered a meaningless remark: \"May the Director of the Retinue take care of himself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood!\" Zhao Ping still responded with utmost seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well!\" Gongsun Xun looked around, truly unable to find anyone else to whom he needed to give instructions. Feeling only a sense of utter disinterest, he poured and drank another cup of wine by himself, then rose to his feet with an air of resolution. \"May you all take care of yourselves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he actually disregarded the hundreds of guests filling the courtyard and left the banquet directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord.\" As soon as he stepped out, Lou Gui, who had followed him, could not help but shake his head. \"Why spend the effort trying to enlighten these people?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun shook his head and remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord.\" Lu Fan on the other side brought up a different matter. \"Chu Yan has also come. It seems he wishes to follow you and change locations. Should you see him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need. Let him stay and work diligently under Dong Gongren.\" Gongsun Xun replied dismissively. \"But you can tell him, if Dong Gongren truly treats him unfairly, then whether it's Pingyuan or Zhongshan, he can come find me at any time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what about Ju Gongzhi?\" Lu Ziheng pressed further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has he made up his mind?\" Gongsun Xun remained unconcerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Shen Pei, standing nearby, hastily interjected. \"He said that as long as you, my lord, remain in Hebei, he is willing to continue following you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't pressure him.\" Gongsun Xun glanced at Shen Zhengnan, still appearing completely indifferent. \"Let him stay with Ziheng in Handan to look after my family. Once my destination is settled, he can either come find me with Ziheng or return home at his leisure, it's fine either way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That would be perfect.\" Shen Pei also breathed a sigh of relief. \"The best of both worlds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun said no more. He simply returned directly to his residence and rested for the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early the next morning, he first handed over the county seals and ribbons to Wang Xiu, leaving Lu Fan, Wang Xiu, and Ju Zong to guard Handan City and the family members staying there. Then he assembled his volunteer followers, gathered their weapons, and set out grandly from Handan, heading south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no helping it... In truth, if it were possible, Gongsun Xun would certainly have wanted Chu Yan, Ju Zong, and even Dong Zhao to all go with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this idea was clearly unrealistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao had entered service as a Filial and Incorrupt nominee and served as a county chief. With this merit, he would very likely be promoted immediately to county magistrate — a proper imperial appointee. Why would he abandon his post to follow him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then there was Ju Zong. It was not that Ju Zong was unwilling to go with Gongsun Xun, but rather that his elder brother Ju Shou was serving as a county magistrate elsewhere, making it difficult for him to stray too far from their parents at home. Shen Pei, for personal reasons, hoped Ju Zong would make up his mind early and commit, but Gongsun Xun could not ignore the man’s difficulties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, they truly did need a local fixer to assist the two scholars, Lu Fan and Wang Xiu, who were to remain in Handan to watch over the already pregnant Zhao Yun and the others as they awaited news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Chu Yan... that was not really a matter of taking him along or not, because he was a contingency plan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Liu Yan really did send the official dispatch this time, but the assassination of the Zhang Jiao brothers went awry and triggered chaos — then Chu Yan, a bandit who had roamed Mount Taihang for years, would be of great use. Taking him along would be a waste; leaving him in Xiangguo was the proper course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, when it came to killing, he had by his side Guan Yu sharpening his blade, Han Dang, Qian Zhao, Wei Yue, Yang Kai, and two hundred cavalry... he truly did not lack Chu Yan alone for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similar arrangements applied to Wang Xian the Daoist Wang and Zhang Cheng... Zhang Cheng went without saying, but the Daoist Wang’s case was the exact opposite of Chu Yan’s. After all, the Daoist Wang had no formal subordination to Gongsun Xun. As a man beyond the mundane world, he had only come to Handan to temporarily escape the Taiping Dao, which was intent on rebellion. If he truly followed anyone, it was only Xiang Xu. However, Gongsun Xun had taken note that this man had once associated closely with Zhang Jiao and knew Zhang Jiao’s circumstances, so he compelled him to come along, intending to use him as a guide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, the arrangements were many and varied. And taking advantage of the second-month spring breeze, the group finally departed Handan, proceeding southward at a leisurely pace along the main road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet they had traveled barely ten-odd li, still within Handan’s borders, when a scout riding ahead suddenly wheeled back to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?” Gongsun Xun frowned deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reporting to my lord, there is some dust ahead,” the scout said, somewhat tense. “Commander Han has taken Commander Qian ahead to investigate. He bids you proceed with caution...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Between Ye and Handan?” Gongsun Xun, mounted and holding the reins, paled at these words but found it hard to fathom... Even if the Taiping Dao had set an ambush, would they choose a place like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, caution was paramount! In fact, Guan Yu, attending at his side, had already tightened his grip on the unwieldy long lance hanging from his horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord!” But a moment later, Han Dang came whistling back, though his face now bore a cloth mask-like covering. “It is nothing, just a false alarm... There are too many travelers at the crossroads ahead, blocking the road somewhat. I looked carefully — they are truly just ordinary common folk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. But why are you wearing a face-mask?” Gongsun Xun asked, relieved but also curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The face-mask was probably the least technically sophisticated of Lady Gongsun’s many “inventions,” and it was only natural that the retainers Gongsun Xun kept at great expense were equipped with such things... But even so, the adoption rate of this item was still not high. This was because people outside the Anli Trading Company’s sphere of influence found it hard to grasp that this thing could block “miasma.” In contrast, in the Liaoxi and Liaodong delivery zones, though understanding was still limited, out of trust in Lady Gongsun and the Anli Trading Company, they had adapted to quite a few things, from drinking boiled water to wearing face-masks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because these travelers are coming from Henan, and isn’t there an epidemic in Henan right now?” Han Dang answered in a muffled voice. “From what these people are saying, most of them have come to Hebei to take temporary refuge, fleeing the epidemic and the refugees. I was somewhat worried that someone among them might carry the miasma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, in a daze, recalled the matter Cao Cao had mentioned in his last letter and suddenly understood. It seemed this great plague had, after all, swept to the banks of the Yellow River! With caution being no mistake, he immediately ordered everyone to don face-masks and continue onward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after skirting this convoy — clearly a wealthy household fleeing the epidemic — and pressing further south, Gongsun Xun’s party found the road increasingly difficult to travel... For these groups fleeing the plague from south to north grew ever denser, and the scale of the groups they encountered grew ever larger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, around noon, Gongsun Xun and his core followers finally sensed that something was amiss and halted their arduous advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, those earlier people still wore clean clothes, and their carts and horses were orderly, but these people now...” Though masked, Lou Gui’s expression was visibly grim. “They are just like refugees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, wearing a black face-mask, reined in his horse by the roadside and remained silent... How could he not see it? The further they went, the shabbier these travelers’ clothes became, the more haggard their faces, and the fewer carts, horses, and belongings in their groups. And what was more terrifying — when these travelers looked at Gongsun Xun’s two hundred-odd riders on white horses with black masks, the fear in their eyes had turned to numbness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no good omen! In truth, as the group stopped to observe closely, a sense of foreboding was already rising in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After an unknown length of time, Gongsun Xun suddenly pulled off his mask, dismounted, and stopped an elderly man with a poor complexion but still tidy clothes... More importantly, this man was leaning on a bare nine-jointed staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old sir!” Gongsun Xun dismounted and asked earnestly. “Are you a Taiping Daoist?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, noble sir. I am no Taiping Daoist.” The old man was clearly somewhat dazed, whether from travel fatigue or something else, but fortunately his speech was coherent. “This nine-jointed staff was kindly given to me by a Taiping Daoist who saw me struggling to walk, to use as a support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then may I ask, old sir, where do all of you come from?” The Daoist Wang, standing nearby, suddenly pulled down his mask, dismounted, and revealed his own nine-jointed staff. “And where are the Taiping Daoists of Henan leading you? I am a Taiping Daoist from the north and do not know the affairs of your south — please forgive me...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No forgiveness needed, no forgiveness needed. We are going to Julu to seek the Great Worthy and Good Teacher.” Clearly, Wang Xian’s nine-jointed staff had worked wonders, for a glimmer of spirit almost instantly returned to the old man’s eyes. “As for where we all come from, it is from Jingxiang to the Central Plains, from all over... all over!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other party suddenly perking up only made Gongsun Xun’s heart feel more uneasy: “Why are the Taiping Daoists of Henan taking you to Julu to seek the Great Worthy and Good Teacher? Is it by the Great Worthy and Good Teacher’s command, or what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Both!” A strange smile appeared on the old man’s stiff face. “First there was the great plague in Jingxiang, then as the weather warmed, even Yan and Yu provinces caught the disease. By the time I set out, the south of our Chen Kingdom had already been infected. The common folk to the north were terrified and could only rely on talisman water, but there were too few Taiping Daoists in the south — they couldn’t even keep up with treating those already sick, let alone those of us who weren’t sick yet... Then later, some Taiping Daoists gathered us and said that if we could come to Hebei to find the Great Worthy and Good Teacher, the talisman water he made in one batch could serve a thousand of us at once... We didn’t want to just wait to die either... During the great plague seven years ago, two of my four children died. This time I dared not wait again...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you abandoned your homes and children and followed them here?” Gongsun Xun was both shocked and furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Taiping Dao provides food and drink... Many wealthy households helped along the way.” The old man forced a smile. “We locked our doors and came with the whole family, bringing grain and money... Isn’t that better than waiting to die at home? And some said that once we reach the Great Worthy and Good Teacher’s side, we will never go hungry or weary again. It is written in the Taiping Jing...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many of you have come?” Gongsun Xun felt his mouth go dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know. When crossing the river, I heard someone say seventy or eighty thousand... and more behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun instantly felt dizzy and lightheaded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seven years ago, two of your four children died... and now your whole family is coming to Hebei to seek the Great Worthy and Good Teacher?” Lou Zibo, who had remained silent all this while, suddenly spoke up to ask. “Then what of your two remaining children and their families?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Only on the second try did he force a smile: “Separated when crossing the river, separated! I crossed first, they were behind! Must still go find the Great Worthy and Good Teacher. Once we find the Great Worthy and Good Teacher, we will be saved!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, this old man from Chen Kingdom simply leaned on his nine-jointed staff, walked around Gongsun Xun and the others blocking his path, and continued northward, still wearing that strange smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Gongsun Xun did not know what to say or what to do, because the stream of people moving from south to north before his eyes was still growing larger and denser... and the travelers were becoming ever more numb and destitute!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something is not right!” Lou Zibo also felt a tightness in his chest. “If it were as that old man said, the refugees should not yet have lost their grain, should not yet have turned into famine victims, and there should still be Taiping Daoists managing them along the way... But if so, it should not look like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course something was not right. So many people coming head-on, yet hardly any clamor — like walking corpses — and barely any Taiping Daoists in sight... This was certainly not right!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ask!” Gongsun Xun suddenly turned his head and barked harshly. “All of you, go ask!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their lord enraged, the retainers scattered in all directions to make inquiries... There were still some clear-headed people among them, so the group soon learned the whole story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out that, just as the old man had said, the great plague in the south was showing signs of sweeping toward the Central Plains with the spring. Faced with the epidemic, the common folk were terrified and nearly helpless, so Zhang Jiao had been vigorously stirring up the locals in Henan to come to Hebei and join him before the plague arrived... But things had gone wrong from the very start!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Taiping Dao thought that only the able-bodied would have the strength to come to Hebei to see their Great Worthy and Good Teacher.” Qian Zhao’s face was ashen, his full beard bristling. “But whether the common folk were too terrified of the plague, or these Taiping Daoists exaggerated the southern epidemic, or they simply felt there was no way to survive if they stayed — the result was that many commoners in Yan and Yu sold off their family property and brought their entire households to Hebei with the local Taiping Daoists... Just like that old man earlier, they believed that once they reached Julu and saw the Great Worthy and Good Teacher, they would live ‘Taiping’ days!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“While still in Henan, the groups were small and under the control of Taiping Daoists, and their grain and belongings were not yet used up.” Yang Kai also recounted in a deep voice what he had heard. “But after reaching Guandu, they were forced to halt because they could not cross the river... Within a few days, the crowd grew too large to control. The Taiping Dao could not sustain it, and the government office in Chenliu also tightened precautions, forbidding the sale of grain to them. With no other choice, the refugees tried to force a river crossing, and as a result...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What was the result?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The more they crossed, the more chaotic it became. By that evening, the ford descended into a stampede and chaos... It is said the dead and wounded numbered no less than several thousand on the spot!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...” Everyone thought simultaneously of that old man from earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, those at the front are mostly intact... but the later the arrivals, the less wealth and grain they have.” Lou Gui forced himself to point out. “My lord, it may still be manageable now, but if we continue south, I fear we will be facing famine victims, not mere refugees!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Jiao deserves death! The Taiping Dao deserves extermination!” Guan Yu’s eyes flew open, filled with fury and indignation — so much so that the Daoist Wang’s hand trembled and he dropped his nine-jointed staff on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At this moment, killing him is no longer possible,” Lou Gui countered in a tone of near helplessness. “All these people are heading to Julu to seek the Great Worthy and Good Teacher. How can our two hundred men kill him?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This must have been Zhang Jiao’s plan all along!” Shen Pei said through gritted teeth. “They long ago intended to use the epidemic to gather large numbers of able-bodied people from Henan to their side. Before, they were merely stalling for time by dealing with us...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun remained silent, but his heart was already in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this Zhang Jiao’s plan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, even if it was Zhang Jiao’s plan, it had failed, had it not? What he sought was able-bodied men — and now? Yet, purely in terms of countering the schemes of himself and Liu Yan, this was even more effective than a purely organized force of able-bodied men, was it not? If it were just organized able-bodied men, the speed of cavalry could still deliver a fatal blow with a turn of the horse. But now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Yunchang said Zhang Jiao deserved death, the Taiping Dao deserved death... They did deserve death! But if people could live and work in peace in their own lands, who would regard a “Great Worthy and Good Teacher” far away in Hebei as the hope of their lives? Had mere panic over the plague made them abandon everything and come here?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiao and the Taiping Dao’s actions were absurd, and these refugees’ actions were absurd too... But he, Gongsun Xun, and Liu Yan were even more absurd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was not only the two men’s assassination plot against Zhang Jiao that now seemed absurd — his own earlier worries and arrangements for Zhao Kingdom seemed especially absurd! If a hundred thousand or more refugees, even famine victims, were truly rolling toward them up ahead, what could possibly remain in the countryside of Zhao Kingdom, which bordered Julu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mount Taixing would immediately be filled to bursting with bandits!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newly reclaimed fields would instantly be swallowed up by the fortified manors the powerful families would hurriedly erect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those local commoners who had just gained a little land would scramble over one another to beg the powerful and great households to accept them as tenant dependents, just to save their own skins!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Large numbers of refugees would also be absorbed by the powerful families, the strong surviving and the weak perishing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps only the Handan Public Academy could continue to exist?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what meaning would that have?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Zhang Jiao was merely stirring up this and that for the sake of rebellion, he had unwittingly gained a force of incomparable power, and one day, several years hence, this force would tear all order to shreds!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The so-called Yellow Turban Uprising... at the start, it truly was nothing more than the thoroughgoing treason of a single ambitious man. In four hundred years of the Two Han dynasties, such affairs were as common as ox hairs! But this rebellion and this wildly ambitious Great Virtuous Teacher happened to appear at a unique juncture in history, so that this conspiracy and treason, once begun, rapidly changed in nature and evolved into a genuine uprising!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The common people had truly reached such a point of despair that they could only believe in a religious madman!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had imagined everything far too rosily before! It was time to wake up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord!\" Shen Pei, his expression grim, came to Gongsun Xun's side. \"Please make your decision!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Decide what?!\" Gongsun Xun wore no mask; he merely swung expressionlessly onto his horse. \"We continue on our journey... past Yecheng, turn toward Henei, and on to Luoyang... We are two hundred cavalry — do we need to worry about being torn apart by starving people!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei had no words to reply and could only mount his horse as well!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord...\" Just then, that Daoist Wang Xian, leaning on his nine-sectioned staff, spoke up timidly and hesitantly. \"I will not go with you... With no Daoist of Great Peace here to restrain them, something will happen. I know the way, and I am familiar with Zhang Jiao. I will try to escort them to Julu! I will not go with you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was speechless; even Guan Yunchang, who had just spoken of killing Zhang Jiao, remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go then!\" Gongsun Xun nodded expressionlessly and turned south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The refugees surged in endless waves, blotting out the sky and covering the earth, sweeping irresistibly from south to north. As he drew farther and farther from Daoist Wang, Gongsun Xun's hand on the reins trembled, but he could only forcibly suppress all his thoughts and, surrounded by his trusted followers, head south against the current with his two hundred Volunteers without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time they reached Yecheng, Gongsun Xun could be fairly certain that no fewer than a hundred thousand refugees had indeed headed for Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Gongsun Xun had also received no dispatch from Liu Yan... In truth, the latter was panic-stricken. During the days when the refugees passed outside Yecheng, he hid within the city, its gates tightly shut, not daring to make a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like a turtle retracting its head!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A poem says: That millet hangs heavy, those sorghum seedlings grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I walk slowly, slowly, my heart sways to and fro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who know me say my heart is grieved; those who know me not ask what it is I seek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O distant blue Heaven! What manner of man is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————I am the dividing line still 39k short——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third year of Guanghe, spring, great pestilence; second month, earthquake in the capital region, Grand Commandant Liu Kuan dismissed; also, Administrator of Liaoxi Zhao Bao appointed as Superintendent of the Imperial Household; also, Prefect of Handan Gongsun Xun appointed as Administrator of Zhongshan... twelfth month, His Majesty established Lady He as Empress, granted a general amnesty to all under Heaven, appointed He Jin as Palace Attendant, Court Architect, and Intendant of Henan.\" — Records of the Three Capital Regions, by Zhao Qi\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>End of Volume\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone... This chapter had 4k last night, but I hesitated — I couldn't let everyone feel unhappy on the Mid-Autumn Festival, so in the end I decided it was best to finish writing it. I drank three bottles of Dongpeng Special Drink to finish it... uh, mainly because I couldn't afford Red Bull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, the new book group is 684558115, everyone can join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6006,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","19747b389db2798eb55799de15e02c5ca238584bcca45737637590d773b87771","overthrowing-han-chapter-210","overthrowing-han-chapter-208",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]