[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-221":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},1222980,1620,"Chapter 221: Regardless of What Comes After","overthrowing-han-chapter-221",221,"\u003Cp>Governor Gongsun felt he had truly outdone himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was that impromptu grand declaration, or the brilliant night battle against Zhang Bao that very evening — he had outdone himself on both counts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fleeting moment, he even almost believed his own nonsense about a loyalty that could match the sun and moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whether Gongsun Xun himself believed it or not didn't matter; the key was that Guo Xun actually did... which was understandable, of course, because from the earlier incident where the other man had stopped him at Fanyu Pavilion and then insisted on enforcing the law against the Fanyang Lu clan, one could see that this Inspector of Youzhou was a man of backbone — or rather, a loyal servant of the Great Han with a strong sense of responsibility... If the man was willing to believe it, then... well, that was naturally quite satisfying!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must understand, although the political standing of an Inspector and a Governor were equal, with neither fearing the other, when it came to bearing political risk, the Inspector, who represented the central authority in supervising the region, held a higher position. That Guo Xun was willing to trust him and share the political risk — nothing could be better!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, as Inspector of Youzhou, Guo Xun possessed something that made Gongsun Xun drool with envy... namely, the provisional military command authority over the province... In other words, those three thousand Youyan Iron Cavalry — Guo Xun really could conjure them up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even if Guo Xun declared his willingness to share the political risk and transfer troops to him, Gongsun Xun would not be so reckless as to lead his forces straight south to Heluo regardless of the consequences... Such an action, far from being recognized as a loyal servant of the Great Han, would likely cause Luoyang to set aside the Yellow Turbans and first mobilize the Sanhe cavalry to kill him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, there was no need for that anyway, because the so-called ten thousand troops in Gongsun Xun's hands were utterly incapable of a distant campaign, and Guo Xun, having approved him, also needed time to mobilize his forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that time was enough to accomplish a great many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, after Zhang Bao nervously retreated, communication between Zhuo Commandery and Luoyang was immediately restored. Messengers could travel swiftly via Zhongshan, Changshan, Zhao, Wei Commandery, and Henei to reach Luoyang. Thus, Gongsun Xun and Guo Xun immediately jointly drafted a memorial, reporting the military situation in Youzhou while proactively proposing a simple strategic plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, Gongsun Xun used this time to attempt an attack on the fallen areas of neighboring Guangyang Commandery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And, surprisingly enough, with Cheng Yuanzhi dead and Zhang Bao's forces withdrawn, the Yellow Turban-occupied areas in Guangyang surrendered almost at the mere rumor of his approach... or rather, the local powerful families, seeing the situation clearly, immediately set about restoring order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, however, after taking the fallen southern half of Guangyang Commandery, Gongsun Xun was astonished to discover that Yuyang had already been completely recovered — and the man leading the troops was none other than his own clansman whom he had recommended in his memorial, the Magistrate of Yuyang, Gongsun Zan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to admit, this clansman of his was ultimately a man of ability and fortune; when the time came, he was bound to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as Gongsun Xun, Gongsun Yue, Liu Bei, and other old acquaintances were meeting with Gongsun Zan in Quanzhou City of Yuyang Commandery, the joint memorial of Gongsun Xun and Guo Xun also reached Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Gongsun Xun's so-called simple strategic plan was indeed very simple: to swiftly execute dividing maneuvers on the periphery in order to contain the Yellow Turbans' expansion momentum in Hebei!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He proposed that Guo Xun mobilize the Youzhou infantry to advance south immediately, using cities and county towns to press forward layer by layer, suppressing Zhang Bao and pushing into the vast fallen areas of northern Jizhou; meanwhile, Gongsun Xun would lead the cavalry from Shanggu, Dai Commandery, and Yuyang, using their speed to sweep south along the Taihang Mountains all the way to Henei, ensuring that the Yellow Turban forces did not advance toward Bingzhou or the Luoyang direction. This was his so-called \"marching south to Heluo, rescuing the capital above, and saving the common people below.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could one say about this plan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, it seemed quite methodical — infantry and cavalry coordinated, a balance of movement and stillness — with the appearance of a scheme to trap the three Zhang brothers directly in a cage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, Gongsun Xun knew better than anyone that although Zhang Jiao was now seizing cities and territory, in reality, the three brothers were bound to be swiftly penned into that very cage in central Jizhou. Moreover, Guo Xun's so-called southern advance was simply picking up the pieces left behind by Zhang Bao's retreat. As for the route Gongsun Xun himself was taking, it was currently entirely \"government-controlled territory\" — apart from some remnants of Ma Yuanyi's forces causing trouble in Henei, the rest of the region was truly a flat, open plain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, this plan was fundamentally designed to allow Gongsun Xun to lead several thousand cavalry swiftly south, show his face before the central authorities, and then secure a place in the upcoming military deployments!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What else? Lead three thousand cavalry to sweep away the three Zhang brothers? Or charge all the way into the Central Plains and annihilate the hundreds of thousands of Yellow Turbans there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His name was Gongsun Xun, not Chen Qingzhi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, with all this trickery and deceit, wasn't Gongsun Xun afraid the central authorities would find out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Find out what? At this moment, apart from Zhang Bao being slightly obstructed in Youzhou — a region of weak strength — by a well-prepared Gongsun Xun, the Yellow Turbans were still raging like wildfire everywhere else. Never mind the line of commanderies and princedoms east of the Taihang Mountains that Gongsun Xun mentioned; the court was still worried about whether Luoyang itself could be preserved!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was under such circumstances that the court suddenly received a joint victory report from a Provincial Inspector and a Commandery Governor, along with their self-recommended \"minor strategy,\" and Gongsun Xun's resounding, loyalty-exemplifying declaration of \"not failing the people of the world\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The central court, caught between bewilderment and panicked uncertainty, had never imagined that Youzhou had already won such a great victory and stabilized the situation. Even less had they imagined that there were already such loyal ministers and fine generals there, disregarding personal gain or loss and volunteering their services!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the Son of Heaven, overjoyed, not only directly approved the plan but also demanded that after Gongsun Xun \"opened up\" the Taihang passage, he immediately enter Luoyang to report on the Hebei situation and participate in the later military strategy discussions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the Great Han had over a hundred commanderies and princedoms, and was not short of two loyal ministers and fine generals like Gongsun Xun and Guo Xun. By this time, as the imperial center gradually came to its senses, Luoyang had also become exceptionally lively. The Son of Heaven, the eunuchs, the imperial in-laws, the partisans, the ducal clans, the frontier generals... faced with the Yellow Turbans' seemingly world-overturning power, all began to make their moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The actions of Governor Gongsun and Inspector Guo were merely an appetizer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the very day after their memorial arrived and received a reply, the Son of Heaven made the first truly large-scale military-political decision since the Yellow Turban uprising: appointing He Jin as Grand General, enfeoffing him as Marquis of Shen, and charging him with overall command of the Left and Right Feathered Forest Armies and the Five Encampment Troops, stationing them at Duting to repair arsenal equipment and guard the capital. At the same time, he established eight Pass Commandants — at Hangu, Taigu, Guangcheng, Yique, Huanyuan, Xuanmen, Mengjin, and Xiaopingjin — to protect Luoyang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This appointment was enough to change everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Son of Heaven grows ever more impatient!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what of it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Imperial Eldest Son is not yet ten, yet there is already a Grand General.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This must be viewed in the context of current events. With the Yellow Turban rebels so powerful now, there is indeed a need for reliance and planning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if we speak in those terms, the court situation will once again breed chaos... Recently, quite a few people have been advising the Son of Heaven to lift the Partisan Prohibitions. The partisans, the imperial in-laws, the eunuchs... it's like a wheel turning round and round.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let us take it one step at a time! For now, the sole concern is to quell the Yellow Turban rebels above all else!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At dusk, beneath the palace walls of the Southern Palace, Yang Ci and Liu Kuan, both white-haired and white-bearded, walked slowly, while their attendants and subordinate officials fell far behind. Of the two, the latter remained as amiable as ever, but the former's brow had lost the awe-inspiring sternness of years past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of quelling the rebels, when the Son of Heaven previously asked me who was fit to be a general, I was at a loss for a moment,\" Yang Ci sighed. \"I had forgotten about this student of yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does it matter?\" Liu Kuan said dismissively. \"Now there is no need for you or me to make recommendations...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci was speechless for a moment, then could not help but shake his head: \"Wenrao, I sought you out today because there is something in my heart I am unsure whether I should ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Between you and me, how could it come to this?\" Liu Kuan stopped beneath the palace wall, as composed as ever. \"Even in the past, we might have had to beat around the bush, but now, with the state affairs as they are, and you and I as we are, what is there left to hide?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well.\" Yang Ci also stopped and spoke. \"As everyone in the court now knows, military strategy must be set and generals chosen. Therefore, this afternoon I went specifically to the Eastern Pavilion to consult some archives, mainly to look into the current circumstances of the scions of frontier commandery families in places like Youzhou, Bingzhou, and Liangzhou...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know what you want to ask.\" Liu Kuan rarely revealed a smile. \"Are you wondering why so many of the younger scions of frontier commandery families are now my disciples... is that correct?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci nodded slightly: \"You don't realize until you look. I was truly astonished by you, Wenrao. The four brothers of the Gongsun clan of Youzhou, Wang Yi of the Wang clan of Bingzhou, Fu Xie of the Fu clan of Western Liang — nearly all the young scions of military families now rising to prominence are under your tutelage. With the campaign to suppress the rebellion about to begin, these men are all backbone talents, and someone like that Gongsun Xun might even be capable of holding a front on his own. Could it be, Wenrao, that you foresaw long ago that the realm would come to this day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Kuan slowly shook his head: \"Had I known it would come to this day, how could I be so at a loss and disheartened now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what is the reason?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was back when I saw Cao Jie and Wang Fu use Zhang Huan's hand to kill Grand General Dou Wu. My heart was stirred, and I also saw that your late in-law Yuan Zhouyang took advantage of the Yangzhou pacification campaign to gather military talents like Zang Min. That was when I got the idea to deliberately gather some frontier commandery scions who were still in their coming-of-age years, intending to prepare for future matters. I never expected to encounter this chaos first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci stood stunned for a moment, then grew even more emotional: \"Even so, it is not bad at all! I recall that when you, Wenrao, took on these students, everyone said you were lowering your own status, and that you were indiscriminately transmitting the classics... But looking at it now, it seems you and Yuan Zhouyang were the wiser ones after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Kuan shook his head again: \"In the current situation, should one take pride in that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci was also left speechless and dejected... After all, they were both old ministers who had seen their share of storms; how could Yang Ci not understand Liu Kuan's meaning?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overall situation was already tottering!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few days ago, Qiao Xuan, the eldest among them, had taken directly to his sickbed. These past few days, Liu Kuan had kept his mouth shut, like a wooden puppet. And he himself had suddenly felt mentally and physically exhausted, all fighting spirit gone. Was all this truly just coincidence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course not!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, although the three men had utterly different personalities, different statuses and factions, and even different lifelong pursuits, they were all, without exception, old ministers of the Han. All their honor and disgrace, gain and loss in this life were tied to this great tree. And now, it was precisely by relying on their rich political experience that they had vaguely foreseen the signs of the great tree about to fall, yet were powerless to do anything about it. This was why they were dazed, at a loss, and disheartened, fearing that everything — in life and after death — would be destroyed in a single moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the two continued walking slowly forward. It seemed they could have said many things, discussed many matters, but in the end, they spoke little. They simply walked side by side out of the palace gate under the setting sun, then bid each other farewell and returned home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And no sooner had Yang Ci arrived home than he discovered a relative who had not visited in a long time waiting for him there!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benchu, instead of living in seclusion at home, how is it you have time to come see me?\" Yang Ci, looking utterly weary, reclined in a Grand Commandant's chair, forming a stark contrast with Yuan Shao, who sat high-spirited and full of vigor on a tall stool opposite him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be understood that Yuan Benchu had spent six years observing mourning rites in Luoyang and Runan, devoting himself to befriending the heroes and gallants of Ru, Ying, Wan, Luo, and other regions, and then came to Luoyang to \"live in seclusion,\" bearing an air of one who carried the hopes of the realm. Thus, although he remained a commoner to this day, he was someone whom many officials of the two-thousand-dan rank, and even the highest ministers, looked up to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As such, the heroic spirit in his brow needs no further elaboration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Yang!\" Yuan Shao bowed with utmost deference, without the slightest disrespect, yet the moment he opened his mouth, his manner was bold and commanding. \"The moment has come!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What moment?\" Yang Ci asked offhandedly, clearly paying it no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Benchu was momentarily stifled, but he quickly adjusted his composure and then, still with solemn posturing, said: \"Lord Yang, how do you suppose the Yellow Turban rebels have wrought such calamity?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci, for once, laughed in spite of himself: \"I would like to know that too. How has this great Han dynasty suddenly been reduced to such a state by a few students of the Dao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I may speak bluntly.\" Yuan Shao was Yang Ci's junior in the proper sense of a family friend's son, so there was no need for excessive concealment. \"He who throws the realm into chaos is in the Northern Palace. The villain who allowed the Yellow Turban rebels to spread this far is not Zhang Jiao, but the Ten Regular Attendants! Their clansmen and disciples are spread throughout the land, persecuting the loyal and good, bringing calamity to the realm, so that the people cannot make a living and have long seethed with resentment against the House of Han... Zhang Jiao merely happened upon the right moment!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" Yang Ci feigned sudden enlightenment. \"Then what does Benchu intend to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The eunuchs must be executed!\" Yuan Benchu's words rang with forceful clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Execute the eunuchs...\" Yang Ci seemed lost in thought for a moment. \"The last time there was an attempt to execute the eunuchs, the Grand General was still alive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am of course aware that to execute the eunuchs we must wait for the Grand General to take charge of governance.\" Yuan Shao smiled knowingly. \"In fact, the Grand General appointed by imperial pardon yesterday has always been rather cordial toward us, and we are likewise willing to associate with him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then go seek him out.\" Yang Ci raised an eyebrow and spoke with a faint smile. \"Why come seeking me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Yang.\" Yuan Shao could not help but laugh. \"The moment the Grand General was appointed, he led troops out to garrison the city's outer pavilion, and now he must inspect military preparations and repair equipment... how could I go seek him at such a time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what do you propose?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Yellow Turbans have risen on all sides, the realm is shaken, and even the Son of Heaven is restless in spirit, having rarely emerged from the Zhuolong Garden. With such a fine opportunity, should we not test the Son of Heaven's inclinations?\" Yuan Shao asked with a solemn expression. \"If the Son of Heaven has some sudden awakening, then there will be no need for any Grand General.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have it backwards.\" Yang Ci spoke, half from weariness, half from impatience. \"Matters must proceed step by step. First find a way to lift the Proscription of the Partisans, and only then speak of testing the Son of Heaven!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao immediately rose and performed a grand ceremonial bow: \"I was just about to ask Lord Yang to submit a memorial to the Son of Heaven, directly calling for the abolition of the Proscription! In this way, the scholars of the realm will surely receive Lord Yang's benevolence!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci was briefly taken aback, but then quickly recovered his wits: \"So Benchu has long been waiting for me here... But if that is the case, why not have your uncle Yuan Kui submit the memorial?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao gave an embarrassed smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Yang Ci remained as indifferent as before: \"Benchu, your uncle is unwilling to act. He must consider the family and is loath to offend the eunuchs. As for me, I am unable to act. I am old and wish to do nothing at all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao seemed about to speak, then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this very moment, it is indeed the best time to break the Proscription of the Partisans,\" Yang Ci continued. \"But as far as the Son of Heaven is concerned at this moment, a joint memorial from your uncle and me may not carry as much weight as a casual remark from a general about to head to the front lines, nor as much as a whispered reminder from a palace attendant in a private chamber... Remember, do not seek out your family's disciples and former officials!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shao had a sudden realization, bowed once more on the spot, and then promptly took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Ci watched him depart, thinking of his own son, the General of the Household of All Purposes Yang Biao, who was outside the city at the outer pavilion assisting He Jin in preparing the troops. Yet he felt no sense of loss, only an ever-deepening weariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the sky gradually darkened, the moment Yuan Benchu strode proudly out of the Yang residence's side gate, Xu Ziyuan hurried forward impatiently to meet him. But it was not until the two had boarded their carriage and headed onto the street that they began to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benchu, what did our Lord Yang, who for years has wanted his own son to become the leader of the Partisans, have to say?\" Xu You stroked his small beard and sneered unceasingly. \"Did he agree to test the Son of Heaven directly, or is he willing to first speak out and agitate for lifting the Proscription?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Yang has grown old.\" Yuan Shao shook his head and sighed. \"I see that his heart is ashes and his spirit dead; he no longer has the will to contend in the court. We cannot treat him as Chen Fan. In all matters, we must still rely on ourselves. However, he did give me some guidance—he told me to seek out frontier generals and Attendant Lü, the general idea being to have these people use the situation to intimidate our Son of Heaven a little, so that the matter of the Proscription may be swiftly resolved...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attendant Lü referred to the Regular Attendant Lü Qiang. Although he was a eunuch, he had always inclined toward the scholars and sympathized with the Partisans, making him a rare ally for the scholars within the Northern Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Attendant Lü is easy enough to deal with,\" Xu Ziyuan said, wagging his head. \"He was always part of the plan. But as for frontier generals... who knows whom the Son of Heaven truly favors as overall commander? And we must also avoid your family's disciples and former officials—that makes it even harder to say! You must understand, at present only Gongsun Wenqi has charged ahead and submitted a memorial volunteering himself, but he is too young. Although the Son of Heaven admires his words and deeds, he may not truly entrust the overall situation to him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter!\" Yuan Benchu's spirit remained undaunted. \"Whoever comes, if they are unwilling to execute the eunuchs and unwilling to lift the Proscription, we shall ensure they cannot hold this command!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly so!\" Xu You immediately clapped his hands and laughed heartily. \"Even if we cannot go to the battlefield, can we not decide victory in the court?\" At this point, Xu Ziyuan lowered his voice and said, \"Benchu, I have long been acquainted with Gongsun Wenqi. Next month, when he comes from Yan, I will go seek him out myself and guarantee to persuade him not to hinder our great cause!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Benchu was inwardly quite speechless... On the matter of lifting the Proscription, given Gongsun Xun's level of political awareness, where was the need for you to persuade him? It was merely a matter of saying hello.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Yuan Shao's speechlessness remained only in his heart; outwardly he showed no sign of it. He even directly told the other man to take some money from the residence upon returning, to use for socializing and making arrangements. After all, deep down, did he not know that Xu Ziyuan wanted to control the relations with both sides so he could skim some money from both?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let him skim!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the two plotted incessantly within the carriage, actually intending to manipulate great court affairs while still commoners... It was only when they reached the bustling Yuan family mansion that they finally ceased their discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said that even though it was evening, the front of Yuan Shao's residence was still as crowded as a marketplace. With the realm in turmoil, many people lingered for long periods without leaving, merely seeking a single audience with the paragon of the realm, Yuan Benchu. Left with no choice, Yuan Shao had to have the carriage circle around to the back gate before he could alight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the moment the two stepped down from the carriage at the back gate, they were immediately accosted by someone who had been waiting there for a long time: \"You two, skulking furtively in your carriage—what great deeds have you been plotting!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu You and Yuan Shao both jumped in fright, then both sighed in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meng De!\" Yuan Shao said irritably. \"Have you nothing better to do? Instead of waiting for me inside, you specifically come here to frighten people?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've hit the nail on the head!\" Cao Cao immediately narrowed his eyes and said. \"The state is in turmoil, the realm is in chaos. Gongsun Wenqi, over in Youzhou, defeated the rebels in five days and pacified the land of Yan in ten, and now he is about to lead three thousand You-Yan cavalry south to Heluo. Meanwhile, I can only frighten people at your back gate... If that is not having nothing better to do, then what is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu You found this increasingly amusing: \"Meng De, what are you so anxious about? Is it not simply a matter of seizing the moment to gain appointment and achieve merit on the battlefield? With your family background, and with us creating some public opinion about your talents, when the time comes, we will seek out a few family friends to recommend you. How could you possibly be left out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ziyuan speaks truly.\" Yuan Shao was also rather speechless. \"Why dwell on it so obsessively? Affairs of the realm have their priorities. What we must devote our minds to now is using this fine opportunity—when the Yellow Turban rebels are rampant and the eunuchs are entangled with them in unclear ways—to try and make a move against the Ten Regular Attendants!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the Yellow Turban rebels are so rampant, should we not first eliminate the rebel threat to settle the people's hearts?\" Cao Cao disagreed. \"Why stir up court strife at such a time? If we can slay the rebels and pacify the realm, then besides establishing merit and a career, we should also gain the trust of the Son of Heaven, should we not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meng De, those are the words of ignorance!\" Xu You immediately retorted. \"What kind of man do you take the current Son of Heaven to be? Believe me, if we do not take advantage of his fear and alarm to press for the execution of the eunuchs, once the Yellow Turban rebels are wiped out, he will turn his back and refuse to acknowledge us, still treating the eunuchs as his foster fathers and mothers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao inwardly disagreed, but could only purse his lips and remain silent, pretending to be convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the three of them entered the Yuan residence from the rear courtyard, they heard that Wang Yun of the Censorate had come to visit—because there were recent rumors that Wang Zishi was to be appointed Inspector of Yuzhou to inspect the devastation caused by the Yellow Turbans there, and since Zhang Rang's family home was in Yingchuan, Yuzhou, Yuan Shao grew even more excited. He immediately invited him in and continued discussing how to eliminate the eunuchs... Cao Mengde grew increasingly impatient at this, so after sitting for a short while, he took his leave directly. He then went out to find Xiahou Dun, planning to go to Gongsun Fan's place to scrounge a meal of wine and food, and incidentally inquire about Gongsun Xun's whereabouts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, when he arrived there, Cao Mengde learned that Liu Kuan had returned from the Southern Palace that day feeling quite unwell. Gongsun Fan dared not be negligent and had long since gone to attend upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, partly having nowhere else to go, and partly moved by what he saw, Cao Aman simply told Xiahou Dun to return on his own. Then he fetched a jar of wine from Gongsun Fan's courtyard, took a roast chicken, and personally drove his carriage to Qiao Xuan's residence—Qiao Gongzu was seventy-five this year. After this latest collapse, although his mind was still clear, it was feared he would never rise from his bed again! Given such circumstances, and the deep bond of understanding between the two men, how could Cao Mengde not be concerned?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan's residence was naturally a place where Cao Cao could come and go as he pleased. Thus, carrying the chicken and hugging the wine jar, he made his way directly to Qiao Xuan's bedside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing who had arrived, Qiao Gongzu for once showed a rare smile, but upon seeing the chicken and wine he was carrying, he could not help but fly into a rage: \"Meng De, are you making offerings to me ahead of my death?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao hurriedly set down the wine and food and explained: \"If I were making offerings to you, Qiao Gong, it would have to be the Grand Sacrifice at the very least! Today I simply had not eaten dinner, so I brought along some chicken and wine to see if Qiao Gong had improved, and whether we might share a drink.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this from his sickbed, Qiao Xuan could not help but sneer with effort: \"Enough. Judging by your conduct, boy, after I die, when you pass by my grave, I fear you won't even have a single chicken or a dipper of wine, let alone the Grand Sacrifice!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao was not one to be vague. Upon hearing this, he immediately knelt before Qiao Xuan's sickbed, faced south, and swore an oath: \"Please set your mind at ease, Qiao Gong. If in the future, when I pass by your venerable grave, I do not offer a chicken and a dipper of wine, then may I, Cao Mengde, suffer a stomachache before my carriage has traveled three steps after I mount it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan still sneered: \"So, as expected, there will be no Grand Sacrifice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao was utterly exasperated: \"Then does Qiao Gong want the Grand Sacrifice, or the chicken and wine?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want neither!\" Qiao Xuan rebuked him sternly from the sickbed. \"I am not dead yet—why do I need your offerings?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You see, the conversation has come full circle again.\" Cao Cao sat down and immediately clapped his hands and laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Xuan laughed along with him, but then shook his head and sighed: \"Be that as it may, judging by my current health, if I truly wish to eat your chicken and wine, I fear I really must wait until after death. However, at my age, dying is simply dying... The situation grows ever more chaotic. To die now would at least allow me to depart in peace, as a minister of Han.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao seemed about to speak, then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know what you are going to say.\" Qiao Xuan slowly shook his head. \"Pay no heed to those Partisans, eunuchs, and the like... In such matters, it is enough now to express a stance and not do wrong. As the realm descends into chaos, what will ultimately matter is who can accomplish real deeds. Can scheming over this and calculating over that all day fill the bellies of starving common folk? Can it settle the scholars and people who have been driven from their homes? Meng De, in the years to come, if the situation permits, then govern the regions well and pacify strife. If the situation does not permit, then return to your hometown to study and cultivate yourself, calm your mind and nurture your nature, and await the right time... Most of Xu Zijiang's judgments are mere on-the-spot flattery, but this one assessment of you alone—'a treacherous villain in times of peace, a hero in times of chaos'—I find quite apt, and I take quite some pride in it... If the realm is to descend into chaos, I beg you, do not betray the name of a hero!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao rarely rose and straightened his attire to bow with solemn respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go now!\" Qiao Xuan had spoken at length and was already gasping for breath, barely able to hold himself up by sheer will. \"The realm will soon descend into chaos — do your work well. Even if I die, I will certainly submit a memorial recommending you to the battlefield, so spare me the aggravation here... When the time comes, do not lose to that student of Liu Wenrao and disgrace my name... Though, as things now stand, disgrace hardly matters anymore... In any case, do not come to see me again! The visage of a dying man is truly unsightly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao was speechless. He could only bow once more, then force an air of nonchalance as he turned and departed. Yet after leaving the Qiao residence, the man regretted having left so hastily — he had not even clearly made out the other's features just now. And, for the first time in his life, he was stricken with cowardice, actually not daring to return and look in on him, and so he lingered restlessly before the gates of the Qiao residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Brother Meng De!\" At that moment, someone suddenly emerged from within the gate — it was none other than Qiao Xuan's youngest son. The child who had once been taken hostage was now a graceful and handsome youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\" Cao Cao hurriedly composed his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father bade me return these two things to you.\" Qiao Xuan's youngest son took the chicken and wine from the servant behind him, mustered his strength to lift them, and handed them over. \"He said to tell you not to forget the oath you swore today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao accepted the chicken and wine, an inexplicable grief welling up in his heart, nearly beyond his control. He could only flee in disarray beneath the moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wendian.\" At the same moment, several li away, within the Grand Commandant's residence, Liu Kuan, though somewhat weary yet still in fine spirits, had at last meticulously finished writing a letter. He personally sealed it carefully with beeswax, then handed it to Gongsun Fan, who had been standing in attendance for a long while. \"Among my disciples, your elder brother Gongsun Wenqi is the most outstanding. Should I die one day, he will surely be serving in some outer commandery. When that time comes, give him this letter... Before then, do not let him know of it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Fan stood stunned for a long moment, then reverently stepped forward and accepted the letter: \"Fan will not fail his teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether you fail me or not is of no consequence.\" Liu Kuan slowly rose, smiling. \"You should emulate your elder brother — do not fail the people of the realm... Now, come join me for a meal. After several days of turmoil, today my heart is at rare ease; I must have a cup of wine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Fan and Liu Song, who stood nearby, assented in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————I am the dividing line for having a cup of wine————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The late Grand Commandant, Lord Qiao, possessed virtuous excellence and lofty principles, embracing all with broad magnanimity. The state cherishes his wise teachings, and scholars reflect upon his fine counsels. His departed spirit now lies in obscurity — how distant it has grown! I, Cao, in my youth, was permitted to ascend into his hall and chamber; though of stubborn and unworthy substance, I was received by this noble gentleman. Every honor added and every insight gained came from his encouragement and aid — just as Zhongni declared himself inferior to Yan Yuan, or as Master Li sighed deeply in praise of Jia Fu. A scholar dies for the one who knows him; I hold this in my heart and shall never forget. I also recall his words of easy, solemn oath: 'After I am gone, if your path ever leads you by, and you do not offer a dipper of wine and a single chicken in libation to me, should your carriage pass three paces beyond, may your belly ache — and make no complaint.' Though these were jesting words spoken in a moment of ease, were it not for the deep affection of the closest kin, how could such words have been uttered? I cherish the past and look back, and the thought of it fills me with sorrow. Receiving orders to campaign westward, I am encamped for a time in my home district. Gazing north toward your noble land, my heart is with your tomb and mound. I have arranged this humble offering — may your lordship partake of it!\" — \"Funerary Offering for Lord Qiao,\" by Cao Cao\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: I've done my best, nothing more tonight... Please don't flame me. Also, there's a reader group, 684558115 — feel free to join if interested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6079,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","d26ddcbf6aa072d74fd3a1dbecc6679913947b40b79b627a1470f33182e5d46e","overthrowing-han-chapter-222","overthrowing-han-chapter-220",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]