[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-252":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},1223011,1620,"Chapter 252: White Mourning Robes, Fat and Wide, Buffeted by the Southern Wind","overthrowing-han-chapter-252",252,"\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun took one look and knew that Zhen Yi was almost certainly beyond saving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that things had come to this, the scenes from his youthful travels replayed vividly before his eyes — the so-called brilliance of former days now withered to this, the stark contrast laid bare right in front of him. How could he spare any thought for anything else? Originally he had only meant to take the chance to settle Gongsun Yue’s marriage issue, but now he genuinely felt, with some sincerity, the desire to take over the handling of the other man’s final affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, after barely steadying his composure, beneath the candlelight Gongsun Xun stepped forward and clasped the other’s hand, withered and thin as wood, and his tone steadied as well: “Brother Dayin, go in peace. The world is tangled in chaos, but as long as I am here, your wife and children shall have their share of safety and protection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those are exactly the words.” Zhen Yi clearly showed signs of a final rally, managing even to struggle upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this scene and hearing such words, how could the Zhen family members waiting below the couch not understand? Apart from Lady Zhang, who had already been waiting outside the cottage, the rest of the family hurried to summon the clan elders and also brought all of Zhen Yi’s children to wait in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am but a common man, born into wealth and rank, so I have no other wish in departing.” Zhen Yi looked at Gongsun Xun and spoke with effort. “Only one — my wife and children, and this family estate… If I entrust them to Wenqi, how does Wenqi intend to arrange things?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun held the other’s hand and pledged with a solemn expression: “My eldest son by my principal wife, Gongsun Ding, wishes to take a daughter of the Zhen clan as his wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is very good.” The light in Zhen Yi’s eyes brightened further. “But both your children and mine are still young, and the age is so chaotic — who can say for certain what the future holds?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun started to speak, then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know what Wenqi wants to say.” Zhen Yi’s hand now even held a trace of strength. “If my wife were to remarry, I would be willing, and her Changshan clan would certainly be willing as well. What I fear is only obstruction from my own clan… But since it is Wenqi who has come, there will be no obstruction now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And is your wife herself willing?” Gongsun Xun glanced back at Lady Zhang, who was just beyond in the outer room, and could not help but sigh. He truly had not expected that Zhen Yi himself had already conceived the idea of having his wife remarry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if one thought about it carefully, it was actually quite ordinary… For one thing, Zhang Ju remained within the city, lingering and wavering — his intentions were known even to passersby outside the city, let alone the Zhen family themselves. For another, such were the customs of the present day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, in history, Xun You and Zhong Yao once had their fortunes told together. The fortune-teller said Xun You would die young. Xun You himself naturally paid it no mind, but Zhong Yao beside him joked on the spot that as soon as Xun Gongda died, he would immediately marry off his most beloved concubine to someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, Xun Gongda indeed died young, and Zhong Yao actually used those words as grounds to claim from the Xun clan the right to handle Xun You’s posthumous affairs. While managing Xun Gongda’s funeral arrangements, he married off every woman in his household… People of the time all praised the two of them as men of true character, and no one saw the Xun clan members raise any objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the final analysis, this was because the concept of life and death in this era was particularly open-minded, and there was none of that later-age situation where ritual doctrine outweighed human nature — that was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My wife is probably unwilling.” Zhen Yi slightly raised his eyes toward the outer room of the cottage where his wife was and spoke frankly. “But if I leave a final testament, she will certainly obey… So I still hope that Wenqi will treat her well in the days to come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I already have a principal wife — how could I further impose upon your wife?” Gongsun Xun, having learned from past mistakes, decided this time to make things clear. “However, A-Yue, because of the three-year mourning period, has not yet been betrothed. He is now at the great camp north of the Hutuo River, serving as Protector-Attendant of the Army. He is both your brother and mine, and our fellow student… Why not let him take care of your wife and children in your stead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A-Yue?” Zhen Yi pondered for a moment, then suddenly seemed to awaken to understanding, and even nodded repeatedly. “A-Yue is not unacceptable either. For my wife, this would also be a good thing. But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your children will of course grow up bearing the Zhen surname, and in the future your family property will naturally be divided between your two sons when they marry.” Gongsun Xun hurriedly gave his assurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is not what I meant.” Zhen Yi shook his head with effort. “Such matters need no personal guarantee from you. I meant, if A-Yue comes to marry my wife, then Zhang Chun…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is no need to say more on that either.” Gongsun Xun pressed down on the other’s hand and said, “Since I have come, how could I not deal with a mere Zhang Chun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good then, good then…” Zhen Yi said slowly. “In that case, Wenqi, please go out. I have words to speak to my wife, and to the clan elders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun sighed, withdrew, and stepped out. Lady Zhang, who had already heard most of their conversation, had tears glistening in her eyes. She forced herself to bow slightly toward the man approaching her, then lowered her head and entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun did not wish to eavesdrop on a husband and wife’s private words, so he walked straight out of the hall. At that moment, the Zhen clan elders and Zhen Yi’s children all arrived before him… And it was only then that Gongsun Xun learned from Zhen Bao that the eldest son of Zhen Yi, whom he had once met, had died young. The children before him now, born of both wife and concubines — two sons and five daughters — were all still of tender, infant age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, the second son Zhen Yan, the eldest daughter Zhen Jiang, and the youngest daughter Zhen Fu were born of the principal wife; the youngest son Zhen Yao, the second daughter Zhen Tuo, the third daughter Zhen Rong, and the fourth daughter Zhen Dao were born of two concubines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A whole courtyard of widows and orphans, the old, the weak, the very young — beneath the lamplight they appeared all the more pitiful. And as it happened, the Zhen family’s sole support, Zhen Yi’s uncle Zhen Ju, was still in Luoyang, and now even faintly bore the ill repute of currying favor with Zhao Zhong, his political position none too secure. No wonder Zhang Chun harbored such improper designs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the world was in turmoil, over a hundred thousand troops were arrayed in opposition just thirty li away, and the Zhen family’s wealth, which occupied half of Wuji County, was indeed enough to stir anyone’s heart… This was the fundamental reason Zhang Chun had grown the audacity of a thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it must be said, that scoundrel Zhang Chun was an obstacle not only in private matters but also an exasperation in public affairs… Truly detestable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, Gongsun Xun naturally knew what he ought to do at this moment. He snatched a lantern from Zhen Bao’s hand and strode straight out of the courtyard. Turning a slight corner, he faced Lou Gui, Xi Zhong, and Han Dang, who were waiting by the pond outside the courtyard, and demanded point-blank: “I wish to kill Zhang Chun. Do any of you have a plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dang need not be mentioned. Beneath the lantern light, Lou Gui and Xi Zhong merely exchanged a glance by the courtyard wall and already had words to offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord.” Lou Gui responded eagerly. “For my lord to kill Zhang Chun is truly as easy as turning over one’s hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.” Xi Zhong waited until the ‘senior’ had finished his sentence before chiming in. “In terms of authority, my lord now arrives bearing the imperial staff — the staff is the representative of the Son of Heaven. Even if one cannot summarily execute a Two-Thousand-Bushel official without cause, it is more than enough to command the region. And in terms of strength, to the south at the Hutuo River there are tens of thousands of troops, enough to crush Zhang Chun and his commandery soldiers… To kill him, there is always a way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhicai, you have missed one point.” Lou Gui stroked his beard and said with a cold smile. “In the four years prior, my lord served as Grand Administrator of Zhongshan for three years, while Zhang Chun has been here barely half a year. The hearts of the people here, and even the hearts of the commandery soldiers outside Wucheng, all lie with my lord! Therefore, to kill this man is truly effortless. However, this man is after all a Two-Thousand-Bushel official — one must always find a reason to act. And my lord’s question is probably to this very point, is it not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly.” Gongsun Xun, holding the lantern, was uncharacteristically sparing with his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In truth, this too is simple.” Xi Zhicai thought briefly and then answered crisply. “If you seek speed, find an assassin locally and kill him outright — what could he do then? If you seek steadiness, why not press him to advance his troops… If he refuses orders, memorialize to dismiss him from his post as Grand Administrator and kill him on the road; if he obeys and goes to the front, let him die beneath a volley of stray arrows!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, there is yet another method.” Xi Zhong suddenly smiled. “If my lord wishes to strive for the greatest renown, you might wait until the master of this house passes away, then directly assemble the guests and declare that the master of this house entrusted you with his final affairs and beseeched you to kill Zhang Chun in vengeance… Then my lord, with open torches and weapons, may publicly attack and slay this wretch, and afterward submit a plea of guilt to the imperial court! At worst, your merits and faults will cancel out, you will be dismissed for a time, and perhaps you may even atone for your crime through service and be reappointed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was slightly taken aback. After a moment’s thought, he realized this was not entirely unfeasible… though the premise was that he was prepared to abandon the coming battle at Lower Quyang and temporarily retire to cultivate his reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And besides, with the current situation and advantages all laid out before him, this method, like directly sending an assassin, was perhaps too drastic. That method of summoning the man to the front lines and arranging a heroic death in battle seemed rather more reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as Gongsun Xun was about to make up his mind, Lou Zibo suddenly shook his head beside him: “Zhicai’s stratagems are indeed apt, but I somehow feel there is some waste in them… The General has such popular support and deep roots in Zhongshan — why not make use of them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does Brother Zibo have some idea?” Xi Zhong asked boldly in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no other meaning.” Lou Gui said with a smug smile. “I was merely thinking that since we were already going to mobilize the troops of Zhongshan, and Zhang Chun has been here half a year and must have placed his own men in the army, we might as well take the opportunity to make some preparations… Killing several birds with one stone while also handling the matter more smoothly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun nodded slowly once more. He was just about to give instructions when he suddenly heard the sound of weeping rise up together from the courtyard behind him. He could not help but let out a long sigh, and his eyes reddened slightly as well: “My heart is already in turmoil, and I must also attend to Brother Dayin’s funeral affairs… You three handle this matter! Only one condition: when I depart in a few days, make absolutely certain that Zhang Chun also obediently goes to the front lines to await his death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these words, Gongsun Xun tossed the lantern in his hand into the pond and turned back inside without looking back. Lou Gui, Xi Zhong, and Han Dang hurriedly bowed to see him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evening breeze stirred faintly. Amid the weeping, the chirping of cicadas and croaking of frogs continued unceasing. Lou Zibo and the other two exchanged a few sighs, then directly went out to set their plans in motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, Zhang Chun hailed from a great clan of Yuyang. Both brothers of his clan held Two-Thousand-Bushel rank, so he could be considered a member of a hereditary clan. But being a hereditary clan of a border commandery, things like moral virtue and pure reputation were beyond his reach, and classical scholarship was likewise out of the question. He did, however, have considerable accomplishments in military affairs. Such a man’s guiding principles were bullying the weak and fearing the strong, and misjudging the situation… In truth, Gongsun Zan seemed to be of much the same character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the matter at hand, when Gongsun Xun had earlier arrived at the Hutuo River to take over the local military operations, this Grand Administrator of Zhongshan had initially been played by Guo Xun, who deliberately neglected to inform him of the new Commander’s arrival. Later, when he did receive word and had originally prepared to send an envoy, he was reminded by certain attentive men in the commandery of the relationship between Zhen Yi and Gongsun Xun, as well as Gongsun Xun’s deep roots in Zhongshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, this Grand Administrator Zhang realized that with Gongsun Xun intervening, it would be very difficult for him to accomplish anything — whether in seeking the Zhen family’s wealth or in trying to retain control over the Zhongshan commandery troops — it was all the same. So he gritted his teeth and decided to bluff his way through, first seizing the Zhen side of things — taking one bite where he could. Yet he never imagined that Gongsun Xun, bearing the title of General of the Household of All Purposes, had only been at the Hutuo River for two days before personally taking up the imperial staff and coming here, and upon arriving, had gone straight into the Zhen family residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three hundred White Horse cavalry, along with the staff, canopy, banners, and full regalia — how could such a thing escape anyone’s notice? Thus, that very day Zhang Chun’s heart had already gone cold within the county offices. It was only that he did not know how to face Gongsun Xun and feared being openly challenged that he did not go to see him at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And by the time the sound of weeping filled the Zhen residence that evening, this commandery governor was also utterly distraught, terrified that the Zhen family would seize the chance to lodge a complaint. So he hastily summoned his trusted confidants for private counsel… The commandery clerk who had previously given him advice, one of the few trusted aides in the commandery office, was now summoned by him in fury and berated incessantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This commandery clerk, surnamed Xu and given name Zhan, was a native of Zhongshan, currently serving as Head of the Military Section. He was handsome, fair-skinned, and of striking appearance, comparable even to Lu Fan… And yet, this strikingly handsome man had languished in obscurity under Gongsun Xun’s administration, and only when Zhang Chun arrived did he become a prominent clerk in the commandery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, it was precisely for this reason that he harbored resentment toward Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for why Gongsun Xun had cast him aside, it was not that he lacked talent… Rather, this man came from a wealthy household and was exceptionally good-looking, so from a young age he had picked up the cut-sleeve habit with his own household servants. As he grew older, it only became more unrestrained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In all fairness, such things were also commonplace in the present day. But who could blame Gongsun Xun for having been raised by Lady Gongsun into a man of unyielding straightness? So back then, Gongsun Xun had originally intended to promote this man to an important post, but upon hearing of this matter, he directly assigned him to be a petty clerk in charge of carts and horses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, he did not understand the principle of appointing men according to their worth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this reason, Xu Zhan truly felt wronged, was genuinely grateful to Zhang Chun without end, and sincerely harbored resentment toward Gongsun Xun. Even the commandery troops outside the city had been gathered with his help for Zhang Chun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, when this Head of the Military Section Xu was now summoned by Zhang Chun and given a thorough scolding, he could do nothing but stiffen his back and endure the reprimand… What else could he do? As Lou Gui and Xi Zhong had said earlier, Gongsun Xun truly held the overwhelming advantage — the imperial staff, military strength, popular support, even reason were all in his hands. Zhang Chun had little room to resist in the first place, did he not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if there were some room, how could a minor Head of the Military Section like him have any say in a confrontation of this level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when someone among Zhang Chun’s trusted Yuyang confidants actually suggested that their master voluntarily resign, hang up his seal that very night, and flee to avoid the sharp edge of the blade, Xu Zhan could no longer hold back. After all, other matters aside, this particular suggestion was one he, Xu Zhan, absolutely could not accept… He had only been Head of the Military Section for less than half a year, had he not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thereupon, this Head of the Military Section of Zhongshan immediately strove to argue with the man, insisting vehemently that Gongsun Xun could not possibly tear off all pretense, and so on and so forth… Better to wait quietly and observe the changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chun was probably also reluctant to part with the hard-won two-thousand-dan post, so using Xu Zhan's words as a pretext, he instead reprimanded his fellow townsmen and retainers, and took the opportunity to stay on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after just one night, by early the next morning the situation immediately spiraled out of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\" Zhang Chun had been laden with worries the night before and had not slept well. Now, being hastily roused by his subordinate at the break of dawn, he was naturally alarmed and on high alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord.\" The household servant bowed and spoke directly. \"The General of the Household of All Purposes has sent an envoy to your door, urging you to dispatch troops immediately to the Hutuo River encampment... This man's words were extremely harsh, saying the war is urgent and imploring you, my lord, not to delay under any circumstances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So he has come?\" Zhang Chun sat on the couch, not entirely unprepared for this. \"Let them wait a moment. Go and summon Registrar Xu here at once...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant had no choice but to turn back and carry out the order. However, before a few breaths had passed, he hurriedly returned, and at this point Zhang Chun had not yet finished dressing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could it be so quick?\" Zhang Chun was bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord!\" The servant was terrified and sweating. \"That envoy said you were deliberately delaying military intelligence and was going back to report to the General of the Household of All Purposes. He turned around and left immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chun's heart went cold. How could he not know that this matter would absolutely not end well? But he could only remain speechless and wave his hand for the servant to withdraw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just as he finished dressing, while Zhang Chun was still deeply troubled, the servant unexpectedly rushed back again to report: \"My lord, moments after that envoy left, an unknown number of commandery clerks and county clerks gathered outside the county office, along with officers from the commandery troops stationed outside the city. All of them are wearing mourning garments, saying they wish to see you, my lord, swiftly embark on your journey!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chun was instantly horrified and his face turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—————I am the dividing line of swiftly embarking on a journey—————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Chun, courtesy name Shuren, was a man of Yuyang. At the end of the Guanghe era, he served as Grand Administrator of Zhongshan. He was a fierce and valiant man, always harboring grand ambitions. When the Yellow Turbans rose, he personally went on campaign wearing mourning garments to show he would not turn back. Seeing this, those in the commandery and the army all followed suit, and the world called them the Zhongshan White-Clad Army.\" — *Miscellaneous Notes of the Scholarly Grove*, by an Anonymous Author of Yan\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3636,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","1b535667f1a82acc3932619413ab218f7d2486bd477ddea6a0cf3de128628723","overthrowing-han-chapter-253","overthrowing-han-chapter-251",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]