[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-279":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},1223038,1620,"Chapter 279: Gongshan Yang Huo Originally Shared the Same Plot","overthrowing-han-chapter-279",279,"\u003Cp>Lu Zhi stood upright before Liu Kuan's coffin for a long time, yet the other party was just as he had always been — showing not the slightest anger or resentment that the ridiculous quarrels of those before him had disturbed his own affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with this scene, Lu Zigan's heart was truly desolate and unbearable, so he turned around and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the charity hostel, it was actually not yet evening; the afternoon sun was still warm and pleasant. Gongsun Xun, who had earlier lost his composure, was now holding an Anli-branded ceramic wine bottle and loudly proclaiming something to the crowd, completely unaware that his other teacher had returned to his seat under Lu Fan's slightly nervous gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Gongsun Xun's elaborate speech, the gist seemed to be that he also knew drinking repeatedly before a coffin was ultimately improper, especially since a few people present were theoretically required to observe mourning, which strictly forbade alcohol. But on the other hand, today they were here to see off the coffin of the venerable elder Liu Wenrao, and everyone indeed knew that Liu Kuan loved wine as much as life itself and cared nothing for such matters — so it was not entirely unreasonable...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And finally, Gongsun Xun still brazenly offered a silencing remark before everyone: \"Therefore, in today's matter, if there is virtue, it belongs to my honored teacher; if there is grievance, let it fall on me alone. I hope you all will drink freely, to send Teacher Liu to his burial in Hedong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starting with the Grand General — whether or not there were plants secretly stirring or leading — in any case, most of the crowd rose, and the majority of them even bowed slightly toward Gongsun Xun according to their respective statuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gesture also served as acknowledgment of Gongsun Xun's arrangement as the one Liu Kuan had designated to manage the funeral. To some extent, just as their attendance at this wine banquet and this grand procession escorting the coffin out of Luoyang signified, it was a recognition from a certain angle that he had taken over the political resources Liu Wenrao had accumulated over decades... From this day forward, among these people, those who had associated with Liu Kuan, received his kindness, or been his disciples and former subordinates, all would have to show Gongsun Xun an extra measure of respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, this was precisely one of the legacies Liu Kuan had passed on to Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was not the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Liu Kuan was Liu Kuan, the funeral was the funeral, and Gongsun Xun was also Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As General of the Guard, Marquis of Ji, one of the chief commanders who had swept away the Yellow Turban Rebellion, an old friend of Grand General He Jin, and a key figure in the former purge of the eunuchs, he himself was that supremely sharp blade under heaven bearing the hopes of so many... He needed to give a clear answer regarding his own departure or stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General of the Guard!\" Just as Grand General Attendant Kong Rong was about to speak, another Attendant, Wang Yun, rose solemnly and directly. \"I have a matter to inquire about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please speak, Senior Brother Zishi.\" Gongsun Xun, holding the corked ceramic bottle, turned to face him and responded seriously. \"Why such formality between us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rumors along the way say that the General of the Guard will cross the river this time and never return... Is this true?\" Wang Yun came straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is indeed my intention.\" Gongsun Xun answered frankly. \"My resolve is set. After I go to Mount Wangwu in Hedong to settle Teacher Liu's final affairs, I will head directly back to my hometown in Liaoxi... Who knows in what month or year I shall meet you brothers again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this statement had long been circulating and was hardly earth-shattering, hearing it spoken personally from Gongsun Xun's mouth still caused many faces to show astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the realm is at peace, watch the ministers; when the realm is in danger, watch the generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This saying, originating from the dialogue between Lu Jia and Chen Ping, was political common sense well understood by the Han elite. And after the Yellow Turban Rebellion, not only had the realm not stabilized, but the trend was growing ever more perilous — a fact known to all. That being the case, every move, every advance or retreat of a man like Gongsun Xun was bound to stir people's hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is this so?\" Wang Yun paused for a moment, then could not help but press bitterly. \"The situation now is precarious; it is precisely the time when the General of the Guard and the Grand General should together support the state.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Firstly, Teacher Liu left a final admonition before his death, saying my virtue was shallow and I still needed to study and temper myself. Secondly, with relatives and friends passing away one after another, my own heart cannot find peace.\" Gongsun Xun, holding the wine bottle, looked around and answered slowly. \"In ordinary times, when good fortune comes my way, I always like to show it on my face, but when I encounter sorrowful matters, I am unwilling to display them outwardly. So I will not hide from you all: ten days ago, at the Mengjin ferry on the northern bank of the Yellow River, I received news of the deaths of three people extremely close to me in a single day... Besides my honored teacher, the former Grand Administrator of Julu, Guo Dian, Guo Junye, with whom I fought side by side in Hebei, and my close friend from Henei, Sima Zhi, Sima Shuyi — I learned of their deaths that very same day. A man is not grass or wood; how can he be without feeling? When those dearest and closest to me all withered away in a single day, how could I possibly remain unmoved?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General of the Guard, I have a word to say.\" Kong Rong also could not help but rise and cup his hands. \"Setting aside Lord Liu's matter for now, the deaths of Sima Shuyi and Guo Junye — everyone under heaven knows that the crux of the matter lies right here in Luoyang. That being the case, the General of the Guard should instead devote himself wholeheartedly to affairs in Luoyang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wenju is mistaken in this.\" Gongsun Xun let out a long breath, then looked around and raised his voice in reply. \"The crux of Brother Shuyi and Lord Guo's deaths lies not in Luoyang, but in the Northern Palace! And as for this point, how could I possibly not know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reactions around him were very strange. Some faces turned pale and quickly lowered their heads, while others grew agitated and clamored for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The General of the Guard speaks truly!\" Kong Rong was also among the agitated, and he could not restrain himself, immediately pressing further. \"But since Wenqi already knows this, why, why still return home to live in seclusion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I have already been to the Northern Palace.\" Gongsun Xun stood holding the wine bottle under the afternoon sun and could not help but answer in a somber tone. \"Does Brother Wenju truly not know of this? And this is the second reason I must leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surroundings fell silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, Gongsun, conduct myself openly and honorably, with nothing that cannot be spoken...\" Gongsun Xun continued to speak boldly and loudly, without the slightest scruple. \"That day I entered the Western Garden for an audience with His Majesty and laid out fully the matters of Sima Shuyi and Guo Junye. I told him directly that the turmoil under heaven all stemmed from the sons and disciples of eunuchs wreaking havoc in the provinces. Yet the Son of Heaven smiled and did not respond, instead asking me why, with my family's vast wealth, I still quibbled over the profits of the Western Garden. I told him directly: the Gongsun family's wealth is vast, but not a single coin has gone to line the pockets of eunuchs!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Gongsun Xun suddenly turned toward a person seated nearby: \"Lord Cui, you paid five million coins to ascend to the Three Ducal Ministers — do you sit at ease? I wonder if your cousin, Cui Shi, Cui Zizhen, who died with nothing but bare walls in his home, ever envied your adaptability and wealth?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned their heads in unison to look at Cui Lie, their expressions complex. Cui Lie, who had just spent five million coins to become Minister of the Interior, was also stunned, then became utterly mortified... He never imagined the topic would turn to him, yet in this public gathering, he had absolutely no idea how to respond!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the matter of buying office was undeniably true, and he had done it through the crooked path of the Emperor's wet nurse — he truly dared not refute it! Not to mention that Gongsun Xun had also invoked his clan cousin, Cui Shi, a renowned Han minister who had died in such poverty that he possessed nothing! This was even more impossible to argue against.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the Three Ducal Ministers, seated right in the center, yet scrutinized like a monkey by all the high officials and dignitaries of Luoyang, Cui Lie's face flushed crimson, but he was helpless and could only rise, cover his face, and flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing a Minister of the Interior suddenly flee in utter disarray, quite a few among those seated felt their hearts pound with fear, dreading that they might be the next unlucky one. But Gongsun Xun paid it no mind and simply turned the conversation back to himself. \"This is the third reason I must leave... After that fruitless audience at the Western Garden, I returned to see my honored teacher's coffin and made a vow right then and there: from this day forward, I, Gongsun Xun, will never spend a single coin to buy office in the Western Garden, lest I line the pockets of eunuchs and defile my honored teacher's virtue and my close friend's life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was finally left speechless — or rather, this reason could only be met with speechlessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have said, today we send off my honored teacher in a spirit of openness; you need not stand on ceremony... Grand General, please have a cup!\" As he spoke, Gongsun Xun ignored the two men behind him, directly pulled out the cork, personally poured a cup of wine for Grand General He Jin, and placed the ceramic bottle on the other's table. Only then did he turn and take a new bottle from Han Dang, who was following behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just as he received the new wine, he suddenly heard many people behind him sighing repeatedly and lamenting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun let out a long sigh, then sneered, and suddenly turned his head: \"Gentlemen, why do you sigh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From He Jin on down, the crowd was momentarily silent, and none answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\" Gongsun Xun sneered even more. \"You all think that, having lost my teacher and friends in succession, and being rejected by the Son of Heaven, forced to return home, my heart must be filled with unbearable sorrow and grief at this moment, do you not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd merely stared at Gongsun Xun, growing even more silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me tell you, you think too much!\" As Gongsun Xun spoke, he suddenly turned back to look at Grand General He Jin. \"Grand General, have you brought your sword?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jin did not understand why, but still removed the sword from his waist and handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun thanked He Suigao, then directly drew the blade. This was the sword of the august Grand General, naturally a rare and excellent weapon. As the evening sun gradually descended, the white blade glinted, making many people suddenly alert, and some even grew somewhat fearful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the General of the Guard, holding the Grand General's sword, merely turned back and casually swung the blade to cleanly sever the narrow neck of the wine-filled ceramic bottle in Han Dang's hand. He then passed the sword hilt to Lou Gui, who was following on his other side, before taking the bottle and walking forward toward Wang Yun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can Senior Brother Zishi drink? This is a strong liquor specially brewed by my family. Without spirit, I fear one cannot drink it.\" Gongsun Xun placed the cut-open wine bottle before Wang Yun and asked solemnly, while the surrounding dignitaries dared not speak, only staring fixedly at the two men's every move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the General of the Guard cuts the bottle to offer wine, even if I could not drink, I must drink!\" With that, Wang Yun ignored the sharp bottle mouth, rose directly to receive the wine, tilted his head back, and poured a great mouthful down his throat, then wiped his mouth and faced him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well drunk!\" Gongsun Xun faced him solemnly and praised loudly, then turned, holding the sword, and spoke. \"Gentlemen, do you truly think my departure this time is out of despair and an unbearable heart? I once attended my honored teacher in drinking while he was alive. That day, he had a saying spoken as a drinker after wine, which I remember deeply... The talents heaven has granted me must surely be of use; a thousand pieces of gold scattered shall all come back again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those seated were all stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today I scatter a thousand pieces of gold to exchange for the fine wine of Luoyang, precisely to answer Teacher Liu's words and seek encouragement!\" Gongsun Xun, holding the sword, spoke sternly. \"Since you all have doubts about me, let me now speak from the heart with you... My departure today, Gongsun Xun, is for the sake of returning another day! Today's parting is for the sake of tomorrow's reunion! Today's retreat is for the sake of tomorrow's advance! As I leave for my hometown, you need not worry that my spirit will waver in the slightest, for sooner or later I shall return to this place, and when I do, I shall personally wield a white blade to cleanse the court and bring order to the four directions!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd's expressions surged with emotion — some were frightened pale, some were agitated beyond self-control... Of course, some could not help but feel their hearts pound with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen.\" Gongsun Xun's tone suddenly softened. \"On the contrary, what worries me is that the eunuchs' power is great, and you gentlemen in Luoyang, facing the matter personally, will gradually develop a mentality of compromise, just like Cui Lie... That is why I cut the bottles with a sword and ask you all to drink a cup of wine — do not forget the spirit in your hearts!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Gongsun Xun again cut a bottle with the sword and handed it to Kong Wenju beside Wang Yun. Kong Rong tilted his head back and drank, then choked terribly, tears and mucus streaming down. Yet he persisted relentlessly, hugging the bottle and singing a farewell song, stirring a clamor all around, and the banquet instantly became bustling and lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Kong Wenju, Gongsun Xun passed by Yuan Kui and Yuan Ji, ignoring them, and instead led Lou Gui, Han Dang, and a long line of attendants carrying bottles directly to the complex-faced Yuan Shao, where he cut a bottle and offered a toast: \"Brother Benchu, for the affairs of Luoyang in the coming years, I will have to rely heavily on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Benchu looked seriously at Gongsun Xun, said not a word, and then raised the bottle and drained it in one go — truly frightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, rarely amused, did not say much and went over to Yuan Shu. Yuan Gonglu, unwilling to be outdone, also drained his bottle in one go like Yuan Shao, under the worried gaze of his own uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Further on, Gongsun Xun came before Liu Yan and raised his bottle sincerely: \"Brother Junlang, you and I are old acquaintances, so I cannot help but speak a few extra words... With the realm in turmoil, how can one think only of retreat and not of advance? In this world, if you do not contend, how can there ever be peace?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yan was extremely embarrassed and could only rise to thank him: \"Wenqi's heroic spirit surpasses mine a hundredfold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he took a small sip and helplessly set the wine bottle down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun shook his head and walked away, but Liu Fan, who was attending nearby, could not help but take up his father's bottle of wine, tilt his head back, and gulp down a draught, only to choke just as badly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Jingsheng.\" Gongsun Xun then came before Liu Biao, cut a bottle, and faced him. \"Though this is our first meeting, I have long heard of your great name. After all these years of the Partisan Prohibition, does your spirit still remain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough to drink a whole bottle.\" Liu Biao, refined and elegant, rose to accept the wine, took a light sip, then placed it on the low table before him and raised his head in assurance. \"General of the Guards, go on your way — even if I must drink until dawn, I will finish this bottle alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun thought nothing of it, turned, and headed toward Liu Yu, who was seated beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How fierce is the General of the Guards' spirit?\" Liu Yu took the wine and choked on the very first sip, smiling wryly without cease. \"Even returning home to live in seclusion, you go forth like a warrior marching to war. I…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back when Lord Liu was Inspector of Youzhou, though that bond of fate never came to fruition, I have remembered that kindness.\" Gongsun Xun faced him squarely. \"I, Gongsun, may be overbearing, but I am no ingrate who forgets righteousness. So, Lord Liu, take your time and drink slowly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu rose to see him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next was Dong Zhuo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo had grown stout, and he sat there without a single trusted aide attending him — whether the low table could not accommodate another or none of those around him were fit to appear in such company, no one could say. But regardless, the man remained entirely at ease; one might even say his heroic spirit was undiminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Gongsun Xun approach, his face lit up with delight at once: \"Wenqi! With so many dignitaries and nobles here, you came especially to find me — it seems you truly are one who remembers old ties. I am deeply grateful as well. Only one thing… cutting the bottle certainly shows bold resolve, but between you and me, how can we use the Grand General's sword?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Dong speaks truly.\" Gongsun Xun could not help but laugh aloud, and then directly drew from his waist the broken blade they had used to bare their hearts at their very first meeting. \"This blade was bestowed by Lord Dong. I have carried it for ten years, through countless battles great and small, and it has taken countless lives… To cut another's bottle with it would of course seem somewhat bloody, but how could Lord Dong ever disdain the scent of blood?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these words and watching the other man cut the bottle with the broken blade, then offer the wine with both hands, Dong Zhuo also burst into hearty laughter. He drank deeply without pause, and only after finishing in one breath did he wipe his mouth and say: \"Wenqi, this wine you bought with a thousand gold is indeed rich and fierce. You may also rest assured about me, for my ambition, like this thousand-gold wine, has never waned by half. When war rises in Xiliang, I will surely exert all my strength to quell the rebellion for the state and achieve merit and renown!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With such words, you deserve another bottle.\" Gongsun Xun's reply was exceedingly simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing Dong Zhuo, Gongsun Xun then came before Lu Bu: \"Can the Fierce Tiger drink?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Bu hurriedly rose: \"A gift from the General of the Guards — how could I not drink?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun had intended to say a few more words, but found himself at last with nothing to say… This Lu Bu, because of his own reckless meddling, had already distinguished himself in the Huang Jin rebellion, and now had even become a Captain of the Northern Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be understood that Captain of the Northern Army was originally a pure and prestigious post, but with the frequent warfare of recent years, along with the Grand General, the Generals of the Left and Right Chariots and Cavalry, the General of the Guards, and a host of Generals of the Household, it had evolved into a substantive command. As for what the future held, it was truly hard to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since that was the case, he could only remain silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Further on was Xu Rong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Borong, seeing him approach, let out a long breath, then simply rose from his seat and prostrated himself, addressing him as Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are here in Luoyang. Do not overthink, do not stir up trouble, and do not act on your own.\" Gongsun Xun cut him off at once. \"Whatever the Northern Army as a whole does, you do the same… Sooner or later I will return to the central government. Just wait for me in peace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Rong wished to speak but held back, and in the end only knocked his head to the ground in response, then took the bottle and drank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this point, Gongsun Xun had already made a full round. But looking closely, there were still two people he could not avoid giving wine to — yet meeting these two now was unavoidably awkward… However, after thinking it over, he could only shake his head slightly and step forward to face them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father-in-law!\" Gongsun Xun personally presented the wine to Zhao Bao with both hands. \"I know you were greatly displeased with my willful actions before, but look at this banquet now — it has plainly become a situation where the scholar-officials and the eunuchs cannot stand together… The old ways are truly no longer viable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not angry that you are returning home.\" Zhao Bao sighed. \"Nor am I incapable of making a decision. What angered me more was that you did not discuss it with me in detail. If you had told me earlier about Sima Zhi's death remonstrance and your audience with His Majesty at the Western Garden, how could I have been angry? The great tide surges, and men are like drifting dust. In the past, one only needed to think of loyalty to the sovereign and service to the state; now one must confront so many things… I too find it difficult!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun lowered his head and said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So be it. You are still young, and sooner or later you will return. Moreover, going home for a few years, you may as well read and carefully raise and teach your children — that can even be considered a good thing.\" As he spoke, Zhao Bao took the wine bottle and poured himself a cup. \"As for me here, set your mind at ease… Though I may sometimes be soft-hearted and muddled, I will not, in the end, fail in the greater integrity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun bowed and stepped back, then turned and headed toward Lu Zhi. Lu Fan, watching clearly from his side, immediately abandoned his own seat and hurriedly followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher.\" Gongsun Xun wished to speak but held back, and in the end did not dare cut the bottle. He could only pull out the stoppers and present several bottles of wine with both hands. \"In all my life I have never heard of you being drunk, yet sometimes to be tipsy and dazed is not necessarily a bad thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zhi looked at his student, his expression unmoved, and remained silent, merely nodding his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Gongsun Xun could not help but let out a long breath. The other man was not enraged; at least he would not have to turn and flee in disgrace… Say what one will, today's matter was still Gongsun Xun going too far. After all, Lu Zhi, Gongsun Xun, and even Lu Fan, who had been present at the time, all understood — given Liu Kuan's character, how could he possibly have discussed others in his final testament? Those words were nothing more than what Gongsun Xun, in his fury and loss of composure, had vented out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, if Lu Zhi had been unwilling to nod, Gongsun Xun would not have known how to respond… And yet, after tonight, teacher and student would be separated by a thousand li for years to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the night passed in disarray, and everyone departed thoroughly drunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Lu Zigan, whose capacity for liquor was remarkable, though not greatly drunk after several bottles of strong wine, could not help but grow tipsy, and in the end boarded the carriage of his junior fellow apprentice's husband, Yuan Kui, and rode off in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the next morning came and the sky was just beginning to brighten, Gongsun Xun did not bid farewell to anyone. He merely escorted the coffin and funeral procession onto the boats together with Liu Song, and then, taking all his trusted followers, went against the current and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, the funeral affairs of the late Grand Commandant Liu Kuan in Luoyang could be considered concluded. The subsequent matters of erecting a stele and burial in Hedong no longer concerned anyone here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the ferry crossing on the southern bank of Mengjin, Yuan Benchu and a few others who had remained sober had waited through the night until now. They stood in the morning sun, gazing after the boats from afar, and only when the vessels gradually faded into the distance did they turn and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu You, who had previously been helping manage the funeral affairs while wearing mourning attire as a disciple of Liu Kuan, hurriedly caught up, but could not help being startled… For after Yuan Shao turned around, his expression was already displeased — one could even say his look was one of indignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benchu, what is the reason for this?\" Once they were in the carriage, Xu You hastily pressed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I misjudged Gongsun Xun!\" Yuan Shao laughed in extreme anger. \"I thought he was merely a master of the northern lands, but I never expected the man harbored great ambitions! In the future, using the advantages of the Luoyang central government, we must find ways to restrain and entice him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu You was utterly baffled: \"What do you mean? I don't understand at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course you don't understand.\" Yuan Shao gave another cold laugh. \"There were countless dignitaries and heroes present today, yet I fear I alone understood. After all… Ziyuan, did you not notice that his departure today and my seclusion in Luoyang share a subtle, wondrous similarity?! Last night, all those people debated endlessly, but one single remark hit the mark — among the heroes of Hebei, this man must be ranked first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu You pondered briefly, then was instantly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————I am the dividing line of co-conspirators——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Grand Ancestor, on account of Sima Zhi's affair, swore not to bribe the Western Garden with a single coin, and firmly resigned to return home. All sighed with emotion and came to comfort him. Yuan Shao was at his side and also praised his resolve, but upon returning, on the road he ridiculed him. When his trusted confidants pressed him for an explanation, Shao said: 'This is a matter of avoiding disaster and cultivating one's reputation. I have long done the same, therefore this man also harbors great ambition. The realm is falling into chaos — those who will contend with me for supremacy, could it not be men such as this?'\" — New Book of Yan, Volume 26, Hereditary Houses, No. 1\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: There is also a reader group, 684558115, feel free to join if interested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4727,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","a97c2c2dd42d9f3f2618d8c76994cb37b7a465d5c73240fca222865f62a6ab50","overthrowing-han-chapter-280","overthrowing-han-chapter-278",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]