Chapter 280: How the Master Decided to Stay or Leave

In the fourth month, beneath Mount Wangwu, the Yellow River roared like thunder, while General of the Guards Gongsun Xun, accompanied by a group of advisors, stood at a small ferry crossing below the mountain, sighing at the river in lament.

"Ban Gu, in the Book of Han, called the Great River the Yellow River, and I always disagreed," Xi Zhong remarked with his hands tucked in his sleeves. "But I never imagined that merely between Henei and Hedong, the river water would be so turbid and yellow, so inconsistent. It seems my knowledge was indeed lacking."

"You are indeed lacking in knowledge," Lou Gui beside him could not help but stroke his beard and sneer. "Over in Jingzhao, there is the clear Wei and muddy Jing dividing distinctly; to the north, in the clouds, desert and green land face each other across the river. And this time, as you follow our lord to Liaoxi, you may even see with your own eyes the grand spectacle of the great river entering the sea — that is what they call the unique beauty of sea and river scenery!"

"The rolling Yellow River flows eastward; its waves wash away the heroes," Gongsun Xun, draped in a brocade cloak, stood long by the riverbank and also sighed with random emotion. "But no matter how fine the rivers and mountains before us, we must leave in the end."

"Didn't Wenqi say it? Sooner or later, we shall return," Lu Fan urged from the side. "Do not dwell on it too much."

"It is not that I am reluctant to leave the lands south of the river, but that I must offer an apology to you gentlemen," Gongsun Xun turned back with an embarrassed smile. "This time, after all, I acted on my own stubborn will, without even consulting any of you..."

"What words are these, my lord?" Lou Gui quickly interjected to console him. "There was already the discourse of the 'Three Recluses' before, and this time you have suffered one misfortune after another, your spirit shaken — how could we possibly not understand?"

Not only Lou Gui, but Lu Fan and the others also cupped their hands in salute, clearly unwilling to accept Gongsun Xun's apology.

Gongsun Xun shook his head and laughed ruefully: "I remember when Zibo was just twenty, his foul mouth was unbearable to all. Now, it seems he has been worn smooth and tactful!"

The crowd laughed even more heartily.

Thus, the group chatted and laughed for a while, until they saw Wei Yue shouting from afar at the small ferry, signaling that the boats were ready. Gongsun Xun then delayed no longer, turned back directly toward Liu Kuan's tomb in the mountains, cupped his hands in salute from a distance, and descended the mountain to board the boat.

It must be said, for Gongsun Xun, the funeral affairs of Liu Kuan and his wife in Hedong could be handled simply or with great complexity.

In other words, there was considerable flexibility.

If one truly wished to be quick, once they arrived and buried the esteemed teacher and his wife, they could naturally leave at once, leaving all remaining miscellaneous matters to the true filial son, Liu Song — after all, the latter was to observe the full three-year mourning period here properly.

But if one wished to be slow, there were also justifications. At the very least, the stele inscription for Liu Kuan would take time to erect... requiring Cai Bojie himself to compose and transcribe it, then send the text by fast horse from Zhao, then have stonemasons carefully hammer, trace, and carve it, and finally inscribe on the back the donations made by disciples and former subordinates for the stele's erection... and so on and so forth.

All these were, in the end, time-consuming tasks.

And as it stood before them, Gongsun Xun had clearly chosen the latter, particularly lengthy approach — he had waited a full twenty-some days beneath Mount Wangwu in remote Hedong, watching until the stele inscription was carved, and only then bid farewell to Liu Song and prepared to return home to live in seclusion.

This was not merely out of a desire to show a token of regard for his departed teacher; after all, neither Liu Wenrao in the netherworld nor Gongsun Xun were the sort to care about such forms.

In truth, Gongsun Xun did this more to wait for news and see the Son of Heaven's reaction.

It must be known that after the disturbance at Mengjin Ferry, there was no reason the Son of Heaven and the eunuchs did not know. In fact, the Inner Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Jian Shuo, had personally led over a dozen Tiger Guards to escort the coffins of Liu Kuan and his wife all the way to the foot of Mount Wangwu and had remained there ever since.

But as it now appeared, whether because they deemed it inconsequential, or to save face for the deceased Liu Kuan, or because He Jin had played some role, the Son of Heaven had ultimately held his nose and accepted it. He did not send a minor Yellow Gate attendant to confiscate Gongsun Xun's seal as General of the Guards, nor did he strip him of his nobility, reducing him from County Marquis to Township Marquis or the like. And Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and the others likewise showed no reaction, as if, compared to the fierce words spoken at the ferry that day, Gongsun Xun's departure was far more important to them.

In other words, at this very moment, Gongsun Xun had ultimately preserved the title of General of the Guards and the rank of Marquis of Ji, returning to Youzhou with a relatively high political posture.

Gongsun Xun's party departed first by boat. Only then did the towering Inner Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Jian Shuo, his face dark and sullen, lead his dozen or so Tiger Guards down the mountain to board their vessel, preparing to cross directly to the Jingzhao region opposite Hedong and then travel by land back to Luoyang... Clearly, he wished to keep far away from this General of the Guards who spoke openly of executing eunuchs at every turn, sparing both sides mutual disgust.

However, upon boarding the boat, this confidant of the Son of Heaven was momentarily taken aback, for — whether intentional or not — the General of the Guards, Gongsun Xun, had left for him at the prow half a bottle of Anli-brand strong liquor, its mouth cut open with a knife.

Jian Shuo stood stunned for a long while, then without a word, stepped forward, cradled the bottle, and took a drink. Immediately after, he let out a long sigh, casually tossed the bottle into the Yellow River, and instead urged his men to depart swiftly.

On the other side, Gongsun Xun traveled downstream and reached Henei in just half a day. Here, he could not avoid a brief stop, for he still needed to tie up the loose ends of his hurried few months as Grand Administrator of Henei.

"My teacher loved to drink, but what Brother Shuyi liked, I know nothing of," Gongsun Xun said, accompanied by the crowd, as he left the Sima clan's ancestral tombs outside Wen County, his demeanor already calm and composed enough. "I had originally thought that since he enjoyed teaching others, if he did not take office, I would establish a public academy in Henei and make him its Headmaster. Later, when I heard he was going to serve in government, I prepared to gift him ten thousand printed volumes from Cai Bojie's family library as a token of regard. But now that he has suddenly passed away, and I am returning north to Liaoxi, all these matters can only come to nothing... Sima Lang!"

"My lord," Sima Lang immediately stepped forward and saluted, his bearing noticeably more steady and composed.

"I have already arranged for these ten thousand volumes to be prepared; they will be delivered from Yecheng within ten days. I gift them to your Sima clan to hold in trust," Gongsun Xun casually instructed. "Whether rich or poor, noble or humble, no one who comes to borrow and read shall be obstructed... Do not lightly let your clan uncle's good name and integrity fall."

"Lang respectfully obeys this teaching," Sima Lang said, bowing low as he spoke.

At this point, Gongsun Xun nodded slightly, then turned back to face the many local officials of Henei following behind him, as well as, of course, some of the recruited subordinates of the General of the Guards, and continued his instructions: "The times are unfavorable. Gentlemen of Henei, I ask you to exert yourselves in public service and wholeheartedly assist the new Grand Administrator in stabilizing the situation. As for those I recruited locally as subordinates, it was originally to pacify the bandit troubles in Henei. Now that I have resolved to return home and study, I cannot well force you all to remain in my staff and waste your time... I have already written letters of recommendation for each of you. There are countless high ministers and nobles in Luoyang, and I have some face there; I will certainly not hinder your future prospects."

Led by Chang Lin, the men of Henei said little more, merely stepping forward to bow deeply in thanks and accept the recommendation letters — that was all.

Gongsun Xun felt considerable helplessness in his heart. In truth, how could he not wish to win over these talents and take them with him? But he also knew that his acquaintance with these men was too brief; to presume upon the bond of lord and subject would be somewhat laughable.

Moreover, the conventions of the Han official world had always been that the upper limits were boundless and ever extolled, yet there were no mandatory lower limits... In other words, these subordinates, even mere commandery clerks, could, if they wished, follow Gongsun Xun, this empty-title general, to Liaoxi, and they would certainly be praised as men of honor. But if they did not go, even as private retainers, no one would really criticize them.

In fact, the previously obscure Zao Zhi had not said a word, had followed him all along, and at the foot of Mount Wangwu had voluntarily proposed to accompany him back to Liaoxi — this had already moved Gongsun Xun deeply.

Thus, though Gongsun Xun felt much helplessness in his heart, he maintained an untroubled expression throughout. He directly took leave of these men, then hurriedly set off, caught up with the convoy carrying his family, and slowly continued northward.

Along the way, he passed Huai County without entering and went straight to Zhaoge, where Guan Yu was stationed, before preparing to settle briefly. This place was precisely where Gongsun Xun's Volunteer Followers were encamped; according to plan, he was to assemble five hundred Volunteer Followers here before setting off together on the journey north.

Yet at the Volunteer Followers' encampment by the city wall, Gongsun Xun encountered several unexpected individuals.

"Greetings, General of the Guards!" Inside the military camp outside Zhaoge, Chang Lin stepped out from behind Guan Yu, his expression as composed as ever, and merely cupped his hands slightly in greeting. "I heard the General is returning to Liaoxi to live in seclusion and study. Lin possesses some slight talent and learning, and has come especially to offer himself as a reading companion. I have here my letter of recommendation... However, abandoning my home to follow, I have lost my fields. I only hope the General can daily allot me two sheng of millet to support my wife and family."

As he spoke, Guan Yu, standing beside him, loftily handed back the recommendation letter that Gongsun Xun had given Chang Lin two days prior.

Even though Gongsun Xun had already guessed this scene upon seeing Chang Lin's face, as he took back the recommendation letter written in his own hand, he still could not help but break into delighted laughter, and the feigning Chang Lin also laughed and shook his head.

It must be said, Gongsun Xun now understood perfectly: Chang Lin had been worried that if he had volunteered to follow back in Wen County, it might seem like he was seeking fame and pressuring others. Thus, he had openly and calmly been the first to accept the recommendation letter, only to then ride ahead lightly and wait at the front... Such conduct was truly the act of an upright gentleman.

"My lord."

Just after Gongsun Xun had accepted Chang Lin's recommendation letter, there was yet another person right behind him, also holding out a recommendation letter to return. Seeing this person waiting, Gongsun Xun was first visibly startled, then could not help but sigh with deep emotion inwardly.

As it turned out, this person following closely behind was none other than Han Hao, Han Yuanci.

In all honesty, while Chang Lin waiting here filled one with joy, from Gongsun Xun's perspective, it could only be described as unexpected yet within reason. After all, this man's virtue, talent, and character were all first-rate. Although he had been under Gongsun Xun's staff for only a few months, he had stood out like an awl in a sack, and could be called the foremost among the scholars of Henei.

That he could come instead gave one the feeling: this is exactly what Chang Bohuai would do.

But Han Hao? Although Sima Zhi had said in life that Han Hao was the most outstanding among Hao Meng, Fang Yue, and the others, no ordinary martial man, yet during the previous administration in Henei, Gongsun Xun had truly not seen anything remarkable about this Han Hao.

In martial skill, that Hao Meng indeed lived up to being, in another time and space, a valiant general under Lu Bu, excelling in both mounted archery and horsemanship, displaying notable bravery; in reputation, Fang Yue actually held the advantage by relying on a higher family background. As for Han Hao, he seemed the type caught between the two — unremarkable in martial prowess, undistinguished in fame, and not skilled with words. Moreover, with their time together being so short, Gongsun Xun had quickly overlooked him.

But as the saying goes, times of turmoil reveal true hearts. Now, at this moment, with Gongsun Xun abandoning his post and returning home, for most men of Henei, either they worried about wasting time and delaying their careers, or they felt Liaoxi was too far and harbored fear, and so they all fell silent. And it was precisely amidst this silent watching that this man stood out so conspicuously... Did this not prove Sima Zhi's eye for people in former days?

Han Hao, Han Yuanci, was indeed no mere martial man, but a loyal and courageous man to whom great responsibilities could be entrusted.

Returning to the matter at hand, Gongsun Xun understood clearly in his heart but said little more. He simply took back the recommendation letter and directly instructed: "Though the Volunteer Followers are many, there are no few bandits along the way. Yuanci, you must assist Yigong well and ensure proper discipline."

Han Hao, not skilled with words, merely cupped his hands and acknowledged the order under the scrutinizing or surprised gazes of the crowd, then took his place behind Han Dang.

"My lord." Just as Gongsun Xun's mood had greatly improved, Guan Yu beside him could hold back no longer. "Though Yu is without talent, I am no man greedy for rank and position. A mere thousand-dan county magistrate is not something I hold in my eyes. I wish to abandon my post and follow my lord back to Liaoxi."

Gongsun Xun glanced at Guan Yu, then smiled without speaking, instead leading the group directly into the camp.

Guan Yu, frustrated, wanted to follow in, but was stopped by Lu Fan, who had deliberately lingered there, stepping forward to block him: "A man of Yunchang's caliber — why would you now harbor doubts about our lord?"

Guan Yu immediately glared with stern fury: "What words are these from the Chief Clerk? Men like Chang and Han followed our lord for only a few months, yet they know to uphold the bond of lord and subject. How is it that when I wish to abandon my post and follow, it becomes doubting our lord?"

"Yunchang has not thought this through," Lu Fan said, utterly unafraid, merely spreading his hands. "Chang and Han have not yet ascended the halls of officialdom, and they followed our lord for only a short time. Precisely because of this, they had to make a point of following, to demonstrate their resolve. But what of you, Yunchang? You have followed since Handan, shared life and death with our lord, and can be called the foremost trusted general under his command. The bond between you two has long been as solid as forged iron. In such circumstances, to still insist on following — what are you seeking? Could it be that if you stayed here, not following our lord for several years, you would forget his grace and righteousness? If we speak thus, then what of Cheng Pu, Cheng Demou?"

Guan Yu stroked his beard for a moment, speechless.

"Yunchang, hear one word from me." Lu Ziheng stepped forward and earnestly advised: "The realm is in peril. Our lord's retirement this time is to prepare for a future return to cleanse the world — it is not a departure without return. As someone our lord trusts and values, you should remain outside to provide coordination when necessary; only thus can you be of help to our lord. And now, our lord has long since sent letters to you, to Zijing, and to various others in different places, instructing you each to keep to your posts. If you insist on abandoning your post to follow, not only will it embarrass these others, but it will also affect our lord's good name, making people think him a petty man who harbors mutual suspicion with you... Tell me, is that what a loyal and righteous man should do?"

Guan Yu continued stroking his beard in silence.

Lu Fan knew the man's temperament and understood that he had taken the words to heart — it was simply his nature never to admit fault easily... So he clasped his hands in salute, turned, and went back into the camp.

————I am the dividing line of coming and going as one pleases————

"Han Hao, styled Yuan Si, was a man of Henei. When the Yellow Turbans rebelled, his county lay near mountain marshes and was rife with bandits. Hao gathered a band of followers to serve as the county's defense. When the Grand Ancestor took up the post of Henei Administrator, he recruited the heroes of Henei in great numbers — those who became clerks and aides were beyond counting. Hao served as an aide but did not distinguish himself in the staff. Later, when the late Grand Commandant Liu Kuan passed away and Henei's Sima Zhi remonstrated unto death at Mengjin, the Grand Ancestor, seeing the eunuchs dominating the court, abandoned his post and returned to Liaoxi. Of the dozens of Henei subordinates, all were recommended to high offices. Only Chang Lin and Han Hao, regarding the Grand Ancestor as a hero, openly accepted the letters of recommendation but secretly carried their swords and followed him. The Grand Ancestor respected and valued them, and thus took them into his confidence." — Old Book of Yan, Scroll 74, Biographies 24

(End of Chapter)