[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-287":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},1223046,1620,"Chapter 287: Human Affairs Constantly Intersect (Two-in-One Chapter)","overthrowing-han-chapter-287",287,"\u003Cp>Zhang Wen divided his forces into six columns, intending to thoroughly wipe out the rebel army. Dong Zhuo knew this would not work but was powerless to stop it; he could only lead his troops to pacify the Xianlian Qiang in Anding Commandery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Dong Zhongying kept a wary eye out. He voluntarily detached four thousand troops to a subordinate, a Major of a Separate Division, ordering him to march under his own banner and falsely claim to be ten thousand strong as they entered Anding. Meanwhile, he himself followed with the main force of twenty-six thousand... The advantage of this was beyond doubt: if the enemy took the bait, he could naturally sweep forward from the rear and fight a battle of annihilation; if the enemy did not take the bait, then he would wait for news from Zhou Shen. Once Zhou Shen won his fight, he could then calmly recruit the surrender of the local Qiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for anything else, Dong Zhuo truly did not give it much thought. After returning from Jicheng, although he felt Zhang Wen was a useless man who only muddled through, he did not underestimate Zhou Shen. The man was, after all, from a prestigious Liangzhou family, and the thirty thousand troops under his command were no illusion. At worst, they could just rely on their numerical advantage and besiege the city—what else could happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, had the earlier meteor been a lie?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, just as the frontline officers, each harboring their own schemes, still maintained a degree of optimism about the war, the Sili region behind them, which was supplying the logistics for the hundred-thousand-strong army, was inevitably growing weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Fufeng Commandery, Wugong County, the weather was bitterly cold. Jing Ze, Jing Youxi, hurried back from outside with a few trusted family servants into a large residence. Without pausing to warm himself by the fire, he went straight to the rear courtyard to see his maternal aunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My child, what news from Hanzhong?\" Lady Guo, seeing the nephew she had raised enter, sent her own young children out with the maidservants before asking with the utmost urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not good.\" Jing Ze waited until his young cousins had left with the maidservants before bowing, then stepped forward to the brazier, frowning as he answered. \"To be frank with you, Aunt, I sought out many people to inquire, and they all say there are too many bandits on the roads... Aunt, you must know that from here to Yizhou there are five routes: the so-called Longxi Avenue, Chencang Road, Baoxie Road, Tangluo Road, and Ziwu Road.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct.\" Lady Guo was a native of Fufeng and naturally knew these routes. \"Are all five roads impassable now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not exactly,\" Jing Ze said gravely. \"The four eastern roads, because they face Fufeng and Jingzhao, have been affected by the earlier great battles. There are too many bandits—deserters and refugees fleeing conscript labor have long since blocked these four routes. Aunt, we have many people and carts. Unless we have troops escorting us, I truly dare not travel lightly by these roads. As for the Longxi Avenue, the road there is broad, and there are many villages along the way, so it seems feasible...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then...\" Lady Guo grew even more anxious. \"Why not take the Longxi Avenue? Is it because that route is longer?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze shook his head again. \"Aunt, do not forget that the imperial court's army is currently suppressing the rebellion in Liangzhou... If they succeed, all is well. But if things go wrong, and we are halfway along the road, with defeated soldiers or bandit troops sweeping back, what would we do then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Guo instantly shed tears. \"In that case, where exactly should we, a mother and her children, go? Your younger brother and sister are still so small, yet Fufeng has already descended into chaos, just as your uncle predicted before his death... Not long ago, hundreds of thousands fought north of the Wei River, and now conscription is being enforced everywhere, creating bandits everywhere. Today I heard a maidservant say that for dozens of li around Meiyang, there is no one left—only corpses. What will happen when spring arrives and plague breaks out again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aunt, do not panic,\" Jing Ze said through gritted teeth. \"In truth, I have heard of another place where we might live in peace. But before his death, Uncle told me to take the family to Yizhou. I wonder...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could your uncle have known back then that war would break out here so quickly?\" Lady Guo grew even more sorrowful thinking of her husband. \"Today I have no other thought but to find a peaceful place to raise your younger siblings. So if you have a place in mind, speak freely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wish to go to Youzhou,\" Jing Ze said, tucking his hands into his sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Youzhou?\" Lady Guo was momentarily bewildered. \"Is that not too far? What is there to recommend it? We are all people from Guanxi—why would we go to such a place?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Youzhou itself has nothing special to recommend it, but there is a person there,\" Jing Ze sighed. \"Aunt, I have thought long and hard... The realm grows more chaotic by the day, with bandits everywhere. Where can one truly find a peaceful place without war and killing? The key is to find a place that can fight but does not fear war, and to find a person who can fight and win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there such a person in Youzhou?\" Lady Guo was still somewhat apprehensive. \"Your younger brother and sister are still very young.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have heard that the former General of the Guards and Grand Administrator of Henei—the one who had old ties with Uncle and sought a posthumous title for him—did not return directly to Liaoxi as previously stated. Instead, he stopped in Guangyang in Youzhou, gathering refugees to farm and settle, accepting all who come... Aunt, Guangyang is the site of the ancient Yan capital. It should be a good place to live. Moreover, by seeking refuge with this man, not only can we live in peace, but in the future, when my younger siblings grow up, they might also have good prospects and marriages, no?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed, we cannot ignore that point.\" Hearing the last sentence, Lady Guo first sighed slowly, then could not help but lower her voice. \"However, is the road there easy to travel? Do not forget, when we fled Jizhou before, we had no choice but to disguise ourselves as bandits to get out. And that Yu Du seems to harbor deep hatred for you because of what you did...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will simply detour around Yu Du,\" Jing Ze said through gritted teeth. \"As for the rest of the journey, that Chu Yan, who has renamed himself Zhang Yan, has already been granted amnesty and made a General of the Household. Why should we fear him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My child.\" Lady Guo thought for a long time, helpless, and could only defer to him. \"The situation is so difficult now, and you are the only adult man in the family who can make decisions. If you have made up your mind, then just do it. You need not ask me again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze nodded slowly and then took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Jing Youxi's decision to go to Youzhou was, of course, born of necessity. Two hundred thousand troops had been locked in a standoff north of the Wei River for months, the common people behind the lines were subjected to endless conscript labor, bandits indeed swarmed west of Tongguan, and west of Chang'an, military raids had disrupted the autumn harvest, leaving corpses everywhere. Jing Ze and his aunt, both experienced, understood in their hearts that regardless of the outcome of the rebellion's suppression, the coming year in Guanxi would surely see great chaos, just like Jizhou the year before. However, his desire to go to Youzhou also contained some selfish motives. Was it not also because, with his uncle deceased and his own prospects lost, he sought a place where he could earn official rank and merit? Should he, at just over twenty, become a recluse? After much thought, it seemed only the place of that General of the Guards in Youzhou could both ensure his family's safety and allow him to forge connections, seeking a future path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day at Mengjin, when they cut the flask and parted, Jing Ze happened to be traveling from Henei to Luoyang and heard the man's words clearly. His spirit was deeply stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, having obtained permission, Jing Youxi wasted no time. Following his late uncle Guo Dian's arrangements, he sold off all the family assets of both households, not even sparing the ancestral home, exchanging everything for livestock, carts, grain, bedding, and weapons. He then sought out close relatives of the Guo and Jing clans and the household servants, asking whether they would stay or go. To those who stayed, he distributed the goods and wealth that were difficult to carry or sell. To those who wished to leave, he urged them to prepare quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without waiting for winter to pass, Jing Ze hastily performed sacrifices to the ancestors of both families. Afterward, he gathered a dozen or so clan members who also wished to migrate, along with several dozen retainers and household servants, mustering roughly a hundred people in total. Guarding the carts, armed with bows and blades, they set off eastward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they left the city, some people voluntarily began to follow them. Jing Ze did not drive them away but simply agreed on some rules with them, permitting them to follow along, and even voluntarily gave them some grain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, most of these people disappeared at the crossroads leading to Yizhou. Only one mother and son, coming from the opposite direction out of Yizhou, were an exception. The son was strikingly handsome but taciturn, making him difficult to read. However, because his mother was elderly, Jing Ze invited her to ride in a cart with his aunt. Through this, he eventually learned something of the man's background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out that this young man was a native of Duling in Jingzhao. He had already been nominated as Filial and Incorrupt and had entered official service, even becoming a Commandery Assistant in Hanzhong—a proper subordinate official. Yet, seeing the world deteriorate, he had abandoned his fine prospects, resigned from office, and returned home. Moreover, it was said that he did not plan to stay at home long but intended to follow the Duling-Wuguan route out to Jingzhou to escape the chaos and care for his elderly mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And what was interesting was that, although this man was so filial, this elderly mother was merely his stepmother! This made him all the more admirable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Jing Ze's family was originally from Fufeng, adjacent to Jingzhao, so he had no need to be newly impressed, for he had long heard of this man's great name. He immediately began treating him with warm hospitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Du, since you wish to take your mother to escape the chaos, why not go directly from Hanzhong to Shu Commandery?\" Jing Ze, riding on horseback, asked out of rare curiosity. \"Why go to Jingzhou instead? I recall your family is not wealthy, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shu Commandery is a place easy to enter but hard to leave,\" the young man surnamed Du, lying on the freight cart ahead, replied bluntly. \"Since I am taking my mother to safety—though it is unfilial for a son to say this—I must one day bring the old lady back to be buried with my father and birth mother. As for Jingzhou...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although Jingzhou is close to your home in Duling, the roads are all mountain paths. It may be fine now, but in a few years, given the current trend, will you truly be able to return at leisure?\" Jing Ze immediately interrupted, countering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I am returning alone with my elderly mother, who would rob a penniless filial son?\" The man on the cart gave a scoff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze nodded slowly, then suddenly laughed and shook his head. \"I was almost fooled by Brother Du... By that logic, you would still be better off settling in Shu Commandery. After all, no one would trouble a penniless filial son. You must have some other reason for going to Jingzhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What reason does Youxi think it is?\" The man on the cart finally sat up with a faint, ambiguous smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jingzhou is a hub extending in all directions. If I am not mistaken, you wish to settle there to care for your mother while observing the situation, seeking future prospects... Am I right?\" Jing Ze smiled slightly, as if he had everything figured out. \"A true man must, on one hand, look after his family, and on the other, pursue his ambitions. What is there to be ashamed of? Besides, Brother Du, by giving up the post of Commandery Assistant today for your elderly mother, you have already done enough to have a clear conscience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man on the cart studied the rider behind the cart with rare seriousness, clearly struck by how Jing Ze had hit upon his thoughts with a single remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case,\" the man said after a long look, neither denying nor admitting it, but instead asking curiously in return, \"why is Youxi heading to Youzhou? If you have ambitions, why not come with me to Jingzhou? I see your family is quite wealthy. If we were neighbors, perhaps I could save some effort in tilling the fields.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before his death, my uncle had old ties with the General of the Guards,\" Jing Ze replied with a slight smile. \"Thus, though Youzhou is far, it can both protect my family and offer some prospects.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man on the cart was taken aback. \"The General of the Guards who, before the age of thirty, swept across the realm, and who, upon retiring, openly declared he would return to the central court?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed,\" Jing Ze said, still smiling. \"The General of the Guards originally said he would live in seclusion in Liaoxi, so I took my aunt back home. But then I heard that he stopped halfway in Guangyang, gathering refugees, establishing schools, and settling people... Brother Bohou, two years ago, I heard of your great name back home and knew you were destined for great achievements. My own talents are far inferior to yours, so I had the thought of presenting you to the General of the Guards as a stepping stone for my own advancement... I wonder if you might have any interest in using me, someone with a connection to the General of the Guards, as your own stepping stone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ji, Du Bohou, sitting on the freight cart, laughed involuntarily, then made a prompt decision. \"In that case, Brother Youxi, you must protect this 'stepping stone' of yours well along the journey!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carts rumbled, horses neighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having persuaded Du Ji, who had been renowned in Jingzhao since youth, Jing Ze grew impatient and hastened the journey even more. And because Guo Dian was, after all, a deceased two-thousand-bushel official with a posthumous marquisate, they traveled smoothly through the Sili region. Many dignitaries, mindful of Guo Dian's reputation, even took the initiative to show them goodwill along the way. Among them, they even chatted and laughed along the road with the son of the Chancellor of Zhao, who was hurrying to Zhao to get married, traveling together for quite a stretch until they parted ways at Zhaoge. Jing Ze had some personal grudges with Yu Du, who occupied the Black Mountain north of Henei, and truly dared not travel that way. He had no choice but to detour eastward, planning to go from Wei Commandery to Julu. But that Chancellor's son, anxious to marry, was truly unwilling to take the detour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when they reached Guangping in Wei Commandery, just before entering Julu, Jing Ze had just used his uncle's name to seek lodging at a local wealthy household. There, he learned a piece of news from the host, who had invited them into the main hall as guests, that made them sigh with regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chancellor of Zhao, Liu Heng, Lord Liu, resigned from office due to excessive grief after his son died a violent death at the hands of the Black Mountain bandit Yu Du?\" Jing Ze could not help but glance back at the equally speechless Du Ji, then pressed the host further. \"May I ask how many sons Lord Liu had?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One son,\" answered the man sitting opposite Jing Ze, the host's second son, named Ju Zong, Ju Gongtiao. His words, however, carried little trace of lament. \"In other words, this was his only son, who died a violent death. And given Lord Liu's age, I fear he can only return home and adopt a son from the clan as his heir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An adopted heir is not the same as one's own son, not to mention this is practically losing a child in old age,\" Du Ji also shook his head repeatedly. \"How pitiful, how lamentable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is pitiful and lamentable does not end there,\" interjected a lean, middle-aged man sitting at the head seat, his face dark. This man was a scion of a prominent Julu family, who had served as an Attendant Censor after being recommended as Abundant Talent—his name was Tian Feng, Tian Yuanhao. \"I have heard that Yu Du fears the Prefect of Zhaoge, Guan Yu, and ordinarily does not dare run wild within Zhaoge's borders, only raiding northward into Wei Commandery... This time, he lay in wait on the road early. It is rumored that he received certain information and set up an ambush specifically to block the way. According to those present at the scene, when the convoy was seized, Yu Du personally gave the order, specifically seeking out the 'son of a two-thousand-bushel official' in the convoy. He killed only that one person and let the others go. It was clearly a targeted act.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze and Du Ji exchanged another glance. Du Bohou, who had learned some of the inside story on the road, was also momentarily speechless. The two of them understood perfectly well: that Young Master Liu, with whom they had chatted so pleasantly along the way and who was hurrying to his wedding, had taken a fatal blow meant for Jing Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, when Yu Du led his forces against Guan Yu and Han Dang, he was betrayed by Jing Ze on the battlefield. Not only was his entire army routed, but Yu Du himself was nearly charged and cut down before the lines by Guan Yu leading a junior officer. Even so, he was still struck by an arrow from Jing Ze. Later, when Jing Ze escorted his aunt's family to Henei, the news spread that he was Guo Dian's nephew, nearly driving Yu Du mad with rage... With such deep-seated hatred, it was no wonder the Black Mountain bandit bore the grudge and even led his men to set up a specific ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Truly, truly... strange,\" Jing Ze said awkwardly, looking around and changing the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is strange?\" Tian Feng's face grew even darker. \"People in Zhao are privately saying that Yu Du was acting on orders, to make Lord Cai afraid to marry off his daughter... Zhang Yan is his old subordinate, so why couldn't Yu Du be connected?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is baseless slander, Brother Yuanhao! Your accusation is far too malicious!\" Ju Zong flew into a rare rage. It turned out that before Jing Ze and Du Ji had arrived to seek lodging, he had been arguing with Tian Feng about this very matter. \"What kind of man is the General of the Guards? How could he do such a thing for a woman?! Moreover, when Zhang Yan and Yu Du revolted, the General of the Guards was in Henei. How could he possibly have orchestrated events here from so far away? And now, today, the Lord Marquis is in Guangyang. How could he command a mountain bandit here to kill one specific person with such precision?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely no such possibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Others may not know, but Du Ji and Jing Ze naturally understand in their hearts why that Young Master Liu died, so as soon as they heard it, they knew the absurdity of what Tian Feng was saying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moreover, on the day Zhang Yan rebelled, I was in Julu City attending upon my maternal uncle. I never heard of him having any dealings with Henei at that time.\" Since the matter was not unrelated to himself and also involved that General of the Guards, Jing Ze could not help adding a few more words. \"Brother Yuanhao, you are also a man of Julu — you should know that the great chaos in Hebei last year was hardly the work of human hands. It was clearly caused by the collapse of the realm's situation. Were it not so, how could my maternal uncle have failed to hold a mere single Julu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Tian Feng heard the other man speak of the former Grand Administrator of Julu, Guo Dian, who died for the state, he had no choice but to rise and apologize: \"I am not saying that today's matter was certainly done by that Gongsun Xun, nor am I saying that he stirred the waves in the chaos of Hebei back then... It is just that when rumors arrive, one cannot help but recall how Zhang Yan's rebellion that day seemed rather suspicious. The man chose his moment perfectly — with one rebellion he seized control of a million people, so that his power grew too great to contain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is indeed so.\" The person seated at the highest place of honor finally spoke as well. His words were gentle and his expression serene, giving one a feeling like a spring breeze — it was none other than Ju Zong's elder brother, the famed scholar of Jizhou, Ju Shou, styled Gongyu. \"Gentlemen, there is no need to be so indignant. Yuanhao merely finds the matter of Zhang Yan rather suspicious, that is all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is hardly just the matter of Zhang Yan that he finds suspicious.\" Ju Zong's sneer deepened. \"He clearly finds every action of my lord suspicious... Back then, with the great cause of punishing the eunuchs before us, his own patience ran out and he fled, yet my lord faced the difficulty head-on, killing Wang Fu to shake the capital... Hmph, this is nothing but excessive jealousy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ji and Jing Ze looked at each other, and each once again carefully sized up the three men before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call me jealous or not, as you please!\" Tian Feng was not a man of good temper either. \"But Gongsun Xun is wildly ambitious — that is no empty claim... He says he is returning home, yet he stops at Guangyang, the very heartland of Youzhou, to observe the situation. And he gathers countless refugees — I hear he has even hollowed out the local government and swallowed up the lands of powerful families. With men and grain in hand, who knows what he will do in the future!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is not something you need worry about, Brother Yuanhao!\" Ju Zong grew increasingly insolent. \"My lord himself said clearly that day at Mengjin: 'Heaven has given me talents, let them be used; a thousand pieces of gold scattered shall all come back again.' His retreat today is for his advance tomorrow! As for staying in Guangyang, it is even more because Lord Liu left a testament corresponding with him. With eunuchs in the court and bandits everywhere, he does this openly and honorably! Not to mention, my lord still holds the General's seal! How can he not observe the situation and await the moment of Heaven to act?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only wonder, when that moment comes and he acts, will it be for the House of Han, or for the House of Gongsun?\" Tian Feng struck the table and rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can the two not be achieved together?\" Ju Zong also rose with a stern expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their seats, Jing Ze and Du Ji exchanged glances continuously, increasingly feeling that they had come to the right place — when suddenly they heard Ju Shou at the head seat laugh involuntarily: \"Gongtiao, with every breath you say 'my lord'... I imagine you were merely a retainer to this General of the Guards for a few days many years ago — how is it that you cannot forget him? And Yuanhao, you merely had some misunderstanding with this General of the Guards even earlier, and yet you still exchange letters ceaselessly — how is it that you cannot stop cursing him? With the realm's affairs so troubled now, there are plenty of people who deserve cursing... Last year, in the eleventh month, during the great battle at Fufeng, Liu Tao, Lord Liu, remonstrated unto death before the Son of Heaven, yet was thrown into prison by the eunuchs and died of indignation — yet I do not see you cursing Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong a few times?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should I curse Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong?\" Tian Feng slowly sat back down with a cold sneer. \"For the deeds those wretches have done, only blades can answer — what need is there to answer with words? Gongsun Xun, on the other hand, clearly has the ability to set the realm in order, yet always cannot restrain his selfish motives... That is why he deserves a few more curses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Put that way, it seems you love him deeply and therefore reproach him harshly?\" Ju Shou laughed involuntarily once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, seeing Tian Feng lower his banners and still his drums, Ju Zong also gave a cold laugh, but instead of sitting back down, he walked to the center of the hall, clasped his hands behind his back, and addressed his elder brother: \"I will not hide it from you, Brother. In the past, when I was a retainer to my lord, I already felt that this man was destined to be a worthy master. It was only because you were away serving as a county magistrate that I had no choice but to return home to manage affairs and care for our elderly mother... And now, with you returned home for so long and Mother's mourning period passed, I am thinking of going north to join that man of ambition. May I ask if you, Brother, will permit it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ju Shou's composure rarely faltered: \"Gongtiao, you know as well as I that the situation now is dire. Since that is so, we brothers should unite our hearts and work together to preserve the family. Why instead would you go to join your former master at a time like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, if you fool others, so be it — but why must you try to fool me?\" Ju Zong still stood in the center of the hall with his hands clasped behind his back. \"Your wisdom surpasses mine tenfold, but your ambition also surpasses mine tenfold. Now the realm is in turmoil, and signs of collapse grow ever clearer — yet the Son of Heaven is without the Way and without virtue. You are clearly making preparations on two fronts... First, if the House of Han can still be hoped for, then quietly cultivate your reputation and await the situation in Luoyang. Second, if the House of Han cannot be relied upon, then with Jizhou as the foundation for hegemony, you intend to wait here quietly for a worthy master, to preserve the family! However, forgive me for being arrogant for once in these decades — if what Tian Yuanhao says is true, and my lord's plans are great, then when I go to Youzhou tomorrow, the one who preserves the family may not necessarily be you, Brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these words, Ju Zong flung his sleeves and walked away... It turned out that the pent-up resentment in his heart was, at its core, directed at his own elder brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ju Shou's face shifted between blue and red. Tian Feng stroked his beard and said nothing. And Du Ji and Jing Ze once again looked at each other... Then the two rose together and went after Ju Zong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the two remaining in the hall realize that the nephew of the former Grand Administrator of Julu and the former Assistant Grand Administrator of Hanzhong had actually come all the way from Guanxi to join Gongsun Xun! They did not even mind the distance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Ju Gongtiao said little more. He did not even bring a single servant — he merely loaded the ten thousand volumes of books that Gongsun Xun had gifted him when they parted into Jing Ze's convoy, then found a horse and shouldered one of those oil-paper umbrellas that had just become popular in Hebei — a new product of the Anli Trading Company, no less — and with a dark expression, rode off directly alongside Jing Ze and Du Ji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ju Shou rode with them to see them off for over ten li. The whole way, he was in a daze, yet he did not utter a single word — neither urging them to stay, nor offering encouragement. Only after half a day did he turn back to his home in Guangping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, on the other side, Jing Ze and his companions continued northward. What they saw along the way was that although bandits had greatly diminished compared to the previous year, refugees were still numerous... It turned out that although order was gradually being restored in Hebei, the Western Liang campaign was still underway, and the hundred-thousand-strong army required endless corvée labor. Moreover, those in the government with any conscience had long since — as early as the previous year — either resigned from office, died for their principles, or turned to banditry. Thus, the oppression was even more severe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, after the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the great plague, the banditry, and the grain shortages, one very interesting thing was that the smaller powerful families and the poorer gentry clans in these regions had basically reached their breaking point as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gentry families with weak economic foundations were migrating one after another from the hardest-hit commanderies of Anping and Julu to the surrounding areas — just as Tian Feng's appearance at Ju Shou's home earlier was, in essence, about seeking a post in Wei Commandery to make a living. In truth, people like Jing Ze and Du Ji in this group were merely doing a variant of the same thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the powerful families, they were polarizing. The great powerful houses grew increasingly unrestrained, while the smaller powerful families could no longer maintain their dominance in the countryside. Some had no choice but to seek refuge with the government, maintaining their position under a title like Village Chief. Some went completely bankrupt and were devoured by others. Still others were swallowed up by the great powerful houses... Interestingly, however, because the Jizhou government could draw sustenance from these smaller powerful families, it gradually began to show some signs of vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, outside, the Inspector of Jizhou, Wang Fen, was gradually gaining a reputation as a capable official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What capable official — he is merely a pig standing in a windstorm.\" Lou Gui, who had met these three at Zhuo Commandery, could not help stroking his beard and laughing on horseback. \"What our lord is doing in Youzhou — that is the true work of settling the people...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have long heard that our lord has been doing great things in Guangyang.\" Ju Zong could not resist jesting either. \"In my heart, I can hardly wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to be impatient.\" Lou Gui laughed even more. \"Our lord is right now in Liangxiang in Zhuo Commandery...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there some matter?\" Du Ji could not help asking softly. \"Why has he come here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is nothing in particular.\" Lou Gui spoke with easy confidence. \"Last year, our military farming lands were only north of Ji County, in the two counties of Changping and Jundu. But this year's spring planting stretches north to Yuyang County in Yuyang Commandery — that is Miyun and Gubeikou — and south to Liangxiang County in Zhuo Commandery — that is right here in Liangxiang. All of these are now sites of our military farming. Our lord is currently in Liangxiang inspecting the spring planting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three men all changed color at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not what you are imagining.\" Lou Gui shook his head, laughing again. \"There are too many refugees, and land is hard to find, so we can only plant wherever there is a gap — a patch here, a patch there. Fortunately, the local governments everywhere are still willing to give us some face and assist...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the three understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the group traveled northward all the way, arriving at Liangxiang. The convoy carried the women and children on toward Changping, while these three, accompanied by Lou Gui, went into the fields to see Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, Tian Yu.\" From a distance, three of the four recognized Gongsun Xun's laughter. \"You little rascal have only just bound your hair — you should be going to Changping to study. All day long you carry a sword and ride a little white horse, following behind us and constantly reporting government news to us — don't think you can just pass yourself off as one of us. If you keep wasting time like this, no matter how clever you are, you will end up lost among the common crowd. Look at that Tian Chou from your neighboring commandery, of the same clan — he is three years older than you, and was even more difficult than you before. Did he not, just the same, heed my advice and go to Changping to study?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As these words faded, a sturdy Youzhou youth wearing a long sword came riding a white horse, his face crestfallen, toward them along the field path. As their horses crossed, he did not forget to salute Lou Gui, who had mocked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as soon as Lou Gui and his companions passed this youth, they came face to face with Gongsun Xun and a scholar standing on the ridge between fields, leafing through some documents. Du Ji needed no introduction, and Ju Zong did not recognize the man either — but Jing Ze vaguely recalled who he was, and quickly dismounted, addressing him as General of the Guards and Master Zao... There was no helping it — Zao Zhi's surname was far too unusual, unique under heaven!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, seeing who had come, could not help laughing. He quickly set down the documents and went forward, beginning with Ju Zong to help the man up: \"Gongtiao, ah, Gongtiao — I never imagined that fate between host and guest still binds you and me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why does my lord speak of host and guest?\" Ju Zong bowed deeply once more. \"Zong has left home with nothing, without support or sustenance. I am precisely here to beg my lord for a measure of grain to fill my belly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was what is called words of acknowledging a master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Gongsun Xun, having spent ten years in this world, was no novice at such scenes. He immediately and calmly accepted the other's salute, then once again helped him up, holding his hand and sighing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second person — he should have turned to Jing Ze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would have thought that just as Gongsun Xun stepped forward, this Jing Ze suddenly retreated a step, heedless of the irrigation ditch beside him, planting one foot directly into the mud, forcing himself to make room on the narrow field ridge:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord, please look upon this man. This is a talent of our Guanxi, Du Ji, styled Bohou. This man has the ability of a Xiao He — he is the stepping stone that I, Jing, have brazenly brought before my lord this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun threw back his head and laughed heartily: \"I always said that a man named 'Has Joy' could not possibly bring bad news every time we meet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General of the Guards, a great event has occurred!\" Before he could finish, the Youzhou youth Tian Yu, who had just left moments ago, suddenly came racing back at full speed. From far off on the field path, he waved a document and shouted wildly: \"I just met a clansman of mine who serves as a provincial clerk outside Liangxiang City. He bade me tell you — the Liangzhou army has been defeated! Of the hundred-thousand-strong army, except for the forces of General Who Defeats the Caitiffs, Dong Zhuo, which were preserved intact, nearly the entire army has collapsed and retreated. The General of Chariots and Cavalry has already withdrawn to Chang'an! The Liangzhou rebels have actually survived, just as you said they would!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Du Ji stole a glance at Gongsun Xun, while Gongsun Xun glanced at the somewhat flustered Jing Ze. For a moment, he stood on the field ridge with his hands clasped behind his back, speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—————I am the dividing line that glanced———————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cai Yong had a daughter of surpassing excellence. When she came of age, he would not betroth her, wishing to find a hero to wed her. At that time he dwelt in Handan in the State of Zhao. The Chancellor of Zhao, Liu Heng, saw his daughter and returned to tell his attendants: 'This is truly a wife for my son!' He then insistently requested her as a daughter-in-law. Cai Yong initially did not wish to agree and intended to leave. At that time the realm was in turmoil, bandits roamed everywhere, and Liu Heng sent a man to inform him: 'The roads are full of bandits — do take care.' Yong grew afraid and thus consented. Heng was overjoyed and urgently summoned his only son from Luoyang to Handan. On the journey, passing through Heishan, the son was killed by bandits. Heng was struck with terror and resigned from office and fled. The people of the time all laughed at this.\" — Miscellaneous Records of the Scholarly Circles. Yan. Recorded by an Anonymous Author\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Had free time today, stayed up late writing. Don't wait this evening — not sure when I'll wake up. Let me catch my breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6446,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","b18193e5a1195f2bae441e4fc42ce53d8125a93f79bdc879e7f909583d9d86c9","overthrowing-han-chapter-288","overthrowing-han-chapter-286",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]