Chapter 302: Still Fit for Battle to Win Merit and Renown

Gongsun Xun first observed the courtesies before resorting to force; after all that maneuvering, in terms of face, he had given the two veteran generals ample leeway. And after this incident, at least on the surface, the three of them appeared more harmonious than ever.

That evening, Gongsun Xun followed the original plan and hosted a banquet in the hastily erected main camp, striking while the iron was hot. He did not seek to bridge the previous rifts between the two forces, but merely hoped to let both sides accept the arrival of the Sanhe and Five Regiments in a reasonably amicable atmosphere.

However, times were difficult, and after three rounds of wine, all three being court generals, the conversation could not remain fixed on old tales forever.

"Wenqi, today with you as General of the Guard, myself as General of the Vanguard, and Lord Huangfu as General of the Left, the three generals gathered together is a rare sight indeed." Dong Zhuo, pot-bellied, sat in a position level with Gongsun Xun and suddenly brought up an amusing matter. "A few years ago, who would have dared imagine it?"

"Indeed." Gongsun Xun, seated in the middle, smiled casually. "The realm is in turmoil, so it is unavoidable that many generals are appointed... I recall at the time of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, men like you and me, with the rank of General of the Household, could take charge of an entire front. Yet now, three full generals are gathered in one place, commanding only fifty thousand troops... But Lord Dong, I have a word to say."

"Wenqi, please speak." Dong Zhuo was unconcerned.

"Earlier I said the court had failed you both. That was certainly referring to the many unworthy men ruling in Luoyang. But on the other hand, in terms of rank, the general titles granted to you both are actually the best the central government could manage."

Dong Zhuo smiled without speaking, for he knew these words were not meant for him.

"Wenqi speaks truly." Huangfu Song, seated at the left of the three parallel tables at the head of the gathering, was silent for a long moment upon hearing this, then could not help but sigh with emotion. "How could I not know that the state has already done its utmost? The Grand General, General of Chariots and Cavalry, General of Agile Cavalry, and General of the Guard are all still in place... To grant me General of the Left and Zhongying General of the Vanguard at this time is already sufficient. If one truly speaks of being wronged, what should Zhu Gongwei say?"

Was Zhu Jun's case the same?

Zhu Jun had lost his mother; handing over the seal of General of Chariots and Cavalry was a matter of course, without rancor or dispute. But Huangfu Song's seal of General of Chariots and Cavalry had been stripped from him under the charge of criminal guilt... For this General of the Left to speak thus only showed that he still harbored some resentment.

Of course, the fact that he could utter the word "sufficient" at least meant that, on the surface, he was willing to heed advice and endure grievances for the sake of the state. That alone was already quite remarkable.

It must be said, earlier the officials of the two-thousand-dan rank had all come forward to pay their respects, and those below the thousand-dan rank, regardless of their stance, could only bow and follow. Now, with the three generals seated side by side at the head, chatting ceaselessly, everyone around them merely clinked cups and spoke among themselves, not daring to disturb them.

Under such circumstances, the three men, aided by wine, grew increasingly unrestrained.

However, just as Gongsun Xun was about to smoothly echo a few words, Dong Zhongying suddenly interjected with a question: "Speaking of which... in Luoyang now, there are also exactly three generals residing together in one city, yet their status far surpasses ours. Wenqi, coming from Luoyang, do you know what talents and virtues those three men possess?"

Huangfu Song immediately froze. To be honest, he was curious too.

Gongsun Xun was momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing: "The three generals in Luoyang owe their positions to the Emperor's maternal and marital clans. What talent or virtue is there to discuss?"

"Look at what Wenqi is saying, who doesn't know that?" Dong Zhuo also laughed along. "My question was sincerely meant to inquire about the capabilities of those three. Wenqi, I heard you killed a two-thousand-dan Captain at Hangu Pass without causing the slightest ripple. Presumably, the Grand General smoothed things over in Luoyang... Doesn't this mean that from now on, these imperial in-laws will once again be calling the shots? Therefore, I also wish to know what sort of people these nobles are, and how one should deal with them. Of course, if Wenqi is unwilling to answer, then don't."

"What is there that cannot be answered?" Gongsun Xun said dismissively. He had actually figured it out too—with Dong Min right there in Luoyang, Dong Zhuo would have his own judgment of these people's character, so there was no need to worry his words would be misleading. "The Grand General has participated in governance for many years; I imagine Lord Dong has some knowledge of him. Although his talents are insufficient, he possesses considerable magnanimity and virtue. Thus, the noble houses of Luoyang and the scholars of the realm mostly follow him. He should be sufficient to stabilize the situation..."

"So this is a case of having no talent but having virtue?" Dong Zhuo laughed even more heartily. "But as Wenqi says, such a bearing is indeed far superior to certain others, and truly sufficient to stabilize the situation."

Huangfu Song's expression grew slightly solemn, but then quickly relaxed.

The banquet was noisy, and with the three men chatting side by side, few people heard these words. But given the current situation, even if they were heard, it would not matter... Who "certain others" referred to needed no explanation, and the caliber of men like He Jin was something any member of the Great Han Empire would likely discuss in private conversations these days.

"If we follow Lord Dong's line of reasoning," Gongsun Xun continued, holding his wine cup and smiling, "then as for the General of Chariots and Cavalry, he is a man of average ability and average virtue, with no particular vices, but no particular merits either. Moreover, he was poor in his youth, followed his mother when she remarried, and seeks only wealth, rank, and comfort. As for the General of Agile Cavalry, Dong Zhong..."

"What of Dong Zhong?" Dong Zhuo grew even more curious.

"That man has neither talent, nor virtue, nor strength." Gongsun Xun dismissed him with contempt. "His father was the one who abused his authority back then and was done away with by Cao Jie's schemes. He himself was dismissed from office five years ago for excessive corruption. Such a figure is scorned by everyone in Luoyang, high and low. His appointment is merely the Emperor, in his illness, making a muddled mistake... In my view, whether chaos erupts or the situation gradually stabilizes, this man is doomed to die. Because if chaos erupts, he has no talent; if things stabilize, he has no virtue!"

Hearing such words, Huangfu Song merely shook his head slightly. At his stage, it was not that his interest in the political situation in Luoyang had been extinguished—even if he wanted to, he could not extinguish it. It was mainly that he had been idle for many years and then suddenly reappointed, so he did not have much capacity to participate in it.

"In truth, I also think Dong Zhong will likely die quickly." Dong Zhuo sighed with emotion. "But not because of his talent or virtue... Since ancient times, has there ever been a shortage of talentless and virtueless imperial in-laws who held high positions for long periods? It is simply that the one about to ascend the throne is the Eldest Imperial Prince, not the Youngest Imperial Prince. His status as an in-law was illusory from the start, which is why he will quickly fall."

"That also makes some sense." Gongsun Xun still wore that unconcerned expression.

"But if Jian Shuo can accomplish something," Dong Zhuo continued, "then Dong Zhong might instead have a turn of fortune. At that time..."

"But can we allow Jian Shuo to accomplish something?" Gongsun Xun suddenly interrupted him, sneering in retort.

Dong Zhuo was startled by these words, then burst into loud laughter and nodded repeatedly.

Then Huangfu Song went further and suggested that the three of them rise and toast to the Grand General. And so, the three indeed rose together, leading over a hundred officers in the army to raise their cups in unison.

Such an overt political gesture was certainly a "good thing," but after toasting, it became awkward for the three to continue their private conversation. Yet under such circumstances, once they began to speak openly, the discussion inevitably turned to the military situation.

However, this discussion nearly undid all of Gongsun Xun's previous efforts.

"My meaning is very simple," Dong Zhuo declared loudly, sweeping his gaze around with an air of pride. "Chencang is in dire straits and should be relieved swiftly. But previously, with the General of the Guard not yet arrived, it was not proper to send troops rashly. Today, the three armies are assembled, and our forces are not weak... We should take advantage of their unpreparedness and strike straight for the walls of Chencang. I, Dong Zhuo, am willing to serve as the vanguard."

At these words, Dong Zhuo's own troops naturally clamored in support. Moreover, most of them were rough men from the border commanderies, and their response was utterly disorderly, like mountain bandits shouting and cheering for plunder.

One boasted of his martial valor, another said the witch in their camp had already made a divination, and yet another, while volunteering for battle, made veiled accusations that others could not fight... In all fairness, Luoyang's political discrimination against these unlettered men of Liangzhou was Luoyang's fault ten thousand times over, but the conduct of these men being genuinely irritating was an entirely separate matter.

As expected, the words of these men immediately aroused the discontent of the Guanzhong troops under Huangfu Song. They gradually began to speak out in rebuttal, and before long, the banquet descended into an irresolvable uproar.

It was at this moment that Gongsun Xun discovered another problem:

It must be understood that Dong Zhuo's troops were mostly veterans who had withdrawn from Liangzhou during Zhang Wen's western campaign. On one hand, they were a mix of Qiang and Hu barbarians with crude customs; on the other hand, like Dong Zhuo himself, they harbored a sense of Luoyang's injustice in rewards and punishments, so their words were often full of bluster.

Correspondingly, Huangfu Song's troops were mostly hastily recruited sons of the three Guanzhong commanderies for this campaign. For them, during the Battle of Meiyang back then, nearly a third of the Guanzhong region had been laid waste, and their animosity toward the people of Liangzhou was an emotion they could not conceal.

In other words, the rivalry between Huangfu Song and Dong Zhuo this time certainly stemmed from the two commanders' personal discontent over official rank. But the troops under them, being a host army and a guest army respectively, were naturally at odds, and this was likely a powder keg ready to explode at the slightest spark.

And considering that after his last dismissal, Huangfu Song had lived in seclusion only on his own fief—that is, in Huaili, Fufeng—much like Zhang Huan changing his registered native place in the past, the implications here were even more thought-provoking.

The border generals of Liangzhou, whether lettered or unlettered, locked in an endless cycle of love and hate, was hardly old news. The grievances and entanglements between Duan Jiong and Zhang Huan back then could fill a book on their own. And now, with Huangfu Song and Dong Zhuo... the conflict between them was by no means just a personal issue between the two men.

"There is no need." Seeing his subordinates gradually losing ground in the argument, Huangfu Song no longer cared about the high-level atmosphere that had slightly eased with Gongsun Xun's arrival and took the initiative to state his position. "I am naturally aware of the martial valor of the General of the Vanguard's troops. But my point is, even if we can win, there is no need to fight... Right now, the rebels, with fifty to sixty thousand men, cannot take a single Chencang. This shows that after years of continuous warfare, they are already utterly exhausted, and there may even be those among them harboring their own schemes. Since that is the case, our army has no supply concerns. We might as well just drag this out, sending scouts daily to observe the battle situation at Chencang. If Chencang is truly in danger, we will naturally send troops. But if it is not in danger, there is no need for men to die. We can simply wait for them to retreat, then pursue and inflict casualties."

After these words were spoken, the dispute only intensified, but gradually, Dong Zhuo, Huangfu Song, and the various two-thousand-dan officers and Sanhe and Five Regiments commanders at the banquet all naturally turned their gazes toward Gongsun Xun, who sat upright in the central position.

Seeing this, Gongsun Xun could not help but laugh. He raised his wine cup and, remaining seated, declined to comment: "Newly arrived and unfamiliar with the military situation, as the commanding general, I cannot arbitrarily make a decision... Today, let us only speak of old friendships and not discuss military affairs."

Dong Zhuo laughed, and Huangfu Song remained silent... But in the end, both men gave Gongsun Xun some face and restrained themselves somewhat, though the gathering ultimately ended on a sour note.

Of course, this needs no further elaboration.

"How is it?"

After the banquet, back in his tent, Gongsun Xun was soaking his feet and reading a book by the side of the bed that had just been set up. Suddenly, he heard hurried footsteps in the outer tent accompanied by greetings from the attendants, and then someone directly lifted the curtain and entered the rear tent. Without looking up, he asked his question.

"Observing today's situation and listening to the two men's words, these two generals are indeed full of resentment in their hearts. However, Huangfu Song can still prioritize the greater good. Only on Dong Zhuo's side does there seem to be deep-seated grievance. Not only did he make many malicious probing remarks, but he is also likely unwilling to yield easily." Xi Zhong answered calmly. "As for the dispute between the two armies, it is a matter of guest troops versus host troops... Unless military authority is unified and restrained by a great general, it fundamentally cannot be resolved. But given the current state of affairs between these two, expecting them to restrain their subordinates is probably difficult."

"So, Zhicai means that conciliation is ineffective?" Under the candlelight, Gongsun Xun put down the book in his hand and looked up curiously.

"That depends on whether My Lord is in a hurry." Xi Zhong spread his hands and smiled. "If we follow Lord Dong's own request and prioritize a swift strike, then we can only use force to suppress them. But if we follow Lord Huangfu's suggestion and quietly wait for the enemy at Chencang to retreat on their own, then we can drag this out and slowly show them sincerity, or even ignore their actions entirely without issue..."

"What does Zibo think?" Gongsun Xun suddenly looked toward Lou Gui, who had been stroking his beard in silence since entering. "Between the strategies proposed by Lord Huangfu and Lord Dong, which is superior?"

"I won't hide it from My Lord, I have also been pondering this for half the day." Lou Zibo lowered his beard-stroking hand and answered frankly. "My Lord, ever since entering Guanzhong and hearing Gai Xun speak of the rebels' current dire state, I have been carefully considering the military situation... Yet I feel that the strategies proposed by Lord Dong and Lord Huangfu today are both top-tier choices. The former saves time, the latter saves effort. That is all."

"Well said." Gongsun Xun also laughed along. "The two men spoke so grandly, yet both harbored selfish motives... Dong Zhuo's troops are mostly Liangzhou veterans. If we fight now, his troops will inevitably earn the greatest merit, while Lord Huangfu's hastily recruited Guanzhong sons will inevitably fall behind. But conversely, these Guanzhong sons are defending their homes. If they can settle down and train for a month or two before going into battle, their combat strength may not necessarily be inferior to Lord Dong's veterans."

"Correct." Lou Gui immediately nodded.

"At the same time, Lord Dong lost his son in old age and has since become obsessed with achievements. His eagerness to seek battle and his repeated inquiries to me about the situation in Luoyang suggest he also wishes to leverage the prestige of a great victory to turn toward Luoyang and make some plans. As for Lord Huangfu, perhaps he is unwilling to show his hand before the situation is clear, thus harboring the intention of keeping his troops stationed outside for self-preservation. Or perhaps, having just been reinstated, he wishes to accomplish something but has no connections in Luoyang to pursue, so he deliberately delays..."

"We can only speculate thus." Xi Zhong could not help but laugh along. "To borrow a saying of My Lord's from those idle days at Mangshan: fat cat or thin cat, neither has caught a single mouse, so clearly neither is a good cat!"

"Moreover, as Dong Gong said, Chencang is in imminent danger, and as Huangfu Gong said, we should avoid casualties — these are in truth all pretexts." Gongsun Xun paused briefly, but still continued. "It is just that Dong Gong's pretext is unavoidably crude, easily refuted, while Huangfu Gong's pretext, though sounding more reasonable, is also unavoidably laughable... Fifty thousand troops, men eating and horses chewing, all supplied by Guanzhong. And in times like these, grain is human life. Dragging on for several more months may indeed spare some soldiers' deaths, but who knows how many more common folk of Guanzhong will die as a result?"

Lou Gui and Xi Zhong both remained silent, merely listening as their lord continued to express his feelings.

"In truth, I also understand that the realm's situation has reached such a point that no matter what we do, death and casualties piled like pillows are unavoidable." Gongsun Xun spoke candidly. "And as one in a superior position, I should not show hesitation before others, but before the two of you, there is no need to conceal much... In the current situation, I do have the intent to advance aggressively, yet I fear that hasty battle will ruin the greater scheme, and then Guanzhong will fall, and everything will be swept away. But if we drag this on, I not only fear Guanzhong will be exhausted by it, repeating the aftermath of the old Meiyang battle, but also fear that the situation behind us may shift."

"We must at least ascertain whether those men ahead — Wang Guo, Han Sui, and the rest — are employing a ruse to lure the enemy, must we not?" Lou Gui suddenly said with a smile. "What if their troops are elite and sharp, and united as one, only deliberately refraining from attacking the city, and are right now waiting for us up ahead?"

"Quite right." Gongsun Xun also smiled. "What Zibo says is very true. We must at least secure a stable footing, then seek an opportunity for battle, correct? Let us drag this on, clarify the enemy's situation, and then decide."

Lou and Xi, seeing that Gongsun Xun had ultimately chosen to proceed slowly, said no more, and each saluted with clasped hands and took their leave.

Emerging from the tent, under a sky full of stars, Xi Zhong could not help but ask about one matter: "At the end, Zibo smoothly pushed the boat along the current, urging our lord to delay — was there another consideration behind it?"

"Indeed." Lou Gui spread his hands and said. "With Yuan Shao gone, the situation in Luoyang should face no major obstacles. And since the situation before us allows either a slow approach or a swift attack, in my view, it is better to proceed slowly... After all, the Lord's five hundred White Horse Volunteers are all here. If we rush into battle, the Volunteers will inevitably serve as the blade's edge, and it is all too possible they will suffer losses. Moreover..."

"Moreover, the Three He and Five Colonels are, after all, the Imperial Guard. If we can nurture them with favor here for several months, given the Lord's skill at winning people over, some will inevitably be swayed in loyalty. Then when trouble arises in the future, those men in Luoyang... might just have a surprising effect?" Xi Zhong interjected in reply.

"Precisely." Lou Gui admitted frankly. "For the public cause, perhaps a swift strike or a slow approach are both acceptable. But for the Lord himself, proceeding slowly is best... When the Lord harbors doubts, it is precisely our duty to do this kind of thing."

Hearing this, Xi Zhong suddenly stopped in his tracks and fell silent for a moment, causing Lou Gui to turn back curiously.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Nothing." Xi Zhong resumed walking, then answered candidly. "I was just recalling the old stories they tell about you, Zibo, during our usual card games and gambling amusements. You have been tempered by experience all these years and are no longer the Zibo of old. Why was it that back when you did not yet understand these matters of human hearts and circumstances, you often leaped about with reckless words; yet now that you have gradually tempered and developed skill in this area, you discuss only military affairs and speak of nothing else? Is it because of our Lu Ziheng, Chief Clerk Lu? It was you who advised me back then to associate more with him."

"Perhaps so!" Lou Gui, hands clasped behind his back, smiled — a rare sight. "But Zhicai... I am rather curious about you. Why is it that you clearly excel at understanding human hearts and circumstances, yet still leap about so freely? Just as I did in my youth, when I understood nothing at all."

"It is my nature, and moreover, I have the Lord's indulgence. Or perhaps it is because I have yet to suffer a true setback?" Xi Zhong replied dismissively.

Lou Gui shook his head for a moment and said nothing.

The night was vast and hazy. In the rear tent of the great camp that had just been pitched, Gongsun Xun had long since washed his feet and climbed onto the couch, yet his eyes remained open as he lay on his side, staring blankly at the candle flame before him.

It was, unexpectedly, a sleepless night.

It must be said that when Gongsun Xun arrived at the great camp by the Qianshui River, it was the beginning of the twelfth month. In those days, there was no such thing as a 'solar calendar' or 'lunar calendar'; the twelfth month was simply the last month of winter.

During this month, Gongsun Xun, just as Lou Gui had hinted, though he did not openly declare his stance, in practice adopted the strategy of 'proceeding slowly.' Each day he merely probed the enemy's situation, while also nurturing with favor and drilling the ten thousand troops of the Three He and Five Colonels under his command. Toward Dong Zhuo and Huangfu Song, he neither resorted to the inevitably crude measure of seizing military authority, nor did he make any further deliberate effort to mediate peace.

Nevertheless, thanks to Gongsun Xun's rank and the fact that his own central camp sat between the two men, keeping them apart, the two factions that had originally been like fire and water gradually settled into peace after all... But gradually, as Dong Zhuo perceived Gongsun Xun's delaying tactics, he grew more and more impatient. Not only did he clamor for an advance at every military council, but his troops also began to develop increasing friction with the Three He and Five Colonels under Gongsun Xun's command.

On one hand, Dong Zhuo's force of twenty thousand men, long stationed here and familiar with the terrain, naturally held the advantage, while Gongsun Xun had only a little over ten thousand Luoyang Imperial Guards, which inevitably put him at a disadvantage.

But on the other hand, Gongsun Xun had long since taken political precautions back in Chang'an. Not only had he pressed the five local Two Thousand Shi officials into the camp barracks to serve as mascots, but he had also communicated early with Gai Xun. As a result, the logistics and supplies were calmly controlled by Gongsun Xun's forces, who then used them to retaliate. Not only that, but the officers of the Three He and Five Colonels held exceedingly high ranks; the moment a Two Thousand Shi stepped forward, Dong Zhuo's soldiers could not help but retreat in indignation.

And finally, just before the new year, the two sides at last stirred up a major confrontation over something like stray warhorses... Gongsun Xun, who had all along paid no heed and asked no questions, openly unleashed Lu Bu. Lu Fengxian shot dead the warhorse of Li Jue, who had come to pick a quarrel, with a single arrow, sending the latter fleeing in panic, never daring to cause trouble again. The two sides thus passed the great new year in peace.

It was also at this point that Gongsun Xun finally confirmed with absolute certainty that the rebel army at Chencang, several dozen li away, had indeed fallen into a state of mutual suspicion both within and without, reaching a point of indecision, rather than deliberately feigning weakness... This was because the city of Chencang still flew the great Han banner high atop its walls, without the slightest damage.

After all, by this point, this group had already besieged Chencang for over forty days. And even if it were a feigned weakness to lure the enemy, these forty-plus days stalled beneath the city walls would turn pretense into reality, grinding their morale down to nothing — and they would deserve it.

In fact, although the men below gradually quieted down, Dong Zhongying, certain of the battle situation, grew increasingly unrestrained before Gongsun Xun and Huangfu Song. At the military council held every three days, he invariably clamored for the entire army to strike! Moreover, his language grew coarser by the day, displaying the recklessness and crudeness of a Liangzhou military man beyond all doubt.

Amidst such bumpy circumstances, much like an old married couple going through daily life, on the third day of the first month of the sixth year of Zhongping, the Intendant of Jingzhao, Gai Xun, suddenly abandoned his post and came in person from Chang'an to the army, where he held a secret meeting with Gongsun Xun. Accompanying him were several White Horse riders.

No one knew what was discussed, for Gongsun Xun did not mention it to anyone, and Gai Xun also kept his mouth shut. As for the news brought by the several White Horse riders, it was even more unknown.

All that the others, including Jia Wenhe, knew was that after discussing for an entire afternoon with his two true confidants, Gongsun Xun that very evening sent someone to invite the Front General Dong Zhuo to a gathering at the central army, ostensibly to welcome Gai Xun with a cleansing feast.

Gai Xun, a celebrated scholar of Liangzhou, was a military scion of that region second only to Huangfu Song and Dong Zhuo. Moreover, because he had received the favor of the Son of Heaven on his sickbed, his political standing was supreme. Dong Zhongying was to lead the army's officers to come forth and welcome him... just as they had previously welcomed Gongsun Xun.

All the more so since this sit-down war had already dragged on for a month, with the rebel army ahead unable to advance or retreat beneath the walls of Chencang — the front line could be called perfectly safe. And Dong Zhongying himself came every three days anyway, so naturally there was no suspicion.

"Dong Gong, the General of the Guards, the gentlemen of the Northern Army, and Lord Gai are all waiting within the camp especially for you." Jia Xu, who had come out to meet them, bowed slightly. "Please, all of you, make yourselves at ease."

"No trouble at all." Facing Jia Wenhe, a fellow Liangzhou man, Dong Zhuo was quite courteous. "Wenhe, you have worked hard. Though spring has begun, the weather remains cold — why go to the trouble of coming out to greet us in person?"

Several Volunteers behind him came forward to receive them, the foremost among them being the outstanding Tian Chou. Jia Xu immediately fell silent and stepped back, clearing the path.

Dong Zhuo thought nothing of it and led his army's officers straight inside, clasping hands and exchanging pleasantries with Gai Xun at the second gate. However, when this Front General reached the central army's great tent — which he was actually quite familiar with — he suddenly froze. Then, in a daze, he recalled the strange words of welcome Jia Xu had spoken moments before.

He realized that within the central army's great tent at this moment, only Gongsun Xun's own people were waiting; Huangfu Song and his subordinates were nowhere to be seen! Even more, beside Gongsun Xun, there was only a single empty armrest table placed alongside... This was clearly a trap!

At the very least, tonight's banquet was absolutely not to welcome Gai Xun!

"Wenqi, what is the meaning of this?" Dong Zhuo's hairs practically stood on end. But in an instant, the heroic spirit forged from years of commanding troops surged up within him, and he personally grasped his sword and strode forward, demanding an answer boldly.

Beside Dong Zhuo, a tall armored warrior gripped his blade and fixed his stare on Gai Xun. But what kind of man was Gai Xun? He paid the man no heed whatsoever, simply walking around Dong Zhuo and taking a seat off to the side. Even Jia Xu remained silent, going straight to an empty seat near the tent entrance and sitting down.

"Nothing." Gongsun Xun, seated at the head and waiting especially for Dong Zhuo, broke into a smile. "Dong Gong, you overthink things... I have summoned only you, Dong Gong, and your party today because I must tell you: my mind is made up. In three days, we shall shift camp across the Qianshui River, approach Chencang, and seek a decisive battle!"

Dong Zhuo's anger turned to joy upon hearing this. He released his grip on his sword, placed his hand on his belt, and stepped forward to take his seat. "Wenqi has finally thought it through! The rebel army is not worth worrying about — we should indeed have settled this in a single battle long ago."

Not to mention Dong Zhuo, even his subordinates were all overjoyed and took their seats one after another.

"Is Wenqi going to settle the strategy for deploying the troops with me, and then together lay our cards on the table before Huangfu Gong?" Thanks to the popularity of animal cards, Dong Zhuo could actually use an expression like "lay our cards on the table."

Gongsun Xun neither confirmed nor denied. He merely rose, poured a cup of wine for Dong Zhuo, and presented it with both hands: "I was just about to rely heavily on Dong Gong's battle strength... I hold the rank of General of the Guards, am a Marquis of a county of six Battalion Commander, with no further titles to bestow. I am willing to pledge here that all merit shall be attributed to Dong Gong and all you gentlemen present; I will take not a shred of it."

Dong Zhuo was even more delighted upon hearing this. He too rose, took the cup, and drained it in one gulp, only then making his promise: "Wenqi, set your mind at ease. The rebel army is wavering and indecisive, unable to advance or retreat. In this battle, you may simply remain behind me and watch me achieve success!"

"Be that as it may." Gongsun Xun sat back down, but slowly shook his head. "I am the Regional Commander, and must always judge the situation and make decisions..."

"Wenqi, set your mind at ease. I, Dong Zhuo, am no man to spoil a matter. Once battle begins, I will exert myself to the utmost." Dong Zhuo sat behind his armrest table, his hand on his belt, looking around loftily, prompting a chorus of agreement and declarations from his subordinates.

"I do not doubt Dong Gong's battle strength or resolve. Rather, I mean to say that the rebel army has many cavalry, so we should pool the cavalry of our three divisions for combined use... What does the Front General think?" Gongsun Xun remained unhurried, unexcited, neither pleased nor angry.

"Pooling the cavalry is indeed the proper course." Dong Zhuo's mind stirred, and he could not help but frown. "But would Huangfu Gong be willing to hand his cavalry over to me?"

"It is not only the cavalry." Gongsun Xun did not answer, but simply continued speaking on his own. "Our army is divided into three parts, with much estrangement between them. My own force is small. The forces of the Front General and the Left General should each detach one contingent to be placed on the flanks of the central army as support."

Dong Zhuo's heart was already once again filled with intense suspicion, but since the other man had not spoken plainly, how could he refute him? He immediately shut his mouth and said nothing.

But this Front General did not have to wait long at all, for Gongsun Xun almost immediately revealed the dagger hidden behind his words: "Therefore, Dong Gong, I propose that your cavalry might as well be handed to Major Li Jue, and then placed under the unified command of the central army. Also, detach five thousand infantry and let Brother Yuangu command them, to serve as a bridge between the two armies... What do you think?"

"Wenqi, you go too far!" Dong Zhuo suppressed his fury with effort. "Cavalry is where a single army's battle strength lies! My force of twenty thousand has no more than five thousand cavalry. If I give them to you, I lose over half my battle strength! Gai Yuangu is of a renowned Liangzhou lineage and has always held prestige — give him another five thousand troops, and they will clearly fall into your hands as well... In this way, how many troops would I, the Front General, still have?!"

"Ten thousand!" Gongsun Xun, unhurried and unflustered, took the initiative to calculate the result for him. "Ten thousand infantry."

"Ten thousand infantry!" Dong Zhongying finally burst into furious indignation, rising to his feet to retort. "While you gain five thousand cavalry and five thousand infantry... Such an act — is this not an attempt to annex my forces?! These troops have followed me for two years now. On what grounds do you say you can take them just like that?!"

"The Liangzhou rebels each harbor their own schemes. But if our own army cannot unite its forces, how can we win an open and honorable victory?" Gongsun Xun remained seated where he was, neither pleased nor angry, turning a deaf ear to Dong Zhuo's rage beside him. "Or is it that our army is also, like the enemy across from us, a mere rabble?"

"Even if that is so, why can the troops not be given to me?!" Dong Zhuo demanded indignantly. "Would that not also count as uniting the forces?!"

"Because I am the General of the Guards!" Gongsun Xun finally spoke with awe-inspiring authority. "I am the Regional Commander bearing the imperial staff. You are the Front General, my deputy commander. Today, in my capacity as staff-bearing commander, I order you to hand over your troops and submit to my command... If you obey my order, it is proper in name and smooth in course. But if you refuse the order, then you are defying a command and disobeying!"

Dong Zhuo gave a cold laugh. He forcefully suppressed the urge to question the other about the old days when he was a mere Major in Bingzhou, and did not completely tear away all pretense by demanding to know what the consequences of defying a command and disobeying would be... Though a rough man, he had a subtle mind. Without a single word, he shot a glare at several of his subordinates below, then kicked over the armrest table before him, laden with wine and meat.

Wine and food spilled across the floor in a sorry mess.

It must be understood that while the two generals had been trading verbal blows above, their respective subordinates below had long had their hands on their sword hilts. Now, seeing Dong Zhuo kick over a table with one foot and taking the cue, several trusted officers below immediately raised a clamor. The mid- and junior-grade officers of the Northern Army opposite them also flew into a rage, and the two sides confronted each other.

And when one man among them actually leaped straight into the center of the hall, the scene descended into even greater chaos.

"Who is that man?!" Gongsun Xun was not one to indulge such people. He suddenly raised his voice and pointed at the man.

Dong Zhuo's old troops had followed him in campaigns north and south, and many of them had fought shoulder to shoulder with Gongsun Xun before. Hearing these words, quite a few felt a slight shudder in their hearts, and the scene quieted down accordingly. Even the man himself, who had jumped out and now had a finger pointed at his head, was terrified out of his wits.

"That is Colonel Fan Chou of my command." At his side, Dong Zhuo, seeing the situation turning unfavorable, immediately answered with an air of defiance, clearly intending to back his subordinate. "A warrior of true merit!"

"Jia Xu!" Gongsun Xun ignored the fat man beside him entirely and simply asked his own question. "To bellow in the command tent and assault a commanding general bearing the imperial tally — what is the penalty?"

Jia Wenhe paused for a moment, but then immediately stepped forward and bowed in reply: "Death!"

"This man is a warrior of my army!" Dong Zhuo grew even more furious at these words. "Gongsun Xun, you have no right to dispose of a warrior under my command!"

"I know this man." Gongsun Xun remained seated behind his table and answered with a cold laugh. "Is this 'warrior' not the very man who owes Lu Fengxian his life?"

Lu Bu, hearing this, stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute: "It is indeed the man I casually saved that day beneath the walls of Guangzong. So much time has passed, this subordinate had all but forgotten."

"Come." Gongsun Xun beckoned to Lu Bu with a wave.

Lu Bu did not understand his intent, but he immediately rose and, under the complex gazes of the crowd, walked forward to stand before Gongsun Xun.

Without haste, Gongsun Xun drew from his waist a broken blade that made Dong Zhuo's expression flicker with complicated emotion. "Lord Dong is my elder. In Bingzhou days, he showed me much kindness. He says this man is his subordinate and forbids me to dispose of him on my own authority... Others I might disregard, but Lord Dong's words I cannot but heed. Fengxian."

"Here!" In the dead silence, broken only by the sound of breathing, Lu Bu's voice rang out with particular force.

"This blade is Lord Dong's personal saber. Fan Chou owes you a life. Take this blade and kill him — it will be as if, by Lord Dong's command, you are collecting an old debt. In this way, I neither betray military law nor betray Lord Dong!" As he spoke, Gongsun Xun pointed directly at Fan Chou, whose face had gone deathly pale. "Execute him at once!"

Lu Bu took the blade, turned, and strode straight toward Fan Chou. Fan Chou's heart pounded with terror; he wanted to draw his own blade to defend himself, but when he looked up and saw Lu Bu's utterly ordinary face — a face that left an impression so deep it was unforgettable — his hands and feet turned to ice, and he was utterly helpless. Li Jue, Guo Si, and the others nearby rose to their feet at the sight, but when Lu Bu swept his gaze over them, they too felt their bodies go cold, their mouths dry, their tongues parched — and dared make no move.

And so, the assembled officers watched as Lu Bu advanced, struck Fan Chou's weapon from his grasp with a chop of his hand, then seized the man and hauled him outside as if carrying a child. Amid Fan Chou's weeping and pleading, still no one dared stir; they could only watch as the two figures left the tent.

Yet Fan Chou's weeping and pleading did not last long. In a mere moment, it was abruptly cut off. Lu Bu then turned and re-entered the tent, holding the bloodstained broken blade, bowed, and returned it... From his bearing, one might have thought he had just been sent outside to kill a chicken and come back.

During all this, a tall, imposing guardsman at Dong Zhuo's side had nearly lost control and drawn his blade, but was stopped by his general's hand pressing down upon him — the same general who had been staring fixedly at Lu Bu the entire time. What a joke! The tiger-like ferocity displayed beneath the walls of Guangzong — he, Dong Zhongying, had witnessed it with his own eyes that day!

After killing the man, Lu Bu calmly returned to his seat. Gongsun Xun placed the bloodstained blade on the table without touching it further, then poured another cup of wine, rose, and once more offered it to Dong Zhuo: "Lord Dong... what I do today, I must do, because I gave my word on the Guanzhong matter that I would see it through. But there is no personal animus in it whatsoever! If Lord Dong trusts me as generously as he did ten years ago, then please drink this wine, and let us together crush the rebel army!"

Dong Zhuo, who had long since regained his composure, once again restrained the restless movement of the guardsman behind him. He then directly accepted the wine, but asked a question in return: "Wenqi, it is not that I fear you, but that today your name and authority have both arrived, and I, Dong Zhuo, am no rebellious wretch. Still, I have one question for you: do you intend to absorb only my command? And what of Lord Huangfu — what does he have to say?"

"Equal treatment for all." Gongsun Xun answered calmly. "It is already being arranged."

"Only this can somewhat ease my resentment!" Dong Zhuo declared, and then drank the wine in one bold draught. "Five thousand cavalry — let Li Jue lead them under your command. Add five thousand infantry and Gai Yuangu... The transfer can begin tonight! But in this battle, if I follow your every command and we do not achieve total victory, you must examine yourself!"

With these words, he skirted the mess on the floor and the bowing figure of Jia Xu before the tent entrance, then, one hand resting on his belt, strode proudly out of the tent.

At that very moment, Liu Biao, Colonel of the Northern Army and one of the Eight Paragons of the Partisan faction, together with Cavalry Commandant Bao Xin, arrived before Huangfu Song's main camp — bringing not a single guardsman, riding essentially alone.

Facing Huangfu Song's nephew Huangfu Li, who had hurried out to greet them, the man dismounted unhurriedly, cupped his hands slightly in salute, and spoke with such gentle courtesy that it was like a spring breeze: "Liu Biao, Colonel of the Northern Army, comes by order of the General of the Guards to pay respects to the General of the Left!"

————— I am the dividing line of riding alone —————

"In the fifth year, the Liangzhou rebels jointly acclaimed Wang Guo as their leader. They marched out of Liang into Yong and besieged Chencang... When the two generals heard of this, their resentment grew even harder to quell... When the Grand Ancestor arrived, because the war was of grave importance, he endured many affronts from them, yet he always responded with utmost sincerity, repeatedly making magnanimous gestures, and did not waver for over a month. His attendants grew indignant and all counseled him to assert his authority. The Grand Ancestor said: 'The state is in turmoil, Guanzhong lies in ruins. Against the enemy, one must act swiftly, not slowly; one may kill, not spare. Toward oneself, one must be yielding, not rigid; one may use virtue, not might. Moreover, the Former General and the General of the Left are both renowned generals of the state, senior to me in both service and prestige. That they now rank beneath me is cause enough for resentment — how could I use force to overawe them? The proper course now is to appeal to their sense of greater duty and await their own awakening.' When the two generals heard of this, they submitted, each handing over their own cavalry plus five thousand troops to be driven by the Grand Ancestor." — Old Book of Yan, Volume 62, Biographies, Chapter 12

PS: At last, I have not broken faith... Happy New Year!

(End of Chapter)