[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-335":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},1223094,1620,"Chapter 335: A Newcomer Dares to Speak of Affairs Under Heaven","overthrowing-han-chapter-335",335,"\u003Cp>\"Yuan Hao, do not be too harsh on others.\" Gongsun Xun, likewise in a tall cap and straight-hemmed robe, flicked his sleeve and calmly returned to the host's seat after being refused, still utterly unconcerned, the very picture of graceful composure. \"The matter is of great importance, with a thousand threads and ten thousand strands — there are too many aspects to consider, which is why there has been some hesitation…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mere evasive words!\" Tian Feng spread his hands and sneered. \"If one truly wishes to make a decision, a single word suffices. Dragging it out this far is nothing but certain people putting private interests before public duty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sir, that remark is not necessarily appropriate!\" The first to rise indignantly, unable to hold back, was a familiar face — none other than Ju Zong, Ju Gongtiao of the famed Wei Commandery Ju clan. \"Dong Zhuo brings calamity to the realm. Although my lord has long had dealings with that man, he directly refused the seal and ribbon of General of Chariots and Cavalry sent to him, and instead immediately joined forces with the heroes of the northern lands, taking the lead in raising a righteous army… If even such conduct counts as putting private interests before public duty, then what does count as public-mindedness? No one under heaven dares claim they have no private interests, but the act of forsaking public affairs for private gain — no matter what, such a charge cannot be laid at our lord's door.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The phrase 'putting private interests before public duty' was not directed at your lord, but at the many renowned Confucians and wise scholars seated here, yourself Ju Gongtiao included!\" Tian Feng pointed at Ju Zong, showing not the slightest regard for his standing. \"Had it not been for you talented and wise men in the inner chambers pursuing your own private gain, how could matters have been allowed to drag on until now? Take you, Ju Gongtiao, for example — though I have not heard your counsel, I can guess it well enough: you must be urging your lord to lead troops south and seize Wei Commandery… Am I right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ju Zong's face flushed crimson, yet he spoke with righteous indignation: \"And what of it? Julu and Zhao are already in my lord's hands. If Wei Commandery can be taken as well, then first, the affairs of Jizhou can be unified, and second, we can march out from Henei to attack Luoyang…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I ask you only this: on what grounds does the General of the Guard intend to attack Wei Commandery? Han Fu, Han Wenjie, may be weak, but is he not an ally in the campaign against Dong Zhuo?\" Tian Feng countered, his face dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is a pedantic argument,\" Ju Zong answered with effort. \"Han Wenjie's refusal to come and join the covenant with our lord clearly shows he harbors disloyal thoughts. If we do not take Wei Commandery and instead cross his territory directly to attack Dong Zhuo, would we not be handing the lifeline of our supply lines into another's hands?… This is a matter of having no other choice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let us grant that for the moment.\" Tian Feng clasped his hands and stepped forward to Ju Zong's mat, smiling. \"Then I ask you another matter, Gongtiao: how do you plan to take Wei Commandery? And how long do you plan to spend taking it? You are a native of Wei Commandery — do you not know that Ye City in Wei is one of the most impregnable fortresses under heaven? Do you not know that Wei Commandery's population, wealth, grain stores, and the sharpness of its arms and armor are all among the foremost in Hebei? And moreover, does Han Fu, now allied with Yuan Shao, not have the support of over a dozen other warlords behind him? And what of Hejian, Qinghe, Anping, and the other commanderies — since they did not come to Changshan for the covenant, but instead obeyed Han Fu's dispatches, will they not in the future answer Han Wenjie's call to come to his aid? Once this war begins, your lord will lead over a hundred thousand men of the Hebei coalition, and Yuan Benchu will lead over a hundred thousand of the Guandong coalition… Ha, I will not even speak of whether your homeland of Wei Commandery will be reduced to scorched earth. I ask you only this: what of Dong Zhuo? Who will bear the blame for abandoning the campaign against Dong Zhuo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ju Zong's face burned red, yet he found himself utterly speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, everyone turned their eyes toward Gongsun Xun, seated in the host's place, but the latter merely smiled faintly and began pouring and drinking for himself, showing no intention of interjecting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, those present understood in their hearts: he was going to let everyone debate openly with this Tian Yuanhao. Immediately, quite a few people began itching to try their hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yuanhao is being somewhat alarmist,\" one man took the lead, stepping forward to rescue Ju Zong from his predicament. \"Our lord has held office in Hebei for ten years, and his authority and virtue have been widely bestowed here. Even in Wei Commandery, there are former officials and former generals. If the matter is handled properly, it may not be impossible to take it effortlessly in the turn of a hand… As for Han of Jizhou, he could be sent first to Qinghe or Hejian to continue organizing the campaign against Dong Zhuo. Once the greater cause of attacking Dong Zhuo is accomplished at the front, he could even be allowed to continue in his post… Surely, Yuan Benchu's side would have nothing to say then, would they?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this not the nephew of the late Master Guo, the former acquaintance of the Ju household, Jing Youxi?\" Tian Feng released Ju Zong and turned to offer this man a slight bow. \"In those days, Youxi escorted his uncle's wife a thousand li back to her home village, and then another thousand li to bring her to Hebei to be cared for… His filial reputation shook the realm. I did not expect to see you again today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I dare not presume to receive Brother Yuanhao's courtesy,\" Jing Youxi raised his head and puffed out his chest, cupping his hands as he spoke. \"I still request Brother Yuanhao to offer his critique.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, this man had been in Changping for several years now, first teaching, then participating in governance, and had gained some experience. Thus, his words carried a certain confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your words are not worth refuting.\" Tian Feng clasped his hands behind his back and shook his head with a sigh. \"If Master Guo were still alive, he would surely be troubled by Jing Youxi's naivety, would he not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze was instantly frozen in place, but he still hurriedly cupped his hands and spoke again: \"I beg Brother Yuanhao to speak plainly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only wish to ask Lord Jing one thing.\" Tian Feng fixed his gaze on the other man and asked, \"When you said those words, did the geography of Jizhou even cross your mind? Do you know exactly how many cities and towns there are in the nine commanderies of Jizhou, how many great rivers, and where they all lie? Around each city, roughly how many people live? And what are the local customs of each place?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Ze was momentarily tongue-tied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not clear on the rivers of Jizhou, and it is hard to speak of customs and population, but I probably know roughly how many cities and towns there are in the nine commanderies.\" Just at that moment, someone behind Tian Feng slowly rose to his feet — it was none other than the newly appointed Administrator of Guangyang, Du Ji, Du Bohou. \"If my memory does not fail me, the nine commanderies of Jizhou contain a total of ninety-nine counties. By regulation, each county has one city. If one also counts ancient cities and small towns not established as counties, there are roughly one hundred and twenty cities… I wonder if what I have said is correct?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Feng turned his head back and was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, at the head of the gathering, clapped his hands and laughed, and all those present also voiced their praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Tian Feng quickly recovered. He turned to Du Ji and offered a solemn bow: \"Bohou, many years have passed since we last met. I never imagined that after that hurried parting in Wei Commandery back then, I had failed to recognize a man of true ability!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I dare not presume,\" Du Ji replied, poised and self-assured. \"If Brother Yuanhao has other questions, he may as well ask them all at once.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I ask Bohou further: You, Ji, Qing, and Bing — that is, the so-called four provinces of Hebei — roughly how many cities, passes, and fortresses do they contain?\" Tian Feng collected himself, walked over to stand before Du Ji, and pressed on with his questioning. \"That is to say, the places where troops can be stationed and defenses held.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You Province has eighty-eight counties, Jizhou ninety-nine, Qingzhou sixty-five, and Bingzhou eighty. Among them, You Province has many frontier passes and border forts, Jizhou has many ancient cities and small towns, Qingzhou has many strategic mountain passes, and Bingzhou has a combination of all three. No one knows the total number, but among them, the places capable of stationing troops and holding defenses should number no fewer than four hundred…\" Du Ji still stood tall and composed, reeling off the figures with ease. \"What exactly is Brother Tian driving at?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing, really,\" Tian Feng clasped his hands and sighed quietly. \"Just now, Jing Youxi said that your lord has held office in Hebei for over ten years and has widely bestowed his authority and virtue here… So I wished to know: of these four hundred-odd cities, these several thousand villages and hamlets, these ten million people — upon how many cities, how many villages, how many people has your lord actually bestowed his authority and virtue? Earlier, my eyes were blind; I did not know that Bohou's talent and wisdom were so exceptional, that he was a first-rate capable official. That being the case, can you resolve this doubt for me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Ji was struck dumb and could not answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And further, I have one more question.\" Tian Feng turned around and faced the entire assembly, his expression stern. \"Since the General of the Guard, after serving as an official for a mere ten years, can bestow his authority and virtue upon Hebei, then I venture to ask: the House of Han has stood unshaken in Hebei for four hundred years — how much authority and virtue has it bestowed upon Hebei?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire assembly was speechless. Even Gongsun Xun merely remained expressionless, showing neither pleasure nor anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What I have said all comes down to a single question… I dare to ask: within the realm today, whose realm is it, after all?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Feng shouted in righteous fury, and the faces of everyone present changed color, yet not a single person could answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I simply do not understand. You people are clearly all men of talent and wisdom — why do you treat a commandery, a province, even the entire realm as if it were child's play?\" Amid the heavy silence, Tian Feng continued with an angry countenance. \"Sitting here, gesticulating and pointing at maps, as if you could carve out a commandery or a province just by drawing on a chart! Do you not realize that your lord's authority and virtue have already been exhausted in this Changshan covenant? Those commanderies that did not come to this covenant — harbor no more illusions about them. From now on, commanderies can only be taken one city, one town at a time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Jing speaks of 'old subordinates in Wei Commandery.'\" Tian Feng then pointed at Jing Ze again, utterly merciless. \"Mystifying nonsense — in truth, is it not just Zhang He and his thousand-odd men stationed at Wu City west of Ye? Counting on a mere thousand men to seize a commandery of fifteen counties and twenty-three cities — what do you take these life-and-death military and state affairs for? Do you truly think Wei Commandery has no troops, no generals, no men of talent and wisdom? If Zhang He, with his paltry thousand men, truly dares to make a move, he can only wait in Wu City for death! And besides, does Zhang Junyi owe your lord anything? Was his thousand-dan rank of Major not earned by risking his life at the Hutuo River? If it had been someone else in his place, would they not have been given that promotion? If you force a man to throw his life away, you will only make him turn his back on you in heart and in virtue!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even more, even within the territory you have staked out through this covenant, it is not entirely at your beck and call, is it?\" Tian Feng sighed and continued shaking his head. \"Let alone men like Administrator Wang Ze — whether their hearts lean more toward the House of Han or more toward your lord — just consider the villages and hamlets deep in the countryside. In these ten-odd commanderies, how many villages and hamlets recognize your lord's authority and virtue? They are all subjects of the House of Han. They submit to your lord because your lord is a high minister of the House of Han… To sum it up in one phrase: how arrogant and discourteous you all are?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken to this point, Tian Feng turned to Gongsun Xun and, with uncharacteristic solemnity, offered a formal bow: \"General of the Guard, I have not come today out of malicious provocation. I have traveled several hundred li to Changshan because I truly have a few words from the bottom of my heart to speak to you, General.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yuan Hao, please speak,\" Gongsun Xun replied with a solemn expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First: the House of Han cannot be revived, yet the House of Han also cannot be allowed to perish suddenly!\" Tian Feng rose and declared in a clear voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This statement is profoundly correct.\" Ignoring the ragged breathing of those around him, Gongsun Xun responded frankly. \"For this one statement alone, my ten-year wait for Yuan Hao has not been in vain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second: General, your power is great, and you lead the heroes of the age, yet General, your power is not sufficient to swiftly seize the realm.\" Tian Feng remained utterly confident and forthright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yuan Hao, take your seat!\" Gongsun Xun sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me finish.\" Tian Feng still shook his head. \"Third: General, your most urgent task should be to campaign against Dong Zhuo, enter Luoyang, and embrace the Son of Heaven — not to launch reckless attacks and indiscriminate seizures, wantonly losing the people's hearts… Otherwise, Dong Zhuo is the precedent before your very eyes. As the saying goes: if you do not campaign against Dong Zhuo, how can you face the men of insight under heaven? If you do not support the House of Han, how can you command the subjects of the commanderies and kingdoms?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord!\" Xi Zhicai suddenly stepped out from the ranks and bowed his head. \"I believe what Tian Yuanhao has said is truly words of gold and jade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others paid little mind, for Xi Zhong's consistent advice had always been to prioritize the campaign against Dong Zhuo, so they all turned their gazes back to Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Affairs under heaven are founded upon the people.\" Gongsun Xun nodded slowly upon hearing this. \"Yuan Hao's words, in truth, I also deeply agree with… However, Luoyang is several thousand li away, and moreover, Yuan Benchu is intent on contending with me for supremacy. He has formed a separate alliance, guarding against me while cutting off communications — this is also a fact. Does Yuan Hao have any good strategy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can go via Bingzhou!\" Tian Feng had come prepared. \"Go through Dai Commandery, enter Yanmen, emerge at Taiyuan, pass through Shangdang, and then assess the situation — either enter Henei and thrust into Luoyang, or enter Hedong and turn toward Guanzhong to sever Dong Zhuo's rear…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This statement is gravely mistaken!\" Another voice rang out — it was Lu Fan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And seeing this man voice his opposition, those present stirred with renewed interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is it gravely mistaken?\" Tian Feng still would not yield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Bingzhou route is long!\" Lu Ziheng rose and spoke earnestly. \"And the roads are rugged and treacherous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, logistics would also be extremely difficult.\" The one who spoke up in support of Lu Fan was, unexpectedly, Wang Xiu, Wang Shuzhi, who had not expressed any stance on this issue for over ten days. \"What Chief Clerk Lu says about the difficult roads of Bingzhou — in truth, it is not only the march that is difficult; the supply and logistics are doubly so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What you both say is true,\" Tian Feng seemed to have a well-thought-out plan. \"The march and logistics are indeed difficult, and the route is long. But have you gentlemen considered that going via Bingzhou, aside from catching the enemy off guard, also offers two tremendous advantages…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What advantages?\" Lu Fan pressed relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would be eager to hear the details,\" Wang Xiu also cupped his hands in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, Bingzhou is currently in chaos and without a master. The former Inspector, Ding Yuan, is dead. The court-appointed Governor of Bingzhou is none other than Dong Zhuo himself. Furthermore, Zhang Yang has now returned with recruited troops and, in the southern part of Shangdang Commandery, has proclaimed himself Administrator and is campaigning against Dong Zhuo. There are also the Bobo bandits emerging from Xihe to harass Hedong. These two cut off communications, making it impossible for Dong Zhuo to appoint officials…\" Tian Feng spoke with eloquence and assurance. \"In other words, all the way to Shangdang, the General of the Guard faces no true major enemy. Moreover, taking Bingzhou would invite no criticism. To say nothing else — Yanmen, Taiyuan, Shangdang, these three commanderies, do you gentlemen truly look down upon them? These are the three core commanderies of the Jin heartland! Not to mention Hedong beyond them, and the eight-hundred-li foundation of the Qinchuan plain in Guanzhong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Fan and Wang Xiu exchanged a glance and tacitly remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second,\" Tian Feng continued, \"in this region of Hebei, no matter how you handle things, no matter where you rise, there is one place and one matter that you can never circumvent — and that is the thousand-li stretch of the Taihang Mountains… Within these mountains, there are a million bandits. The named and known chieftains alone number twenty or thirty. Do not think that coercing one or two chieftains into surrender will solve anything, nor imagine that seizing a few passes will bring stability. To truly clear out the Taihang Mountains, there is only one way: occupy the three Bingzhou commanderies, the two Jizhou commanderies, and the one Youzhou commandery surrounding the Taihang Mountains, plus Henei, and then attack from all four sides to force their surrender. Only then can they be truly dealt with and cleansed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the others, Gongsun Xun nodded sincerely… Tian Feng had truly hit the nail on the head. Even if Zhang Yan and Yu Du immediately led their followers to surrender, if these seven commanderies could not be taken and thoroughly cleansed, then in this chaotic age, the Taihang Mountains would be destined, like a low-lying hollow, to draw in fleeing common people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan surrenders, and there will be a Wang Yan. Yu Du surrenders, and there will be a Yu Tang. The Purple Mountain bandits and the Black Mountain bandits are gone, and there will surely be Mount Wutai bandits and Yuntai Mountain bandits. This has nothing to do with who the chieftain is, nor with the chieftain's name. It has only to do with whether there is war, plague, or natural disaster in the surrounding lands… And the latter — can it truly be avoided?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, what Gongsun Xun did not know was that in another timeline, Zhang Yan, as the overlord of the Taihang Mountains, was subjected to large-scale extermination campaigns by Yuan Shao several times, yet he endured all the way until the fifth year after the Battle of Guandu, when Cao Cao had nearly unified the north, before finally formally surrendering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still not sound.\" Just as Lu Fan, Wang Xiu, and even Chang Lin, Du Ji and others were nodding in agreement one after another, someone suddenly spoke up to question Tian Feng — and this time, it was none other than Shen Pei, the very man who had brought Tian Feng here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does Zhengnan mean by this?\" Tian Feng turned his head and asked in return. \"I thought the advantages of marching through Bingzhou to punish Dong were already self-evident — we can punish Dong, we can expand, we can also contain the Mount Taixing bandits, and we can avoid fighting Yuan Shao and the others at this moment and falling into unrighteousness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did not say marching through Bingzhou is bad,\" Shen Pei replied with a furrowed brow. \"The issue is, although the great cause of punishing Dong cannot be abandoned, and Luoyang cannot be left for others to take first, Youzhou and Jizhou are even more the foundation of our lord... Marching through Bingzhou, certainly we can avoid attacking Wei Commandery, but what if the other side turns around, breaks faith, and attacks Youzhou and Jizhou? When the time comes and our lord is not here, who will handle the overall situation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand Zhengnan's meaning.\" At this moment, Tian Feng was unhurried and calm, showing something of the bearing of a renowned scholar. \"Aren't you simply worried that the general will lead the troops through Bingzhou to punish Dong, the road will be fraught with difficulty, and suddenly the situation in Youzhou and Jizhou will change?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is exactly my meaning,\" Shen Pei said with a solemn expression. \"Yuanhao, you must understand, even when Emperor Gaozu raised his army, there was still the mutiny at Fengyi, the calamity of Yong Chi and Liu Xin...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, most of those present changed countenance again, and even Gongsun Fan, who had not made a sound all this time, became especially stern... The so-called mutiny at Fengyi refers to the first great crisis encountered by Emperor Gaozu of Han after he raised his army. He led his troops out on campaign, but Fengyi, the base he relied on in the rear, suddenly changed its banners one day. This matter, written in the histories as led by Yong Chi, in reality likely also involved Liu Xin, the nephew of Han Gaozu Liu Bang... though it was not convenient to bring that up openly. And Shen Pei using it here clearly had an implication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is Yong Chi, and who is Liu Xin?\" Tian Feng remained unperturbed. \"Are they Yuan Shao, Han Fu, and Gongsun Zan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did not mean Han Fu,\" Shen Pei rose and came to the center of the hall to reply. \"In Handan, I have also come to know something of this man. He is cowardly and incompetent, absolutely without the ability to advance aggressively. Only Yuan Benchu and that one in Bohai...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is also no need to worry about my elder cousin,\" this time it was Gongsun Xun himself who directly answered. \"Even if he acts recklessly and is unwilling to follow me, he still wouldn't go so far as to turn around and attack me, would he? And besides, from Bohai coming this way, directly facing him is Zhuo Commandery. Zhuo Commandery, Guangyang, and Yuyang are my very foundations and will not be easily shaken. If it truly comes to it, let Wendian (Gongsun Fan's courtesy name) lead troops to hold at Fanyang — what more could he do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Fan did not dare be remiss and immediately stepped forward, bowing in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Plan for the enemy with a wide margin.\" Tian Feng glanced at Gongsun Fan, then shook his head and said, \"When I advised the general to march through Bingzhou to Shangluo, I did not tell him to abandon Jizhou... It is a strategy of defending on the left and attacking on the right. In reality, Jizhou now has nine commanderies and kingdoms, and the general holds four of them — the situation is already good enough. The rest either follow Han Wenjie in alliance with Yuan Shao, or are held by our own clan members, and are inherently not easy to take rashly. We should indeed defend and consolidate for now... Actually, have any of you considered that if we can hold Handan, which stands close and opposite to Yecheng; Yingtao, which is shielded by the Julu Marshes; and Fanyang City, which can screen Youzhou — then the general's foundation north of the Yellow River simply cannot be shaken. Only...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only these three cities, from north to south, each have their differences.\" At this moment, Lou Gui across from him suddenly spoke. \"Among them, Fanyang is the easiest to defend, with the Young Master Fan suppressing it with the status of a clan son, and the three commanderies behind him — naturally there is no worry. Yingtao is next; to its south lies the great natural barrier of the Julu Marshes, so there is no need to worry about a large army suddenly attacking. But this place links north and south and directly faces two sides, so it requires a man of wisdom and strategy to handle it. As for Handan in Zhao Kingdom — this city is indeed a famed capital through the ages, but it juts out alone before Wei Commandery. If the worst truly comes to pass, it will be the first to bear the brunt and is the most difficult... This place requires a scholar of national caliber and a great general to hold it, only then can there be no worry!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei was startled for a moment, then bowed deeply toward Gongsun Xun: \"I dare not claim to be a scholar of national caliber, but since my lord has entrusted Zhao Kingdom to me, how could I dare not live and die together with Handan?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Live and die together for what?\" Gongsun Xun laughed in spite of himself and personally rose to help the other man up. \"If I truly had to choose between Zhao Kingdom and Zhengnan, I would choose only Zhengnan... Don't listen to Yuanhao. If Handan can be defended, defend it; if it cannot, then withdraw to Xiangguo City and form a battle line together with Yingtao — what of it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei slowly nodded, and without saying much more on this matter, instead took the initiative to ask: \"In that case, who shall take charge of Yingtao?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun turned his head and looked at one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao was silent for a moment, then rose and inquired: \"What then of that Administrator Li?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let him come with me to Bingzhou,\" Gongsun Xun answered softly. \"Once we reach Luoyang, there will naturally be a high position to grant him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case,\" Dong Zhao spread his hands in reply, \"your subordinate has no objections.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case!\" Gongsun Xun, still supporting Shen Pei, suddenly became solemn. He looked around at all present and asked with a stern expression, \"I intend to follow Tian Yuanhao's counsel, dispatch troops into Bingzhou, catch them unprepared, and march south all the way to Shangdang, in order to seek the punishment of Dong... Does anyone still object?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Lu Fan on down, everyone came to the center of the hall together and rose to bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Shen Pei and Tian Feng, who were right before Gongsun Xun, bowed in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let the banquet begin!\" Seeing that everyone had unified their opinion, Gongsun Xun suddenly broke into a smile. \"Autumn is high and the air is crisp, yellow flowers and ancient steles, fine wine and excellent dishes — we must not miss this beautiful scene and lovely hour!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared be remiss, and Tian Feng, surprisingly, was no longer arrogant either, but calmly took his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bout of feasting and drinking continued until dusk before it ended. Under the setting sun, the group left behind a scene of disarray and followed Gongsun Xun, stumbling down the mountain, then broke into small groups of three or five and each departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And rounding the foot of the mountain, just as he reached his own carriage, Shen Pei was about to drag Tian Feng into the vehicle to question him, when unexpectedly, Lu Ziheng hurriedly followed them over, gave Tian Feng a respectful bow, and then without a single word, turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And what was even more interesting was that Tian Yuanhao, whether from having drunk too much or not, calmly accepted this bow from the man right in front of the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei grew increasingly bewildered and hastily dragged Tian Feng into the carriage: \"Yuanhao, what exactly was going on with you today? How could you be arrogant and reckless to this extent?! Since you came, it means you intend to serve a worthy lord and be of use. Even if you were in the right, what harm would there have been in arguing based on reason? Why did you have to adopt such a posture and offend colleagues and even our lord to this degree?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who did I offend?\" Tian Feng, lying on his side inside the carriage, couldn't help but laugh and ask in return. \"The only ones I offended today were a few muddled, selfish men! As for the lord you speak of, and that so very crucial Chief Clerk Lu, they should instead be grateful to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei was, after all, a man of talent and intellect. Hearing these words, his heart stirred: \"You mean to say that sending troops through Bingzhou was our lord's intention all along?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\" Tian Feng lay down with a tipsy air. \"Otherwise, why did we not see any of those generals and captains with established reputations? Where is Han Dang? Where is Cheng Pu? Where is Gao Shun? And those you mentioned — Taishi Ci, Zhao Yun, Tian Yu — where are they? It is very clear that this man had long since made his decision and had already secretly arranged military organization and plans. It is simply that he wants to be the good man, the enlightened lord, and at times it is not convenient for him to go against the collective will. And I, by following his intent and doing this for him, how could I possibly offend him? If you think he would become angry because of this, then you can only be said to have underestimated this lord of yours. As for Chief Clerk Lu, if my guess is not wrong, had it not been for what I did today, then tomorrow it would have been him offending all his colleagues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei immediately understood: \"Presumably, Lou Zibo and Wang Shuzhi also understood this reasoning. Of those two, one manages military divisions, and the other manages logistics...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Dong Gongren probably also guessed midway, only he is skilled at hiding his abilities,\" Tian Feng chuckled softly and sighed. \"Even you were merely blinded by ambition, wanting your lord to take Jizhou so that you could conveniently achieve merit in Zhao Kingdom — that is why you became muddled. Yet even so, had I not spoken, would you not have realized it yourself today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei was for a moment embarrassed and speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It can only be said, how numerous are the wise and resourceful men under heaven? When your lord exchanged letters with me, he often praised the talented men among his subordinates. I thought it was mere flattery, but seeing it today, it is I who underestimated the men of the world. Even that Du Ji, though greedy for fame and achievement, did he not also give me a start... I did not even know that Jizhou had one hundred and twenty cities?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why speak of 'your lord' and 'my lord'? Since you have offered such a decisive strategy and it has been adopted by our lord, could you still abandon him and leave?\" Shen Pei shook his head helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was not invited out by him three times and five times, nor have I received his favor... why can I not leave?\" Tian Feng raised his head and asked in return. \"Do you truly think your lord's might and virtue extend over all under heaven? Just watch whether this campaign of his to punish Dong succeeds or not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Pei only shook his head all the more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the sky darkened, Gongsun Xun, who had been drinking all afternoon, did not hurry to return by carriage to Zhending City. Instead, he strolled westward at the foot of Mount Changshan, standing to watch the setting sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In truth, if my lord had spoken directly and persuaded everyone with reason, they would still have agreed,\" among the several who had followed, Wang Xiu hesitated for a moment, and in the end was the first to speak and offer counsel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only feared they would be persuaded too quickly, and no one would be able to be pointed at and thoroughly cursed by Tian Yuanhao in public the way they were today,\" Gongsun Xun sighed deeply. \"Those two rebukes Tian Yuanhao delivered were truly too accurate, and too satisfying... One was putting private interest above public good, the other was arrogance and discourtesy! Some people, following me, have suddenly risen to high positions, becoming officials of two thousand piculs in a commandery, and have become light-headed, viewing the heroes of the world as nothing. Some people, seeing former colleagues leap up in rank, have grown wild with ambition and red-eyed, thinking only of making me expand and seize territory, so that they too can hang the blue ribbon and silver seal. And it is these very people who, upon hearing that the house of Han cannot be revived, are more shocked than anyone... One and all, they are actually blinded by ambition and have lost their composure. And yet they are all old subordinates who have toiled tirelessly with me for many years, so it is not even convenient to reproach them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xiu remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, is this realm so easy to take?\" Gongsun Xun continued to sigh. \"Tian Yuanhao said that waging war is difficult, but in truth, if it were only a matter of waging war to take the realm, it would actually be simpler... Emperor Gaozu took the realm in seven years, and then spent how many more years sweeping away the princes of different surnames and cleaning up? Emperor Shizu emerged from Hebei, unified the realm in twelve years, and after that spent how many years contending with the powerful families? And as for the matter of measuring the fields — in the end, did it succeed or not? Now that things have reached this point, with others it is one thing, but with you few I will not speak falsely... The realm of the future will inevitably see powerful families and great clans merge into one stream. And if before that happens we cannot curb the lands of the powerful, divide the official careers of the great clans, and once again lift up the weak and bring down the strong, then even if we take this realm, it will be beset with endless troubles, inherently flawed. Better to take advantage of this great age of contention, when rites have collapsed and music is corrupted, to use half of Hebei as bait, display strong troops in response, lure the enemy to come, and then from a commanding height, thoroughly clean house several times over, leaving a clean slate to paint upon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Xiu's Adam's apple quivered once, yet he actually slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how many years does my lord plan to take the realm in?\" Lou Gui, for his part, had focused his attention elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I cannot compare to Emperor Gaozu, but rising with the strength of ten commanderies, I should not lose to Emperor Shizu, should I?\" Gongsun Xun replied with a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since in the end we will still raise armies on a grand scale and campaign everywhere, why then must my lord go to Luoyang to punish Dong and support the Son of Heaven?\" This time the question came from Lu Fan, who had just gone to see Tian Feng. He furrowed his brow and said, \"Why not directly take the three commanderies of Bingzhou, then clear out Mount Taixing, and turn eastward... With the Son of Heaven in hand, and the added burden of the court and its ministers, I fear it will instead be troublesome, will it not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Punishing Dong must be done, and the Son of Heaven and his ministers, troublesome though they may be, must also be taken in hand,\" Gongsun Xun said with a smile, looking at Lu Fan as he continued. \"Just like that Administrator Li Shao of Julu — I am neither blind nor deaf. This man has great ambition but meager talent, has always lacked virtue, and in Julu has no popular support whatsoever. Following me is like a gamble, merely seeking personal wealth, rank, and fame — do you think I do not know? Yet he brought his entire commandery to submit, and I cannot but accept him. And not only must I accept his allegiance, I must also give him high office and generous salary, glory and wealth, to let all under heaven know that I will not betray such a man... As for Julu, Gongren, I must trouble you to take extra care.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shortest among them, Dong Zhao, finally revealed a somewhat helpless expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And there is also Administrator Wang of Dai Commandery. This one, to his credit, has both talent and virtue, only that he comes from a line of renowned officials. As Tian Yuanhao said, in his heart he ultimately cares more for the house of Han, and toward me he has no extra words to speak. If we do not punish Dong and do not march on Luoyang, he will certainly become disaffected. With his prestige, Dai Commandery might well fall into chaos. Not to mention, there is still that Grand Marshal Liu of Youzhou at our side, as difficult to handle as a scalding hot stone!\" Gongsun Xun continued. \"But if the Han court is in our hands, we can easily use the name of the central authority to favor and deploy these people. At the same time, we can also take the talents of the central court for our own use... Tell me, how can we not punish Dong? How can we lose the great cause of righteousness?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also approve of punishing Dong,\" Xi Zhong suddenly interjected. \"But what Chief Clerk Lu said also hits the mark — is the central court truly so easy to control? Dong Zhuo wielded power and abused his authority in the central court, and as a result, all under heaven rose against him... How exactly should we handle the Son of Heaven?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On this point,\" Gongsun Xun said, turning around as he gazed at the rosy clouds where the sun had set, \"today, even someone as wildly outspoken as Tian Yuanhao had one thing he dared not say in public, but I understood his meaning...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please instruct us, my lord,\" Xi Zhong and the others turned to follow and asked with solemn expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His meaning is that, given my circumstances, while I certainly cannot emulate Dong Zhuo and hold the Son of Heaven to command the feudal lords, neither is there any need to adopt a cautious posture and serve the Son of Heaven to command the disloyal. But at the very least, I must hold the Son of Heaven and not let others lay a finger on him!\" Having said this, Gongsun Xun suddenly wore a faint, ambiguous smile and shook his head repeatedly. \"This is called — take the Son of Heaven, yet be commanded by no man! For this matter alone, we must also march west to punish Dong! There is absolutely no room for turning back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five trusted confidants behind him all came to sudden understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————I am the dividing line of the founding confidants——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that time, Tian Feng was in Wei. Hearing that the Grand Ancestor had raised troops, he traveled lightly with Zhao Chancellor Shen Pei to Changshan and persuaded the Grand Ancestor, saying: 'General, you punished the eunuchs while still a youth, and your name spread throughout the realm; you attacked and destroyed Goguryeo, and the north and south were shaken; you quelled the Yellow Turbans, and all within the seas placed their hopes in you; at the time of the deposition and enthronement, your loyalty and righteousness blazed forth; when you issued the proclamation from Changshan, Dong Zhuo was filled with dread. Now, General, you rouse the troops of ten commanderies, gather the multitudes of You and Yan, your might shakes the lands north of the Yellow River, and your name is honored throughout the realm. If you can march west into Bing, take the three commanderies of Jin, and descend south to Hedong to take Dong Zhuo's head, then you can hold the Son of Heaven and be commanded by no man. Then turn back, sweep across the east of Mount Taixing, unite the lands of You and Ji, gather the talents of heroes, hold a million troops, and issue commands to all under heaven to punish those who have not yet submitted — with this, you can contend for supremacy. Who could stand against you?' The Grand Ancestor rejoiced and said: 'This is my very heart.' He immediately appointed Feng as General of the Household of the Right Military Advisor and dispatched troops westward.\" — Old Book of Yan, Volume 70, Biographies, Chapter 20\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: The twenty-eighth alliance leader has appeared. Judging by the avatar, it seems to be a familiar face, a donation from Huangma Mei. Shouldn't be mistaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I still have to say... coding during the New Year is so hard... everyone, please be lenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",7097,"2026-06-04T19:42:26.060Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","8c4ad33859f00c44b281f8defd4f7f43442265bc70ef3c2fe0bec90c346f825d","overthrowing-han-chapter-336","overthrowing-han-chapter-334",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]