[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-34":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},1222793,1620,"Chapter 34: Night Coolness","overthrowing-han-chapter-34",34,"\u003Cp>Lu Zhi finished the remaining half-jar of wine and, along the way, asked Gongsun Xun twenty-seven questions on various topics, covering this nominal disciple's upbringing, social circles, personal skills, life ambitions, and mastery of the classics... and, of course, he politely inquired after the health of Gongsun Xun's widowed mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the entire process, Gongsun Xun felt as if his sweat never stopped, and after he had barely managed to hold on and get through it, he dared not leave to sleep. Instead, he stood rigidly at attention in the courtyard, only letting out a sigh of relief after watching the beeswax lamp in Lu Zhi's room be extinguished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother.\" Gongsun Xun offered a slight cupped-hand salute to the white-robed young man emerging from Lu Zhi's room, a man of very refined and handsome features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, junior brother.\" The other man casually returned the salute, not seeming difficult to talk to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder if the teacher has any other instructions?\" Gongsun Xun lowered his head and asked earnestly. Until the man inside that room was properly settled, he truly dared not leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, today in the charity lodge, the moment Lu Zhi slammed down that wooden bowl, Gongsun Xun suddenly realized he had misjudged the situation — Lu Zhi, having secured the title of teacher, could lightly and effortlessly destroy everything Gongsun Xun had!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not even need to do so deliberately, nor was it necessary for him to destroy everything; a single casual word would be enough to send Gongsun Xun slinking back to Youzhou in disgrace, forcing him to start over and find a new path to \"strive for renown among the feudal lords.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What to do, what could he do? This was his teacher. Had he not heard of Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Kin, and Teacher? The might of Heaven and Earth could be ignored, and the Emperor was high above, still beyond his reach — so the man sleeping in this room before him was, beneath Heaven, the person with the most authority over him besides his own mother!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Liu Kuan's leniency, that was an exception. One must not mistake Liu Kuan's leniency for the notion that being a disciple was easy. Had he not seen that this white-robed senior brother even had to attend to Lu Zhi as he retired for the night?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The teacher gave no explicit instructions.\" This still-unnamed white-robed senior brother said with a gentle smile. \"But having attended the teacher for some time, I have two small matters to remind you of, junior brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please instruct me, senior brother.\" Gongsun Xun said earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The teacher esteems simplicity and frugality.\" The man pointed inside the room and said. \"In the future, try not to provide the teacher with such extravagant items as this beeswax, and it is best he does not see them again. When I extinguished the candle just now, I saw the teacher shake his head at the beeswax.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\" Gongsun Xun answered immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is one more thing.\" The man became slightly more serious. \"The sweet wine the teacher drank today was, in truth, a final indulgence before abstaining... The locust plague in Henan is now unavoidable. Since entering the pass, the teacher has been frowning with worry and has repeatedly mentioned fasting and cultivating virtue. He likely will not drink again in the coming days. You absolutely must not think to curry favor by sending him wine — that would only backfire!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks for your guidance, senior brother.\" Gongsun Xun saluted again with the utmost respect, this time genuinely grateful for the warning. \"I have yet to learn your esteemed name?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In truth, I dare not claim the title of senior brother.\" The man smiled slightly. \"When the teacher was passing through Runan on his way to assume his post in Jiujiang, I happened to be there and followed him. It is quite possible I entered his tutelage after you... I am Lu Fan of Runan, just twenty this year, awaiting the teacher to perform my capping ceremony.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So it is Brother Lu!\" Gongsun Xun nodded slightly, committing the name to memory. \"And that senior brother who retired earlier to the side courtyard?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That man may be called senior brother, but he is not a disciple of the teacher.\" Lu Fan continued with a smile. \"His name is Cheng Bing, a fellow townsman of mine from Runan. As soon as he bound up his hair, he went to study the classics under our martial uncle, Master Zheng, in Qingzhou. Returning home for the New Year, he happened to encounter our Teacher Lu heading to his post in Jiujiang. Seeing that the teacher lacked a scribe, he accompanied him in the manner of a disciple... Having escorted the teacher to Mount Goushi, he will likely take his leave for Qingzhou in a couple of days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" Gongsun Xun suddenly understood. No wonder that man had not stayed here to attend to Lu Zhi until he slept... though the name Cheng Bing seemed to ring the faintest of bells. It felt like something his mother might have mentioned once, or perhaps not — he could not quite recall clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And come to think of it, this Lu Fan also gave him a similar vague sense of familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could not be helped; both names were too ordinary, making them impossible to place. And he reckoned they were not the sort of \"fifth of the Four Heavenly Kings\" figures, otherwise his mother would surely have recounted some related deeds. Since that was the case, there seemed no need to pay them much attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have no further business...\" Lu Fan glanced at him and could not help but clear his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh!\" Gongsun Xun only then snapped back to attention. \"I have already prepared lodgings for you, senior brother. I will have someone show you there to rest immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Fan offered a slight cupped-hand salute and turned to head toward the small courtyard gate, where a Gongsun family retainer of some standing, accompanied by several maidservants, was already waiting. But just at that moment, he suddenly found his hand tightly grasped from behind!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Er... what is the meaning of this?\" Lu Fan turned back, truly somewhat embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing, I merely wished to say that since you are a year my senior, please just call me by my name, Gongsun Xun. As fellow disciples, there is no need for such formality.\" As he spoke, Gongsun Xun had already switched to a beaming smile, and his second hand came up to clasp the other's as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth was, it was only as Lu Fan was about to leave that Gongsun Xun suddenly realized he had been foolish again — never mind what Cheng Bing was like, the man was leaving soon anyway, so courteous treatment would suffice; but this Lu Fan before him, regardless of whether he was a so-called \"celebrity of the Three Kingdoms,\" was, in the here and now, a useful person who clearly bore him some goodwill!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So how could he ignore him? He absolutely had to \"clasp hands and speak joyfully\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Fan, being a quick-witted fellow himself, immediately understood the meaning behind this. Moreover, he had already intended to befriend the other man... so, enduring his goosebumps, he soon took the initiative and placed his own hand on top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the two stood at the entrance of the small courtyard where Lu Zhi was staying, talking and laughing in low voices, exchanging many words. In the end, Gongsun Xun personally escorted him to the lodgings he had arranged and watched him enter his room to rest before saluting and taking his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come here.\" Once they were some distance from the courtyard, Gongsun Xun suddenly beckoned to the family retainer leading the way. \"It was dark earlier, and I am not sure if my eyes deceived me, but Lu Fan, Senior Brother Lu's, shoes seemed rather worn, even with holes rubbed through them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly as the young master says!\" The retainer nodded immediately. \"This servant saw it too... shall I prepare a new set of clothes for him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No rush. First, go to the lodgings of Cheng Bing, Senior Brother Cheng — the one who retired earlier — and take a look.\" Gongsun Xun instructed. \"See whether his shoes are new or old, and if they have any holes worn through, then report back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" The man hastily assented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young lord.\" No sooner had this retainer left than Han Dang came over again. \"That fugitive who disguised himself as a government runner has already...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yigong, please hold a moment.\" Gongsun Xun let out a long breath. \"Too many things have happened today; let me handle them one by one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dang immediately stood at attention with his hands at his sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, the previous retainer indeed came running back swiftly to report: \"Young master, I had a young maid sneak in for a glance. That Young Master Cheng over there has new shoes, without any holes, and they are even padded with silk gauze inside to absorb sweat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\" Gongsun Xun sighed. \"It seems it was not from travel, but rather that Senior Brother Lu's own family is impoverished. Go and do one more thing for me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\" The retainer hastily assented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow, take two companions and go to Senior Brother Lu's hometown of Runan.\" Gongsun Xun arranged. \"The main task is to discreetly investigate his family situation. For instance, the extent of his family's assets, which elders are still living, his reputation in the village, and if there are any rumors... Do it quietly, do not draw attention, and once the investigation is complete, return swiftly to report.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This servant understands.\" The retainer bowed his head in acknowledgment, and only after seeing that Gongsun Xun had no further instructions did he withdraw with quick, short steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the charity lodge was established, we are far too short-handed here.\" After the man left, Gongsun Xun pointed helplessly in the direction the retainer had gone and offered a brief explanation to Han Dang. \"Someone recruited locally in Luoyang. He previously worked for a large, wealthy family, and when that family fell into ruin, because he was seen as experienced and a local, he was bought in by Aunt Jin as a steward... Although it is good that he knows the proper etiquette, compared to our old hands from Liaoxi, he still lacks a bit of spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knowing proper etiquette is already quite good.\" Han Dang shook his head, then hurriedly made his report. \"Young lord, that man was very forthcoming. We did nothing, and he already confessed everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did he say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A man from Nanyang, of gentry background, surname Lou, given name Gui, courtesy name Zibo...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that is a famous name!\" Gongsun Xun said, speechless. Compared to Lu Fan and Cheng Bing, he actually had a clear impression of this Lou Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could not be helped; Lou Gui did not seem to have any particularly great deeds to his name, but who asked his name to contain the character 'Gui'? And who asked another person whose name contained 'Gui' to be constantly hovering around him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, whether it was Lady Gongsun recalling this person or Gongsun Xun remembering this name, it was purely because the fellow's name was far too easy to remember!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The young lord is right.\" Han Dang immediately nodded. \"He does indeed have some renown in Nanyang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Er, no... go on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A wandering swordsman by my side once roamed around Nanyang and has also heard of his affairs. He is said to be a rather gallant man, always fond of befriending desperate fugitives, and constantly telling people that a man should lead thousands of troops and horses, and so on...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He likes martial affairs and befriending desperate fugitives.\" Gongsun Xun mused thoughtfully. \"Could it be that he ran into trouble over this? Otherwise, how did a son of the gentry become a fugitive, and even disguise himself as a government runner to flee for his life?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is precisely it.\" Han Dang replied. \"This man likes to take in desperate fugitives, but he overestimated himself, taking in too many, too diligently, to the point that the officials of Nanyang Commandery could no longer turn a blind eye. After several clashes, he finally angered the authorities, and he was arrested along with his followers and sentenced to death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since he was a condemned man, how did he escape?\" Gongsun Xun's interest was slightly piqued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was all thanks to that set of clothes.\" Han Dang could not help but laugh. \"He said himself that after slipping out of death row, he did not immediately rush to escape. Instead, he took the opportunity to steal an official's robe that had been left in the prison, and then he took the initiative to raise a clamor, shouting that a prisoner had escaped, that they had run out the front gate... When the constables rushed out in pursuit, he simply followed behind them and swaggered right out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He does have some quick wits.\" Gongsun Xun shook his head with a smile. \"And did he say what he intended to do by fleeing to Luoyang? Could it be that he thought the darkest place is under the lamp, that the most dangerous place is actually the safest?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh!\" Han Dang hastily replied. \"He claims to have a deep friendship with Cao Cao, the Prefect of Dunqiu, having been friends since youth. Although Cao Cao is not in Luoyang City, he still plans to take temporary refuge at the Cao residence in Luoyang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" Gongsun Xun sighed deeply. \"He is not afraid of being beaten to death by the law-enforcing Cao Mengde with his five-colored cudgel!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, young lord, how should this man be dealt with?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep him locked up for now,\" Gongsun Xun said helplessly. \"After all, this was an order from Teacher Lu. Once Teacher Lu and Teacher Liu have given their word on the matter, I will go see this man... Brother Yigong, tell me, how is it that in the height of summer, the weather has suddenly turned so cool?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dang seemed about to speak but stopped himself, and could only lower his head and cup his hands: \"Aye!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lou Gui, courtesy name Zibo... From youth he harbored fierce ambition, and once sighed, saying: 'A man living in this world should command tens of thousands of soldiers and a thousand mounted riders!' His peers laughed at him. Later, he was implicated for harboring fugitives, was imprisoned and sentenced to death, but managed to escape from prison. When the pursuers chased him urgently, Zibo changed his clothes to resemble one of the assisting pursuers, and the officers could not detect him, thus he was able to leave Nanyang. Zibo was once on good terms with Cao Cao and originally intended to join him. When he reached Goushi, he met the Grand Ancestor by the roadside, and pretending to be a government official, they conversed very happily... Just as he was about to leave, he judged that the Grand Ancestor would eventually accomplish great things, so he turned back to pay his respects, explaining his origins from beginning to end. Thereupon, abandoning his fugitive status and his family, he followed and served under his banner.\" — *Old Book of Yan*, Volume 70, Biographies, Chapter 20\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Thanks to Taiwan Sister for another red banner, and thanks to the editor big shot for the recommendation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, for the new book group, interested students can join: 684558115.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2617,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","b35b143da838aa96449dd30fec8aa5e2e6f1a5b0f856d3162231fc081350925b","overthrowing-han-chapter-35","overthrowing-han-chapter-33",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]