[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-431":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},1223190,1620,"Chapter 431: Know That Drinking and Pecking Follow the Mandate of Heaven","overthrowing-han-chapter-431",431,"\u003Cp>The Lishui embankment would later be known as Great Ming Lake, and because Licheng would later become the main seat of Jinan, it gained considerable fame. But at this time, it was merely a waterworks project formed incidentally when Licheng was fortified and a moat was diverted — hardly anything renowned. Only Jinan, which had been a flourishing center of the East since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, densely packed with soldiers and civilians, offered such fine waters on the Double Fifth midsummer day. And General of the Guard Gongsun Xun, borrowing the grounds for a banquet, brought this place into the historical record a full thousand years early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, hearing that Gongsun Xun was holding Double Fifth rites at the Lishui embankment, hosting a banquet for Zheng Xuan and Cao Cao's envoy, and incidentally comforting meritorious officials — and that they themselves would be seated among them — the former Yuan clan retainers, who had been under house arrest for two or three months, finally let out a long breath. There was even a faint sense of dusting off their hats in mutual congratulation. After all, Zheng Xuan's face carried real weight in these times. Whether it was the Yellow Turbans or bandits, they all made detours around him, let alone Gongsun Xun, who truly had a teacher-disciple connection to him. This General of the Guard, no matter how rustic his origins, surely could not kill a fellow student right before their teacher's eyes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the old man was already sixty-five, universally acknowledged as the Confucian paragon of the realm. If not for the fear that his scholarly lineage might be largely severed in Licheng in a single stroke, why would he have lowered himself to make a special journey to see Gongsun Xun?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must know that after Yuan Shao seized Qingzhou, he had personally gone to Gaomi to invite this man, and Zheng Xuan had merely put in a perfunctory appearance before continuing to hole up in his village to teach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, it was hardly surprising that these people felt as if a great burden had been lifted. Since Zheng's disciples were to be released, the rest would at least be treated somewhat more leniently, wouldn't they? What was more, since Gongsun Xun, the one who could make decisions, had come in person, if they performed well, they might even be appointed on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were not qualified to attend the daytime Double Fifth sacrificial rites, but they were at least given calamus and allowed to bathe and change clothes in the lake waters. And when evening came, taking advantage of the longest day of the year, as everyone began their feasts in succession, these people finally found something of the feeling of the old days when they chatted and laughed freely. Unexpectedly, although their seats were off to the side, they were not very far from Gongsun Xun, so they could not help but speak loudly and discuss broadly, seeking attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Gongsun Xun, with two young boys beside him, sat together with Zheng Xuan on the high platform. Civil and military officials thronged to his left and right, caps and robes clustered before and behind, and beside him was a generation's Confucian paragon — yet he only spoke idle words appropriate to the festival. Listening carefully, it was all about who shot whom with an arrow at Mount Tanhan how many years ago, or who had accepted a seal, hung up his gold seal, and ridden off alone after the overall situation was settled days ago, without having had a chance to meet. Even when Xiahou Yuan stepped forward to offer a toast, the General of the Guard merely smiled and thanked him for having acted as a matchmaker back then, saying that otherwise he would have had several fewer children, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the General of the Guard adopting such a manner, most people naturally smiled and chatted, relaxed and at ease. But today's guest of honor Zheng Xuan, Cao Cao's envoy, and the many former Yuan Shao subordinates seated below the platform off to the outer side grew increasingly anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew how much time had passed. The midsummer sun showed no sign of dimming, yet the people by the lakeside were already three parts drunk. Others might have been fine, but Zheng Xuan, as the only person qualified to cut short Gongsun Xun's idle chatter, for the sake of his own scholarly lineage, and indeed seeing some of his students shift from their initial relaxation and delight to growing tension, even casting pleading glances — unable to bear it in his heart, he finally swallowed his pride and took the initiative to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General of the Guard.\" Zheng Kangcheng pondered briefly, then actually rose to his feet and raised his cup. And as he stood, the surroundings fell almost instantly silent — the name of Confucian Paragon was no empty fiction. \"Since Dong Zhuo threw governance into chaos, nearly four years have passed. The realm has been scorched and seared, the people and scholars scattered and displaced. It is fortunate that you, General, first campaigned against Dong and upheld the Son of Heaven, then in a single battle overturned Hebei, causing the Han realm to gradually show signs of revival. I, Xuan, am unworthy, but I ask to toast you, General!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the man was utterly respectful, both hands holding the cup as he bowed his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should you not first offer condolences for Yuan Benchu?\" Unexpectedly, after quietly listening to the other's congratulations, Gongsun Xun, with a faint, ambiguous smile, remained seated and unmoving — truly discourteous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is this old man's oversight.\" Zheng Xuan, hearing this, showed no anger but instead grew more solemn. He actually raised his head again and performed a mourning salute. \"Regardless, the calamity of war continues, corpses fill the fields — this is a matter of great ill omen. I offer condolences for the dead and wounded of this great war, from Yuan Benchu on down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I respectfully accept your condolences.\" Gongsun Xun likewise rose with a solemn expression, both hands holding his cup, and bowed his head in return salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, led by the two men, no fewer than two or three hundred people seated by the lakeside all rose and drank from their cups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that small interlude past, everyone resumed their seats. Zheng Xuan, seeing that the opportunity was rare, took the chance to speak: \"This old man is but a man of the mountains and wilds, and ought not to presumptuously inquire into the General of the Guard's grand policies. Yet as a rustic of Qingzhou, I am deeply concerned for the future of this region. Might I ask if the General of the Guard has gained any insights in coming to Jinan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally I have gained insights.\" Gongsun Xun raised his brows slightly, looked around, and smiled. \"Upon arriving in Jinan, I took over the accounts set up by Yuan Shao and discovered that the old six commanderies of Qingzhou still hold over three hundred Battalion Commander and one million seven or eight hundred thousand people. Although several hundred thousand of them have just now transformed into Yellow Turban bandits and fled into the mountains, with a combination of suppression and amnesty, it may be possible to largely restore order. Not only that, but adding the Dongjun households I inspected earlier in Liaocheng and the households of the old five eastern commanderies of Jizhou, all told, with the destruction of Yuan Shao, even without counting Taishan and Jibei, which have yet to be tallied, I have gained a full four million people. If we further count the areas I originally governed — Yongzhou, Youzhou, Bingzhou, Sizhou — as well as the surrendered Mount Taihang bandits, and setting aside Pingzhou and Liangzhou, this humble person now governs a full two million households and ten million people. Master Zheng, the realm is divided, and I alone hold half. Would you say this counts as having gained something? These ten million people can assemble an army of several hundred thousand. Who in the future could stop me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan started to speak but stopped, while those around him rose one after another to offer congratulations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Gongsun Xun threw his head back in laughter, utterly triumphant, and even raised his hand, about to drain his cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just as the voices of congratulation were fading and the General of the Guard was raising his cup to drink, from a spot neither too far nor too near, right by the lake, one man could finally endure it no longer. He rose proudly and faced him with stern dignity:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"General of the Guard, the realm is in chaos, and war has continued year after year. Though Qingzhou has not suffered major battles, it has twice been ravaged by the Yellow Turbans. Since you, General, have campaigned here on the Son of Heaven's behalf to pacify this place, should you not first inquire into local customs and relieve the people's suffering? Why instead, upon arriving, do you first examine household registers and calculate your personal power and gains? Is this what the people of Qingzhou, and even the people of Jizhou, had hoped for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone followed the voice and saw that the speaker was a man with an open, clear brow, a fine beard and bright eyes, and a dignified, imposing countenance. He sat in the front row among the seats of the surrendered. Many recognized him — it was Zheng Xuan's beloved disciple, Cui Yan of Qinghe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the speaker Cui Jigui?\" Gongsun Xun sat cross-legged on the high platform at the head, holding his cup in one hand, and without even raising his head, called out the other's name in a single breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is Cui Yan of Qinghe.\" Cui Jigui answered proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have been waiting for you for a long time!\" Gongsun Xun's expression changed abruptly. He hurled his wine cup to the ground and, without even looking, rebuked him harshly. \"These words were set especially for you. If you could have held back today, I would have been willing, for the sake of your esteemed teacher, to let you decide your own fate. But since your nature remains unchanged, and you still disregard the fact that you aided a tyrant, seeking fame and feigning integrity — then even if Duke Ma were resurrected and Master Lu came in person, both pleading for mercy on your behalf, I would not spare you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathering fell silent as a wilderness. Even Zheng Xuan was stunned on the spot, and the two young boys beside him seemed somewhat frightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This has nothing to do with you boys.\" Gongsun Xun turned his head and spoke gently to comfort them. \"A-Ding, take Lu Yu back to the city first. Your father will return a little later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Ding came to his senses, bowed his head together with Lu Yu, and then, under the silent gaze of Zheng Xuan and the others, turned and departed — with volunteer attendants naturally escorting and protecting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the two boys, who hovered between youth and childhood, had turned and left did those at the banquet gradually focus their attention on the three people at the heart of this matter: the General of the Guard Gongsun Xun, the ancient-text Confucian paragon of Guandong Zheng Xuan, and Zheng Xuan's star disciple and the General of the Guard's prisoner of war, Cui Yan of Qinghe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In all honesty, it was not just ordinary officers and officials who were bewildered — even several core advisors of the General of the Guard's staff were somewhat stunned at this moment. Gongsun Xun had been in Jinan for several days, and Lu Fan and others had long since made reports and communications. These advisors had thought that even if trouble arose over the prisoners of war, it would only involve Xu You and Guo Tu. They had never imagined it would be Cui Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, faced with this situation, Xu You and Guo Tu, fellow prisoners of war, were also quite surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I truly do not know why the General of the Guard holds such prejudice against me, to the point of setting a trap specifically for me...\" Cui Yan paused for a long while before speaking again, yet his bearing was lofty and his voice resonant. \"What Cui has said all comes from public-mindedness, with absolutely no intention of seeking fame or feigning integrity...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though you had no intention of seeking fame or feigning integrity, you have achieved exactly that!\" Gongsun Xun cut off his righteous address. \"And it is precisely this self-righteousness that makes you truly detestable and laughable! As for why I set a trap specifically for you — it is because you behaved similarly that day when you met Yuan Benchu, and I guessed your nature would be hard to change!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what have I said that is wrong?\" Cui Yan rose to his feet and continued his proud protest. \"That day I advised General of Chariots and Cavalry Yuan to gather and bury the bones by the roadside. Today I advise you, General, to first inquire into local customs and then rescue the scattered and displaced...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is called asking the dead and not the living, speaking of morality and not of substance!\" Gongsun Xun finally looked at him, but grew even more furious. \"Both great upheavals in Qingzhou arose from the Yellow Turbans. And the so-called Qingxu Yellow Turbans are called Yellow Turbans in name, but in truth they are the desperately oppressed poor, forced to gather as bandits, falsely assuming banners and titles — how is that true rebellion? When Yuan Shao entered Qingzhou, you only told him to gather the bones left after the Yellow Turban chaos. Why did you not advise him to treat the surrendered Yellow Turban soldiers leniently, so that they would not rebel again today?! And as for what you say now — to pacify civil administration and gather the scattered and displaced, should one not begin by clarifying household registers? If you cannot even sort out households and population, how can you relieve their suffering? Moreover, the several hundred thousand Qingzhou Yellow Turbans are once again causing chaos in the mountains, and Cao Cao is taking advantage to swallow commanderies and provinces. At this moment, everyone is watching my actions, observing my movements. If I do not display my authority, how can I accept the Yellow Turbans' surrender and intimidate Cao Mengde?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Yan was momentarily choked into silence, and those around him all grew solemn. Below the platform, Xiahou Yuan and Mao Jie exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Zheng Xuan beside him was just about to speak in mediation, but unexpectedly Gongsun Xun grew angrier the more he spoke. He actually rose to his feet, kicked over the large table before him, and called out for another person: \"As for inquiring into local customs... where is Han Yigong?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dang hurriedly grasped his sword and stepped out from the ranks to kneel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You tell him — seventeen years ago, when you accompanied me on my first journey out of Liaoxi to study under Master Lu at Goushi, what did I do when we passed through Jizhou on the way?\" Gongsun Xun pointed at Cui Yan and demanded angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to my lord!\" Han Dang answered immediately. \"Seventeen years ago, my lord, together with the Commandant of the Guard, the General Who Guards the West, Liu of Yuzhou, the Prefect of Chang'an, and other fellow students, traveled from Youzhou toward Henan. It was your first time leaving home. On the way, when passing through Julu, you took the initiative to leave the group and inspect the local villages, stating plainly that whenever arriving in a new place, one should 'inquire into local customs.' This humble general was in your retinue at the time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what customs did you see?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We saw ditches full of abandoned infants, oppression by local strongmen, eunuchs running rampant, officials utterly indifferent, and also... also Jia Chao. Jia Chao had just returned to his village when, because he had received a reward from my lord, he was targeted by local strongmen and had no choice but to kill to survive, and in the end could only turn to the Way of Great Peace to accomplish anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The county magistrate at that time, I recall, was surnamed Cui?\" Gongsun Xun pressed coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was precisely Cui Min, now the Grand Administrator of Zhuo Commandery.\" Han Dang continued, head bowed. \"Later, when my lord met Grand Administrator Cui again in Changping, they spoke of past events. My lord asked him why he had been so muddled and perverse then, yet so clear and bright now. He said that at that time, those above were muddled, so he was muddled and perverse; now, relying on you, General, who are bright and clear above, he is clear and bright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you hear that?\" Gongsun Xun turned his head and rebuked Cui Yan. \"Before I had even come of age, I already knew that upon first arriving in a place, one must inquire into its local customs. What need have I for you to teach me? Moreover, I have traveled the realm, from Liaodong to Xiliang, from Mobile Corps Commander to Yanyu, from Heshuo to the Eastern Sea, observing the customs of every region, and they are already thoroughly familiar to my mind. The customs of the realm are nothing more than oppression by local strongmen, empty talk by great clans, muddled and perverse officials, and innocent common people. Can Qingzhou possibly escape this mold? You open your mouth and speak so glibly here, yet you do not realize that in my eyes, people like you are precisely the shame of Qingzhou and Jizhou's customs!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's furious rebuke, though it could not compare to the Son of Heaven's wrath that leaves a million corpses in its wake, could still be counted as a third of the Son of Heaven's wrath. No one doubted his power over life and death, and so everyone trembled. Yet the man at the center of it, Cui Yan, though his face flushed somewhat, remained standing motionless throughout, neither defending himself nor rebutting. Only his rather long beard and hair stirred gently in the lake breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Gongsun Xun immediately ceased his anger. Instead, he turned his head toward Zheng Xuan, who sat upright beside him, and asked with a rueful smile: \"Master Zheng, you and my Master Lu share the same lineage and are as close as brothers. The world says your mastery of the classics surpasses his by a head, and that classical learning is the foundation of the realm. Yet why is it that in this chaotic age, when the people suffer the misery of being hung upside down and the ruler has no place to stand, his students are all donning armor and taking up sharp weapons to save the people from fire and water, while your students are all spouting grandiose rhetoric while aiding tyrants? Is it that the students you have taken are all petty clowns, or that Master Lu's students are all power-hungry men who see only personal authority?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Cui Yan lost all semblance of composure. Even the several dozen disciples of Zheng's school who were seated rose to their feet — but what followed was the surging forth of several dozen armored soldiers from behind the platform, who drew their blades and faced them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The General of the Guard reads too much into this.\" Zheng Xuan hurriedly rose before his students could act, clasping his hands in salute. \"This old man and Zigan are as close as brothers. Had it not been for his strong recommendation, I would never have had the chance to inherit Master Ma's mantle. How could the legacies of the two of us be opposed or in conflict? In this old man's view, they are mutually generating and complementary. His is for the court, mine for the countryside; his is martial, mine is civil; his is firm, mine is gentle; his rests on practical affairs, mine on morality. General of the Guard, though Cui Jigui spoke words of ignorance, it was not out of deliberate hostility, but rather because his insight is insufficient. His original heart is still good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun immediately smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zheng Xuan hastily continued: \"In truth, when you, General, previously campaigned to pacify Dong and Yuan, you prioritized the use of arms, with authority and strength as your chief tools. That was naturally right for its time, and in the future, when you continue to pacify the Central Plains, Jingxiang, Bashu, and Huaiyang, you will surely still need to maintain that authority. But now that military matters have eased somewhat, and you, General, have been charged with assisting in governance of the realm and overseeing Hebei, in terms of civil administration, relying solely on strength is probably insufficient. Cui Jigui's meaning was nothing more than this — he was not deliberately seeking fault with you, General. And... and these students of this old man are mostly men of no ability. If you, General, truly find them an eyesore, or feel their learning is imprecise, why not release them and let them return to Gaomi with me to study?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Zheng, what is the Mandate of Heaven?\" Gongsun Xun suddenly spoke, asking a question utterly unrelated to anything before, yet one that made everyone present change color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the Mandate of Heaven is not withdrawn, then the Mandate of Heaven does not change!\" Zheng Xuan answered with a solemn expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Zheng Kangcheng had invoked two allusions. The first was from the Book of Songs — the original text was a loyal minister's lament over the decline and corruption of the Zhou dynasty, yet in the end he reaffirmed his loyalty and devotion to the Zhou royal house. The second came from the Spring and Autumn Annals, the original text being precisely: \"Though Zhou's virtue has declined, the Mandate of Heaven has not changed. The weight of the tripods may not be inquired into!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Used here, on one hand it directly answered Gongsun Xun's question, and on the other, while making a statement of position, it directly warned Gongsun Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is not what I meant,\" Gongsun Xun could not help but smile again and again. \"I wished to ask you, Master Zheng, what exactly is this thing called the Mandate of Heaven? Is it the will of Heaven or the mind of spirits and ghosts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xun finally breathed a sigh of relief, yet remained stern: \"Naturally it is the original intent of the Way of Heaven. As for the categories of spirits and ghosts, they all belong to the Way of Heaven, so the will of spirits and ghosts is also the will of Heaven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is precisely the problem.\" Gongsun Xun finally grew solemn as well. \"Years ago, a certain teacher told me that the Mandate of Heaven is not worthy of awe, and ancestors are not worthy of being models. I deeply agreed, but when Master Lu heard it, he strongly disagreed, to the point of considerable argument. And some time ago, I just saw Master Lu once more in the north. Though Master Lu did not say it plainly, when discussing matters after death, he said that the dead must not contend with the living, and that after death one should cast aside the coffin and be buried in a three-foot pit in a single garment. This must mean that in his heart he had gradually set aside the theories of spirits and ghosts. Master Zheng, do spirits and ghosts exist?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan started to speak but stopped, and could only pause briefly before speaking slowly: \"In teaching the classics, I seek to encompass the great canons and gather the various doctrines. I do not concern myself with opposition between schools of learning, and even encourage my students to think critically and question in return. And in such matters, to believe entirely is wrong, and to disbelieve entirely is also wrong. The General of the Guard need not compare me with Zigan. Only... only, General, you came prepared today and are so aggressive — could it be that you are determined to deal with this old man's disciples?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not that I wish to deal with Master Zheng's disciples, but that I wish to deal with the surrendered men of the Yuan clan. Rather, it is you, Master Zheng, who should not stoop and condescend to forcibly intervene in this matter. You must understand that when men contend for supremacy in the realm, they face each other with blade and spear. Since they took part in this affair, they must bear its responsibility. They entered official service as ministers and took up arms and military affairs. Now that they have been defeated, they should be dealt with by military law. Do you expect me to break the law for your sake, Master Zheng?\" At this point, Gongsun Xun could not help but clasp his hands behind his back and smile. \"In a chaotic age, which is more important — law or personal sentiment? Can Master Zheng teach me once more?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan was silent for a moment, then spoke in reply: \"In my view, law cannot surpass human sentiment... and if this matter had clear statutory law, why would this old man go so far as to deliberately undermine the General's system? Is this matter not inherently ambiguous, such that it has been hard to resolve for months, causing everyone to doubt, and moreover this old man could hardly escape the bond between teacher and student, which is why I took the initiative to come and ask?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand,\" Gongsun Xun nodded slowly. \"Lord Zheng's visit here is not to use his status to pressure me into interfering with the judiciary, but rather because I myself have been careless and failed to establish proper corresponding policies... So, Lord Zheng has come to participate in establishing policies? Do you believe that matters of law and policy should be decided by you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One who does not hold the office does not plan its affairs.\" Zheng Xuan showed not a trace of anger even up to this point — truly a man of excellent temper. \"Now it is the General of the Guards who holds governance, assisted by the various lords at court. Even if the laws are unsuitable and the policies unjust, this old man, a mere commoner who knows only teaching, will only discuss, not interfere or participate...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Zheng, though a commoner, may still participate — I say so, but only for today.\" Gongsun Xun sat back upright in his original place, raising his voice with the aid of the rippling water beside him. \"Not only that — everyone present today, whether civil or military, scholar or commoner, including those prisoners, so long as they have a seat here, may all participate... Today, right here in this place, we shall establish some laws, set some policies, and make some rules... But I state this beforehand: no matter to what extent the disputes reach today, whatever the outcome, these are things you yourselves have personally participated in establishing. Afterwards, you may neither go back on your own words, nor, because matters do not go as you wish, wantonly slander and defame them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this, the General may be called magnanimous.\" Zheng Xuan was the first to react, bowing his head in praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun raised a hand in gesture; Zheng Xuan naturally sat back, Han Dang also hurriedly returned to his place, the armored soldiers withdrew one after another, and the people around all relaxed in relief. Only Cui Yan, who had been about to sit back under Xi Lu's forceful tugging, was stopped when Gongsun Xun, with a single glance from afar, frightened Xi Lu into shrinking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Son of Heaven is young, and I am a minister entrusted with governance — naturally I shall not shirk the duty. Therefore I shall speak first, and you shall deliberate afterwards!\" Gongsun Xun waited until those around him were seated, then continued raising his voice. \"First... since Cui Jigui has spoken, let us begin from here... The realm is in turmoil, the common people are displaced, scholars and women mired in misery. In terms of restoring order to the realm, following the Three Adjuncts and Youzhou, we shall survey the land throughout the realm, and also clear up household registrations and audit the population! This item is proposed by the General of the Guards Gongsun Xun, opposed by the Yuan clan traitor Cui Yan of Qinghe. As for the rest of you — who agrees, who opposes? Those who oppose may rise together with Cui Yan. I am no Dong Zhuo — those who deliberate shall not be punished!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Zheng Xuan on down, including Lu Fan, Shen Pei, Lou Gui, Han Dang, Tian Feng, Xun You, Guan Yu, Cheng Pu, Zhu Ling, Taishi Ci, and even the several hundred officials, military officers, and staff subordinates, and even those prisoners of war, along with Xiahou Yuan and Mao Jie — nearly all were momentarily stunned... But then each assumed their own posture, and Xu You in the distance, who had been silent and sullen all along, simply laughed out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Gongsun Xun was in no hurry. He casually took an iron basin originally used for holding warm water from the overturned large table, placed it upside down before him, then drew the broken blade from his waist and struck the basin as he spoke. The back of the blade was like floating light on autumn water, slapping the basin's bottom with a clear, ringing sound:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those present today with a seat, including Xiahou Miaocai and Xiaoxian, all key military and political personnel of the various provinces of Hebei, famous generals, great Confucian honored guests — three hundred fifty-seven persons in total — may all deliberate. If more than one-third deem it unacceptable, then it is bad policy, bad law, and even though I proposed it, it cannot be implemented... But in other words, after three strikes, if fewer than one hundred twenty persons rise in opposition, then it shall be promulgated throughout the realm! Only this one day — the opportunity is rare!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Gongsun Xun, unhurried and unflustered, brought the blade down for the second strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was still only silence — and of course it was so. Although Gongsun Xun permitted all to participate, among the defeated army's captives, whose very lives were held in another's hands, how many were as unyieldingly firm as Cui Yan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Gongsun Xun's subordinates had to be divided in two... Half were military officers — with his prestige and these warriors he had personally selected and promoted, who would oppose him, who would dare oppose him? Could you not see that Guan Yunchang and the others had already simply placed hands on their blades and were glancing left and right? The other half were civil officials — though one could not claim every man was of one heart, firstly, those at their head were mostly men he had trusted, promoted, and appointed over many years; and secondly, before outsiders, unless truly discontented to the extreme, how could they go against their own lord's will?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only say that the core following Gongsun Xun had painstakingly built over fifteen or sixteen years, combined with the prestige of this great victory in destroying Yuan Shao, had ultimately brought its reward... States are born from war — this was the result of war. When it comes to resolving differences, nothing is more decisive than war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The back of the blade struck the iron pot's back for the third time. Still only Cui Yan alone stood amidst the seats — only that his expression never changed throughout, which could indeed be called composed and dignified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good!\" Gongsun Xun grasped his blade and smiled. \"Survey the land throughout the realm — this matter is settled!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was, for a moment, uniformly relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second,\" Gongsun Xun looked around and continued, raising his voice while gripping his blade. \"The various provinces are in turmoil, the common people largely scattered. First, abandoned fields are extremely extensive; second, powerful great clans seize the opportunity to broadly occupy fertile lands; third, those who followed Yuan Shao in rebellion cannot but be punished... After the land survey, we shall confiscate rebel properties, consolidate abandoned lands, and use prisoners of war, refugees, and surrendered bandits to jointly establish military-agricultural colonies, concurrently performing local corvée labor on their behalf... This proposal, again, is raised by the General of the Guards Gongsun Xun, opposed solely by the Yuan clan traitor Cui Yan of Qinghe. Those among you who oppose may rise and join him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask the General of the Guards,\" not far from Cui Yan, a person suddenly rose — it was none other than Xu You of Nanyang. \"For defeated ministers and rebels such as us, if rebel properties are to be confiscated, on what basis shall it be done?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally, it shall be based on the crimes. This we shall discuss further in a moment. But in principle, for those who did not participate in military affairs, movable wealth and residences shall not be confiscated — only surplus lands exceeding what the household's population requires.\" Gongsun Xun did not even raise his head. \"What say you, Ziyuan — do you wish to stand together with Cui Yan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two armies met in battle, spears and blades stretching unbroken for thousands of li, the dead and wounded numbering no less than a hundred thousand. And today, the General, having won victory in a single morning, even if you were to kill us all together and bury the surrendered soldiers together in pits, the most that could be said is that you are cruel — but none could say you lacked cause... Now you only take the surplus lands of us guilty ministers, and further intend to settle the surrendered soldiers in military colonies — the General may be called merciful. How could I stand together with him?\" So saying, Xu You bowed deeply with clasped hands. \"I must thank the General of the Guards for his magnanimity!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he sat back down on his own, and Gongsun Xun, seizing the moment, struck the basin's bottom — yet still only Cui Yan alone stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Gongsun Xun turned his head specifically to look at Zheng Xuan beside him. Seeing that this Confucian paragon of the age also kept his hands clasped and said nothing, he did not hesitate at all and directly struck the third time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thus, the matter of gathering the rebel properties of Qing, Yan, Ying, and Ji provinces, and recruiting the common people together with surrendered soldiers for military and civilian agricultural colonies, has also been resolved.\" Gongsun Xun, unhurried, continued. \"This third matter — it arises from my perception of the power of local strongmen in the countryside, how governance at the ting and xiang level is truly difficult to carry out, and additionally the frequent outbreak of local banditry. Therefore, I wish to emulate the administrative policies I once implemented in Zhao and Zhongshan, and promote a local tithing system: five households form one wu leader, twenty-five households further form one bao leader, and finally linked to the li leader, granting them exemption from the poll tax and some modest official stipends, directly subordinate to the province and commandery, to handle public security matters... This three-tier leader system — does anyone oppose it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd still said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since that is so, is it still Cui Jigui alone who opposes?\" Gongsun Xun, after striking the basin's bottom the second time, laughed in spite of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must the General act thus?\" Someone finally grew impatient — yet it was still Xu You Xu Ziyuan. \"At this point, you possess authority and virtue of your own — simply decide the policies directly. Why must you go through this again and again here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One must always stop the mouths of the realm's multitudes.\" Gongsun Xun was not angered. \"Ziyuan, you are too eager for quick success...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To stop the mouths of the realm's multitudes, killing a few people will suffice!\" Xu You replied loftily. \"Beneath Liangqi City, by the side of Jie Bridge — did the dead there not flow like rivers of blood? Now, at this point, why instead be so constrained? Just because of one Zheng Kangcheng? He is merely old and muddled, thinking only that his own disciples' lives are more precious than others'. How can you not understand? Since ancient times, when has carrying out reforms ever not involved people dying? How did Shang Yang and Wu Qi die?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ziyuan is the one truly muddled.\" Gongsun Xun disagreed. \"Since ancient times, though carrying out reforms has indeed never been without people dying — but the Battle of Liangqi, the Battle of Jie Bridge, and even Yuan Benchu himself — did they not all die for this very reason? In truth, had I not seen that the old institutions of Han, with the great edifice about to collapse, were utterly useless, and wished to implement new institutions to hold up the heavens from falling, why would I have come to cross blades with Yuan Benchu? So I say... have we not killed enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is precisely not enough!\" Under the terrified gazes of the surrounding captives, Xu You directly rose from his seat and stepped forward, arriving beneath the high platform where Gongsun Xun sat. Pointing at where Cui Yan, Guo Tu, Xin Ping, Xun Chen, and other former colleagues sat, he said: \"In the successive great battles in Hebei, what you killed was the will to resist of the powerful clans under Yuan Benchu's rule; when the troops from Liaocheng and Pingzhou came across the sea, what you killed were the bodies of the ambitious rivals contending with you for the realm. But today, these scions of great clans, these Confucian scholars and famous gentlemen, are not the same as him. If you do not kill one or two to rectify military law and the people's hearts, in the future they will inevitably comply outwardly while opposing inwardly, and destroy your new policies! If I may say so, if they raise Zheng Kangcheng as their banner, you should even kill Zheng Kangcheng to demonstrate your resolve. Why go through this pretense?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan, expressionless, sat upright without moving. Gongsun Xun likewise remained composed. He raised his hand, struck the basin's bottom once with his blade, and then said casually: \"The three-tier leader system is settled... Ziyuan, if I acted so, how would I differ from Dong Zhuo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What sort of thing is Dong Zhuo, that he is qualified to be mentioned in the same breath as you?\" Xu You advanced several steps, directly onto the high platform littered with debris, and continued speaking with fervent intensity. \"Dong Zhuo entered Luo with a private army and arbitrarily carried out deposition and enthronement, whereas you have the merit of suppressing Dong, and the title of General of the Guards as regent is fully legitimate. Dong Zhuo's troops were mighty for a time, yet he knew only plunder without restraint, whereas you have managed the northern lands for several years, your foundation is solid, and now you hold the nine provinces of Hebei in your grasp. Once Dong Zhuo gained power, he acted with reckless abandon, whereas you guard your original intent, and your actions take establishing law as the first priority... And now, for the sake of establishing law, what harm is there in killing a few people? Who can oppose you? Who can stop you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun looked at the person before him and was just about to speak again, but the other had already continued: \"You harbor great ambitions — this I have long known. You wish to overturn the old and establish the new — this I have also long understood. That is why earlier I privately sought an audience with your Chief of Staff Lu Ziheng, urging him to undertake this matter on your behalf and kill all the former officials of the Yuan clan together, to clear away the obstacles. Yet he evaded and prevaricated, utterly lacking the bearing of a great minister... And now that you have come in person today, with your decisiveness, why do you still hesitate so? Do you truly believe that these people around Yuan Benchu can still be of use to you? Around Yuan Benchu, loyal ministers and good scholars were not absent — but they have already all died! Those who remain now are all people who treated Yuan Benchu as a vessel — either petty men seeking only fame and profit, or those who originally wished to use Yuan Shao as a means to oppose you, your innermost hidden threats! How can they be kept?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun glanced at the rather helpless-looking Lu Fan, then smiled and looked toward Xu You: \"Ziyuan... who are these innermost hidden threats you speak of? And who are the petty men?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are the innermost hidden threats not standing right there?\" Xu You raised his hand and pointed at Cui Yan. \"A great clan of Qinghe, a top disciple of the Confucian paragon — in his bones he does not approve of your governance, in his bones he wishes to restore the old institutions, yet at the same time his virtue shines brightly, and he believes that everything he does is the righteous path... This kind of person, if kept, will surely disrupt the flock. If not killed today at Duanwu, should he be kept until the Mid-Autumn Festival? Those of the same kind — Xun Chen, the disciples of the Zheng school — are all like this. As for the petty men,\" Xu You, having spoken to this point, pointed at himself. \"Guo Tu, the treacherous sycophant who sold out his lord; Xu You, the greedy seller of military intelligence — both are petty men whom not killing would be insufficient to pacify the people's hearts. There is also Xin Ping Xin Zhongzhi, who is both an innermost hidden threat and has the substance of a petty man — he can be killed together with them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What nonsense are you spouting?!\" Unexpectedly, those named to be killed had mostly preserved some degree of decorum. Even Guo Tu said nothing at this moment, merely sitting calmly in his original place. But when it came to Xin Ping, he could finally endure no longer. \"Xu Ziyuan! A scholar may be killed but not humiliated! As a defeated soldier who betrayed his lord and clings to life, today you may ask the General of the Guards to kill me — I will have absolutely no complaint — but you may not humiliate me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you see? This is the kind who feigns great loyalty while being utterly treacherous!\" Xu You pointed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let us set this matter aside for now.\" Gongsun Xun frowned in response. \"Ziyuan... if I did not mishear just now, you want me to kill you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not make trouble — I am in the middle of establishing institutions!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I shall establish them for you!\" Xu You stepped forward and seized the overturned iron basin before the other man, asking with a serious expression. \"Aside from how to deal with people like us, what other proper new policies do you have? Speak them all out together...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only two and a half matters remain.\" Gongsun Xun leaned backward and spoke casually in a clear voice. \"One is that once the common people are annexed and have no place to stand, yet must still pay the poll tax without cease — this is a critical maladministration that led to the collapse of the Han. I intend, after the land survey, military colonies, and the three-tier leader system, to apportion the poll tax onto the fields, collecting the poll tax based on acreage. The other is that currently, in the recommendation system, the power over personnel rests with the localities and the great clans. I wish to reclaim this for the central government, and permit everyone to submit their own visiting cards, abolishing pure critique and using subject examinations to determine the way of selecting scholars. The final half matter is to model it on the military rank system — from Provincial Governors and Generals down to ting leaders, li leaders, and wu leaders — to establish ranks for officials and military officers, facilitating unified command and transfer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu You could not help but shake his head and laugh. He then turned around, holding the iron basin in both hands, and sternly questioned those below the platform: \"Have you all heard? Apportion the poll tax into the fields, change the recommendation system to subject examinations, establish unified ranks... These three matters — is there anyone who, like Cui Jigui, wishes to oppose them to the end?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the long chaos, the sky had gradually dimmed, but as this was the season of the year with the longest daylight, the sun still shone upon Lishui Pond. As the gradually rising summer wind stirred, it rippled the entire lake... Amidst the sound of wind and the movement of water, Gongsun Xun, blade in one hand, sat sideways in his seat, staring at the figure before him, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as Xu You raised the basin and shouted his stern questions from the platform — from Zheng Xuan sitting rigidly upright beside him, to the dumbfounded and silent Lu Fan, Shen Pei, Lou Gui, Han Dang, and others on his left; to the stupefied Xiahou Yuan and Mao Jie on his right; and below the platform, Guan Yu, Cheng Pu, Gao Shun, Cheng Lian, Taishi Ci, and the other generals standing proudly silent in two rows; Tian Feng, Xun You, Wang Lang, and the other civil officials each lost in their own thoughts; and behind him, Pang De, Zhang Ji, Jia Kui, Liu Zhang, Yang Xiu, Fa Zheng, Meng Da, and the other retainers, who had long since been sweating profusely as they stood beneath the platform, hands on blades and armored; and of course, those former officials of the Yuan clan sitting in the outer circle, near Cui Yan, who alone stood among the seats... Everyone was utterly silent — only the wind stirred and the water rippled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three rounds, Xu Ziyuan hurled the iron basin in his hands forcefully to the ground. Amidst the clanging crash, he roared with all his might: \"Still only Cui Jigui alone does not comply! The remaining three hundred fifty-six all deem it so! These three matters are all settled as institutions for the realm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken to this point, Xu You, his emotions long since beyond restraint, turned his head back and asked with a cold laugh: \"Wenqi, do you see? Now, born into a chaotic age, this is precisely the time for a hero like you to wield his might. To carry out the affairs of the realm, ten thousand preparations are not as good as one bold throw! You need not worry about anything, need not be anxious about anything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun first let out a sigh, then slowly nodded: \"I have received your teaching!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May we now discuss the matter of our life and death?\" Xu You pressed without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must Ziyuan certainly die?\" Gongsun Xun's tone, though helpless, grew increasingly calm in expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should I not die?\" Xu You sneered in retort. \"Serving a lord, I could not bring victory; as a subject, I could not fulfill loyalty; greedy for wealth without restraint, I implicated tens of thousands... And you yourself said, since ancient times reforms have never been without those who shed blood. Today, I usurp heaven's credit, using my status as a guilty prisoner to borrow your authority for this matter. If I could end up with the same fate as Shang Yang and Wu Qi, would that not be my honor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ziyuan.\" Gongsun Xun was finally moved. He set down the broken blade in his hand and reached out to grasp the other man. \"If you die, what of your wife and children?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I followed Yuan Benchu for sixteen years, which means I have known you for seventeen years. After seventeen years as old acquaintances, can you not provide for my wife and children?\" Xu You asked in reply with a serious expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was just about to speak again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not ask me again about my aged mother.\" Xu You interrupted him. \"Wenqi, handle all my affairs after death for me... Only one thing — you must kill Guo Tu, Xin Ping, Cui Yan, and these others! They, like me, are the root of the realm's calamities!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, beside Cui Yan, one person completely lost self-control and fainted directly from fright — it was none other than Zheng Xuan's other student, Xi Lu. This immediately triggered a commotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand your intent.\" Gongsun Xun did not even glance at the pleading look in Zheng Xuan's eyes beside him. He directly grasped Xu You's hand with one hand and supported himself on his blade with the other as he rose. \"I have not personally used a blade in a long time, but today I shall personally see Ziyuan off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That would be good!\" Xu You answered with a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, Gongsun Xun, hand in hand with Xu You, descended from the platform and departed, as intimate as when they had first met in Luozhong all those years ago. In a moment, they turned into the midst of the armored soldiers behind the high platform. And after only a brief while, this General of the Guards returned to his seat on the platform, his hand stained with blood, supporting himself on his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan’s face had long since turned ashen as death, and among the Yuan clan captives, many had already lost all composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Silence them,” Gongsun Xun ordered, while at the same time beckoning Xiahou Yuan over with a wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiahou Yuan dared not delay; he immediately stepped up before the dais and bowed his head, awaiting instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miaocai.” Once silence had fallen around them, Gongsun Xun spoke to the man before him with earnest gravity. “I know the purpose of your journey here. Today’s new policies are precisely what Cao Mengde and I discussed… Tell him this: I do not blame him for harboring ambition, nor do I blame him for being somewhat dissatisfied with my governance and wishing to go his own way. But if he remains in the Central Plains and cannot sweep away the old systems of powerful magnates and great clans, and so becomes a second Yuan Benchu — then although I lack the surplus strength to dispatch a great army and immediately pacify the Central Plains, I can still personally lead twenty thousand shock cavalry, strike straight at his heart, and hang his head beneath the gate tower!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiahou Yuan did not know whether he ought to nod or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are old friends of many years — come up and share a cup!” Gongsun Xun did not press the man, but instead beckoned him again directly. “Drink this cup on Mengde’s behalf as well. Once you have drunk, go back… Tell him that since he has taken this step, from now on he must take the realm’s affairs as his own burden, and need no longer be constrained by old ties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiahou Yuan sighed with emotion, but could only step forward, borrow a goblet from Zheng Xuan’s table, and amid the wreckage strewn across the floor share a cup with Gongsun Xun. Then he and Mao Jie bowed their heads, took their leave, and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Xiahou Miaocai had gone, the sky had truly darkened, but when those nearby moved to light torches, Gongsun Xun stopped them: “There is only one matter left, which can be settled in a moment — no need for lamps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, all the generals felt a chill, while among the former officials of the Yuan clan there was no small dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan could bear it no longer and could only bow his head and beg to withdraw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does Master Zheng truly take me for Dong Zhuo?” Gongsun Xun gave a helpless, bitter laugh. “If I wished to kill, why would I have gone to such contrived lengths from the very start, as Xu Ziyuan said? And as for Xu Ziyuan’s dying request, I never once gave a direct answer… It is precisely because I hold the blade that I must exercise restraint. Besides, if I truly meant to kill, why would I have had Master Zheng seated among the guests? Where is the sense in deliberately slaughtering students before their teacher’s eyes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When we spoke earlier of the imperial examinations, I was in fact hoping to ask Master Zheng to serve as their overseer,” Gongsun Xun said with deep sincerity. “I intend to memorialize appointing Master Zheng as Grand Minister of Ceremonies, to proceed at once to Yecheng and establish a grand academy there, where Master Zheng may both instruct disciples and revive the study of the Old Text classics, while also overseeing the examination and selection of talent across the provinces north of the Yellow River… Our elders are fading — Master Liu and Master Qiao have long since departed, and Master Lu has already cut ties. I implore Master Zheng not to cling to lofty detachment any longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xuan remained silent for a time, but in the end bowed his head and accepted the command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Transmit my military order: from this day forward, any scholar who joins a rebellion — those who took up arms shall be dealt with by martial law, under the decimation edict. Those who did not directly lead troops may escape the death penalty but shall not escape punishment for their crimes. All who abetted the Yuan clan’s treason today, regardless of origin, shall alike suffer the punishment of shaving the head and be sent to the frontier military colonies north of the Yellow River for three years’ labor; the gravest offenders, five years… I have all my life most revered the late Master Qiao. I hope you all can learn from Master Qiao’s indomitable perseverance, come swiftly to understand the hardships of the common people, and turn back to forge your futures anew!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples of the Zheng school, the former subordinates of Kong Rong, and men like Xin Ping and Guo Tu — all having narrowly escaped death — now expressed their relief and gave thanks. Even those among Gongsun Xun’s own ranks who were kin or friends of these men stepped forward to voice their gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Cui Yan, tugged at by his fellow disciples around him, had no choice but to prepare to bow his head as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cui Jigui need not bother,” Gongsun Xun said coldly from a distance. “You I truly loathe. Great as Hebei is, there is not even a patch of ground left for you to labor upon under the head-shaving punishment. Or rather, nowhere within my domain is there half a foothold for you. Leave now. Go seek out the likes of Cao Cao, Sun Jian, Liu Biao, or Tao Qian — surely they will grant you wealth and rank! If the Cui clan of Qinghe wish to follow you, I will not stop them. But let it be said plainly now: should the day come when I truly reunite the rivers and mountains, then nowhere in all the realm will there be a place for you to stand. Now go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these words, Gongsun Xun descended the dais and strode away. The longest day of midsummer thus finally passed into twilight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet what no one knew was that after Gongsun Xun mounted his horse and returned to the city with his retinue, before he could even settle into his seat, Lu Fan came seeking an audience on his own initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xu Ziyuan’s conduct today was meant to use his own life as bait to avenge his lord. His dying words were nothing more than an attempt to sow discord. Why should Ziheng take it to heart?” Gongsun Xun had not wished to see him, but still summoned him into the chamber and offered a word of reassurance. “Besides, that matter — it is not as though you failed to report it to me…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is not about that,” Lu Fan replied, momentarily embarrassed. “There is one thing your subordinate forgot to tell you, my lord…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gongsun Du and Gongsun Fang — I ordered them executed directly,” Lu Fan answered helplessly. “This runs somewhat counter to my lord’s lenient manner today. Your servant failed to weigh the matter properly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those two — killing them was exactly right!” Gongsun Xun laughed in spite of himself, then waved him away. “Go. There is nothing improper in your conduct. If anything is improper, it is only that, having known me so long, you cannot help but understand my mind too well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Fan seemed about to speak, then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know,” Gongsun Xun said, his expression suddenly solemn. He rested his hand on the broken blade at his waist, his voice gradually darkening. “Xu Ziyuan’s true feelings showed through. It was not merely an intent to sow discord — he was indeed helping me accomplish my purpose. So many of our arrangements today went unused; it all relied on his efforts alone… I never imagined that today I would kill an old friend with my own hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ziheng fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—————I am the nightfall divider—————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the Grand Ancestor had overthrown Yuan Shao, he entered Jinan. Because of the matter at the bridge, he had no choice but to put Xu You alone to death; all the rest he spared from execution and sentenced to three years’ penal labor in Shanzhou. The hearts of Qingzhou were thus pacified. Soon after, he raised Zheng Xuan of Gaomi to be Grand Minister of Ceremonies, established a grand academy, implemented the imperial examinations, instituted the Three Chiefs system, converted the military colonies of Youzhou into civilian households and distributed land equally among them, reestablished military-agricultural colonies in the four provinces of Ji, Ying, Qing, and Shaan, and consolidated the poll tax into the land tax. The age called this ‘deliverance from mire and flame,’ and all within the seas praised his virtue.” — The Old Book of Yan, Volume 2, Annals of the Grand Ancestor, the Martial Emperor\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Continuing with three matters,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1. Offering three books in tribute: “Full-Level Director,” “I Repair Cultural Relics for the Nation,” “I Am the Cat King”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>2. Continuing to earnestly beg the big shots to casually give Dame a heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>3. In the current environment, moving bricks is truly more grueling than imagined. Writing part-time — I hope everyone understands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",9883,"2026-06-04T19:42:52.587Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","7e564e9f172c389905fcaa53d96d9540d7424542d4e4312038a2651e812e0bb9","overthrowing-han-chapter-432","overthrowing-han-chapter-430",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]