[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-472":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},1223231,1620,"Chapter 472: Purple Mist and Yellow Banner — Could It Be Mere Chance? (Part 1)","overthrowing-han-chapter-472",472,"\u003Cp>Jiang Gan caught up with Gongsun Xun's procession at Luoyang. Before he was even summoned, he heard people saying that His Excellency the Duke of Yan seemed to be in a rather poor mood at the moment. On this point, as a White Horse Volunteer, Jiang Ziyi, upon returning to his unit, very naturally learned the specific reasons from his colleagues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first was that, just after the Duke of Yan arrived and encamped outside the abandoned capital of Luoyang, a Buddhist layman from White Horse Temple named Zhu Rui requested an audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he was an old friend unseen for decades, the Duke of Yan was overjoyed. Who could have expected that the other party had come with ulterior motives, wholeheartedly entreating the Duke of Yan to grant official recognition to Buddhism? The Duke of Yan, who was always exceptionally cautious about religious affairs, naturally refused. Yet, unexpectedly, the man seized upon a remark spoken in anger and, taking advantage of the situation, tonsured himself right in front of the camp, becoming the first Han monk in the world to renounce his hair and receive the precepts, thus becoming Zhu Bajie. And although the Duke of Yan was furious, he surprisingly did not stop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this matter, Jiang Gan only needed to think briefly before coming to an understanding:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buddhism had been transmitted to Han territory for one hundred and thirty years and already possessed a deep and broad popular foundation. On the other hand, through the Han house's own corruption and self-destruction, the near-total dominance of classical scholarship had long been tottering on the brink of collapse. More and more people were beginning to doubt the supreme authority of classical scholarship. Even in the imperial examinations at Yexia University, although the Classics Clarification section was the most heavily weighted, this very emphasis conversely illustrated the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, since the rule of classical scholarship was gradually crumbling, the flourishing of Buddhism and Daoism was a matter of course. The Duke of Yan must have understood this perfectly well. Stopping one Zhu Rui was simple enough, but once he himself passed away, his son would certainly be unable to stop Zhu Rui's sons and grandsons. Sooner or later, Han monks were bound to appear. That was why, despite his anger, he unexpectedly did not obstruct it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other matter was equally unconcealed. It was that the Duke of Yan ordered the entire army to halt briefly at the abandoned capital of Luoyang for three days, specifically tasking the whole army with searching the Northern and Southern Palaces, long overgrown with weeds and vines. It was said that at the time, the Duke of Yan directly ordered them to pay close attention to palace wells, collapsed passageways, abandoned narrow spaces, and such places, to collect skeletons for centralized cremation, and while doing so, to meticulously search for any trace of the Imperial Heirloom Seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the result was utterly disappointing. Although the Northern and Southern Palaces were vast, the wells and passageways were finite in number. The soldiers easily turned them all over. They indeed found quite a few treasures, and even discovered a room full of perfectly preserved dry paper documents in a collapsed chamber at the Eastern Observatory. Among them were writings by the Duke of Yan's esteemed teachers, Lu Gong and Liu Gong, as well as his father-in-law, Cao Jie, which was truly astonishing... Yet, the Imperial Heirloom Seal was nowhere to be found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these two matters before him, it would have been strange if Gongsun Xun's mood could have been good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Ziyi, you saw a bear-cat? That white bear?\" In the military camp outside Luoyang, Gongsun Xun, who had nonetheless quickly summoned Jiang Gan, asked with great surprise upon hearing this. \"Did it look like a white bear with black ear-covers, black eye-patches, a black shoulder cape, and black trouser legs?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan was slightly taken aback but immediately nodded: \"Indeed it was so. But how does Your Highness know it in such detail, as if seeing it in person?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was young, my mother told me about it, saying that such a strange beast existed in the Shu region.\" Gongsun Xun did not think much of it. \"I thought my mother was just teasing me. How could there be such a white bear in the world?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Empress Dowager's learning spans north and south.\" Jiang Gan could only sigh with such admiration. \"Before I saw it, although I had heard of it in Shu, I still thought it was merely the nonsense of ignorant mountain folk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to what my mother said,\" Gongsun Xun, upon hearing this, could not help but laugh, \"that bear-cat is an omnivore, but its staple food is bamboo. The reason it came to eat your rabbit legs at that time was probably just due to a daily lack of salt, not because it was accepting your offerings as some divine beast to bear witness...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The matter in Shu was handled well.\" Gongsun Xun continued. \"I truly did not expect that you could fulfill the mission without disgrace and actually bring back Zhang Lu's mother. With this one accomplishment, we can transfer Zhang Lu away from Hanzhong and replace him with a suitable person. A great war is about to begin, and Hanzhong is a major commandery, connecting eastward to the Mian and Han rivers. Even if we only threaten without striking, it can force Liu Biao to station even more troops in the Nanyang area... As for Liu Dan, he is of no consequence; let him have it. Only Liu Zhang, though lacking in talent, is sincere, benevolent, and forgiving. Having been kept by my side for many years, he has now accumulated deep learning and is ready to shine. I hear he is doing well in his post, which makes me reluctant to part with him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan naturally just nodded: \"It was originally only said to be given to his second brother, and Liu Dan is also a second brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun slowly nodded, then asked again: \"This matter counts as a great merit for you, but you seem to still have more in mind? On the road, I saw your memorial volunteering to go south.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to Your Highness!\" Jiang Gan immediately bowed and raised his voice in response. \"Your servant is a man of Huainan. In the Jiujiang and Lujiang areas, aside from a Zhou Tai, about whom there has been no word, the rest—such as Lu Zijing, Zhou Gongjin, Liu Ziyang, and even Chen Wu, Li Tong, and others—I can connect with them all... I wish to go south to ascertain the true situation for Your Highness, and at the same time do my utmost to recruit one or two of them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, upon hearing this, could not help but laugh in his seat: \"These men are of high refinement and lofty spirit; they may not necessarily be swayed by mere words. Ziyi, you are perhaps being a bit presumptuous... However, going to probe the situation is always necessary. Moreover, Ziyi, both your parents are in Huainan, so taking the opportunity to bring them back would also be a good thing. Your old classmate Zhou Yu is on the eastern front in Xuzhou; you can conveniently pass through his area.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan hurriedly bowed again, though he could not help feeling slightly embarrassed and grateful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let it be so.\" Gongsun Xun, who had many matters on his mind lately, though not visibly in a bad mood, was somewhat weary. After chatting casually with him for a few more sentences, he prepared to end the audience. \"Is there anything else to say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are two more matters to tell Your Highness!\" Jiang Gan had originally been about to withdraw, but because Gongsun Xun had taken the initiative to suggest he relocate his parents, he felt a surge of gratitude and prepared to speak a few more words from the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, the father and son, Liu Yan and his son, share an extremely deep bond with absolutely no discord. Your servant originally harbored some intention of sowing dissension, but it only ended up making me look ridiculous. And although Shu is but a corner of the realm, it excels in difficult and perilous roads. In some places, it is truly a case of one man holding the pass against ten thousand. Given Liu Yan's seasoned cunning and deep foresight, and Liu Fan's aggressive sharpness, if father and son join hands, Shu could well become a serious threat in the future. Your Highness must be cautious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have never underestimated Shu.\" Gongsun Xun, upon hearing this, actually felt a bit more appreciation for Jiang Gan. \"In the division of the realm, Shu naturally claims one part. As long as someone elsewhere can block me, forming a stalemate, Shu will naturally form a tripod leg. Ziyi, rest assured, the matter of Shu weighs even heavier in my mind than Jing and Xiang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan was immediately relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second.\" Jiang Gan continued with a serious expression. \"Since Your Highness has established a ducal state and its institutions, you should establish proper ceremony. Referring to yourself as 'the solitary one' is the correct path; why still use 'I'? I hope Your Highness will be mindful of this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor Gaozu had already taken the imperial title, yet he still returned to Peixian to sing the Great Wind Song with the people. Such matters should simply follow the heart.\" Gongsun Xun laughed. \"If I truly put on airs all day, you would only feel estranged and fearful upon hearing it...\" At this point, Gongsun Xun paused slightly, then changed his expression to a serious one and said, \"The Mandate of Heaven and prestige are not things propped up by titles or objects. For instance, now that I am gradually forming a stalemate with the Central Plains, their side relies on the merit of three feudal lords pacifying the Central Plains and the four-hundred-year legacy of the Han house, while I rely on three years of great governance in Hebei. Conversely, because I have the merit of pacifying Hebei, I can naturally call myself 'the solitary one'; because they have the power to pacify the Central Plains, they can naturally unite their strength and boldly contend against me... The scholars and commoners of the realm are not blind; who doesn't understand this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan bowed his head once more in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have nothing else to say, I actually have one matter to entrust to you, Ziyi.\" As Gongsun Xun spoke, he picked up a wooden box about half a foot square from the table and gestured for Jiang Gan to come forward and take it. \"This is a gift, intended for Cao Mengde... Travel slowly. In May, when you hear of military movements at the front, go to Chen Commandery or Liang State and deliver this to Cao Mengde on my behalf.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Gan did not dare to be negligent and hurried forward to receive it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you find the journey boring, you may open it and take a look. It is a common item anyway, and it will be beneficial for your trip. Just don't lose it.\" So said Gongsun Xun, signaling for him to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ziyi immediately hastened out of the military tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, this former prodigy of Jiujiang, now a capable man under the Duke of Yan, gave some instructions to his good friends Shi Tao, Meng Jian, and others, arranging for the latter to assist his wife, Wang Yi, in settling down in Yexia. Then, he hastily took a few White Horse guards and headed south, to say no more of him for now. On the other side, the Duke of Yan, Gongsun Xun, also seemingly abandoned the intention of searching for the Imperial Heirloom Seal. He set out immediately, crossed the river at Mengjin, passed through Henei, arrived at Wei Commandery, and on the first day of the fifth month, entered the city of Yexia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the soldiers were granted leave and disbanded. Gongsun Xun entered his 'palace'—the very mansion that had already met the standards when Zhao Zhong built it—and met with the seven Chancellors of his Yan State. This time, with the Son of Heaven having fled, the political burden of Chang'an had suddenly lightened. Thus, after six years, Wang Xiu formally returned to Yexia with Gongsun Xun, accompanied by Jia Xu. Xi Zhong also returned with the army. Only Zhong Yao remained behind in Guanzhong as Provincial Governor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, together with Xun You, who had been left to guard the home front, and Dong Zhao, whose administrative seat was already in Yecheng, the key ministers of Yan were rarely assembled in one hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the great situation before us, I will not offer congratulations to you, my Chancellors, lest the two military advisors and Governor Dong feel bitter and incite another mass brawl at the university.\" Gongsun Xun arrived at the slightly modified main hall and sat down on the so-called throne of the Yan State's ruler, but found it rather uncomfortably hard. It took a moment before he adjusted. \"Let us discuss the main topic...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others aside, who were Jia Xu, Xun You, and Dong Zhao, the three men ranked last among the ten ministers in the hall? How could they possibly care about titles and ranks? Even if the chubby Dong Zhao harbored some slight thoughts, he absolutely would not show it. After everyone shared a laugh, they quickly entered into the main topic as Gongsun Xun had instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yexia has always maintained twenty thousand elite cavalry and infantry, fully armored and well-trained, assigned to various generals. After General Zhao Zilong led Adjutant Yang to relocate to Hanzhong, there remain seventeen thousand troops—ten thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry—ready to go to war at any time!\" Han Dang reported first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Lu Fan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reporting to Your Highness.\" Lu Fan stepped forward and responded with a serious expression. \"The current situation is chaotic, and our army's military structure is complex. According to previous discussions, the main force should be composed of regionally selected troops combined with the Yexia elites. The generals Guan and Cheng in Qingzhou and Sizhou, who face the front lines directly, have always been exceptions. General Xu Rong's five thousand elite troops from Guanxi have always been tasked with monitoring Chang'an and overawing Xiliang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave Qingzhou and Sizhou aside. Xu Rong's five thousand troops have also been merged with the Tiger Guard Army and the various Liangzhou generals, totaling ten thousand combat soldiers and twenty thousand auxiliary soldiers. Before I came, I had already made proper arrangements for them to temporarily follow Zhong Yuanchang's command... Just speak of Hebei.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aye!\" Lu Fan immediately bowed his head in acknowledgment. \"Of the remaining six provinces in Hebei, Shanzhou is impoverished, and the Yinshan region has never been pacified. According to Your Highness's instructions, not too many troops have been mobilized from there...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun frowned slightly: \"Since Tanshihuai, the Xianbei have been in constant turmoil, causing trouble along a ten-thousand-li stretch from Liaodong to the Western Regions. Kebineng has risen again after repeated defeats, alternating between war and peace, a true formidable leader. Once in Liaoxi, and again the year before last to control Yinshan—that was the second time—but still we could only defeat him, not destroy him... Just wait, sooner or later we will have to march north to settle accounts with him once and for all. But for now, we can only wait a little. Continue!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is also Pingzhou!\" Lu Fan continued, still bowing. \"From the General of the Right in Pingzhou, there has been no response whatsoever. Even up to now, there has been no intention to mobilize troops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the matter of Shanzhou was within expectations and no one paid much heed to Gongsun Xun's harsh words, then this statement caused the other nine key ministers in the hall to show rather strange expressions. Even men like Jia Xu and Xun You could not pretend to be indifferent... There was no helping it; this matter was too sensitive, yet also extremely important, and had wide-ranging implications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Send Ziyi back.\" As expected, Gongsun Xun's expression inevitably turned unsightly, but he already had a contingency plan. \"The matter is of great importance. We cannot sit idly by and watch my father-in-law make a muddle of things! He only wants to be a loyal minister of the Han, but he doesn't consider that under such a grand situation, if he does not send troops, I will have to leave soldiers behind to guard Lulong Fortress and Bohai...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If General Taishi returns to Liaodong, what then?\" Lu Fan could only brace himself and remind him. \"If at this moment we press too hard...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have Ziyi recruit troops in Liaodong in my name!\" Gongsun Xun answered helplessly. \"The timing is sensitive. I have no hope of persuading him immediately at this juncture... I merely wish to use this method, akin to covering one's ears while stealing a bell, to drain as much of Liaodong's military strength as possible and ensure that no trouble arises from Liaodong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, it can indeed be considered a clever stratagem.\" Lu Fan thought briefly and found no fault with this measure, but could not help bringing up another topic. \"However, if we could establish the heir apparent early... Duke Zhao might not be unwilling to soften.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The more he acts this way, the less I can rush to establish an heir.\" Gongsun Xun sighed. \"Otherwise, wouldn't it confirm the rumor that I intend to use my own son as bait? My original intention was that, since A'ding's position is unshakable, I would take the opportunity to establish a new system of secret succession. How could I have imagined there would be so much gossip and slander... We will discuss this matter after the war! For now, just ensure that sufficient provisions, armaments, and military funds are set aside to facilitate Ziyi's troop recruitment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aye!\" Having received a definite answer, Lu Fan no longer dwelled on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continue...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rest—Youzhou, Jizhou, Bingzhou, Yingzhou, and the several commanderies of Yanzhou entrusted to Jizhou's administration before us, as well as the various vassal Xianbei, Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and miscellaneous Hu tribes in the north—all present no problems whatsoever...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just give the total number!\" Gongsun Xun, agitated by the Pingzhou matter, was somewhat impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we exert full force, disregarding Pingzhou and Shanzhou, our army can mobilize from Hebei and assemble at Yexia a force of one hundred sixty thousand infantry and cavalry!\" Lu Fan bowed and stated a number that silenced the entire hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How many are combat soldiers with combat experience and priority equipment, and how many are auxiliary soldiers entering the battlefield for the first time?\" Gongsun Xun pressed further. \"And of those, how many are infantry, and how many are cavalry?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One hundred thousand battle troops, sixty thousand support troops! Among the battle troops, forty thousand cavalry and sixty thousand infantry! Among the support troops, thirty thousand infantry, and the remaining thirty thousand all have horses with them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the civilian laborers, provisions, fodder, and military equipment...?\" Although Gongsun Xun had long been well aware of certain matters, he still needed to confirm them once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We received our orders at Yexia, so naturally we can guarantee the logistics will be without issue... Taking the rotation of civilian laborers transporting supplies to the Great River as the standard, even counting the twenty thousand troops to be recruited in Liaodong, as long as no famine or plague occurs, there will absolutely be no mistakes within two years!\" Lu Fan replied with his head held high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good!\" Gongsun Xun nodded heavily from his seat, his hand resting on the broken blade at his waist, but then he frowned for a moment. \"But that being the case, if we add the ten thousand standing naval troops, fifteen thousand standing cavalry and infantry, and twenty thousand support troops reported from Qingzhou; the fifteen thousand standing troops and fifteen thousand support troops reported from Sizhou; and the thirty thousand troops just mentioned from Guanxi — wouldn't that mean we could assemble nearly three hundred thousand troops at the front?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed!\" Lu Fan was slightly taken aback, then immediately nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too many.\" Gongsun Xun suddenly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assembled men were abruptly stunned, unsure how to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For a decisive battle at the critical moment, one hundred thousand is sufficient. Then, to spread out the battle line and defend key points across the river, thirty thousand is enough! Moreover, only Qingzhou and Xuzhou are the exchange pieces. If it truly comes to a decisive battle, the troops from Sizhou and Guanxi will likely have to merge and converge with the main force... If we cross the river with one hundred thirty thousand troops and then merge with Cheng Pu and Xu Rong, we could end up with two hundred thousand battle and support troops clustered in a localized battlefield. At that point, it would only appear bloated and not necessarily be of much help to the war effort.\" Gongsun Xun spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reply to Your Highness.\" It was Lou Gui's turn to step forward and respond. \"Previously, the Privy Council and the Ministry of War held discussions and formulated plans. One suggestion was to designate the various forces from Guanxi and General Cheng's force from Sizhou as the general reserve. That is to say, apart from a small number of troops defending Wuguan and the passes around Luoyang, the bulk of the remaining forces would be stationed in the Hongnong area and would not provide support unless absolutely necessary. Conversely, having such a force behind us, ready to flow downstream at any time to support the battlefield along the Great River, or to march south to Yingchuan when necessary, or even to cross Wuguan covertly and strike directly at Nanyang — wouldn't that be precisely the way to deliver the final, decisive blow?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun nodded slightly. \"This is indeed a reasonable arrangement. Let's tentatively set it as such. However, the battlefield is chaotic, and we do not know how it will develop. Many previous plans have also been discarded. We must prepare multiple contingencies for adapting to changing circumstances... Let's do this: Zibo will take the lead, with Wenhe and Gongda participating. The Ministry of War, the Privy Council, and the Jing'an Bureau will work together to revise and design several major strategic plans. We must ensure thorough preparations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon these words, Han Dang, Jia Xu, Xun You, and Xi Zhong all stepped forward to accept the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, as the main matters seemed to have been grasped, Gongsun Xun said no more and instead looked again toward Dong Zhao. \"Gongren, the Dragon Boat Festival on the fifth day of the fifth month, the dragon boat event and military parade by the Zhang River at Bronze Bird Terrace — there should be no issues, correct?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Gongren also stepped forward calmly. \"Please rest assured, Your Highness. The dragon boats are an annual event, and the elite troops of Yexia are exceptionally well-trained in peacetime. It is merely a matter of marching once along the river outside the city on that day. I have long since made all arrangements on my end, and I have also assigned tasks to all the generals of Yexia...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not the Yexia elites!\" Gongsun Xun suddenly laughed. \"Or rather, not entirely the Yexia elites... Your locally mobilized troops from Jizhou should be assembled extremely quickly, correct?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is only natural.\" Dong Zhao was momentarily baffled. \"Your Highness wants them to participate in the parade?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just tell me how many can be assembled for the parade?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although orders were issued earlier to inspect the squads and companies, tally the numbers, and inventory the stored military equipment, the parade is far too rushed, with only a few days remaining.\" Dong Zhao could not help but grow anxious. \"At that time, at most, only the local men of Wei Commandery can be assembled and armed... which would be barely over ten thousand men. Moreover, among them, veterans, commandery troops, and support troops and civilian laborers who have only undergone basic squad and company training would be too mixed and chaotic, with no time at all to sort them into proper military units.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter.\" Gongsun Xun did not elaborate, but made a decisive ruling and immediately turned to other matters. \"Ten thousand men is sufficient! Are there any other matters?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assembled men looked at each other, each with their own speculations, and so they all said no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Left Chancellor Shen Pei suddenly stepped forward. \"Your Highness, in late spring of the third month, over ten university students passed the spring archery and policy examinations. Regardless of their specific examination subjects, they all requested to join the military...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are they?\" Gongsun Xun asked casually. \"Since they seek battle, why not grant their request?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The others are one thing, but the top scorer in this session's Classics and Laws examination, Sima Yi, is only eighteen, claims to be nineteen, and has not yet undergone his capping ceremony. Then there is the top scorer in Literature, Wang Can, Wang Zhongxuan. Although he has undergone his capping ceremony, he is frail and thin...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grant them all.\" Gongsun Xun curled his lip before Shen Pei even finished. \"Since they are all so eager to seek merit and establish themselves, why not grant their wish? Let Wang Can accompany Wang Xiang and learn to handle military documentation. As for Sima Yi, permit him to undergo his capping ceremony and join the army as a... platoon commander under Xu Huang. I will then bestow his courtesy name upon him — it will inevitably be Zhongda anyway... I just wonder, among the eight brothers in his family, besides Bo, Zhong, Shu, Ji, and the youngest, who must be Youda, what are the other three called!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ten high ministers in the hall could not help but laugh again. Only Shen Pei, after laughing, still seemed to hesitate, wanting to speak further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhengnan, if you have something to say, say it.\" Gongsun Xun grew even more casual. \"Now that you are Chancellor, have you become distant with me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness!\" Shen Pei pondered briefly, then raised his head and replied. \"Your servant also wishes to emulate these two and join the army to go to the front lines...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other Chancellors in the hall and Dong Zhao immediately became solemn, but Gongsun Xun burst out laughing involuntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant believes that although General Who Guards the East is exceptionally talented as a commander and a rare all-rounder, his character is proud and haughty. When facing some nameless minor figures in Xuzhou, he might well become careless...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's heart stirred slightly, and his expression became serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And your servant has known Guan Zhendong for many years and understands him well. If I go to Qingzhou to serve as his rear support, I can certainly guarantee that Qingzhou will be secure, and also allow Guan Zhendong to feel at ease about his rear, enabling him to exercise his command talents on the front line.\" Having said this, Shen Pei performed a grand ceremonial bow in the hall. \"Your servant knows that the position of Left Chancellor is the pinnacle of nobility. I also often think that back when I followed Your Highness across the river to Xiangping, how could I ever have imagined the nobility I enjoy today? And since I enjoy this great authority and supreme nobility, I should act with prudence, not betraying Your Highness's profound kindness. In particular, I should not seek military authority again. However, Guan Zhendong's character is too proud, and I fear that without me, an old friend of many years, no one could properly restrain him... Therefore, your servant is willing to resign from the position of Left Chancellor, to set the record straight!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apart from the ten high ministers, there were only some Voluntary Followers recording and standing guard in the hall. When one person spoke, the others naturally fell silent, so when no one spoke, it was already quiet to the point where one could hear a pin drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Shen Pei's action seemed to elevate the silence in the great hall to an even higher level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It reached the point where one could truly hear a pin drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this silence lasted only a moment. Gongsun Xun stood up, stepped forward, and helped Shen Pei to his feet. \"In all these eighteen years, Zhengnan's boldness in undertaking tasks remains as it was of old, unchanged by today's success and fame. This is my good fortune... For the sake of the system, I approve your request to resign as Left Chancellor. But when Zhengnan goes to Qingzhou to hold the fort for Yunchang, this position will certainly remain vacant, awaiting your return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men in the hall, following Shen Pei's lead, all bowed down together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—————I am the dividing line of a position held vacant awaiting a lord—————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the sixth year of the Jian'an era, just months after the founding ancestor of this dynasty, styled Duke of Yan, established his government, a great war was about to erupt in the Central Plains. Left Chancellor Shen Pei, citing the proud and haughty nature of Qingzhou Governor Guan Yu, requested to resign and go to Qingzhou to assist him. The founding ancestor sighed, grasped his hand, and said: 'In the eighteen years we have known each other, I have always known that Zhengnan dares to undertake tasks. For the sake of the system, I permit your resignation, but the position of Left Chancellor shall remain vacant, awaiting your return.' Later, Jizhou Governor Dong Zhao acted in the Left Chancellor's stead. Zhao was overjoyed. His younger brother, Dong Fang, was puzzled and asked: 'The Left Chancellorship inherently belongs to Shen Zhengnan. With war breaking out, Elder Brother toils in this role, yet gains nothing substantial from it. Why are you so happy?' Zhao scoffed and said: 'The Duke of Yan has known for eighteen years that Shen Zhengnan dares to undertake tasks. I have also known for eighteen years that the Duke of Yan has never failed anyone! Now that I am acting in the Left Chancellor's stead, how could I gain nothing?!' Fang withdrew in shame.\" — A New Account of the Tales of the World, Chapter of Recognition and Judgment\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5109,"2026-06-04T19:42:52.587Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","eae59a648ddf1868cea69209e3d72eac358003dfd1f60320086c71acfdc84529","overthrowing-han-chapter-473","overthrowing-han-chapter-471",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]