[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-518":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},1223277,1620,"Chapter 518: Latecomers' Regret at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace","overthrowing-han-chapter-518",518,"\u003Cp>Jia Xu likewise maintained an uncanny silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this political tide was not only a test for Gongsun Xun, nor only a test for the Jing'an Commissioner Xi Zhong, who had kept silent and out of sight all along — it was equally a crucial test for him, Jia Xu, because he was the Prime Minister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister of Yan was no mere figurehead. Only after occupying this position did Jia Wenhe truly feel what it meant to hold the reins of power under Heaven... especially this year, after Gongsun Xun returned to Yexia from Mount Wangwu, he had largely refrained from large-scale interference in the operations of the various government bodies. And when the de facto \"imperial authority\" chose to show leniency toward the bureaucracy, certain things naturally became taken for granted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten years ago, Jia Wenhe, then a mere subordinate clerk of the Three Excellencies, could never have imagined that one day he would be able to decide the appointments and dismissals of court officials across more than half the realm, that he could allocate and deploy the granary supplies of over a dozen provinces, that he could twice a year select the young talents of the entire empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the pinnacle of life that any scholar-official earnestly craved, and Jia Wenhe was no exception... In fact, he cherished this opportunity even more, because he had never imagined he would actually reach this position. No one had ever imagined he would reach this position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this, he was profoundly grateful to Gongsun Xun for the promotion, yet all the more determined to do the job well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Lu Fan's almost certain return next year, it gave Jia Xu an intense desire to draw a perfect full stop to his one-year term as Prime Minister... Come to think of it, the punctuation marks that spread across the realm since the Xiping Stone Classics seemed to have been devised by the very lord before him now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And under these circumstances, with his lord about to reach the pinnacle of life, how would he respond to this subtly rising political tide?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Xu had already made up his mind. If this de facto supreme ruler of the realm needed him, the Prime Minister, to take responsibility or respond, then he would have nothing to say... He was about to leave office anyway, his reputation was already poor anyway, and everything had been bestowed by this supreme ruler before him. It would just be a slight pity, that was all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenhe, I have already understood your meaning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun, who had been standing with hands clasped behind his back watching the sunset for a long time, suddenly turned around and smiled faintly at his Prime Minister. \"Rest assured, I will handle this matter personally! You are the Prime Minister of the state — spring sowing and autumn harvest, personnel and military affairs, the operation of heaven and earth, the harmony of yin and yang, all depend on you. A mere matter of court attacks and slander does not yet require your worry... Go back at ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Xu realized something almost instantly. He first started slightly, then retreated several steps, and right there in the pavilion, with solemn expression, performed a grand ceremonial obeisance. Only then did he take his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Prime Minister had gone, the numerous personal guards and clerks instinctively sensed a serious atmosphere. And sure enough, Gongsun Xun continued to gaze outside with hands clasped behind his back, then spoke casually:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Summon Dong Gongren, Governor of Jizhou, here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi, standing by the door, felt his heart leap, but dared not delay. Immediately, he and Ma Dai stepped forward, bowed their heads, and acknowledged the order. At once, an officer of the personal guard hurried off to summon Dong Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this time it was already dusk, the sun setting. By the time the message reached Dong Zhao, it would naturally be dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the personal guards split into two groups: one went to search for him at the Governor's official residence within the Bronze Sparrow Terrace complex, while the other went to intercept him at Dong Zhao's residence near the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. In the end, they found him at the gate of his residence. By then, the sky had completely darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the darker it grew, the less Dong Gongren dared to delay. There was even a hint of secret delight... On one hand, this man was exceptionally talented, excelling in both civil administration and strategy. But on the other hand, he never concealed his pursuit of high office and had always been scorned by the pure and upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Dong Zhao did not care. What he had always cared about most was that, as a founding hero of the first generation, the traditional paths of official promotion were often useless. One had to go by seniority and merit... as well as so-called \"imperial favor.\" And having arrived late on the scene, he clearly felt a slight lack of confidence at the level of the top three among the seven chancellors. His one term in office had been an acting appointment, and to make matters worse, behind and beside him were outstanding candidates like Cheng Yu, Xun You, and Zhong Yao, along with two Gongsun clan kinsmen, all eyeing the position covetously — which made it all the more unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Gongsun Xun was summoning him regardless of the darkness, and since he had always seen through political situations with crystal clarity, he naturally guessed the reason at once, and delight surged in his heart... To be an official, one must first and foremost keep in step with one's superior. This was a task he was happy to undertake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a matter I wish you, Gongren, to handle.\" The ornate lamps had just been lit. Gongsun Xun had been standing silently in the inner cabinet, and only when Dong Zhao arrived did he turn around, giving only a few brief instructions. \"Soon, in mid-September, Yexia University will again hold the policy examination by ballot. As you know, replacing the recommendation system with anonymous examinations is the fundamental policy of the Yan state... Anyone, regardless of origin or background, who can pass the entrance exam may enter the University. During their time at the University, those who can pass the regular basic subject assessments may participate in the twice-yearly policy examinations by ballot and enter official service as an officer or clerk... The purpose of this is to eliminate as much as possible the influence of empty reputation and the advantage of family background. Is that correct?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is!\" Dong Zhao bowed his head carefully, listening with ever greater attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now I hear there is a group of people — some young students of Yexia University, some scholars not from the University — who could be considered a group of young talents, yet they refuse to settle their minds on their studies... Worse still, these people often gather in the bustling area between Ye City and the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, spending all day drinking, making merry, and discoursing on the realm, saying this policy of the court is no good, that official lacks virtue... That in itself would be tolerable. Young scholars — what else would they talk about? But they have also taken to imitating the scenes from the time of Emperor Ling, holding regular gatherings to appraise young scholars, saying this man is the finest in Henei, that man is second in Xuzhou, once again promoting family background and filial virtue, and using these two things to disparage the examinations and attack students of humble origin. Can this trend be allowed to grow?\" Gongsun Xun suddenly raised his voice to ask again. \"As the chief official of Jizhou, are you aware of this matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden solemnity fell over the candlelit inner cabinet. Many clerks and personal guards had not heard Gongsun Xun speak in this tone for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person being questioned, however, was not perturbed. On the contrary, Dong Gongren's heart was now completely clear, and he immediately bowed his head and acknowledged the order:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the best of this subject's knowledge, there is indeed such a group.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Explain.\" Gongsun Xun, who had been standing all afternoon, finally clasped his hands behind his back and returned to his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reporting to Your Highness,\" Dong Zhao turned around and spoke with assurance. \"At first, these people were mostly young men from the newly surrendered lands of the Central Plains and the Huai region. Many had already entered official service earlier, but because they were from surrendered territories, and because Yexia students were successively entering officialdom through the examinations and going south to replace them... Ah, and there were also some from the Chang'an court, in similar circumstances. That is why they had no choice but to come here one after another, trying to find a way forward in Yexia. But then, as it happened, their talent and learning were poor, or they could not adapt to the Yexia curriculum, making it very difficult to re-enter official service. It was from this that resentment arose, and they began to gather and stir up trouble. It is only because they had some reputation in ordinary times that they have also drawn in the participation of quite a few Yexia students.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This bears a striking resemblance to when we first pacified the Three Adjuncts and the locals there disparaged the dog-fur hats of Youzhou,\" Gongsun Xun suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness is quite right.\" Dong Gongren continued with assurance. \"Although Cao Mengde and Liu Xuande also imitate Your Highness in implementing new policies, they mostly focus on the immediate and somewhat neglect long-term strategies. Their military colonies and land surveys are acceptable, but in other areas... especially in the use of personnel, their so-called examinations are basically empty shells, still relying in essence on recommendations from friends and kin. For instance, Cao Mengde deliberately employs men from humble families, and Liu Xuande disregards background — but it still largely depends on personal connections. Therefore, when these people came here and did these things, it was initially, in essence, still about seeking office and meeting with rejection. It was still because Your Highness did not employ them, so they inevitably harbored resentment, and through this they hoped to attract the attention of high officials and nobles, and even Your Highness himself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have indeed taken notice,\" Gongsun Xun nodded slowly, seemingly without expressing approval or disapproval. \"It can also be considered human nature. Anyone in their position would feel resentment. I should not pay it too much mind. But how is it that these people can reside long-term in Yexia? How is it that their appraisals of figures can truly form public opinion? How is it that there are Yexia officials influenced by them? For these matters, you, as the Governor of a province, must take responsibility! Investigate clearly how this came about, and then formally report back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subject has been derelict in his duty!\" Dong Zhao's heart grew ever more enlightened, and he repeatedly voiced his assent. \"I beg Your Highness to grant me a few days. This subject guarantees to investigate this matter thoroughly before this autumn's policy examination by ballot! And to give an account to Your Highness and to the realm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go,\" Gongsun Xun's voice was especially distant and ethereal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, after summoning Dong Zhao, Gongsun Xun, the Duke of Yan, delayed no further. He immediately dismissed the inner cabinet and returned directly to the ducal residence at the rear, located on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. The permanently stationed Yellow Pavilion clerks and the off-duty civil and military officers of the White Horse Volunteers also departed one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the others, let us speak only of Sima Yi. Returning to his official residence on the eastern side of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, he did not even change his clothes before sitting blankly under the eaves for a long time, his heart hesitant and uncertain... After a long while, he finally sighed, rose abruptly, changed into plain clothes, and hurried out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, Ye City was originally a famous city and ancient capital of Hebei, the very essence of the region. And after Gongsun Xun defeated Yuan Shao and made this place his de facto capital, it advanced by leaps and bounds. As for the construction of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, unexpectedly, it did not, as one might imagine, waste labor and drain resources or cause economic harm in the traditional sense. Instead, it indirectly expanded the city's scope and shaped a new bustling area of Yexia — the Bronze Sparrow Terrace was located over ten li southwest of Ye City, built along the Zhang River. Surrounding it were piled numerous imperial guard barracks, government offices, cuju football fields, horse-racing tracks, official mansions, clerk dormitories, as well as cargo and passenger docks. And south of Ye City, public housing had been specially constructed to rent cheaply to Yexia students. Thus, the two areas naturally connected along the roads with tea houses, wine shops, and inns, merging into one with the already prosperous Yexia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, it was just early evening, still far from the curfew. In fact, with the day's work just ended, it was precisely the best time for Yexia officials, dignitaries, and some traveling scholars to meet and gather... This area was naturally extraordinarily lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Sima Yi, walking among them, though dressed only in plain clothes, he was young, with an extraordinary bearing. His military life gave him a dragon's gait and tiger's stride, his back ramrod straight. Moreover, his plain clothes of Liao brocade, while not extravagant, were enough to reflect his economic standing, along with his jade pendant and the ceremonial saber he never let go of — he was exceptionally striking... Along the way, countless young ladies of official families cast admiring glances, and some even boldly inquired after his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Sima Zhongda had matters on his mind. The splendor all around him could hardly enter his eyes. Instead, he hurried on without stopping, turning left and right, until he finally halted before a residence of extremely high status. Only then did he pause for a moment, and after hesitating for a long time, he stepped forward, announced his name, and requested an audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The master of the residence did not hesitate and directly invited him in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Sima Yi entered the rear hall of this household. Upon entering the hall and confirming that the other party was indeed the person himself, with no idlers around, he actually sat upright and formally knelt on the ground, preparing to pay his respects with the grand old rites that had long fallen out of fashion, and said, \"Governor, save my life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the candlelight, the dark-complexioned and plump Dong Zhao burst out laughing. He did not go to help the other up, but instead directly picked up a cup of tea from his Grand Commandant's chair, took a sip, and then smiled as he faced him: \"What play is Guard Commander Sima putting on here? Some allusion from that newly built theater recently? The one the Empress Dowager has been frequenting lately... Get up quickly. You are the dignified Guard Commander of the White Horse Volunteers. Though your official rank is low, you are a personal retainer of His Highness. Apart from our Duke of Yan himself, no one else can bear such a solemn ceremony from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi was thoroughly embarrassed, his elaborate opening ceremony only half-completed. He could only rise awkwardly and stand in the hall, continuing to bow with clasped hands: \"I have been presumptuous, but I have truly lost my judgment and could only come to seek the Governor's guidance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak directly!\" This time, Dong Zhao calmly accepted the other's bow with clasped hands, and then said dismissively, \"You are the dignified Guard Commander of the White Horse Volunteers, and you have only come to seek guidance. Who would not give you face?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi sighed and finally spoke the truth: \"I will not hide it from Lord Dong. My younger brother Sima Fu is young and ignorant. Among those who gather between the Bronze Sparrow Terrace and Ye City to appraise figures, I fear he is certainly among them...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao was momentarily stunned, and then could not help but fix the other with a strange gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi grew even more discomfited and again bowed with clasped hands, speaking earnestly: \"Lord Dong, after returning home, I pondered this over and over, and I am truly in a dilemma. Not a dilemma over what punishment my younger brother might receive, but a dilemma over how to conduct myself with impartiality... At first, I thought of pretending I had heard nothing today in the inner cabinet and letting him be dealt with and arrested, to show my loyalty. But on second thought, I worried that this would be too clever by half. I clearly did hear it. With a man of Duke Yan's caliber, how could he not know? Would he not instead think me overly pretentious, or even somewhat cold-hearted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dark-faced Dong Gongren held a strangely shaped teacup and remained silent for a long time, while Sima Yi stood with hands clasped, waiting respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter saw clearly: the teacup in the other's hand was one specially bestowed recently from the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. Only the seven chancellors and a handful of others had the privilege of using such items. It was a special, precious ceramic from a certain region in the Central Plains, a unique type of valuable pottery that the Empress Dowager of Yan, Lady Gongsun, had personally named \"white porcelain\" (the white porcelain unearthed from Cao Cao's tomb pushed back the history of Chinese white porcelain by several centuries).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhongda,\" the plump Dong Zhao set down the white porcelain teacup and also sighed. \"Tell me the truth. What exactly did you come to ask? You have followed our Duke of Yan for so long. Do you not understand that His Highness is actually a man who values human nature and sentiment? Whether you pretend not to have heard, or tomorrow bring your brother to plead for mercy or turn himself in, would His Highness truly reprimand you severely? In my view, either speak the truth, or get out!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi was drenched in sweat, his discomfiture growing ever more apparent. Finally, he gritted his teeth and spoke the truth: \"I will not hide it from Lord Dong. What I cannot fathom is how serious this matter truly is. Clearly, before this, we were discussing the affairs of the Jing'an Terrace, the Liaoxi earthquake, and the matter of the Han Emperor in the south having an heir. Clearly, this is a colossal political tide concerning the succession of the Mandate of Heaven. Even this evening, Prime Minister Jia was clearly prepared to resign to give an account of this matter. So why did Duke Yan so easily set his mind at ease, and instead merely send for Lord Dong and solemnly entrust you with such a minor case? A few scholars appraising figures — while admittedly improper — what connection does it have with the matter of the Mandate's succession?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A minor case, you say? I wonder if you truly do not understand or are merely pretending... Sit.\" Dong Zhao sighed with deep feeling. \"Since ancient times, when has such a case ever been minor? Did not the two Disasters of the Partisan Prohibitions also begin as rather minor cases?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Zhongda, who had just settled his rear onto the seat, was so startled that he immediately stood back up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit.\" Under the candlelight, Dong Gongren, holding his white porcelain teacup, spoke dismissively. \"It will not come to that... The two Disasters of the Partisan Prohibitions, to put it plainly, occurred because the House of Han had lost its prestige, and the two Emperors Huan and Ling had no choice but to use such crude measures to suppress the great clans. But a founding sovereign — how lofty is his prestige? Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Shizu, one annexed the enfeoffed kings of different surnames, the other suppressed the powerful families of Hebei. Even the First Emperor, after unifying the six states, suppressed their aristocracies. Were these not similar matters? Yet no one says chaos broke out anywhere, nor does anyone call them disasters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But... but from what the Governor means, this case bears similarities to the Partisan Prohibitions?\" Sima Yi, having sat back down, was so alarmed his heart pounded uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is natural.\" Dong Zhao remained as composed as ever. \"But you truly need not be shocked. You must understand that in politics, the most important thing is personnel, and keeping in step... The Partisan Prohibitions of Emperors Huan and Ling, especially Emperor Ling's, were also for the sake of seizing control over personnel. But the root of that seizure was to make themselves comfortable. Our Duke of Yan, however, has his own political ideals, his own plans, his own convictions. When he seizes control of personnel, it is so that his governance philosophy can proceed unimpeded!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi nodded slightly, clearly recalling those words spoken by his Duke of Yan below Mount Wangwu in Hedong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And let me ask you further: the subordinates Emperors Huan and Ling used to seize control of personnel — what sort of people were they? Mere eunuchs! And who did they exclude? What about our Duke of Yan?\" While Sima Yi was lost in thought, Dong Zhao pressed on with a rapid succession of questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is...\" Sima Yi came back to his senses and instinctively wanted to answer, but found himself unable to speak. Then his face immediately flushed red, losing his composure for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand now?\" Dong Zhao finally laughed. \"Who do you think Duke Yan considers his own people? Is it the people of Hebei? The Gongsun clan kinsmen? The students of Yexia University? Those meritorious officials and original followers who have been with him for many years? None of them! In Duke Yan's eyes, his own people are those who can uphold his laws, maintain and help advance his new policies, and fundamentally reform this realm! Given your position at Duke Yan's side, you should have heard certain declarations from our Duke himself long ago. Why were you unwilling to believe them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi’s expression was flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To others, Duke Yan’s aspirations might still seem shrouded in mist, but between you and me, has he ever concealed them? In his heart, Duke Yan holds a complete strategy for governance — to end the chaos of war while simultaneously eliminating the great clans and local magnates through land surveys and equal-field policies, and to establish a realm where humble households rise through the imperial examinations to enter officialdom!” The smile on Dong Zhao’s dark, plump face grew increasingly pronounced. “And Duke Yan’s breadth of spirit transcends the private interests of any single family or surname!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take the origin of the Jing’an Terrace affair, for instance — the matter of Duke Yan rebuking Guo Jia. Was Guo Fengxiao truly falling from favor? Not at all!” A cool breeze swept through, and Dong Zhao suddenly rose, pacing outward with his head high and hands clasped behind his back, stopping at the porch. Yet his words did not cease. “The so-called reprimand of Guo Fengxiao was merely because his action was indeed somewhat irregular, and only because Duke Yan had previously killed Lu Bu on a whim, he could not openly issue a severe rebuke. As for those who say that what truly offended His Highness was Guo Fengxiao’s excessive haste, which clashed with His Highness’s policy of preferring to go a few steps slower rather than risk deviation… that is even more absurd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our lord understands perfectly well. Guo Fengxiao, in that position, acted with good intentions — to bring unity to the realm a day sooner. Moreover, the chaos in Shu, where it was plain to see that anyone could be blinded by power, also shows that when war drags on, people’s hearts do indeed become corrupted. In other words, Duke Yan knows better than anyone that Guo Fengxiao and he are, in essence, still pulling in the same direction, not some dissident. A minor discord — he can tolerate it! I fear Guo Fengxiao also understands this reasoning, which is why he allows himself such indulgence!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But some people do not understand this reasoning!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi instinctively swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These people — some are newly surrendered scholars from the Central Plains, others are members of the great Hebei clans who have long followed Duke Yan. Some seek office, others are simply discontented with the new policies… but they share one common shortcoming: they are short-sighted and selfish! These people always imagine that in Duke Yan’s eyes, the so-called shift of the realm’s mandate, the act of Yan supplanting Han, the Gongsun clan ascending the throne and proclaiming an emperor — that these are the greatest matters under heaven. This is measuring a hero’s heart with a petty man’s mind! Unlike me, who knew this Duke Yan was a hero over a decade ago, and thus never committed such an absurd error!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Yi’s face had already turned deathly pale and could barely hold its composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And so, when these petty men saw Yizhou fall in three months and the great trend of the realm become irreversible, they hesitated no longer! Believing themselves to be scholars who could sway public opinion, they seized the chance to stir up clamor, prattling on endlessly, borrowing the discourse of Heaven’s mandate and the authority of virtuous succession, making a noisy racket — all merely trying to seize this heaven-sent opportunity to strike a bargain with Duke Yan… Do you believe it? If Duke Yan gave them offices and slightly relaxed the new policies, they would immediately turn around and extol Duke Yan’s sagely virtue! Urging Duke Yan to ascend the throne sooner, to proclaim himself emperor sooner! To replace the Liu with the Gongsun sooner! To supplant Han with Yan sooner!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhongda, tell me — are the antics of these people not just like certain scoundrel alchemists, or even beggarly rogues, in the old Luoyang markets? When they see someone getting married, building a new house, or opening a new shop, they come to the door declaring this inauspicious and that unsuitable. Then, once they are paid, everything suddenly becomes most auspicious and favorable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, the dark, plump Dong Zhao turned to look at Sima Zhongda, whose hands were trembling, and laughed so hard he could barely contain himself, nearly choking on his mirth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But alas! What these rogues do not know is that Duke Yan does not care about any of that! What he cares about is precisely what those people resent! What a pity, Zhongda — your prospects were so bright. How is it that you have a foolish younger brother who likes to follow others and play the beggar? With eight brothers in your family, how will Duke Yan view you brothers from now on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sima Zhongda tried to rise, but found only that his legs had gone weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the ninth month, the season belonging to the third of autumn. By day, the autumn heat still lingered, somewhat stifling, but at night it suddenly turned cool. And just as Dong Zhao was imparting his most precious life experience to Sima Yi, on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, Duke Yan Gongsun Xun, who had long known of this matter through secret reports from the Jing’an Terrace, paid it not the slightest heed. Instead, he held a white porcelain cup, standing on a slightly lower observation platform, gazing contentedly at the myriad lights of households below the distant Bronze Sparrow Terrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, my lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Duke Yan’s eldest daughter, Gongsun Li, suddenly appeared, bringing her father a fresh pot of warm tea. After pouring it, she naturally held her own cup and asked, “It is so late — what is Father, my lord, looking at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking at the realm.” Gongsun Xun accepted the tea, took a sip, and turned his head slightly, answering with a smile. “Your father’s realm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>———I am the shameless dividing line———\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Among the rising talents Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang, and Wang Can, people of the time all said: Sima Yi inherited Dong Zhao’s talent and virtue, and Jia Xu’s self-discipline; Zhuge Liang practiced Lu Fan’s magnanimity, Wang Xiu’s loyalty, and Xun You’s meticulousness; only Wang Can attained merely Wang Xiang’s literary skill.” — A New Account of the Tales of the World, Chapter of Recognition and Judgment\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: It’s raining in Beijing… One could say this is lying awake at night listening to the wind-blown rain, with armored steeds and icy rivers entering my dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4836,"2026-06-04T19:42:52.587Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","fc95317f471471c2f5614a8e4cea6683b128d82ddd6ddc231dd95b0ea91145b5","overthrowing-han-chapter-519","overthrowing-han-chapter-517",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]