[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-95":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},1222854,1620,"Chapter 95: A Small Scheme","overthrowing-han-chapter-95",95,"\u003Cp>The Xianbei did not pursue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Gongsun Xun finally returned safely to Shanggu Commandery and encamped beneath the walls of Juyang City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief rest and reorganization, and after confirming from Prefect Hou that Zang Min had been nearly annihilated and Xia Yu had returned in crushing defeat, he immediately assigned tasks: Lou Gui was sent to Ningcheng to see Xia Yu; Han Dang was ordered to lead the cavalry beyond the border walls to continue searching for and gathering the scattered survivors; then Lu Fan, Cheng Pu, Gao Shun, Cheng Lian, Wei Yue, and the others set about reorganizing within the camp... Naturally, Jia Chao and others were also each dispatched with a letter, riding at speed to Liaoxi, Luoyang, Lujiang, Zhuojun, Taiyuan, Yanmen, and other places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter to Liaoxi goes without saying; those to Liu Kuan in Luoyang, Lu Zhi in Lujiang, Guo Yun in Yanmen, Dong Zhuo in Taiyuan, and Liu Yu in Zhuojun were mainly to report the battle situation, lest that Xia Yu truly be so audacious as to bury his own battle merits and hardships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after that... after that, it was simply lying down quietly to recover from his wounds. What else?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenqi!\" One afternoon several days later, Lu Fan, who had been speaking with Cheng Pu and the others, was overjoyed to see his lord emerge from the barracks on his own and hurried forward to greet him. \"You've come at just the right time. Prefect Hou has sent someone with beef and wine to express his regards...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boil the beef and eat it; keep the wine for the wounded to cleanse their wounds,\" Gongsun Xun replied crisply. \"Also, after burying so many brothers yesterday, morale is low. You can arrange a few cuju matches to boost spirits. And if that goes smoothly, you can also invite Prefect Hou and the local prominent families to come watch... It seems to me that after this great defeat, even here in Shanggu Commandery, people's hearts are somewhat unsettled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aye!\" The several officers quickly assented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And those severely wounded who escaped with their lives,\" Gongsun Xun continued, dragging his left shoulder. \"Tell them not to lose heart. My family is wealthy; we have trading posts, warehouses, and properties aplenty. There will always be a place for them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Commandant, you are truly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right,\" Gongsun Xun suddenly asked again. \"Has Xia Yu still not given any word? From Juyang to Ningcheng is but a day's journey, yet Zibo has been gone three days. What is he doing over there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who knows?\" Lu Fan responded with a cold sneer. \"If you ask me, it would be better if he remained silent. We could just wait for him to be carted off to Luoyang in a cage cart, and then wouldn't we be free and clear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun wore a faint, ambiguous smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just as these few were talking within the military camp, they suddenly noticed a cloud of dust rising far off on the official road outside the camp gate, followed by the neighing of warhorses. Clearly, several riders had arrived directly before the camp gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun led the group out to investigate and could not help but laugh: \"Speak of Zibo and Zibo arrives. And it seems my elder cousin has come as well...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenqi!\" There are some people who, the moment they appear, always draw the most attention, and Gongsun Zan was clearly such a person. His appearance, physique, and booming voice truly left others with nothing to say. \"You've accomplished another great deed! And it seems your wounds are no longer a concern?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least I survived! As for you, elder cousin...\" Gongsun Xun had intended to jest that the other man's luck was poor and he had again missed his chance, but such words were ultimately not suitable to speak outside, so he honestly changed his phrasing. \"Elder cousin, you've come personally. Could it be that Lord Xia has given some instructions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What instructions could there be?\" Hearing this casual question, Gongsun Zan could not help but let out a long sigh. \"The great army had only been beyond the border for a few days when barely three or four out of ten returned in utter defeat. In such circumstances, what words could he possibly have? To be frank with you, I did not come here specifically with this Lou Zibo to find you. I was sent to Juyang to deliver a letter to my father-in-law and happened to be traveling the same way...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's speak slowly,\" Gongsun Xun also wished to hear the specifics and promptly invited the other to rest here for a while. \"Since you are already here outside Juyang City, there is no rush. We brothers should indeed have a talk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is true,\" Gongsun Zan nodded slightly. \"We should indeed have a talk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When these two wished to speak, the others naturally tactfully withdrew. A moment later, someone quickly brought two camp stools, and the two cousins sat down beneath the shade of a tree in the camp to converse at leisure. Only then did Gongsun Xun come to understand the full situation over there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the military situation was largely as Gongsun Xun had imagined... That evening, Tanshihuai had force-marched and caught the tail of the Han main force, inflicting heavy losses. When the great fire broke out at Mount Danhan, the Xianbei withdrew one after another, which finally gave the Han army a chance to catch its breath and return to Gaoliu Fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the truly interesting information was not limited to military matters... For instance, Xia Yu had lost the tally at the moment of battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenqi, you are unaware,\" Gongsun Zan said, wiping his mouth with a cold sneer after finishing a jug of warm salted water. \"Although everyone says with one voice that the officer guarding the tally died in battle, in truth, after I entered the fortress, I clearly saw that man with my own eyes... Judging by his intent, he was merely planning to lie low for a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has no one reported this to Lord Xia?\" Gongsun Xun asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who would bother with this at a time like this?\" Gongsun Zan retorted boldly. \"Defeated in battle and having lost the tally, Xia Yu's fate is nine times out of ten to be carted to Luoyang in a cage cart and then demoted to a commoner. And in this defeat, the casualties were not few; everyone in the army, from top to bottom, harbors some resentment. That being the case, why trouble oneself to cost another comrade his life for such a man? And besides, even if one were to report this man, could the tally be recovered?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I originally thought he would only be demoted in rank,\" Gongsun Xun shook his head repeatedly, also deciding not to dwell on this matter. \"I never imagined such a thing would happen. Elder cousin, you are right; this time, Xia Yu will likely be directly reduced to a commoner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As the saying goes, when a wall is falling, everyone gives it a push,\" Gongsun Zan sighed again. \"Do you know why that Lou Gui you sent cannot get an audience with him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would like to hear the details.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As soon as we entered Gaoliu Fortress, Prefect Wang of Dai Commandery, on the grounds of losing the tally, directly seized back his commandery troops to reinforce the border defenses...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One cannot really blame Prefect Wang for that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And after we returned to Ningcheng, those Wuhuan tribal chieftains have been making trouble all day...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although the barbarians are detestable, this time one truly cannot say these Wuhuan are making unreasonable demands... Having dealt with the Wuhuan for many years in Liaoxi, how could we not know the nature of these chieftains? Every one of them treats his tribesmen as private property. Now that they have lost so much of their property, it is only natural they want it back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly,\" Gongsun Zan sneered. \"In truth, even the Wuhuan know he is about to fall, so none of them fear him. And for Xia Yu, having lost so many troops this time, and with Prefect Wang taking away the Dai Commandery troops, he himself is powerless to act... To be frank, the reason he sent me to Juyang today is for nothing else but to deliver a letter to my father-in-law, hoping my father-in-law will not follow Prefect Wang's example and so swiftly take back the commandery troops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that not a fool's dream?\" The sun was setting in the west, and the shade of the tree shifted. Gongsun Xun supported his left arm, which had regained some feeling due to the sunlight, his face full of disapproval. \"I have been in Juyang for a few days and have seen our Prefect Hou twice. I could see clearly that he is deeply worried about border defense. Your trip this time, elder cousin, will likely please neither side!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly,\" Gongsun Zan repeated this phrase again upon hearing this, his expression growing even more grim. \"But I am also unlucky, to have been so blind as to enter his staff as a subordinate officer... Wenqi, you do not know, that evening when Zang Min sent his personal follower Sun Jian to report the military situation, I begged him to send a messenger to inform you, but he instead... Well, never mind. You can ask that Lou Zibo about this matter yourself. He has been in Ningcheng for two days and should have already inquired clearly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was too much information in these words. Gongsun Xun was stunned for a moment before he grasped it: \"Many thanks for your kind intentions, elder cousin... So, is this why Xia Yu has not sent anyone to demand the return of his central army? Has he already realized that I will not give it back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I imagine that is the case... Putting myself in your shoes, I also do not believe you could endure such a thing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let us set that aside,\" Gongsun Zan suddenly asked again. \"There is one more thing. Wenqi, do you have any advice you can offer me? For the past two years, I have been running around in circles seeking an official start, yet have accomplished nothing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an old topic, so Gongsun Xun immediately brought up the old suggestion: \"Elder cousin, you would do better to return to Liaoxi, where it is secure. After all, there is one Filial and Incorrupt nomination each year. I will write to my father-in-law to request it; there will always be a place for you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand your meaning,\" Gongsun Zan shook his head repeatedly. \"To be recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, one must indeed return to one's native place. However, after this experience, I also see clearly that without some deeds and reputation, even if one is forcibly recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, the future official career will likely be difficult... Just like you. Had you not performed that deed in Liaoxi which stirred the realm, how would you have gained such regard from the Governor of Bingzhou? And had you not gained the Governor's support, how would you have had such elite troops to snatch life from death at Mount Danhan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This logic was at most somewhat biased, but could not be called wrong. However, to wish both to be recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and to perform deeds that would bring fame, thus leaving others with nothing to say... that seemed to be asking too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does elder cousin intend to do?\" Gongsun Xun had not originally wished to meddle much in the affairs of this clan cousin who possessed great fortune. But, seeing that the other man had still thought of him under those previous circumstances, he could hardly pretend to be deaf and dumb; that would truly be heartless... Besides, they were brothers who had grown up together since childhood, and he truly could not get past that hurdle in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In truth, there is a good opportunity right before my eyes,\" Gongsun Zan said frankly. \"Wenqi, you have many ideas; why not help me consider it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is likely the real reason he came to find me today, Gongsun Xun understood in his heart, but his expression remained as normal: \"Elder cousin, please speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Given the current climate, if one wishes to be valued by all under Heaven, it comes down to nothing more than the two words: loyalty and filial piety. Filial piety aside, there is still much to be made of the word loyalty!\" Having said this, Gongsun Zan studied his cousin's expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Gongsun Xun's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, and he could not help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said, during the Han dynasty, especially the Later Han, due to the widespread existence of the so-called dual concept of lordship, the so-called 'loyalty' did not entirely refer to loyalty to the state and the Son of Heaven. Often, it referred to loyalty to one's patron or commandery governor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Gongsun Xun himself, for example. When he was previously summoned by the public carriage, it was not merely because he had displayed some military talent in the Liaoxi campaign. More so, it was because his actions at the time extremely conformed to the values and moral principles esteemed in that era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think about it and you will understand. Gongsun Xun at that time held the status of a Liaoxi Commandery clerk. Thus, when facing the Liaoxi Grand Administrator, there was a flavor of a subject facing his lord. Therefore, his act of risking life and limb for his lord's mother carried the added weight of 'loyalty'—of fighting to the death for one's lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was, of course, a conduct highly recognized by the scholar-officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the matter at hand, to whom was Gongsun Zan's loyalty directed? Or rather, who was his lord at this moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer was none other than Xia Yu, who had been their superior for barely a few months. To Gongsun Xun, a court-appointed officer and Commandant of a Separate Division, this Bearer of the Tally and Colonel Protector of the Wuhuan was merely a superior officer. But to Gongsun Zan, a subordinate clerk in the army, he was an absolute lord!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Gongsun Xun supported his left arm, forced himself to lean lower, and asked: \"Elder cousin, what do you mean by this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will not hide it from you, Wenqi,\" Gongsun Zan also leaned in and confessed candidly. \"I am now a subordinate clerk to that Xia Yu, and he is now on the verge of being convicted. My intention is to abandon my post and follow his cage cart to Luoyang... What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun's heart stirred, but he quickly shook his head: \"Elder cousin, your thinking is correct, but this idea is utterly absurd!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" Gongsun Zan asked dismissively. \"This idea was given to me by a trusted friend I came to know here. This man truly possesses some stratagem, not inferior to your Lu Fan or Lou Gui...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is this person?\" Gongsun Xun asked with a face full of curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His surname is Guan, given name Jing, style name Shiqi... I won't hide it from you either. This man is precisely that officer who abandoned the tally. He has come to take refuge with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak plainly — what exactly is absurd about it?\" Gongsun Zan pressed on urgently. \"Don't tell me you're in such a rush for revenge? Forgive my bluntness, but this is not the right time for revenge. For one thing, everyone under heaven has their eyes on him; for another, anyone with half a mind would most likely guess it was your doing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Xun gave an awkward smile, then hastily shook his head. \"Elder Brother misunderstands. I merely think this sort of thing isn't enough to make your name resound across the realm... You're only following his prisoner cart to Luoyang, not all the way to Rinan — what fame can that possibly bring!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gongsun Zan sighed at once. \"That is true... but I truly cannot wait any longer!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Elder Brother trust me?\" Gongsun Xun suddenly asked, his tone distant in the setting sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I didn't trust you, why would I be asking you this?\" Gongsun Zan couldn't help but be taken aback. \"From the sound of it, do you have some other excellent plan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do have an idea!\" Gongsun Xun said with a cold smile. \"Elder Brother, why not carry out this scheme first, and then follow his prisoner cart into Luoyang? If you do it this way, I fear the moment you enter Luoyang, your name will resound across the realm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak quickly,\" Gongsun Zan said, as if a hundred claws were scratching at his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first step: tonight, when Elder Brother enters the city to see our Commandery Governor Hou, you must make sure Governor Hou swiftly and forcibly demands the return of those Shanggu commandery troops. Then, with Ningcheng's forces depleted, perhaps those Wuhuan people will seize the opportunity to make trouble and detain...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That won't work!\" Gongsun Zan shook his head repeatedly before he'd even heard half of it. \"These Shanggu Wuhuan are different from the Liaoxi Wuhuan. These ones have lived and multiplied within the borders for generations; they still know their limits. Every one of them is as shrewd as a ghost... The troops are already lost — why would they detain a two-thousand-bushel official over something that's already gone?! All this fuss they're making is just to seek wealth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then spend money and hire them to detain you!\" Gongsun Xun said dismissively. \"As you said yourself, aren't they just seeking wealth? Find the most aggressive, boldest Wuhuan chieftain, promise him two million cash — if two million won't do, make it four million; if four million won't do, promise him five million. See if he's not tempted?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Putting on a show?!\" Gongsun Zan's face was full of astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... Aunt is paying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The way Elder Brother speaks — she's already paid for your wedding and your house; can she not also pay a little Filial and Incorrupt money for you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Filial and Incorrupt money... And then, at the appointed time, I will summon my courage and drive these people away?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No!\" Gongsun Xun shook his head solemnly again. \"Elder Brother should kneel down and beg to offer yourself in his place!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that five million cash would presumably be to ransom me?\" Gongsun Zan finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Brother sees clearly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is excellent... it's just that five million cash is, after all, far too much.\" Gongsun Zan suddenly looked a little embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is Elder Brother thinking?\" Gongsun Xun remained solemn. \"A pack of barbarians, defying their superiors and stirring up rebellion — as an Army Major, is it not my duty to devise a plan to suppress them? And my own troops are all elite. We'll find some secluded place to ransom the man, and once Elder Brother returns safely, I'll strike in one surge and seize the money back! At the same time, it will be the perfect chance to intimidate these reckless Wuhuan dogs!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenqi truly is a master of strategy, far superior to that Guan Shiqi.\" Gongsun Zan grew ever more impressed with this clan brother of his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A minor scheme, that's all.\" Gongsun Xun had meant to smile, but unexpectedly his left arm throbbed with pain, and he forcibly stopped himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————— I am a sincere dividing line —————————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"(Gongsun) Zan served as a subordinate officer under the Colonel Protector of the Wuhuan. It happened that the Colonel went beyond the frontier and his army was defeated. Returning to Ningcheng to take roll, of the Han troops and Wuhuan under his command, four or five in ten were lost. The Wuhuan had always regarded their tribal followers as private property, and the various chieftains thus pressed the Colonel, demanding a huge sum. With few troops in Ningcheng, the Colonel could not restrain them, and chaos erupted, with blades pressed urgently against him. At that moment, Zan was at his side. Weeping, he knelt and pleaded: 'In the past I was a son; now I am a subject — how could I betray either? Zan's family is a great house in Liaoxi, possessed of considerable wealth. I beg to offer myself in his place!' The Wuhuan, pursuing profit, agreed. Later, his Liaoxi family indeed ransomed him back with a vast sum of ten million cash. Some days afterward, the Colonel, charged with the defeat, was taken by prisoner cart to Luoyang. Official law does not permit close subordinates to attend, but Zan again altered his appearance and dress, falsely claiming to be an attendant soldier. He personally undertook menial care and drove the cart to Luoyang to serve. His teacher Liu Kuan, hearing of this, told those around him: 'Zan has attained loyalty!'\" — A New Account of the Tales of the World, Chapter on Virtuous Conduct\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3528,"2026-06-04T19:42:03.441Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","30b8193f5c4850ca0b92069ea0ad5e0d9c6d29a2c33f50a59d13711a9fb86be1","overthrowing-han-chapter-96","overthrowing-han-chapter-94",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]