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Chapter 645: Looking South from the North
🕑 Added 2024-09-29 07:48:43 +0000 UTCNo matter how puzzled Chen Xi and Guo Jia might have been, they had nonetheless resolved a significant matter. If nothing unexpected happened, after subduing Yuan Shao in the north, Chen Gong, Lü Bu, and others would likely join Liu Bei, further strengthening an already formidable force.
"One problem solved. As we said before, the righteousness of national loyalty is enough to wash away all past stains," Chen Xi said with a hearty laugh. If Lü Bu could indeed conquer the Hetao region in the north while the Central Plains warlords were fighting amongst themselves, all his previous wrongdoings would be overshadowed.
This phenomenon could be likened to "a virtuous act covering a hundred faults." It’s human nature to be more impressed by someone who has been underestimated suddenly achieving something remarkable, compared to someone who has always been highly regarded doing the same. This effect is akin to the saying, "A prodigal son’s return is worth more than gold."
In short, Lü Bu’s past could be forgiven. Being labeled a traitor, or having committed patricide, would no longer matter. The national cause would cleanse all blemishes. This was Chen Xi’s firm belief, supported by historical precedent. Righteousness might just be a slogan, but the people would distinguish for themselves.
This is similar to the story of Ran Min, who had many black marks against his name, but who, by doing one great deed for the nation, managed to overshadow all his faults. No matter how much one criticizes, it is impossible to ignore the immense halo that surrounded Ran Min, and this is the power of righteousness. It doesn’t matter if the blame was deserved or not—this one act of righteousness is enough to turn any blame into glory. Thus, righteousness may lose or be defeated, but history will speak for itself, and people are not blind.
"Once the deed is done, even someone like Zhang Fei won’t have much to say. He might be unhappy, but he understands the importance of righteousness," Guo Jia said, resigned.
"So, it’s best if they don’t interact much. If he’s willing to fight, let him go north or west, to distant lands where his feats can be recorded," Chen Xi said nonchalantly. "The world is big; surely, there are places where two war-hungry men can find peace."
"By the way, Gongtai mentioned that Wei Shuo escaped. Shouldn't we have Wei Shuo deal with it?" Guo Jia asked, tilting his head.
"Under the banner of righteousness, it’s easy to manage. Wei Shuo won’t miss this opportunity. We just need to find him. As for whether it causes trouble for Chen Gong, that’s not our concern," Chen Xi said indifferently. He had seen through Chen Gong's character—despite appearing naive and gentle, he was quite capable.
Chen Xi and Guo Jia were unaware of the large-scale propaganda orchestrated by Liu Yan, which had a significant impact on the Han Dynasty. Since Emperor Ling’s ascension, Tan Shihuai’s rise, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Han had effectively abandoned the northern part of Bingzhou.
In truth, abandoning such territory was unprecedented since Emperor Wu. From Emperor Wu onward, the Han's territory had continuously expanded. Even though the Eastern Han produced a series of incompetent emperors and was controlled by regents, the empire’s territory continued to grow until Emperor Huan. The northern Bingzhou region, after being lost, was never reclaimed, not even during the Three Kingdoms period. It wasn't until the Sui Dynasty that it was regained.
Though the northern regions had strategic value, and every powerful force that emerged in the north sought to reclaim it, the area was continually occupied by different nomadic groups—first the Xiongnu, then the Xianbei, and later the Turks. When the news spread that Lü Bu was returning to Bingzhou to reclaim this land for the empire, it garnered widespread support from scholars across the country.
In their eyes, the internal conflicts in the Central Plains were a family matter, but the occupation of the north by nomadic groups was a national disgrace. Ignoring this national disgrace to wage civil war was unacceptable to these scholars.
This is why, even when the population dropped below ten million during the Three Kingdoms period, whenever there was talk of fighting foreign invaders, the three kingdoms rarely lost. It was during these external battles that the true unity of the people shone through. Although the Han dynasty fell, the martial spirit embedded in the people over four centuries had not faded. Who wouldn’t want to inherit the title of a strong Han?
In essence, this was akin to the sentiment that while brothers may fight amongst themselves, if an outsider attacks, they will band together to defend each other.
With this mentality, Chen Gong, who had not expected much support for his proposal to move north and reclaim Bingzhou, found himself supported by many, including some top figures who were willing to join him. Sometimes, the key to success is not the complexity of the task but the presence of the right leader. When the time is right, true heroes emerge.
Chen Xi and Guo Jia were unaware of these developments. They were still quietly contemplating how to support Lü Bu’s northern campaign and how to build up Yanzhou. They had little time left, and the sparks ignited in the clashes with Yuan Shao would soon set off an explosion.
In Yangzhou, at Shouchun, Zhou Yu was released from house arrest for the first time in months. Waiting for him were Yuan Shu and Sun Ce. However, seeing the deep gloom on their faces, Zhou Yu immediately knew what had happened—Yuan Yao was likely beyond saving.
"Come with me. Yao’er wants to see you and Bofu," Yuan Shu said, his expression dark and grim. This was his only son, now lying on a bed, inching closer to death.
Zhou Yu said nothing, following silently behind the departing Yuan Shu. Sun Ce’s dark expression did not escape Zhou Yu’s notice, and he sighed inwardly. At a time like this, Sun Ce should not be wallowing in guilt. This wasn’t his fault—Yuan Yao was simply unlucky.
Zhou Yu sighed again. He had been placed under house arrest for so long, even missing the opportunity to attack Cao Cao, all in the hopes that Sun Ce would understand his intentions. But now it was clear that Sun Ce had only sunk deeper into self-blame.
As Zhou Yu silently cursed Sun Ce for his foolishness—blaming himself for something that wasn’t his fault—he also felt a sense of pity. After all, it was Sun Ce’s sense of loyalty and righteousness that had drawn Zhou Yu to follow him. With Zhou Yu’s intelligence, he could have found success anywhere; why go through so much trouble to help build Sun Ce’s cause?
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