Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Brilliance

Gongsun Xu watched everything from the side and thought to himself: "With my father in control of the military power, he will surely soar to great heights."

Yan Liang and Wen Chou both held a considerable fondness for Gongsun Xu, imparting some of their martial arts insights to him. Although these insights were valuable, their effectiveness ultimately depended on how Gongsun Xu understood them. If Gongsun Xu's martial arts techniques differed from their own, then these insights would merely be for listening. Throughout the journey, the four of them shared laughter and established a deep bond of friendship. Before parting, they agreed on a location and date to meet again. Gongsun Xu understood internally that he currently lacked the means to retain these two individuals. However, if he and his father could achieve something significant in the next two years, they would likely return.

History did not change because of Gongsun Xu, and half a month later, Gongsun Zan and Liu Jun returned. It is said that Lu Zhi spoke well in the court. Gongsun Xu felt very grateful for this master whom he had not yet met. Based on his understanding of history, Gongsun Xu knew that after so many years of silence, his father was about to迎来人生的春天. Indeed, due to his father's loyalty and good reputation, after his father's return, he was recognized for his virtue and appointed as the Longshi of the vassal state of Liaodong. Based on his understanding of history, Gongsun Xu knew that after so many years of silence, his father was about to迎来人生的春天. Indeed, due to his father's loyalty and good reputation, after his father's return, he was recognized for his virtue and appointed as the Longshi of the vassal state of Liaodong. Since his martial skills still relied on his father's guidance, Gongsun Xu chose to accompany his father to take up his post.

Addressing the crowd, he said: "Esteemed officials, you are all court officials, living on the grace of the sovereign and alleviating his worries. Even if the Hu people invade, you should lead the troops to resist, pacify the common people, rather than spreading falsehoods and misleading the masses. I urge you, esteemed officials, to conduct yourselves with dignity; my father will return within two hours." The crowd was rendered speechless by Gongsun Xu's words. It is indeed a rare occurrence for a child to possess such insight. An elder among them spoke loudly: "Each of us should fulfill our duties and remain true to our roles; even if we sacrifice ourselves for the defense of our country, it is our honor. Now, disperse quickly." Upon hearing these words, the crowd began to disperse, though some occasionally turned back to glance at Gongsun Xu, who was continuing his martial training.

Due to the constant invasions by the Hu people in the border regions, the officials here mostly fear the Hu like a tiger. Some people sigh inwardly: "What a pity for a righteous man; he has only been in Liaodong for less than a year and has met such an end. The officials and troops in Liaodong cannot do anything against the Hu, so why should a civil official stick his neck out? Alas, what a pity; this child is likely to become an orphan." At this moment, the people in the hall were still arguing, and most of the officials, having lost their backbone, were thinking about how to escape. Although some insisted on staying, they could not find a reason to persuade the others. Alas, what a pity; this child is likely to become an orphan. At this moment, the people in the hall were still arguing, and most of the officials, having lost their backbone, were thinking about how to escape. Although some insisted on staying, they could not find a reason to persuade the others. A kind-hearted official said to Gongsun Xu, who was still practicing martial arts: "Child, hurry and leave; your father will not be coming back. Quickly go home and do not stay here any longer; come with everyone else." After hearing this, Gongsun Xu stopped.

It seems that the opposing side intends to hold their ground and wait for reinforcements. The Xianbei leader devised a strategy and rode out, shouting: "The great Han Dynasty has turned into a turtle hiding its head. If any brave warrior can defeat me, I will let you return." The governor could not ascertain when the reinforcements would arrive, but he could not allow his morale to be suppressed; otherwise, if the morale fell, the enemy might launch an attack. The governor looked at his strongest bodyguard, who nodded and said to him: "If I die in battle, I ask you to take care of my family." The governor nodded, and the bodyguard mounted his horse and galloped out. The Xianbei leader also focused intently on the knight on horseback. At the moment the knight raised his spear to strike him, he suddenly swung his sword, causing the spear to fall to the ground, and the knight's head to separate from his body in one swift move, resulting in a decisive defeat. The Xianbei leader was indeed formidable. At this moment, the crowd on the governor's side erupted in exclamations. In this situation, the commanding officer knew he had no choice but to fight himself, even though he had no confidence; however, not fighting would certainly lead to death.

After the governor returned and learned about the situation here, upon hearing Gongsun Xu's remarks, he sighed, saying: "Indeed, a tiger father does not raise a dog son. With the death of the military officer in battle, would Gongsun Zan be willing to concurrently take on the position of military officer?" "I will certainly not disgrace your lordship's command," Gongsun Zan replied with cupped hands

Gongsun Zan had previously served as a scribe and was quite familiar with the position of the chief historian of the vassal states in Liaodong. Due to the lack of someone to look after his son, he often kept Gongsun Xu by his side, with Gongsun Zan handling official duties while Gongsun Xu practiced martial arts or horsemanship outside. Gongsun Xu understood that chaotic times were approaching and that he had little time left for himself. After being here for more than a year, Gongsun Xu had grown significantly; he now appeared like a child in his teens, with a strong physique and an air of heroism and fierceness about him. Historically, harsh and cold regions have produced fine horses and brave warriors. Liaodong is cold year-round, which also provided a good environment for Gongsun Xu's martial training. After being here for more than a year, Gongsun Xu had grown significantly; he now appeared like a child in his teens, with a strong physique and an air of heroism and fierceness about him. Historically, harsh and cold regions have produced fine horses and brave warriors. Liaodong is cold year-round, which also provided a good environment for Gongsun Xu's martial training. Over the past year, he had made significant progress in both his intellect and mindset, as well as in his martial skills. Gongsun Zan noticed this and felt pleased in his heart.

Before departing, Zhang Yun brought Zhang Fei to see him off. Gongsun Xu called out to Zhang Fei, "Elder brother, as we head to Liaodong, the return date is uncertain. You and I, as brothers, should join forces on the battlefield to resist the enemy. Once your martial skills are perfected, hurry to Liaodong, and I will go ahead to procure a few steeds for you." "Rest assured, brother. Once I master our family's martial arts, I will come to find you. It won't be long; we will surely reunite as brothers again," Zhang Fei shouted at Gongsun Xu's retreating figure. Listening to the conversation between the two youths, Zhang Yun felt very pleased: "Such ambition in a young man; my son will surely be a hero among men in the future."

In ancient times, the reassignment of officials was a significant matter, presenting a challenge for the officials themselves. After all, transportation in ancient times was not as convenient as it is today. Those with better means could ride horses or travel by carriage, while others might have to walk. Throughout the journey, Gongsun Zan was instructing his son in horsemanship. For a child under eight years old, learning to ride a horse was no simple task. In the Central Plains, unlike the border regions inhabited by the Hu people, children had to grow up on horseback. Gongsun Xu realized that he would be engaged in battles with the Hu people for a long time to come, so he focused on learning to ride. Without the assistance of high bridges, saddles, and stirrups, mastering horsemanship required even greater effort. However, none of this was a deterrent for Gongsun Xu. He fell off the horse numerous times along the way, but Gongsun Zan did not help him up; Gongsun Xu insisted on climbing back onto the horse by himself. The two young men, aged around sixteen or seventeen, watched this unfold and were deeply moved, impressed by the determination of this eight-year-old child.

Thus, the captain shouted: "Thief general, do not be arrogant; watch me, Lin Shan, slay you." The Xianbei leader realized that this man was much stronger than the previous one, so he spurred his horse forward, and the two engaged in battle. The captain, with a strategy of delay, did not confront his opponent head-on. However, the Xianbei leader relentlessly pursued him, and in less than a quarter of an hour, he was still knocked off his horse. The Xianbei leader laughed heartily and said: "Is there no one in Huaxia? My Xianbei warriors can easily take on ten men." At this moment, it had been nearly an hour since the champion who went to deliver the message had left, and the reinforcements had yet to arrive, leaving the governor and his men in despair. Just as the Xianbei leader was about to give the order to attack, a voice rang out: "A mere Xianbei dares to bully my Han as if there were no one here?" Gongsun Zan rode in at full speed, his long spear aimed directly at the Xianbei leader. The Xianbei leader swung his sword to strike, but at the moment their weapons clashed, he realized he was defeated.

With great strength and incredible speed... Before he could finish speaking, heads began to fly. Gongsun Zan turned his horse around and coldly snorted, "This is called momentum; it is not merely strength. Soldiers, the reinforcements have arrived, follow me into battle." After saying this, Gongsun Zan charged at the Xianbei, stabbing down more than a dozen of them. The Xianbei leader was already dead, and the remaining soldiers lost their will to fight, scattering in all directions. After pursuing more than thirty of them, the troops returned.

Only one person managed to escape in the end. The officials in the governor's office were in a state of panic. Although they had already sent for reinforcements, the majority of the troops here were infantry, while the cavalry was outside and could not be gathered in time. What began as a robbery by fifty Xianbei had been exaggerated into a large-scale invasion by the Xianbei, with rumors spreading that the governor had been captured. Amidst the growing anxiety, Gongsun Zan slammed the table and shouted, "How can a mere fifty scattered soldiers cause such a commotion? This is utterly disgraceful. I will go and bring the governor back." Just as everyone was about to refute him, another youthful voice rang out: "I will lead my father's horse." After saying this, Gongsun Xu brought over his father's steed. Gongsun Zan took up his spear, mounted the horse, and said to Gongsun Xu, "I will be back shortly; you wait for me here." With that, he galloped away. Gongsun Xu knew that from this day forward, his father would surely rise to prominence, for historically, Gongsun Zan had made his name by resisting the nomads, and this was just the first step.

Although he felt an immense reluctance to leave home, Gongsun Xu understood that this was not the time for sentimental attachments. While the vassal states of Liaodong were fraught with danger, they also presented greater opportunities. His father needed to achieve fame and honor, and he too had his own aspirations. Although he was still young, he had been training in martial arts for nearly three years and had already made some progress. Moreover, Gongsun Xu knew that the best martial skills are honed on the battlefield. Whether in this life or the last, he should strive to perfect his skills through combat. Now was the time for him to gain experience. Gongsun Zan was quite pleased with his son's determination. Being able to care for his son was a father's responsibility, and coupled with the child's ambition, it was enough to make Gongsun Zan proud.

More than an hour later, as everyone was preparing for an all-out battle, two knights galloped in and shouted: "The governor has returned safely, there is no need for alarm." After a little more than half an hour, the governor and more than ten knights returned. Although the governor's group had been pursued, the Xianbei and Tubo people did not launch an immediate attack. This was partly because the Xianbei's weapons were too inferior; engaging in a direct confrontation would certainly result in significant losses, which would be counterproductive. Moreover, the enemy had dismounted and formed a circle, with cavalry outside, rendering bows and arrows ineffective. Although the governor's group had been pursued, the Xianbei and Tubo people did not launch an immediate attack. This was partly because the Xianbei's weapons were too inferior; engaging in a direct confrontation would certainly result in significant losses, which would be counterproductive. Moreover, the enemy had dismounted and formed a circle, with cavalry outside, rendering bows and arrows ineffective.

On that day, Gongsun Zan was handling official business as usual, while Gongsun Xu was outside engaging in some physical training. Suddenly, a knight, covered in blood and with two arrows embedded in his body, rode in and shouted, "Quick, beat the drums, the lord is in danger." It turned out that the governor encountered fifty Xianbei cavalry while inspecting the area. Seeing the governor dressed in official attire and accompanied by twenty soldiers, they believed he must be a high-ranking official, and capturing him would surely bring them wealth. The Xianbei cavalry had a notorious reputation in Liaodong, and the soldiers were escorting the governor back, but they could not outrun the Xianbei horsemen. After running for fifty li, they were caught up. The governor had sent three men ahead to report the news. Although the three managed to break through the encirclement, they were pursued by over twenty Xianbei cavalry, and within a short distance of thirty li, two of them were shot down from their horses.

The two young men, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, encountered Gongsun Xu and his father on the road. Upon meeting them, Gongsun Xu was taken aback, realizing that these were the first and second pillars of Hebei among the Four Pillars of the Three Kingdoms. The two brothers had just returned from their training; Wen Chou hailed from Liaodong and was eager to return home after many years away. Yan Liang, a scion of a prominent family, had also trained for many years but had returned home several times in between, so he did not have to worry about his family. Moreover, he was genuinely interested in venturing into Liaodong to see if he could acquire a fine steed. Thus, he decided to accompany his junior brother Wen Chou to Liaodong. On their way, they encountered Gongsun Xu and his father, and after some mutual exchange, they decided to travel together to Liaodong, as the journey was long and it would be beneficial to look out for one another. During their rest stops, Gongsun Xu seized every opportunity to engage in conversation with Yan Liang and Wen Chou, not only to deepen their relationship but also to lay the groundwork for winning them over in the future. Since he planned to navigate the chaos of the times, he understood that talent was of utmost importance, and he could not afford to let such talent pass him by.