Chapter 1, Lulong Pass

Strive to make oneself known to the feudal lords, in order to seek to preserve one's life in chaotic times ...! ... The wheel of history truly arrives as soon as it is mentioned!

In fact, Gongsun Xun can still recall the words his mother spoke to him a few days ago after calling him back from the prefectural city to Lingzhi:

Moreover, she herself was literate and personally taught Gongsun Xun, enabling him to read and write from a young age, understand the principles of the Book of Changes, and grasp numerical concepts. She even encouraged him to ride horses, practice archery, and engage in activities such as wielding spears and sticks.

In fact, how could Gongsun Xun, who had been a clerk for two years, possibly be unaware that this was the fundamental reason for the increasingly important status of his family within the clan—after all, the wealth goddess of the entire Gongsun clan was right here!

Some things you would have known during the great plague back then, and I am too lazy to hide it from you. Now you understand why I didn't let you go to Qingzhou to study the classics with Zheng Xuan back then

Gongsun Xun was taken aback and speechless—was the appearance of this person a confirmation or a refutation of his mother's prophecy? Or was it merely a coincidence?

She even mentioned that her cousin, named Gongsun Zan, would become one of the notable warlords in the world by the age of over thirty, and he would be a major figure in the early period of the Three Kingdoms. These statements, considering her status as a posthumous child, were naturally... uh, naturally beyond doubt.

Moreover, speaking of the rigid condition of matching social status, is it not acceptable that I also bear the surname Gongsun? In fact, my family is wealthier than that of Gongsun Zan by an unknown multiple. If the prefect truly were to betroth his daughter to me, I could easily present a substantial bride price amounting to hundreds of millions!

... ...

There was a person. The slightly excited Gongsun Yue, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, sat down. I happened to see the person you asked me about earlier, brother.

However... so to speak, returning to the present, the county magistrate Hou did not take a liking to me, the wealthy Gongsun Xun, but rather to my loud-voiced cousin Gongsun Zan. This is exactly the same as what my mother said when she had a cold back in the day

However, later on, on one hand, Gongsun Xun's mother, known as Gongsun Dainiang, surprisingly survived countless deaths caused by the plague and remained lively. On the other hand, as Gongsun Xun gradually grew up, he first utilized his deceased father's connections to go to Yangle City in Liaoxi County, where he served as a county official, gaining two years of experience in the political arena. Subsequently, he leveraged his family's influence, his mother's wealth, and his own mathematical skills to gradually rise through the ranks. Now, at merely eighteen or nineteen years of age, he has already attained the position of Deputy Historian of the Main Accounting Office, responsible for statistical affairs.

Indeed. Gongsun Yue nodded and said, "Is he indeed the person that my elder brother is looking for?"

In stark contrast to this large camp is the towering and majestic Lulong Pass to the south of the camp

Indeed, Gongsun Yue nodded calmly and said, "It is our Lingzhi person, where is this Jiangdong? What Jiangdong fierce tiger? Brother, are you perhaps dreaming?"

However, just a few months ago, Gongsun Xun's doubts and evasions suddenly vanished completely! This is because he truly witnessed a miracle

However, at this critical moment, I found myself blocked by this group of Xianbei dogs at Lulong Pass, and I have not moved for a full six days! If I have to wait until after the New Year, how will I catch up with my clan brother Gongsun Zan on this favorable journey? Although money and silk are very useful, they may not necessarily be able to buy the favor of two officials of two thousand stones. What if I miss the opportunity, and the acting county magistrate is unwilling to write a letter of introduction for me? Even if a letter is written, what if I rush over and Lu Zhi dismisses me, saying that this session of students is full and they are not accepting any more?

The reasoning is quite simple; for a boy who lost his father at a young age, if he cannot trust his own mother, whom else can he trust

This is the renowned Lulong Tower known throughout the world

During the reign of Emperor Ling, the border regions of You, Bing, and Liang provinces were constantly ravaged by the Xianbei bandits, with countless killings and plundering occurring every year

Moreover, my mother has truly put her heart into helping me design my future this time—after completing my studies in the classics, I can plan for the position of a third-rank official with a salary of 300 shi. Then, by taking advantage of the triennial examination system to go to Luoyang, I can aim to become a clerk in one of the three offices. As long as I can achieve the position of a clerk in the three offices, I will emerge as a court official with a salary of 600 shi, and then I can work on my political achievements, allowing me to advance straight to a position with a salary of 2,000 shi!

Then, my own mother indeed prepared several carts of wealth for herself, which even included high-end goods such as Shu brocade and pearls. She had me personally escort dozens of guests to the county city to bribe the Prefect Hou, so that I could also follow my already settled cousin Gongsun Zan to "take up a post for further studies" and go to Mount Goushi in Luoyang to study the classics under the great scholar Lu Zhi.

Standing at the foot of the building, the term "tall and majestic, with a grand momentum, where one man can hold the pass against a thousand" probably captures the essence of it

In the frontier, a large camp capable of accommodating thousands of Xianbei soldiers was established at a strategic intersection several miles away. On the left side stood a mountain extending from the Yanshan Mountain Range, while on the right side flowed the Luan River. During winter, the mountain appeared particularly dark, while the Luan River looked exceptionally white; the contrasting colors created an atmosphere of solemnity and desolation.

Moreover, the more horrifying events were yet to come. About ten days ago, his cousin Gongsun Bogu, who had just married with the financial support of his mother and had received a courtesy name from the clan elders, was suddenly granted leave by his father-in-law, Governor Hou. He was instructed in a handwritten letter to go to Mount Goushi in Luoyang to seek out the great scholar and renowned statesman Lu Zhi to study the classics.

So, the damned Xianbei dogs! They actually want to ruin their own future

It is truly a colossal fortune, with assets amounting to millions, without any discounts or exaggerations

It is said that, several years ago, in the face of a plague that swept through half of Youzhou, my mother, who was then terrified due to a sudden cold and cough, could no longer hold back and told me that she was a time traveler... She also mentioned that the Han Dynasty was about to fall, that dragons and snakes were rising together, and that the chaotic era of the Three Kingdoms was imminent, among other things

How is it possible that one hundred million yuan cannot be gathered?

What Gongsun Xun did not know was that the clan had initially considered taking over the business for themselves. However, after much effort, they discovered that when it came to doing business, this widow known as Gongsun Danniang was indeed an exceptional talent. Despite the entire clan's efforts, they earned less than what Gongsun Danniang distributed as profits.

Then, what was the Yellow Turban Rebellion, what were the battles of Guandu and Chibi, what were the Four Dudu of Eastern Wu, the Five Tiger Generals, the Five Outstanding Generals, and also the likes of Lady Cao and the sisters Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, all of which were discussed in a rambling and haphazard manner for two months

"A Yue." Gongsun Xun finally came to his senses. "Weren't you on the city tower observing the enemy camp with our clan uncle? Why have you come here at this time?"

In the later chaotic times of the Three Kingdoms, how to survive and preserve one's life without mentioning it, such as the officials, the three secretaries, the six hundred stones, the two thousand stones... These matters are something that I, having already tasted the flavor of power, am very eager to experience.

"Han Dang, Lord Han Yi?" Gongsun Xun seemed to ponder for a moment, then suddenly stood up. "Han Dang, Lord Han Yi?!"

It is quite simple; when attending university, one must not only consider the quality of the faculty but also the peers. Having figures like Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei as classmates, do you realize the extent of the connections? There are not many top potential stocks from the Three Kingdoms period, and there are only two in Youzhou, one from the early period and one from the later period. I have already prepared them for you!

Han Yi Gong!" Gongsun Yue quickly responded. "It is the one I mentioned to you last year, the best archer and horseman in Lingzhi City, Han Yi Gong, who is recognized as the strongest in the village. When I first mentioned him, you asked me to keep an eye on him. This time you returned, I was still thinking of bringing him to you for a look, but I couldn't find him... I never expected to encounter him here at Lulong Pass, it turns out he has become a cavalry squad leader.

It is important to note that the Amway brand, founded by my mother, has been in operation for nearly twenty years. The city of Lingzhi, where the Gongsun family from Liaoxi is located, guards the crucial Lu Long Pass, which connects Hebei and Northeast China. When these two factors are combined, the Amway brand essentially monopolizes most of the business in Liaodong, with branches extending all the way from Lelang to Ye City

On what basis?

Then I found myself trapped in this Lulong Temple!

"Elder brother?" Just as Gongsun Xun was lost in thought, lamenting his fate, the door was suddenly flung open, and a youth with thick eyebrows and big eyes swept into the room, bringing with him a gust of cold wind

One must ask, how could Gongsun Xun possibly not believe the words that such a mother, facing the epidemic, spoke which were akin to a will

Thus, approximately twelve or thirteen years ago, when Gongsun Xun was still a child with long hair, the Gongsun clan, including the main branch in Liaoxi as well as the branches in Liaodong and Donglai, reached an agreement to formally entrust the management of their business to his mother, who would oversee it uniformly, with profits distributed among the clan members according to their respective shares. From that point on, his family's status within the clan became prominent.

The damned Xianbei dogs, neither coming early nor late, but choosing this moment to invade the borders. I must hurry to deliver gifts and bribes before the New Year! I am going to Luoyang to study the classics! Moreover, I want to witness that legendary Liu Da Erduo!

It is not that I am boasting, but with my management skills, three years ago when you just tied up your hair, you could have found dozens of prominent families in Qingzhou directly related to Zheng Xuan who would recommend you as an inner disciple. Why have you been delayed from learning?

"Is it the Three Kingdoms?" After an unknown amount of time, a young man named Gongsun Xun could no longer contain his slight sense of helplessness and sighed inwardly. "Is this world going to be in chaos in about ten years? This vast Han Empire clearly... In any case, it is truly unbelievable"

His cousins Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Boguai started from the same point as he did two years ago, merely being low-ranking officials responsible for relaying messages at the door—in other words, he was worlds apart from his current position as the deputy historian of the accounting office

This is exactly the same as what his own mother said back in the day, leaving Gongsun Xun feeling a chill all over, unable to doubt those ghost stories

Then what?

Although she was merely a widow with children and initially despised by the elders of her clan for having 'killed' her husband, she managed to withstand the pressure and single-handedly established a business, amassing a significant fortune for her family. Moreover, after earning money, she generously assisted her clansmen, engaged in charitable acts, and even funded numerous clansmen to pursue careers in the officialdom. Today, she is already a highly respected elder in the clan, known as Lady Gongsun.

In such a location, the Han Dynasty was certainly not blind, so the defenses here were fortified to an impregnable state. Particularly at the Lulong Pass, which faced the main road, the walls were constructed entirely of stone blocks, standing over 5 zhang high, and additional watchtowers reaching up to 3 zhang were built on top of the walls

Zheng Xuan is quite remarkable, of course I know, as he is a fellow disciple of Lu Zhi, yet his reputation in the field of classical studies is even higher.

While Gongsun Xun had a bright future ahead, he could not help but have some doubts and evasions regarding his mother's statements... It is uncertain whether this is what his mother often referred to as 'adolescent rebellion'.

Half a year ago, Gongsun Zan, constrained by his future prospects, finally hesitantly went to the county and became a minor official just like himself... In those days, the customs dictated that when the county governor recruited officials, he would inevitably choose from the local prominent families, and the Gongsun family was the foremost clan in Liaoxi. Essentially, the city of Lingzhi in the five cities of Liaoxi was established by the Gongsun family. Therefore, once the descendants of the Gongsun family reached adulthood, the doors to officialdom were always wide open for them, though their starting points would differ based on their social standing.

The so-called ginseng from Korea, the large horses from Liaodong, the maidens from the Three Han, the horse servants from Wuhuan, the chestnuts from Youbeiping, the grains and silks from Hebei, and the ironware from Qingzhou, to put it in the words of one's own mother, making a living as a member of a prominent family during the Han Dynasty was simply like picking up money

The study of the classics is certainly essential; I have come to understand that this is essentially a certificate of education from the Han Dynasty. Without studying this, one cannot attain high office; it is unavoidable.

"Please wait a moment." Gongsun Xun walked around, shaking his head repeatedly. "Han Dang... Han Yigong! Both the name and the courtesy name are correct, so it must be this person. But isn't this person supposed to be from Jiangdong? This is indeed a subordinate of the Jiangdong Tiger. How could he be from Liaoxi? From what you imply, he is even from the same hometown as us!"

This miracle specifically refers to my cousin Gongsun Zan... He is the one who came from a poor background, often needing support from his family. Although he is handsome and has a loud voice, he also has quite a temper... Uh, that 'warlord giant of Youzhou during the Three Kingdoms period (in the words of Gongsun Xun's mother)'.

A man, a true man, born into this world, if he does not become a lord of a county with a rank of two thousand stones, is it not a wasted life

In the winter of the third year of the Han Xiping era, in the year 174 AD, at the strategic pass of Lulong in the northern part of Youzhou, the cold wind howled

Having served as an official in this county for two years, I hold a higher position, am younger, and am equally tall and handsome. To quote my own mother, I have the physique of a strong man and a graceful waist, and I am destined to become a renowned minister and a great general in the future! Why should I not value myself?

Lulong Pass, later known as Xifengkou, is a natural pass located in the Yanshan Mountain range. The terrain on the southern side is gentle, with an elevation of no more than 200 meters, while the northern side abruptly rises to an elevation of 1,000 meters. Only in the middle has the Luan River carved out a vast pass, allowing for unobstructed passage of vehicles and horses, which has historically served as the main route for entering and exiting the North China Plain.

In fact, although Gongsun Xun's mother is somewhat unconventional in her daily behavior, upon closer reflection, she is indeed very competent and impressive

At this moment, within the majestic Lulong Tower, in a clean and sunlit room designated for an officer, there were piled up more than a dozen large boxes. A tall individual, approximately eighteen or nineteen years of age, who could barely be considered a youth, was sitting upright alone at a table by the door, gazing blankly out the window.

"Which person?" This statement is nonsensical, and naturally, Gongsun Xun is left bewildered.

However, it was precisely because he was handsome and had a loud voice that his cousin, who had previously been living in the family shop and sleeping next door to him, was unexpectedly noticed by the newly arrived county magistrate and was invited to become a son-in-law