Chapter 3, Discussion

Thus, Gongsun Xun hurriedly provided an explanation

The thoughts of Han Yigong across the way are obscure, and Gongsun Xun is certainly no fool. In fact, he even knows of a peculiar concept called survivor bias, so he is well aware that this Shichang before him may not be very intelligent, but as a future member of the tiger ministers of Jiang, he will not lack any of the necessary qualities. Therefore, this person before him has undoubtedly understood his intentions. At this moment, his demeanor suggests that he is hesitating and unwilling.

This truly requires consultation. As a borderland ranger, Han is certainly at a loss.

There are not fifty people, only thirty. "Gongsun Xun replied softly. "Because for this battle, I did not prepare to persuade my uncle.

However, the current question is, why would a scion of a once-prominent family, whose future seemed limitless, place such importance on a commoner he has just met? Not only did he previously offer assistance on the Lu Long Tower, but now he has also invited me over, presenting me with valuable Shu brocade and a fine bow.

Of course, while thinking this in his heart, Gongsun Xun spoke in a rather eloquent manner: "Today's events are actually nothing much; it is primarily the noble demeanor of Brother Yigong that has truly impressed me, which is why I specifically invited you here to make your acquaintance! As the saying goes, donning armor and wielding weapons is tantamount to facing death... Since one dons armor and wields weapons, standing at the border, one should disregard life and death, serving the country! Brother Yigong, are you aware of the historical reference regarding donning armor and wielding weapons?"

Moreover, a good horse does not turn back to eat the grass it has passed. Having just left the merchant's house of the other party to enlist, one seeks to achieve merit and establish a career, to secure a wife and raise children. To return with one's tail between one's legs after only half a year would surely invite ridicule

What does this mean? Han was taken aback by it

"No, no," Gongsun Xun shook his head and said. "As long as I accompany my brother Yigong out of the pass, my uncle, who has only attained his current good position thanks to my mother's support, will undoubtedly make every effort to assist me. Otherwise, neither my mother nor the elders of the clan will let him off easily... At that time, the false military order will naturally become a reality!"

However, such matters are not so simple and easy, because according to Han Dang's understanding of life and social customs from a young age, once he bows his head, he is likely to serve that person for a lifetime. And this young scion before him, although his surname is powerful and his family is wealthy, is ultimately too young. ... To put it more extremely, at this very moment, while the other party indeed has a bright future ahead, if one were to dig deeper, he would find himself in an awkward position as a mere student without any status ...

As night fell, in the room of Gongsun Xun, who lived alone beneath the Lu Long Tower, having removed his armor, he wore the standard crimson robe of the Han army. Han Dang, who had come to visit, was restless. Beside him lay a priceless piece of newly woven Shu brocade, upon which rested a beautifully decorated yet exceptionally crafted hard bow

Han Dang's face suddenly changed color, and he swiftly drew his sword: "Life and death are but this; as a man from Yan, what is there to fear?!"

His mother always said that one must strive to gain recognition among the feudal lords in order to survive in chaotic times. However, in Gongsun Xun's view, if the world is truly as chaotic as his mother described, even becoming a feudal lord might not guarantee survival. To endure, one must possess sufficient resources. Furthermore, everything is centered around people, a lesson his mother instilled in him since childhood.

Moreover, once this thought arises, it cannot be suppressed any longer, why not?! Is it just because he later did not know what he would become after so many years, some kind of Jiang Biao Hu Chen?!

Han's heart stirred slightly: "Gongsun Danniang's teachings are undoubtedly worth their weight in gold... However, putting aside the retreat for the moment, what does advancing mean?"

He just asked about "advancing" without inquiring about "retreating," which meant he assumed the other party wanted to persuade him to recognize the difficulty and withdraw, becoming their guest. However, he did not expect that the other party was not only willing to help him continue planning the surprise attack but also wanted to join him in a fierce battle! Wasn't this a source of both astonishment and deep shame for him?

Could it be that someone is falsely transmitting military orders? Han Dang finally realized this

It is merely that the other party has been serving as an official in Yangle City since the time they tied their hair up, and I have not had the opportunity to become acquainted with them.

In other words, if things do not go well, the process of studying over these two years may encounter setbacks, and the other party might even say that a phoenix that has landed is not as good as a chicken

Indeed, Gongsun Xun suddenly realized that the Jiang Biao Hu Chen his mother had mentioned to him was merely a Shizhang, and moreover, a fellow townsman. He immediately entertained the thought—given his own status and family background, how uncommon would it be to take a Shizhang as a guest

Thus, later on, this statement specifically referred to the responsibilities of soldiers, indicating that since soldiers have come to the battlefield, they should disregard life and death in pursuit of national interests

It should be so... Could it be that Gongsun Zhuji intends to assist me? But isn't Lord Changshi not intending to go to battle?

It is said that Han Dang is not a fool. Even if he were truly a fool, given how straightforward the other party is speaking now, he would inevitably have realized that this scion of a prominent family is interested in his martial skills and wants to recruit him as a guest.

"This is something I must first ask Brother Yigong," Gongsun Xun suddenly chuckled. "Do you truly dare to fight to the death?!"

"Gongsun's scheme..." Han Dang sighed helplessly, yet he secretly reverted the previously somewhat intimate address of 'Young Master' back to the formal title. "To be honest, your closeness makes me feel ashamed, as I truly do not know how to repay you... You are about to go to Luozhong to study the classics with the great scholars, while I possess only brute strength, fearing that I can only make a name for myself in this Lulong Pass."

What is there to be concerned about? Gongsun Xun, upon hearing this, was not in a hurry; he merely scoffed and raised his head to ask a question in return. I trust in the martial prowess of Brother Yigong, but does Brother Yigong not trust in my courage? I have seen the Xianbei people before, and I have killed before. With thirty riders to raid the camp, I am willing to entrust my life to Brother Yigong. What do you say, Brother Yigong?

However, on the other side, Gongsun Xun couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this: If only you could truly be at ease in this Lulong Pass and make a name for yourself, it would be great. At worst, when I return and have become a high-ranking official, I could come and win you over. What is truly frightening is that one day you might not be able to endure the humiliation here and inexplicably run over to Sun Jian... Sun Wentai is known as the Tiger of Jiangdong, and he must be a southerner. How could a man from Liaoxi end up under his command right away? At worst, when I return and have become a high-ranking official, I could come and win you over. What is truly frightening is that one day you might not be able to endure the humiliation here and inexplicably run over to Sun Jian... Sun Wentai is known as the Tiger of Jiangdong, and he must be a southerner. How could a man from Liaoxi end up under his command right away?

But how does this matter

I recently came here in a hurry from home, not for official business, and the number of young members of my family and guests I brought along is not many, among them the elite guests skilled in archery and horsemanship... probably around fifteen or sixteen. "Gongsun Xun said thoughtfully. "With thirty people going to launch a surprise attack, do you have confidence in shaking the enemy camp, Brother Yigong?"

... ...

In that case, do you have any plans, Brother Yigong? To be honest, I am currently preparing to seek a recommendation from the prefect in the county, and then go to Luoyang with my cousin Gongsun Zan to pay respects to the great scholars and learn from them, in order to gain knowledge and understanding. How about ... ...

Naturally, we are trying every means to carry out the plan set forth by Brother Yigong, and tonight we will launch a surprise attack on the enemy camp!" Gongsun Xun replied淡淡地. "If we can achieve success in battle, then Yigong will naturally have a reputation, and the generals and officers in the army will certainly be convinced.

It is indeed expected that Han would directly refuse, after all, at this moment, he is merely a ranger from the borderlands, and then a brave man who has dealt in horses; how could he have any cunning to employ

It is said that during the battle between Qi and Jin, the commander of the Jin state, Xie Ke, was severely injured and could not help but inform his charioteer, Xie Zhang, and the right-hand man, Zheng Qiuhuan. Taking the opportunity to converse with Zheng Qiuhuan, charioteer Xie Zhang immediately replied, roughly meaning that:

By this time, how could Han not know who the young man in splendid attire before him was? He was the eldest son of the Gongsun family! With a family fortune in the hundreds of millions, and being exceptionally talented himself, he had already become the deputy historian in the accounting office at such a young age, overseeing two hundred shi... Wealthy, handsome, capable, and a scion of a noble family, he was undoubtedly a young nobleman with limitless prospects.

"Why is the chief accountant laughing?" Han Dang's face turned red.

At this point, Han Dang paused slightly and added an additional piece of information: "My parents passed away early due to an epidemic, and I often accompanied my uncle in trading horses at your esteemed family's Anli Company, receiving considerable care from Lady Gongsun. Therefore, if it is within my capacity, I will certainly not decline."

Young lord, your future is bright; why must you follow me in a display of reckless bravery? Han Dang was both astonished and embarrassed

The phrase 'To don armor and command troops is indeed to face death' originates from the Zuo Zhuan version of the Spring and Autumn Annals

Indeed. Han Dang let out a sigh of relief and spoke candidly. "As a member of a prominent family, do you have any methods to teach me?"

Gongsun Xun smiled faintly upon hearing this, thinking to himself, isn't this obvious? Of course, he had a request, but what he sought was merely the person in front of him

Han Dang pondered for a moment, then immediately returned the hilt of the sword and replied solemnly: "Fifteen men, all cavalry!"

My mother once taught me that "life is like rowing upstream; if you do not advance, you will retreat." Gongsun Xun replied, "In this situation, there are only two paths for you, Brother Yigong: one is to retreat, and the other is to advance"

Good! Among the companions, how many are willing to fight alongside Brother Yigong to the death?" Gongsun Xun said calmly

Han Dang, styled Yigong, was a native of Liao West Lingzhi. He was adept in archery and horsemanship, possessed great physical strength, and had knowledge of military affairs

"Who says otherwise?" Gongsun Xun shook his head and sighed. "It is a pity that those local tyrants and officials in the counties are all afraid of death, which has wasted the patriotic intentions of Brother Yigong. Moreover, after this incident, I fear that the military colleagues in the Lulong Pass will also regard Brother Yigong as a thorn in their side."

Since this is the case, with such a talented individual so close at hand yet holding such a lowly position, if you ask Gongsun Xun to give up on him, he will undoubtedly be reluctant to do so

Moreover, the Xianbei people at the entrance are indeed blocking one's path to a bright future

Han Dang revealed a bitter smile upon hearing this, as the dark faces of Team Leader Tian and several other military officials flashed before his eyes almost instantaneously... As a mere squad leader, he had advanced several ranks, made a fuss in front of the chief clerk, and then sought to raid the camp with a hundred cavalry. Naturally, this was a violation of military taboos; how could he possibly be unaware of such matters

I originally intended to make a name for myself at the border with this knife in hand, but unexpectedly, I ended up in such a situation. Han Dang felt quite helpless. "It seems I have only provided amusement for the young lord."

Such things are of immense use to someone like Gongsun Xun, a scion of a prominent family, and to the two hundred officials in the commandery, but what benefit do they hold for a mere child of a humble family? Even if one wishes to learn, no one would take them in! Going to Luoyang, at most, one would serve as a guard under the guise of a guest; how could that compare to earning a reputation on the battlefield?

There are only two to three thousand people in the enemy camp, and they are in disarray. A surprise raid on the camp would only require thirty men. Of course, if the chief accountant can truly persuade the chief clerk, then fifty men would be ideal

Is it true that such reasoning has long existed in the "Spring and Autumn"?

What is Brother Yigong thinking? At this thought, Gongsun Xun suddenly spoke up, deciding to act on the previously considered backup plan and take the risk.

I just thought it over carefully on the Lu Long Tower," Gongsun Xun replied calmly. "Currently, in the Lu Long Pass, besides the original stationed troops, there are also local soldiers from You Beiping and Liao Xi supporting us. That aside, the guards at the main gate of Lu Long Tower happen to be from my Liao Xi region, so they should recognize me. Not to mention, everyone in this fortress knows that I am the nephew of the Chief Clerk...

"Brother Yigong, please do not be angry," Gongsun Xun said with a smile, waving his hand. "I just want to ask you one question... Do you feel reluctant to leave like this, yet find it difficult to interact with your comrades?"

Moreover, as a man from Yan, Han Yigong, how could he abandon his most cherished skills in archery and horsemanship during the most unrestrained years of his twenties, just to follow someone to Luoyang to study classical texts?

I am also severely injured, my blood has stained the wheels red... However, since I have donned my armor and taken up my weapons, I must fight to the death for my country, regardless of my injuries. What does it matter if I am hurt? You, a marshal, and I, a charioteer, each have our own responsibilities on the battlefield. Therefore, as long as I am not dead, I ask you, Marshal, to continue the fight!

"It is indeed overwhelming for me that Master Gongsun places such importance on me. May I ask if there is something you desire?" At this moment, the atmosphere is such that Han Dang, being a wandering hero from the borderlands, naturally felt compelled to voice his doubts.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the classics and their commentaries were held in high esteem, and those who were not well-versed in them were fundamentally unqualified for high office or elevated positions. At this time, Gongsun Xun employed this allusion, and although its meaning was quite simple, it conveyed a sense of high elegance, which was greatly appreciated by Han Dang

Han Dang immediately fell silent