xymnovel Chapter 50 Bo Gui is hard to break
Chapter 50 Bo Gui is hard to break
He took a step forward, his figure as imposing as a mountain, his gaze sharp as a knife.
"In terms of archery, horsemanship, skill in fighting the Xianbei, and familiarity with the Liaoxi border, in what way am I, Gongsun Zan, inferior to him?"
"There is absolutely no way I would bow down and submit to him, to become his subordinate!"
This was the pride that Gongsun Zan had ingrained in his bones. He could die in battle, he could lose on the battlefield, but he could never tolerate being subordinate to someone of his own age.
What's more, Liu Bei was his fellow disciple. Now his junior brother was rising rapidly in rank, while he was still working as a minor clerk in the prefectural government. This disparity made it even harder for him to put his pride to rest.
Gongsun Zhao's face instantly darkened, and he shouted sternly, "Gongsun Zan! Don't push your luck!"
"Your mother came from humble beginnings. If it weren't for Lady Gongsun, would you be where you are today?"
"If the clan hadn't paved the way for you, would you have gotten this position as a clerk?"
"If it weren't for Lady Gongsun, do you think a mere clerk could command two hundred new soldiers?"
"Now that I've shown you the right path, do you still dare to talk back?"
These words were like a needle, piercing deeply into Gongsun Zan's heart.
He hated the hierarchy of legitimate and illegitimate children, and he hated how his clansmen used his birth to make a fuss, yet he was unable to break free from the shackles of the Gongsun clan.
His position, the provisions and weapons of his two hundred private soldiers, and the foundation upon which he established himself in western Liaoning all depended on the Gongsun family's name.
No matter how rebellious or arrogant he was, he was ultimately bound tightly by this bloodline.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, but ultimately refrained from uttering any further rebuttal.
Seeing that he had yielded, Gongsun Zhao's expression softened slightly, but he took another step back and said coldly, "The clan knows that you are proud and can't bring yourself to do this."
"Since you are unwilling to join Liu Bei, there is another way."
"The clan can use its connections in Youzhou to secure you a remote transfer."
"Either go to Liaodong Dependent State, or go to Youbeiping Commandery. We'll find you a better position and get you out of this mess in Liaoxi."
"It will save you from staying here and suffering under Liu Bei's command, and it will also prevent you from being arrogant and offending Liu Bei, thus implicating the entire Gongsun clan."
After saying that, he threw down the words "Give me a definite answer within three days," and then left with his steward, leaving Gongsun Zan alone in the desolate autumn courtyard.
Gongsun Zan slumped down on the stone stool and took another big gulp of wine. The strong liquor went down his throat, but it couldn't suppress the turmoil and resentment in his heart.
go?
He was not reconciled.
He hasn't yet shown those in his clan who look down on him that he, an illegitimate son, is stronger than all the legitimate sons.
He went to Liaodong and Youbeiping, places where he knew no one, and had to start all over again. How could he be willing to do that?
Can I stay?
He was even more unwilling.
In Liaoxi today, Liu Bei is at the height of his power, and Prefect Hou listens to his every word.
Throughout the entire prefecture, there were civil officials like Wang Lie and Tian Yu, and military officials like Xu Rong, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang. Almost all the power in Liaoxi was in Liu Bei's hands.
If he stayed, he could only be Liu Bei's subordinate. Looking at his current colleagues, who were now high above him, he couldn't bear to lose his pride.
On one hand, there is the pressure from her family; on the other hand, there is her inherent arrogance; on one hand, there is her attachment to her homeland; on the other hand, there is her resentment at being subservient to others.
Countless thoughts churned in his mind, making him restless.
He sat there from afternoon until dusk, emptying wine flask after wine flask, yet still unable to make a decision.
Just then, a rapid sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate, accompanied by the loud shouts of a messenger, breaking the silence of dusk.
"Your clerk, Gongsun Zan, receive the order!"
"The magistrate of Yangle County, Marquis Liu of Guannei, has issued a military order!"
"Summon Gongsun Zan to immediately lead two hundred of his men to the Yangle camp to join the army in attacking the Xianbei to the north. Do not delay!"
Gongsun Zan suddenly stood up, instantly sobering up considerably.
He rushed forward and snatched the rolled-up military order from the messenger. His fingertips traced the bright red seal of the Prefect Hou and Liu Bei's signature at the end. He was first taken aback, then his eyes flashed with an astonishing light.
He was unwilling to join Liu Bei.
He longed to go to the battlefield and fight the Xianbei; this desire was etched into his very bones!
He had fought countless battles with the Xianbei cavalry and had long wanted to have a real fight with the main Xianbei force!
Moreover, this is his best chance to prove himself—Liu Bei can control the epidemic and pacify the people, and win their hearts, so Gongsun Bogui can kill generals, seize flags, and defeat the Xianbei!
On the battlefield, true ability speaks for itself. He wanted to show everyone in Liaoxi that he, Gongsun Zan, was no less capable than Liu Bei!
The frustration that had been building up all day was instantly swept away by his burning fighting spirit.
His innate courage and ferocity were completely ignited at this moment.
"Someone come here!"
General Gongsun Zan tucked the order into his bosom, mounted his pure white warhorse, hung his double-edged halberd on the horse's back, and shouted sharply.
"Gather your two hundred brothers, prepare sufficient weapons, horses, provisions, and arrows, and immediately follow me to the Yang Le camp!"
The guard hesitated for a moment, then quickly asked, "My lord, what about the clan...?"
"How should I respond to a request within three days?"
Gongsun Zan reined in his horse and laughed loudly, his laughter filled with arrogance and unrestrained spirit.
"Return to what?"
"My family doesn't need to force me to submit or send me away!"
"I, Gongsun Bogui, will walk my own path!"
"Whether you're a dragon or a worm, the battlefield will tell!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he spurred his horse, and the white horse neighed loudly, galloping towards Yang Le's camp.
Yangle Camp.
This place was originally Yan Gang's border army camp, but it has now been taken over by Liu Bei, and Zou Dan's 400 fortified soldiers have also arrived.
Upon hearing that Gongsun Zan had arrived with two hundred troops, Liu Bei personally went out to greet him amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd.
"Haha, Brother Bogui, it's been a long time! How have you been?"
Upon seeing this, Gongsun Zan dismounted, but showed no enthusiasm whatsoever for reminiscing.
He immediately bowed respectfully, clasped his hands in greeting, and said in a cold, hard tone, "Gongsun Zan, an official under the jurisdiction of Liaoxi, has come here with two hundred men on the orders of the Prefect, to await your command!"
Behind Liu Bei, Han Dang frowned slightly upon hearing this, dissatisfied with Gongsun Zan's attitude. As fellow townsmen, he and Gongsun Zan naturally knew each other.
However, he had little contact with scions of powerful families like Gongsun Zan, and most of his wandering knights were from poor families.
Liu Bei quickly reached out to support him, saying in a warm tone, "Brother Bogui, there's no need for such formality between us."
"I have long known of your bravery, and I am delighted to have you here today!"
Gongsun Zan, however, turned slightly to the side, avoiding his overly intimate support, and maintained the respectful demeanor of a subordinate meeting his superior.
His tone was completely flat, without any hint of responding to his past sentiments: "Magistrate Liu, you flatter me. I have come here on the orders of the Prefect and am only subject to the command of the army. I will obey any military orders you give."
Seeing Gongsun Zan's attitude, Han Dang could no longer contain himself and angrily shouted, "Gongsun Bogui, my lord treats us with sincerity, don't be ungrateful!"
"oh!"
Gongsun Zan raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress his pent-up anger any longer, and said sarcastically, "Isn't this Duke Han Yi?"
"What, you bend over and lower your head, and you suddenly acknowledge someone else as your master!"
"Does it mean you want me to do the same thing to you before you'll stop?"
bass!
Han Dang was furious upon hearing this and immediately drew his long sword.
"Come, come, come! If I don't show you what I'm capable of today, I'm not Han Yigong!"
Gongsun Zan's eyes flashed with disdain as he drew his long sword, saying, "You think I'm afraid of you?!"
Seeing the two men brandishing their weapons, Liu Bei's face immediately turned cold, and he shouted, "Stop! What do you two think this place is!"
"Put away your weapons!"
Having long held great power in the prefecture, Liu Bei naturally possessed an imposing aura. Seeing his rare outburst of anger, the two could only exchange a cold snort and reluctantly sheath their weapons.
Gongsun Zan was unyielding and unyielding. Liu Bei knew it was impossible to recruit him, so he stopped pressuring him.