Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 331 All under Heaven are Loyal to the King of Han; There is No One Who Is Disloyal.

"kill!

All soldiers must fight bravely and relentlessly, never retreating!

At the west gate of Xiapi, Gao Shun, covered in blood, commanded his soldiers in a bloody battle with all his might. He felt deeply regretful whenever he saw his soldiers retreating in fear of the Han army's might at the city gate.

If I had been trapped here, I could have driven this enemy army out of the city gate long ago, instead of ending up like this.
Unfortunately, he was unaware of the chaos in the rear. Every time Li Jun sent him military intelligence, it was that he had encountered rebel forces on the road and was currently suppressing them, unable to provide support. He was told to hold on and that he would arrive soon.

But very quickly? Just how quickly?
When will this perseverance end?
Despite being wounded in several places, his armor soaked in blood, and the reinforcements failing to arrive, Gao Shun's eyes remained as cold and sharp as swords.

His face was resolute, and he repeatedly brandished his sword to personally take the lead, or commanded his soldiers to risk their lives to fill the gaps.

Like birds that bravely carry pebbles in their beaks, attempting to fill the boundless waters when faced with the raging tides of a vast ocean.

At this moment, the Han army outside the city was still as boundless as the sea, but the stones around him that he could use to fill the sea had been exhausted.

Where are the reinforcements?

Gao Shun couldn't understand why, even though he had ordered all his generals to lead their troops to the West Gate to provide support as soon as possible, there wasn't a single person in sight.
We can't have the whole city filled with people who support Yuan, and not a single loyal and righteous person willing to come and help.

No, perhaps there is another one?
Gao Shun smiled bitterly. At least compared to the generals of various units who had disappeared without a trace, there was a man named Li Jun who was very eager to come and support him, as long as he could hold on for a little longer.
If I can persevere a little longer, maybe I'll be able to see him?

"Our strength has been exhausted; we have no choice but to fight to the death!"

Looking at Yuan Ce, who had broken through his last line of defense and led a large force of Han troops into the city, Gao Shun smiled bitterly and was about to lead his last hundred men in a desperate battle!

Just then, they heard footsteps behind them. Turning around, they saw thousands of Qi soldiers rushing towards them.

The generals were overjoyed and said to Gao Shun, "The reinforcements have arrived."

However, before Gao Shun's expression could change, a loud shout came from the Qi army behind him.

"General Gao, how have you been?"

Gao Shun looked up and saw a general riding out from the Qi army behind him. It was Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenyuan, whom he knew very well.

He was attacked from both sides, with Yuan Bofu, the stepson of the King of Han, in front, and Zhang Wenyuan, the adopted son of the King of Han, behind. He was surrounded by enemies on both sides and had only a hundred or so men by his side, and they were not even the ones who could break through his lines.

If we're talking about desperate situations, nothing surpasses this.

Gao Shun's cold face was almost devoid of any emotion as he stared coldly at Zhang Liao.

"Does Wen Yuan intend to humiliate me?"

Liao said, "No."

Thinking of our past friendship, I've come to see you.

He then prepared to dismount and reminisce with Gao Shun, but Gao Shun raised his hand to stop him.

"Since you have not humiliated me, I only ask for a quick death."

Zhang Liao was greatly alarmed and hurriedly tried to dissuade him.

“Brother Gao’s talent should be known to future generations. How can he die here in obscurity because of a momentary crisis?”

The King of Han's love for talent is known throughout the land. If you, Brother Gao, were to deign to become my adopted son, and we were to address each other as brothers, what do you say?

Gao Shun sneered, "Wen Yuan, are you perhaps referring to me?"

"We were comrades for over a decade, how can I bear to stand by and watch you die instead of saving you?"

Zhang Liao continued to persuade him, "Moreover, the King of Qi is not a wise ruler. He is jealous of the virtuous and capable, and he does not allow you to lead the army and continue to expand your forces. As a result, you have been defeated and are like a defeated dog. The King of Han will surely capture you."

Brother Gao also knows the character of the King of Qi. Perhaps one day he will acknowledge the King of Han as his adoptive father, and even become our sworn brother. It's still uncertain.

Gao Shun's face suddenly turned frighteningly gloomy. "You traitorous subject, how dare you speak of the bond of comrades for more than ten years?"
If it weren't for your Xiaopei surrendering in a single day, catching me completely off guard, how could Xiapi have come to this?

A loyal minister does not serve two masters. King Qi is not wise, but one cannot be disloyal while obeying him. King Qi is not trustworthy, but one cannot be unrighteous while obeying him.

There's no need to mention the lobbyists' words again. If we fight, we'll die a worthy death.

Seeing that he was determined to die, Zhang Liao frowned slightly and then tried to persuade him again.

"The latest military intelligence from the north reports that the King of Qi assassinated the adopted son of the King of Han, but was defeated outside Huanyuan Pass and fled eastward in panic, his whereabouts unknown."

Now that the King of Han has captured Xiapi, the soldiers and civilians are all unharmed. Furthermore, he has sent men to protect the King of Qi's family and relatives, and they are not allowed to be alarmed.

"Since you have treated me this way, I have come to report it."

Gao Shun remained silent, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Zhang Liao. "Today, our army has suffered a defeat here. With the loss of Xiapi, the state of Qi will also perish."

I have failed my king and feel ashamed. I have failed to protect the king and his family. My sin is the greatest.

Now, the King of Han has not disturbed my lord's family and has treated them kindly. I ask my brother Wen Yuan to convey my gratitude for this kindness and favor.”

After the bow was completed, the warmth vanished in an instant; his expression turned cold again, and he rebuked:
"Wen Yuan, there's no need to talk about me."

Although I am now in a desperate situation, I am ready to die and will not be swayed by words!

I only desire a battle, to hasten my demise!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao suddenly burst into laughter, "Brother Gao, won't your words become a laughing stock for the world?"

"I died loyally, while you betrayed your lord and surrendered to the enemy. If the world laughs, it will laugh at you too!"

"Now the King of Qi has been defeated at Huanyuan Pass, and his fate is unknown. If my brother Gao dies here in vain."

Not only did he fail in his duty to the King of Qi, but he also caused the King of Qi to lose his only loyal minister.

If it weren't for your help, Brother Gao, the hearts of the people around King Qi would all turn to Han without him even realizing it. How could you bear to do that?
King Qi went on a distant expedition, entrusting his family to you, brother. Now that you have died in battle, your beautiful wife and concubines are left without support and may be deceived by others. Do you feel any shame?

Brother Gao, you are skilled in military strategy and your training techniques are unparalleled. Yet you do not aspire to achieve great deeds and restore the Han Dynasty. Instead, you are willing to go through fire and water to show your mere courage. What shame do you have in your heart?
With these three things, how could you possibly die so quickly?

As Zhang Liao spoke eloquently, he noticed Gao Shun's expression changing several times, and quickly seized the opportunity to persuade him.

"Now we are surrounded by Han troops on all sides. If you do not surrender, you will surely die. Dying in vain is of no use. It would be better to surrender to the King of Han."

Before leaving, the King of Han told me: "I greatly admire Shun's talent and am also moved by his loyalty and righteousness. If he is willing to surrender, he can temporarily return to the Han regime and help me to attack Cao."

Another person was sent to inquire about Fengxian's whereabouts. If they found out, they could exchange a [Reset Point Card] at the Hall of Merit if they had enough merit points.

With this card, you can reset your stats and be reborn, leaving my command and returning to being a nobody.

When the time comes, go and serve Fengxian, let him be free, and do not disturb him.

Liao thought it over carefully and realized that if this were the case, firstly, he could protect the royal family; secondly, he could preserve his usefulness; and thirdly, he could maintain his loyalty.

These three conveniences are worth considering, brother.

Upon hearing this, Gao Shun looked at Zhang Liao in disbelief, feeling utterly unable to comprehend it.

[Skill reset card?]

He had long heard that in the Han Kingdom, one could not move an inch without merit, but as long as one's merit was sufficient, the King of Han would grant anything.

But he really couldn't believe that something like a "point reset card" actually existed in the world.
As long as one has enough merit, one can reset one's stats and be reborn as a new person, starting from scratch and joining another organization.

Even such defection was recognized and protected by the King of Han.

So what does his so-called loyalty and righteousness mean in the eyes of the King of Han?
How ridiculous!

The gates of the Han King are wide open; heroes come and go freely.

But isn't he afraid?

As the King of Han, how could he tacitly allow his subordinates to defect to other factions, without any sense of loyalty or righteousness to restrain them? Wouldn't he be afraid?

If everyone has no concerns about loyalty and righteousness, and comes and goes as they please, he will not be afraid that most of his talented subordinates will leave to join other lords.
Yes, now that the world is in our hands, there are many who would betray their lord and surrender to the Han, but none who would betray the Han.

Even if a Han official were to actually come to surrender, the first reaction of the feudal lords would be that the King of Han is cunning and this must be a conspiracy!
At this moment, Gao Shun could almost imagine what it would be like if he gave it his all, earned enough merit points, and exchanged them for this [Reset Point Card].

Even if, after overcoming countless hardships, they finally find the King of Qi, the King's first reaction will undoubtedly be suspicion and distrust, making him even more wary of them and potentially leading to their execution. And at that point, what other way out would the King of Han have besides himself?

A comparison of the two reveals the stark difference in their abilities: the King of Qi and the King of Han.

At this moment, the difference between a great ruler and a mediocre ruler was laid bare before him for the first time in such a direct and glaring way.

The grand scheme of the King of Han, who opened the gates of the Han Kingdom to all heroes of the land, allowing them to come and go freely, was suffocating Gao Shun, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

What he was so proud of, the loyalty he upheld throughout his life, now felt as if he had been stripped naked and stood in public, utterly humiliated.

Loyalty and righteousness? How laughable!

You are free to come and go as you please, and I hold you in my palm. Whether you are loyal or disloyal, you are a subject of the Han!
"I have heard that under heaven, all land belongs to the king, and on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king."

I did not believe it before, but now that I have seen the King of Han, I know that Heaven has its mandate and Earth has its ruler.

With the majesty of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, which of the feudal lords could rival them?
"Submit willingly and gladly."

Zhang Liao was overjoyed upon seeing this, "Brother Gao, have you figured it out?"

"Come back to the Han camp with me, and we can drink and make merry again."

However, Gao Shun shook his head, his eyes more determined than ever before, and interrupted him.

No!
My loyalty and righteousness may be as insignificant as dust or as laughable as an ant in the eyes of the King of Han.

However, even though Heaven has its own destiny and Earth has its own masters, people also have their own attachments.

These living beings are not playthings or puppets in his hands.

Even someone as wise as the King of Han, who could control destiny and dictate the times, could terrify the world, trapping people in his schemes and leaving them with no control over their own lives.

Those who are loyal and righteous will follow one after another, their glory shining through the ages.

History records their deeds, their loyalty passed down through generations. Though they died for their country, their spirit is not to be laughed at!

Zhang Liao grew increasingly anxious as he listened, and seeing that Gao Shun had already drawn his sword, he hurriedly called out to him.

“Brother Gao, the King of Qi trusts you and has entrusted you with the care of his wife, children and family. How can you bear to betray him now?”

The King of Qi is in the north, his fate uncertain. Our great undertaking is yet to be accomplished. Are you unwilling to search for his whereabouts and offer your assistance in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Shun simply looked up and laughed loudly.

"Wen Yuan is a man of integrity. With you as the adopted son of the King of Han, the King of Qi's family is small and there is nothing to worry about."

As for the King of Qi?

Gao Shun's smile grew increasingly bitter, a sorrowful laugh.

"I wish to help the King of Qi, but the King of Qi does not want me!"

After saying this, he drew his sword and committed suicide. His body fell to the ground, and everyone around him was filled with sorrow.

On the other side, Li Jun had already gathered all the loyal and righteous men in Xiapi. Apart from the six hundred elite soldiers, there were five or six thousand others who had also rallied.

Only now did he arrive late, rushing to the west gate to provide assistance.

Before his reinforcements arrived, news of Gao Shun's death reached the front. Upon hearing this, Li Jun was heartbroken and looked up to the sky in grief!
"General!!!"
They are all on their way and will arrive in no time. Why can't you hold on?

The fault lies with me; I failed to provide swift assistance!

"I shall now commit suicide to follow the general!"

The generals were also deeply saddened, but seeing Li Jun unable to contain his grief and drawing his sword to commit suicide, they rushed forward, snatched the sword from him, and tried to dissuade him.

“Yuan’s army is cunning and its offensive is fierce. General Gao could not withstand it and died a heroic death. What crime did the general commit?”

"Yes, if General Gao were here, he would not blame you, and he would not want to see you commit suicide, causing pain to your loved ones and joy to your enemies."

"The most urgent task at present is to avenge General Gao. General, you bear heavy responsibilities. How can you die lightly and betray the expectations of the people?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jun seemed to be persuaded by the crowd, wiped away his tears, and nodded, saying:

“What you all say is very true. Now we should focus on revenge.”

Now that General Gao is dead, the West Gate has been lost, and the Han army has entered the city in force, what can we, with only five or six thousand men, do?
"What's the point of talking about revenge? We're just waiting to die."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions grew even more sorrowful, and they fell silent, except for a righteous man in the Trapped Camp who spoke up.

"The will to charge into battle is one of certain death."

"Now, to avenge General Gao, I am prepared to die in battle; what is there to fear?"

However, apart from the Trapped Camp, few of the other troops gathered by Li Jun responded to this, and some even criticized it.

"To act rashly and recklessly will only lead to death. What benefit will it bring to the State of Qi? What benefit will it bring to General Gao?"

The man from the Trapped Camp retorted coldly, "Now that we're trapped in a death trap, if you don't die fighting, do you intend to surrender?"

The others opened their mouths, but couldn't say anything more.

These people were all loyal and righteous men gathered by Li Jun. It was difficult for them to agree to surrender to Yuan, but they were also unwilling to fight to the death here.

As the stalemate continued and everyone was at a loss, Li Jun sighed.

"Gentlemen, do you know King Goujian of Yue?"

Now that the enemy is strong and we are weak, the tide has turned. The only option is to endure humiliation and hardship, emulate the story of King Goujian of Yue, and persevere in our efforts to restore order.

I will temporarily reside in Yuan's camp, but one day I will ascend the throne and avenge my grievances!
I intend to infiltrate Yuan's camp alone and feign surrender. If I succeed, I will wait with you all for the future.

If I die, you will each accept your fate.

Upon hearing this, the generals felt even more grief-stricken, yet they could not think of any other better solution, nor did they have any reason to offer any advice or dissuasion.

All the words he wanted to say were transformed into the bows of his generals to him.

"We respectfully see the general off!"

Xiapi, the council hall.

The King of Han sat at the head of the table, with civil and military officials standing on his left and right. Zhang Liao bowed below the hall and reported back.

"Gao Shun prioritized loyalty and righteousness, refused to submit, and committed suicide."

Your son is incompetent and unable to stop it.

"Oh~"

The King of Han glanced at him coldly and asked a question.

"Is it that they can't, or that they're unwilling?"

Zhang Liao kept his head bowed deeply, not daring to look up.

"I don't dare."

Zhang Liao, who had been in the Han camp for some time, was well aware of the chilling methods his adoptive father used.

But he had known Gao Shun for many years, and how could he bear to let his old friend go against his conscience and have his life and death out of his control?
If Gao Shun were to willingly agree to the conditions and come to the Han camp to serve as a minister, Zhang Liao would certainly be happy to see it happen.

However, if Gao Shun was unwilling, Zhang Liao would rather preserve his loyalty and dignity than be forcibly captured and controlled by others.

Seeing Zhang Liao bow his head and admit his mistake, Yuan Shu didn't make things too difficult for him. He could force Gao Shun to surrender, but he couldn't force him to serve him.

However, Gao Shun was different from Xiahou Dun. He forcibly recruited Xiahou Dun because he could use him to deal with Cao Cao.

But Lü Bu wouldn't listen to that. Even upon hearing that Gao Shun had surrendered to Yuan Shao, he would only offer a stern and righteous rebuke:
[Bu was right about this thief; a moment of carelessness led to his betrayal.]

(End of this chapter)