About Cao Cao's reincarnation as the emperor's uncle

Chapter 51 Three Handwritten Letters Reflect a Lifetime

Amidst the fragrance of ink, one can almost feel the sandstorms from beyond the Great Wall sweeping across their face.

Liu Fang stroked the words "to die on the battlefield," a look of pain flashing in his eyes.

This old general, who struck fear into the hearts of the Qiang people on the banks of the Huangshui River, wrote such resolute words on his sickbed.

"Your dying minister, Huangfu Gui, bows deeply and respectfully..."

He murmured it out, then suddenly felt a lump in his throat.

What shameful burden of passing down a family heirloom...?

Perhaps without his intervention, Huangfu Yan would have reached adulthood early and been groomed as a family heir.

But now...

Huangfu wanted to leave the pass with his entire family, but he left Huangfu Yan by his side.

Lord Weiming, you know I have asked three questions and received three plans...

This is out of fear and suspicion; they sent the eldest grandson of the Huangfu family as a hostage...

"I am far inferior to Duke Weiming in terms of character and integrity."

Seeing that Liu Fang's knuckles were turning white from gripping the lamp so tightly, Qiao Lan quickly raised the lamp even higher.

Liu Fang looked up, about to pick up Qiao Xuan's letter, but then he saw Qiao Lan's expression...

In the end, he still didn't dare to open Qiao Xuan's letter lightly.

With a sigh, he slowly unfolded the document Xun Kun had sent.

This book is written with flowing, graceful strokes, showcasing the style of a master.

……

To the esteemed Lord Yuanyi:
Although I have not personally witnessed your esteemed presence, I have long heard from your esteemed messenger that your name resounds throughout the prefectures and counties, and your integrity shines as brightly as the sun and moon.

Every time I open this book and reflect upon it, I cannot help but sigh with admiration. How fortunate we are to have you, sir, in the glorious Han Dynasty!

In the past, our Xun family ancestors passed down the family tradition of practical application of knowledge, and we, the descendants, were fortunate enough to be known as the Eight Dragons of the Xun family.

However, compared to the greater good of the public good, it is like a firefly reflecting the stars.

Only then did I realize what a model of the gentry truly is, inspiring awe throughout the land!

I have been entrusted with the important task by my elder brother Xun Jian and now manage the Xun family. I always keep in mind that the rise and fall of the family is connected to the lifeline of the Han Dynasty, so I dare not be negligent.

My son Xun Yu, though he has studied the Book of Poetry and the Book of Documents since childhood and is well-versed in their meanings and etiquette, has never experienced the storms of life and is like a fine jade waiting to be polished.

I humbly request that Your Excellency allow me to serve by your side, to learn military strategy on the battlefield, and to observe the ways of the world in subtle ways.

Our Xun family has held official positions for generations, not for the sake of pursuing power and wealth, but because we believe that the literary tradition of the Han Dynasty is fragile and needs someone to protect and ensure its continued existence.

I am presenting you, Xun Yu, as a gift not to seek official rank or wealth, but only to hope that you will teach him the principle of "a gentleman is not a vessel" (meaning he is not a tool for others to attain).

If one day I were to stand in the imperial court, I could assist the emperor in securing the country and protect the people and uphold the laws and regulations. This has been Xunzi's unchanging wish for a hundred years.

Since the Xiping era, chaos has gradually emerged. One night, while observing the celestial sphere, a general star shone brightly beside the Ziwei star.

Knowing that you are a person destined for greatness, you will surely be able to turn the tide and save the collapsing edifice.

I am not an opportunist, but I firmly believe that your sincerity is as clear as the sun and moon, and that your great talent will surely change the world.

With utmost sincerity and without a single false word, I hope that you, my lord, will remain as the North Star in your place, and that my son will serve you with utmost respect.

I eagerly await the day when you establish the Han dynasty and once again display its splendor!
Xun Gun, the second son of the Xun family, respectfully bows.

……

"What a fine Xun Zhongci! What a fine Xun family of eight dragons!"

Liu Fang did not let anyone notice his unusual behavior, but just muttered to himself.

The candlelight was suddenly flared up by the wind, illuminating the four characters "Xun Shi Ci Zhou" (荀氏次胄) written on the handwritten scroll.

Throughout the entire text, any words of praise are practically worthless.

This Xun Lao Er didn't say much, just a few words.

As mentioned at the beginning, his deeds as the emperor's uncle have now spread.

However, to dare to place a bet based solely on recent rumors is truly worthy of being one of Xun's Eight Dragons.

The so-called expression of loyalty to the Han Dynasty was not entirely false; among the powerful clans, the Xun family was considered to be inclined towards the Han Dynasty.

Xun Jian, the eldest of the eight sons of the Xun family, is old, and the family affairs are now being managed by Xun Kun, the second son.

Just like in the previous life, this is something that no aristocratic family can escape: to protect themselves and to plan on multiple fronts.

Stripped of any flattery, the entire piece, in short, expresses both loyalty and a hidden intention to invest.

However, in his past life, he was tightly bound by the Yingchuan aristocratic families, led by the Xun clan; he wouldn't repeat that mistake in this life. What does "a gentleman is not a vessel" mean?
This saying comes from the Analects, and it roughly means that a gentleman should not be like a tool, only serving one purpose.

However, the Book of Changes says, "That which is above form is called the Way, and that which is below form is called the instrument."

A vessel is a form. A form is an appearance.

These words cannot be taken literally; in reality, they mean that Xun Yu is not representing himself, but rather the attitude of the Xun family.

The phrase "all the stars revolve around the North Star" from the Analects of Confucius is used to conclude the discussion, indicating both the intention to cooperate and leaving room for maneuver.

Dealing with this kind of person is indeed a bit tiring...

As his thoughts tugged, Liu Fang tapped on Xun Kun's signature:

"Should we use the piece as a gift, or as a chess piece?"

In his previous life, Xun Yu exhausted all his energy and died in the midst of his struggle.

What appears to be a clash of political ideologies is actually a game of strategy within the broader context of the times.

Or rather, this struggle stemmed from Xun Yu's deep-seated entanglement with the gentry.

Xun Yu's life was a game for his father, for the Xun clan, for Yingchuan, and for all the powerful families in the world.

The burning of all letters before his death may have been a sign of disappointment with Cao Mengde, or perhaps despair over his own fate.

He died of grief!
Wenruo, Wenruo, in this life I am determined to lead you down a new path...

Qiao Lan noticed that although Liu Fang's face was calm, his eyes were unpredictable.

She stepped forward, added a lamp at the opportune moment, and hesitated to speak.

Liu Fang forced a smile, indicating that it was alright.

When he lowered his head, his smile had vanished, leaving only a hint of sorrow in his eyes.

The last handwritten letter came into view.

……

Yuan Yi, please write:

For over sixty years, Xuan Sheng has always prided himself on his integrity.

Ten years of studying to understand principles, ten years of tempering to become a person, ten years of wielding the sword to enter officialdom, and ten years of clear mind and clean governance.

He served the country's borders for another ten years, protecting the territory and ensuring the safety of the people...

Unexpectedly, ten years later, he served as one of the Nine Ministers and Three Dukes. Although he held a high position and was famous, he had lost his edge.

My eldest son died for his country years ago, and I am terrified...

Fearing that white hair will outlive black hair, fearing that young children will lose their mother, they retreat to their study, deceiving themselves!

Your words have enlightened me, and I ask myself honestly, if everyone in the world were to flee from disaster and seek only to survive like I have…

Who will guard this vast land? Who will hold high the banners of the Han dynasty?
Thinking of this, I felt ashamed and couldn't sleep until dawn!

I have drafted a memorial and submitted it to Your Majesty, earnestly requesting that Your Majesty allow me to take my second son, Yu, to the border.

Not to atone for my sins, but to rediscover my original aspirations and take up arms again to console myself for the rest of my life.

Upon hearing that she could conquer the barbarians, Yu'er sharpened her sword at night until the rooster crowed.

It is evident that the bloodline of my ancestor, Qiao Gong, is still warm; even if I die, I will have no regrets!
I am old now, and this journey may lead to my burial in the yellow sands, my soul returning to the frontier.

I have two matters to entrust to you, hoping you will have mercy on them:
A young girl named Lan.

This woman is as bold as a sword, not fond of makeup, but only enjoys studying classics and often spends her nights by the lamp.

I hope you will not find her disrespectful and will allow her to serve under your command. If she has acted improperly, I will apologize in advance.

Second-hand bamboo shoots.

Although this child is young, he is close to you, and treats you as if you were his father.

I dared to ask you to take me as your apprentice, and not to spoil me, but to teach me strictly according to military law.

If one day I can use the arrow in your hand to shoot down the barbarian cavalry, I will surely thank you with a smile in the afterlife!
Though the letter is short, the sentiment is deep; please don't laugh!

An elderly woman, perhaps a few more words...

If the Han Dynasty is about to collapse, only you can save it!
A certain individual staked his future on his children, betting that the emperor would surely be able to rebuild his empire.

If someone dies in battle, I hope that during your leisure time you will visit their grave and pour a pot of wine...

It would be enough to reassure someone that "the land remains, and the barbarians have retreated!"
Old soldier Qiao Xuan bows a hundred times...

(End of this chapter)