Gongsun Zan bent his knee to the Ruler of Yan. Before him, the other members of the Gongsun Clan had already pledged allegiance to Yan State.
The war between Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao had shown the Gongsun Clan that defeat was inevitable. The Gongsun Clan’s investment in the Han Dynasty had ended in utter ruin.
Only by joining Yan State now could they preserve their wealth and standing in the face of Yuan Shao.
Perhaps the Gongsun Clan lacked the foundations to become an imperial clan, but as a powerful family, it had more than enough.
As long as Gongsun Zan did not rule, he would make an excellent general.
Who could say that the White Horse General who had once swept unrivaled across the grasslands of Youzhou could not appear again?
Yan Mu looked at the kneeling Gongsun Zan with a deeply satisfied smile. Yan State had grown stronger once more. Next came swallowing Youzhou, crouching like a tiger over Youyan, and eyeing all the land.
"General Gongsun, lead your army to our left flank and put your troops in order. Once matters here are settled, His Majesty the Emperor of our Great Yan will come to Youzhou in person before long."
Gongsun Zan was not surprised that the Ruler of Yan would come personally. Yan State's rulers had always liked leading their armies into battle themselves.
Liaodong's harsh environment could never have nurtured the countless celebrated scholars who indulged in lofty talk in the Southern Kingdom. Everyone had to fight the environment with all their might just to survive.
Then he saw Luo Yan within the formation.
A look of considerable regret appeared on Yan Mu's face, and he sighed. "What a pity. If you wish to enter Yan State's service, Young Master, you may bring your