Let us talk about how Gongsun Zan, on his way northward, was extremely lucky not to encounter any of Yuan Shao's pursuing troops. Even though he felt drowsy and listless on the road, he did manage to return safely to Youzhou. However, perhaps because he had suffered from fever for too long or suffered too crushing a defeat, he had clearly become prone to irritation, and his thinking was not quite normal.
"Lord, Taishi Ziyi and Gan Xingba have arrived," a messenger burst in, loudly reporting.
Since separating from Gan Ning, Gan Lan had headed directly north along the river, while Taishi Ci, without Gongsun Zan's reservations, decided to follow the previously arranged route along the Zhang River once they had parted ways. He planned to ensure his own safety before attempting to rescue Gongsun Zan.