Chapter 49: Sharpening Blades Against Lu Bu (fixed)

Seeing their father so frail, Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi felt both anxious and perplexed.

“Father, you’ve always been robust; why have you suddenly fallen ill?” Yuan Shang’s face reflected his urgency, his tone filled with concern.

They had only heard that Yuan Shao unexpectedly lost consciousness and hastily rushed back together, unaware of the exact cause.

Yuan Shao sighed, “Upon learning about Yuan Shu declaring himself Emperor, I was overwhelmed by anger. But now, there is no need to worry, my sons.”

“What?!” Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang were taken aback, utterly shocked.

Yuan Shu… declared himself Emperor?!

Both brothers were not foolish; upon hearing this startling news, they immediately grasped its immense implications.

Yuan Shang’s expression turned furious. “Our Yuan family has long enjoyed the grace of the Great Han Empire. His treacherous actions will surely ruin our clan’s century-old reputation!”

“Moreover, the Emperor still resides in Yecheng! With Yuan Shu claiming the throne, how can Father face the Emperor henceforth?”

It became clear to them why their father had succumbed to such fury.

Yuan Shu’s audacity was truly despicable!

On the side, Yuan Xi remained much calmer and asked, “Father, what do you plan to do? Do we have a strategy in response?”

Yuan Shao nodded slightly. “I intend to request imperial authorization for punitive action against Yuan Shu, clearly distancing myself from his actions. This way, everyone will know that my stance on Yuan Shu’s claim to the throne differs entirely.”

He briefly outlined his plan to his sons.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shang sighed with relief. “It’s good to know you have prepared a course of action, Father.”

In contrast, Yuan Xi furrowed his brow thoughtfully. After a moment, he looked up and said to Yuan Shao, “Father, merely requesting authorization may not sufficiently demonstrate your loyalty to the Han Dynasty. Why not involve other regional lords in a joint military campaign against him?”

“If you lead the charge, replicating the grandeur of when the Eighteen Lords united against Dong Zhuo, no one would dare question your motives or integrity.”

This suggestion drew everyone’s attention.

Leading the Eighteen Lords against Dong Zhuo had been the pinnacle of Yuan Shao’s life, his most spirited and illustrious moment, earning him the title of “Role Model of the World.” By recreating such a coalition now, it would undoubtedly remind the people of Yuan Shao’s past glorious deeds. Not only could this greatly mitigate the negative impact of Yuan Shu’s proclamation, but it might also elevate his reputation even further!

“An excellent proposal, Second Prince!”

Ju Shou’s eyes lit up, greatly appreciating Yuan Xi’s suggestion. He excitedly addressed Yuan Shao, “My lord! Issuing an imperial decree for all lords to march against this traitor is indeed an excellent strategy!”

“Let Yanzhou’s Cao Cao, Xuzhou’s Lu Bu, Jiangdong’s Sun Ce, Jingzhou’s Liu Biao, and yourself lead five great armies to encircle Yuan Shu!”

“This way, we share the risk among them while highlighting your unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating your resolve to punish disloyalty!”

Typically, regional lords could find excuses to ignore imperial decrees. However, no lord would dare defy an order to confront a usurper claiming the throne, as they were all subjects of the Han Dynasty!

If one refused to challenge such a traitor, wouldn’t it raise suspicions about their own ambitions to rebel and claim the throne?

Xu You stroked his beard, adding, “Furthermore, this presents an opportunity to weaken the strength of other lords, particularly Lu Bu and Cao Cao.”

“My lord, have you not always desired to conquer Xuzhou? During this campaign against Yuan Shu, make Lu Bu the vanguard, depleting his forces and preparing the groundwork for future conquests of Xuzhou!”

“And if we defeat Yuan Shu, we can seize the chance to divide Yangzhou among ourselves!”

“This plan achieves four objectives with one arrow!”

The strategists unanimously praised Yuan Xi’s proposal.

Initially, they had only focused on clearing their names and distancing themselves from Yuan Shu, never considering leveraging the situation for greater gains!

As the saying goes, those directly involved may be blind to their situation while observers see it clearly.

Undoubtedly, this was the best solution amidst their current predicament, potentially turning adversity into advantage and making lemonade out of lemons!

“Excellent!” Yuan Shao’s spirits soared, his complexion visibly brightening.

He hadn’t anticipated such a breakthrough strategy! With admiration, he looked at Yuan Xi and praised him, “After just a few months apart, Xianyi, you truly impress your father!”

Yuan Xi modestly responded, “Father, you flatter me; it was merely a casual suggestion, nothing significant.”

“No need for humility, this is indeed your accomplishment!” Yuan Shao chuckled heartily before continuing, “With my health being fragile now, I require rest. From today onwards, all matters within the city, big or small, will be entrusted to you and Xianfu jointly.”

“It’s also an opportunity for me to gauge how much you both have grown.”

These words sent a chill through the hearts of other ministers present. Entrusting city affairs to the two young masters?

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang’s spirits lifted immediately, responding in unison, “We are eager to share Father’s burdens!”

Yuan Shao patted Yuan Xi on the shoulder, saying, “Xianyi, as the elder brother and generally more composed, remember to support Xianfu whenever possible.”

Yuan Xi solemnly responded, “Father, please rest assured. Your words will not be forgotten.”

“Gongyu, Zhengnan, you must also take your responsibilities seriously. The young princes lack experience, so it is crucial to guide them diligently.”

Ju Shou, Shen Pei, and the other ministers pledged together, “We shall do our utmost to assist both princes!”

Nodding with satisfaction, Yuan Shao waved his hand. “Handle the imperial decree promptly… Alright, everyone may now withdraw. I am feeling quite weary.”

Having pushed through his exhaustion to arrange these matters, he was indeed drained.

The gathering bowed respectfully before leaving the room.

In the courtyard, Yuan Xi turned to Ju Shou and others, offering his own salute. “During this time, I rely on your guidance and expertise. If my actions ever prove inadequate, please do not hesitate to correct me.” His demeanor was remarkably humble, showing great deference.

The advisors hastily returned the gesture, insisting they were honored to serve.

Smiling broadly, Guo Tu stepped forward, saying, “If there’s anything Second Prince does not understand, feel free to seek counsel from me. I will always strive to assist.”

It was clear to all that following their recent discussion, Yuan Shao had high regard for Yuan Xi’s capabilities. Although he spoke of dividing city affairs between the two princes, in reality, Yuan Xi would lead, as evidenced by his specific instructions for Yuan Xi to look after Yuan Shang.

Xu You chimed in with a smile, “Second Prince, you’re too kind. Assisting is our duty as ministers.”

As Yuan Xi engaged amicably with the officials, Yuan Shang’s expression grew dark from the sidelines. Without saying much, he swiftly left the courtyard.

This put Guo Tu and Xu You in an awkward position.

Yuan Xi, unfazed, smiled warmly. “It’s alright; Third Brother must be weary from the journey. If both of you have the time, could you please guide me through the city affairs?”

“Of course, certainly…” Their smiles returned, and they accompanied Yuan Xi away.

Shen Pei and Feng Ji exchanged glances before following Yuan Shang’s departure direction, leaving only Ju Shou and Tian Feng in the courtyard.

“Our lord has presented us with quite a dilemma.” Watching everyone leave, Ju Shou felt a headache coming on.

By entrusting city affairs to Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang jointly, while instructing their ministers to assist them, Yuan Shao clearly aimed to test their allegiances towards the two princes.

Tian Feng responded mildly, “We should focus solely on our duties and not concern ourselves with other matters that do not involve us.”

Ju Shou shook his head, worry etched on his face. If only it were that simple.