Chapter 56: Zhen Mi (fixed)

Yuan Shao’s plan to eliminate Liu Bei fell through due to Lu Bu’s unexpected retreat.

Upon receiving this news, Yuan Shao was both shocked and furious.

“What did Liu Bei offer that convinced Lu Bu to return Pei County to him?!” His face darkened with intense anger.

Originally, if Liu Bei failed to capture Pei County, he would be executed under military law. Then, Yuan Shao’s forces would sweep in, seize control of Pei County, establish a foothold in Xuzhou, and prepare for future attacks on the region.

However, now that Liu Bei remained alive, even if Yuan Shao sent his army to occupy Pei County, it wouldn’t guarantee stability or ease his concerns.

“My lord, please calm down and take care of your health,” Ju Shou urged, worry etched on his face, fearing Yuan Shao might worsen his condition and lapse back into unconsciousness.

Taking deep breaths, Yuan Shao sighed heavily. “It seems fate has spared Liu Bei; he survived against all odds.”

“Let it be. He won’t cause significant trouble anyway.” Although disappointed at failing to kill Liu Bei, Yuan Shao didn’t dwell on it excessively. To him, Liu Bei was truly insignificant and posed no real threat, not warranting further effort to deal with him.

Moreover, there were pressing matters concerning Yuan Shu to address.

“My lord, I have another matter to report regarding Lu Bu,” Ju Shou said, retrieving a confidential memorandum from his robes and handing it to Yuan Shao.

“A few days ago, Yuan Shu sent an envoy to Downstream City to request a marriage alliance for his son with Lu Bu’s daughter.”

“However, Lu Bu beheaded the envoy and displayed his head on the city gate tower, openly declaring war against Yuan Shu.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao frowned slightly. He took the confidential report handed to him, read it carefully, and then spoke.

“Why is Lu Bu eagerly preparing for battle against Yuan Shu when none of the other lords are willing to engage?”

“Just what does that brutish man intend to achieve? Why can’t I discern his motives?”

While Yuan Shu was indeed foolish, his power base remained formidable. Even after Sun Ce severed ties with him, the remaining forces were not to be underestimated, causing most lords to avoid direct confrontation.

For instance, Zhang Xiu in Wancheng had received orders from Cao Cao, acting under the Emperor’s authority, to mobilize against Yuan Shu but showed no signs of action—clearly unwilling to take the lead.

Yet, Lu Bu exhibited exceptional enthusiasm, so much so that Yuan Shao began questioning if issuing orders to him was even necessary.

“This isn’t difficult to understand,” Ju Shou said, unsurprised by the situation. “Lu Bu comes from humble origins, lacking any influential backers, and his temperament is unpredictable, making him disfavored among the various lords and prominent clans.”

“He relies solely on the Emperor, and only by firmly supporting the restoration of the Han Dynasty can he claim righteousness.”

“It’s unsurprising then that he eagerly mobilized his forces to attack Yuan Shu.”

After hearing this analysis, Yuan Shao exclaimed in astonishment, “Lu Bu possesses such insight and cunning? How did I never notice before?”

“My lord, you’ve misunderstood,” Ju Shou replied. “Under Lu Bu’s command is a man named Chen Gong, with the courtesy name Gongtai. He has a steadfast character and is highly resourceful. Once serving under Cao Cao, he was considered one of his trusted confidants. For reasons unknown, they had a falling out, leading Chen Gong to join Lu Bu.”

“It seems likely that Lu Bu’s actions are largely based on Chen Gong’s advice.”

Yuan Shao’s expression finally relaxed slightly as he nodded. “I see, so it isn’t surprising after all.”

Lu Bu’s unparalleled bravery alone was formidable enough; if coupled with strategic acumen, his threat level would exponentially increase.

Fortunately, that wasn’t the case; it was merely due to having a skilled advisor strategizing for him.

While Ju Shou and Yuan Shao were discussing matters, a stunningly beautiful woman, exuding an aura of elegance and nobility, entered the room accompanied by two maidservants.

Upon seeing her, Ju Shou immediately displayed deep respect, hastily bowing with hands cupped in greeting. “Greetings, Madam Liu.”

This woman was indeed Yuan Shao’s primary wife, Madam Liu.

Madam Liu smiled and nodded graciously in acknowledgment, then turned to Yuan Shao, saying, “Husband, it’s time for your medicine.”

As she spoke, one of the maidservants placed a tray onto the table.

A jade bowl containing medicinal decoction sat atop it, still steaming.

“Thank you for your efforts, Madam.” Yuan Shao nodded and then turned to Ju Shou. “Gongyu, please withdraw for now. Report back if anything arises.”

“Yes, my lord,” Ju Shou respectfully acknowledged before leaving the room.

After Ju Shou’s departure, Madam Liu brought the jade bowl to Yuan Shao’s bedside, where she sat down with a resigned tone. “Already bedridden from illness, yet still preoccupied with these matters?”

“Haven’t you entrusted Xi’er and Shang’er to help manage affairs? Why can’t you focus on recuperating instead?”

Yuan Shao took a sip of the medicine, his brows furrowing tightly—whether due to its bitterness or Madam Liu’s words was unclear. He replied, “The fate of the realm is beyond their understanding.”

“I’ve only asked them to handle trivial administrative tasks within Yecheng. Other matters require my personal oversight; otherwise, how could I rest assured?”

Hearing this, Madam Liu did not press further. She sighed, ensuring Yuan Shao finished all the medicine in the bowl, then gently offered him a piece of candied fruit from nearby to alleviate the bitter taste.

With the medicine consumed, Yuan Shao’s complexion visibly improved. Looking at Madam Liu, he asked, “Why have you personally come to deliver the medicine today?”

Tasks like delivering and administering medicine were typically left to servants. As someone of Madam Liu’s stature, there was no need for her involvement.

Madam Liu said, “I wished to discuss with my husband matters concerning Xi’er and Shang’er’s marriages.”

“They have reached the age to settle down, but with your daily preoccupation managing affairs of state, you have no time to consider it. As their mother, how could I not be concerned?”

“So, I’ve carefully selected several suitable young women from prominent families and wanted to seek your opinion, my lord.”

As parents, nothing is more important than their children’s well-being.

And after health comes marriage and settling down.

Their eldest son Yuan Tan was already married, but the remaining two sons were still single. With them rarely around, this rare visit back to Yecheng presented Madam Liu an opportunity to address their matrimonial affairs.

“Who are the candidates? Let me take a look.” Yuan Shao pondered for a moment, acknowledging the validity of Madam Liu’s concern. After all, ensuring the continuation of the family lineage was paramount.

Upon hearing this, Madam Liu instructed her maid to fetch the prepared portraits, which she handed over to Yuan Shao one by one, providing introductions alongside each.

“This one here is Lady Lu of Fanyang, gentle and refined, being the eldest daughter of a prestigious clan, now reaching the appropriate age for marriage.”

“This portrait depicts a maiden from the prestigious Cui Clan of Qinghe. Although she is not of direct lineage, her maternal family hails from the Zhang Clan of Feng County - quite respectable.”

“And this one, from Wen County’s Sima Clan…”

There were over a dozen portraits, each depicting a young lady from esteemed noble families, renowned for their status, beauty, and character.

As one of the most influential warlords in the land, Yuan Shao hailed from the illustrious Yuan clan of Runan, boasting four generations of high-ranking officials. Only women of exceptional pedigree could aspire to marry into such a prominent family.

Yuan Shao meticulously examined each portrait until his eyebrows raised upon seeing a particular image, prompting him to separate it from the rest.

“Who is this woman depicted here? She is remarkably lovely.”

The maiden portrayed was exceptionally beautiful, captivating even Yuan Shao, who had encountered countless beauties before. He was struck by both the painter’s extraordinary skill and the allure of the woman herself.

Madam Liu glanced at the portrait and smiled. “This young lady is from the Zhen Clan of Zhongshan, the youngest daughter of the main branch. Renowned for her talents and exquisite beauty, if my memory serves me right, her name is…Zhen Mi.”