Chapter 60: Yuan Shao Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Yuan Shao’s words plunged his advisors into deep contemplation.

Rumors about Yuan Shao’s desire to proclaim himself Emperor had already spread, making it difficult to dispel them outright. The truth was that the marriage alliance between the Yuan and Zhen clans existed, but someone with ulterior motives deliberately linked this union with prophetic claims.

In the past, such rumors would have been dismissed without much thought.

No one would have believed Yuan Shao harbored such ambitions.

After all, his reputation built over many years stood as evidence against it.

However, these were sensitive times. With Yuan Shu declaring himself Emperor and the true Emperor residing in Yecheng, Yuan Shao arranging for his son to marry a woman prophesied to become Empress naturally raised suspicions of disloyalty.

The best way to quash these rumors now would undoubtedly be to cancel the engagement. Doing so would instantly silence any speculation. However…

The advisors stole glances at Yuan Xi, whose expression remained impassive, revealing neither joy nor anger. None dared to suggest this solution aloud.

Except for one person.

Tian Feng spoke directly, “My lord, dispelling the rumors is simple; just annul the engagement, and they will dissipate on their own.”

As soon as this suggestion was voiced, Yuan Xi’s expression visibly darkened.

The other advisors secretly sighed in relief.

Feng Ge, it always comes down to you during crucial moments.

However, Yuan Shao responded discontentedly, “Do you think I’m unaware that canceling the engagement would dispel rumors? What I want is a solution that allows us to maintain the alliance with the Zhen family and quash the gossip!”

As one of Jizhou’s prominent local aristocratic families, the Zhen clan possessed immense wealth. Forming an alliance through marriage would significantly bolster Yuan Shao’s influence, making him reluctant to abandon the arrangement.

Yuan Shang echoed his father’s sentiment, stating firmly, “I agree; canceling the engagement would make outsiders perceive it as a sign of guilt.”

These words elicited surprised glances from everyone present, including a flash of astonishment in Yuan Xi’s eyes.

He had heard from servants in the estate that his third brother, Yuan Shang, was deeply unhappy about his impending marriage to the Zhen family. Consequently, when the rumors began spreading, Yuan Xi immediately suspected Yuan Shang’s involvement.

Yet now, Yuan Shang himself advocated against canceling the engagement?

“What game is he playing?” Yuan Xi pondered silently, his gaze flickering slightly. “Could I have misunderstood him? Did he not spread these rumors after all?”

If he were Yuan Shang, he would eagerly support canceling his own marriage to the Zhen clan; why would he oppose it?

“Xianfu, what are your thoughts on this?” Surprised by the turn of events, Yuan Shao sought Yuan Shang’s opinion.

Yuan Shang hesitated before responding, “Father, I do have an idea, but…” He glanced at his second brother, Yuan Xi, with a hint of guilt and continued, “But Second Brother might not be pleased, so I dare not speak rashly.”

Taken aback, Yuan Xi quickly forced a smile and said, “How could that be? If there’s a way to dispel these rumors without harming Father’s reputation, I’d be overjoyed. Third Brother, please feel free to share your thoughts, no need to worry about me.”

Any suspicion Yuan Xi had just moments ago vanished entirely. Although he was unsure of his third brother’s plan, being put on the spot like this left him unable to object!

There must be some ulterior motive at play!

“Since Second Brother says so, I’ll be straightforward,” Yuan Shang sighed and then addressed Yuan Shao. “Father, since it is prophesied that the maiden from the Zhen family carries the destiny of a phoenix, why not directly offer her to the Emperor?”

“This way, we can win over the Zhen clan and dispel rumors, achieving two goals with one action. However, it would indeed be unfair to you, Second Brother.”

The true intentions were finally revealed.

“Yuan Shang! You treacherous—!” Yuan Xi gritted his teeth, desperately wanting to slap that despicable face right then and there.

But reason told him he couldn’t act on impulse.

Suppressing his anger, Yuan Xi managed a smile as he addressed Yuan Shao. “Father, I believe Third Brother’s plan is feasible; it seems the most appropriate course of action.”

Yuan Shao remained silent, his deep gaze first settling on Yuan Xi’s face before turning to Yuan Shang. After scrutinizing them for a while, he looked towards the numerous advisors present in the hall. “What are your thoughts?”

Most advisors stayed quiet, except Tian Feng, who spoke up first: “This strategy proposed by the Third Prince is indeed most suitable. Offering the Zhen maiden to the Emperor is the best approach.”

“We concur,” echoed the other advisors, following Tian Feng’s lead.

Finally, Yuan Shao turned back to Yuan Xi and asked, “Xianyi, do you truly have no objections? This marriage was originally arranged for you.”

“My son…”

Yuan Xi instinctively wanted to agree but felt an inexplicable sense that his response was crucial. After a brief hesitation, he said, “I have no objections, Father. Your decision is final.”

Yuan Shao’s gaze withdrew, a hint of disappointment flashing deep within his eyes. He then calmly stated, “Gongyu, stay behind; everyone else may leave.”

“Yes, my lord (Father).”

Yuan Xi, Yuan Shang, and the other strategists departed.

Only Ju Shou remained.

Once they were alone, Yuan Shao frowned and asked Ju Shou, “Gongyu, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

Caught off guard, Ju Shou cautiously replied, “Which matter does my lord refer to?” He dared not assume anything with such vague questions.

Sighing, Yuan Shao clarified, “Do you think offering the Zhen maiden to the Emperor is appropriate? She is merely a commoner after all.”

If it were the true Emperor, it might be acceptable, but the key issue lay in him being a fake.

Allowing a mere commoner to marry the daughter of the Zhongshan Zhen clan could incite their overwhelming fury if discovered. Other influential families would also harbor resentment towards the House of Yuan.

Ju Shou slightly relaxed, pondered for a moment, and responded, “Currently, there seems to be no better alternative. Besides… since we’ve already deceived them with a false Emperor, why should this additional step concern us?”

Ju Shou understood Yuan Shao’s concerns.

However, the consequences of exposing their impersonation of the Emperor were already unimaginable; what difference would adding the Zhen family to the mix make?

At this point, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and maintain the facade that the Emperor was genuine.

“I understand.” Yuan Shao felt a dull ache between his brows.

Bringing in this false Emperor did have its benefits, but now he sensed being trapped, sinking deeper into a predicament with each step. Currently, everyone else could claim the Emperor was fake, except for him.

After discussing these matters, Ju Shou hesitated before asking, “Is my lord not angered by this? The rumors clearly bear the influence of the Third Prince.”

Though unspoken directly, it was evident to all involved. In any conspiracy, one need only identify who stands to benefit most at the end. Moreover, Yuan Shang’s tactics weren’t particularly subtle or sophisticated, leaning more towards overt schemes.

“What is there to be angry about?” Yuan Shao countered, letting out a cold snort. “If he can prevent the marriage alliance, it shows his capability. In such tumultuous times, failing to compete is the true fault.”

“It’s Xianyi who truly disappoints me.”

Yuan Shao had repeatedly questioned Yuan Xi, yet his second son persisted in enduring silently. To Yuan Shao, this demonstrated weakness. His second son seemed overly cautious.

Ju Shou appeared as if he wanted to say something but ultimately held his tongue, internally sighing before turning to leave.