Chapter 91: After Years of Diligent Service, Can't I Finally Enjoy Life?

“Then, Your Majesty, this humble servant shall take his leave now. If any further developments occur, I will return to the palace and report them to you.” Having confirmed Zhen Mi’s situation, Guo Jia rose and bid farewell.

Watching Guo Jia depart, Liu Xie stroked his chin, reflecting on their conversation, and found himself陷入深思.

The war had already deviated from its original historical course. He couldn’t predict who would ultimately emerge victorious in this campaign against Yuan Shu; there were too many unpredictable variables.

However, speaking candidly, compared to Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, he hoped Lu Bu would win.

After all, unlike other regional warlords, Lu Bu could genuinely be considered a loyal subject of the Great Han.

If Cao Cao gained dominance, falling into his hands would undoubtedly mean certain death for Liu Xie.

And if Yuan Shao prevailed, Liu Xie would spend his life as a mere puppet, devoid of any freedom.

“Fengxian, please don’t let Yuan Shao or Cao Cao seize too much of Yuan Shu’s territory,” Liu Xie silently prayed.

As long as neither Cao Cao nor Yuan Shao expanded their influence significantly, even if Sun Ce emerged victorious, Liu Xie could accept it.

By June, the weather had become unbearably hot.

Yuan Shao did not stay within Yecheng but retreated with his family and trusted advisors to a mountain villa over ten kilometers away for respite from the heat, combining it with leisurely sightseeing.

In a pavilion halfway up the mountain, Yuan Shao ordered maids to bring several unopened jars of wine. Smiling at everyone present, he said, “This plum wine is crafted from high-quality plums and has been aged underground for many years.”

“Since we rarely gather here, I have little else to offer as hospitality except this fine wine.”

As the maids broke the clay seals on the wine jars, a delightful aroma instantly filled the air.

Most individuals present were connoisseurs of good wine, particularly Xu You. Upon smelling the fragrance, he couldn’t contain his excitement and hurriedly exclaimed, “Quick, quick! Pour me a bowl!”

Seeing his impatience, Yuan Shao teased, “Ziyuan, your love for wine remains unchanged.”

Holding his bowl solemnly, Xu You responded, “Wine is the essence of grain; drinking it can prolong life and enhance well-being.”

“I imbibe so that I may live longer, remaining steadfast by my lord’s side, assisting him in achieving great accomplishments!”

These words elicited laughter from everyone around them.

“You drunkard!” Yuan Shao chided with a laugh but didn’t truly mind. “Ziyuan is right; achieving my grand ambitions relies heavily on your counsel.”

“Here’s to all of you!”

The others raised their bowls in response. “To our lord!”

A convivial atmosphere filled the pavilion.

As Jia Xu drank, he scanned the crowd within the pavilion but couldn’t spot a certain young figure, causing him to frown slightly.

All of Yuan Shao’s strategists were present today—except for Guo Jia.

Jia Xu turned to Yuan Shang, seated beside him, and asked, “Is Secretary Guo not joining us?”

Yuan Shang had been contemplating whether to offer his respects to Jia Xu or not, so when Jia Xu initiated conversation, he was quite pleased. “Fengxiao isn’t feeling well, hence why he couldn’t attend.”

“I see,” Jia Xu nodded without probing further. However, internally, he surmised that Guo Jia likely took advantage of everyone being away to meet secretly with the Emperor at the palace.

This suggested that the imperial guards might remain loyal to the Emperor, otherwise news of Guo Jia’s frequent meetings would have already leaked out.

Jia Xu silently calculated the chances of the Emperor successfully breaking free from Yuan Shao’s control.

As everyone enjoyed spirited conversation over wine, Tian Feng abruptly rose and declared, “My lord, I have something to say.”

“What is it, Yuanhao?” asked Yuan Shao.

Tian Feng solemnly responded, “My lord, our great endeavor remains unfinished amidst the ongoing strife among the nation’s heroes. You truly ought not indulge in pleasures at this time. After finishing your drink, we should swiftly return to the city, as numerous matters await your decision.”

His words instantly chilled the atmosphere.

A flicker of irritation crossed Yuan Shao’s eyes. After years of diligent work, couldn’t he enjoy a few days of leisure? Suppressing his anger, he said, “If Yuanhao wishes to leave now, then go ahead! As for me, I intend to stay here with these gentlemen for a few more days!”

Internally, Yuan Shao was utterly exasperated with Tian Feng, who always seemed to contradict him just when he was most enjoying himself—even drinking outside the city required criticism!

“Yuanhao, you’ve had too much,” Ju Shou quickly interjected, noticing Yuan Shao’s displeasure, hoping to smooth things over.

However, Tian Feng remained unyielding. Upon hearing Yuan Shao’s words, he bowed respectfully and replied, “Then Feng shall take his leave now.” With that, he stood up and walked straight out of the pavilion.

Everyone exchanged glances, visibly taken aback by the scene.

Yuan Shao slammed his hand heavily on the table, his face darkening as he declared, “Ignore him! Let’s continue our feast!”

Ju Shou watched Tian Feng’s retreating figure and sighed softly.

Jia Xu observed this scene coldly. Glancing at Yuan Shao’s sullen expression and then at Tian Feng departing, he couldn’t help but shake his head internally.

“Indeed, Yuan Shao is not one worth following.”

When assessing someone, Jia Xu never relied on their behavior under normal circumstances; instead, he focused on how they reacted when angry, grieving, or fearful. People often put up facades during ordinary times, revealing their true nature only in moments of heightened emotion.

The way Yuan Shao treated Tian Feng, who spoke candidly and offered sound advice, clearly indicated that he was not a wise leader. Such a person would struggle to achieve significant accomplishments.

“I wonder how the Emperor compares to Yuan Shao? How much has he grown since our last encounter?” Jia Xu found himself curious.

An Emperor capable of garnering Guo Jia’s unwavering support must have a genuine character far different from what Jia Xu witnessed briefly upon entering the palace—it was likely just another facade.

“My lord! My lord—!” As Jia Xu pondered, shouts suddenly caught his attention. Looking up, he saw Tian Feng returning despite having left earlier.

Yuan Shao frowned, his expression cold. “Didn’t Yuanhao wish to return to the city? What brings you back now?”

“My lord! Urgent reports from Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou!” Tian Feng, unfazed by Yuan Shao’s sarcasm, presented a grave expression as he handed over the dispatch.

“An urgent report from the Yangzhou front: Lu Bu captured Zhongli District and engaged Yuan Shu at the Huai River. On the day of battle, Lu Bu fatally shot Yuan Shu’s general Lè Jiù across the river before crossing and decisively defeating Yuan Shu!”

“The entire sixty-thousand-strong army of Yuan Shu was annihilated. With Zhang Xiu providing cover, they retreated to defend Shou County. Now, Lu Bu has ordered his forces to advance on Shou County!”

“Furthermore, Cao Cao personally led a five-thousand-man force to besiege Shou County, while Sun Ce of Jiangdong also amassed troops outside its walls!”

Tian Feng’s words stunned everyone present.

“Give it here!” Yuan Shao disregarded his recent disagreement with Tian Feng and immediately took the dispatch to read, his expression quickly turning grim.

After scrutinizing the report multiple times, he clenched his teeth and cursed bitterly, “Yuan Shu, how could you be so inept? You’ve allowed our Yuan territory to fall into others’ hands!”

He never anticipated that Lu Bu would defeat Yuan Shu with such minimal losses. This completely contradicted his initial plan!

Without significant casualties for Lu Bu, how could Yuan Shao seize the opportunity to devour Yuan Shu’s territories ahead of him? Moreover, with Cao Cao now intervening and Sun Ce eyeing them greedily from Jiangdong, Yuan Shao couldn’t fathom how Yan Liang and Wen Chou could possibly compete against these three converging forces to claim any territory.