522. Yuan Xi Change His Mind

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Meeting in one of the estate's private chambers, Feng Ji laid out his thoughts carefully. "Lord Yuan Tan," he began, "you are the eldest son, the rightful heir to your father's legacy. Yet, while Cao Cao mocks our forces and raids our lands, your father hesitates. He listens too much to those who fear conflict. But I know that you, Lord Tan, are not afraid of war."

Yuan Tan narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. "What are you implying, Feng Ji? Speak plainly."

"I am saying, my lord, that now is the time for action. If you lead your father's armies, you can crush Cao Cao and cement your place as the rightful successor. You know that your brothers will vie for the same position. What better way to prove yourself than by delivering victory where your father hesitates?"

Yuan Tan's face tightened with determination. He had always seen himself as the natural leader of his father's forces, and Feng Ji's words played directly into his ambitions. "You make a compelling point, Feng Ji. But how do I convince my father to act? He listens to his advisors, not to me."

Feng Ji smiled. "Leave that to me, my lord. If you rally the generals, show them your strength, and urge your father to trust in you, I will ensure the court supports your bid. Together, we will push him to war."

Yuan Tan nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Very well, Feng Ji. I will make my case to my father, but be ready. If we are to do this, we must strike quickly."

While Feng Ji worked on Yuan Tan, Guo Tu set his sights on Yuan Xi, the second son. Yuan Xi was known to be more calculated and thoughtful than his elder brother. Where Yuan Tan preferred brute force, Yuan Xi valued strategy and political maneuvering. Guo Tu would need to approach him from a different angle.

Meeting Yuan Xi in the library, where the second son often studied military tactics and philosophy, Guo Tu presented his case. "Lord Yuan Xi, I come to you not with calls for war, but with an opportunity for strategic advantage."

Yuan Xi looked up from his scroll, intrigued. "Go on."

"Cao Cao grows stronger by the day," Guo Tu began. "While your father hesitates, Cao Cao expands his influence, winning over allies and consolidating power. If we allow this to continue, it will be too late to stop him. But if we strike now, while he is distracted by the Xiongnu, we can weaken him before he becomes too powerful."

Yuan Xi considered this. "You believe that now is the right time to strike?"

"I do. But not just for the sake of war. Think of the political advantages. If you can convince your father to act decisively, you will not only weaken Cao Cao but also strengthen your own position in court. The nobles respect strength and cunning, and you have both. Seizing this opportunity will show them that you are the true heir, the one who can lead our family to greater power."

Yuan Xi nodded slowly, clearly weighing the options. "You make a compelling argument, Guo Tu. But how do I persuade my father?"

"By showing him that you have the support of the court. If you can rally the nobles and generals to your side, your father will see that this is the logical course of action. I will ensure that you have the backing you need."

Yuan Xi smiled slightly. "Very well. I will consider your words, Guo Tu. Let us see if we can turn this situation to our advantage."

Shen Pei's task was perhaps the most delicate. Yuan Shang, the youngest of Yuan Shao's sons, was often overlooked by his brothers. He was eager to prove himself, but he lacked the experience and confidence of Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi. Shen Pei knew that Yuan Shang's insecurity could be turned into motivation.

Meeting Yuan Shang in the training yard, where the young man often practiced his swordsmanship, Shen Pei approached with a friendly demeanor. "Lord Yuan Shang," he said, watching as the young man practiced his strikes, "your skills are improving greatly."

Yuan Shang, always eager for praise, smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, Shen Pei. I have been working hard."

"And it shows," Shen Pei said, stepping closer. "But skill with the sword is only part of what makes a great leader. Your father and brothers may not see it yet, but I know you have the potential to surpass them all. You just need the chance to prove yourself."

Yuan Shang lowered his sword, curious. "And how would I do that?"

"By taking the lead in the coming conflict. Cao Cao threatens our borders, and while your father hesitates, you have the opportunity to show him that you are ready. If you can lead a successful campaign against Cao Cao's forces, your father will see you as the true heir to his legacy."

Yuan Shang's eyes lit up at the thought. "You really think I could do that?"

"I know you can," Shen Pei replied confidently. "You just need the opportunity. If you push for war, and show your father that you are ready to lead, he will have no choice but to recognize your strength."

Yuan Shang gripped his sword tightly, his determination growing. "Very well, Shen Pei. I will show my father that I am ready."

With Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, and Yuan Shang each set on proving themselves, the stage was now set for Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Shen Pei to put their plan into motion. Each son would approach their father with their own reasons for pushing for war, and Yuan Shao, unable to ignore the ambitions of his heirs, would be forced to act.

Over the next few days, the sons of Yuan Shao each made their cases. Yuan Tan argued for immediate action, claiming that the family's honor was at stake and that he should lead the armies to victory. Yuan Xi presented a more strategic approach, focusing on the political advantages of striking while Cao Cao was distracted. Yuan Shang, eager to prove himself, echoed his brothers but added that this was his chance to show his worth as a leader.

Yuan Shao, torn between the different proposals, found himself increasingly pressured. His court was divided, but with all three of his sons pushing for war, and the constant whisperings of Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Shen Pei in his ears, Yuan Shao almost relented to their proposal but the Zhen Clan patriarch and his in law, Zhen Yi, persuade him to not do so because it would be bad for trade and halt the growing economy of his domain.

Seeing that his father-in-law, Zhen Yi, was staunchly opposed to war and given the influence the Zhen Clan wielded in the northern territories, Yuan Xi quickly recalculated his strategy.

He had always been more pragmatic than his brothers, understanding the complexities of both politics and war. If pushing for immediate conflict would jeopardize the support of his powerful in-laws and the merchants tied to the Zhen Clan's interests, then he would change his stance. Yuan Xi knew that the economic and political backing of the Zhen family was too valuable to lose, even if it meant angering some of his current supporters.

When Yuan Xi announced his change of heart, it sent shockwaves through the court. During a private meeting with his father, Yuan Shao, and the Zhen Clan representatives, Yuan Xi spoke calmly and deliberately. "Father, after careful consideration, I believe that rushing into a war with Cao Cao would be ill-advised at this time. Our trade routes are flourishing, and the Zhen Clan's support has been instrumental in growing our wealth and influence. If we act rashly, we risk destabilizing our economy and losing crucial allies."

Yuan Shao, already torn by the conflicting advice from his sons and advisors, was visibly relieved by Yuan Xi's more tempered approach. As the second son, Yuan Xi had always been the voice of reason if his older brother and younger brother were fighting against one another, and his shift towards caution aligned with Zhen Yi's arguments.

Yuan Shao nodded thoughtfully, but the decision had not yet been made public. It was clear that he valued Yuan Xi's wisdom, and the weight of the Zhen Clan's interests loomed large in his mind.

However, Yuan Xi's reversal caused immediate chaos within the court. The generals and officials who had rallied behind him for war were outraged. They had seen Yuan Xi as a strong and capable leader, one who could balance strategy and aggression.

Now, they felt betrayed by his sudden shift to pacifism. Some of his former supporters, particularly those aligned with the military faction, began withdrawing their support, seeing Yuan Xi's hesitation as a sign of weakness.

A General named Yang Jin, one of Yuan Xi's key military backers, openly voiced his displeasure during a council meeting. "Lord Yuan Xi, how can you so suddenly abandon the very course you argued for? You presented a strong case for action against Cao Cao, and now you suggest inaction? Our forces will see this as indecisiveness!"

Other generals nodded in agreement, grumbling amongst themselves. They had expected a decisive move against Cao Cao, and Yuan Xi's apparent about-face made them question his leadership. In the military, hesitation was often seen as more dangerous than making the wrong decision.

But not everyone turned against Yuan Xi. A number of court officials, especially those tied to the economic prosperity of the northern territories, saw the wisdom in siding with the Zhen Clan. Trade had been booming, and the northern territories had benefited from a period of stability that allowed the merchants to thrive.

Yuan Xi's alignment with Zhen Yi was a pragmatic choice, and several of the merchant-friendly officials quickly shifted their support behind him. They argued that Yuan Shao's strength came not only from military power but also from his ability to maintain a wealthy and well-fed populace.

One such official, Ju Zong, stood in defense of Yuan Xi's position during a heated debate in the court. "War, while sometimes necessary, should never be rushed into. The Zhen Clan has built strong trade networks that fuel our coffers. A war with Cao Cao would destabilize these networks and plunge us into uncertainty. Lord Yuan Xi's stance is one of wisdom, not weakness. We must secure our prosperity before seeking battle."

Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, who had both been preparing for a full debate against Zhen Yi's opposition to war, were blindsided by Yuan Xi's sudden shift. They had anticipated a unified front from their brother, but instead, they found themselves scrambling to adjust their tactics. Yuan Tan, already committed to leading the charge for war, felt betrayed and caught off guard. His argument had relied on the assumption that his brothers would all push their father towards immediate action, but Yuan Xi's defection threw his plans into disarray.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0