Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The next day, Yuan Tan, full of plans, went to Shen Pei's residence. Seeing him coming, Shen Pei's expression remained stern, and he asked directly, "Sir, what are you planning?"

Yuan Tan dismissed his attendants and bowed, saying, "Lord Shen, there are undercurrents in Ye City right now, and I'm sure you've seen it all. The noble families each have their own allies, some favoring me, some favoring my second or third brother, and they're constantly fighting overtly and covertly. If this continues, chaos will surely ensue. If an external enemy invades, these people will probably be so focused on fighting among themselves that they'll forget about defending their country."

Shen Pei raised his eyebrows and asked, "What do you want to say, sir?"

"Tan has a plan," Yuan Tan said earnestly, looking up. "How about asking father to order my three brothers to each govern a province? I'll go to Qingzhou, my second brother to Youzhou, and my third brother to Yanzhou. That way, we can each manage the affairs of each province. The aristocratic families won't have to cluster in Yecheng and take sides. Instead, they can disperse to various provinces, which will naturally prevent them from causing any major disturbances. As for the final succession, it's entirely up to father to decide, and we brothers won't argue with him."

Shen Pei was silent for a moment, tapping his fingertips on the table. "Are you suggesting that you brothers each govern a different region? This would both appease the noble families and demonstrate the lord's ability to maintain checks and balances?"

"Exactly!" Yuan Tan said, seizing the opportunity. "Think about it, if each of the brothers were to take charge of a state, they could both hone their abilities and allow those aristocratic families to follow them to serve in other states. Wouldn't that calm the turmoil in Ye City? With father in charge, it would be clear who was performing well and who was capable. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Shen Pei stroked his beard, pondered, and finally nodded: "This plan does make some sense. If it can put an end to the internal strife and let the noble families return to their respective positions, it will indeed be a safe move."

Yuan Tan was delighted and hurried to Ju Su's mansion. Ju Su was studying a map under a lamp. Seeing him coming, he smiled and said, "Sir, have you been worried about the situation in Ye City recently?"

Yuan Tan repeated what he had just said to Shen Pei, concluding, "Sir, you have always prioritized the greater good. Now that the aristocratic families are vying for allegiance, chaos is bound to break out sooner or later. Letting us brothers govern separate states will not only allow the aristocratic families to follow their respective masters, but also allow our father to see who among us is capable of shouldering the responsibility. Isn't this better than wasting time in Yecheng?"

Ju Su looked at Yuan Tan sharply, his tone scrutinizing, "Sir, your words are reasonable, but if you do this, won't you be distanced from the position of Crown Prince?"

Yuan Tan met his gaze calmly, his tone sincere and firm, "Sir, please understand. The position of Crown Prince was decided by my father alone, and it is not for us, his sons, to make arbitrary decisions. If my father chooses my second or third brother, I, Yuan Tan, will be the first to support him without a single complaint."

He paused, frowning slightly, his voice deepening, "But now is not the time to fight for the throne. How many people, both inside and outside Yecheng, are secretly plotting against each other because of this undecided succession? Aristocratic families are clinging to each other, retainers are fighting each other, and even the servants in the mansion are daring to favor others. If this kind of internal friction continues, let alone planning to conquer the world, I'm afraid even Jizhou will be eaten away by this unhealthy trend!"

"I'm asking for your advice, sir, not to argue for myself, but simply to ensure that my brothers each remain in their respective positions, fulfill their respective duties, and focus on defending the land and ensuring the safety of the people. Father sees this and will make his own judgment. This is better than the current situation, where things appear harmonious, but underneath they've become a quagmire, dragging down the foundation of the Yuan family."

These words were spoken frankly, and the scrutiny in Ju Su's eyes gradually turned into approval. He stroked his beard and nodded, "It is truly rare for a young master to have such a heart. Don't worry, I will explain the pros and cons of this matter to my lord."

The two promised Yuan Tan that they would present their suggestions to their lord at the appropriate time. Yuan Tan felt relieved and returned home to wait for news. Sure enough, within two days, Yuan Shao once again held a grand banquet in his mansion to entertain his ministers.

At the banquet, wine clinked and music filled the air. Yuan Shao was chatting and laughing with his trusted ministers when Ju Su and Shen Pei exchanged a glance, signaling the moment had arrived.

Ju Su was the first to rise, bowing and saying, "My Lord, I have a matter to report. Lately, I've observed the atmosphere within the palace. The various young masters have their respective responsibilities, but without a clear role, this has led to speculation among the subordinates, leading to a growing trend of seeking to curry favor with them. If this continues, I'm afraid internal friction will ensue, detrimental to our cause."

Shen Pei immediately rose and agreed, "Lord Ju is absolutely right. I suggest that the eldest son be placed in charge of Qingzhou, the second son guarding Youzhou, and the third son managing Bingzhou, each in charge of a province. This will allow them to hone their abilities while also sharing in practical matters, thus avoiding unnecessary unrest within the government. In this way, the lord will direct the affairs while the other sons serve outside, and together, they will be united in purpose and achieve progress."

Yuan Shao twirled his beard and looked at the three Yuan Tan brothers at the table. He saw that Yuan Tan looked calm. Although Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang looked surprised, they did not refute on the spot.

Guo Tu, his advisor, scoffed and stood up. "Lord Ju, what you say is wrong! Dividing the states among us may seem reasonable, but it actually splits up our foundation. If each state governs on its own, who will listen to our orders in the future? If we're attacked, we'll be unable to protect both ends. This is a recipe for disaster!"

Ju Su's eyes were calm as he spoke slowly, "Mr. Guo only knows one side of the story. It's precisely because you all hold such a central position that you attract followers who cling to each other and secretly wrestle with each other. Rumors are spreading throughout the palace now that petty officials are using your names to commit corruption. If this continues, it will only lead to disaster. Dividing the governors into different states will allow them to govern independently and help identify the most capable individuals. Why not?"

Shen Pei stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Lord Guo, are you worried that your orders won't get through? Our lord still has prestige. We can send messengers with express horses to keep us updated daily. Important decisions will still rest with our lord. As for the attack, the border is now stable, and this is a good time for you young men to gain experience. You can't just hide under our lord's wings forever."

Advisor Feng Ji also stood up and echoed Guo Tu, saying, "Mr. Shen is too optimistic! The eldest son is upright, the second son is gentle, and the third son is still young. If a dispute arises after the division of the towns, won't it lead to internal strife?"

Ju Su: "Precisely because of our different personalities, we need experience and adjustment. If we can't even achieve this level of coordination, how can we assist you in the future? Furthermore, you could establish rules so that all states can share resources and work together to achieve both competition and cooperation. This is the long-term solution."

Shen Pei: "Did Lord Xin forget the locust plague last year? If the states had been able to allocate food and fodder in a timely manner, why would there have been such a heavy loss? The division of the towns will clearly define responsibilities and powers, which will actually improve efficiency. As for internal strife, your lord is in his prime, who dares to act recklessly?"

Yuan Shao frowned slightly and looked at Guo Tu. Guo Tu said, "My lord, I think it would be better to establish a crown prince to end the disputes."

Ju Su immediately retorted, "It's easy to appoint a crown prince, but it's difficult to convince the public. If we force him, it might breed resentment. It's better to let them prove themselves through practical experience. By then, the public will support him and there will be no dispute."

Shen Pei: "What Lord Ju said is absolutely right. My lord, to test jade, it must be burned for three days, and to identify the material, it takes seven years. Sending the young men to the prefectures and counties for training is both a test and a training, beneficial both publicly and privately."

Yuan Shao listened to his advisors' argument, his brow furrowing even deeper. His indecisive nature once again took over. He waved his hand, signaling a pause, and turned his gaze to his three sons below him. "Everyone has a point, but this matter ultimately concerns you brothers. Tell us yourselves, what are your thoughts?"

Yuan Tan had already made up his mind. He was the one who had secretly promoted this idea. He immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said in a loud voice: "Your son is willing to go to Qingzhou to guard it! It is not easy for father to start a business. Your son should share your worries, take good care of this place, and never let your father down." His tone was frank, without any hesitation.

Yuan Xi, known for his gentle temperament, was caught between the elder and younger brothers, and was already less confident. Hearing that he could assume control of a state like his elder brother, which was like gaining a foothold, he was secretly delighted and quickly stepped forward to echo, "I, your son, am also willing to take charge of a state and share your hard work. I dare not refuse."

Yuan Shang, the youngest, was the only one left. He had been pampered by Yuan Shao since childhood, relying on his father's favor to gain the support of some aristocratic families. When he heard that he would be leaving his father's side and going to a remote prefecture, he was immediately panicked - without his father's watchful eye, would those aristocratic families who curry favor with him still treat him sincerely?

He lingered as he stepped out of the line. Before he could speak, his eyes reddened and tears as big as beans rolled down his cheeks. He sobbed, "Father just returned from the battlefield. I haven't had the chance to spend more time with him, but why am I being sent far away?" He sobbed, his shoulders heaving slightly. "I've never thought of competing for the position of Crown Prince, nor do I want to meddle in trivial matters of the prefecture. I just want to stay by Father's side, pay my respects to him every day and show my filial piety..."

These words, spoken with such sincerity and heartfelt emotion, coupled with his aggrieved expression, struck a chord with Yuan Shao. He already had a special fondness for his youngest son, and seeing him weep so pitifully, his earlier conviction, persuaded by Ju Su and Shen Pei, was instantly shaken. He couldn't help but raise his hand and say, "Shang'er, don't cry. Let me think about this matter a little longer."

The people below the stairs observed this, their expressions varying. Guo Tu and the others nodded silently, knowing that Yuan Shang's tactic of "retreating to advance" was likely to succeed. Ju Su and Shen Pei frowned, secretly lamenting that the youngest son, relying on his favor, might ruin the whole thing. Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi stood aside, one with a calm expression, the other with a subtle flicker of tension in his eyes—it was clear that the turmoil at the banquet had not yet subsided.

Yuan Shao looked at Yuan Shang, his heart finally softening. He raised his hand to wipe away the tears from his youngest son's cheek, his tone full of doting, "Tan'er and Xi'er are willing to take on this responsibility. I'm very pleased. You're getting older, it's time for you to go out and gain some experience."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Yuan Tan. "You will go to Qingzhou. It's adjacent to Cao Cao's territory, so you need to be calm and steady, guarding the eastern gateway." He then looked at Yuan Xi. "Although there's war in Youzhou, Yan Liang and Wen Chou are there to keep it under control. Go there and observe and learn more. Don't make decisions on your own regarding military affairs. First, learn how to pacify the locals and allocate supplies."

After saying this, he gently patted Yuan Shang on the back and said softly, "Shang'er is still young and kind-hearted. It's really too early for him to take charge of a region. Stay by my side, read some official documents with me every day, learn how to manage affairs, and it won't be too late to make plans in two years."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shang burst into laughter and leaned on Yuan Shao's shoulder: "Father still loves me the most."

Everyone in the tent saw this and knew that things had come to this point, and there was no way to change them. Ju Su and Shen Pei exchanged a glance, reluctant but ultimately obliged—at least the eldest and second sons were able to leave the city, which was better than all three trapped in Yecheng and wasting their time. Guo Tu and the others breathed a sigh of relief, their gazes toward Yuan Shang filled with even more approval.

Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi responded in unison: "Your sons obey your orders." Yuan Tan's expression remained calm, but his fingertips tightened slightly; although Yuan Xi felt a little disappointed, he knew that this was the best result he could get.

Seeing that no one objected, Yuan Shao said loudly, "Today we are at the feast, not discussing official business. Come, drink this cup to the full!"

The music of stringed instruments rose once more, and the banquet returned to its bustle. However, everyone knew in their hearts that this seemingly settled arrangement was merely a temporary respite from the power struggle in Ye City. Yuan Tan had gone to Qingzhou, Yuan Xi to Youzhou, and Yuan Shang remained at the center. The outlines of a three-way balance of power had emerged, and the unresolved issue of the crown prince's position would eventually stir up even greater turmoil in the days to come.

The night wind blew through the window lattice, bringing with it the coolness from outside the tent, causing the candlelight to sway slightly, reflecting the smiling faces of the guests, but it could not illuminate the calculations and ambitions hidden beneath those smiles.