Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Yuan Tan sat sullenly at his desk, a jug of strong liquor already empty, the liquid dripping from the corner of his mouth, wetting his clothes without him noticing. He felt heavy all over, barely able to lift his eyes, his mind filled with his father's indifference, Yuan Shang's provocation, and the faces of those aristocratic families, all of which confused him.

"Young Master!" Xin Ping strode in, his brows furrowed tightly at the sight of his dejected appearance, his voice filled with urgency and pain, "This is a crucial time, how can you degrade yourself like this?"

Yuan Tan raised his hand to wipe his face, his voice hoarse as if it had been sanded: "What else can I do but humiliate myself? My father doesn't like me, my third brother makes things difficult for me at every turn, and those powerful families are opportunistic... I live like a joke in this Ye City." He poured out cup after cup of wine, venting all the pent-up frustration of the past few days. He talked about the alienation of the powerful families, his father's indifference, Yuan Shang's smugness, Ma Chao's threats, and even his past capture in Chang'an. Every word reeked of alcohol and carried an unspeakable grievance.

Xin Ping listened quietly, and when he had finished speaking, he said in a deep voice, "Young Master, these things have actually been foreshadowed for some time. It's expected that the lord favors the Third Young Master, and that the powerful families would curry favor with him. Why be so discouraged by this?" He leaned forward and lowered his voice, "You can't get close to the lord in Ye City, and you don't need to care about those opportunistic powerful families. In these chaotic times, military power ultimately prevails. You might as well take this opportunity to make more contact with the generals in the army—they have followed you through thick and thin in Qingzhou, and they have you in their hearts."

Yuan Tan's hand holding the wine cup suddenly paused, and the wine spilled over the rim.

Seeing that his eyes had moved, Xin Ping continued, "Besides, back in Chang'an, you and General Yan Liang were captured by the Xiliang army together. The bond you formed through life and death together is something that no one else can compare to. Although Yan Liang and Wen Chou made contributions in Youzhou, they may not have been without a sense of justice."

These words were like a ray of light, piercing through the fog in Yuan Tan's heart. He abruptly put down his wine cup, the dejection in his eyes fading, replaced by a clearer look. Yes, those words he and Yan Liang exchanged across the iron bars in the Chang'an prison, those days and nights spent sharing life and death, should carry some weight.

“You’re right…” he murmured, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the table, “military power…the generals in the army…”

Seeing that he had recovered, Xin Ping breathed a sigh of relief: "Young master, there's no use in being dejected. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, you should think about how to strengthen your foundation in Qingzhou and bring those who can be won over to your side. As long as you have soldiers and generals at your disposal, why worry about not having a foothold?"

Yuan Tan looked up at Xin Ping, his gaze gradually hardening. He downed the remaining wine in his cup in one gulp; the burning heat of the liquid as it entered his throat ignited a dormant fighting spirit within him. "Prepare the horses," he stood up, the clinking of his armor echoing. "I'm going to General Yan Liang's residence."

Xin Ping grabbed Yuan Tan and said, "Young master, is it really appropriate for you to visit General Yan Liang so late at night, when you are reeking of alcohol?"

Yuan Tan was pulled back by Xin Ping, and his drunkenness immediately subsided. Looking at the wine stains on his clothes, and recalling the shadowy spies in the streets and alleys of Ye City at night, he couldn't help but frown.

“What you said is true…” He raised his hand to press his throbbing forehead, the impulsiveness from before gradually subsiding. “Signing at someone’s door at night reeking of alcohol makes it seem like I’ve done something wrong, which only gives people something to gossip about.”

Seeing that he had taken the advice, Xin Ping softened his tone: "Gentleman, your status is what it is. Visiting with gifts during the day is perfectly legitimate, and no one can find fault with it. Besides, you should also pay attention to the recent situations of Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, as well as Mr. Tian Feng and Mr. Ju Shou."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice even further: "These past few days, I've been observing closely, and the two gentlemen's words carry less weight in front of the lord, as if they're being sidelined. Don't forget, how many hard battles were won thanks to the strategies of the two gentlemen, allowing us to firmly hold Qingzhou and Yanzhou? Although they are currently in Yanzhou, they have Generals Zhang He and Gao Lan assisting them, which means they wield real military power."

Yuan Tan's eyes gradually brightened, and his fingertips unconsciously tapped on the table.

Xin Ping bluntly stated: "To be frank, of the three sons of our lord, the second son is weak-willed and unlikely to achieve great things; the third son only knows how to flatter and fawn over our lord and has no real knowledge. Only you, the eldest son, are both learned and skilled in martial arts. The battles you have fought and the scenes you have witnessed have long since hardened your body and spirit."

He looked at Yuan Tan earnestly: "Anyone with a sense of justice understands that the future of Hebei ultimately depends on capable people. You don't need to rush. Why not take this opportunity to visit Lord Tian and Lord Ju and have a frank discussion? At that time, with Yan Liang and Wen Chou by your side, and Zhang He and Gao Lan echoing your sentiments, all four pillars of the court will have a voice. With the two gentlemen's advice, what foundation does Yuan Shang have besides the lord's temporary favoritism?"

After listening, Yuan Tan felt as if a crack had been opened in his chest, and he gradually felt relieved. He stood up, patted Xin Ping on the shoulder, and the dejection in his eyes was replaced by clarity: "You've explained it clearly. I was just confused in my haste."

Moonlight streamed through the windowpane, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Yuan Tan took a deep breath, feeling much of the pent-up frustration of the past few days dissipate—yes, he held real military achievements and popular support in his hands, why should he get angry with Yuan Shang, who relied on favoritism and petty tricks?

The next day, at the crack of dawn, Yuan Tan, carrying generous gifts, first went to visit Tian Feng and Ju Shou.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou were discussing matters in the hall when Yuan Tan arrived. Although somewhat surprised, they rose to greet him. After they were seated, Yuan Tan dismissed his attendants and went straight to the point, speaking of the recent movements of Ma Chao of Xiliang: "Rumors are rampant in Ye City, all claiming that Ma Chao has decisively defeated the Xianbei on the grasslands, slaughtering millions. He already controls the Yong and Liang regions, and Gongsun Zan of Bingzhou is also on his side. His cavalry is exceptionally fierce. If we allow him to develop unchecked, he will become a major threat sooner or later." His tone was grave, and his eyes betrayed his fear when he spoke of Ma Chao.

Upon hearing this, Tian Feng frowned and said, "What you say is absolutely right, young master. Ma Chao has many capable civil and military officials under his command, and he also has an old grudge against Hebei. If this man is not eliminated, he will eventually become a disaster." Ju Shou also nodded in agreement, "The Xiliang cavalry is already very brave. If they are integrated by Ma Chao, once they advance eastward, the Central Plains will be threatened. Your foresight is evident in your consideration of this, young master."

Seeing that the two men shared his concerns, Yuan Tan felt somewhat relieved and said, "Although I am in Qingzhou, I know that this matter concerns the safety of Hebei. However... Father seems to be paying more attention to the southern front lately, and is somewhat neglecting the western Liang direction."

Tian Feng snorted coldly: "Our lord has indeed been somewhat impatient for quick success lately. If we can concentrate our forces to defeat Ma Chao first, stabilize Guanzhong, and then plan to march south, that would be the best strategy. The eldest son is able to see this advantage, which is much better than some people who only know how to flatter our lord." The implication in his words was clearly a veiled reference to Yuan Shang.

Yuan Tan took the opportunity to have a deep conversation with the two men, discussing everything from troop deployment to the allocation of supplies, his words hitting the nail on the head. Tian Feng and Ju Shou already admired his talent, and seeing his clear-headed judgment of the situation, they felt even more that Yuan Shao's favoritism towards Yuan Shang was unfair, and their support for Yuan Tan became even more blatant.

After leaving Tian and Ju's residence, Yuan Tan turned and headed towards Yan Liang's residence. Just as he arrived at the gate, he saw Wen Chou coming out of the residence, clearly a guest of Yan Liang.

"Young Master!" Yan Liang and Wen Chou greeted Yuan Tan warmly. Yan Liang patted Yuan Tan on the shoulder and laughed, "I was just telling Wen Chou that it's been a long time since we had a good drink together, Young Master, and you've delivered yourself right to my doorstep!"

The three men entered the mansion and, after taking their seats, discussed military matters. Yan Liang made no secret of his high regard for Yuan Tan, while Yuan Tan spoke with the two about methods of training troops and about guarding against Ma Chao. They found themselves on the same page. Yan Liang and Wen Chou already respected those who were skilled in battle, and Yuan Tan's character and composure far surpassed that of Yuan Shang, so they naturally felt closer to him.

After a day of visits, Yuan Tan's pent-up frustration dissipated. He could sense that the wisdom of Tian Feng and Ju Shou, and the bravery of Yan Liang and Wen Chou, were all leaning towards him. What these people valued was never his father's favoritism, but rather genuine ability and responsibility.

He gazed at the drifting clouds above Ye City, secretly clenching his fist—he didn't care for Yuan Shang's superficial favor. What he wanted was the power to support half of Hebei, the weight that could win people's hearts.

Yuan Tan had just finished discussing matters with Tian Feng and Ju Shou, and then spent half a day chatting with Yan Liang and Wen Chou, while Yuan Shang had already learned the whole story through his spies throughout Ye City. His knuckles turned white as he gripped his sleeve, and jealousy surged in his eyes—Yuan Tan was clearly trying to win people over, hoping to use the power of these veteran generals and strategists to overpower him!

That very night, Yuan Shang, filled with resentment, stormed into Yuan Shao's bedchamber. Yuan Shao was leaning against his couch, listening to a musician playing a newly composed piece. Seeing Yuan Shang enter, he frowned and asked, "What's the rush so late?"

Yuan Shang knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling with tears: "Father! Your son is worried about you! Today... today my elder brother went to the residences of Mr. Tian Feng and Mr. Ju Shou one after another, and then had a long private conversation with General Wen Chou at General Yan Liang's residence. I dare not guess what they talked about, but as the governor of Qingzhou, he holds military power over an entire province, yet he is contacting civil and military officials so frequently in Ye City. It is truly... truly alarming!"

Yuan Shao paused, stroking his beard. Though he had been indulging in pleasure lately, his sensitivity to military power had never diminished. Yuan Tan's base in Qingzhou was now secure, and now he was rallying his old subordinates in Ye City—could he truly have ulterior motives?

The next morning, Yuan Shao summoned Yuan Tan.

As soon as Yuan Tan stepped into the palace, he saw Yuan Shao's face, as dark as iron. "What did you do yesterday?" Yuan Shao asked bluntly, his tone carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Yuan Tan felt a chill run down his spine, but he replied frankly, "Father, yesterday I visited Mr. Tian Feng and Mr. Ju Shou to ask them about the difficulties in the defense of Qingzhou; I also went to General Yan Liang's residence to discuss border troop training with him and General Wen Chou. These were all official military matters, and there was nothing wrong with them."

"Official business?" Yuan Shao slammed his hand on the table. "You, the governor of Qingzhou, come to Ye City to 'consult' these people? Ju Shou and Tian Feng are now assisting Yanzhou, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou have just returned victorious from Youzhou. What are you trying to discuss with them?"

Yuan Tan argued forcefully: "Father! I am your son and the eldest son of the Yuan family. Is it wrong for me to seek advice on military affairs from the strategists and generals under your command? Mr. Tian is familiar with the governance of prefectures and counties, and General Yan is proficient in cavalry tactics. These are things that I urgently need to learn in Qingzhou. How is it inappropriate?"

"Hmph, all talk and no action!" Yuan Shang suddenly spoke up, his tone sharp. "Has elder brother forgotten his identity as the Governor of Qingzhou? A governor should prioritize protecting the territory, yet he's having 'secret talks' with the generals in Ye City. To put it bluntly, how is this any different from colluding in secret? Could it be... could it be that elder brother thinks Father is getting old and wants to start his own power base?"

These words were like a spark, instantly igniting Yuan Shao's fury. He already harbored resentment towards Yuan Tan's actions, and Yuan Shang's provocation made Yuan Tan's every explanation seem like a cover-up. "Insolence!" Yuan Shao pointed at Yuan Tan, trembling with rage. "I'm not dead yet! And you dare to form cliques in Ye City? It seems life in Qingzhou has been too comfortable, making you forget who the true ruler of Hebei is!"

Yuan Tan was both shocked and furious. He was about to speak in rebuttal when Yuan Shao interrupted him sharply: "Get back to Qingzhou! Without my order, you are not to set foot in Ye City again!"

The palace doors slammed shut, severing the last possibility of communication between father and son. Yuan Tan stood under the eaves, gazing at the gray sky, feeling a chill run up his spine—Yuan Shang's attack had not only struck at his father's sore spot, but had also severed his chances of establishing himself in Ye City.

Inside the bedchamber, Yuan Shang looked at Yuan Shao's still furious face and a smug smile crept onto his lips.