Chapter 3: The Building is About to Collapse

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao raised his eyebrows and, smiling, shook his head, saying: "You child, you truly make your father worry. Could it be that you came to the central command tent, despite being afflicted with a chill, just to ask about this matter?"

Yuan Shao nodded in satisfaction, glancing at the two children on his left and right. Suddenly, his gaze fell on Yuan Shang's face, and he asked with concern: "Xianfu, why is your complexion so pale? Is it possible that your illness has not yet recovered?"

Ah? Upon hearing this, Yuan Shang felt a slight twitch in his eyelids, and a sense of foreboding began to slowly take root in his heart

Settle accounts

Yuan Shang was deeply moved by his profound concern for Yuan Shao, but at this moment, the situation was urgent, and he could not afford to think of anything else

Meanwhile, Guo Tu suddenly let out a cold laugh and, with ulterior motives, said to Yuan Shao: "When Your Excellency first appointed Chunyu Qiong to garrison Wuchao, Mr. Ju came bearing a prisoner to offer advice, claiming that Chunyu Qiong could not hold Wuchao. Your Excellency did not heed his words, and this fellow then turned around to incite the Third Young Master to offer counsel. Truly, he is quite scheming; considering he is deeply trapped in a cart and prison, he can still remotely direct the military affairs. This is indeed beyond what others can achieve"

Upon hearing this, Guo Tu's expression froze, but he saw Feng Ji nodding in appreciation.

Then Guo Tu stepped out from the left side and said with a smile: "In response to the Third Young Master, this is merely my humble and shallow opinion."

Ah? Yuan Xi did not hear clearly from the side

Yuan Xi smiled wryly and said, "You little rascal, even now, your father is still upset and has left. You might have to delay your meals for another ten or eight days; otherwise, the outcome will be the same as today. Although your father dotes on you, once he has made a decision, it is difficult for others to change it, especially since the content of your advice is similar to that of Mr. Ju Shou. Your father is currently angry with Ju Shou, so no matter how reasonable your arguments are, how can he accept them?"

I speak of majesty, truly full of majesty. Yuan Shang's change of tone was remarkably swift: "Second brother, look, our father's grand tent is situated right in the center of the army's encampment. Though it flutters in the wind, it stands like an ancient tree with deep roots, remaining steadfast amidst thousands of troops and horses, as if a celestial crane standing among a flock of chickens, the bright moon shining in response to the myriad stars. It is indeed an overwhelming presence, looking down upon all others.

Without further ado, this is my own cheap father, Yuan Shao

Unfortunately, it is ultimately just an idea

Yuan Junshuai's tent

Third brother, what are you going to do again

Yuan Shang is currently overwhelmed by an impulse; he desperately wants to chase after Yuan Shao, grab this cheap old man, and give him a few hard slaps on the face, fiercely scolding him, "You refuse to listen to good advice, what do you want to hear? What do you want to hear! All you know is how to flaunt your poverty! If you keep flaunting, your entire family will be finished!"

Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi stepped forward, one to the left and one to the right, and stood beside Yuan Shao.

Yuan Xi felt a sudden shiver, an ominous premonition surged in his heart

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shang felt a sense of relief; there were indeed some far-sighted individuals under Yuan Shao's command, unlike that Guo Tu, who spoke nonsense as soon as he opened his mouth. Unfortunately, just as he had begun to relax, Feng Ji's subsequent remarks nearly caused Yuan Shang to faint from anger.

Within the bright yet dimly lit tent, a group of civil and military officials stood on either side. Looking up, one could see not far ahead, seated behind a table, a dignified middle-aged man. He was clad in golden armor, draped in a bright red battle robe, wearing a tall crown, with thick eyebrows, a neatly groomed beard, a square face, and a striking countenance.

Father," Yuan Shang turned his head and looked at Yuan Shao with a serious expression, advising, "In my opinion, the urgent matter at hand is to guard against Cao Cao's attack on Wu Chao. Wu Chao is a crucial location for our army's grain storage. If there is any oversight, our troops in Hebei will be in imminent danger!"

Watching Yuan Shao's disappearing figure, Yuan Xi tugged at Yuan Shang's sleeve and said softly, "Third brother, let us return."

At this moment, Yuan Shao was neither the general appointed by the court nor the overlord of Hebei commanding hundreds of thousands of troops. In front of his son, he was just an ordinary old man, a common father who loved his son, indistinguishable from the fathers of ordinary families.

Suddenly, Yuan Shao slammed the table and, with gritted teeth, expressed his furious resentment, saying: "A mere prisoner dares to offer advice in front of me, inciting Chunyu Qiong without success, and now he comes to persuade my son to advise me. Does he think that without Zhuge Liang, I cannot achieve great things? Truly, it is extremely hateful, and I will not heed your words! When I defeat Cao Cao in the future, I will make you feel deeply ashamed!"

Not late? Yuan Shang chuckled and said, "Second brother, have you ever heard of anyone who can count the meals from the first day towards the second day?"

Yuan Shang was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. What does it mean that it is exactly the same as what the prostitute thinks? How is this guy insulting others

Wait! Yuan Shang took a deep breath, raised his hand sharply, and said: "Sir, Xu You's defection to Cao is a significant threat, and I share your concern on this matter. However, it seems you may have missed the main point. The urgent priority should not be to focus on our army's main camp."

Yuan Xi slightly nodded, taking the lead to step inside, while Yuan Shang followed closely behind

Second brother, please help me with one more thing! Support me to a place

Yuan Shang looked indifferently at the grand and imposing tent of Yuan Shao. Even from the outside, one could tell that this tent was of considerable value. Not only was the fabric used sturdy, but it was also adorned with golden threads depicting galloping birds and beasts. As the wind stirred, the grandeur of the scene became even more pronounced, leaving one in silent admiration.

There is nothing of great importance, I merely wish to meet Mr. Ju Shou

"No one taught me; I thought of it myself." Yuan Shang was somewhat perplexed, not understanding why the atmosphere in the room had suddenly become so oppressive

Yuan Shao looked at Yuan Shang with a smile, his eyes filled with deep affection, and his expression openly displayed indulgence. Handsome and elegant, with a face like a jade crown, he exuded charm in every glance. This third son resembled him so much in his youth! As a descendant of a prestigious family with four generations of three dukes, he was indeed meant to possess such looks, such spirit, and such grace

Yuan Xi raised his head in confusion to glance at the tent, his facial muscles involuntarily twitching. Isn't it just a handsome tent? Looking left and right, it's still just one tent. How can it possibly stand out among the crowd?

Ju Shou

Feng Ji, seizing the opportunity, advised Yuan Shao, saying: "My lord, what the Third Young Master has said is very good. I believe that Xu You's defection to Cao is extremely dangerous, as he is well aware of our army's strengths and weaknesses, and his influence is extensive. I urge you, my lord, to take precautions early and absolutely not to neglect this matter"

If even a tent is so splendid, one can imagine how meticulous and ostentatious Yuan Shao must be in other aspects of his daily life

Yuan Xi, standing to the side, sighed inwardly and shook his head, saying: "Father, do not listen to this young man's bravado. His illness has only just shown slight improvement, yet he is eager to come see you, claiming he has important matters to report. I could not dissuade him, so I had no choice but to accompany him. Throughout this journey, I have been supporting him; otherwise, given his current physical condition, it would be exceedingly difficult for him to reach the central command tent."

Suddenly, Yuan Shang seemed to understand what was happening and hurriedly said: "Father, the matter of Wuchao was indeed my own idea, and it has nothing to do with anyone else. The situation is urgent; Father, please do not think of other matters. It is better to carefully consider Wuchao."

Father, I have heard that Xu You has defected to Cao, is that true?" Yuan Shang directly got to the point.

My lord, Ji Yiran still believes that our most urgent task is to immediately replace the caltrops, bows and crossbows, sentries, and camp defenses in the army! This is to prevent the traitor Cao from learning about our army's strengths and weaknesses from Xu You and sneaking into our camp at night

Yuan Shang, upon hearing this, raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead and smiled, saying: "Father need not worry; I am merely suffering from a slight cold, and it is nothing serious. It will not interfere with other matters"

Yuan Shao's expression suddenly changed; his kind and amiable demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by a gloomy and desolate countenance, making him appear as a completely different person from just a moment ago

A remark from Yuan Xi illuminated a bright lamp above Yuan Shao's head. At this point, since Yuan Shao is stubborn and unwilling to heed advice, we can only treat a dead horse as if it were alive.

Hahaha! Yuan Shao shook his head and laughed. Just then, the guards brought over a soft couch, and Yuan Shao immediately invited Yuan Shang to sit beside him, saying: "Xu You has escaped. Although the scouts have not yet determined his whereabouts, upon careful consideration, despite the vastness of the world, he truly has no other way to survive except to defect to Cao. However, my son need not worry. Just now, Lord Guo advised that Cao Cao is a person who is always cautious and suspicious. Since Xu You has just defected, Cao A-man may not fully trust his words, so he is unlikely to be greatly valued. This should not be considered a major issue. Once this matter is resolved, on another day when I break through Guandu and capture that Xu You, I will have him executed by dismemberment to avenge my hatred."

As the words fell, Yuan Shao waved his hand grandly, stood up, and directly walked towards the rear tent.

Yuan Shao's expression changed immediately upon hearing this, and he said with dissatisfaction: "Xianfu, you are in the wrong in this matter. As you grow older, why does your temper remain so willful? With your illness being this serious, why do you still come to the central command tent? Isn't this putting your father in a difficult position? Someone, go fetch a soft couch for the third young master."

After a period of silence, Yuan Shao slowly began to speak: "Defending Wuchao? Who taught you this?"

Regardless of who one was in a past life, and how it may be in this life, in the days to come, this person will be one's elder. In this lifetime, the person across from oneself will assume the role of guardian, becoming the closest family member, and for a long period, will occupy a position of significant guidance and support.

At this moment, within the handsome tent, Yuan Shao's personal guards strode out with their heads held high and said to the two gentlemen: "Gentlemen, the lord requests your presence in the tent"

Yuan Shang's face became even paler than before; the difference was that just now his pallor was due to illness, whereas at this moment his paleness was clearly a result of anger

Yuan Shang cast a glance at Guo Tu, committing his appearance to memory. For some reason, Yuan Shang felt a strong impulse within him; he was very much inclined to ask this Mr. Guo whether what was growing on his neck was indeed a head. Such absurd words, how could he even bring himself to say them?

"Greetings, Father." Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi both bowed to Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shang nodded seriously: "Yes."

"Did you think of this yourself?" Yuan Shao squinted slightly, lightly tapping the table and said: "Xianfu, in front of your father, you must speak the truth! In recent days, have you met with Ju Shou?"

Observing Yuan Shang in a daze, Yuan Xi let out a long sigh and said: "Third brother, your condition has not yet improved. Do not linger here any longer. It would be better to return home early. After you have recuperated, you can come back to speak with Father at a later time."

The wise men of the world share the same perspective! The words of the Third Young Master are completely in line with what Ji has in mind

Yuan Shang sighed inwardly; this gentleman certainly knows how to handle matters, displaying a humble attitude towards advice. However, every time he opens his mouth, he refers to someone as "prostitute," which sounds rather uncomfortable.

As the words were spoken, everyone present was taken aback. Each person's gaze towards Yuan Shang was filled with an unusual strangeness, as if the speaker were not a human, but rather a pig that had inexplicably appeared from nowhere

However

A glimmer of surprise flashed in Feng Ji's eyes, clearly not expecting Yuan Shang to rebut him. He then said: "In that case, I dare to ask the Third Young Master, if we do not adhere to the camp, where else should our army focus its defenses? I hope the Third Young Master can enlighten me."

Cao Cao will not reuse? Yuan Shang stared blankly at Yuan Shao for a long time, murmuring: "Who said this?"

"What a waste of money," Yuan Shang muttered nonchalantly.

Father, although Cao Cao is suspicious, this is a critical time. The great battle is in a stalemate, and Xu You has gone to join him. While he may not truly believe in him, he will certainly value him highly! We must take precautions early!

No wonder Father usually likes the third brother so much; compared to him, I indeed still fall a little short.

"Hehe, my sons need not be overly formal. Xianfu, you have been ill for so long; come here and let your father take a look at you. Come, come to your father's side." Yuan Shao revealed a loving smile, extending his broad palm and warmly beckoning to his two sons.

Alright! Before he could finish speaking, Yuan Shao raised his hand to interrupt Yuan Shang's words, saying: "My son need not worry. Wuchao is guarded by the great general Chunyu Qiong with a strong army, so it can be considered absolutely secure. My son, do not listen to the reckless words of others, like the man of Qi who worries unnecessarily. It is more important to return early and rest for your health. Xianyi, take your brother back to the camp and ensure he rests well"