Chapter 4: Running East and West

Yuan Shang let out a long sigh and said, "Sir, Xu You has defected to Cao Cao"

Yuan Xi's face immediately flushed upon hearing this. After a long while, he stomped his foot in frustration and said, "Since I have been in command of the army under my father, I have had a smooth life for half my life, never once causing my father any displeasure. How is it that I have ended up with such a troublesome brother like you! I truly owe you for this, but if you wish to go meet that disaster, Ju Shou, then go ahead! I will not accompany you, and do not regret it in the future!"

Ju Shou slowly raised his head, tears swirling in his eyes, and asked in confusion: "Did the lord not order my execution?"

Is it you? Third Young Master?

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Upon hearing this, Yuan Shang felt as if his head had swelled three times. The imagination of this dejected strategist was rather excessive; it seemed that his emotional outbursts were not very reliable. I hadn't even let out a sound, yet he was already rambling on with his lamentations, as if life and death were at stake, without considering the timing of it all

"Do you not recognize me?" Yuan Shang asked with a smile, raising his hand to point at his own face

When did Xu You defect to Cao?

"Not at all!" Yuan Shang nodded affirmatively and smiled, saying: "Although my father has imprisoned you, he is still concerned about you in his heart. It's just that he can't bring himself to show it at the moment. As you know, my father is quite old and a prominent leader; he values his reputation in all matters. After some time, when his anger subsides, he will naturally reinstate you. You are a person of exceptional talent, so endure this temporary hardship; better days are ahead.

"Of course, of course!" Yuan Shang said with a smile, patting the guard on the shoulder, and kindly added, "I have some matters to attend to today and would like to meet Mr. Ju Shou. Would you be so kind as to facilitate this for me? Is that possible?"

As Yuan Shang approached the prison tent, he saw two guards, one on the left and one on the right, horizontally position their spears to block his way into the tent. They spoke in a low voice: "We are under the orders of our lord to guard the prisoner Ju Shou. Without the lord's command, no unauthorized persons are allowed to enter."

Having said that, Yuan Xi angrily waved his hand and, feeling helpless, walked towards the right side of the command tent. In no time, he disappeared from sight

Has this fellow gone mad? He just expressed an opinion that coincided with what Ju Shou said, didn't he see how furious his father was? In such a short time, he actually wants to go see that disaster star again. Is he not tired of living so leisurely and looking to stir things up a bit sooner?

"Go." Yuan Shang, without hesitation, grabbed Yuan Xi and rushed outside.

It is evident that Yuan Shao's supervision of Ju Shou was extremely strict; he was merely a prisoner confined in a cart prison. Next to the camp, nearly thirty guards were stationed, divided into three posts, taking turns to stand watch, and outsiders were strictly prohibited from approaching. The security was indeed impenetrable and watertight

Yuan Xi stated that Ju Shou was indeed a disaster star. On the eve of the Battle of Guandu, Ju Shou advised Yuan Shao that although the Yuan army was larger in number, they lacked the bravery of Cao Cao's troops. Conversely, while Cao Cao's soldiers were valiant, their supplies were inferior to those of the Yuan army. He suggested that Yuan Shao delay his actions and wait for the right moment, striking decisively when Cao Cao's provisions ran low and changes occurred within his ranks.

What! The sudden shock left him pale, and his thin lips trembled uncontrollably

The leading guard wiped his sweat; this third young master is quite difficult to deal with. Although he wears a friendly smile, he is not someone who can be easily dismissed.

In a daze, he followed a few steps, and then Yuan Xi suddenly regained his senses, abruptly hitting the brakes: "Wait a moment!"

Yuan Xi raised his hand to wipe the sweat, glanced around, and said in a low voice: "Third brother, do you know what you are doing? Ju Shou has offended our father and is currently trapped in the military prison; he will surely die sooner or later! If you go to see him now and let our father know, aren't you just making things difficult for yourself?"

"Sinner Ju Shou, I pay my respects to the Third Young Master!" At this moment, Ju Shou finally reacted from his initial shock, hurriedly kneeling in the prison cage and performing the act of homage.

Upon entering the tent, the objects inside were not yet discernible, but a strong, pungent odor immediately assaulted the senses. It was a foul stench, a mixture of rotten grass and damp excrement, which made one feel dizzy and caused turmoil in the stomach.

At this point in the discussion, even a fool would understand which path to choose for the reelection

In astonishment, Ju Shou could not help but exclaim

If it is uncomfortable, then so be it. If this matter cannot be resolved today, I fear that I will not be at ease for several years to come. Second brother, it is fine if you do not accompany me; just do not go and inform father, and I will be grateful to you for that

After a considerable amount of time, Guo Shou straightened his back and respectfully clasped his hands in front of Yuan Shang, bowing slightly: "Thank you, my lord, for your generous understanding. The virtue shown today will certainly not be forgotten by me. Indeed, a true man born between heaven and earth should not willingly fall into degradation. The lord is not a foolish person; it is merely that my words have offended, causing momentary anger. I believe that there will surely come a day when I will be valued by the lord once again!"

Mr. Ju has misunderstood; I have not received any instructions from anyone. My father has no intention of harming Mr. Ju. I came here today purely to engage in casual conversation with you. Please do not be so melancholic, as excessive sadness is detrimental to your health. Do not indulge in unfounded thoughts; truly, it can shorten your lifespan.

At this moment, Yuan Shang suppressed his feeling of disgust, carefully avoiding the filth on the ground, and slowly walked to the side of the cage where the imprisoned Ju Shou was.

vomit

Regardless of whether in ancient or modern times, everyone prefers to hear what pleases them. Yuan Shao is also human, especially as he is a person who loves vanity. With a great battle imminent, Ju Shou poured a bucket of cold water on him, repeatedly saying "unfavorable" and "dangerous." One must ask how Yuan Shao could easily let this go. It would be strange if he did not take action against him

Yuan Shang was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. In the camp of the Yuan army, could there really be places that he, with his current status, could not enter

The few guards began to hesitate. The third young master, who usually acted arrogantly and looked down on the soldiers, had come in person today. Given that the matter had reached this point, it would indeed be inappropriate not to show some respect. However, there was the lord's strict order.

Yuan Shang's expression became serious: "Sir, your wisdom is commendable, and I am in great admiration. I have come here today indeed to discuss a significant matter with you, and I hope you will generously offer your guidance."

Yuan Shang was already in poor health, and upon entering such an environment, he nearly vomited from a sudden wave of nausea.

The guards exchanged glances upon hearing this, and then one of them, seemingly the leader, respectfully spoke in greeting: "How could I, a mere servant, not recognize the Third Young Master? We are clad in armor and unable to pay our full respects; I hope the Third Young Master will forgive us."

It has been at least two or three days since we last spoke

The two remained silent for quite a while, until finally, Ju Shou shook his head and gave a bitter, sorrowful smile.

Even trouble must wait

Hehe, it's a pity that it is just me, not my father. Mr. Ju won't be disappointed, right?

If the lord were to abandon his own strengths and engage in a hasty battle with the traitor Cao, it would likely be detrimental to our army, and the situation would be grave

Ju Shou stared blankly at Yuan Shang for a long time, then closed his eyes, suddenly striking his right fist against the wooden prison door, and said with tears of anger: "The situation is lost!"

Otherwise, how could it be? He sighed deeply, looking up at the sky, his weary face revealing a subtle sense of unwillingness.

Ju Shou broke into a smile, shook his head, and said: "Third Young Master, Ju Shou has a question to ask. You have come here, I fear, it is not merely to offer me comfort, is it?"

At this point, tears of murky sorrow streamed down Jiu Shou's eyes, and he sighed deeply: "The lord has summoned the third son, which can be seen as a consideration for our past friendship. To accept death without complaint is one thing, but to accept it without any further opportunity is another. I can only look forward to the day when the lord will cleanse the world and eliminate all rivals."

Seeing that Jushou was in such a state, Yuan Shang quickly smiled and said, "Although Mr. Jushou is a prisoner, to me, he is family, so there is no need for such formality. Please get up; the wooden floor of the prison cart is hard, and kneeling is quite cold."

Thus, language is an art; knowing what to say and what not to say is crucial, depending on the circumstances

Threat! Naked | A stark threat!

Ju Shou slowly straightened his body, sitting cross-legged within the confines of the carriage, calmly observing Yuan Shang outside the cage. His reluctance to stand was not due to a lack of respect for Yuan Shang, but rather because the space within the wooden prison was simply too cramped, making it impossible for him to rise given his current condition

Yuan Shang's words clearly convey: If you let me in, I assure you I won't speak of it, and I will remember your kindness, promising future rewards. If you do not let me in, then today this grudge is established. With my status, I can easily take your lives whenever I wish. If you do not die today, you will surely die tomorrow. Choose your path.

I do not know when it became this serious, to the extent that the Third Young Master would deign to come and inquire about me, a prisoner

What are you waiting for? If you keep waiting, it will become a big problem! Do you know what the situation is right now? Yuan Shang was quite dissatisfied with Yuan Xi's hesitation

Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know; if you don't speak, how can I go out and chatter aimlessly? Do me a favor, and in the future, there will be plenty of benefits for you! Yuan Shang's eyes twinkled, and he immediately changed his tone, adopting a different approach.

Yuan Shang shook his head and muttered softly, "soft egg," before turning and slowly making his way out of the general's tent.

Indeed, to meet the prisoner Ju Shou, mere identity is still somewhat lacking.

At this moment, Yuan Shang's status was extraordinary. He casually asked a few soldiers along the way and arrived at the place where Ju Shou was detained. Since Ju Shou was held by the army, his confinement was in a wooden cart prison, covered by a tattered tent. This was indeed the resting place of the renowned minister from Hebei, Mr. Ju.

It is evident that, despite all his calculations, he never anticipated that the first person to come here to see him would be the arrogant and self-important Yuan Shang, the third son of Yuan

Yuan Shang smiled kindly and said, "It is commendable for a gentleman to have such awareness; he truly deserves to be called a hero of Hebei. This is the best way, very good, very good"

No

My life is at an end, Third Young Master. I do not know whether the Lord intends to execute me publicly or grant me the mercy of self-termination

Ju Shou slowly raised his head. Originally a man of striking appearance and remarkable spirit, he now bore the pallor of a wax figure due to the torment of imprisonment. His beard was unkempt, and his pair of eyes, which once displayed wisdom, were now deeply sunken, reflecting a sense of melancholy and confusion.

Ju Shou originally had a pair of lifeless eyes, but upon seeing Yuan Shang's figure, they suddenly emitted an extreme brilliance of astonishment

What is the principle of combining punishment and reward? What does it mean to strike with a stick and then give a sweet date? This statement by Young Master Yuan San vividly illustrates these two phrases, allowing one to grasp their essence profoundly.

Although Ju Shou's advice was commendable, unfortunately, his manner of speaking had some issues. What was originally a sound strategy was marred by his addition of a crucial point at the end of his presentation. It was precisely this crucial point that provoked Yuan Shao's furious anger, leading to Ju Shou being imprisoned at that moment

Yuan Shang raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised: "Mr. Ju thinks I am here to kill you?"

Of course. Yuan Shang, with an innocent expression, continued with a smile: "It’s fine if you don’t let me in. This young master can simply pat his backside and leave. You all are dutifully performing your duties and strictly obeying the commander, so your heads are safe today, right? But what about tomorrow? The day after? Hehe, that’s something no one can predict, is it?"

The guards looked around cautiously and stepped aside to make way for Yuan Shang. The leading guard whispered, "If the Third Young Master has any matters to attend to, please handle them swiftly and do not delay the time excessively"

The sound of retching startled the prisoners inside the cell in the tent.

Several guards showed expressions of difficulty upon hearing this. However, the one in the lead clasped his hands and said: "In response to the Third Young Master, it is not that we wish to make things difficult for you, but rather that Ju Shou is a serious offender personally appointed by the Lord. Without the Lord's order, we absolutely cannot allow anyone to see him. It may be easy for the Third Young Master to enter today, but it would cost us our heads."

Yuan Shang smiled and patted him on the shoulder, saying: "Don't worry, it's easy to discuss. Help me keep an eye outside and don't let others know."

Upon seeing Ju Shou, Yuan Xi stumbled and nearly fell flat on his face

Even the sons of wealthy families do not sit in the hall, and the third son, with his distinguished status, is merely a prisoner beneath the steps. If the young master were not carrying out the orders of the lord, how could he come here? And if the lord did not wish to grant an old minister a death sentence, how could he allow his own son to come before me? This is all a matter of etiquette, and also of fate. I have followed the lord for many years; how could I not understand his character?