Chapter 1: The Three Young Masters of Guandu

In the darkness, the subconscious memories reminded him that he had become another person, a person named Yuan Shang, the current Grand General and the third son of Yuan Shao, the Governor of Jizhou. He had been born into wealth and privilege, enjoying a life of luxury, a favored child of destiny raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, with loving parents, a retinue that responded to his every call, and two older brothers who were not as favored as he was.

Third brother, what are you doing!

Yuan Shang could not help but let out a bitter laugh upon hearing this; he feared that in just a few days, the heads of his soldiers would all be taken by Cao's army to serve as night pots

I am not ashamed of this at all! Yuan Shang, feeling weak, had beads of sweat dripping down from his forehead: "I have important military matters to discuss with my father, concerning the life and death of the entire army. It absolutely cannot be delayed!"

Third brother, you are awake

First, the Yuan family suffered significant losses, with the elite troops of the Yuan clan nearly annihilated. Yuan Shao fell into a deep depression and soon passed away. His successor, Yuan Shang, faced the formidable warlord Cao Cao externally, while internally, he contended with his rebellious elder brother. Amidst the tumultuous storms, he faced repeated defeats, losing territories and cities. Driven to desperation, he had no choice but to flee to a foreign land, heading to Liaodong to seek refuge with Gongsun Kang, only to be tragically killed. His head was presented to Cao Cao, ultimately leading to a tragic end of dying far from home, with his body and head separated.

Certainly, there can be no delay. From what Yuan Xi just said, Xu You has already defected to Cao Cao. The Battle of Guandu has reached its final stage, and life and death hang by a thread. If not handled properly, not only will Yuan Shao's army be reduced to ashes, but his own life will also be at stake.

Yuan Xi was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this, and turned to look, instantly filled with both surprise and joy. He had come from Youzhou to deliver weapons and horses to the military camp at Guandu on behalf of his father, hoping to take this opportunity to share a few drinks with his long-lost younger brother. However, upon arriving, he learned that his brother had caught a cold, prompting him to rush over to visit. As a result, he was startled to see his brother alternating between consciousness and unconsciousness, which truly frightened him.

But then another voice humbly replied: "Young Master No. 2 need not worry. Last night, the Lord had the military physician carefully examine him. Young Master No. 3 has merely been traveling with the army for a long time and has caught a chill, which is why he feels slightly unwell. It is nothing serious. He took a dose of medicine this morning and has been sleeping since then."

Do you have military affairs? And * picture * book

At this point, Yuan Shang stumbled and nearly fell to the ground, but fortunately, Yuan Xi, with his keen eyes, raised his hand to support him

A somewhat imposing voice echoed from afar, asking: "How is my third brother's condition?"

The newly born Yuan Shang is quite unfortunate; his predecessor enjoyed a lifetime of glory and wealth, while the suffering that began with the Battle of Guandu has been left to this unfortunate son who has just returned to life.

At this point, the military doctor arrived just in time to examine Yuan Shang's illness. Yuan Xi stood up and made way, standing not far away with a serious expression as he watched the military doctor take Yuan Shang's pulse and diagnose his ailment

This time the pull was extremely forceful, nearly causing Yuan Xi to tumble twice.

Second brother, there is no need to trouble yourself, it is just a minor illness, nothing serious

However, for Cao Cao, the Battle of Guandu may represent a brilliant climax in his life, one that is fondly recounted by later generations; yet for the Yuan clan, the outcome marked the beginning of a series of nightmares.

Yuan Xi observed that this younger brother did not seem to be putting on a brave front; a heavy weight lifted from his heart. He casually brushed off some dust from the edge of the bed and carefully sat down.

Ah? Yuan Xi was somewhat bewildered upon hearing this, and then as if he understood something, he laughed heartily and teased, "Third brother, you are no longer a child. When you fall ill, do you still seek your parents? Aren't you ashamed?"

Is there still anyone who uses the terms 'wind' and 'cold' these days? The correct term should be 'cold'

As two heroes clash, the situation in the world becomes chaotic and unclear. However, at this critical moment, within a luxurious tent near Yuan Shao's central army on the battlefield, a transformation is quietly taking place

With a long sigh, Yuan Xi turned and called out towards the outside of the tent

Although he did not agree in his heart, Yuan Shang was so anxious that he could not even wear his clothes before meeting Yuan Shao, which clearly showed how troubled he was deep down. How could Yuan Xi possibly obstruct him excessively?

Water, give me water

Yuan Shang's head throbbed painfully, yet he still forced himself to sit up, gritting his teeth as he said to Yuan Xi: "Second brother, I must see father! Right away!"

Who would be willing? I estimate that no one would be!

Third brother, third brother, what has happened to you again? Do not frighten me, physician, please take a good look and see what has happened to my brother this time

Come quickly, come quickly! The Third Young Master is about to pay a visit to the Lord and the *Tu* *Shu* official. Hurry and assist the Third Young Master in donning his crown and attire! We warmly welcome all readers to enjoy our content, with the latest, fastest, and most popular serialized works available exclusively at Original!

In the fifth year of Jian'an, 200 AD, Yuan Shao, who had already defeated Gongsun Zan and unified Ji, Qing, Bing, and You, gathered the armored forces of four provinces to march south and confronted Cao Cao, who was using the emperor to command the feudal lords, at Guandu. Both sides exchanged blows, with victories and defeats on either side. This battle, which nearly mobilized all the military strength of the two great powers of North China, became stalemated on the battlefield of Guandu, lasting nearly half a year.

Yuan Xiyao shook his head and tucked the blanket for him, smiling as he said: "You little rascal, knowing that your second brother is thinking of you, you can be considered to have a conscience. However, you may not know that although our father is in the main tent discussing matters, his thoughts have long since flown to you!"

Lying on the bed, Yuan Shang suddenly felt a jolt in his heart, as an extremely bad premonition instantly spread through every cell in his body. This made him shiver uncontrollably, and his head throbbed with an increasing pain that felt as if it would split open

Second brother, the military situation is urgent, and I truly cannot wait! I must hurry to see father now

Seeing Yuan Shang's face suddenly turn pale, his eyes becoming somewhat glazed, Yuan Xi felt a surge of panic in his heart

Yuan Shang gave a weak smile; although he was unclear about the nature of his illness, it seemed that his spirit and body had developed a certain tacit understanding, as if they were gradually merging together, and it was not as dire as it had been before his unconsciousness

Yuan Shang allowed the physician to take his pulse, and looking at Yuan Xi, who was standing not far away, he asked, "Second brother, you mentioned that a major incident has occurred in the army? What exactly is the situation?"

A certain word in Yuan Xi's speech vaguely made Yuan Shang feel somewhat uneasy, but at that moment his mind was too clouded to think much of it. He could only weakly respond, "Thank you for your concern, Second Brother"

The man appeared to be in his twenties, with his hair tied up high and two small mustaches. He had long black hair cascading over his shoulders and was dressed in hard armor, resembling an ancient general. His appearance was quite peculiar, yet for some reason, Yuan Shang felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if he had seen him somewhere before

The recently merged memories reminded him that this person was his second elder brother in this life, Yuan Xi

Yuan Xi, laughing and scolding, said: "You little rascal, suffering from illness yet still sweet-talking. Unfortunately, I won't fall for your tricks, haha. Do you think your father doesn't want to see you? If it weren't for a major incident in the army, he would have probably arrived even before me. How could it have dragged on until now? You say you fell ill, but how much worry have you caused us?"

Yuan Shang gently waved his hand, indicating that he was fine, and said eagerly: "Second brother, my body is too weak; I really cannot put on my clothes. Please call a few people to help me"

The man in front of Yuan Shang was instantly bewildered. In a moment of panic, he wanted to reach out and slap Yuan Shang's face, but as his hand was raised halfway, he hesitated to bring it down. After a prolonged moment of anxiety and helplessness, he could only desperately call out: "Third brother, third brother! Please do not scare second brother, third brother! Someone, quickly summon the military physician, hurry!"

Just as he was deep in thought, a familiar yet strange memory suddenly exploded in his mind. The volume of memories was overwhelming. Yuan Shang let out a "hum" and closed his eyes, instantly losing consciousness again

Yuan Xi, astonished, wiped the sweat from his forehead, took two large strides to the bedside, looked at the color of Yuan Shang's face, and said: "How are you feeling? You should be feeling a bit better. Just endure for a while longer; I have already sent someone to find a military doctor to come and give you a thorough examination and treatment"

Alas! Do not mention it!

Is this really how the story ends for oneself

The historically renowned Battle of Guandu is a classic example of the weak defeating the strong. The two great warlords of North China, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, engaged in a desperate battle to determine the fate of the north. Ultimately, due to Cao Cao's adeptness at heeding wise counsel, he employed the strategy of Xu You, who had defected from Yuan Shao's ranks, to launch a surprise attack on the grain depot at Wuchao. This caused chaos within Yuan Shao's forces, leading to a decisive defeat of Yuan's main army. Following this battle, the Yuan clan in Hebei suffered significant damage and was unable to recover, ultimately being consumed and annihilated by Cao Cao.

Third brother, you have truly frightened me!

Brother Er, are we perhaps now in the Battle of Guandu?

In a state of drowsiness, upon hearing these words, Yuan Shang felt somewhat perplexed.

Seeing Yuan Shang open his eyes, the man hurriedly bent down, raised his hand, and gently wiped Yuan Shang's forehead. The slightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, and he said: "Fortunately, it's not too hot! Someone, quickly bring some water! It shouldn't be too hot, just slightly boiled will do!"

God truly has a knack for playing tricks on him; with a single fart, he was sent back to ancient times. Yet, finding the experience insufficiently intense, God decided to let him spend a few years in the past before bringing him back.

One could say that Yuan Shang's brief life was both fortunate and unfortunate. The fortunate aspect is that he was born into a prestigious family with a lineage of four generations of high-ranking officials, a true child of destiny, growing up with a silver spoon in his mouth, enjoying the wealth and glory of the world. However, the unfortunate aspect is that in the latter half of his life, he became a stepping stone for the tyrant Cao Cao's ambitions, a stark reminder of the countless bones that lay bare in the pursuit of success.

Yuan Xichang let out a long sigh and spoke with some resentment: "A few days ago, Xu You, also known as Xu Ziyuan, disappeared suddenly after being reprimanded by his father for his family's corrupt practices in Ye City. My father sent people to search within a radius of more than ten miles, but there was not a trace to be found. He is filled with doubts, suspecting that this commoner, in his anger, has turned to Cao Cao. While there is nothing else to worry about, Xu You has followed my father for many years and knows the strengths and weaknesses of our army very well. His defection to Cao will undoubtedly be greatly detrimental to our forces. Therefore, my father has gathered his advisors and has been discussing countermeasures for several days now"

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Could it be that I have traveled through time? I have come from the modern era to the ancient times? I have become another person who is both strange and familiar.

And now, this person is himself; he is no longer an ordinary citizen of the twenty-first century, but has transformed into a scion of a prominent family from the late Eastern Han dynasty

Yuan Shao's son, during the Battle of Guandu, Xu You defected to Cao! I have unexpectedly been reborn in this cursed place

What is the meaning of Xu Xu You Tou Cao?

Yuan Shang was slightly taken aback. Who exactly is this man? Judging by his attire, he looks like an outsider. When did such an excessive group emerge among the fifty-six ethnic groups of Huaxia?

In a few days

I remember that yesterday was the one-year anniversary of our university graduation. I had a hangover with my dormitory brothers, and we played crazily until the morning before returning home. How is it that after just one sleep, I ended up catching a cold?

The life regained seems to have attained a noble status, yet it appears to be fleeting. After the Battle of Guandu, everything will change, and his nightmares will begin in succession. Even years later, he will meet an untimely death, his body and head separated.

Caught a cold? Drank some herbal soup? The Third Young Master and the library?

The medical officer, upon hearing this, hurriedly went to investigate carefully, only to find Yuan Shang, contrary to his earlier sickly appearance, propping himself up with his hands and grabbing Yuan Xi's wrist at the edge of the bed.

Third brother, I have traveled a long way from Youzhou to Guandu to transport military supplies. I truly cannot stay for long. I had originally hoped to share a drink with you and discuss our plans while intoxicated. However, upon my arrival here, I learned of your illness and hurried over to visit you. I recall that you have always enjoyed weapons and hunting, and your health has been quite robust. How is it that after just one military expedition, you have fallen ill? I wonder where all your training has gone.

As Fang Yi awakened, Yuan Shang felt as if his head were about to explode, the pain was excruciating, causing immense torment.

Yuan Xi looked at Yuan Shang in astonishment, seeing his handsome face pale, beads of sweat covering his forehead, and yet he was desperately trying to get up and put on his clothes, which did not seem like an act.

Is this talking about me

Slowly opening my eyes, a fair face came into view. It was a face both familiar and unfamiliar, belonging to a young man

Yuan Shang, upon hearing this, was taken aback and gently smiled, parting his parched lips: "Since you have been thinking of me for a long time, and still have not come, it shows that you care about me more, Second Brother."

Yuan Xi was somewhat taken aback, curiously reaching out to wipe Yuan Shang's forehead, and said: "Third brother, you wouldn't really be muddled due to illness, would you? Our army has been in a stalemate with the traitor Cao at Guandu for more than half a year now"

Upon hearing Yuan Xi's words, Yuan Shang felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head. Combining this with some disordered memories in his mind and the information from Yuan Xi's earlier remarks, he suddenly realized why he had been feeling uneasy.

Third brother, you are in poor health. Why are you in such a hurry? Can't it wait a few days?

Yuan Shang's eyelids felt heavy, and his head seemed to be splitting with pain; no matter how hard he tried, he could not open his eyes. A buzzing sound filled his ears, and after a short while, he vaguely heard a series of murmuring voices, as if they were whispering something.

Yuan Shang opened his eyes again, looking at the young man anxiously pacing by the bedside. He moved his dry throat and, based on the memories that had just surged in, instinctively whispered, "Second Brother?"

The Battle of Guandu was the most magnificent chapter in Cao Cao's life, and this great battle laid a solid foundation for the unification of northern China by a notorious hero of the era