When Yuan Xi was on a mission to Dongwuyang to negotiate with the Cao family, because of repeated rumors in Yecheng, Yuan Shao summoned everyone to discuss whether to adopt the heir to the deceased Yuan Ji.
There was Yuan Shang's promotion before this, and his idea was very clear. Now Yuan Xi's threat to him is getting bigger and bigger, and he may also discover the small tricks he used to frame him.
In order to take a preemptive strike, he decided to expel Yuan Xi from the Yuan family first, and then deal with Yuan Tan.
Once Yuan Xi is adopted, everything he gains in Youzhou, from territory to official positions, from soldiers to money and food, will be controlled by Yuan Shao. When the time comes, Yuan Shang will be the head of the family, and as long as he opens his mouth, Yuan Xi will have to take it away.
Hand everything back.
Didn't Yuan Xi just let himself be a slave at that time?
As for Yuan Tan, after conquering Qingzhou, he was awarded the position of governor of Qingzhou, and in fact he almost withdrew from the struggle for Yuan Shao's successor.
Yuan Shang's calculations were very loud, and Yuan Tan also had his own calculations.
It is true that he will be awarded the governorship of Qingzhou, but his official position may not be changed in the future.
As long as he remains in the Yuan family, there is a possibility of a comeback!
Therefore, after Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were harmonious on the surface, but secretly had their own agendas, and reached a subtle tacit understanding, the two of them tacitly proposed to Yuan Shao at the same time that Yuan Xi was the most suitable candidate to adopt Yuan Ji.
After all, Yuan Xi has the lowest status among the three.
The result was beyond the two men's expectations. Not only the centrist counselors, but also some counselors who were dependent on the two men put forward different opinions.
Two centrist advisers even spoke out directly.
"My Lord, we should not adopt Young Master Yuan Xi, but Young Master Yuan Tan!"
As soon as these words came out, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were shocked.
It was Jushou Tianfeng who expressed his stance!
The status of these two people is very transcendent, and as soon as these words were spoken, several counselors echoed them.
Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang suddenly realized that the situation was a little out of control!
Why?
As the supervisor of the army, Ju Shou began to make suggestions to Yuan Shao. Although his words were extremely cryptic, everyone understood the general meaning.
Yuan Xi has great talents to assist him, so it would be a pity to drive him out of the Yuan family.
Mr. Yuan Tan has the ability to stand alone. If he can establish another branch, he can echo Yuan Shao's branch and strengthen the Yuan family's momentum.
This vague meaning is very obvious, Yuan Xi is better than Yuan Tan.
Jushu was firmly opposed to each of the disciples taking over a state. He believed that this would lead to disunity among the people and seriously weaken the Yuan family's power.
Now Jushou's intention is obvious, first exclude Yuan Tan, and then let Yuan Xi assist Yuan Shang.
As for Tian Feng's reasons, they are more straightforward.
Yuan Xi's name coincides with the prophecy, and he may be the person the Yuan family should predict in the future, so he should stay in the Yuan family no matter what.
As soon as these words came out, everyone had strange expressions. Among the counselors who supported Yuan Shang, Pang Ji finally found an opportunity to jump out.
He sneered and said: "Mr. Yuan Hao, do you know that the second young master used the oath that the whole family swore in Beixin City?"
"He has sworn on the whole Yuan family several times that he is unfaithful and unfilial. If the prophecy really comes true, it is even more likely that the whole Yuan family will be implicated!"
"If it is true that the prophecy is involved as Mr. Yuan Hao said, it should be adopted to Yuan Ji, whose clan has been exterminated!"
As soon as these words came out, even Tian Feng was speechless. This is indeed the truth.
But if the prophecy really comes true, what will happen to Yuan Shao's team?
Back then, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu fled Luoyang and were implicated in the murder of Yuan Wei and Yuan Ji, which had always been a worry for the Yuan family. Now that Yuan Xi's status is the same as that of Yuan Shao, will it have a bad impact on Yuan Shao's family after his adoption?
Some of the words were too sensitive to be mentioned publicly. The counselors were confused and argued for a long time. In the end, it was too difficult to decide. Yuan Shao had to express his position and put the matter on hold until he attacked Gongsun Zan next year.
When Yuan Xi and Yuan Tan met, after listening to his explanation of the cause and effect, his expression remained unchanged, but his heart was filled with ecstasy.
Although there were two surprises like Tian Feng Jushuo, most of the things were done!
The loopholes he deliberately left were used by the other side. The final key lies with Yuan Shao.
As long as the situation in Xuzhou is stabilized, Gongsun Zan is defeated and the north is pacified, and the Yuan family has no worries, he can adopt the family and negotiate terms with Yuan Shao!
Moreover, the prophecy about his name has played a role that he did not expect, and it may be of great use in the future!
Thinking of this, he pretended to be worried and comforted Yuan Tan: "Brother, don't worry too much, there will be a way to reach the mountain."
Yuan Tan sighed: "If my second brother is really interested in the position of the head of the family, I can compete with you fairly."
Yuan Xi quickly shook his head: "Elder brother, please rest assured, I have no idea about my father's position as the heir. If there is any deception, I will be struck by lightning."
He is really not interested. How can he stay in Yuan Shao's branch and be the head of Yuan Ji's branch?
Yuan Tan finally felt relieved and said distressedly: "Now that my third brother is so powerful, I am trapped in Qingzhou. What can I do?"
Yuan Xi said: "Brother, don't worry, we will see the outcome next year after we defeat Gongsun Zan."
"As long as Qingzhou mentions building a seaport and terminal, we can plan the next step."
Yuan Tan thought: "The Gongsun family in Liaodong?"
"This is a direction. Even if it is bitterly cold in the north, we can only stay in the north."
Yuan Xi didn't say anything, and said with a smile: "The Qingzhou Yellow Turbans and the Taishan bandits are not matters that can be solved in a year or two. Before that, I just need to run Qingzhou well."
Yuan Tan listened and nodded: "My second brother is right. Now the only one who can help me is my second brother. If we work together, we will be able to accomplish something!"
The two looked at each other and smiled. Although they both knew that this was a bit false, in the next few years, the two of them really needed to hug each other for warmth.
After coming out of Yuan Tan's mansion, Yuan Xi was in a good mood. His past few years had not been in vain, and many secret plans were gradually coming into effect.
However, this road is full of thorns every step of the way. It is difficult to live up to one's reputation and righteousness. It is equivalent to dividing the Yuan family. If you don't use your trump card, you will be overpowered by your master's family for a long time.
Moreover, this matter also had a negative impact on the hearts of the nobles. The scholars who originally wanted to take refuge in him would hesitate and wait. For Yuan Xi, it would temporarily fall into a low ebb.
Especially the Zhen family.
All his important trump cards lie with the Zhen family, and now he wants to break away from Yuan Shao. If Zhang is short-sighted, he will be defeated.
Yuan Xi saw Yuan Tan off, called a carriage and went to Zhen's house.
As soon as the carriage entered the gate of Zhen's house, Mrs. Zhang came out early with a cane and said with a smile: "Young Master is quite calm."
Yuan Xi knew that Mrs. Zhang was referring to how she had remained motionless in the face of the rumors, so she smiled and said: "The Zhen family makes me feel reassured. Of course I have to take care of the things I'm worried about first."
Zhang's eyes flashed: "Now that the young master has heard some rumors, are you worried about me?"
Yuan Xi's expression remained unchanged: "Don't worry, it doesn't depend on what the other party thinks, but on how to do it."
"Just like on the battlefield, even if a weapon is close to me, even if I am injured or even die, I am sure that the opponent will pay a huge price."
As soon as these words came out, the snowflakes that were flying in the courtyard seemed to have solidified. The murderous intention brought by Yuan Xi's words turned the pure white snowflakes into a faint layer of blood.
The hand holding the cane in Zhang's sleeve tightened slightly.
Now Yuan Xi's reputation is different from before, he is known as a fierce tiger!
Rumors about him in Yecheng started in Xuzhou and intensified after the Battle of Qingzhou. Everyone knew that he was a ruthless man who dared to fight to the death with his opponent on the battlefield!
Mrs. Zhang's expression changed slightly, but then she showed a hint of relief.
She hissed: "Good, that's good."
"Young Master has such a mind, I can rest assured. I believe that Young Master will be able to protect Mi'er well."
Yuan Xi smiled slightly: "The old lady understands that the futures of the Zhen family and mine have already been tied together."
Zhang actually feels a little conflicted these days.
Investing in Yuan Xi will not see any gains in the future, but the risks are very high, and the Zhen family will be ruined if the investment is not serious enough.
Moreover, Yuan Xi's attitude and performance also determine the future of the Zhen family.
If they are tolerant and cowardly, they will be easily bullied by others. If they are weak when things happen, they may cause their family to suffer.
If they are cruel and vicious, they will easily despise their family members and may cruelly abandon their family members in times of crisis.
Zhang now sees that Yuan Xi is both decisive in killing and kind-hearted. Although his words are intimidating, they also reveal a sense of confidence that eliminates any hesitation in her heart.
Zhang has no doubt that if the Zhen family dares to betray Yuan Xi, the other party will never let it go.
Thinking of this, she sighed: "In that case, I will entrust the Zhen family to the Young Master."
"I wonder when the young master will marry Mi'er?"
Yuan Xi pondered for a moment, "Just wait until I adopt you."
Mrs. Zhang was startled: "Are the rumors true?"
"If this is really the case, I'm afraid the young master's help among the noble clans will be much less."
Yuan Xi smiled casually, "For thousands of years, those who have achieved great things have never had a very high starting point, but once they gain power, they will be as powerful as a broken bamboo."
"Emperor Qin unified the country in ten years, Gaozu conquered the world in eight years, and Guangwu only took twelve years."
Zhang's face changed slightly, and just when she was about to speak, she heard Dao Zhenmi's voice: "My mother and I are standing in the snow talking, don't you think it's too cold?"
Yuan Xi turned around and saw Zhen Mi wearing a snow-white leather robe. The fur on it was extremely long and thin. When worn on her body, it highlighted Zhen Mi's beautiful face and made her look like a fairy.
When he saw Zhen Mi, his mood suddenly improved a lot for some reason. He cupped his hands and said, "I've seen the girl before."
Zhen Mi blushed and bowed in return, "I've met the young master."
Mrs. Zhang took the opportunity and said: "There is still a batch of goods at home that have not been counted today. Since Mi'er is here, please accompany the young master for me."
Yuan Xi thought that Mrs. Zhang was being generous in order to make him feel at ease, so he thanked her: "Old Madam, I've taken the trouble."
Mrs. Zhang nodded and went back to the house.
Zhen Mi quietly pointed to her small building: "Sir, the scenery over there is very beautiful. Do you want to go up to the building and take a look?"
Hearing this, Yuan Xi nodded and said, "Then there will be a working girl."
The maid in front led the way, and the two of them walked one behind the other, their sandals making a slight creaking sound on the snow.
Zhen Mi slowed down a little, got closer to Yuan Xi, and said softly: "Young master just scared my mother."
Yuan Xi saw Zhen Miying's jade-white hand sticking out of her sleeve, turning it around and making a mocking gesture.
When he saw Zhen Mi trying to retract her hand, he stretched out his hand like lightning and grabbed Zhen Mi's wrist.
Zhen Mi shuddered, but she didn't struggle, but there was a hint of sweat on the palms of both of them.
Yuan Xi whispered: "Is that girl scared?"
After hearing this, Zhen Mi turned her face slightly, her reddish face a little angry and a little joking, "I'm far less bold than the young master."
Yuan Xi's hand tightened slightly, and Zhen Mi's face turned even redder. She quickly lowered her hand and let her robe sleeves cover their hands.
The maid in front was still walking unconsciously, but their bodies and minds seemed to be connected as one. They left Zhen's Mansion and flew above Ye City, soaring toward the vast sky.