novelAbuy Chapter 5 Desperate Measures
Chapter 5 Desperate Measures
Ye City.
Yuan Tan continued to spend his days drinking and making merry in his room, showing no ambition whatsoever.
Every day, the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, as if he had truly ignored Yuan Shao's self-reflection and rebuke.
Groups of dancers dressed in light gauze, almost revealing large expanses of snow-white skin, were led into the courtyard, only to be dismissed a day or two later.
Qiqi bustled about, acting as if she were carefully selecting a bedmate for the young master.
This affected manner even drove the nanny sent by the stepmother, Liu, to a mental breakdown by the decadent music.
He left behind a few polite words of "I hope you take care of yourself, young master," and hurriedly returned to report.
Everyone thought Yuan Tan had given up on himself.
Stepmother Liu was overjoyed, hoping that Yuan Tan would indulge in debauchery and even drink himself to death.
Yuan Tan, on the other hand, was waiting for an opportunity to leave the city.
As it turned out, the opportunity came very quickly.
On this day, the bugle call of Ye City resounded.
With the rumble of carriages and the clanging of armor, Yuan Shao was finally about to personally lead his army north to the front lines to oversee the battle.
Before the government office, banners fluttered, strategists were as numerous as clouds, and fierce generals were as plentiful as rain.
Yuan Shao sat high on his steed, full of vigor and ambition.
On the left and right are Guo Tu and Shen Pei, who are deeply trusted, as well as Ju Shou, a mature and prudent man, and other core advisors.
The power center of the entire Ji Province temporarily shifted northward almost immediately upon the departure of this large army.
Despite being the eldest son, Yuan Tan wasn't even allowed to be in the farewell procession. He could only stand behind the high walls, listening to the deafening drums and horns outside, as if everything in Ye City was irrelevant to him.
But that's exactly what he wanted!
When Shen Pei went on the expedition with the army, those who kept a close eye on him every day would inevitably relax their vigilance.
Cen Bi soon brought good news:
"Young master, most of Shen Pei's confidants have been taken away, and the remaining surveillance personnel are clearly lax."
Now, the one in charge of keeping watch is Shen Pei's nephew, Shen Rong. This boy is fond of playing and has a fussy mind; he is far less shrewd and strict than his uncle.
A glint of light flashed in Yuan Tan's eyes, and he made a decisive decision:
"Now's the time! Get ready, we're leaving at dawn tomorrow. But even though I'm leaving, the dancing in the courtyard can't stop!"
The next day, before dawn, the back door of the side courtyard opened silently.
Yuan Tan and Cen Bi had already changed into the clothes of ordinary merchants and mingled with a grain transport team that was leaving the city at dawn, speeding towards the mountains where Guo Jia lived in seclusion once again.
However, less than thirty miles from Ye City, several patrolling scouts appeared at the crossroads ahead.
Several soldiers sat atop tall horses, lazily inspecting pedestrians.
It must have been Shen Rong who came up with this scheme.
"trouble."
Yuan Tan cursed under his breath, "That kid Shen Rong is even more enthusiastic about this kind of superficial stuff than his uncle."
We can't force our way through; we have to take a detour.
This turn leads to a rugged and difficult mountain path.
The horse's hooves slipped several times, and the thorns tore its robes.
When they finally arrived at the thatched hut outside the bamboo grove, looking disheveled, the sun was already setting.
The wooden door was still ajar, and the same old servant opened it.
"Old man, has Mr. Fengxiao returned?"
Yuan Tan asked.
The old servant shook his head, his expression barely changing.
"The gentleman has not returned."
That’s it again!
Yuan Tan's heart sank completely, and an indescribable sense of frustration welled up inside him.
Is history truly unchangeable?
Was Guo Jia destined to be Cao Cao's man?
Two failed attempts, a lot of effort and huge risks, all for nothing.
He left behind an even more lavish gift than last time, uttered some polite words of admiration, and his steps were somewhat unsteady as he turned to leave.
……
When we entered Ye City, the city lights were already on.
Exhausted, Yuan Tan decided to rest at a restaurant in the city, have something to eat, and then sneak back to his residence.
Just as I settled into a private room on the second floor, I heard a commotion coming from next door, which seemed to be a group of young scholars drinking and debating.
At first, Yuan Tan was preoccupied and didn't pay attention, until a clear voice pierced through the noise and came out clearly:
"...Gentlemen all say that Yuan Shao, having occupied Shouchun and declared himself emperor, is powerful, while Cao Cao is short of food and soldiers, and winter is approaching, so this battle will be perilous. However, in my opinion, Cao Cao will surely win!"
Yuan Tan paused, his hand holding the wine cup still.
This assertion is considered shocking and unconventional in Hebei at this time.
He listened intently.
The voice continued its analysis calmly and deliberately:
"Yuan Shu's declaration of himself as emperor went against the will of Heaven, and he lost the support of the people. This is the first reason."
Although the Huainan region was prosperous, its military discipline was lax, Sun Ce betrayed it, and internal strife arose. This was the second reason.
Cao Cao held the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords, which was legitimate and justifiable. His subordinates, such as Xun Yu and Cheng Yu, were all capable advisors to the king, and Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren were all excellent generals. The people below him were loyal to him. This was the third reason.
Furthermore, Cao Cao's military tactics are unpredictable and he is adept at seizing opportunities... In my opinion, Yuan Shao's defeat at Shouchun is imminent!
Sasuke?
I'm still Naruto!
Yuan Tan was about to get up and go see where this little rascal came from.
Cen Bi noticed Yuan Tan's confusion and whispered to himself:
"Young master, the one who spoke just now was Xin Pi, the younger brother of Xin Ping, whose courtesy name was Zuozhi."
Yuan Tan then realized something and began to carefully compare the figure in his mind with the vague shadow in history.
Xin Ping's younger brother and Xin Xianying's father.
It is not famous in history, and even in a certain island nation's Koei Tecmo game, its five dimensions are not considered high.
But Yuan Tan always felt that, what right did these little bastards have to comment on the historical figures of our great China? What kind of vision could a nation that can boast about a village brawl have?
As a talented woman, Xin Xianying's father must have been quite capable.
However, due to his status as a surrendered official, he had no opportunity to use his abilities.
The commentary on the Battle of Shouchun that just came out was truly insightful and to the point.
He subconsciously got up, walked to the door of the private room, and looked out through the bamboo curtain.
Among a group of scions of noble families dressed in fine clothes, a scholar in a blue robe, who appeared to be in his early twenties, was speaking eloquently.
The others either scoffed or retorted, but he remained calm and did not get angry.
George Xin!
He is not doing well under his father's command and is said to spend his days drinking and socializing. I never expected him to have such insight!
Yuan Tan was overjoyed. This was truly a case of "after passing through mountains and rivers, one thinks there is no way out, but then a village appears amidst the willows and flowers"!
He took a deep breath, straightened his robes, gestured for Cen Bi to stay where he was, and then lifted the curtain and went out to the table of scholars.
"This gentleman's insightful opinion is truly enlightening."
Yuan Tan cupped his hands in greeting, his gaze fixed directly on the scholar in the blue robe.
"I apologize for the intrusion, but your words are more valuable than ten years of study. May I ask your esteemed name?"
The scholar in the blue robe was slightly taken aback by Yuan Tan's extraordinary bearing, then returned the greeting: "Xin Pi of Yingchuan, Xin Zuozhi. And you are?"
"My name is Yuan Xiansi."
Yuan Tan readily revealed his name.
The room fell silent. The young men from prominent families exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions turning strange.
Yuan Tan?
The eldest son who was disliked by Lord Yuan and confined to his residence?
How did he end up here?
A hint of surprise flashed in Xinpi's eyes, but he quickly revealed a look of interest:
"So it's Young Master Yuan. My apologies for not recognizing you."
Yuan Tan then invited Xin Pi to come over for a chat.
The two men settled down in Yuan Tan's private room and dismissed their attendants.
Yuan Tan no longer concealed his intentions and directly discussed the general situation of the world with Xin Pi, from Huainan to Hebei, from Cao Cao to the factional infighting under Yuan Shao.
Xin Pi was initially somewhat reserved, but seeing Yuan Tan's extraordinary insights and sincere attitude, he gradually opened up, revealing his sharp wit in conversation. His insight into the current situation amazed Yuan Tan.
"Brother Zuozhi is a man of great talent, yet he is confined to Yecheng, spending his days drinking. Is this not a pity?"
Yuan Tan finally got to the point, his expression solemn.
"I, Xian Si, am unworthy and in dire straits, yet determined to break this deadlock. If you would not despise me, I would be grateful for your assistance, Brother Zuo Zhi, to join me in accomplishing great things!"
He laid out his situation and his urgent desire to recruit talented individuals.
Xin Pi remained silent for a long time, looking into Yuan Tan's piercing gaze, and finally slowly nodded:
"Your sincerity has touched me deeply. Although I know the road ahead is fraught with peril, I am willing to follow you and give it a try."
Yuan Tan was overjoyed and immediately treated Xin Pi as an honored guest, and they quietly returned to his residence together.
That night, the two talked all night long.
Xin Pi not only analyzed the key to Yuan Tan's current predicament, but also provided a lot of previously unknown information about Yuan Shao's group.
"Does the young master wish to see Guo Fengxiao?"
Upon hearing that Yuan Tan had twice failed to arrive, Xin Pi stroked his beard and smiled.
"Fengxiao is aloof and difficult to please, and ordinary people are hard to impress. But sincerity is key, and there may be a glimmer of hope."
……
At the same time, Shen Rong also received a report from his informant:
"The eldest son secretly returned to the manor today and did not go anywhere else. However, he had a very pleasant conversation with Xin Zuozhi at the restaurant in the evening, and then he even took Xin Pi back to the side courtyard for a long talk all night."
"Xin Zuozhi? Xin Ping's arrogant younger brother?"
Shen Rong scoffed, unconcerned.
"Yuan Xiansi is really grasping at straws in his desperation, even recruiting such a drunken madman. Well, I still have some friendship with Xin Pi, I'll go find him for a drink tomorrow and, while I'm at it, advise him not to get involved in this mess."