Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 282 Father and son united in heart is a sign of deep love; mutual understanding is a sign of true parentage.
As the meeting at the Sun residence concluded, news of the events gradually reached the families, and the various prominent families of Jiangdong understood the meaning behind the King of Han's intentions.

By offering land early, one can gain an advantage and accumulate significant merit, thereby securing a place in the Lingyan Pavilion and receiving benefits from the Hall of Merit.

Furthermore, under the guise of helping Yuan Ce vie for the position of heir apparent, they voluntarily offered their services, leaving room for maneuver.

Whether one contributes a lot or a little, it's entirely voluntary, and it won't necessarily lead to the extinction of one's own family business.

If you continue to cheat and shirk responsibility now, and fail to satisfy the King of Han, then the King of Han will have to take action himself next time.

I fear that the six counties of Jiangdong will be reduced to the same state as Huainan and Runan counties. At that time, the entire Jiangdong region will be annexed by the Yuan family, and there will be no chance to reason with them.

In response to this matter, representatives from various prominent families in Jiangdong held an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.

Lu family.

Seeing that Lu Jun, who had just returned from the council meeting of aristocratic families, was still hesitating about the matter, Lu Ji frowned like a little adult and asked him.

"Now that things have come to this, what is there for my brother to worry about?"

Lu Jun sighed upon hearing this and said:

"Previously, the prominent families of Jiangdong had discussed contributing people to their families to increase their merits and compete for a star position in the Lingyan Pavilion."

Although I, as his elder brother, disdained to help Yuan Ce vie for the position of heir apparent, I ultimately could not withstand the overwhelming power of the powerful families of Jiangdong.

Refusing at this point would risk being seen as siding with the powerful families of Yuzhou and becoming an enemy of the Jiangdong people. Therefore, they had no choice but to offer up some Tibetan slaves, thinking it was a way to avoid further trouble by spending money.

But what's the situation now? Yuan Ce and our Lu family haven't settled their old scores yet. I'm being lenient by not dragging him down.

To offer land for a mere upstart to seize power, thus damaging the foundation of my family's business? How dare those powerful families use their status as uncles to pressure me into doing something like this?
Why? "

Lu Jun grew angrier as he spoke, slamming his hand on the table and standing up. "Little brother, you're young and don't know any better."

There's no need to discuss this further. I will send a letter to the Liang Kingdom now. I'm sure Boyan has a good plan to protect the family.

I refuse to believe it. Boyan was only in Liang when he made great contributions by conquering and destroying Lu.

For the sake of vying for the throne, they used the righteous cause of the Jiangdong aristocratic families to try to oppress my Lu family and demand that I hand over land.

Whether it's Zhou Yu or Yuan Ce, Jun must make them understand that they've chosen the wrong opponent.

"Brother, you mustn't!"

Upon seeing this, Lu Ji quickly bowed and stood in front of Lu Jun.

"Even if you asked Boyan about this matter, you would get the same result."

Do you still think this is a struggle for Yuan Ce's heir?
"Brother, do you really think that Yuan Ce has any real influence over this mere struggle for the heirship, enough to warrant our Jiangdong aristocratic families first contributing a total of 300,000 people, and now each family being forced to contribute land?"

"Isn't this exactly what Zhou Gongjin orchestrated at the Sun residence? If it wasn't for Yuan Ce to fight for the position of heir apparent, what else could it be?"
"It can't all be for a higher star rank in the Lingyan Pavilion, can it?"

Lu Ji: "."

A hint of concern and helplessness flickered in his eyes as he patiently explained.

"The true intentions are revealed when the map is unrolled!"
Brother! Who in the world does not know that Lord Yuan deeply loves Yuan Ce and treats him as his own son?
What do you consider to be true love? What do you consider to be one's own child?

A father and son sharing the same heart is a sign of deep love; their hearts are in perfect harmony as if they were one.

Yuan Ce is not Yuan Ce; he represents the embodiment of the will of the King of Han. Brother, do you think that the Jiangdong aristocratic families support Yuan Ce? Are they really supporting an adopted son?
They support Yuan Gong and the King of Han.

Otherwise, who would leave the King of Han's own son aside and wholeheartedly support an adopted son? Just for that one sentence: "[Your young son is often ill; you should strive to improve him.]"

It was simply because Yuan Yao was born into the Yuan family, and was naturally bound to the prominent families of Runan and Huainan.

The powerful families of Jiangdong are all newcomers. If they do not take Yuan Ce to express their stance, follow the will of the King of Han, compete with the powerful families of Yuzhou, and act in accordance with the general trend, how can they survive?

Don't you understand, brother?
The so-called Yuan Ce and the so-called struggle for the heir apparent are nothing more than a matter of claiming a title. This is precisely the leeway that the King of Han has left for us, his subjects.

As rulers and kings, we have been given room to maneuver, a way out, and a reputation. If we don't take advantage of this opportunity, what are we waiting for?

Are we waiting for the King of Han to unleash his weapons on us?

"How absurd!"
Even if he is the King of Han, he can't be so unreasonable, can he?
It was only because our aristocratic families joined forces that he was able to occupy Jiangdong. After that, he fought in the east and west for many years, exhausting his military strength. Every time, it was our aristocratic families who helped him stabilize Jiangdong and provided him with food and supplies.
Now that he has gained control of Yuzhou and occupied Jingxiang, does he intend to turn his back on us? He said he would release the Tibetan slaves, and we have done our utmost to release 300,000 people for him.

Now they want people and land, they can take whatever they want, no one is more powerful than this.

Even so, he still left himself an out.
If he leaves no room for maneuver, what will he do? Slaughter our aristocratic families, leaving countless heads rolling? Don't forget, the Yuan family is the most powerful aristocratic family today!

How could he possibly throw away the pot after just getting a meal?

"Brother, calm down."

"They've only encountered a few things, yet they're already so hot-blooded and indignant. How can the Lu family's future last?"

“My Lu family has rendered meritorious service to him, and Boyan is still handling important matters for him in Liang and Lu. This is a merit that could destroy a country!”
The King of Han's utter disregard for past favors is truly disheartening, and how can I, as his brother, not be indignant?

Seeing Lu Jun getting more and more anxious as he spoke, his face turning bright red, Lu Ji sighed softly.

"But what can you do even if you're furious?"

Brother, why do you think the King of Han would choose this time, using the pretext of the struggle for Yuan Ce's heirship, to pressure us, the aristocratic families of Jiangdong?

Now, the King of Han has swept through Jingzhou and Xiangyang, his might shaking the land. Cao Cao was defeated at Wancheng, Liu Bei lost his base, Shu is high in the mountains and far away, and Yuan Shao is far away.

The only one who still has the strength to threaten the King of Han is Lü Bu of Xuzhou. But this treacherous villain is only one of his own. Does he really dare to offend the King of Han's majesty?
Our Jiangdong region, besides the East Sea, is bordered by the two prefectures of Jing and Jiao.

Now that Jingzhou has been newly pacified, military power is entirely in the hands of Xing Daorong and Cai Mao, who are the confidants of the King of Han.

If we dare to conspire with those two, I fear we will immediately have our names written on the merit list of their adopted son.

"But aside from Jingzhou, does my brother intend to move the whole family to Jiaozhou, a place of exile, to live a life of disgrace and wander among the barbarians?"

Lu Ji looked helpless, took Lu Jun's large hand in her small one, and advised him:

“Brother, in Jiangdong today, we are neither in heaven nor on earth; we can neither call on heaven nor earth.”

This situation is no different from that of Huainan and Runan before it, which is why Zhou Gongjin dared to speak frankly about the method by which the King of Han would annex the lands of Huainan and Runan.

Because it is not afraid, there is no solution.

He truly leaves no room for maneuver; he can genuinely drive Jiangdong aristocratic families like the Huai and Ru aristocratic families into a desperate situation, forcing them to beg him to rent land.

The reason we do not do it now is simply because we are wary of the powerful families in Liang, Chen, and Lu in Yuzhou.

These places are adjacent to Cao Cao and Lü Bu, and the King of Han does not want to go too far and lose the support of the powerful families.

That's why we are asked to offer sacrifices under the pretext of assisting Yuan Ce in the struggle for the heir apparent; the amount offered depends entirely on our sincerity.

"But this."

Lu Jun's expression changed several times as Lu Ji spoke, and he finally stammered after a long while.

"But no matter what, it's still hard for me to use my own land to help Yuan Ce fight for the position of heir apparent."

Since it's the King of Han's wish, if we have to offer it up, my Lu family will just offer it to Yuan Yao. Anyway, we'll be going along with the King of Han's wishes.

Gentlemen, which member of the Lu family gang isn't a member of the gang?

I've heard that Boyan has a very close personal relationship with that young master Yuan Yao. If we help him now, he will surely rely on the Lu family as his right-hand man.

However, before he could finish speaking, Lu Ji interrupted him. He stared wide-eyed at his brother in disbelief, his eyes filled with disappointment and heartache.

"Does my elder brother intend to destroy the Lu family?"
How can personal grudges and personal feelings be used to discuss official business?
My Lu family's legacy is still on the land of Jiangdong! If we betray our principles and defect to Henan, becoming enemies of Jiangdong, how do you think our legacy will survive?
As for Young Master Yuan Yao relying on my Lu family, that's a joke!
He was just a seventeen or eight-year-old child, a figurehead promoted by the powerful families of Yuzhou.

Does your elder brother really think he can command the powerful families of Yuzhou?
At that time, the Jiangdong aristocratic families will consider my Lu family as enemies, and the Yuzhou aristocratic families will exclude you and me.

On his deathbed, his father entrusted the Lu family business to his elder brother. Is this how his elder brother manages it for him?

"How can my father rest in peace in the afterlife?"

“Your elder brother is like a father to you. Lu Ji, who once praised filial piety by carrying oranges in his arms, is now reprimanding your father and elder brother?”

Lu Jun spoke sternly and sternly, but was rendered speechless by Lu Ji's relentless questioning.

But when his younger brother brought up their deceased father and reprimanded him, saying that the Lu family would perish at his hands, how could he, as the elder brother, save face?
"Brother."

Filial piety comes first, so Lu Ji lowered his head sadly and apologized.

"I acted rashly in a moment of panic, and I hope my elder brother will forgive me."

However, the fact of offering land cannot be overlooked. At present, the King of Han considers himself a Daoist ruler and sits high in the nine-layered palace.

After releasing the Tibetan slaves, Yu's prestige in Yangzhou and Yuzhou was at its zenith, surpassing even the most virtuous kings of antiquity.

At this moment, they are looking down over Jiangdong, waiting for the first bird to stick its head out, so as to kill it as a warning to the others.

"Our Lu family must never stumble upon this dangerous path."

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Jun impatiently raised his hand to interrupt, "Enough! I have my own considerations for all matters here."

I repeatedly asked, "Are you the father or the elder brother, or am I the father or the elder brother?"

Could it be that in your eyes, Lu Ji, Jun is some kind of foolish and stupid person?

Lu Ji: "."

Lu Ji remained silent, only replying, "Brother is overthinking it."

The two brothers remained silent for a long time before Lu Jun lowered his voice and asked them quietly.

"Since we are to offer land, I believe that a certain amount of land should be offered to satisfy the King of Han."

Seeing that his elder brother had not made a mistake, Lu Ji replied with delight.

"If you're going to offer something, then offer it all!"

"what?"

Lu Jun was incredulous; he regretted asking the question.

"Are you crazy? We're not really in such dire straits as the Huai and Ru families, so why would we cut off our own foundation and escape route?"
As you just said, the King of Han has left us some leeway, so just estimate the number and offer it accordingly.

"Why should we refuse a compromise when someone has left us room to maneuver?"

"Brother, you're so foolish!"

The only remaining option is to act now. Judging from the current situation in Huainan and Runan, even if we preserve them today, we may not be able to protect them in the future.

Why not take a gamble and achieve a tremendous feat to provide for Boyan?

By then, taking into account Boyan's previous achievements in destroying countries, he would be able to rank among the top in the star rankings.

Brother, times have changed.

With the recent emergence of Lingyan Pavilion, the trend of transforming the world is only just beginning to emerge.

This is precisely when these lands are most valuable, and the merits of Lingyan Pavilion are cheapest.

When the situation reversed and the new system of Lingyan Pavilion was established in the Han Kingdom, all the land under heaven belonged to the King of Han, who then rented the land to the people of the world.

At that time, land was not as valuable as before, and achievements were in high demand but not readily available. Even if we wanted to exchange them, it would be too late.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will upend the world; wouldn't it be a great pity if the Lu family missed it?

Lu Ji's small face was full of worry as he spoke earnestly, but Lu Jun listened without taking it seriously.

Land values ​​are not as high as before? Impossible!

Throughout history, land has always been the most sought-after commodity, while the achievements of the Lingyan Pavilion are freshly made.

Although the rumors are incredibly exaggerated, it's uncertain whether it's worth the price once the initial novelty wears off.

"Alright, I have my own thoughts, you don't need to say anything more."

Young brother, I think you should go to that Shouchun Academy less often in the future. You only learn some vague and confusing theories and you end up speaking more and more in favor of the King of Han.

My Lu family has a tradition of passing down poetry and books, which you are welcome to study. Do not forget your identity as a member of the Lu family.

"Me? I'm speaking on the side of the King of Han?"

He spoke with great earnestness and painstaking effort, every word of which was for the sake of the Lu family and for his elder brother's sake.

Little Lu Ji looked at his older brother with increasing disappointment.

He discovered that differences in thinking, perspectives, and experiences can truly make even the closest family members incompatible and drift apart.

Almost identical scenes to those in the Lu family were also playing out in other prominent families in Jiangdong.

Gu Yong of the Gu family and Zhu Huan of the Zhu family have just been promoted to Governor of Jingzhou and General Who Guards the West.

It wasn't until their clansmen brought them the letter that they suddenly realized the reason behind the King of Han's sudden promotion of the two of them.

This is a case of rewarding first and asking for later. The lord has already shown his subjects enough respect and kindness, so why should we, as subjects, begrudge ourselves?

At this point, Gu Yong and Zhu Huan, who held immense power and were practically the heads of the Gu and Zhu families, immediately decided to cooperate with the Prince of Han.

As a result, the Gu and Zhu families each contributed 50% of their land, and 300,000 mu of fertile land to rent to the Yuan family, in order to help Yuan Ce's son compete for the position of heir apparent.

With these two examples as examples and Lu Ji's guidance, Lu Jun gritted his teeth and reluctantly offered 200,000 mu of fertile land to support Yuan Ce.

The four major families of Gu, Zhu, Lu, and Zhang have already responded, with three of them already in favor. The remaining Zhang family could not lag behind and had no choice but to join in, contributing 200,000 mu of fertile land and shouting: "We will sacrifice our families to help Young Master Yuan Ce!"
With the four major families having set an example, the remaining Zhou and Wu families each contributed 100,000 mu of fertile land to strongly support Yuan Ce.

The general trend in Jiangdong had already taken shape. No matter how unwilling the other large and small aristocratic families were, they had no choice but to offer their fertile land to the Yuan family and call for their assistance to Yuan Ce!

The only good news is that, on the surface, this is simply everyone's investment in Yuan Ce's bid for the position of heir apparent, so there is no limit to the amount invested.

How much to invest depends entirely on each party's willingness; those who are willing can invest more, and those who are unwilling can invest less, so as not to cross anyone's bottom line.

Besides, it's a lease, not a sale, so at least the land is still yours. Just think of it as exchanging a contract for shared prosperity with the country; you can't lose out no matter what.
The noble families could only console themselves with tears of emotion in their eyes.

As one Jiangdong aristocratic family after another came to the Yuan family to sign land lease contracts, the slogan of supporting Yuan Ce resounded throughout the six counties, and almost the entire Jiangdong region was singing it:
"We strongly support Young Master Yuan Ce!"

"Young Master Yuan Ce will surely win!"

"Young Master Yuan Ce will surely inherit the ambitions of the King of Han!"

"Who else but Yuan Ce could succeed the King of Han?"

Upon hearing this news, Yuan Ce remained silent.

Help! Stop it!
(End of this chapter)