My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

Chapter 207 A Child Enjoys Family Bliss; Imperial Court Formulates Strategy to Regulate Hebei

At the end of December in the second year of Xingping (195 AD), in Shuntian, at the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

The winter sun shines through the carved window frames, casting a soft golden hue into the warm room.

Ji Xuanyuan sat on the couch, holding a delicate little baby in his arms, playing with him.

The child was just over two years old, fair-skinned, with features that combined the handsomeness of Ji Xuanyuan with the elegance of Zhen Mi. His dark, grape-like eyes darted around, and he giggled as he reached out his little hand to grab his father's chin.

"Father... Father..."

The child's innocent voice deepened the smile on Ji Xuanyuan's face.

He lifted the child up and then put him down, which made the little guy laugh even harder.

"This child resembles me," Ji Xuanyuan often said to Zhen Mi.

Zhen Mi sat to the side, doing needlework. Hearing this, she looked up at the father and son, a gentle smile on her lips: "When he grows up, he'll probably be a restless one."

Ji Xuanyuan looked down at his son in his arms, his eyes full of doting affection.

Ji Heng, his eldest son.

This child is exceptionally well-born, perfectly inheriting the best features of both parents, and already showing remarkable appearance at a young age.

Everyone in the household loved the child, and even the usually stern generals would tease him whenever they saw him.

"Heng'er".

Ji Xuanyuan said softly, "When you grow up, your father will take you to see the world."

Little Ji Heng seemed to understand but not quite, just giggling and reaching out to grab her father's nose.

This is Ji Xuanyuan's first time becoming a father in his two lifetimes.

This joy satisfied him more than conquering any city.

"Report!"

A series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the courtyard.

A guard rushed in, knelt on one knee, and presented a battle report with both hands: "My lord! Urgent battle report from Xuzhou!"

Ji Xuanyuan raised an eyebrow, took the battle report, and unfolded it to examine it closely.

A moment later, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Yuan Shao... has lost."

Zhen Mi paused slightly, put down her needlework, and said softly, "Yuan Shao has been defeated?"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, handed her the battle report, stood up, and carried Ji Heng to the plum tree.

"Ambushed at Luofengpo, defeated at Gaixia, committed suicide at Wujiang... Thus ended the life of a great hero."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a complex emotion.

There was relief, there was emotion, and there was also a faint...respect.

Although Yuan Shao was defeated, he was still a hero.

Unfortunately, even heroes grow old and ultimately cannot withstand the tide of time.

After reading the battle report, Zhen Mi sighed softly, "Yuan Shao, whose family had held high office for four generations and controlled Hebei, has now fallen to such a state..."

Ji Xuanyuan turned around, handed Ji Heng to her, and said gently, "I'm going to summon the ministers for a meeting."

Zhen Mi took her son and nodded, "Husband, go ahead."

Ji Heng, however, was unwilling and stretched out his little hands, wanting his father to hold him: "Daddy...Daddy..."

Ji Xuanyuan leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, saying softly, "Heng'er, be good. Daddy has something to do. I'll come and keep you company later."

Ji Heng pouted, but didn't cry or make a fuss. He just watched his father leave with longing eyes.

The Grand Tutor's Mansion, the council hall.

Inside the hall, Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Lu Zhi, and others had been waiting for a long time.

In addition, there are several newly promoted civil officials, all of whom are talents cultivated by Ji Xuanyuan in Youzhou over the years.

Ji Xuanyuan strode in and took his seat in the main seat.

Everyone rose in unison and bowed: "My lord!"

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

His gaze swept across the room, lingering on each person's face for a moment before finally settling on the battle report that had just been delivered to the table.

"Yuan Shao is dead," he said, his voice calm and unreadable.

The hall was completely silent.

Although the news had already spread throughout Shuntian, hearing it from Ji Xuanyuan's own mouth at this moment still sent a shock through people's hearts.

Yuan Shao, whose family had held high office for four generations, was the ruler of Hebei, the one who once rallied the forces to oppose Dong Zhuo, and one of the most powerful warlords in the land.

died.

He died on the banks of the Wujiang River, his anger and grief causing him to vomit blood.

Guo Jia's peach blossom eyes curved into a smile as he said softly, "Congratulations, my lord, Ji Province is now in our grasp."

Xun Yu nodded: "With Yuan Shao dead, Hebei is leaderless. My lord should quickly send a large army to take over the counties of Ji Province."

Tian Feng stroked his beard and said, "The land of Ji Province has a population of one million and abundant grain. If we can take it all, our lord's strength will increase greatly."

Ju Shou also said, "However, the powerful and influential families in Ji Province are deeply entrenched and need to be dealt with carefully."

Ji Xuanyuan listened to everyone's words without saying a word.

He stood up, walked to the map hanging on the wall, and gazed at the vast land of Hebei.

Jizhou.

He had long coveted this land.

With his current strength, if he wanted to take Ji Province, he would have already sent troops there.

But he remained inactive, waiting for a legitimate opportunity.

The reason that Yuan Shao colluded with the Wuhuan and contacted Han Sui to plot treason is sufficient.

By imperial decree, to suppress the rebellion, this title is sufficient.

What he truly feared was not Yuan Shao's army, but the powerful clans and wealthy families of Ji Province.

Ji Province does not belong to Yuan Shao alone.

Those powerful and influential families are the true masters of this land.

The Cui clan of Qinghe, the Cui clan of Boling, the Li clan of Zhaojun, the Gao clan of Bohai, the Xing clan of Hejian... which one is not deeply rooted and intertwined?

Yuan Shao was able to secure his hold on Ji Province not through swords and spears, but through interests and prestige.

He was the leader of the old era, using marriage alliances, official positions, and privileges to win over these powerful families to his side.

The aristocratic families respected and admired him because he himself belonged to an aristocratic family and was one of them.

But what about Ji Xuanyuan?

In their eyes, even though he held a high position, he was still a peasant at heart.

After becoming a village head, he was a beggar on the street, and he made his way in the world with the help of a group of brothers.

How could those arrogant and aristocratic families possibly respect such a person from the bottom of their hearts?

Ji Xuanyuan turned around and looked at everyone.

"Taking Ji Province is not difficult, but governing it is not easy," he said slowly.

"Although Yuan Shao is dead, the powerful families in Ji Province are the real trouble."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall tensed up.

Xun Yu pondered and said, "What you say is absolutely right, my lord. The powerful families of Ji Province have been officials for generations, and their disciples and former officials are all over Hebei. If we cannot appease them, even if we get Ji Province, it will be a hot potato."

Tian Feng said, "I am originally from Jizhou and know the temperament of those aristocratic families well. They value lineage, reputation, and profit. If you, my lord, can give them enough face and offer them official positions and privileges, they may very well submit to you."

Ju Shou shook his head: "Yuan Hao, you are mistaken. My lord is different from Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao comes from a noble family. The noble families respect him because they respect their own kind. My lord comes from a humble background. Even if you offer him a high position and generous salary, those noble families will look down on him. Given the opportunity, they will surely rebel."

Guo Jia nodded, rarely putting away his playful expression: "What you say is absolutely right. If our lord wants to secure Ji Province, it won't be enough to just win them over. We must make them fear us and prevent them from rebelling."

Ji Xuanyuan listened to the crowd's discussion with a deep gaze.

He recalled the history books he had read in his previous life.

How many years did it take Cao Cao to completely subdue Ji Province after Yuan Shao's death?

How many people were killed and how much blood was shed before those powerful families finally bowed their heads?

What he needs is a usable Ji Province, not a Ji Province in ruins.

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking: "All members of the Yuan clan, regardless of age, shall be executed."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent.

Regardless of age, all shall be beheaded?

Xun Yu frowned slightly: "My lord, although Yuan Shao is dead, his son Yuan Tan is still in Qingzhou, Yuan Xi has been captured in Youzhou, and Yuan Shang has been captured in Ye City. If we were to execute them all, would that be...?"

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, interrupting him: "Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Yuan Shang, and all the men of the Yuan clan, leave no one alive. As for the elderly, weak, women, and children..."

He paused, his voice turning cold: "Send them to Bingzhou and disperse them. They will survive, but they can no longer act in the name of the Yuan family."

Xun Yu suddenly understood and nodded, saying, "My lord's plan is excellent. By beheading its leaders and scattering its branches, the Yuan clan will have no chance of making a comeback."

Guo Jia laughed and said, "If Yuan Shao knew this from beyond the grave, he would probably be so angry he'd come back to life."

Tian Feng then asked, "What about the powerful families of Hebei? How does our lord intend to deal with them?"

Ji Xuanyuan walked back to the main seat and slowly sat down.

His gaze swept over the crowd, and he said, word by word, "Those who surrender will all retain their original official positions."

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted.

Will the original official remain in office?

What magnanimity!

Ji Xuanyuan continued, "Those who are willing to surrender, I will forgive their past transgressions. Whatever they did before, and whatever they do in the future, as long as they obey me obediently, I will not lay a finger on them."

Ju Shou pondered for a moment and said, "My lord's plan is good, but will those aristocratic families really believe it?"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled slightly, a smile tinged with coldness:

"Believe it or not, it's up to them. I gave them a chance."

He paused, his voice turning somber: "As for those who won't surrender..."

He looked at Ran Min.

Ran Min, who had been standing to the side with his hand on his sword, clasped his hands and said, "Brother, rest assured, I will personally lead people to invite those aristocratic families who refuse to surrender."

The word "please" was used politely, but everyone knew what it really meant.

When the Embroidered Uniform Guard takes action, it's no longer a matter of "inviting" someone; it's about confiscating property, arresting people, and exterminating their entire family.

Everyone has seen what happened to Yoshimoto, Zhong Fu, Dong Cheng...

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, then looked at Xun Yu:

"Wenruo, you will be in charge of the post-war affairs in Jizhou. You will also be in charge of the appointment of officials in various places, the household registration investigation, and the collection of taxes. Tian Feng and Ju Shou will assist you."

The three of them stood up in unison: "Yes, sir!"

Ji Xuanyuan then looked at Guo Jia: "Fengxiao, you will go south with the army to assist Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in quickly stabilizing Xuzhou. Also, keep an eye on Qingzhou. It's time to close the net on Yuan Tan's side as well."

Guo Jia's peach blossom eyes curved into a smile: "Rest assured, my lord, I will do my utmost."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Lu Zhi one last time.

"Lord Lu".

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to him, and bowed solemnly: "The matter of Ji Province still requires Lord Lu's assistance."

Lu Zhi, with his white hair and beard and a gaunt face, smiled slightly upon hearing this: "Whatever Grand Tutor commands, this old man will obey without question."

Ji Xuanyuan said, "Many of the prominent families in Ji Province have a long-standing relationship with Lord Lu. Lord Lu is highly respected and virtuous. If he were to step forward and appease those families who are willing to submit, it would surely be twice as effective with half the effort."

Lu Zhi remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I will do my best."

Ji Xuanyuan bowed deeply.

The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed.

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone in the hall, staring at the battle report on the table, remaining silent for a long time.

Yuan Shao is dead.

That once invincible overlord of Hebei died just like that.

He recalled meeting Yuan Shao in Luoyang years ago.

At that time, Yuan Shao was full of vigor, dressed in official robes, surrounded by countless followers, looking very imposing.

now……

Life is unpredictable.

Ji Xuanyuan sighed softly.

Footsteps sounded.

Guo Jia had somehow returned and sat down opposite him.

"My lord, are you still thinking about Yuan Shao?"

Ji Xuanyuan looked up at him but did not speak.

Guo Jia said softly, "Yuan Shao's defeat and death were not due to his poor military skills, but rather to his poor judgment in choosing his subordinates and his indecisiveness. He had many strategists and generals under his command, but they were all scheming and fighting among themselves. He missed several opportunities."

He paused, his peach blossom eyes curving upwards: "If he had listened to Xu You and taken Xuzhou first, perhaps the situation would have been different."

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head: "There is no possibility. Even if he takes Xuzhou, I will not let him go."

Guo Jia was taken aback, then smiled.

"What you say is true, my lord. From the moment Yuan Shao decided to march south to Yanzhou, his fate was sealed."

Ji Xuanyuan looked out the window at the setting sun that was gradually sinking in the west.

"Fengxiao, do you think those powerful families in Hebei will surrender?"

Guo Jia pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"Some will surrender; they're not stupid. They know the tide has turned. But some won't surrender. They're proud of their lineage and look down on their lord's background. Even if they surrender, they won't truly submit."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful:

"I know, so I give him both the opportunity and the knife."

Guo Jia looked at him and suddenly asked, "My lord, what if those aristocratic families, after surrendering, still refuse to submit, outwardly comply but inwardly defy, and secretly sabotage us? What should we do then?"

A faint smile appeared on Ji Xuanyuan's lips.

That smile held both coldness and murderous intent.

"Fengxiao, what do the Embroidered Uniform Guards do?"

Guo Jia was taken aback, then burst into laughter.

"Our lord is wise!"

He stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and turned to leave.

Only Ji Xuanyuan remained in the hall.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked in the direction of the palace.

Your Majesty, did you see that?

Yuan Shao is dead.

Hebei is mine now.

And you...