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

Yangzhou, Shouchun.

Yuan Shu's mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air.

This eldest son of the "Yuan family of Runan," a descendant of four generations of high-ranking officials, was now reclining on a brocade couch, holding a golden cup in one hand and stroking the beautiful woman's shoulder with the other, looking smug and self-satisfied.

Below the tent, strategists Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, Li Feng, and others sat on either side, while military officers Zhang Xun, Qiao Rui, Lei Bo, Chen Lan, and others sat in turn.

After several rounds of drinks, Yuan Shu dismissed the singers and dancers and sat up straight.

"Gentlemen!"

He spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of drunkenness, but more so with an air of confident arrogance: "I have summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter."

Everyone turned to look at him.

Yuan Shu stood up and walked to the map hanging on the wall.

His finger tapped the location of Shuntian, then traced the locations of Xuchang and Qiaoxian, finally landing on Shouchun, a disdainful smile appearing on his lips.

"Look at what the world has become!"

He turned around, surveyed the crowd, and his voice gradually rose: "The Han Dynasty is in decline, the Emperor is in disgrace, and Ji Xuanyuan, a mere descendant of a village headman and a beggar on the street, dares to hold the Emperor hostage to command the feudal lords, occupy six provinces, and proclaim himself Prime Minister and General of Heavenly Strategy! My elder brother, Yuan Shao, whose family has held high office for four generations, what kind of person is he? Yet he was defeated by this peasant! And what about Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian? Didn't they all rise to their current positions thanks to the support of my Yuan family? Now they've all grown strong, each ruling their own territory, and they don't take me seriously at all!"

He slammed his fist on the table, causing the wine cups to fall and shatter on the floor.

"I disagree!"

The people inside the tent fell silent, trembling with fear.

Yuan Shu, panting heavily, swept his gaze across the crowd and said, word by word, "I come from the Yuan family of Runan, a family that has produced four generations of high-ranking officials, with disciples and former officials all over the land! In terms of lineage, reputation, and power, this world should rightfully belong to my Yuan family! What is that Ji Xuanyuan? A peasant, how dare he compare himself to me?"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, his voice rising higher and higher: "Yuan Shao was defeated by Ji Xuanyuan because he was incompetent! He was indecisive, refused to listen to loyal advice, and squandered the foundation of Hebei! If it were me, I would have long ago welcomed the Emperor back to my side and given him command over the world! Why let that peasant tyrant become so domineering!"

Yang Hong coughed lightly and said cautiously, "My lord, please calm down. Yuan Shao's defeat was indeed his own fault, but now Ji Xuanyuan's power is great, and we cannot underestimate him..."

"underestimate the enemy?"

Yuan Shu sneered, "I never underestimate my enemies; I just can't stand that peasant's arrogance!"

He walked back to the head of the table, sat down again, picked up another glass of wine, and drank it all in one gulp.

"As you all know, there is a prophecy circulating among the people nowadays: 'The one who will replace the Han Dynasty is Gao of Dangtu.'"

Everyone was taken aback.

Yuan Shu put down his wine cup, his gaze distant: "Tu means road, path, and the character 'Gonglu' (high road) perfectly matches the meaning of 'Dangtu Gao' (high road in Dangtu)! Moreover, my Yuan family has received the favor of the Han Dynasty for generations, with four generations serving as high officials, our virtue benefiting the world. The Mandate of Heaven is not in the Liu family, but in the Yuan family! This is the will of Heaven, and cannot be defied by human power!"

After these words were spoken, the tent fell silent.

Yan Xiang's expression changed slightly, and he stood up, saying, "My lord, this matter is of utmost importance! Although the Han dynasty is declining, the emperor is still alive, and the hearts of the people have not been completely lost. If we act now..."

Yuan Shu waved his hand, interrupting him: "I know what you want to say, but think about it, Ji Xuanyuan held the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords, how is that any different from usurpation? If he can do it, why can't I?"

Yan Xiang said urgently, "My lord! Although Ji Xuanyuan has seized power, he has never deposed the emperor. If you were to declare yourself emperor first, you would become the target of everyone's anger! At that time, all the feudal lords in the world would rise up to attack you. How would you resist?"

Yuan Shu's face darkened, and he was about to lash out when Yang Hong suddenly stood up, bowed, and said, "My lord, what Yan Xiang said makes sense. The matter of declaring oneself emperor requires careful consideration. The most urgent task is to expand our territory and strengthen our power. We should wait until we have taken over Yuzhou and Xuzhou and control the Jianghuai region before holding the grand ceremony. That would be the most foolproof plan."

Yuan Shu's expression softened slightly, and he nodded: "Dezhi's words make sense. Then, in your opinion, how should we expand our territory?"

Yang Hong walked to the map and pointed to the location of Yuzhou: "My lord, please look. Sun Jian has occupied Yuzhou and also seized Wu County, Danyang, and Lujiang. He is confronting our army. This man is ambitious and must be eliminated. Now that Liu Bei has brought three thousand remnants of his army to join him, it is a golden opportunity."

Yuan Shu raised an eyebrow: "Oh? A straw mat weaver and sandal seller with three thousand deserters, what kind of opportunity is that?"

Yang Hong smiled slightly: "My lord, you may not know this, but Liu Bei, though of humble origins, has always been ambitious. The fact that he was able to rise to the positions of Grand Master of Ceremonies and Southern Garrison Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Shuntian is enough to show his abilities. Now that he has defected to the north and joined Sun Jian, Sun Jian will surely give him an important position. And Sun Jian and my lord already have a grudge against each other. If the two of them join forces, they will pose an even greater threat to our army."

Yuan Shu scoffed, "So what? My army is pressing in; are we afraid of him?"

Yang Hong shook his head: "My lord, a direct confrontation is not the best strategy. I have a plan that can take Yuzhou without breaking a sweat."

Yuan Shu's eyes lit up: "Dezhi, speak quickly!"

Yang Hong lowered his voice and slowly said, "Does my lord still remember that Sun Jian, Ji Xuanyuan, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei swore a blood oath on the banks of the Luo River in Luoyang, vowing never to attack each other?"

Yuan Shu nodded: "I remember, so what?"

Yang Hongdao said, "Now that Liu Bei has defected, Ji Xuanyuan has offered a reward of a thousand gold pieces and a marquisate for his head. If our lord sends someone to spread the word that Liu Bei is a spy sent by Ji Xuanyuan, who deliberately defected to Sun Jian in order to incite infighting among the southern warlords, then Ji Xuanyuan can reap the benefits after both sides are exhausted..."

Yuan Shu's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Yang Hong continued, "Sun Jian is naturally suspicious, and having just taken Liu Bei under his wing, he may not be without reservations. If rumors spread at this time, he will surely become suspicious of Liu Bei. At that time, our lord can send someone to deliver a letter to Sun Jian, saying that as long as he hands over Liu Bei, our lord will share Yu Province with him and forgive any past transgressions."

Yuan Shu clapped his hands and laughed, "Brilliant! In this way, Sun Jian will either hand over Liu Bei, cutting off his own arm, or he will be bound to Liu Bei, bearing the crime of 'colluding with traitors,' and losing the hearts of the people! No matter which path he chooses, he cannot escape my grasp!"

Yang Hong nodded: "Not only that, my lord, you can also secretly contact Liu Biao of Jingzhou and say that Sun Jian is colluding with Liu Bei and intends to seize Jingzhou. Ask Liu Biao to send troops to restrain him. Liu Biao is good at maintaining the status quo but not good at advancing. However, if he hears that someone is going to attack his Jingzhou, he will definitely send troops to protect himself. At that time, Sun Jian will be attacked from two sides and unable to attend to both ends. My lord can then take the opportunity to send troops and take Yuzhou in one fell swoop!"

Yuan Shu suddenly stood up and burst into laughter!

"Excellent! Excellent plan! Dezhi's plan is truly ingenious!"

He paced back and forth in the hall, his face flushed with excitement.

"I'll send men to do it right away! First, spread rumors, then contact Liu Biao, and finally launch an attack on Yu Province! Hahahaha! Sun Wentai, you think you've gained Liu Bei's assistance, but little do you know that this is a poison I've given you!"

Yang Hong then said, "My lord, there is one more thing."

Yuan Shu stopped in his tracks: "What is it?"

Yang Hongdao said, "If Your Majesty wishes to become emperor, you need evidence of divine mandate. Although there is a prophecy among the people that 'the one who will replace the Han dynasty will be Gao of Dangtu,' we still need to create some auspicious omens to reassure the people. I suggest that you send people to search for 'auspicious symbols' in various places, such as five-colored auspicious clouds, white deer, and lingzhi mushrooms. Also, have sorcerers compose some songs and spread the saying that 'the Yuan family will rise to power.' In this way, when the time is right, Your Majesty's ascension to the throne will be divine mandate and perfectly legitimate."

Yuan Shu was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, "Excellent! Excellent! Dezhi has thought of everything! I'll have someone take care of it right away!"

He walked up to Yang Hong, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a beaming smile, "Dezhi, having a strategist like you is like adding wings to a tiger! After I conquer Yuzhou and ascend the throne, I will definitely appoint you as one of the Three Dukes!"

Yang Hong bowed and said, "Your subject dares not take credit; it is all thanks to Your Majesty's great fortune."

Yuan Shu laughed loudly, his laughter echoing throughout the hall.

Outside the window, a spring breeze brings a touch of warmth.

But beneath that warmth lurked endless murderous intent.

Several days later, in Qiao County, Yuzhou.

Sun Jian was discussing military affairs with Liu Bei in his residence when a scout suddenly reported: "My lord! Something terrible has happened! Rumors are spreading throughout the city, saying... saying that General Liu is a spy sent by the Prime Minister, deliberately defecting to you to incite unrest in the south!"

Sun Jian's expression changed, and he looked at Liu Bei.

Liu Bei abruptly stood up, his face ashen: "Who is spreading these rumors?!"

The scout stammered, "I...I don't know...Overnight, the whole city was buzzing with rumors...that General Liu was carrying a blood edict, a trap set by Ji Xuanyuan..."

Sun Jian remained silent for a moment, then waved his hand to dismiss the scouts.

He looked at Liu Bei with a complicated expression.

Liu Bei said urgently, "Brother Wentai, do you believe these rumors? If I have any disloyal intentions, may I be struck down by heaven and earth!"

Sun Jian shook his head and said slowly, "Xuande, if I believed these rumors, I wouldn't have kept you here."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the whispering people in the streets and alleys, his brows furrowed: "This rumor is suspicious. It spread throughout the city overnight. Someone must be manipulating it in secret."

Liu Bei gritted his teeth: "It must be that scoundrel Yuan Shu! He's trying to sow discord between us!"

Sun Jian nodded: "That's what I think too. Yuan Shu has always coveted Yu Province. Now that you've come to me, he's naturally restless. Spreading rumors is just the first step."

He turned around, looked at Liu Bei, his gaze firm:

"Rest assured, Xuande, am I, Sun Wentai, the kind of person who would listen to slander? Stay here in peace, and once I have investigated the truth, I will surely clear your name!"

Liu Bei bowed deeply: "Brother Wentai, your noble character is deeply appreciated!"

Sun Jian helped him up, and was about to speak when another guard came to report:

"My lord! Liu Biao of Jingzhou has sent a messenger with a message!"

Sun Jian raised an eyebrow, took the letter, and unfolded it to read it carefully.

With just one glance, his face darkened.

Liu Bei asked, "Brother Wentai, what did the letter say?"

Sun Jian handed him the letter and sneered, "Liu Biao said that someone accused you and me of conspiring to seize Jingzhou. He told me to hand you over, or he would send troops to punish us."

After reading the letter, Liu Bei's expression changed: "This is Yuan Shu's elaborate scheme! Spreading rumors wasn't enough for him; he's also trying to sow discord between Liu Biao!"

Sun Jian nodded, paced back and forth in the hall, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly stopped: "Xuande, don't worry. Liu Biao is good at maintaining the status quo but not good at making progress. He says he's going to send troops, but that's just bluffing. The one who really wants to take action is Yuan Shu."

He gazed eastward, his eyes fixed on the distance.

"Yuan Shu has always wanted to annex Yu Province. Now, he is using your matter to sow discord between us, then to instigate Liu Biao, and next, he will personally send troops."

Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat: "Brother Wentai, how should we deal with this?"

A cold smile appeared on Sun Jian's lips: "Let the soldiers come, I'll block them; let the water come, I'll dam it. If Yuan Shu wants to fight, I'll accompany him to the end!"

He looked at Liu Bei, his gaze intense: "Xuande, are you willing to lend me a hand?"

Liu Bei clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

Sun Jian laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder: "Good! With Xuande's help, how can Yuan Shu not be defeated!"

Shouchun, Yuan Shu's residence.

Yang Hong's plan is being implemented step by step.

Rumors have spread throughout Yuzhou, and a letter has been sent to Liu Biao's side; everything is proceeding according to plan.

Yuan Shu sat in the hall, a map spread out in front of him, his eyes filled with a determined gleam.

"Sun Wentai, oh Sun Wentai."

He muttered, "You may be smug for a few days, but when my army is at the gates, let's see how long you can keep laughing."

He raised his head, looked north, and a cold smile appeared on his lips: "Ji Xuanyuan, you just wait. Once you seize Yuzhou and ascend the throne, that will be the end for you, you peasant!"