Chapter 941: The Precarious Situation in Jizhou
Chapter 941: The Precarious Situation in Jizhou
Jizhou, Ye City.
Ever since the coalition campaign against Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao had been having a difficult time. His days were becoming increasingly challenging.
After the campaign, Yuan Hong was determined to seize the fruits of Yuan Shao's labor, and he was not one to mince words.
If Yuan Hong had to use force, he would go all out, leaving nothing to chance.
Originally stationed in Julu, Yuan Shao soon realized that Julu was too close to the Bohai region, which was firmly under Yuan Hong's control. With no other choice, Yuan Shao had to gradually retreat, moving from Julu to Ye City.
But even in Ye City, Yuan Hong did not let up. He was determined to make Yuan Shao pay, and if Yuan Shao dared to leave Jizhou, Yuan Hong would ensure it was not an easy task.
Yuan Hong's approach was simple yet effective. He decided to flex his muscles, showcase his strength, and gradually pull neutral parties to his side, slowly dismantling Yuan Shao's influence.
Once this force was significantly weakened, Yuan Hong could make his move and directly challenge Yuan Shao. This method, though seemingly more roundabout and complex, was actually simpler than a direct confrontation, which might further complicate an already delicate situation.
Yuan Hong was well aware that Yuan Shao had a large number of opposing aristocratic families and Outsider lords backing him. If Yuan Shao were to make a move, it would touch upon numerous sensitive nerves, potentially throwing Jizhou into chaos. Yuan Hong knew that just cleaning up the mess would require significant effort, let alone rebuilding.
Therefore, Yuan Hong decided against a direct confrontation, as he had already found a lead. With a gentle pull, he could unravel the alliance behind Yuan Shao, leaving him vulnerable.
Over the past two months, Yuan Hong had been gathering information about Yuan Shao's situation. He discovered that under Yuan Hong's pressure, although Yuan Shao and Han Fu were relying on each other, they did not have a harmonious relationship.
Han Fu, on one hand, used Yuan Shao's identity to resist Yuan Hong, while on the other hand, she remained cautious of Yuan Shao, constantly preventing him from touching the army she held.
It was precisely because Yuan Shao did not have an army of his own that he seemed so passive when facing Yuan Hong. Yuan Hong saw this conflict between them as an opportunity to exploit.
As an Outsider, Yuan Hong was well-versed in the art of sowing discord. With the help of a top-tier civil official manipulating the situation from the shadows, it was a simple matter to stir up suspicion and conflict between Yuan Shao and Han Fu, especially given their pre-existing tensions.
Under Yuan Hong's manipulation, it took only a few days for the relationship between Han Fu and Yuan Shao to deteriorate rapidly. Suspicion and mistrust grew between them, and all it needed was a spark to potentially set them against each other.
Even though both parties were aware of Yuan Hong's scheme, the nature of such divisive tactics was that once suspicion was sown, it was not easy to reconcile. Even if they were to make amends, the doubts and mistrust would still linger.
In this situation, taking action would make the already precarious situation in Jizhou even more perilous. It might even lead to Yuan Hong directly sweeping through Jizhou.
And so, someone made their move.
Jizhou, Ye City, Han Fu's Temporary Residence, Study Room.
Han Fu sat in the study room, staring at the letter in his hands. It was a letter from Yuan Hong, delivered by his subordinates just moments ago.
Although Yuan Hong had been employing various tactics, this was the first time he had sent a letter.
Han Fu had initially planned to forward this letter to Yuan Shao, but upon considering his current relationship with Yuan Shao, Han Fu ultimately abandoned that idea.
Han Fu understood that Yuan Hong's letter was likely an attempt at surrender, and this was precisely what Han Fu struggled with.
He had originally thought that by siding with Yuan Shao, they could turn the tables on Yuan Hong. But now it seemed the situation was different. Yuan Shao appeared vulnerable, and Han Fu was also considering his own backup plan.
After much hesitation, Han Fu finally opened the letter. As he had expected, it was indeed Yuan Hong's attempt at surrender. Yuan Hong promised that if Yuan Shao and the heads of the major aristocratic families of Jizhou were handed over, he would let bygones be bygones and even offer various benefits.
Chapter: The Plot Thickens
The Letter's Impact
As Han Fu read the letter, his face paled. He had never expected such a bold move from Yuan Hong. If it was just a request for Yuan Shao's head, he might have considered it, but to ask for the heads of the powerful families in Jizhou, it was a direct challenge.
This was a death sentence for Han Fu, and Yuan Hong would not protect him. He knew that once this matter was exposed, he would be thrown out as a scapegoat.
So, when Han Fu saw the content of the letter, his face changed drastically. He held the letter and went to find Yuan Shao.
If Yuan Shao did not want to talk, then it was only natural that Han Fu should directly find him and hand over the letter, or destroy it to ensure it did not fall into the wrong hands.
However, what Han Fu did not expect was that before he could even reach Yuan Shao, he was intercepted. The carriage had not traveled far when Han Fu's guards sensed something amiss. As they lifted the carriage curtain, they discovered Han Fu's lifeless body with a slit throat, leaving the guards terrified. They did not hesitate and immediately fled.
Joke was on them, Han Fu died right under their noses without leaving a single clue, and this matter would surely be marked against them. The middle-aged man beside Yuan Hong furrowed his brows, and after a moment of realization, he locked eyes with Yuan Hong, both understanding the answer.
"It's him!" The middle-aged man nodded.
"Yes, it must be him. At this point, only he has the motive and ability to do such a thing."
Yuan Hong's face turned grim, his teeth clenched tightly. He was no fool, and with a simple analysis, he could identify the true mastermind behind this scheme.
"No one can watch us grow and think they can suppress us forever! There can only be one dominant power in this vast Central Plains!" The middle-aged man said, his expression cold.
Yuan Hong fell silent, deep in thought. He raised his head, his icy gaze fixed on the north.
"He won't let me rise? It's a joke. But does he think he can take a step forward and oppress me for a lifetime? Is that possible?" Yuan Hong spoke, his face filled with a determined battle aura.
No one willingly accepts defeat, especially those who have climbed to the top with great effort.
Yuan Hong, who had risen from the most unwelcomed disciple within the Yuan family, struggled to survive amidst the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and under the watchful eyes of the Yuan family, finally saw an opportunity to soar high. To let Lu Hai Kong suppress him and make him bow down in defeat? No way.
"Don't dream, I've climbed this far, not to be suppressed by you. Come, no matter what tricks you have, I will rise. I will knock you down from your current position, and the final victor will be me!"
(End of Chapter)
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