章 451: 436. Yuan Shao's Banquet
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In a quiet corner of the hall, a lonely table was shared by two men Tian Feng and Xu You who were ostracized by the rest of Yuan Shao's court as usual, but due to the contributions made by Tian Feng, he was invited and decided to bring along Xu You so that he could have someone to talked two. Seeing how grand the banquet was, Tian Feng could only shake his head as he was sure now that Yuan Shao would not be the last man standing on the chessboard.
Xu You, who sits beside Tian Feng notices Tian Feng's shaking his head, which causes him to lean in closer. "Master Tian Feng, what troubles you? Why do you suddenly shake your head?"
Tian Feng sighed deeply, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Look around, Master Xu You. The grandeur of this banquet, the way Yuan Shao rewards his favorites, the favoritism and political machinations... This is not the way to win a war that embroils the whole land. His focus is misplaced, and his judgment is clouded by flattery and superficial loyalty."
Xu You nodded, his eyes darkening with understanding. "You fear that Yuan Shao's inability to see beyond his immediate circle will be his downfall?"
"Precisely," Tian Feng replied. "He surrounds himself with sycophants and ignores those who speak the truth. This will lead to his undoing. The stronger he appears now, the more fragile his position truly is. Can you imagine how grand his banquet would be when he subjugated the entire land? It would defeat Dong Zhuo's grandest banquet."
Xu You glanced around, ensuring no one else could overhear them. "You speak the truth, Master Tian Feng. But such words, if heard by the wrong ears, could bring great trouble. We must tread carefully."
Tian Feng nodded. "I know. I speak to you because I trust you and because I see the same awareness in you. We must be cautious, but we must also try to persuade Lord Yuan Shao slowly so that he would not be led astray."
Xu You sighed. "It's a delicate balance we must maintain. But we are in this together, Master Tian Feng. We will find a way to persuade Lord Yuan Shao in these troubled waters."
As they continued their quiet conversation, across the hall, Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Shen Pei were engrossed in their own scheming. The three men were plotting their next moves to increase their influence over Yuan Shao, each with their own agendas and ambitions.
Feng Ji leaned in, his voice hushed but eager. "With Lord Yuan Shao in this state, we can persuade him to grant us more power and rewards. We need to present ourselves as indispensable to all of his strategy making."
Guo Tu nodded a sly smile on his face. "Indeed. We must play our cards right, offer him counsel that will benefit him in the short term while positioning ourselves for long term gain."
Shen Pei, the one who was most cautious between the three of them, added, "We must also be wary of our rivals. Zhang He and Gao Lan have begun to show their ambition, which causes Yan Liang and Wen Chou to receive some impact. There's also Tian Feng and Xu You, who knows what they concocting to release Lord Yuan Shao from our grasp."
Feng Ji and Guo Tu nodded their head in agreement with what Shen Pei said, satisfied with their planning the three men clinked their cups together, their eyes gleaming with ambition and self interest.
The commotion at the entrance of the hall caused heads to turn, conversations to pause, and a ripple of curiosity to sweep through the guests. Yuan Shao, intrigued by the sudden disruption, watched intently from his seat.
As the man in his forties entered, accompanied by two young men, Feng Ji, and Guo Tu immediately stood up and made their way toward him, not expecting that this distinguished guest would come.
The sight of two of Yuan Shao's most favored advisors personally welcoming a guest raised eyebrows and piqued interest. Whispers began to circulate among the attendees, speculating on the identity of the distinguished visitor.
Feng Ji and Guo Tu bowed respectfully before the man, their expressions a mix of deference and eagerness. "Master Zhen Yi," Feng Ji said with a courteous smile, "it is an honor to have you join us this evening."
Zhen Yi, the head of the Zhen Clan, one of the wealthiest merchant clans in the land, nodded graciously. "The honor is mine," he replied, his voice calm and authoritative. "I come here to congratulate Lord Yuan Shao, the lord of this land and my future in law!"
Guo Tu gestured toward the hall, where the guests were still observing the scene with keen interest. "Please, Master Zhen, come and join us. Lord Yuan Shao will be pleased to know that you have come to join us."
As Zhen Yi and his companions were escorted further into the hall, the murmur of conversations resumed, this time filled with speculation about the implications of Zhen Yi's presence.
Feng Ji and Guo Tu exchanged glances, understanding the potential significance of forging an alliance with such a powerful and influential figure like Zhen Yi, especially when from Zhen Yi's words it could be determined that the marriage proposal that was sent several years ago would be accepted.
It was normal that Zhen Yi didn't accept the proposal when it first came and delayed his response, at first it angered Yuan Shao but his attention was diverted by battle after battle and even if his attention was on Zhen Yi, there was nothing he could do because Zhen Yi was too influential.
Yuan Shao himself stood up to greet Zhen Yi who approached him, a smile spreading across his face. "Master Zhen Yi! Welcome to our grand gathering! You had come here at the right time, it was a great pleasure to finally meet you."
Zhen Yi bowed respectfully. "Lord Yuan Shao, the pleasure is mine. I have long admired your prestige and leadership. It is my hope that our clans finally find common ground and maybe even more the relation between our clan closer."
Yuan Shao's eyes widened with delight and curiosity. "Master Zhen Yi, your words are intriguing. What do you mean by bringing our clans closer?"
Zhen Yi laughed warmly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Lord Yuan Shao, I am referring to the marriage proposal you sent me a few years ago. After careful consideration and observing your esteemed leadership, I have decided to accept your offer."
The hall fell silent, the significance of Zhen Yi's words sinking in. Yuan Shao's face lit up with ecstatic joy. "This is indeed wonderful news! Which of your daughters will be betrothed to my son Yuan Xi?"
Zhen Yi smiled proudly. "I have chosen my youngest daughter, Zhen Ji, to be betrothed to your son Yuan Xi. She is a talented and virtuous young lady, and I believe she will make a fine match for your son."
Yuan Shao clasped Zhen Yi's hand in his, his excitement barely contained. "This alliance will undoubtedly strengthen our clans and bring great honor to both our clans. I am deeply grateful, Master Zhen Yi."
The room buzzed with excitement as Yuan Shao and Zhen Yi continued their conversation, discussing the details of the upcoming betrothal and the benefits it would bring to their alliance.
Feng Ji and Guo Tu exchanged satisfied glances, knowing that this marriage would bolster their influence within Yuan Shao's court.
Meanwhile, Tian Feng and Xu You watched the scene unfold with keen interest. Xu You leaned in closer to Tian Feng. "This marriage solidifies Zhen Yi's support for Yuan Shao. We need to consider how this will affect the balance of power."
Tian Feng nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. While this strengthens Yuan Shao's position, it also creates new dynamics within his court as mercantile interests have entered. We must remain vigilant and adapt to the changing circumstances."
As the banquet continued late into the evening, the atmosphere grew more relaxed and informal. Laughter and cheers echoed through the hall, with everyone raising their cups in celebration. Yuan Shao and Zhen Yi were especially jovial, their faces flushed with drink as they discussed the terms and possible dates for the betrothal.
Zhen Yi, slurring slightly, leaned toward Yuan Shao. "The sooner, the better, Lord Yuan Shao. Our clans will become one, and this union will strengthen our position immensely."
Yuan Shao nodded enthusiastically, though his words were slightly muddled by the wine. "Yes, yes, Master Zhen Yi. Let us set the date as soon as possible. This alliance will be the cornerstone of our future success."
As the banquet drew to a close and guests began to leave, the effects of the evening's excesses were evident. Yuan Shao and Zhen Yi were escorted to their chambers by their attendants, while the other guests, equally inebriated, stumbled out into the night.
Tian Feng and Xu You, having kept their intake moderate, walked out together, discussing the evening's developments. They were soon approached by Zhang He and Gao Lan, who seemed determined to speak with them.
Tian Feng raised an eyebrow as they neared. "Gentlemen, is there a reason you wish to speak with us?"
Zhang He, with a respectful nod, began, "Master Tian Feng, Master Xu You, we couldn't help but notice your isolated position during the banquet. We would like to talk with the two of you about some important matter."
Gao Lan added, "That's right Master Tian Feng and Master Xu You, as Zhang He said we would like to talk about an important matter. One that we believe it would be beneficial for all of us and ensure that our interests are preserved."
Tian Feng and Xu You exchanged a glance, understanding the underlying intent of Zhang He and Gao Lan's approach. They knew that alliances within Yuan Shao's court were ever-shifting, and it was crucial to navigate these changes carefully. Having another ally in their corner it's not a bad thing.
Xu You, after a moment's consideration, responded, "We appreciate your frankness, General Zhang He and General Gao Lan. I share the same opinion as you, a united front could serve all our interests well."
Tian Feng nodded in agreement. "It is prudent to form strategic alliances in these times. Let us continue this conversation in a more private setting, away from prying eyes and ears."
The four men moved away from the bustling palace grounds, finding a quiet spot where they could discuss their mutual interests without interruption. Fortunately for them, due to how grand the banquet is many people were invited and this allowed them to blend in with the crowd to leave the hall and head toward an area that was outside of Yuan Shao, Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Shen Pei's prying eyes and ears.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
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