Three Kingdoms

It seems a lot of people like the big ones.

Just like a palace, it becomes bigger and bigger as it is built.

But no matter how big the palace is, there will always be only that one area where you can stay, which makes it look even smaller.

Yuan Shao was seriously ill and needed to rest. The attendants and maids inside and outside the palace were all tiptoeing, as if they were walking on only two toes when moving forward and backward. Only the sound of tiny pieces of clothes fluttering could be heard, and no chaotic noise could be heard.

"Cough cough... cough cough cough..."

According to the medical point of view of later generations, Yuan Shao's illness was not a terminal illness, but just pneumonia that spread due to a long cold. He could be cured by hanging a bottle on a bottle for a few days. However, in the Han Dynasty when there were no anti-inflammatory drugs, this condition was Such diseases are fatal.

Pneumonia is often accompanied by low fever. Although it is not a special kind of pneumonia, the general inflammation is enough to weaken Yuan Shaopi's bones. "Cough cough! Cough cough cough!"

The coughing sound became louder and louder, but the maid outside the palace was trembling with fear, and even her body was shaking slightly. She did not dare to come forward to serve, let alone rub Yuan Shao's back to make Yuan Shao cough easier, because The maid who had done this before had already been beaten to death with a rod...

Don't try to reason or talk rationally with a person who continues to have a low-grade fever. Yuan Shao can endure the physical pain, meet some people he must meet, and do the unfinished business at the moment, which is already quite strong. As for the ant-like servants inside, it is difficult for Yuan Shao to accept these ants. Sympathy?

From a medical point of view, fever due to inflammation is because the body's immune function is working to try to eliminate the virus that causes inflammation by accelerating metabolism to generate heat. However, at the same time, due to body functions, appetite and other things also decrease. On the one hand, he has increased his consumption, but on the other hand, he has reduced his intake. Therefore, Yuan Shao is now like a lamp whose oil burns very fast. When the oil burns out, it will be the end of his life...

When people are about to die, they sometimes have some premonitions, and Yuan Shao is no exception. He is also aware of his own physical condition. When he was on the front line, he had some coughing. It was mild at first, but then it became more serious. Now he is not only coughing and wheezing, but even his ears are buzzing. If you sit for a long time, you will feel like the world is spinning, let alone stand up and move around. You can only lean on the bed and barely see people.

Did people in the Han Dynasty sit upright...

Who knows who is sitting.

More than one doctor was invited, even Chunyu, who was known as a master of rejuvenation. However, after diagnosing Yuan Shao, they were all hesitant. They only said that Yuan Shao was infected with wind and cold and needed to rest and rest in order to recover...

But the question is, how can Yuan Shao rest at this moment?

After the defeat, Jizhou was not only a mess, but also a mess. There were powerful enemies outside, hidden dangers inside, and the prying eyes and calculations of his own son, a descendant of the Jizhou gentry. How could there be any rest!

The more anxious you are, the more you have a headache, the more you cough, and the more physically weak you become. Sometimes a terrible thought would arise in Yuan Shao's mind, an idea that he had never thought about but now had to face, "How long can I survive...?"

If he dies, can Shang'er take over all this and continue the Yuan family's legacy?

Heaven above!

Why can't we give someone more time? !

The more anxious his heart is, the more irritable it becomes, and the more irritable it is, the less able it is to be pure, calm and recuperate. In this way, Yuan Shao is approaching death step by step day by day.

"Ahem...here comes someone!" Yuan Shaoqiang braced himself, "Pass..."

After saying the word "pass", Yuan Shao was stunned for a moment and said it was not a specific name.

Jushou went to Youzhou, Xin Ping went to Qingzhou, and now there are only three people in Yecheng: Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei. Yuan Shao's first reaction was to call him Guo Tu, because Guo Tu was usually closest to his thoughts and ideas, but Guo Tu was born in Yingchuan, and the largest gentry group under Cao Cao was the Yingchuan Group...

So it's called trial matching? Not to mention that Shen Pei's son is now in the hands of Cao Cao, but now whether the Jizhou gentry can continue to stand with the Yuan family...

According to common sense, the earliest veteran minister, Feng Ji, who followed Yuan Shao when he was not fully prosperous, should be trustworthy. But the problem is that Xu You, who followed Feng Ji, rebelled at that time. How many Feng Ji are still there? loyalty?

"Ahem..." Yuan Shao gritted his teeth, "Send... General Wen is here!"

……(\u003e灬)??3……

After sending Feng Ji away, Shen Pei turned around and sat down, lost in thought.

Yuan Shao's current physical condition is deteriorating, which can be hidden from ordinary people, but it is not a secret among high-level circles, and the matchmaker naturally knows it.

"General...I'm afraid..."

These words were rolling in Shen Pei's heart, like a rushing river that could not be stopped by one person. Whether it's a tree falling and the hozens scattering, or whether it's the emperor and his courtiers, it's not a good thing for a matchmaker. So obviously, you have to think about your future.

Yuan Shao likes Yuan Shang. Some people say it's because Yuan Shao's ears are soft and the wind blows from the pillow. Others say it's because Yuan Shang looks more like Yuan Shao when he was a teenager, so Yuan Shao likes him. But what is the actual reason? Shen Pei thinks, In fact, it is very simple, because Yuan Tan is older...

In history, during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, although there were indeed many direct descendants and no direct descendants throughout the ages, there were too many examples in which the eldest son, especially the eldest son of a concubine, was not allowed to succeed.

For example, Duke Xian of Jin, Duke Huan of Qi, etc., in the early stage, a generation of heroes created hegemony, but in the later stage, they seemed to be stupid, suddenly confused, they did not like the eldest son, but liked the youngest son, and then finally abolished the eldest son and established the younger one. To outsiders, it seems very unbelievable, but to the judge, it is actually very natural.

People in ancient times got married early, so the eldest son was usually also early. The age difference between him and his father was only about ten years. This age gap was between a son and a brother, which was a bit embarrassing. In addition, the eldest son started working earlier and was easier to contact. Some things form self-concepts, and when these concepts conflict with the father's, because the age gap is not big, it is not like the youngest son to obey everything, so it is more difficult to form a unified opinion and substitute public affairs into personal feelings. It is inevitable.

It is not surprising for father and son to be separated and suspicious of each other.

This is the case for Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan.

As early as after Qu Yi's death, the conflict between Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan broke out. Yuan Tan believed that Qu Yi should not be killed, but Yuan Shao believed that Qu Yi deserved his death. The two argued for a while and eventually broke up. Perhaps it was the argument between the two people this time that led Yuan Shao to send Yuan Tan far away to Qingzhou. Anyway, out of sight and out of mind, his ears were clearer.

The second son, Yuan Xi, had never been one of Yuan Shao's considerations. After all, he was a commoner, so he was not close to anyone. His position was already awkward, and he had no special talents. It was natural that he was excluded from the circle of successors early. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been thrown to Youzhou.

On the contrary, the youngest son Yuan Shang, because of his young age, has no requirements. He neither requires government affairs nor scriptures. Naturally, there will be no evaluation standards when getting along. In addition, Yuan Shang is respectful and filial to Yuan Shao and never talks back to Yuan Shao... …

After this, it is natural for Yuan Shao to like Yuan Shang.

But the question is, if you like it, does it have to be the best?

All things need to be carefully considered, especially the matter of the successor. Shenpei is also a successor now. As a strong competitor to the leading figures of the Jizhou gentry, Shenpei must think more broadly and make trade-offs.

This is a gamble where you can buy it and leave it. Those who can sit at the table are high-level people, but once you make the wrong bet, you will often die the worst. Of course, you can also choose not to gamble, but choosing not to gamble also requires capital. It does not mean that you can just sit back and watch anytime and anywhere.

Fengji's visit illustrates this problem.

Feng Ji represents the veteran faction under Yuan Shao. Like Guo Tu, they are both outsiders. It is easier to form an alliance naturally, so his attitude also represents the attitude of the Yingchuan faction to which Guo Tu belongs to a certain extent. It can be said that , The reason why I came to the judge in due course is because if there is a change, it will be very critical whether the opinions of the three factions can be unified.

So, how to do it?

Even though Yuan Shao is a general, he is still a mortal. Even the emperor is subject to birth, old age, illness and death, so calculating Yuan Shao's death is not a sign of disloyalty. What's more, the closer you are to Yuan Shao, the more clearly you can see that Yuan Shao is the same as ordinary mortals. , has various shortcomings.

Therefore, the judge believes that whether Yuan Shao's successor is capable, flawless, and of noble character are not necessary conditions for being a leader. Having these is naturally better, and not having them is not unacceptable. The most important thing is whether it is in line with the current situation. needs, especially the needs of one’s own interests...

In the darkness of the night, Shen Pei's eyes became darker and deeper as the night grew darker.

……e●︿●……

Near Yecheng, there are far more than a limited number of people who are considering the issue of Yuan Shao's successor.

In a manor in the eastern suburbs, Wang Ming and Cai Yu were also sitting face to face. The servants were dismissed far away, leaving only a few mosquitoes to accompany the two people.

"Burn some more moxibustion..." Cai Yu complained, scratching the patch bitten by mosquitoes. When two people are sitting together, why don't they bite Wang Ming? Isn’t Wang Ming’s blood fragrant?

How did Cai Yu know that mosquitoes are also bully and fearful of the strong? Not to mention that Cai Yu came to the farm as a fresh product, and the mosquitoes naturally swarmed in happily, ready to take blood...

Moreover, Wang Ming usually basks in the sun in the fields and does some farm work, so his skin and flesh are naturally thicker. In comparison, Cai Yu, who is naturally whiter and tenderer, is more popular.

Wang Ming pointed to the burning mugwort leaves beside him, "Now, how much more do you want to burn? In this weather, mosquitoes are inevitable. If you burn too much, wouldn't it be hot?"

As Yuan Shao's subordinate, Wang Ming is in charge of Zhuanghe Nongsang. His status is not high but he is relatively high-ranking. He does not usually stay in Yecheng. He spends most of his time in farmland and manor in the suburbs. However, this does not mean that Wang Ming Ming knew nothing about what was going on in Yecheng.

"Alas..." Cai Yu slapped his arm, then opened his palm to see that nothing had been hit, so he patted himself in vain, "If you have anything to say, please tell me... I'll feed the mosquitoes here all night. How much do you need to eat to make up for it..."

This is a small pavilion in the backyard, with a clear view of everything. As long as you speak in a lower voice, you are not afraid of others eavesdropping from the corner. Of course, the side effect is that burning mugwort will drive away mosquitoes, but even if the wind blows, it will have little effect.

"..." Wang Ming was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "General... I'm afraid he may not be able to survive..."

"What?!" Cai Yu was startled, and immediately ignored the bite on his body, "What did you say?!"

Wang Ming glared, "You are still in Yecheng and you don't even know this? What have you been doing these days?"

"I'm doing everything..." Cai Yu hummed, and then said, "Don't worry about what I'm doing. Didn't you say that the general showed up a few days ago and met a few village elders?"

"What can a few dizzy village elders prove by worshiping from a distance?" Wang Ming sneered, "I heard that a certain person is seriously ill and can't even get out of bed..."

"So serious?" Cai Yu rolled his eyes a few times, "So, it's possible..."

"Well...it's very possible..." Wang Ming nodded and said, "...So, now we have to do one thing...that is to spread the word that Young Master Yuan has purple energy and will be rich and powerful..."

Cai Yu stared, waved his hand and said, "You are doing something like this at this time! Are you crazy? If you want to do it, don't look for me..."

Wang Ming coughed and whispered: "This matter... is not what I am looking for you..."

Cai Yu was stunned for a moment, then pointed slightly with his hand, "You mean...that one?"

Wang Ming nodded.

Cai Yu grimaced, "Why do you have to do it with me? If you are not careful about this matter, you will lose your head... If not like last time, find some children..."

"Are you stupid?" Wang Ming said, "Now all the farmers are busy preparing for summer plowing, and the autumn harvest is about to happen. Which family's children are idle everywhere singing nursery rhymes with you? So, the only ones who are idle now are... Hehe, so only you can do it...not to mention that you rarely go to the inner palaces of those officials..."

"Well..." Cai Yu said awkwardly, "I didn't. Don't talk nonsense. I'm all about etiquette..."

Wang Ming nodded and said: "Yes, yes, I know, it's about affection, not politeness! I understand, no need to explain..." Then he took out a money bag from his arms and pushed it in front of Cai Yu, "Here Some gold and silver are enough for you to express your feelings and show courtesy... Anyway..."

Wang Ming's voice was very low, "Anyway, I want everyone to know that this time the general has chosen the third son as his successor..."