Chapter 23

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Yuan Fang's arrival took Liu's mother and son by surprise.

"Mother, what does that scoundrel Yuan Fang want from me?" Yuan Shang asked in surprise.

Liu's mother pondered for a moment and waved her hand, saying, "Go and see him."

With his mother's command, Yuan Shang dared not disobey. He bowed and retreated, returning to his own room.

In the main hall, Yuan Fang stood with his hands behind his back, surveying the hall's layout.

It was luxurious and exquisite, exuding a sense of nobility, far superior to the old side room where he lived.

The sound of footsteps echoed, and when he turned, Yuan Shang had already entered the hall, his face beaming with a friendly smile.

"I didn't know that Second Brother would return suddenly, making you wait. Please forgive me," Yuan Shang bowed in apology, his attitude much warmer than that of Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi.

However, Yuan Fang saw through it; Yuan Shang's smile was only skin-deep. He was very good at hiding his true feelings, unlike Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi, who were more open.

"Where, it is I who have disturbed Fourth Brother," Yuan Fang said politely.

The two sat down, and Yuan Shang asked curiously, "Second Brother, why have you suddenly returned to Ye City from Qinghe, where you were leading troops to conquer Qingzhou? Surely it's not just to visit me."

Yuan Fang replied calmly, "I have returned this time specifically to help Fourth Brother."

"Help me?"

Yuan Shang was taken aback, and a sneer quickly formed on his lips.

That sneer seemed to say: You, Yuan Fang, are struggling to save yourself. What right do you have to say you will help me?

"Forgive me, Second Brother, I don't understand what you mean," Yuan Shang said dismissively.

"Yuan Xi has asked Father for troops and now commands over ten thousand soldiers. If he captures Bingzhou before I do and forms an alliance with the richest family in Ji Province, his and First Brother's power will greatly increase. At that time, it won't just be me who suffers, but also Fourth Brother. That's why I'm here to help you."

Yuan Shang's face suddenly changed, clearly hit by Yuan Fang's straightforward words.

After a moment, he chuckled, "First Brother and Third Brother are our brothers. If Third Brother can capture Bingzhou, that's a good thing. I would be happy, not unlucky."

"Hmph, this Yuan Shang is much more calculating than those two..."

Yuan Fang's thoughts turned, and a hint of regret appeared in his eyes. He sighed, "I originally wanted to help Fourth Brother, but since Fourth Brother is so optimistic, I have nothing more to say. I'll take my leave."

As he spoke, Yuan Fang stood up and was about to leave without looking back.

Yuan Shang's brows furrowed, and as he watched Yuan Fang about to leave, he gritted his teeth and called out, "Second Brother, please wait."

Standing with his back to Yuan Shang, one foot already over the threshold, Yuan Fang's handsome face flashed with a sly smile.

He knew that Yuan Shang wouldn't let him go so easily.

This time, Yuan Fang came to seek Yuan Shang's help, but he was also very clear that Yuan Shang secretly looked down on him. Even if he was seeking help, he couldn't show any signs of begging, or he would be at a disadvantage.

By presenting himself as coming to "help" Yuan Shang, he turned the tables, taking control of the situation. This was the brilliance of Yuan Fang's strategy.

At Yuan Shang's insistence, Yuan Fang sat down again and said calmly, "Does Fourth Brother have anything else to say? I need to hurry back to the front lines."

Yuan Shang moved closer and lowered his voice, "Actually, I have no prejudice against First Brother and Third Brother. But I'm very interested in how Second Brother plans to help me."

"It's simple. I need you to persuade Father to give me more troops to help me defeat Liu Bei and outshine Yuan Xi. Helping me is the same as helping yourself."

Yuan Shang, being a smart person, understood immediately. Yuan Fang didn't waste words and got straight to the point.

"About that..." Yuan Shang tapped his forehead, deep in thought.

Yuan Fang was not in a hurry, continuing to drink tea slowly, giving Yuan Shang enough time to think.

He believed that Yuan Shang was a smart person and would see the benefits.

After a long pause, Yuan Shang smiled and asked, "But how many troops does Second Brother want?"

"Five thousand elite infantry and five hundred cavalry," Yuan Fang said without hesitation, making a bold request.

Yuan Fang had only recently secured Ji Province, and his main force numbered no more than forty thousand. Five thousand elite troops were not a small number.

As for cavalry, Yuan Shao's total cavalry force did not exceed two thousand. Asking for five hundred cavalry was like cutting into Yuan Shao's flesh.

However, Yuan Fang knew that bargaining was inevitable, so he made a high initial offer.

Yuan Shang laughed dryly, "Second Brother's appetite is quite large. Do you think Father will agree?"

"That's up to Fourth Brother. The number of infantry can be reduced, but the cavalry must be that number."

Yuan Fang made a slight concession but remained firm, his demeanor suggesting that the roles had reversed, and it was Yuan Shang who was seeking his help.

Yuan Shang's brows furrowed deeply, and he fell into deep thought again.

"Regarding the troops, Fourth Brother must put in more effort. The enemy won't give you time to think."

Yuan Fang had said all he needed to say and didn't want to waste more words. He immediately took his leave.

Yuan Shang saw Yuan Fang to the door, smiling as he watched him leave. As soon as Yuan Fang's figure disappeared, his smile turned into a cold, iron-like expression.

"That scoundrel, I never thought he would hide his true intentions for so many years. He comes to me for help, but it seems like I'm the one begging him. Hmph!"

Yuan Shang snorted and turned back to his room, clearly displeased.

At this moment, Liu's mother had already come out from the back hall.

Before Yuan Shang could recount the conversation, Liu's mother waved her hand, "You don't need to say more. I heard everything from behind."

"Mother, do you think we should agree to that scoundrel's request?" Yuan Shang dared not make a decision on his own.

Liu's mother was silent for a moment and then said slowly, "That scoundrel has become smarter, knowing how to use us to deal with Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi. But he's right; we can't let Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi's power grow. We should help him."

Yuan Shang nodded but had concerns, "But if we help that scoundrel, although we will suppress Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi, we will also allow the scoundrel to grow stronger. Will that be to our disadvantage in the future?"

Liu's mother sneered, "Even if that scoundrel's power grows, he is still a lowly bastard with no right to inherit your father's legacy. Everything he conquers will eventually belong to you."

Yuan Shang was enlightened, all his concerns vanishing. He smiled, "Mother is right. I will immediately send instructions to Feng Yuan Tu and the others to advise Father."

Liu's mother nodded in satisfaction.

In the Yuan residence, while Liu's mother and son were still plotting, Yuan Fang had already left the residence calmly.

This place, filled with disdain, was somewhere Yuan Fang did not wish to stay for a moment longer.

Exiting the residence, Yuan Gui and the others had been waiting for a long time. Yuan Fang did not linger, mounting his horse and leaving the city directly.

As soon as they left the city gates, Yuan Gui eagerly asked if Yuan Shang had agreed to help.

"Yuan Shang did not agree outright, but there's no need to worry. He and his cunning mother are smart people and will act according to my instructions."

Yuan Fang was very confident, but he secretly smiled, "Liu's mother and Yuan Shang must think that by giving me more troops, all the territories I conquer will belong to them. They don't realize that I, Yuan Fang, have long decided to stand on my own. I am just using their power to build my own empire."

Feeling elated, Yuan Fang spurred his horse and headed straight for Qinghe.

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