Chapter 99

The recitation came to an abrupt stop. The young man put down the book, stood up unhurriedly, and respectfully saluted Yuan Fang with a bow.

Just as he was about to pay his respects, the young man looked at Zhuge Jin and asked in confusion, "I wonder which General Yuan this is."

Zhuge Jin's frown deepened, and he said in a stern voice, "Of course, it's the young master Yuan Xianzheng of Qingzhou."

Upon hearing the name Yuan Fang, the young man's slender figure trembled slightly. He lifted his face and looked at Yuan Fang, his brows revealing a hint of surprise.

"Are you the one who killed Dan Jing, beheaded Tian Kai, and made the White Horse Gong Sun and our Governor Tao Qian tremble in fear?" the young man blurted out.

By the etiquette of the time, the young man's direct use of Yuan Fang's name was quite impolite.

Zhuge Jin's expression changed slightly, and he glared at the young man, then apologized to Yuan Fang, "My younger brother is still young and speaks without restraint. Please forgive his rudeness, General Yuan."

Yuan Fang was not angry; instead, he found the young man before him quite interesting. Not only did he recognize Yuan Fang's name, but he also remained calm and composed, showing a demeanor beyond his years.

Yuan Fang smiled and said, "That's right, I am the Yuan Fang you mentioned."

The young man suddenly understood and bowed, saying calmly, "I have long heard of General Yuan's great name. I am Zhuge Liang, a commoner, and I pay my respects to the general."

"Indeed, this young man is Zhuge Liang. No wonder he is so extraordinary even at such a young age..."

When Zhuge Jin earlier referred to the young man as his younger brother, Yuan Fang had already guessed that this young man was likely the famous Zhuge Liang. Now that he had introduced himself, Yuan Fang's guess was confirmed.

Looking at Zhuge Liang again, Yuan Fang noticed his fair skin and clear features. If not for his male attire, he might have been mistaken for a young girl at first glance.

"Such a handsome young man..." Yuan Fang mused.

At this moment, Zhuge Jin invited Yuan Fang to sit in the seat of honor and said to his younger brother, "Younger brother, I have something to discuss with General Yuan. You should go and continue your studies."

Zhuge Liang did not move, sitting upright beside his elder brother and said seriously, "I have finished my studies. Since General Yuan is an honored guest, I should stay and accompany him."

Zhuge Jin, unable to persuade his younger brother, felt somewhat awkward and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Seeing the two brothers, Yuan Fang found it increasingly interesting and smiled, "Yangdu is now in my hands. We are all on the same side, so there's no need for so much formality. It's fine for Brother Liang to stay."

Since Yuan Fang had spoken, Zhuge Jin could not say anything more and had to tolerate his eleven or twelve-year-old brother sitting beside him like an adult, accompanying the honored guest.

Zhuge Jin quickly calmed down and pondered Yuan Fang's words, his eyes showing a slight change.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhuge Jin bowed and said, "Please forgive me for speaking frankly, but from your tone, it seems you have no intention of returning Qingzhou and plan to incorporate the State of Langya into your territory."

Yuan Fang sneered, "Tao Qian unjustly attacked me, hoping to gain an advantage. I must make him pay a heavy price, or he will not learn his lesson."

Zhuge Jin fell silent, his mind heavy with worry, and he remained silent in deep thought.

"Prince Zhuge, if you have something to say, please speak freely. I, Yuan Fang, will not punish anyone for their words," Yuan Fang said generously, noticing his concern.

Zhuge Jin pondered for a moment and sighed, "The world is in chaos, and it is understandable for the general to want to capture Langya. However, Langya is a vital barrier to the north of Tancheng, and Governor Tao Qian will not easily give it up. The conflict between the general and Governor Tao Qian will likely lead to a major battle, which could result in great suffering for my hometown."

Zhuge Jin, being from Langya, naturally worried about his hometown being destroyed by war.

Yuan Fang said coldly, "This war is inevitable. I will only stop when Tao Qian sues for peace. If Prince Zhuge does not want his hometown to suffer, he should hope that Tao Qian sees reason and sues for peace as soon as possible."

Yuan Fang's determination was unshakable, and it seemed that no force could change his will.

Zhuge Jin's expression changed, and he felt an invisible pressure emanating from Yuan Fang.

Taking a deep breath and calming his mind, Zhuge Jin fell into deep thought again.

After a moment, his eyes lit up, and he bowed, "I have a plan that might force Governor Tao Qian to sue for peace quickly."

Zhuge Jin actually had a plan?

Yuan Fang's interest was piqued, and he gestured for him to continue.

Zhuge Jin slowly said, "The reason Governor Tao Qian can maintain his position is entirely due to the support of the Chen and Cao families. These two families support him because he was appointed by the court and has proven military capabilities, which ensure peace in Xuzhou."

Yuan Fang nodded slightly, as Zhuge Jin's analysis of the situation in Xuzhou matched his own previous assessment.

Zhuge Jin continued, "Now that General Yuan has won several battles and advanced deep into Xuzhou, approaching the capital of Tancheng, this is not only due to your military genius but also because Governor Tao Qian has failed to defend the region effectively. I believe the Cao and Chen families, as well as other major clans in Xuzhou, are already dissatisfied with Governor Tao Qian."

Swallowing, Zhuge Jin lowered his voice, "If the general were to spread the news that Cao Bao on the front lines wants to surrender to you and that Chen Gui is secretly allying with you, creating the impression that the two major families in Xuzhou are abandoning Governor Tao Qian and supporting you to ensure peace in Xuzhou, then I believe Governor Tao Qian, to maintain his position, will likely put aside his pride and sue for peace to get you to withdraw your troops."

Zhuge Jin's eloquent speech presented a strategy to Yuan Fang.

A strategy of sowing discord to force Tao Qian to sue for peace.

Yuan Fang pondered this and found that Zhuge Jin's plan had merit.

Yuan Fang had been struggling with how to force Tao Qian to sue for peace and end the war with Xuzhou as soon as possible, so he could focus on preparing for the conflict with Yuan Shao. He had not expected that his accidental visit to the Zhuge family would result in such a clever plan from Zhuge Jin.

This was indeed a pleasant surprise.

After much thought, Yuan Fang smiled faintly and said, "This plan is not bad, but how can you be sure that Tao Qian will put aside his pride and sue for peace?"

"About that..."

Before Zhuge Jin could answer, Zhuge Liang, who had been listening quietly, suddenly said, "Because Tao Qian is a self-preserving bandit."

Zhuge Jin was startled and glared at Zhuge Liang, "Younger brother, do not speak rashly. Governor Tao Qian is the governor of a state, and you should not speak disrespectfully about him."

"Brother, but you said Tao Qian is a self-preserving bandit. How am I speaking rashly?" Zhuge Liang blinked his big eyes, looking aggrieved.

Zhuge Jin was a bit flustered, making faces at Zhuge Liang, hinting that he should not speak, as private discussions between brothers should not be shared with outsiders.

Seeing the bickering brothers, Yuan Fang laughed.

Indeed, Tao Qian was a self-preserving bandit. As long as he could hold onto his territory and maintain his position as governor, his pride was of no consequence.

These two brothers, despite their youth, had a clear understanding of Tao Qian's character, showing that they were indeed talented.

Yuan Fang made up his mind and decided to adopt Zhuge Jin's suggestion.

Zhuge Jin breathed a sigh of relief, looking quite pleased.

Yuan Fang then asked, "I am curious, as a native of Xuzhou, why are you offering me this plan?"

Zhuge Jin sighed, "To be honest, I am doing this out of self-interest. I only want the war between the general and Governor Tao Qian to end quickly so that my hometown, Langya, can be spared from the ravages of war."

Indeed, Zhuge Jin was a loyal and honest person.

Yuan Fang appreciated him even more and made up his mind.

As the sky grew dark, Yuan Fang, having gained a clever plan, got up to take his leave.

Zhuge Jin hurriedly stood up to see him off, accompanying him to the gate and bowing, "The general's visit to my humble abode is a great honor. Please walk slowly, general."

Yuan Fang mounted his horse and ordered, "Zi Yu, you should also make preparations. I will set out early tomorrow morning."

"Preparations?" Zhuge Jin was momentarily stunned, wondering why he needed to prepare for Yuan Fang's departure.

Yuan Fang laughed heartily and said, "Both you and your younger brother Zhuge Liang are talented. I, Yuan Fang, greatly appreciate you both and have decided to recruit you to serve me. Prepare yourselves tonight and report to my camp early tomorrow morning."

With that, Yuan Fang whipped his horse and rode away with his guards.

Zhuge Jin stood there, mouth agape, staring in shock at Yuan Fang's retreating figure.

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