Yuan Xi swiftly assembled his forces and marched out from Haixi, heading south along the Han River toward Guangling.
His movements did not go unnoticed. Yuan Tan's spies quickly caught wind of the troop mobilization and rushed the intelligence back to Langya.
After reading the report, Yuan Tan's lingering doubts about Yang Dao finally vanished. Turning to his assembled subordinates, he declared, "Xianyi has indeed gone to Guangling."
"Yuan Shu's forces are now at their peak. They've driven Cao Cao out of Tancheng and are pressing against our borders in Donghai."
"It's said they have tens of thousands of troops in western Xuzhou and are already attacking Cao Cao in Pengcheng. From the looks of it, they intend to seize both Xuzhou and Yanzhou."
He paused, scanning the room. "What do you all think we should do?"
Guo Tu stepped forward without hesitation. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Your Excellency was willing to break with Xianyi to seize Donghai—was it not all for expansion and for the chance to confront Yuan Shu?"
"Now Cao Cao has forced Liu Bei out, and Yuan Shu has driven Cao Cao away. At last, the stage is clear for us to strike!"
"If we defeat Yuan Shu and take Xiapi, we can push further into Jiujiang and capture Shouchun!"
Excitement rippled through the hall. This was no ordinary campaign—this was a chance to surpass all rivals within the Yuan clan.
Victory here would not only elevate Yuan Tan above Yuan Shang in merit, but also grant him control over Xuzhou—and perhaps even Yuzhou—freeing him from reliance on Yuan Shao.
What none of them knew was that Yuan Tan possessed secret intelligence: Yuan Shang was unlikely to produce an heir anytime soon.
At a decisive moment, that alone could tip the balance of succession.
Yuan Tan suppressed his satisfaction and turned to Xin Ping. "Zhongzhi, what is your opinion?"
Xin Ping frowned slightly. "Everything feels… too smooth."
"It's as if every force we anticipated has conveniently stepped aside, almost as though they want us to clash with Yuan Shu."
Guo Tu laughed. "I thought you had some brilliant insight—turns out you're just uneasy because things are going well."
"Yuan Xi fought Cao Cao. Cao Cao fought Yuan Shu. Tens of thousands died—do you think that was all an act?"
"Zhao Yun is still holding the line in Guangling with limited troops. If they had the strength, they would've taken Xiapi long ago!"
"This is the perfect moment. Cao Cao's forces north of Tancheng are thin. If we move now, we can directly confront Yuan Shu."
"And don't forget—the locust plague has struck both Yanzhou and Yuzhou."
"Neither Cao Cao nor Yuan Shu can sustain their armies for long. They're at their weakest!"
Yuan Tan nodded repeatedly. His army had grown to nearly 100,000 including laborers—a massive burden on Qingzhou's resources.
Taxes had risen. Discontent was spreading. He could not sustain this for long.
But war could solve everything.
If he could destroy Yuan Shu's forces and absorb the survivors, he could forge a stronger, leaner army.
After all—soldiers who don't fight are useless.
He turned to Yang Dao. "When you left, did Xianyi say anything else?"
Yang Dao quickly replied, "I delivered his letter, but he said nothing more of significance."
Guo Tu smirked. "Xianyi doesn't have the strength to oppose us."
"He can barely spare ten thousand troops for Xuzhou. The northern tribes are already troubling Youzhou."
"He's surrounded—Cao Cao, Yuan Shu… If he doesn't rely on the Yuan family, who can he depend on?"
"At this point, he can only endure quietly."
The others nodded in agreement.
Yuan Tan sighed. "Still, I feel I owe him something. After we take Yuzhou, I'll compensate him."
Guo Tu chuckled. "Your Excellency is truly benevolent. But now is the time to act. If we hesitate, the opportunity will vanish."
The hall buzzed with anticipation.
At last, Yuan Tan rose to his feet and struck his palm decisively.
"Enough!"
"Now that all sides are exhausted, this is our moment!"
"Mobilize all forces from Qingzhou—march south to Langya and advance into Donghai!"
"We will attack Houqiu, drive back Cao Cao's army, seize Xiapi, and press south toward Shouchun!"
The order was met with unanimous approval.
Yuan Tan stood tall, confidence swelling within him. One brother crippled, another trapped in the north—only he remained poised to seize everything.
Yet far away in Ye City, Yuan Shao was convening his own council.
News had arrived: Cao Cao and Yuan Shu had clashed in Chen State, and Yuan Shu's forces were faltering.
Seizing the moment, Yuan Shang proposed a bold plan—march south through the Heishan passes, cut between Jingzhou and Yuzhou, advance through Yingchuan, and strike directly at Shouchun.
Yuan Shao immediately saw through it. This was no mere suggestion—it bore the mark of Shen Pei and Pang Ji.
The plan was risky, but the reward immense.
Yuan Shu had divided his forces into three: one holding off Lü Bu in the west, one occupying Xiapi and Tancheng in the east, and the main force pushing north—now checked by Cao Cao.
If Jizhou struck now with elite troops, Shouchun would be left exposed.
Still, Yuan Shao hesitated.
All his sons were ambitious. None were willing to yield. Competition was inevitable—but if left unchecked, it could spiral into chaos.
The court erupted into debate.
Some, like Xun Chen, advocated joining Cao Cao to crush Yuan Shu's main force.
Others, like Tian Feng, suggested cutting off Yuan Shu's retreat and forcing him into a decisive battle.
Shen Pei and Pang Ji proposed a steady southern advance—securing territory step by step before striking Jiujiang.
Their plan won the most support.
Frustrated, Tian Feng added, "If we're heading south anyway, why not assist Lü Bu first? Wouldn't that be safer?"
"After all, he's now tied to the Yuan family by marriage."
Yuan Shang's expression stiffened. Lü Bu was allied with Yuan Xi—not him.
Pang Ji quickly countered, "If we get entangled there, Cao Cao may seize the advantage first."
The others agreed. No one was eager to aid Lü Bu.
At last, Yuan Shao made his decision.
"Yuan Shang will lead twenty thousand troops south through Heishan into Yuzhou."
"He will have full authority over military decisions."
Yuan Shang accepted the command with undisguised joy.
Soon, Ye City was alive with activity—torches burned through the night as troops prepared for war.
Across the land, chaos spread.
Only Jingzhou remained still.
Under the night sky, Zhuge Liang gazed at the stars and sighed.
Liu Biao was too cautious. Even with such an opportunity, he refused to act.
Was he simply waiting for the world to settle itself?
Looking across the map, Zhuge Liang murmured to himself, "Have I misread the heavens? Is Xuzhou not the key after all?"
Yet none could have guessed—
The man everyone believed eliminated from the game had already made his move.
In Ling County, Yuan Xi stood before a wounded Liu Bei, his body still wrapped in bandages.
Bowing deeply, he said,
"Lord Xuande has survived a great calamity—surely, great fortune awaits you ahead."