At this moment, in Luoyang, at Yuan Shao's residence.
The handsome and dashing Yuan Shao, even in middle age, still possessed a certain charm.
Looks and appearance held significant value in ancient times. Don't assume that people in ancient times didn't judge by appearance; even brilliant strategists and advisors were not immune.
Zhuge Liang, with his handsome appearance, received preferential treatment and was appreciated and praised wherever he went.
Pang Tong, despite his noble birth, was looked down upon because of his ugly appearance.
What use is good learning?
Without opportunity, even a prestigious family is nothing but a decoration!
Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, with his sallow complexion and thin stature, formed a stark contrast.
Men seeking brothers and women seeking best friends are sometimes similar; both like to find someone inferior to themselves in every way, someone they can easily defeat, to serve as a foil.
They may not think this way, but their actions speak volumes. Yuan Shao poured Cao Cao a cup of wine. In their youth, they had stolen other men's brides together, caused a ruckus in Luoyang, and committed many outrageous acts.
Now, having risen to high positions, the position of Colonel of the Western Garden Army was no longer merely a formality.
It was an important post, but also a transitional one.
As future pillars of society, barring unforeseen circumstances, they would become the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.
However, the phrase "barring unforeseen circumstances" often implies that something unexpected had happened.
"Mengde, I heard your father has been lobbying for you, preparing to transfer you to the position of Prefect of Chenliu?" Yuan Shao asked casually, but it was actually a test.
"It's just hearsay. With the country in turmoil, Prefect Tian Gui of Chenliu is in his prime. What merit or ability do I have to take over?" Cao Cao smiled bitterly. His father, Cao Song, had indeed tried to influence things for him, but without success.
"Being transferred to a local governorship for three to five years, gaining grassroots experience, and then being transferred back to Luoyang would allow for a smooth entry into the Nine Ministers' department. Whether one can ultimately reach a position among the Nine Ministers depends entirely on personal fortune."
"At least the path has been paved; whether one can follow it is entirely up to the individual."
"Brother Benchu, I heard you're being transferred to be the governor of Bohai? Congratulations!" Cao Cao had heard the rumors. Yuan Shao had the backing of the Yuan family, and Hebei was where the Yuan family's influence was greatest. Going there would be advantageous, and it would be easier to gain seniority."
"Heh, it's still uncertain, Mengde, you shouldn't speak carelessly." Yuan Shao first expressed humility, then couldn't help but become somewhat smug. Being one step ahead of Cao Cao was already a privilege.
However, he quickly thought of someone, and his expression darkened.
"What, Brother Benchu, is there anything you're dissatisfied with?" Cao Cao shook his head. He was currently just a Han official, a loyal subject, and certainly didn't intend to declare independence.
"Which Lu Ming isn't dead yet!" Yuan Shao gritted his teeth, his fingers gripping the wine cup until they turned white. To him, being inferior to a teenager was an utter disgrace!
"Liangzhou is fierce; he'll probably be in trouble. The Qiang rebellion has lasted for a century; how could one person quell it?" Cao Cao wasn't optimistic either; Liangzhou was indeed extremely dangerous.
"However, he managed to quell the plague; he's quite a figure!"
A rampant plague and a drastic population decline are unacceptable for any place.
Therefore, being able to deal with and control the spread of the plague is a skill, worthy of respect.
But for powerful clans, morality is useless.
Talented people, if they can't be recruited, will be destroyed!
They don't allow another powerful clan to emerge here, nor do they allow anyone to challenge their authority.
"Hmph, that's skill, I suppose." Yuan Shao knew very well why his uncle betrayed Lu Ming; it seemed unethical.
Actually, it was because Yuan Kui didn't have many years left to live. At this time, stabilizing the Yuan clan was the priority; the interests of a large family were insignificant compared to personal favors.
Just then, a guard brought a letter. Yuan Shao took it, glanced at it, and immediately burst into laughter. He'd even confused Cao Cao! What was this guy up to?
Yuan Shao laughed for a long time before handing the letter to Cao Cao. "Aman, look! The Yuezhi have invaded Liangzhou. Lu Ming is wantonly slaughtering powerful families in Liangzhou, which has already aroused public anger. Some people in Chang'an are leading the impeachment of Lu Ming. Hmph, he'll be lucky to escape with his life!"
Cao Cao took the letter, glanced at it, and scoffed.
These are all petty tricks.
Fighting at the front against foreign invaders, and then bickering behind the scenes—this kind of thing is unacceptable anywhere.
He immediately felt a sense of disgust towards Yuan Shao. He wouldn't believe Yuan Shao hadn't been involved.
Yuan Shao was just like that: cautious in undertaking great tasks, yet blinded by petty gains; his furtive, timid style was simply his nature.
While the two were drinking and discussing the state of the world, a memorial from Chang'an, led by an official, impeaching Lu Ming for his tyrannical rule, extortion of nobles, indiscriminate killing of innocents, and provocation of foreign tribes, which had led to widespread suffering in Liangzhou, had already reached Luoyang.
Yuan Wei also mobilized the censors to relentlessly impeach Lu Ming in court, making it seem as if not executing Lu Ming would be a betrayal of the people.
Emperor Ling was extremely disgusted. He had finally managed to attend court, only to be subjected to this turmoil. Suppressing his anger, he waved for Zhang Rang to deliver his message.
"Prince Bian is intelligent and virtuous, yet the court is corrupt and the people are suffering. I hereby appoint Prince Bian as an official in Liangzhou, assisting the governor in governing Liangzhou. Do any of you ministers have any objections?" Zhang Rang said in a strained voice, his heart pounding with trepidation.
This caused a stir, followed by a deathly silence in the court.
Since ancient times, the struggle for the crown prince has been incredibly brutal.
No one wanted to get involved. It was a matter of immense wealth and power, or utter ruin for the loser!
Therefore, even powerful clans like the Yuan and Yang families were unwilling to participate.
These aristocratic families were aristocratic families; whoever the emperor was, it made no difference to them.
The risks and rewards of the crown prince struggle were disproportionate to them, so there was no need for them to get involved.
Because of their immense power, they wouldn't be forced to choose sides.
Even if they didn't participate, whoever ascended the throne would still have to govern the country through them. If they don't obey, I'm afraid even the imperial edicts won't be able to get out of the palace or Luoyang!