After a while, a scholar in green shirt walked in with several followers.
"I am admonishing the doctor Dong Zhao. I have been specially ordered by the emperor and the prime minister to come to visit Mr. Xiansi."
"I didn't expect it to be Mr. Kimihito. It's been a long time since I last saw him, but he's still as charming as ever."
Dong Zhao had a reputation for talent. He was promoted as Xiaolian when he was young. He served as a soldier under Yuan Shao, so Yuan Tan recognized him.
After the two exchanged pleasantries, Yuan Tan said bluntly,
"Cao Cao sent Mr. Cao here for what exactly?"
"Since the young master is so happy, I won't hide it anymore."
Dong Zhao smiled slightly,
"The Prime Minister also feels extremely sorry for your father's death, but people cannot be resurrected after death."
"To express my apology, the Prime Minister specially requested Your Majesty that the son should inherit your father's official position and title."
As soon as these words came out, everyone in the camp became commotion.
None of them thought that Dong Zhao came here on Cao Cao's orders for this matter!
Yuan Tan was stunned for a moment, then frowned.
He was not a fool, and he could naturally guess that Cao Cao's move was to provoke a fight between him and his brother Yuan Shang, so as to reap the benefits!
He pondered for a moment, then smiled and said,
"I am extremely touched by the Prime Minister's kindness. It must have been extremely hard for you, sir, to come all the way. Come, sir, please go down and rest."
Dong Zhao also knew that Yuan Tan would have to discuss such a major matter with his subordinates.
So he smiled, stood up, and followed a few soldiers out of the camp.
After Dong Zhao left, Yuan Tan couldn't wait to ask,
"What do you think?"
"Lord, do you need to say this? Cao Cao clearly wants us to fight with the Third Young Master!"
Xinpi said disdainfully.
"If we really accept the canonization from the imperial court, I'm afraid we will completely fall out with the Third Young Master."
Xun Chen also said with a serious face.
But Guo Tu on the side smiled nonchalantly.
"Lord, gentlemen, please don't forget."
"Originally, the lord should have inherited the position of the former master, but Shen Pei and others forged the previous master's will."
"No matter what Cao Cao has in mind, this is a great opportunity to regain everything that belongs to the lord!"
Yuan Tan said nothing, but his eyes were full of anger and unwillingness.
As Guo Tu said, everything his father left behind originally belonged to him.
It happened that it was the villain Yuan Shang who colluded with the judges and others, and he was reduced to this situation!
Now as long as he accepts Cao Cao's appointment, he can legitimately compete with Yuan Shang!
Xun Chen touched his chin and said in deep thought,
"What Mr. Gongze said is not unreasonable, but you must not forget that our army still relies on Yecheng for food and grass."
"If the Lord's acceptance of the imperial canonization is known to the Third Young Master, I'm afraid he will immediately cut off our supplies."
After hearing this, everyone's expressions became serious.
If there is no food and grass supplies, no matter how much he has the reputation of righteousness, he will not be able to fight Yuan Shang.
At this moment, Guo Tu smiled and said,
"My lord, don't be anxious. In my opinion, we can borrow food from Cao Cao."
"Borrowing food from Cao Cao? Will he give it to you?"
Yuan Tan hesitated.
"Since he wants the lord to fight with the third son, why would he be stingy with only a few grains of food?"
Guo Tu explained with a smile.
Yuan Tan thought about it carefully and felt that what Guo Tu said was reasonable.
But after he thought for a long time, he sighed.
"Why do you sigh, my lord?"
Guo Tu said curiously.
"I am afraid that if I fight with Brother Xianfu, I will gain an advantage over Cao Cao."
Yuan Tan smiled bitterly.
"My lord, what you said is wrong. The right way is to calm down the enemy first. After we deal with the third son, the second son and the governor of Bingzhou will definitely be the first to rely on us."
"At that time, with our strength, won't we still be Cao Cao's opponent?"
After listening to Guo Tu's persuasion, Yuan Tan's reason was eventually overwhelmed by his arrogance for power.
He nodded heavily,
"Okay, just listen to what Mr. Gongze says!"
…
That night.
Yuan Tan hosted a banquet at his residence to entertain Dong Zhao.
After drinking for three rounds, Yuan Tan smiled and said to Dong Zhao,
"I am grateful for the gifts given by Your Majesty and the Prime Minister, and I will swear allegiance to the imperial court to the death!"
Hearing this, Dong Zhao felt reassured and knew that the purpose of his trip had been achieved.
He smiled and responded,
"Young Master, you are serious. Since you have inherited your father's official title, you will definitely better educate the people in the future."
"Mr. Kimihito is absolutely right."
Yuan Tan smiled, then frowned and said with a wry smile,
"But although I have the will, I am powerless."
"What do you mean, Master?"
Dong Zhao said doubtfully.
"After my father passed away, my younger brother Xianfu took over Yecheng under the pretense of his father's death. Although I wanted to take it back, the army could not keep up with the food and grass supplies."
"Please sir, please report back to the Prime Minister and see if you can provide me with some food and grass to help me recapture Ye City."
Yuan Tan explained.
Dong Zhao did not expect that Yuan Tan would make such a request.
He frowned and thought for a moment, then said,
"I really can't decide on such an important matter. I hope you will wait for a few days."
"That's easy to say."
Yuan Tan nodded readily and agreed. He was not in a hurry anyway.
Due to the high stakes, Dong Zhao did not stay too long in Liyang.
Early the next morning, he said goodbye to Yuan Tan and hurried back to Xudu with his entourage.
…
A few days later, Xu Du arrived at the Prime Minister's Mansion.
"Prime Minister, this is Yuan Tan's request."
Dong Zhao made a detailed report to Cao Cao about the discussion process with Yuan Tan.
"Mr. Kimihito, what do you think?"
Cao Cao asked, stroking his chin.
"If Yuan Tan really fights with Yuan Shang, it is not impossible for the Prime Minister to provide food and grass."
Dong Zhao said softly.
Cao Cao nodded and asked Yang Ling beside him,
"What does Ziyi mean?"
"My thoughts are similar to Mr. Gongren's, but to be on the safe side, I think we can only provide Yuan Tan with food and grass for three months."
Yang Ling smiled.
"What Ziyi said makes sense."
Dong Zhao nodded aside.
If Yuan Tan is determined and wants to compete with Yuan Shang, Xu Du can continue to provide food and grass.
But if he wanted to deceive Cao Cao, Cao Cao could stop the loss in time.
"Good, just do what you said!"
Cao Cao made up his mind.
…
Half a month later, on the Liyang city wall.
Looking at the carts of grain and grass being transported to the city, Yuan Tan even had an unreal feeling.
You must know that more than a month ago, they were fighting to the death with Cao Cao.
But he didn't expect that now, the two sides would join forces, and Cao Cao even sent people to deliver food and grass!
It can be said that there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests!
"We are short of time and can only temporarily provide you with three months of food and grass. But please rest assured, the rest of the food and grass will be sent later."
Dong Zhao said with a smile.
