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Although aristocratic families were ranked hierarchically—with the Yuan clan of Runan, the Wangs of Taiyuan, and the Yangs of Hongnong standing at the pinnacle—this didn't mean major clans could dictate terms to minor ones unchecked.
As the saying went: "Aristocratic families last millennia; dynasties barely a century."
Take the Kong clan of Qufu—aside from this lineage tracing back to the Spring and Autumn period, any family bearing the "aristocratic" label by late Eastern Han typically boasted at least a century of local influence.
From the late Eastern Han onward, severe land consolidation saw major landowners rebrand themselves as scholar-gentry, controlling economics and culture while pushing political agendas—thus began the chess game between aristocratic families and imperial rule. While some rose to become national powerhouses, others entrenched themselves as grassroots controllers of rural regions.
Hence, dominant clans sometimes had to balance minor clans' interests rather than relentlessly suppress them—lest they face collective overthrow...
Yet Yuan Shu showed zero intention of accommodating Nanyang's mid-tier landowners. In his worldview, lesser families should obey greater ones unconditionally—especially now, with reports confirming coalition forces gathering near Luoyang while he remained hamstrung by these petty obstructers.
"Those 'zou sheng' vermin!" Yuan Shu vented openly before Yan Xiang. "With mobilization imminent, provisions are critical! Not only do they refuse contributions, they manipulated my uncle into reprimanding me! Utterly despicable!"
Yan Xiang remained silent. Criticizing Yuan Zeng—Yuan Shu's elder uncle—would be inappropriate, even to curry favor.
Yuan Shu asked, "Ziwu, how long will current provisions last?"
As Registrar, Yan Xiang answered instantly: "For existing troops—six months. But if conscription expands..."
His meaning was clear: maintaining both Sun Jian's near-ten-thousand and Yuan Shu's own forces already strained logistics. Pre-departure stockpiling plus continuous supply lines would rapidly deplete reserves.
Yuan Shu calculated silently. Even combined, their forces paled against Dong Zhuo's hordes—let alone competing with eastern clans post-campaign. More soldiers were essential!
Yet the He family-led resistance created complications.
What truly infuriated Yuan Shu was Yuan Zeng's admonition to "learn from Yuan Shao."
Nothing provoked Yuan Shu more than unfavorable comparisons to his half-brother—hence the earlier outburst.
Internally, the Yuan clan wasn't monolithic. Some factions supported Yuan Shao, especially after Yingchuan circles dubbed him "Paragon of the Realm," boosting his prestige. Now, as a leading anti-Dong Zhuo coalitionist, Yuan Shao's popularity kept rising—
Eroding Nanyang Yuan members' unanimous support for Yuan Shu and breeding dissent—an intolerable development.
Summoning advisor Yang Hong seemed prudent. As Chief Clerk of Yuan Shu's Rear General headquarters, Yang had been overwhelmed with military preparations but arrived promptly when called.
After courtesies, Yuan Shu said bluntly: "Ziwu, brief Zichong."
Yan Xiang detailed Yuan Zeng's opposition to further conscription and levies.
Yang Hong frowned. At over seventy, Yuan Zeng was untouchable—making his interference tricky.
Yuan Shu clarified: "My uncle is close with He Qia. This obstruction surely stems from him. Any solutions?"
Relieved the target wasn't Yuan Zeng himself, Yang Hong still hesitated—the He family's fortified Xiping stronghold and private militia made confrontation costly.
Then inspiration struck: "Our troops need more training. Open assault would incur heavy losses. Better leverage... momentum."
Yuan Shu leaned forward. "Elaborate."
"Currently, opposing Dong Zhuo is the supreme national imperative—defying it justifies punitive action. Reports suggest Kunyang's Luo family has illicit Dong Zhuo ties. Dispatch General Ji Ling to... investigate thoroughly."
The unspoken implication: make an example of a minor clan—'kill the chicken to scare the monkey.'
Kunyang was strategically ideal—close to Yingchuan yet distant enough from Xiping to avoid panicking the He family, while still sending a clear message.
Bloodshed would render further debates unnecessary. Let the "monkeys" comprehend the consequences of defiance—and with "national justice" as pretext, none could openly object.
As for whether the Luo family truly colluded with Dong Zhuo... 'Did it matter?'
Kunyang's proximity to Luyang enabled swift strikes before opponents could react.
Though Yan Xiang pitied the innocent Luo family—their lack of high-ranking officials or deep roots left them vulnerable—he ultimately held his tongue with a silent sigh.
"Excellent!" Yuan Shu approved instantly, summoning Ji Ling for orders.
*
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