Before the guard had even finished announcing him, Yuan Xi strode into the hall.
Seeing this, Yang Dao quickly rose to greet him. But before he could fully bow, Yuan Xi stepped forward in a few swift strides, grabbed his hand tightly, and said with a smile, "A pleasure to meet you."
The grip was unexpectedly strong. Pain shot through Yang Dao's hand, nearly making him cry out—but he forced himself to endure it, maintaining composure.
Behind him, Lu Xun frantically gestured for Yuan Xi to let go. Only then did Yuan Xi release his hand.
For some reason, Yuan Xi felt an inexplicable hostility toward this man—one who, in another time, would gain fame through his descendants.
The two took their seats.
Yuan Xi spoke first. "Did Physician Yang come bearing a message from Xiansi?"
Yang Dao hurriedly replied, "Yes, my lord. I was sent to convey his words."
"My lord says that the previous events in Donghai were a misunderstanding. Liu Bei was ambushed by Cao Mengde. If we do not act, we will only benefit outsiders."
"As for my brother's earlier proposal, Qingzhou is not yet prepared—troops and supplies are insufficient. A rash campaign would only end in failure."
"Therefore, my lord asks that you remain patient and wait for the right moment."
Yuan Xi's expression darkened. A cold sneer appeared on his lips.
"So… Xiansi neither wishes to send troops, nor intends to give me an explanation regarding Xuzhou?"
"He has already taken half of Xuzhou. Tell me—between the two of us, who is the Governor of Xuzhou?"
"Should I hand him Guangling as well?"
"Langya is only a few days away. Is he truly so busy that he cannot even come see me in person?"
"Back when we aided Liu Bei in taking Xuzhou, he personally went to Xiapi to oversee the campaign. Now he won't even take a few steps?"
His tone grew sharper with each sentence, until the entire room turned icy.
Yang Dao had never expected such a reaction. Flustered, he stammered, "My lord, I—"
But Yuan Xi cut him off coldly.
"I have many affairs to attend to. My time is valuable."
"If Physician Yang is here merely to stall, it will benefit neither of us."
"I have arranged a guest residence for you. Go back, think carefully about how to answer my questions—and return when you have done so."
Dismissed, Yang Dao could only rise and leave.
But when he reached the courtyard, he discovered that his carriage was gone.
Startled, he turned back toward Yuan Xi.
Yuan Xi smiled faintly. "I'll have another carriage prepared for you."
Yang Dao clenched his teeth. "That is not what I meant. My wife… she was in the carriage. Where is she?"
"Oh?" Yuan Xi replied casually. "I've already had someone escort your wife to reunite with her elder sister."
"They have been separated for years—it is only natural they spend a few days together."
Yang Dao's heart skipped a beat.
"My lord… it would be improper for my wife to remain in the residence. Perhaps—"
"Perhaps what?" Yuan Xi interrupted with a laugh.
"Should the sisters return to the post station with you?"
"Very well. I'll have Zhaoji pack her things and go with you."
Yang Dao froze.
Bring that "tigress" back with him?!
Was this man truly just looking for an excuse to kill him?
He waved his hands hurriedly. "No, no—I dare not trouble you. I shall take my leave!"
Watching him retreat in disarray, Lu Xun let out a helpless smile.
"It seems my sworn brother does not like him."
"Xiansi sending such a naive man… could it be he intends to use him as a pawn?"
Yuan Xi nodded. "That's possible. If I turn against the Taishan Yang clan, the gentry of Yanzhou and Qingzhou will certainly criticize me."
"But that's not his only goal."
"Since he wants to delay, I'll play along."
"He thinks I need him to send troops… but given the situation at Xiapi, I'd rather he stay out of it."
"Have someone keep Yang Dao occupied. We'll proceed with our plans."
Lu Xun nodded, inwardly sighing. Yang Dao truly was unfortunate—taking on such a delicate mission without understanding the stakes.
By the time he returned, Xuzhou's situation would likely already be decided.
And given Yuan Tan's temperament… the outcome would not be kind.
Outside the residence, Yang Dao sat in his carriage, glancing back at the closed gates with unease.
He was in another man's territory—powerless to act.
But what troubled him most… was his wife.
Yuan Xi's reputation among the gentry was dreadful—especially his rumored lustfulness. It was said no noblewoman who caught his eye had escaped him.
If his wife remained here… wasn't that like sending a lamb into a tiger's den?
Thinking of past rumors—of another woman once betrothed who had ridden in Yuan Xi's carriage—Yang Dao felt despair.
Now it was his own turn.
"Why… why must this fierce tiger make things so difficult…"
He nearly wanted to slam his head against the carriage wall.
In the rear courtyard, Cai Zhenji looked pale after hearing Yang Dao had left.
"Sister… what does the lord intend? Did the Yang family offend him?"
Cai Zhaoji sighed inwardly but gently reassured her.
"Don't worry. The lord is not someone who acts without restraint."
"You may stay with me for a few days. No one will trouble you."
Though somewhat reassured, Cai Zhenji remained anxious.
"But as a married woman staying in another man's residence… if word spreads, what will become of my husband's reputation?"
Cai Zhaoji understood all too well—this was likely Yuan Xi's intention.
Still, she comforted her softly. "I will speak with him. This matter will not spread."
But Cai Zhenji suddenly grabbed her sleeve, face pale.
"What if… what if he comes while you are gone?"
"Sister, please stay with me!"
Before Cai Zhaoji could respond, hurried footsteps sounded—
The door burst open.
Startled, Cai Zhenji hid behind her.
It was Lü Lingqi.
Laughing boldly, she said, "I heard Sister Zhaoji was here, so I rushed over!"
After exchanging greetings, she quickly noticed Cai Zhenji.
"Oh? Your younger sister?"
After hearing the explanation, Lü Lingqi burst into laughter.
"My husband is definitely up to something."
She looked Cai Zhenji up and down, clicking her tongue.
"Not bad at all—each of you has your own charm. No wonder he's interested."
"Lately, he seems especially fond of married women… after Lady Hou and Lady Du, I suppose Lady Cai might be next."
Before Cai Zhaoji could stop her—
Cai Zhenji let out a faint sound and collapsed onto the couch, having fainted from fright.
Meanwhile, though Haixi City appeared peaceful, fierce battles raged along the Guangling–Xiapi border.
Yuan Shu's army, over ten thousand strong, had attempted to bypass Xiapi and strike Cao Cao from the rear.
Instead, they collided head-on with Yuan Xi's forces.
Their campaign stalled.
After months of war, supplies were dwindling. Grain levies in Yuzhou had already caused famine.
Attempts to forage in Xuzhou failed—Guangling had already harvested its crops.
Forced deeper inland, they suffered repeated ambushes by Taishi Ci's navy.
Finally, when they turned toward Xiapi—
They encountered Zhao Yun.
For half a month, their advance had been completely blocked.
Now, within their camp, commanders debated desperately—
Should they abandon Guangling…
And gamble everything on a direct assault on Xiapi?