The Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Tan, intercepted Guo Jia's...

Chapter 6 Succubus's Exclusive Skills

Yuan Tan took Xin Pi back to his room.

There was no hiding or concealment.

Instead, they openly and legitimately placed it next to their own dormitory room.

In a meticulously cleaned side room.

The windows were bright and clean, the shelves were full of books, and there was even a pot of freshly picked orchids placed there.

"Brother George, my humble abode is simple and unpretentious; please make yourself at home here for now."

Yuan Tan personally opened the door for Xin Pi, his attitude sincere and without any airs of a legitimate eldest son.

In the following days, Yuan Tan declined almost all unnecessary social engagements.

He spent his days with Xin Pi, either sitting together drinking tea and discussing the past and present, or humbly learning about the classics, histories, philosophical works, and the local customs and traditions of the counties and prefectures across the country.

He no longer deliberately portrayed the rough and fierce Yuan Xiansi, but instead naturally revealed his original worldview, his concept of equality, and his sincere thirst for talent.

They shared the same diet and lifestyle as Xinpi, and sometimes, if their discussions went late into the night, they would sleep in the same bed and continue their conversation.

If Liu Bei were to see this scene, he would surely be filled with remorse and regret.

How could a junior have learned the succubus skills that I've painstakingly honed my entire life?

Xin Pi initially held onto some preconceived notions, believing that Yuan Tan was nothing more than a pretty face who coveted empty fame.

But as time went on, he realized that Yuan Tan was not just acting on a whim, but was genuinely treating him with courtesy, and his reserve gradually melted away.

He discovered that this "notorious" eldest son often possessed unexpected insights.

He has unique insights into the current situation and maintains a humble attitude.

She is completely different from what was rumored.

That night, the moonlight streamed into the room, bathing the ground in its gentle glow.

The two sat facing each other and drank a few cups of wine. After a few drinks, Yuan Tan felt that the time was ripe.

He waved his hand to dismiss those around him, leaving only the two of them in the room.

"Brother George,"

Yuan Tan put down his wine cup, his usual relaxed smile gone.

"To be honest, I am currently in Ye City. Although I seem to be living a life of luxury, I am actually on pins and needles, and every step I take is fraught with danger."

He no longer concealed the truth, revealing the relentless pressure from his stepmother, Lady Liu; the ambiguous attitude of his father, Yuan Shao; and the covetous gaze of his younger brother, Yuan Shang.

And the pervasive surveillance by the examiners was described in detail.

This bitterness, which had been weighing on his mind since he transmigrated, brought him a sense of relief when he finally let it out.

"...I know the road ahead is fraught with danger, and perhaps in George's eyes, my actions are nothing more than throwing an egg against a rock."

Yuan Tan's voice was somewhat hoarse. He stood up and bowed deeply to Xin Pi.

"But Xiansi is not resigned to this! I am not resigned to sinking into despair, nor am I resigned to handing my fate over to others!"

Brother George, you are a man of great talent. I earnestly request your assistance! I am willing to treat you with the utmost respect and seek your guidance in all matters!

This bow was filled with genuine emotion.

Xinpi quickly stood up to make way, his face showing emotion.

He could tell that Yuan Tan's outpouring was genuine; the resentment and struggle he felt in adversity could not be faked.

He was moved by this sincerity, and he saw in Yuan Tan a potential and resilience that was different from Yuan Shao's other sons.

However, after a moment of silence, Xin Pi finally shook his head slowly and helped Yuan Tan up.

"I am deeply grateful for your sincerity, young master. I also admire your ambition. However... this matter concerns my life and family, and has far-reaching implications. I need time to weigh the situation, and I hope you will understand."

His decision to decline was not because he looked down on Yuan Tan.

However, those who have ever intervened in the struggle for the crown prince position have never had a good ending.

Compared to Yuan Shang, or even Yuan Xi, Yuan Tan had far fewer advantages.

If they make a single misstep, the Xin family might be wiped out along with them.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Yuan Tan's eyes, but he quickly adjusted his breathing and forced an understanding smile:

"I apologize for my abruptness. Brother George's decision is well-considered and reasonable. Whatever your decision may be, I will always keep this place vacant."

This tolerance after being rejected actually made Sinpi feel more goodwill and remorse.

He pondered:

"My lord, although I cannot pledge my loyalty immediately, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and have no way to repay you. If you do not mind, I am willing to temporarily serve as a guest advisor, analyzing the current situation for you, offering my humble assistance."

What a twist of fate!

Yuan Tan was overjoyed. Whether he was a guest advisor or not, this was a huge breakthrough!

"That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask!"

With the relationship established, the two sat down again, and the conversation immediately turned to practical matters.

Yuan Tan revealed in detail his secret plans to be transferred to Qingzhou and his secret contact with Zhang He, as well as the surveillance network currently being set up by Shen Pei.

Sinpi listened attentively, dipping his fingers in wine and writing his analysis on the table.

"My lord, the most important strategy at present is to bide our time and wait for the right opportunity."

Xinpi had sharp eyes.

"Although Shen Pei is gone, his net remains. Your Highness needs to show weakness even more, and perhaps even more than before."

"Let him continue indulging in wine and women, selecting many beautiful concubines, and making a grand display so that everyone thinks the young master has lost his will and is no longer a threat. This is the best strategy to lull the enemy into a false sense of security."

"Secondly, wait for the right opportunity to act."

Sinpi lowered his voice.

"Young Master desires Qingzhou, but the time is not yet ripe. Observing the war in Youzhou, Qu Yi, though brave, is arrogant and disdainful of others, relying on his achievements. Given Lord Yuan's character, how can he tolerate him for long?"

Qu Yi is doomed! When he is defeated and killed, Youzhou will be shaken and the army in Hebei will be in a state of panic. That will be the best time for you, my lord, to appear with the intention of stabilizing the situation and seek to seize control of the outer garrisons!

Taking any rash action at this time would only arouse suspicion.

"Furthermore, there's the hidden agenda."

Sinpi continued,

"Young master, you can use the guise of 'enjoying life' to associate with lower- and middle-ranking officers who are not doing well in the army, bestow small favors upon them, and thus gain their trust."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tan was also extremely shocked.

Qu Yi's current status in Hebei is at its zenith, yet Xin Pi has managed to pinpoint Qu Yi's inevitable demise.

This insight is enough to surpass that of most mediocre people.

Thinking of this, he was overjoyed. Recruiting Xinpi was a last resort.

But now it seems that things have turned out unexpectedly well.

……

A few days later, Shen Rong indeed "bumped into" Xin Pi at a tavern.

"Brother George, why did you actually go along with that guy?" Shen Rong pulled Xin Pi to drink, his voice filled with concern. "His ship is about to sink, why wade into this mess?"

Xinpi feigned helplessness, raising his cup with a bitter smile:

"Brother Shen, you may not know this, but the eldest son invited me back not to discuss any important matters."

He just found the singing and dancing in his mansion boring, so he dragged me to judge the newly selected beauties, and we spent our days drinking and making merry.

I was simply obliged because I couldn't refuse their kind invitation, and was merely going along with the formality.

Upon hearing this, Shen Rong burst into laughter, his contempt for Yuan Tan deepening even further.

"He really is a hopeless case! Brother George, just keep him at arm's length and don't get yourself into trouble."

Xin Pi feigned agreement, and as they exchanged toasts, Shen Rong's laughter grew increasingly unrestrained.

Back in the house, Xin Pi told Yuan Tan about it, and the two looked at each other and smiled.

Xinpi further stated:

"If you, my lord, wish to accomplish great things, relying solely on Pi is far from enough."

Pi once worked with a prodigy named Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao, who possessed extraordinary talent and strategic planning abilities, surpassing Pi tenfold.

If you, young master, can obtain Guo Fengxiao's assistance, great things are within reach.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tan sighed, a bitter feeling welling up inside him:

"To be honest, I also went to Guo Fengxiao's secluded place twice a few days ago, but unfortunately, I was unable to meet him both times."

Xinpi laughed and said:

"Guo Fengxiao is of noble character and will only serve under a wise ruler. Otherwise, he would not have gone to serve Lord Yuan. If you, young master, are interested, you should follow the example of the sages of the past."

Have you not heard that King Wen of Zhou invited Jiang Ziya to join him, which laid the foundation for the Zhou Dynasty's eight-hundred-year reign? If you, my lord, could also display the same patience as King Wen and invite Guo Jia to join you, it wouldn't be impossible.