A trace of relief appeared on Tian Feng's aged face.
"A stalemate. A stalemate is good."
Bai Xiaowen smiled. "You are quite right, Master Tian."
Tian Feng turned to look at him. "Do you understand what I mean too, Second Young Master?"
There was a hint of doubt in his voice.
Bai Xiaowen knew that Yuan Xi had never been highly regarded by Hebei's civil officials and generals.
Yuan Shao's lack of regard for his second son was one reason. More importantly, Yuan Xi's own abilities were rather mediocre.
To persuade Tian Feng, Bai Xiaowen needed to show uncommon insight without seeming overeager to display it. The Ancient China Plane was different from ancient Europe. Shaped by Daoist and Confucian traditions, its culture valued restraint. Showing off too much, even when one had genuine insight, would only earn the disdain of discerning people.
That was why so many foreigners fared poorly in settings based on ancient China. One had to judge carefully when to advance and when to hold back.
Bai Xiaowen bowed respectfully, as a junior would to an elder. "I cannot claim to understand all that you mean, Master Tian. I can only offer my own shallow thoughts. Please forgive any errors."
Tian Feng gave no outward sign, but a faint ripple stirred in his heart. The Yuan family's second young master had never seemed quite so respectful toward retainers and advisers like him.
The ripple did not amount to much, however. Tian Feng had met too many people to be won over by courteous manners alone.
When Yuan Shao had first secured Jizhou, he too had spoken humbly and offered lavish gifts to recruit Tian Feng as his deputy. And where had that led?
"Let me hear your thoughts, Second Young Master," Tian Feng said with a