Feng Ji snorted and rebuked Guo Tu and Xin Ping without the slightest regard for their dignity. "Utter nonsense! The generals of Bing Province are all the cousin's trusted men. The Third Young Master is the Grand General's son. Once he goes to Bing Province, who would dare defy him? Who could defy him?"
As he spoke, he bowed to Yuan Shao with his hands clasped. "My lord, I believe we should send the Third Young Master to Bing Province. Let him take this opportunity to gain some experience, so that he can better help you govern a region in the future."
The two sides held to their own arguments, neither willing to yield.
On the surface, each had their reasons. In truth, this was a struggle over the succession.
Guo Tu and Xin Ping supported the eldest son, Yuan Tan. As one of Yuan Shao's most trusted men, Feng Ji knew full well that Yuan Shao and the Liu Clan doted on the youngest son, so he had befriended Yuan Shang early on.
Shen Pei also supported Yuan Shang, though his relationship with Feng Ji was strained at the time.
For once, he even voiced his agreement with Feng Ji.
Only Ju Shou, Tian Feng, and Xu You remained silent, their eyes lowered to their noses and their attention turned inward, taking no position.
Listening to both sides, Yuan Shao felt that each had a point. His head felt as swollen as a bushel basket, and he could not decide.
After a moment's thought, he looked at Tian Feng, then Ju Shou, before finally turning his gaze to Xu You.
"Ziyuan, between Xianfu and Xianyi, who do you think is better suited to serve as acting Governor of Bing Province while Yuancai campaigns in Hanzhong?"
Seeing Yuan Shao ask