Zhang Liao

In the year 189, Yuan Xi and Zhang Liao arrived at the Western Garden garrison. Zhang Liao presented his credentials, requesting an audience with the army commander, the Colonel of the Capital Garrison, Yuan Shao.

Once granted permission, he and Yuan Xi entered the camp together. Recently, Yuan Xi had been frequenting the Western Garden camp grounds, practicing mounted archery, and the soldiers there recognized him as the second son of the Yuan family, so no one stopped him.

At this time, Yuan Shao held the position of Colonel of the Capital Garrison and concurrently led the central army, commanding the various officers and troops of the Western Garden. In Luoyang, he wielded considerable military power, effectively serving as the commander-in-chief of the central military district.

Thus, no one dared to block Yuan Xi’s access unless he chose to step down himself. Although Yuan Shao was curious about the man accompanying Yuan Xi, he still received Zhang Liao in the main hall of the Western Garden garrison.

After some questioning, Yuan Shao learned that Ding Yuan, Governor of Bing Province, had responded to He Jin’s summons, preparing to enter the capital with troops to remonstrate. He had dispatched his subordinate Zhang Liao, with a small contingent, to Luoyang ahead of time to report to He Jin and come under his command.

He Jin then sent Zhang Liao to recruit soldiers in Hebei. Although these troops would return to the capital and answer directly to the Grand General, they were technically under the jurisdiction of the Capital Garrison.

Therefore, Zhang Liao needed to handle some official paperwork.

Standing nearby, Yuan Xi seized the opportunity to praise Zhang Liao’s agility and exceptional strength, subtly suggesting to Yuan Shao that he should seek to win Zhang Liao’s loyalty.

Yuan Shao, eager to expand his influence, understood the implication and spoke warmly to Zhang Liao, making great efforts to court him.

After repeated invitations, Zhang Liao stayed for a meal with Yuan Shao and his son. During the banquet, Yuan Xi sighed repeatedly, lamenting the havoc wrought by the eunuch faction upon the court and the land: their arrogance, the sale of official posts, and the suppression of loyal ministers like Huangfu Song and Wang Yun.

As a border soldier, Zhang Liao had heard of Huangfu Song’s persecution and felt his blood boil with anger.

“I don’t understand,” Zhang Liao said indignantly, “the Ten Eunuchs have brought chaos to the realm, angering both gods and men. Why don’t you noble lords muster a battalion of elite soldiers to purge the treacherous ministers and eliminate the traitors by the sovereign’s side? Why hesitate?”

Seeing his passion, Yuan Shao also spoke angrily, “I wish to slay these eunuch scoundrels, but the Grand General hesitates. His mother, Lady Wu of Wuyang, and He Miao have many ties with the Ten Eunuchs. We are devoted to restoring the state, but are powerless despite our will.”

Hearing this grim truth, Zhang Liao realized the depth of the entanglement.

Yet, Yuan Shao’s words revealed his loyalty to the nation, increasing Zhang Liao’s respect for him. Zhang Liao was genuinely straightforward and sincere.

“Wenyuan, be cautious on your journey to Hebei. I have a letter here to deliver to the Governor of Jizhou, Han Wenjie. Should you need assistance, do not hesitate to send for help. Our country is in peril, and we require loyal and talented men like you to aid the state,” Yuan Shao earnestly instructed before parting.

Yuan Shao’s true intent was to win Zhang Liao’s favor to gain some elite troops, so he lowered himself greatly in his behavior. He was unaware that Zhang Liao’s talents and demeanor had deeply moved him.

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“Liao, many thanks, General Yuan!” Zhang Liao repeatedly expressed his gratitude before departing the Western Garden camp.

“Xi, well done this time. Now is the moment for the Yuan family to renew our fame and glorify our house. Making connections with heroes will benefit us greatly. Continue to recommend worthy men to your father,” Yuan Shao said with satisfaction, looking at his son.

“You speak truly, Father. I have heard of many virtuous talents and will surely recommend them to you to help ease your burdens,” Yuan Xi seized the moment to declare. This was his chance to enter the game.

“Ha! You truly are the good son of Yuan Benchu!” Yuan Shao laughed heartily.

Like Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, who laid secret plans before Li Yuan’s uprising, Yuan Xi was following suit. After all, he was the second son.

“Yes, these are troubled times. Do not wander about recklessly, or I fear I cannot protect you. I have sent Wen Chou with elite troops to guard the household secretly, so the family is safe. Should any danger arise, he will escort you and your mother out of Luoyang in advance,” Yuan Shao cautioned.

“Father, are you planning to eliminate the Ten Eunuchs soon?” Yuan Xi asked.

“Yes, but keep it quiet. Troops from other regions will soon arrive in Luoyang. This is merely a precaution,” Yuan Shao whispered.

Hearing this, Yuan Xi’s heart stirred, sensing that the moment was urgent. He must begin cultivating his own reputation and power now.

“Father, I have a request—please grant it,” Yuan Xi suddenly knelt before Yuan Shao, clasping his fists respectfully.

Surprised, Yuan Shao asked, “What is it that requires such formality?”

“I wish to serve under you in the army, to aid you with all my strength,” Yuan Xi said firmly, looking up at his slightly astonished father.

“Haha, what great matters could I entrust to you? It is rare to see such filial devotion, but the army is no place for children. You’re still too young. When you are older, I will have you train in the military,” Yuan Shao chuckled heartily.

“I am already fourteen, have undergone the coming-of-age ceremony, and am skilled in archery and horsemanship beyond most soldiers. I have also studied military strategy and formations in the palace under the Grand Commandant’s tutelage,” Yuan Xi replied confidently.

“Moreover, I do not intend to fight on the front lines. I am capable of handling secret documents and administrative duties,” he added steadfastly.

Emperor Taizong Li Shimin also followed his father into battle at fifteen or sixteen.

“Well said! You are indeed the good son of Yuan Benchu, far superior to your elder brother. Tomorrow, come to the Western Garden camp and serve as my chief clerk, managing confidential documents. That will officially enlist you in the army,” Yuan Shao declared with delight.

“Father, you know I have been with Xu Chu, who is quite brave. Let them both come to serve as well,” Yuan Xi took the opportunity to bring Xu Chu into the fold.

“Hmm, that makes sense. Let Xu Chu retain his position and salary as a commanding officer and continue as your personal guard. However, the army is a perilous place. I will appoint him as a captain of one hundred men, leading a detachment of the central army’s personal guards,” Yuan Shao said, glancing at Xu Chu standing by the door.

“Thank you, Father, for your favor!” Yuan Xi promised before hurrying back to the Yuan household to inform Lady Liu.

Upon hearing that Yuan Xi was joining the army, Lady Liu protested loudly, reluctant to let him go. Only after Yuan Xi’s persistent persuasion did she relent.

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The next morning, Cao Cao arrived at the Yuan residence early. Yuan Xi was awakened by their quarrel and listened closely as they argued again about the previous summons for the warlords to enter the capital.

“Benchu, you’re confused. The realm was stable; how could you agree to the Grand General’s summon of Dong Zhuo, that wolf, into the capital?” Cao Cao said indignantly.

“Mengde, you speak too harshly,” Yuan Shao replied grimly.

“A mere handful of eunuchs could be exterminated by you and me if we brought a hundred palace guards. Why invite Dong Zhuo and his foreign troops into the city? We all know his ambition is vast. Once invited, he will be hard to dismiss,” Cao Cao urged earnestly.

Yuan Shao, having influence over the Grand General, was Cao Cao’s best hope for intervention. Cao Cao, however, was looked down upon by He Jin.

“Mengde, you worry too much. With us here and the Western Garden troops, what trouble could Dong Zhuo stir?” Yuan Shao was confident.

“Benchu, Dong Zhuo commands battle-hardened frontier troops. How strong is our Western Garden army? If you don’t heed me, the capital will descend into chaos, and you will become a criminal of the Han dynasty,” Cao Cao said, blood rising with anger.

“What do you mean? The Yuan family is not your playground,” Yuan Shao slammed the table, angered by Cao Cao’s words.

“Hmph, a mere upstart unworthy of counsel!” Cao Cao swept his sleeve and left.

They had been childhood playmates and close friends, but Yuan Xi knew that from this moment on, though they would not become bitter enemies, a rift had formed, and their bond would never be the same.

Yuan Xi sighed inwardly, thinking that the Han dynasty was truly on the brink of chaos.