Elder Brother Yuan Shao

Such things only needed to be done once. Even now, he had already become a topic of gossip among the young masters of Luoyang City, which made Yuan Feng quite displeased with him.

If he went to Zui Xian Lou a few more times to order extravagant dishes, not only Yuan Feng, but even Madam Wang might lose patience.

When his mother stopped his financial support, he would essentially be finished.

Yuan Shu couldn't help but feel troubled. He needed to squander money, but with some finesse. Achieving this balance was truly a challenging task.

"Yuan Gonglu, why are you wandering here today? Aren't you going out to squander money?"

As Yuan Shu paced in the Yuan family courtyard, contemplating how best to squander his fortune, a dignified male voice startled him.

He thought Yuan Feng had come to confront him again.

Looking up, he saw a young man in an elegant dark blue robe.

The young man was handsome, composed, and exuded an aura strikingly similar to Yuan Feng's.

This man's words carried a subtle mockery, and Yuan Shu surmised it must be his elder half-brother, Yuan Shao.

In his heart, Yuan Shu said, "System, check this person's attributes!"

"Ding! System query successful! Talent Name: Yuan Shao."

"Yuan Shao's Attributes:

Strength: 75,

Leadership: 89,

Intelligence: 77,

Politics: 88,

Charisma: 82,

Luck: 90."

"Yuan Shao's Skills:

Heroic Presence (Awakened): Radiates charisma, inspiring goodwill. Adds 10 to Charisma in interactions.

Majestic Aura (Awakened): Opponents lose 3 points of Strength when facing Yuan Shao in battle.

Brilliant Leader (Awakened): Increases the success rate of recruiting talents by 20%.

Collapse (Locked Skill, Conditional): When military forces exceed 200,000 or control extends over three provinces, Yuan Shao loses all skills, and all attributes are halved."

After reviewing Yuan Shao's attributes, Yuan Shu thought to himself that Yuan Shao's stats were extraordinary!

Nearly all his attributes were in the 70s or 80s, with no apparent weaknesses. His Luck was as high as 90!

Moreover, his skills were incredibly useful, making him a rare and capable leader.

However, that final locked skill was a complete trap. Once awakened, it would render Yuan Shao a useless figure.

These attributes and skills explained why Yuan Shao could rise quickly as a dominant warlord but also why he declined rapidly and was ultimately defeated by Cao Cao at his peak.

Alright, Yuan Shu thought, comparing these stats to his own, he wasn't even close to being competent.

Forcing a smile, Yuan Shu said to Yuan Shao:

"Benchu, are you here to mock me, the young master of the Yuan family?"

Although Yuan Shao was his elder brother, their relationship was far from harmonious. Yuan Shu had always looked down on his half-brother.

Maintaining this attitude, he thought, would ensure Yuan Shao wouldn't suspect anything.

"You've always been like this. I have no interest in mocking you. But honestly, your actions yesterday truly brought glory to the Yuan family name. I'm impressed," Yuan Shao said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Yuan Shao's veiled criticisms irritated Yuan Shu.

Do you even understand why I squander money? You know nothing yet revel in my misfortune—just hurry up and trigger your "Collapse" skill already!

Yuan Shao's attributes may be strong, but for now, the Yuan family was still under Yuan Feng's control, so he didn't dare make a move against Yuan Shu. 

Thus, Yuan Shu had nothing to fear from Yuan Shao. 

Feeling annoyed, Yuan Shu waved his hand and said to Yuan Shao, "If there's nothing else, disappear already. Just looking at you annoys me." 

Yuan Shao also showed no kindness to Yuan Shu. With a cold snort, he said, "Do you think I wanted to come here to find you? It's Cao Mengde. After you entertained him yesterday, it seems he got a taste for it. He asked me to tell you to meet him at the northern part of Luoyang at the hour of Shen. Whether you go or not, that's up to you." 

With that, Yuan Shao turned and left. 

"Cao Mengde wants to see me at Shen hour? What's this about?" Yuan Shu genuinely couldn't figure out what Cao Cao wanted from him. 

For Cao Cao to have Yuan Shao deliver the message suggested it was something of significance. 

Currently, Yuan Shu was much more self-aware than his predecessor. 

Given his present circumstances, the only value he could offer to Cao Cao was the money in his pocket. 

Yuan Shu didn't believe that Cao Cao, who never acted without personal gain, sought him out simply to strengthen their bond. 

Even if there were any bond, it would be meaningless. 

After all, Yuan Shao, who was practically inseparable from Cao Cao at one point, eventually ended up facing him in battle, defeated and coughing up blood until his death. 

However, if Cao Cao wanted to make use of his money, that suited Yuan Shu just fine. He was still troubled about how to complete his task of squandering one million coins. 

Realizing he now had a lead for his mission, Yuan Shu's mood brightened. Humming a tune only he understood, he sang, "If you want to squander wealth, ask whom? Head to the north of Luoyang to find Cao the scoundrel." 

There was still some time before the hour of Shen, so Yuan Shu returned to his courtyard and instructed Yuan An to summon Shen Wansan for a discussion. 

"Shen Xiu pays respects to the lord!" 

As soon as Shen Wansan entered, he performed a grand salute to Yuan Shu. He had grown extremely respectful toward his lord. 

Yuan Shu gestured and said, "Zhongrong (Shen Wansan's courtesy name), there's no need for formalities. I've called you here for something good." 

Shen Wansan, being perceptive, didn't ask what the good news was. He simply said, "I am at the lord's command." 

Yuan Shu nodded in satisfaction. Who wouldn't like a capable and obedient subordinate? 

He said to Shen Wansan, "Zhongrong, the money in my hands has increased. I plan to give you additional startup funds. Previously, I gave you 100,000 coins. Now, I'll add 900,000 more to round it up to a million. What do you think?" 

Increasing his capital was something Shen Wansan naturally welcomed, but he still expressed concern: 

"My lord, in the business world, all else being equal, the more capital, the better. However, one million coins is an enormous sum. Would allocating such a large amount at once impact you?" 

Yuan Shu generously replied, "If I can take out the money for investment, I naturally have my reasons. You only need to tell me whether you have confidence in making profits with this capital." 

Shen Wansan confidently responded, "I do!" 

For other matters, Shen Wansan might show some modesty. 

But when it came to making money through commerce, he was absolutely confident. 

Yuan Shu patted Shen Wansan on the shoulder in satisfaction and said, "Work hard. I have high hopes for you." 

Shen Wansan, overwhelmed with gratitude, bowed deeply and said, "I will exhaust my mind and body to repay the lord's favor in recognizing my worth!" 

During the late Han Dynasty, a lord's recognition was considered an immense favor. Many strategists and warriors risked their lives to repay it. 

Shen Wansan had originally been a minor steward in the Yuan family, essentially a servant under Yuan Shu's command. 

Now, Yuan Shu had elevated him, allowing him to leap from a mere servant to a wealthy merchant with a fortune of one million coins. 

How could such a great favor not move Shen Wansan? 

He had already resolved to double the lord's capital in the shortest time possible to demonstrate his capabilities as Shen Xiu!