Elder Brother Yuan Ji

Yuan Shu thought to himself, this must be his cheap older brother.

In his mind, he secretly said to the system, "System, check this person for me."

The system immediately responded:

"Ding-dong, system received! Query successful!"

"Talent Name: Yuan Ji (1) 

Attributes of Yuan Ji: 

Strength: 51, Leadership: 53, Intelligence: 72, Politics: 84, Charisma: 70, Luck: 57"

"Yuan Ji's Skill: 

Benevolent Nature: Yuan Ji has a mild temperament and treats others kindly. When interacting with others, his charisma increases by 10 points, and his trustworthiness increases by 50%."

Yuan Shu thought, as expected, he's my big brother. This big brother is truly a good-natured man.

As the eldest legitimate son of Yuan Feng, Yuan Ji neither competed for power within the household nor relied on family connections to cause trouble outside.

He treated his two younger brothers, Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, kindly, regardless of their legitimacy.

Yuan Ji's mother passed away early, yet he treated Lady Wang with filial piety as if she were his biological mother.

As an official of the court, Yuan Ji was diligent and dedicated to the people, working tirelessly.

This person, how should one put it?

Tsk, tsk, Yuan Shu could only think to himself, no way could he do any of that.

He truly was a great older brother.

Yuan Shu grinned and said to Yuan Ji:

"Brother, why are you so anxious?

Isn't Father scolding me just a regular occurrence?

I'm used to it. No big deal."

Yuan Ji shook his head and said to Yuan Shu:

"Gonglu, this time it's different. I don't know what trouble you caused yesterday, but Father's expression seems angrier than usual. You'd better hurry and admit your mistake to him. If you're late, I fear his punishment will be harsher."

Yuan Shu thought, what's gotten into Yuan Feng today? Did he take gunpowder? Why is he losing his temper at me again?

What did I do yesterday?

Thinking back to his actions the day before, there were likely two reasons for Yuan Feng's anger.

First, his performance at the Monthly Discussion brought shame to him, hence his fury.

Second, taking Zou Rong as a concubine might have provoked his disapproval.

With this in mind, Yuan Shu said to Yuan Ji:

"If that's the case, then I'll go with you to see Father."

Whether you stretch your neck out or shrink it, it's still a knife; some things must be faced.

Moreover, with Lady Wang there to mediate, Yuan Feng probably wouldn't beat him to death.

Yuan Shu followed Yuan Ji to the Yuan family's main hall.

As soon as he stepped into the room, Yuan Shu sensed the atmosphere was off.

Yuan Feng sat at the head, with Lady Wang seated beside him, whispering softly to Yuan Feng.

Yuan Shao sat on the left, glancing at Yuan Shu as he entered, his face showing a gloating expression.

"Your son, Yuan Shu, greets Father and Mother!"

As soon as Yuan Shu entered, he bowed to Yuan Feng and Lady Wang.

Politeness never hurts, and since he was in the wrong, he had to adopt the proper attitude.

The moment Yuan Shu finished speaking, Yuan Feng's face turned dark, and he sternly shouted at Yuan Shu:

"Unfilial son! Kneel!"

The sudden command startled Yuan Shu.

He thought to himself, kneeling to one's parents isn't shameful; sincerity is what matters now. So, he knelt down before Yuan Feng and Lady Wang.

Seeing Yuan Shu seemingly frightened by Yuan Feng, Lady Wang, feeling distressed, said to Yuan Feng:

"Why are you so harsh? Look, you've scared Shu'er."

She immediately stood up and went to help Yuan Shu up:

"Don't kneel anymore. Sit up and talk."

Kneeling was indeed uncomfortable for Yuan Shu, so when Lady Wang came to help him, he took the opportunity to kneel-sit to the side.

Yuan Feng, with a somewhat displeased tone, said to Lady Wang:

"At a time like this, you're still protecting him. Do you even know what kind of trouble he caused yesterday?"

Lady Wang frowned and replied:

"Isn't it just about the Monthly Discussion? How could you believe the words of a mere wandering charlatan? I think he's deliberately targeting our Shu'er."

Yuan Feng ignored Madam Wang and continued to question Yuan Shu sternly: 

"You unfilial son, spending your days in Luoyang squandering and carousing—I have turned a blind eye because of your youth. But why did you disgrace the Yuan family name at the monthly evaluation? 

And I heard you got into a brawl over a courtesan in a brothel last night. Is that true? You've truly brought shame to the Yuan family!" 

Yuan Feng's scolding helped Yuan Shu catch the main points. 

He hadn't mentioned Zou Rong at all, focusing instead on the monthly evaluation and the fight. 

Combining these two matters, Yuan Feng's anger clearly stemmed from one reason: Yuan Shu had tarnished the Yuan family's reputation. 

And indeed, that was the case. A noble scion taking a courtesan as a concubine was a non-issue in the Han Dynasty—no one cared, and Yuan Feng didn't even bother to learn the courtesan's name. 

But when it came to Yuan Feng's fury, Yuan Shu found himself with no proper explanation. 

In the face of such a notorious reputation as "Luoyang's Rabid Wolf, the Ruthless Specter of the Streets," any defense seemed pointless. 

Yuan Shu had indeed become a hot topic among the noble sons of various clans, and it had even led to Yuan Feng being gossiped about in court. 

In this regard, Yuan Shu truly owed Yuan Feng an apology. 

Thus, Yuan Shu straightforwardly admitted his mistakes: 

"Father, I was indeed wrong this time. Please forgive me—I promise I won't make the same mistake again!" 

Yuan Shu thought to himself, with my sincere apology and Mother's help, I should be able to smooth this over. 

Once the buzz around the monthly evaluation fades, this matter should blow over entirely. 

However, while Yuan Shu's hopes were high, reality was harsh. Yuan Feng was truly furious this time. 

He sternly told Yuan Shu: 

"I've let you act as you pleased in the past, and now I realize that I'm partially to blame. 

It's because of my indulgence that you've become like this. 

The root of the problem is your idleness and lack of learning. 

So, I'll find a renowned teacher for you. Starting today, you will study under them, and there will be no more wandering the streets!" 

Hearing this, Yuan Shu's heart sank. 

He could tolerate any other punishment, but assigning him a teacher to study under would essentially restrict his freedom. 

How was he supposed to complete his main quests and "spendthrift" tasks? 

Yuan Shu hurriedly pleaded with Yuan Feng: 

"Father, I truly understand my mistake this time. Please don't make me take a teacher—I promise I'll never disgrace the Yuan family again." 

Yuan Feng firmly shook his head and said: 

"No, this time I must strictly discipline you." 

Realizing Yuan Feng was determined to send him to study, Yuan Shu turned to Madam Wang for help. 

He pleaded with her: 

"Mother, please persuade Father—I really don't want to take a teacher!" 

Madam Wang looked at Yuan Shu, feeling a bit torn, and sighed: 

"Shu'er, don't blame your father. I agree with him on this matter. 

If you study under a good teacher and gain some skills, it'll only benefit you. 

Perhaps one day, you'll even become an important minister like your father." 

Hearing Madam Wang's words, Yuan Shu thought to himself, it's over. For once, Father and Mother are united. 

Whether I like it or not, I'll have to take this teacher. 

[Author's Note]: Yuan Ji, courtesy name Shiji, was Yuan Feng's eldest legitimate son. 

He was handsome, refined, and kind-hearted, eventually rising to the rank of Grand Coachman. 

During the campaign against Dong Zhuo led by Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and others, he and the Yuan clan in Luoyang were tragically killed by Dong Zhuo.