Chapter 306

The banquet was held in the main hall of the Situ's manor.

But contrary to Duan Yu's expectations, there were no dancing girls in silk and satin, nor was there music with light, ethereal melodies to set a scholarly tone.

Even the food was not particularly lavish.

By comparison, it was equivalent to the dinner of a wealthy household.

A steamed fish, a roasted chicken, and a plate of boiled meat.

The wine was clear enough, but it was just ordinary turbid wine.

Inside the tidy hall, there were only a few maids with decent appearances, dressed in coarse linen, serving the guests.

Even Yuan Wei, sitting in the main seat and looking like an old man from a wealthy family, appeared extremely ordinary.

Yet, Duan Yu did not harbor any feelings of contempt.

Never mind that there was wine and meat on the table before him.

Even if there were nothing at all, in this city of Luoyang, and indeed throughout the entire world, there were countless people who would break their necks just to enter Yuan Wei's manor.

The Runan Yuan clan, having held the position of Three Excellencies for four generations, was famous throughout the world.

In an era where the Partisan Prohibitions were rampant, the fact that the Yuan clan could still occupy such an important position in the current political landscape of the Great Han and remain standing for so many years was the result of generations of planning.

In the world today, the eunuchs held the reins of government.

Those who could stand tall in the imperial court without falling had, in fact, made sacrifices in one way or another.

Duan Yu had not known this before entering Luoyang.

He had learned all of this from Li Ru.

The reason the Yuan brothers, Yuan Feng and Yuan Wei, could successively serve as Situ and Sikong and maintain their grip on these positions, and why Yuan Shu could serve as Colonel of the Huben at such a young age, was not entirely due to the Yuan clan's hereditary study of the classics.

It was because the Yuan clan itself had a eunuch serving as a Regular Palace Attendant within the imperial palace.

This was the main reason the Yuan clan had not been persecuted during the recent Partisan Prohibitions.

Li Ru said that man's name was Yuan She, and he currently held a key position in the palace.

He provided internal support to the Yuan clan from within the palace.

This was what allowed the Yuan clan to avoid suffering heavy losses during the two Partisan Prohibitions.

"Zhongying, you have been in Bingzhou for several years, and I have been paying close attention," Yuan Wei said, setting down his wine cup with a kind smile. "Previously, when Zhongying came to visit many times, I truly had the heart to see you."

"However, I was busy with official duties, and my health is indeed not what it used to be."

"Zhongying, you also know that my elder brother passed away while in office, and the affairs of the family for those two years fell upon my shoulders."

"I hope you do not take offense at my neglect, Zhongying," Yuan Wei said with a gentle smile.

Dong Zhuo, sitting opposite Duan Yu, was immediately flattered and raised his wine cup: "I would not dare, Zhongying."

"Heh," Yuan Wei chuckled, stroking his white beard, and nodded: "It seems that after these years of tempering in Bingzhou, Zhongying has truly come into his own."

"It was not in vain that I kept you in your post in Bingzhou for so many years. This time, as you head to Hedong, Zhongying, you must strive for excellence. If your tenure is outstanding, you will surely have the opportunity to enter the court as an official in the future."

Dong Zhuo was immediately filled with excitement.

Duan Yu sat to the side, head lowered, wanting to laugh.

He had just been berated by Yuan Shu and had looked grim upon entering the door.

And now, in just a few moments, he had been "PUA'd" by Yuan Wei with a few simple words.

His father-in-law was truly not resistant to being sweet-talked.

This Yuan Wei certainly had a way of painting a grand picture.

However, one couldn't say Yuan Wei was just painting a picture; after all, his father-in-law's position as Inspector of Bingzhou and Governor of Hedong Commandery had been strongly recommended by Yuan Wei.

Yuan Wei was his father-in-law's true patron.

"Ziyi."

Yuan Wei turned his head to look at Duan Yu, smiling and nodding.

"My lord Situ," Duan Yu raised his hands in a bow.

"Not bad, not bad. The younger generation is truly formidable," Yuan Wei said with a smile. "Ziyi, this time you pursued the culprit for thousands of miles, bringing Wang Rou back from the Xianbei, enduring hardships along the way, slaying generals and enemies, and achieving such a great merit."

"I was also very shocked when I first heard of it."

When mentioning the shock, Yuan Wei frowned and said: "That Wang Rou, as a Han official, ate the Emperor's salary yet did not know how to share the Emperor's worries, instead causing chaos in the country and colluding with the enemy. His crimes are truly unforgivable, and he deserves to die."

"His younger brother, Wang Ze, is also an accomplice. Tomorrow, when this case is tried, we will surely bring the entire Jinyang Wang clan to justice."

"Ziyi, by eliminating such a scourge for the country, you have truly gladdened the hearts of the people."

"However..." Yuan Wei's tone shifted, and he hesitated before saying: "I have also heard that this time, when Ziyi entered Luoyang, you also brought Wang Gai, the son of Wang Yun of Qixian, under arrest."