The next day, Wang Yan bid farewell to Wang Fen and set off in a carriage for Runan. In the carriage, Wang Yan rested his head on Diao Chan's lap while the coachman drove, and Zhao Yun rode alongside to provide protection. Upon reaching Pingyu County in Runan Commandery, they were all visibly tired, except for Wang Yan, who looked completely at ease. Along the way, they saw countless starving refugees and rampant banditry, remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion's devastation. However, upon entering Runan, the scene was entirely different—a bustling, thriving place. This prosperity was due to the presence of powerful and wealthy gentry clans.
The streets of Pingyu County were broad enough to accommodate four carriages side by side, yet they were unusually crowded. People had gathered on both sides of the road, seemingly waiting to welcome someone.
"Make way ahead! Don't block Young Master Yuan's carriage!" a sharp voice called out, startling Wang Yan and his companions.
Wang Yan lifted the curtain and saw an extravagant carriage approaching from behind. The large wheels were pulled by three strong and beautiful horses, accompanied by dozens of attendants, clearly indicating the owner's high status. The surrounding people murmured in admiration:
"Look, Young Master Yuan is back. Such a grand display!"
"Quick, let's go see Young Master Yuan."
Wang Yan, slightly surprised, thought, "Young Master Yuan? Could it be one of the Yuan brothers?" He wondered whether it was the legitimate son or the concubine-born one.
Inside the luxurious carriage behind them sat none other than Yuan Shao, accompanied by another wealthy young man, Chunyu Qiong.
"Benchu, your reputation is soaring these days. When you enter the court, you can command great influence and achieve your ambitions. I am deeply grateful for your introduction to Master Xu," Chunyu Qiong said excitedly.
"Zhongjian, we are close friends. There's no need for such formality. It was just a small favor," Yuan Shao replied modestly.
Chunyu Qiong was overjoyed. Being reviewed by Xu Shao in the monthly evaluation would significantly enhance his reputation, potentially leading to a bright future. He resolved to make a good impression when they met Xu Shao.
Outside, the coachman shouted again, "Move aside up ahead! You're blocking the way!" He continued, "If you delay the young master, can you bear the consequences? My master is going to see Master Xu Shao!"
Their carriage stopped, causing Yuan Shao to peek out and see a white-robed general blocking the way, mounted and unmoving.
Yuan Shao was taken aback, "What a formidable warrior."
He exchanged a glance with Wang Yan, who also looked out from his carriage. "Who is this person daring to block my way?" Yuan Shao wondered.
Wang Yan sized up Yuan Shao and then let the curtain fall. "Such a handsome man, it must be the overly cautious, outwardly generous yet internally insecure Yuan Shao," he thought, recognizing the most popular figure of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
He knew Yuan Shao was currently at the peak of his popularity. After resigning as the magistrate of Puyang, he had been ostensibly living in seclusion in Luoyang but networking with influential figures and assisting the gentry, amassing significant prestige. Unlike Cao Cao, who carried the stigma of his family background, Yuan Shao's lineage was illustrious despite being a concubine's son. The Yuan family's influence was widespread.
"Zilong, let's move aside," Wang Yan decided, not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble.
Their carriages passed each other, and the coachman accompanying Yuan Shao's carriage gave Wang Yan and his companions a contemptuous look. Yuan Shao's procession moved on grandly.
Just before reaching Xu Shao's residence, Yuan Shao suddenly alighted and decided to walk. He instructed his numerous attendants to remain behind, much to their surprise.
Chunyu Qiong, confused, asked, "Benchu, why are we walking?"
Yuan Shao smiled, "Master Xu values tranquility. Our grand procession would disturb him."
"Master Xu is known for his integrity. Our extravagant display might not sit well with him and could affect his impression of us," Yuan Shao explained.
Chunyu Qiong understood, "I see. You've thought of everything. Let's proceed on foot."
Meanwhile, Wang Yan's carriage approached Xu Shao's residence slowly. By the time Yuan Shao and Chunyu Qiong arrived, a crowd had gathered outside, hoping to see Xu Shao.
The gatekeeper stepped out and was immediately surrounded by hopeful visitors.
"Please inform Master Xu that the eldest son of the Zou family from Luoyang has come to visit."
"Please inform Master Xu that the head of the Zhou family from Chang'an has traveled a long distance to see him."
The gatekeeper politely responded, "My master has said he is not seeing visitors today. Please return."
The disappointed visitors sighed, having traveled from afar only to be turned away.
Yuan Shao's arrival caused a stir. People greeted him respectfully, hopeful that his influence might gain them entry.
"Greetings, Young Master Yuan!"
"Young Master Yuan, it's been a while!"
"It's an honor to see you, even if we don't meet Master Xu."
Yuan Shao greeted everyone warmly, his smile charming all around him. He was confident that his reputation would secure him an audience with Xu Shao.
"Please inform Master Xu that Yuan Shao seeks an audience," he called out.
The gatekeeper bowed, "Young Master Yuan, my master has said he is not seeing visitors today."
The crowd was shocked. Even Yuan Shao was refused. Embarrassed, Yuan Shao forced a smile. The Yuan family might be influential, but Xu Shao held the power of public opinion, and Yuan Shao had to accept the refusal.
Chunyu Qiong, despairing, wondered if their efforts were in vain.
At this moment, Wang Yan's carriage arrived. In his white robe, Zhao Yun, riding a white horse, looked imposing. The carriage moved slowly, seemingly indifferent to the situation.
The crowd found this disrespectful. "Who dares to be so arrogant, not even dismounting to see Master Xu?"
"This must be some ignorant youngster. He should be turned away immediately!"
Approaching Xu Shao's gate, Zhao Yun dismounted and reported to Wang Yan, "Master, we have arrived at Xu's residence."
Wang Yan, still resting his head on Diao Chan's lap, was reluctant to get up. He hadn't wanted to come in the first place, forced by his father. Hearing the crowd's complaints, he felt even less inclined to make an effort.
"Zilong, go and inform them," he ordered lazily.
Zhao Yun approached the gatekeeper and said, "Please inform Master Xu that my lord, Wang Yan from Jizhou, has come to visit."
The gatekeeper's eyes lit up, "Is your lord Young Master Ziwen?"
"Yes," Zhao Yun confirmed.
The gatekeeper bowed deeply, "Please come in. My master has been expecting you."
The crowd was stunned. Even Yuan Shao couldn't gain entry, yet Wang Yan was immediately invited in.
Inside the carriage, Wang Yan opened his eyes from his feigned sleep, surprised. "Did my father arrange all this?" he wondered.