Cao Song's words immediately left Yuan Shu speechless.

Yuan Shu secretly thought to himself, "Everyone says that this Grand Minister of Agriculture acts differently from ordinary people, and seeing him today, it's indeed true."

His father and Cao Song had never gotten along, and he himself had a grudge against Cao Cao's son. Even if they met, he would at most exchange a polite greeting.

However, Cao Song's opening remark, "Shu'er," immediately broke Yuan Shu's defenses.

"I am well! Thank you for your concern, Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

Although Yuan Shu was inwardly criticizing Cao Song, he outwardly remained respectful.

Seeing Yuan Shu's behavior, Cao Song couldn't help but sigh inwardly: The Yuan family's upbringing is indeed extraordinary. Just this level of self-cultivation is far superior to that of his own Cao Cao and the two little brats of the Xiahou family.

Cao Song chuckled and looked Yuan Shu up and down, then nodded. "Hmm! Not bad, you look much stronger than before."

Yuan Shu respectfully replied, "His Majesty once said: 'Young people should diligently study and strengthen their bodies,' and I always keep this in mind!"

"Hehe~ Good! Gong Lu is indeed like his brother. Your Yuan family is blessed!"

Upon hearing Yuan Shu's words, Cao Song's gaze towards Yuan Shu changed slightly. Although his son had had some past conflicts with him, this did not affect Cao Song's evaluation of him.

This Yuan family scion is no ordinary person!

"Brother?"

Upon hearing Cao Song suddenly mention Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu's expression changed slightly.

"Yes! A few days ago, I heard a message from my husband, Cao Cao, saying that your elder brother is now enjoying great prestige in the Imperial Guard!"

Seemingly oblivious to the change in Yuan Shu's expression, Cao Song stroked his beard and continued, his words filled with praise and admiration for Yuan Shao.

Ever since Yuan Shao entered the Imperial Guard, Yuan Shu had been constantly investigating and monitoring Yuan Shao's actions.

Yuan Shao is now thriving in the Imperial Guard, and everyone in the Imperial Guard praises him highly.

Within the Imperial Guard, a gathering place for the elite youths of the entire Han Dynasty, Yuan Shao still managed to become one of the top performers through his own efforts.

Even in the eyes of many outsiders, Yuan Shao has now far surpassed Yuan Shu.

The rumors circulating outside were already difficult for the arrogant Yuan Shu to accept.

Hearing Cao Song praise Yuan Shao so highly in front of him, Yuan Shu's expression darkened considerably.

"Hehe~ Alright, I have something to discuss with your father, so I'll be leaving now!"

After Cao Song finished speaking, he stepped forward and patted Yuan Shu on the shoulder, then followed the servant toward the study in the Yuan residence.

Yuan Shu stood there watching Cao Song's departing figure, his mind unable to calm down for a long time.

"One day, I will tell everyone that I, Yuan Gonglu, am far superior to you, Yuan Benchu!"

After speaking, Yuan Shu raised his head and looked in the direction of the Imperial Guard. The scene of Yuan Shao carrying his mother away from the Yuan residence could not help but reappear in his mind.

Yuan Shu then left the Yuan residence and headed towards the courtyard where Yuan Shao's mother lived.

Because Yuan Shao's mother, Lady Wang, was gentle and kind, and always doted on Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu would visit Yuan Shao's mother whenever he had free time after Yuan Shao entered the Imperial Guard.

......

Inside the study of the Yuan residence, Yuan Feng sat at his desk, holding several blueprints that Zhao Zhong had recently delivered, lost in thought.

It's not hard to imagine that once coal becomes widespread, coal stoves will become a necessity, and the profits involved will be enormous, enough to make people fight tooth and nail for them.

Now that the emperor has given me the authority to make coal stoves, the engineering college will definitely have a copy. But who should I give the other blueprints to?

Those who obtained the right to manufacture coal stoves will naturally be grateful to me, but what about those who didn't? Won't they hate me and the Yuan family to death?

Winning over one faction while offending many others is a losing proposition no matter how you look at it.

Suddenly, Yuan Feng felt that these drawings had become a hot potato.

"Thump thump thump!!"

Just then, a knock on the door suddenly interrupted Yuan Feng's thoughts.

"Enter!"

The steward of the Yuan family pushed open the door and entered, then bowed respectfully to Yuan Feng and said, "Master, the Grand Minister of Agriculture has arrived!"

"Please come in quickly!"

Yuan Feng put down the blueprints in his hand, stood up, and walked outside.

"Haha~ I'm late, please forgive me, Master!"

As Yuan Feng arrived at the door of the study, he saw Cao Song, who was following behind a servant with a smile on his face, walking quickly toward him.

Yuan Feng also put on a smiling face and went to greet him, saying with a laugh, "Hehe~ Grand Minister of Agriculture, what are you saying? Please come to the study to talk!"

"Okay! Please!"

Cao Song then nodded, and under Yuan Feng's personal guidance, the two went to the study.

When entertaining guests at home, it is usually done in the living room. Except for a very few close relatives, it is rare for anyone to invite guests to the study.

Yuan Feng and Cao Song not only had a bad relationship, but also harbored mutual prejudices.

But today, Yuan Feng invited Cao Song to his study. His intentions are quite intriguing. Besides the fact that the matter was of great importance, Cao Song also vaguely guessed that Yuan Feng seemed to want to make peace with him.

And just as Cao Song had thought, Yuan Feng did indeed have this intention at this time.

Although Yuan Feng was appointed as Minister of Works, one of the Three Dukes, and held a prestigious position, it was merely a nominal post, far inferior to that of Chen Fan, Li Ying, and Hu Guang.

Therefore, Yuan Feng does not have much say in the court now, and the emperor does not value him or the former officials and protégés of the Yuan family.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!