well that I should have to die。〃
The gaoler wept。
Tian Feng said； 〃An able person born into this world who does not recognize and serve the right lord is ignorant。 Today I die； but I am not deserving of pity。〃
Whereupon he cut his throat in the prison。
Ju Shou but yesterday was killed；
Tian Feng ends his life his fate fulfilled；
The Yellow River's main beams break one by one；
Mourn ye that Yuan House！ Its day is done。
Thus died Tian Feng； pitied of all who heard of his fate。
When Yuan Shao came home in Jizhou； he was with troubled mind and distorted thoughts。 He could not attend to the business of government and became so ill that his second wife； who came of the Liu family and had replaced the first wife after her death； besought him to make his last dispositions。
Now three sons had been born to Yuan Shao： Yuan Tan the eldest； who was mander at Qingzhou； Yuan Xi； who ruled over Youzhou； and Yuan Shang； borne to him by Lady Liu。 This youngest son was very handsome and noble looking； and his father's favorite。 So he was kept at home。
After the defeat at Guandu； the lad's mother was constantly urging that her son should be named as successor； and Yuan Shao called together four of his counselors to consider this matter。 These four happened to be divided in their sympathies： Shen Pei and Peng Ji being in favor of the youngest son； and Xin Ping and Guo Tu supporters of the eldest。
When they met to consult； Yuan Shao said； 〃As there is nought but war and trouble outside our borders； it is necessary that tranquillity within be early provided for； and I wish to appoint my successor。 My eldest son is hard and cruel； my second is mild and unfit。 The third has the outward form of a hero； appreciat