The sequence of the elements dictates that the earth sign of the Chen will supplant the fire sign of the Han. Moreover, it has been predicted that whoever follows the Han will "take the high road": my style, Gonglu, or Lord's Way, fits the prognostication. finally, we hold the imperial seal. Thus for me to decline the leadership of the realm would be to turn against Heaven. My decision stands. Whoever says more, dies" (Three Kingdoms ch. 17 p.287).
Yuan Shu was being attacked from all sides at this point. With his general Liu Xun defeated and with Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Lu Bu, and Sun Ce all after him, he attempted to flee to his brother Yuan Shao in the north to present him the imperial seal and in turn reviving the friendship between the two. Liu Bei and Cao Cao were worried of the two joining, so Liu Bei and friends were sent to intercept Yuan Shu at Xuzhou before he made it north. His top general Ji Ling was taken out by Guan Yu, and then Yuan got in a verbal spat with Liu Xuande (Bei). "Miserable mat-weaver! Sandal-maker! Will you insult me?" denounced Yuan Shu. Alas, Yuan Shu was cut off on all ends, with his former generals Lei Bo and Chen Lan plundering his treasure and grain.