Yuan Tan (simplified: 袁谭, traditional: 袁譚, pinyin: Yuán Tán), courtesy name Xiansi (显思), was Yuan Shao’s eldest son. When Yuan Shao died in 202, his followers favoured the younger son Yuan Shang as successor. Yuan Tan, who had been sent to govern Qing Province, disputed this and fought Yuan Shang. After defeats he sought help from Cao Cao. Cao Cao used the feud to his advantage: he campaigned against Yuan Shang, and Yuan Tan received nominal titles from the court. When Yuan Shang fled north, Yuan Tan took Ji Province territory but then rebelled against Cao Cao. Cao Cao turned on him, besieged him at Nancheng, and in 205 Yuan Tan was killed in the breakout. Qing Province passed to Cao Cao.
Legacy
The conflict between Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang fractured the Yuan power base and allowed Cao Cao to conquer the north. Yuan Tan’s alliance with Cao Cao and subsequent rebellion are a classic example of the dangers of relying on a stronger rival.