However, Yuan Shao was never able to finalise on his decision regarding who should succeed him as the Governor of Ji Province. Following Yuan Shao's death in 202, many of his followers suggested that his eldest son, Yuan Tan, should assume control of the Yuan family's assets, as tradition dictated, but Yuan Shang and his supporters would not yield. Apprehensive that Yuan Tan's succession would harm their future, Lady Liu who was his mother, Shen Pei and Pang Ji, two influential advisers, supported Yuan Shang and pushed for him to succeed Yuan Shao.
This situation arose because Yuan Shao was unable to make a final decision on who should inherit his position as Governor of Ji Province. Following Yuan Shao's death in 202, many of his followers believed that his eldest son, Yuan Tan, should assume control of the Yuan family's assets, following established customs and traditions. However, Yuan Shang and his supporters resisted giving up their claim, fearing that Yuan Tan's succession would jeopardize their future prospects.