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 led to Yuan Shao being unable to reach a decision on who should inherit his role as Governor of Ji Province. Following Yuan Shao's death in 202, many of his followers advocated that his eldest son, Yuan Tan, take control of the Yuan family's assets, adhering to tradition, but Yuan Shang and his supporters refused to relinquish their claim. Concerned about Yuan Tan's succession potentially threatening their future, Lady Liu, Shen Pei, and Pang Ji, two influential advisors, supported Yuan Shang and pushed for him to succeed Yuan Shao.