四世三公

Etymology
For four generations, Yuan Shao's ancestors had occupied one of the posts (Three Excellencies: the three highest civil posts in the country):
 * great great grandfather: Yuan An was a
 * great grandfather: Yuan Chang was a
 * grandfather: Yuan Tang was a
 * father: Yuan Feng was a

Noun

 * 1)  occupying the highest civil posts for four generations (a reference to Yuan Shao's family)