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Liu Biao had been restless for the past few days.
He had always thought of Fei Qian as just a pawn under his control, someone he could manipulate as he pleased. However, during Fei Qian's wedding a couple of days ago, Liu Biao realized he had underestimated the influence of this "pawn."
Originally, Liu Biao had planned to send Fei Qian to Nanyang. But now, after Fei Qian's marriage into the Huang family, Liu Biao found that he couldn't even move Fei Qian without causing a stir.
Yuan Shu in Nanyang had long harbored ambitions to expand southward, eyeing Xiangyang covetously. Not long ago, Yuan Shu had even used Sun Jian to kill the soldiers Liu Biao had sent to support Zhang Zi in Nanyang, revealing his ambitions clearly.
If Fei Qian had remained just a disciple supported by Pang Degong and the Huang family, his status wouldn't have been high enough for Yuan Shu to pay attention to. In that case, using Yuan Shu to deal with Fei Qian wouldn't have been a big issue. But now, Fei Qian had become the son-in-law of the Huang family, and it was said that even the betrothal gifts had been prepared by the Pang family. This made Fei Qian a prominent figure representing both the Pang and Huang families in Jingxiang. Who would dare to act rashly against him?
If Liu Biao were to send Fei Qian to Nanyang now, and if Fei Qian were to harbor even the slightest disloyalty, with the support of the Pang and Huang families, he could easily negotiate terms with Yuan Shu. Together, they could stir up chaos in Xiangyang, both internally and externally, without much difficulty.
After all, Liu Biao had only recently taken control of Jingxiang. How could he compare to the deep-rooted influence of the Pang and Huang families?
Now, Liu Biao deeply regretted impulsively giving Fei Qian the position of Biejia (a high-ranking official). If he hadn't made such a grand gesture and publicized it so widely, he could have simply appointed Fei Qian as a minor clerk or, at most, a low-level official. That way, he wouldn't be stuck in this awkward position where he couldn't praise Fei Qian too much nor punish him.
What should he do?
If this situation continued, it would become a serious problem. If Fei Qian were allowed to grow unchecked, how long could Liu Biao remain as Governor?
There were only two paths now: one was to appease Fei Qian, and the other was—to kill him.
But while it was easy to say, actually carrying it out was another matter. Liu Biao couldn't find a good entry point for either approach.
How to appease Fei Qian? It had to be done in a way that would both control him and satisfy him, as well as the Pang and Huang families he represented.
As for killing him, that required even more finesse. If Liu Biao were to issue a direct order, it was possible that before the soldiers even reached Fei Qian, Xiangyang would revolt. Did anyone really think the Pang family had been rooted in Jingxiang for a century just for fun?
Liu Biao had invited Pang Degong to take an official position two or three times, but Pang Degong had always refused, and Liu Biao had been powerless to do anything about it. Not to mention the Pang family, even the Ma and Xi families were now feigning illness to avoid serving him. What could he do?
If he were to kill someone from these influential families without indisputable evidence, his tenure as Governor would likely come to an end...
This was truly giving him a headache.
Just then, a subordinate reported that someone sent by Liu Dai, the Governor of Yanzhou, had come to visit.
Liu Dai, Liu Gongshan?
Although Liu Biao and Liu Dai shared the same surname, they weren't from the same branch of the Liu family. They had some contact, but it wasn't particularly close. What was Liu Dai up to?
Liu Biao decided to meet the visitor first and then figure it out.
He instructed his subordinates to bring the visitor to the main hall while he changed into more formal attire. After all, the visitor represented a Governor, so proper etiquette was necessary.
The envoy sent by Liu Dai, the Governor of Yanzhou, consisted of two people: a civil official named Xu Yue (courtesy name Gonghe) and a military officer. When Liu Biao saw the military officer, he recognized him—it was his nephew, Liu Pan (courtesy name Zhongjian).
Xu Yue respectfully presented an official document from Governor Liu Dai and said, "We bring one hundred sets of armor and one thousand pieces of gold as congratulations for your new appointment, Governor Liu."
Just here to deliver congratulations? That couldn't be the whole story.
Liu Biao noticed his nephew Liu Pan giving him a meaningful look and immediately understood. The civil official, Xu Yue, was just a facade. The real message from Liu Dai was likely known only to Liu Pan.
Therefore, Liu Biao accepted the gifts graciously and had his subordinates escort the two visitors to the guesthouse to rest. Meanwhile, he waited in the hall...
Sure enough, it wasn't long before Liu Pan returned. After paying his respects, Liu Pan tore open a piece of his armor and pulled out a letter, which he handed to Liu Biao.
Seeing how carefully the letter had been hidden, Liu Biao took it seriously. He carefully inspected the wax seal to ensure it was intact before opening it and reading its contents.
The more Liu Biao read, the more alarmed he became. A fine layer of sweat formed on the back of his neck. This was a plan for something big—no wonder Liu Dai had sent both a real and a fake envoy to deliver this message.
The main envoy, Xu Yue, was just a decoy. The gifts and official documents he brought were unimportant. The key was the letter brought by the deputy envoy, Liu Pan!
Although the letter didn't mention any names explicitly, Liu Biao could guess what Liu Dai was implying.
The letter read:
"The traitors claim to be loyal ministers, but upon closer examination, their actions are utterly false. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, they were defeated in Hebei but bribed the eunuchs to escape punishment. Later, they gained the late Emperor's favor and were rewarded with titles and honors. Yet, instead of repaying this kindness, they harbored disloyal intentions, acting tyrannically and oppressing the people, earning the disdain of all righteous men. Now, with the Emperor weakened and surrounded by vicious wolves, these traitors insult the royal family, violate laws, and disrupt order. They control the three highest offices, monopolize state affairs, bestow titles at will, and execute at their whim. Those they favor are glorified, while those they despise are exterminated along with their clans. Those who speak out are publicly executed, while those who harbor dissent are secretly killed. Officials are silenced, and the people dare not speak. Though they occupy high positions, their actions are those of bandits, defiling the nation and tormenting the people, spreading poison among both the living and the dead. Throughout history, there have been no traitors more cruel and tyrannical than these. Now is the time to raise a million spears and a thousand elite cavalry to save the collapsing dynasty and restore the state, establishing a legacy of virtue."
Liu Biao took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady as he asked Liu Pan, "Did Liu Dai give you any other instructions for this trip?"—Liu Biao wanted to know if Liu Pan was aware of the letter's contents.
Liu Pan lowered his head and replied, "Governor Liu Dai instructed me before departure that this letter was of utmost importance and must be protected at all costs. Beyond that, he said nothing else."
It seemed Liu Pan was unaware of the letter's contents.
This made sense. Liu Biao nodded.
Liu Dai wouldn't easily reveal such critical information to Liu Pan. Although Liu Pan was Liu Biao's nephew and his loyalty was unquestionable, this matter was too significant. The fewer people who knew, the better.
With this in mind, Liu Biao smiled at Liu Pan and said, "Zhongjian, you've traveled a long way to deliver this. You must be exhausted."
Liu Pan bowed and said, "How dare I speak of exhaustion? This is my duty."
After offering some comforting words, Liu Biao dismissed Liu Pan to rest. Alone in the hall, Liu Biao's eyes flickered as he pondered the letter's contents. It was clear that Liu Dai wasn't acting alone—there must be others involved.
Liu Biao could guess the purpose of Liu Dai's letter. First, as a member of the imperial family, Liu Biao wouldn't expose the plan even if he chose not to participate. Second, Jingzhou was an important region, and having its support would be a significant advantage.
So, should Liu Biao join this endeavor?
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A/N; Did the anti-Dong Zhuo alliance really form without any prior coordination? Did everyone just spontaneously agree to join forces after reading Cao Cao's proclamation? Only a fool would believe that.