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If you had asked Fei Qian from the future to face a high-ranking provincial official, his legs would probably have trembled. But now, in the Han Dynasty, Fei Qian found himself facing a figure of similar stature without much nervousness.
After all, Liu Biao, Liu Jingsheng, would later govern a territory far larger than a modern province. By the later stages of his rule, apart from parts of Nanyang and Jiangxia commanderies, he effectively controlled Nan Commandery, Lingling Commandery, Guiyang Commandery, Wuling Commandery, and Changsha Commandery. He commanded an army of 100,000 soldiers, and even powerful figures like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao repeatedly sought his friendship and goodwill. He was a top-tier figure who held both political and military power.
Fei Qian wasn't entirely sure why he felt so calm. Perhaps it was because he already knew from history that, while Liu Biao was formidable, he was still a step below figures like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan. Or perhaps it was because Fei Qian had no intention of staying under Liu Biao's command for long…
When Liu Biao posed his question, Fei Qian was already prepared. As he spoke, he pulled out four sheets of paper from his sleeve. He unfolded the first sheet, pointing to the character "利" (Advantage) at the top, and said, "Governor, please look—
"The lands of Jingxiang are rich in resources, with convenient water and land transportation, bustling trade, and no Yellow Turban Rebellion to disrupt them. They are also known for their scholarly culture…"
As Liu Biao listened, he couldn't help but nod slightly. Indeed, these were the strengths of Jingxiang. But how could knowing these help him gain control over the region?
Fei Qian continued unhurriedly. After finishing his explanation of Jingxiang's advantages, he placed the first sheet on the table and unfolded the second sheet. At the top of this sheet was the character "弊" (Disadvantage). "…However, Jingxiang are strategically located, plagued by clan bandits, and entangled in complex relationships among the gentry. The troops, though numerous, lack battle experience. The granaries, though full, struggle to supply public needs. And the governance, though well-intentioned, often fails to reach the commanderies and counties…"
When analyzing this part, the key was to emphasize just how bad the situation was. As Fei Qian spoke, he noticed Liu Biao's expression growing increasingly serious. Knowing that the timing was right, he set down the second sheet and unfolded the third.
Liu Biao quickly looked at it and saw the character "机" (Opportunity) at the top…
Fei Qian continued calmly, "…Currently, the imperial court is embroiled in constant disputes and has no time to focus on local affairs. The clan bandits in Jingxiang have just been subdued, and the common people yearn for stability. The gentry, though closely connected, each have their own agendas. Meanwhile, talented scholars from humble backgrounds seek opportunities but find no doors open to them…"
As Fei Qian spoke, Liu Biao's serious expression gradually softened, and his eyes began to shine. Yes, these were the best opportunities at hand. If he could seize them, the vast lands of Jingxiang could be firmly under his control!
Liu Biao nodded repeatedly, as if he could already see the glorious future ahead…
Fei Qian, seeing Liu Biao's expression, knew the effect had been achieved. He set down the third sheet and unfolded the fourth.
Unlike the previous three sheets, which were filled with text, this one had only six characters besides the heading "争" (Challenge): Nanyang, Jiangxia, and Gentry.
Fei Qian explained, "Nanyang originally belonged to Jingxiang, but it is now occupied by others. To the north of Nanyang lies Luoyang, leaving no room for expansion. Therefore, it is inevitable that they will eventually come to compete for Xiangyang— As for the Prefect of Jiangxia, he has held his position for many years, with deep roots and widespread influence. His troops are elite, and his granaries are full. It would be unwise to confront him hastily… As for the gentry… I need not say more. I'm sure Governor Liu has already encountered them… These are the three major challenges of Jingxiang. If they are not handled properly…"
Fei Qian didn't finish his sentence, nor did he need to. He simply placed the fourth sheet on the table and took a step back, giving Liu Biao time to digest and reflect.
Indeed, this was the current state of Jingxiang. To the north, Yuan Shu blocked the way. To the south, Jiangxia stood as a barrier. And within Jingxiang, the gentry were numerous, their relationships as tangled as a spider's web—any one of these issues could spell disaster for Liu Biao…
In essence, Fei Qian had used a SWOT analysis to present his case to Liu Biao. As a seasoned office worker in his past life, Fei Qian was extremely familiar with this approach. He had to do it every ten days or so. The basic idea was to offer a small reward, then deliver a slap, followed by a slightly larger reward, and then a harder slap. This routine was usually enough to leave people thoroughly disoriented…
After listening, Liu Biao fell into deep thought. He wasn't unaware of these issues, but no one had ever laid them out so clearly and systematically before. It gave him a sense of sudden clarity, but also a feeling of being surrounded by dangers…
Liu Biao's eyes moved back and forth across the four sheets of paper. The more he looked, the more sense it made. He felt as though he was on the verge of grasping success, but it was just out of reach, slippery and elusive…
When Liu Biao finally looked up, he noticed that Fei Qian had been standing respectfully the entire time. Instantly, most of his earlier anger toward Fei Qian's earlier act dissipated. He thought to himself, 'This young man seems quite well-mannered. After all, he's young and talented. A bit of arrogance is to be expected. It's understandable. Ah, forget it…'
So, Liu Biao quickly invited Fei Qian to sit and ordered servants to bring dried fruits, pastries, and tea.
Once the servants had left, Liu Biao smiled and said, "Ziyuan, you are truly knowledgeable. What you've said is precise and hits the mark. But—according to your opinion, what should I do now?"
Fei Qian was about to stand and answer, but Liu Biao stopped him, smiling and insisting that he remain seated.
After thanking Liu Biao, Fei Qian said, "To achieve great things, you should focus on three tasks."
Liu Biao said, "Please elaborate."
"I call them 'Cleansing the Face, Strengthening the Body, and Building Momentum.'
"Since you've just arrived, from the gentry to the common people, no one knows much about you—your background, your capabilities. Therefore, your immediate task is to eliminate the flaws of your predecessors, root out corrupt officials, restore order in Xiangyang, and make your presence known to the locals. This is the short-term 'Cleansing the Face.'"
Liu Biao nodded repeatedly. "Well said! And what about 'Strengthening the Body'?"
Fei Qian replied, "You cannot avoid using local scholars from Jingxiang, but you must not rely on them too heavily. Therefore, you should establish an academy modeled after the Imperial Academy, recruit scholars, and gather students. This will provide you with a pool of talent to draw from. This is the medium-term 'Strengthening the Body.'"
Liu Biao clapped his hands. "Excellent! Truly excellent! Now, what about 'Building Momentum'?"
"Forge alliances with the Kuai family, strengthen ties with the Cai family, cooperate with the Ma family, and show respect to the Pang family. This builds momentum among the gentry. As for the military, absorb the clan bandits, select elite troops, produce quality weapons, and train brave soldiers. This builds military momentum. Finally, encourage agriculture, expand farmland, protect trade routes, and open new markets. This builds economic momentum. These three form the long-term 'Building Momentum'!"
As Fei Qian spoke, he stood up and addressed Liu Biao, who was growing more and more excited. "Once these three momentums are established, wherever your proclamations reach and wherever your troops march, those who submit will submit, and those who do not—"
Fei Qian made a cutting motion with his hand, then clasped his hands toward Liu Biao and declared, "At that point, Governor, you will surely dominate the Central Plains, leave your name in history, and firmly control Jingxiang!"