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What Fei Qian didn't expect was that just a few days after submitting his letter to Liu Biao, Liu Jingsheng, Liu Biao actually sent someone to the inn to personally escort him!
The person sent to welcome him was named Pang Ji, courtesy name Pang Ziling. He was around thirty years old, with single eyelids, a pointed face, and a small goatee. He had a habit of smiling before speaking, which made him seem quite approachable.
As soon as they met, Pang Ji showered Fei Qian with a barrage of compliments, showing off his smooth-talking skills.
Of course, Fei Qian maintained a humble and cautious demeanor, not easily swayed by Pang Ji's flattery.
After some polite back-and-forth, Pang Ji finally extended an official invitation on behalf of Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province.
Fortunately, the wound on Fei Qian's head had mostly healed, leaving only a small scar that wasn't very noticeable unless you looked closely. Fei Qian had no choice but to accept the reality of his disfigurement.
When you're navigating the Three Kingdoms era, how can you avoid a few scars? At least it's better than getting slashed by a sword or shot by an arrow, right?
Fei Qian tidied himself up a bit, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and followed Pang Ji out of the inn.
When Fei Qian stepped outside, he was startled to see that Liu Biao had sent his own ceremonial procession, complete with his personal carriage and retinue, to escort him!
Liu Biao was putting on such a grand display?
If Fei Qian got on this "bandwagon," it would be hard to get off later!
But if he refused to board, it would be like publicly slapping Liu Biao in the face. How could he possibly survive in Jingxiang after that?
Although Liu Biao seemed to be showing great respect for Fei Qian, Fei Qian knew better. This was just like the showmanship of certain leaders in his past life—the real intention wasn't about him.
Otherwise, how would the eccentric Mi Heng have ended up being shoved off to Huang Zu by Liu Biao? Huang Zu, though the Prefect of Jiangxia, was more of a military man. How could he tolerate Mi Heng's sharp tongue?
This was a classic display of "respecting the virtuous and cherishing talent." Liu Biao, true to his Liu family heritage, had mastered this art and wielded it with ease.
So, Fei Qian was faced with two choices: either board Liu Biao's "bandwagon," which would mean compromising to some extent, or refuse and risk Liu Biao sending him a pair of "tight shoes" to wear someday…
Fei Qian gritted his teeth and stamped his foot—
He got on the carriage…
Sure enough, Pang Ji, who was accompanying him, either understood Liu Biao's intentions or had been instructed beforehand. He led the procession, which represented Liu Biao's ceremonial retinue, around one neighborhood after another. Meanwhile, attendants on both sides of the carriage explained and promoted the event to the onlookers…
"Buying bones with a thousand pieces of gold," huh? Fei Qian lowered his eyelids, adopting an "out of sight, out of mind" attitude. He sat upright in the carriage, wearing a faint smile, ignoring the chatter of the crowd along the way. Since he was already in this situation, he couldn't very well jump out halfway, could he?
Pang Ji, standing nearby, secretly observed Fei Qian's calm demeanor and grudgingly raised his opinion of him—though only slightly. Deep down, he still felt quite resentful.
After all, he had been one of the earliest scholars to join Liu Biao's camp, yet he had never enjoyed such treatment. Now, this young upstart with no facial hair was getting all the attention. How could Pang Ji not feel bitter?
After what felt like an eternity of winding through neighborhoods—Fei Qian was sure they had circled the entire city of Xiangyang—the procession finally arrived at Liu Biao's Governor's residence.
Liu Biao, having been informed by his servants, was already waiting at the entrance…
Liu Biao, one of the "Eight Talents," lived up to his reputation. He was handsome, with a dignified and approachable demeanor. Standing on the steps of his residence, he exuded the aura of a noble and virtuous gentleman—a true middle-aged heartthrob.
Before stepping out of the carriage, Fei Qian quickly glanced at the crowd gathered at the entrance. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The love of spectacles was truly a fine tradition of the Chinese people. All these people were here to watch him perform like a monkey, weren't they?
Well, if he was going to put on a show, he might as well do it properly.
Fei Qian stepped out of the carriage with poise, straightened his attire meticulously, and then performed a deep, formal bow to Liu Biao…
Liu Biao, who was staging this grand display of "respecting the virtuous," couldn't possibly stand there and accept Fei Qian's bow without reciprocating. That would ruin the whole act! So, he quickly stepped forward to help Fei Qian up…
As their arms touched, the two men exchanged a glance, and a sense of mutual understanding passed between them—
With that slight pressure as you bowed, you were just waiting for me to help you up, weren't you?
With that slight pressure as I helped you up, you were really hoping I'd let you kowtow, weren't you?
Almost simultaneously, the two men burst into laughter, then politely gestured for each other to enter the residence first, leaving the bewildered crowd behind to cheer and applaud…
Once inside, Liu Biao stopped pretending to support Fei Qian and strode ahead into the main hall, sitting down without offering tea or even acknowledging Fei Qian. He simply left him standing there.
Well, this was the same petty and suspicious Liu Biao from history. But there was no need to push things too far…
Fei Qian stepped forward and performed another deep bow to Liu Biao.
Only after the formalities were complete did Liu Biao's expression soften slightly, though he still seemed annoyed. "What abilities do you possess?" he asked—essentially saying, "You dared to play along with my act? Let's hear what you've got. If you can't impress me, hmph…"
Fei Qian had anticipated this question. After all, those days spent gathering information in the inn hadn't been for nothing. He had a good understanding of Liu Biao's current situation.
Liu Biao had only recently taken over the position from Wang Rui and hadn't been in office for long. He didn't have many trusted subordinates. What was commendable was Liu Biao's sharp insight. Despite arriving in Xiangyang alone, he had quickly allied with the local power, the Kuai family, and persuaded the Kuai brothers to help him. Using Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue's strategies, he had lured and executed fifty-five clan bandit leaders who had been terrorizing the region, then absorbed their forces and reorganized them.
So, while Liu Biao now had some troops at his disposal, they were untrained and unreliable. He also had a few people he could use, but his inner circle was still very small…
This was why Liu Biao had made such a grand show when he received Cai Yong's letter of recommendation. He genuinely wanted to attract talented individuals to his side. Unfortunately, he had run into Fei Qian, a seasoned veteran of workplace politics from the future…
Fei Qian had already prepared for this question. Meeting Liu Biao was essentially like a job interview. While the people and times were different, the essence was the same…
Fei Qian smiled faintly and said, "I can help you firmly grasp control of Jingxiang!"