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After listening to Fei Qian's explanation, Liu Biao felt as if a whole new world had opened up before him!
No one had ever spoken to him in such a clear and structured manner, nor had anyone ever presented such well-defined goals!
In the past, the people Liu Biao had encountered either spoke in vague and mysterious terms, or they were evasive and unwilling to clarify their points. Some would talk extravagantly but fail to deliver anything practical, while others would propose three strategies—superior, middle, and inferior—only to make it obvious that the middle strategy was the only viable one…
Liu Biao had never met anyone like Fei Qian, who laid out facts, reasoned logically, and built his argument step by step, with each point seamlessly connecting to the next, forming a coherent and compelling whole.
Previously, Liu Biao had visited the Kuai brothers and had held their words in high regard. But today, Fei Qian's speech made him feel that it was even better and clearer than what the Kuai brothers had said!
It was as if the chaotic thoughts in Liu Biao's mind had been neatly organized by Fei Qian, leaving him with a sense of clarity and ease. Liu Biao truly loved this feeling of comfort and exhilaration.
The content and measures Fei Qian had proposed were detailed and feasible, divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases. This gave Liu Biao a clear direction and staged goals, making the practical operability of Fei Qian's plan far superior to the Kuai brothers' suggestions.
Moreover, Fei Qian's speech was not only well-reasoned and passionate but also culminated in the stirring phrase, "Dominate the Central Plains, leave your name in history, and firmly control Jingxiang." This sent a surge of excitement through Liu Biao, making him feel as though the pinnacle of success was within reach, and he was just a step away from seizing it—
Liu Biao couldn't help but exclaim, quickly standing up and grabbing Fei Qian's arm. He said excitedly, "Ziyuan, you are truly a man of great talent! Your words have cleared the clouds and revealed the sky! I wish to appoint you as my Chief Clerk. Would you accept?"
The position of Chief Clerk was an extremely important one. Although its rank wasn't particularly high, it was a key advisory role, involved in confidential matters, overseeing documentation, and managing finances and supplies.
If Liu Biao were the chairman of a company, the Chief Clerk would be akin to the first vice president—not as high as the president but with significant authority.
Liu Biao's offer took Fei Qian by surprise. Originally, Fei Qian had expected Liu Biao to offer him a position like Registrar or Officer of Merit, or at the very least, an Assistant Officer. But he hadn't anticipated being offered the role of Chief Clerk right away. Of course, this could also be a test from Liu Biao…
Accepting the position of Chief Clerk would mean skipping over many lower-level official ranks and directly entering the mid-to-high levels of the bureaucracy. For example, Chen Lin, one of the Seven Scholars of the Jian'an era, had served as Chief Clerk under General-in-Chief He Jin, and Lü Bu had also been Ding Yuan's Chief Clerk…
Fei Qian's mind raced. Although the position was highly tempting, he gritted his teeth and politely declined. "I am unworthy and fear I may not be able to shoulder such a great responsibility."
Liu Biao initially thought Fei Qian was just being modest and pressed him further. But when he realized that Fei Qian genuinely didn't want the position, he grew somewhat displeased. He asked, "Does Ziyuan have some unspoken concerns? Or do you find my humble abode too meager to accommodate your talents?"
This question was quite pointed. Fei Qian sighed inwardly. Liu Biao was indeed as history described—outwardly gracious but with many underlying flaws.
This was also one of the reasons Fei Qian had refused the position of Chief Clerk. After all, the role carried a strong personal imprint, essentially making him a close confidant of the governor. If the governor were outstanding and had a bright future, the position would naturally bring great benefits. But with someone like Liu Biao…
Fei Qian didn't want to end up being berated by Zhang Fei's sharp tongue in the future…
Fei Qian respectfully clasped his hands toward Liu Biao and said, "It's not that I am unwilling, but rather that I am unable! You have treated me with great kindness, and I am deeply grateful. However, I came to Jingxiang to pursue my studies. My energy is limited, and I fear I may not be able to balance both responsibilities, potentially jeopardizing your important affairs. Moreover, I am young and of little renown. If I were suddenly placed in a high position, it would be difficult to gain the respect of others. And if, in the future, a more suitable and talented individual were to join you, how would you handle the position of Chief Clerk?"
"This…" Liu Biao, who had been swept up in the excitement of Fei Qian's earlier speech, now remembered that Cai Yong's letter had indeed mentioned that Fei Qian had come to Jingxiang to study. While it was possible to both study and serve as an official, it was also reasonable to focus solely on one's studies.
Furthermore, Fei Qian's final point made sense. Although Fei Qian's earlier speech had been impressive, he was indeed young. More importantly, if a more suitable and talented individual were to join in the future, would Liu Biao have to give up the position of Chief Clerk to them?
At this thought, Liu Biao's anger completely dissipated. He hadn't realized that Fei Qian had been so considerate of his position. Truly, he was a disciple of Cai Yong, the Imperial Attendant. Despite his earlier slickness, he still carried some of Cai Yong's gentlemanly demeanor. However, letting Fei Qian leave without any official position didn't sit well with Liu Biao. He needed to find a way to tie Fei Qian to his cause…
So, Liu Biao's eyes darted around as he pondered. Finally, he said to Fei Qian, "In that case, I will appoint you as my Inspector's Aide!"
What? Fei Qian almost thought he had misheard. How had his refusal led to an even higher position?
The Inspector's Aide was the highest-ranking official under the Inspector. Due to their elevated status, they did not ride in the same carriage as the Inspector during inspections, hence the title "Aide." Although the position wasn't as powerful as it would become during the Wei and Jin dynasties, when it was said to hold "half the authority of the Inspector" and could "lead inspections on behalf of the Inspector," it was still a high-ranking and influential role.
Liu Biao noticed Fei Qian's surprise and confusion and smiled, rather pleased with his clever idea. He said, "Ziyuan, do not refuse. Your role as Inspector's Aide will not require you to handle daily administrative tasks. You will only need to provide strategic advice. This way, you can balance both responsibilities. Isn't that perfect? Hahaha…"
Fei Qian now understood. The position of Inspector's Aide had been downgraded from a special assistant to the chairman to a special advisor. The rank remained the same, but the authority shifted from real power to a more advisory role…
Liu Biao emphasized that Fei Qian must not refuse again. Well, since Liu Biao had gone this far, refusing again would be a slap in the face…
So, Fei Qian stepped back and performed a formal bow of acceptance.
Liu Biao laughed heartily. After Fei Qian had completed his bow, he helped him up and called for servants to prepare a banquet. He then teased Fei Qian, saying, "Today, I must drink with you until we're thoroughly drunk. How is your tolerance for alcohol?"
Alright, so it's a drinking challenge?
Fei Qian, having survived the drinking tests of the Lü Bu trio, felt his alcohol tolerance had improved. So, he said, "I've long heard of Governor Liu's 'Three Elegant Vessels.' Today, I'd like to experience them."
When two drinkers meet, as long as there's enough alcohol, they're bound to have a good time. Liu Biao was no exception. As he led Fei Qian to the side hall, he laughed loudly and said, "Hahaha, excellent! Bring out my Three Elegant Vessels!"