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A true expert reveals his skill with a single move.
The moment Huang Zhong's hand clamped down on Liu Pan's shoulder, all thoughts of resistance evaporated. The sheer difference in strength was overwhelming. Under Huang Zhong's "escort," Liu Pan had no choice but to gather a few personal belongings—leaving behind critical items like the tiger tally and seal—before retrieving his horse and trudging out of the camp.
Though Fei Qian hadn't explicitly ordered it, Huang Zhong wasn't foolish enough to let a man awaiting punishment walk off with military authority. 'What kind of joke would that be?' Allowing Liu Pan to leave unharmed was already an act of mercy. By military law, such an offense warranted execution or at the very least, crippling punishment.
As Liu Pan dragged his feet toward the camp gates, he toyed with the idea of discarding Fei Qian's letter and simply telling Liu Biao that he'd been unjustly expelled out of spite…
But just as he neared the exit, the deceptively earnest-looking youth from Fei Qian's tent stepped into the center of the camp. Striking a metal gong to gather attention, he loudly summarized Liu Pan's transgression—barging into the commander's tent—before announcing that while Liu Pan had acted out of concern for the troops, military discipline was no trivial matter. Thus, the final judgment would be left to Governor Liu…
Every eye turned toward Liu Pan at the gates. Before he could react, the young man struck the gong again and declared that, considering the hardships of the march, Deputy Inspector Fei had ordered each tent to receive a portion of dried meat to replenish the soldiers' strength…
Instantly, all thoughts of Liu Pan vanished as each squad eagerly formed lines to collect their share, jubilantly carrying the prized meat back to their tents.
In the Han dynasty, meat was a rare luxury for common soldiers. With such a treat at hand, who would spare a glance for the disgraced officer sulking at the gates?
Liu Pan's last flicker of defiance died. Head bowed, he mounted his horse and rode off toward Xiangyang.
---
Watching Huang Cheng's efficient handling of the situation from his tent, Fei Qian marveled at the young man's unexpected shrewdness. 'Who would guess such sharp wit lay behind that simple face?' Had he not observed Huang Cheng's keen insights during their travels, even Fei Qian might have been fooled by the unassuming facade.
'Then again,' he mused, 'would someone as astute as Huang Chengyang send a fool to assist me?'
What surprised Fei Qian was how quickly Liu Pan had fallen into the trap.
Liu Biao's original arrangement had been sound: Fei Qian held the ceremonial authority as chief envoy, but Liu Pan, as deputy and kinsman, controlled the military tally. This ensured Fei Qian couldn't act unchecked.
Yet from the moment Liu Pan was assigned as deputy, Fei Qian had sought a legitimate way to remove him. Openly opposing Liu Biao wasn't an option, so he needed grounds to dismiss Liu Pan without appearing rebellious.
Despite his dire threats of flogging or execution, Fei Qian never actually intended to punish Liu Pan—only to expel him.
Liu Pan's presence created multiple complications:
1. Military Oversight: As commanding officer, Liu Pan could interfere with any troop movements Fei Qian ordered.
2. Chain of Command: When Fei Qian was absent, Liu Pan would assume control. If he redirected Fei Qian's personal troops, obeying might disrupt plans, while disobeying risked charges of insubordination.
3. Hidden Agendas: Fei Qian suspected Liu Biao had ulterior motives—whether targeting him or others remained unclear. With enough risks already, an unpredictable deputy was the last thing he needed.
By removing Liu Pan, Fei Qian could consolidate command under Huang Zhong for the main force while Huang Cheng managed his private retinue, eliminating future conflicts.
Though Liu Biao appeared to have ample subordinates, few were truly deployable:
- Military Officers: The Cai clan was unreliable. Wang Wei and Lü Jie were needed in Xiangyang to counterbalance the Cais. Wen Pin guarded against Yuan Shu and Sun Jian, with potential redeployment against southern Jing provinces if alliances shifted.
- Civil Officers: The Kuai brothers, though capable, wouldn't be risked on covert missions. Other candidates either lacked trustworthiness or weren't privy to Liu Biao's inner circle.
This left only one probable replacement—the very person Fei Qian anticipated.
As for Liu Pan returning? Fei Qian smirked. 'Highly unlikely.' Not only would Liu Pan need to bring Liu Biao's disciplinary verdict, but wresting back command from Huang Zhong would be… problematic.
Worst case, Fei Qian could simply reject Liu Biao's judgment and demand Liu Pan be sent back for "further punishment"—though such petulance would strain relations. Barring utter desperation, Liu Biao wouldn't reappoint Liu Pan.
---
Huang Zhong soon returned, bearing Liu Pan's tiger tally and deputy seal.
Fei Qian set aside the seal—knowing any replacement envoy would reclaim it—and instead focused on the tiger tally, the true symbol of military authority.
With both hands, he presented it to Huang Zhong. "Hansheng, I entrust the army's command to you."
The gesture caught Huang Zhong off guard. He'd expected the tally to go to Huang Cheng, given his closer ties to both Huang Chengyang and Fei Qian. After a pause, Huang Zhong accepted it with a formal salute. "This general obeys."
Noting the camp's buoyant mood, Fei Qian added, "The men seem in high spirits. Why not hold a wrestling tournament? I'll retire early—you oversee the event."
Understanding the unspoken order to strengthen morale and loyalty, Huang Zhong nodded. "By your command."