A special thank you to all my patrons.
The List of My "Wandering Reader":
-[ ]
-Cain
-Goha21
-Jacob Mooe
-Varun Madhu
-Mp Gaming
-Paul Panzer
-Austin Levy
-Aziz Makda
-TylerD
You can read 50 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
In the Governor's residence of Xiangyang, Yi Ji (styled Jibo) stepped forward and bowed to Liu Biao.
Liu Biao forced a smile and gestured for Yi Ji to take a seat.
He had just finished reprimanding Liu Pan, and his disappointment was palpable. He had hoped that as a relative, Liu Pan might prove capable—someone worthy of promotion to a substantive military position, if not a general's rank, then at least a colonelcy. But barely after appointing him as a gate captain, Liu Pan had already bungled things spectacularly.
Despite his high office, Liu Biao's pool of reliable subordinates was frustratingly shallow. Suppressing his anger, he had dismissed Liu Pan back to the barracks without further punishment. 'Clearly, the man was no commander—at best, a functionary to be stationed in southern Jing to keep an eye on unruly prefects.'
But leaving Fei Qian's mission without supervision was impossible. Fei Qian was merely a decoy; the true objective couldn't be disclosed to him, lest it leak to all of Jingxiang's gentry clans. 'Some things are done but never spoken, others spoken but never done…'
Summoning Yi Ji was a reluctant choice. After weighing his options, Liu Biao had concluded that only Yi Ji—a seasoned diplomat—could handle this. Fei Qian was too cunning; without sharp wits, one would be outmaneuvered.
"Jibo, you've labored tirelessly of late," Liu Biao said, smoothing his tone. From grassroots governance reforms to sanitation campaigns, Yi Ji had shouldered countless mundane tasks—a truly exhausting workload.
Yi Ji cupped his hands. "For Your Excellency's cause, this humble servant finds joy in toil." Having served Liu Biao longer than anyone outside the Liu clan, he recognized this praise as mere courtesy, not to be taken seriously.
Sure enough, after a few more pleasantries, Liu Biao pivoted: "Jibo, what think you of Ziyuan's diplomatic mission?"
"Your Excellency's designs are profound. Forgive my dullness—I cannot fathom them." Yi Ji knew this wasn't a genuine inquiry but Liu Biao's prelude to expounding his own plans.
Liu Biao smiled. "Dong Zhuo now tramples the court, inciting scholars' wrath and commoners' fury. Edicts denounce him; the realm trembles. To uphold the dynasty, all provinces must unite against this traitor. Yet Jingxiang, ravaged by war, finds its southern four commanderies mired in selfish ambition—harming both state and people while slighting the imperial house. Thus I intend to redirect our forces, first restoring order locally, then joining the righteous crusade against Dong."
"Though past friction exists with General Yuan Shu of Nanyang, no deep enmity divides us. At this critical hour, we cannot afford mutual obstruction—hence this embassy to ally with him. Likewise, I've heard how Bohai's Yuan Shao once drew his sword against tyranny at the Eastern Gate, his heroism unmatched. Long have I admired him and now seek friendship. These are my sincere intentions."
"Your Excellency's vision commands universal respect," Yi Ji said solemnly, straightening his posture under Liu Biao's impassioned rhetoric.
Liu Biao waved dismissively. "You flatter me. Though Ziyuan's appointment as envoy suffices, his youth may breed carelessness. I'd have you assist him—would you consent?"
Originally, Fei Qian's role had been incidental—a cover for Liu Pan to operate discreetly under the balance of Fei Qian holding ceremonial authority while Liu Pan controlled the troops. But Liu Pan's failure to grasp this nuance had led to his blunder and expulsion.
Now dispatching Yi Ji created awkwardness. As a veteran retainer, being abruptly subordinated to Fei Qian was unseemly. Yet stripping Fei Qian of his title would alienate the Pang and Huang clans behind him. Thus, Liu Biao had to persuade Yi Ji to prioritize the mission over pride—hence the earlier lofty speech.
A quick study, Yi Ji responded at once: "To spearhead Your Excellency's will, I obey without hesitation. Rest assured—I'll ensure Ziyuan's success!"
Somewhat relieved, Liu Biao retrieved the two letters reclaimed from Liu Pan and solemnly handed them to Yi Ji. "Seize opportunities to deliver these to Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao. Guard them closely—no mishaps!"
Examining the inscriptions—one for "Governor Yuan of Bohai," the other for "General Yuan"—Yi Ji sensed these letters, not the ostensible diplomacy, were the true mission. Liu Biao's emphasis on "seizing opportunities" clearly meant bypassing Fei Qian's knowledge.
Understanding dawned. Yi Ji secured the letters inside his robe. "I'll convey them discreetly. Be at ease."
"My gratitude, Jibo. Should this secure southern Jing's pacification, your merit will be recorded." 'Clever men are convenient—no need for exhaustive explanations.' Of course, incentives were necessary for long-serving retainers like Yi Ji.
---
Departing the residence, Yi Ji's carriage jostled—as did his thoughts.
Liu Biao's gravity suggested these letters' immense significance, yet their secrecy from Fei Qian implied something improper. 'What couldn't Fei Qian know?'
Allying with the Yuans wasn't inherently questionable—the Yuan clan epitomized scholar-official prestige, and imperial relatives weren't barred from such ties. But why the covert approach?
Alternatively, considering Liu Biao's southern campaign, befriending Yuan Shu in Nanyang was logical to avoid a two-front war. Yet how could Yuan Shu trust Liu Biao's sincerity?
A possibility struck Yi Ji, furrowing his brow.
*****
PS: Please don't forget to leave power stones and reviews if you enjoy the story.