Cunning Three Kingdoms

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On Lushan, within Yinlong Residence, wisps of incense smoke curled gently as Pang Degong sat facing Fei Qian. 

An event as significant as the coalition against Dong Zhuo couldn't be concealed. Spreading like wildfire through the efforts of interested parties, news of it had abruptly swept across the Central Plains. 

When Fei Qian learned how swiftly the eastern gentry had mobilized against Dong Zhuo, he couldn't help but feel a pang of panic. This event marked the true beginning of turbulent times—the leisurely days he'd known were gone for good. 

Secluding himself in his room to organize his thoughts, Fei Qian then ascended Lushan to inform Pang Degong of his plans for the coming phase. 

Since arriving in Jingxiang, Pang Degong had been his greatest benefactor—not only imparting knowledge but paving his path from an obscure branch family member to a rising young figure of some influence. 

Now, kneeling formally before Pang Degong with solemn demeanor, Fei Qian awaited his teacher's response. 

Pang Degong lightly stroked his beard, eyes narrowed in contemplation. 

Having devoted his life to Huang-Lao philosophy, Pang Degong had long transcended worldly concerns like fame and profit. Yet this didn't mean he disregarded human bonds entirely. Though Fei Qian's stay in Jingxiang had been brief, Pang Degong recognized in him the quick-witted refinement and gentle disposition that Cai Yong's letters described. His nephew Pang Tong might constantly bicker with Fei Qian, but Pang Degong understood this merely reflected their rapport—were Fei Qian someone Pang Tong disdained, the boy wouldn't even deign to speak. 

Thus Pang Degong held genuine affection for Fei Qian. When Huang Chengyan proposed the marriage alliance, Pang Degong had readily facilitated matters, even preparing betrothal gifts—a gesture tantamount to treating Fei Qian as family in all but name. 

Having heard Fei Qian's audacious plan, Pang Degong remained silent for a long while before finally speaking: "Ziyuan, this venture resembles snatching chestnuts from fire! The slightest misstep could reduce all to ashes!" 

"I understand the risks," Fei Qian replied with a bow. "Yet remaining idle would leave my conscience forever unsettled." 

Pang Degong exhaled slowly. To his assessment, the plan's success seemed no better than fifty-fifty—perhaps even less. The dangers were extreme. Yet preventing Fei Qian from going might, as the young man said, cast lifelong shadows upon his spirit. 

After prolonged deliberation, Pang Degong finally conceded: "...Very well. But exercise utmost caution! Should circumstances turn dire, prioritize your safe return above all else! Remember this!" 

His emphasis on survival reflected deep concern—he couldn't bear to see Fei Qian throw his life away recklessly. 

After expressing gratitude, Fei Qian descended the mountain. 

Pang Degong remained seated, eventually taking up brush and paper to compose a letter. Summoning a servant to dispatch it, he finally relaxed slightly, releasing a soft sigh... 

************** 

From Lushan, Fei Qian proceeded directly to Governor Liu Biao's office. 

Regardless of circumstances, he still nominally held the position of Inspector Aide—such matters couldn't be undertaken without notifying Liu Biao first. 

Liu Biao's expression flickered between astonishment and calculation, his control slipping momentarily. "Ziyuan, do you mean this seriously?" 

By all reason, humans instinctively avoid danger. Upon hearing of war, any sensible person would first seek safety rather than cheerfully rush toward the front lines. 

Ancient armies deployed scouts extending ten to twenty li ahead and to both flanks when marching, expanding to thirty li in all directions when encamped. These scouts—light cavalry reconnaissance troops—often clashed before main forces engaged, with survivors dashing back to report while others fought to the death. 

Civilians approaching military zones risked being mistaken for enemy agents and summarily executed. Thus Liu Biao's shock at Fei Qian's intention to travel north through the war-torn region to Luoyang in search of Cai Yong. The journey would intersect with various armies—one misstep could see him killed as an enemy combatant, his head taken as a trophy... 

Yet Liu Biao found himself unable to outright refuse. 

Fei Qian's declaration—"How can a disciple sit idle when his master faces peril?"—aligned perfectly with Confucian ethics and mainstream values. Opposing it would paint Liu Biao as heartless and unprincipled, regardless of Cai Yong's actual fate. His reputation couldn't withstand such damage... 

Thus Liu Biao's concern shifted from whether to permit Fei Qian's departure to how he might profit from the situation. 

Releasing Fei Qian actually served his interests—it vacated the Inspector Aide position for new recruitment while removing a potential threat given Fei Qian's connections to the Pang and Huang families. 

Yet he couldn't simply let Fei Qian walk away without extracting further value... 

A scheme quickly took shape in Liu Biao's mind. After careful consideration, he smiled slightly and said: "Ziyuan's commitment to master-disciple bonds is commendable, and I should permit it. However—the Inspector Aide position is an imperial appointment. While your motives are understandable, this violates protocol..." 

Fei Qian inwardly scoffed. Where was this "protocol" when Liu Biao freely distributed official posts or encroached on Xiangyang's administrative positions? Now suddenly he played the bureaucrat? 

Though recognizing Liu Biao's hypocrisy, Fei Qian had little choice but to ask: "What does the Governor suggest?"—Get to the point already. 

Liu Biao's next words sent Fei Qian's mind reeling like boiling water... 

*****

A/N: Officials! The same everywhere across time... Fei Qian thinks freedom suits him better. Regarding scouts—historically, Jia Xu once got captured but immediately claimed connections to central authorities and was released unharmed while his companions perished... Heh...