Cunning Three Kingdoms

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Pang Tong let out a "Ha!" and said, "Isn't it obvious? Liu Biao wants to make his move against southern Jing Province!" He swayed his head as he spoke, looking immensely pleased with himself. 

Fei Qian nearly reached out to poke Pang Tong's large head to see what made it so different—why hadn't he thought of this himself? 

But with Pang Tong's words, realization dawned. Indeed, Liu Biao seemed poised to seize this opportunity to act against the southern regions of Jing Province. 

During the Eastern Han, Jing Province comprised seven commanderies: Nanyang, Nan, Jiangxia, Lingling, Guiyang, Wuling, and Changsha. Nanyang was currently under Yuan Shu's control—no matter how wealthy the region, Liu Biao could do nothing about it. Jiangxia belonged to Huang Zu, whose roots ran too deep to easily dislodge. 

The four southern commanderies—Lingling, Guiyang, Wuling, and Changsha—remained outside Liu Biao's grasp. Though nominally acknowledging his authority, they'd neither sent envoys nor official documents since his arrival, carrying on as if he didn't exist. 

This naturally displeased Liu Biao. 

While a Provincial Inspector ranked below a Provincial Governor, that didn't make the position purely ceremonial! 

Previously, with Yuan Shu garrisoning Nanyang and nurturing Sun Jian's forces, Liu Biao had no choice but to endure. But now circumstances had changed—with Yuan Shu rebelling against Dong Zhuo, as long as Liu Biao publicly joined the anti-Dong alliance, even Yuan Shu wouldn't dare provoke internal conflict before defeating their common enemy. 

Thus the perfect opportunity for Liu Biao to march south and subjugate the four commanderies. 

Searching his residual memories, Fei Qian recalled Liu Biao indeed hadn't participated in the anti-Dong campaign—his own role as envoy seemed coincidental. Without him, Liu Biao would likely have sent someone else... 

In which case, those eight hundred soldiers might prove useful... 

But much preparation remained. First, he needed to return to the Huang family's retreat, then... 

Fei Qian didn't share his full plans with Pang Tong—only mentioning the diplomatic mission. After all, Pang Tong remained young. While intimately familiar with Jingxiang's social landscape, matters beyond this region required time and experience even for his prodigious mind. 

The same applied to Zao Zhi—better left here for now. 

As for Tai Shi Ming, he had even less reason to come. "Shiyuan," Fei Qian said, "I must visit the Huang family next, then likely depart directly without further farewells... And don't bully Zijian here..." 

"Right, right! As if you're not the one who enjoys bullying people most! Making it sound like I'm the troublemaker..." 

Fei Qian laughed off Pang Tong's grumbling and went to find Uncle Fu. 

"Young master, what brings you?" 

Uncle Fu smiled as always, every wrinkle radiating kindness. 

Fei Qian realized how preoccupied he'd been lately, neglecting this loyal retainer who'd accompanied him since his transmigration... 

More white hairs, deeper wrinkles... 

"Uncle Fu, I must undertake a long journey..." 

The old steward froze momentarily before saying, "...Then I'll prepare your luggage..." and turning toward Fei Qian's room. 

"No need, it's already packed," Fei Qian quickly stopped him. "Besides, this is an official mission for Governor Liu—too much baggage would be improper." 

"Oh... an official mission..." Uncle Fu nodded, then hesitantly asked, "Young master... might this old servant accompany you?" Though knowing the impropriety of bringing family on state business, concern compelled him to ask. 

Fei Qian shook his head silently. Even ordinary missions prohibited such attachments—let alone his more complicated plans. 

Uncle Fu's eyes dimmed, but he maintained his smile. "Of course, official business can't include me. How foolish of me..." 

Fei Qian took the old man's hand—calloused, rough yet solid and warm. The same hand that had checked his fever when he first awoke in this Eastern Han world. 

"...Uncle Fu, I wanted to ask—during my absence, would you prefer staying with the Huang family or remaining here?" Fei Qian would have suggested the Huang household for its better care and company. 

But Uncle Fu replied, "I'll stay here rather than impose on the Huangs. Someone needs to maintain the house. Besides, Young Master Pang and the others are good company—don't worry for me..." 

This place, built board by board and tile by tile under his care, felt like home—no substitute could compare. 

"...Very well. Then I'll proceed to the Huangs and depart from there in a few days. Please take care of yourself..." Fei Qian gently patted the old hand. 

"Don't fret, young master. I'll be fine..." 

After retrieving his packed luggage, Fei Qian had barely driven the carriage any distance when hurried footsteps sounded behind. 

Uncle Fu came panting up, clutching bundled clothing wrapped in fur. "Young... young master... more garments... and this pelt for bedding warmth... Perhaps I should escort you to the Huangs first?" 

"No need, Uncle Fu. I can manage." If the old man wouldn't stay with the Huangs, why make him travel there and back? "Please return now." 

"Ah... very well. Travel safely, young master... I'll go back now..." 

Yet he remained standing there even as the carriage drew away, still waving faintly when Fei Qian had nearly vanished from sight...

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