Cunning Three Kingdoms

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With Liu Biao, Fei Qian could afford to be half-truthful, but with Huang Chengyan, the Huang family patriarch, full disclosure was necessary. Firstly, even if Fei Qian didn't speak up, given the close ties between the Huang and Pang families, Huang Chengyan would eventually learn of Fei Qian's plans through Pang Degong. Secondly, as his father-in-law, keeping secrets would be inappropriate. 

Huang Chengyan listened quietly. Regarding Fei Qian's entire plan, he too felt it lacked absolute certainty—too many variables meant even a slight misstep could lead to dire straits. With the entire eastern region rebelling against Dong Zhuo and armies massing everywhere, the risks were undeniably high. 

With age came caution—the desire for success diminished while considerations of retreat multiplied. Though understanding Fei Qian's intentions, Huang Chengyan still advised, "Son-in-law, what if you waited until after this campaign concludes..." 

His meaning was clear: must this be done now? Couldn't Fei Qian wait until the conflict ended and dust settled? At present, tensions between Dong Zhuo and the eastern gentry were at their peak. 

Wouldn't aligning with the victorious side afterward, under their banner, be safer? 

Fei Qian shook his head. "Father-in-law, this war won't end quickly. Moreover..." Timing was crucial—delaying might improve safety but render the entire endeavor meaningless. 

"...There will be no true victors... Now is the best opportunity..." 

Had the eastern gentry won? If driving Dong Zhuo away counted as victory, then perhaps. Yet Dong Zhuo's forces remained largely intact—his retreat from Luoyang seemed more strategic than forced. 

Furthermore, once Dong Zhuo fled, the eastern coalition immediately turned on each other in a scramble for territory, their ruthlessness and greed matching Dong Zhuo's own. So could they truly be called victors? 

Of course, if Dong Zhuo regrouped in Chang'an, waiting for the eastern gentry to fracture before mopping up, history might unfold differently. Unfortunately, Dong Zhuo would eventually perish... 

Naturally, Fei Qian wouldn't reveal future events to Huang Chengyan. Nor could he be certain everything from his memories would transpire as recalled—after all, he'd already married Huang Yueying, leaving Zhuge Liang's future marital prospects uncertain... 

Thus Fei Qian simply analyzed the current situation: "...When two tigers fight, both suffer injuries. Only while their attention remains fixed on each other do opportunities arise..." 

After lengthy contemplation, Huang Chengyan finally nodded. "Since you've decided, I can only support you... But exercise utmost caution—don't overreach..." 

Then he cut to the chase: "What does the Huang family need to provide? We're family—no need for formalities." As family head, Huang Chengyan recognized Fei Qian's full disclosure wasn't merely filial piety—assistance was required. 

Caught out, Fei Qian flushed slightly but pressed on: "Father-in-law sees clearly. I do need Huang craftsmen to fabricate certain devices..." 

Huang Chengyan nodded. "That's manageable—they can be completed tomorrow. But where will your personnel come from?" 

"After bidding Governor Liu farewell yesterday, I visited the western camp. The Cai family agreed to lend me those hundred archers tomorrow..." 

Huang Chengyan's eyes widened. "Using Cai personnel for such matters! Boy, are you a Huang or Cai son-in-law?!" 

Fei Qian smiled sheepishly. "Options were limited. Besides, this operation requires few men. Though Liu Biao promised eight hundred escorts, he'll likely appoint separate commanders—hardly reliable forces..." 

His confidence stemmed from understanding Han military structures. Among the Three Excellencies, the Grand Commandant (Minister over the Masses) oversaw military affairs but lacked direct troop command authority. Real power lay with senior generals like the General-in-Chief, General of Agile Cavalry, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and General of the Guards—titles permitting establishment of private staff offices. 

Miscellaneous generals held mostly honorary titles without such privileges—except special cases like Sun Jian's "General Who Smashes the Caitiffs", which carried actual territorial responsibilities. 

The Han initially employed conscription, but Emperor Guangwu's reforms shifted recruitment toward volunteers—mostly peasants, refugees, pardoned criminals, and freed slaves selected for physical prowess and skill. When recruitment fell short, convicts were drafted as "penal troops". 

Thus most current soldiers, including the Cai family's hundred non-regular archers, were mercenaries. Even the late General-in-Chief He Jin had dispatched Bao Xin to recruit troops similarly. Commanders and governors maintained private forces using imperial funds—creating a system where soldiers followed whoever paid their wages. 

Without this system, Fei Qian wouldn't dare employ Cai troops. 

Huang Chengyan snorted. "The Huang family may lack the Cai's private forces, but we have some men. I'll assign squad leaders tomorrow—they'll prove more reliable." 

"My deepest thanks, Father-in-law!" 

"Hmph! What about field engineers?" 

"Naturally required—many thanks, Father-in-law!" 

"Tch! Armor and weapons then?" 

"...Many thanks, Father-in-law!" 

Huang Chengyan finally saw the truth—beyond those hundred men, Fei Qian had nothing prepared. Well, such was a son-in-law's privilege. With a glare, he waved Fei Qian off: "...Enough! I'll arrange everything. Now go explain yourself to Yueying—abandoning your bride so soon after marriage... Hmph!" 

Fei Qian hastily agreed and fled, head ducked... 

***** 

A/N: An angered father-in-law is truly fearsome

T/N: Please leave a comment if you enjoy this chapter