Cunning Three Kingdoms

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Liu Biao was pleased to see Fei Qian resign, but still sought to extract some remaining value from him. With a genial smile, he proposed: "Ziyuan, your northern journey faces many dangers. In my view, why not go as my emissary bearing my ceremonial staff to visit the two Yuans? Firstly, as an official envoy you'll have legitimate status; secondly, I can provide eight hundred soldiers as your escort..." 

Fei Qian's mind churned at this. What was Liu Biao's game today? Offering both the governor's staff and eight hundred troops just for a simple diplomatic mission to Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu? 

Liu Biao continued: "...The Yuan family has many talented individuals. I've long regretted lacking connections with them. When you meet Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, explain that while I wish to support their cause, the bandit unrest in Jingxiang leaves me unable to assist at present. Once the region is pacified, I'll surely provide full support!" 

Fei Qian thought: 'As if I'd believe that nonsense.' But on the surface, this arrangement didn't seem particularly dangerous for him... 

Yet why choose him? Simply because the timing coincided with his planned journey? Or was Liu Biao using this diplomatic cover for some ulterior motive? 

Superficially, Liu Biao's words suggested currying favor with both Yuan brothers. But why send him to both? 

Despite the unanswered questions, Fei Qian sensed no malicious intent. An official diplomatic mission with armed escort would certainly be safer than traveling alone without credentials. Even if the soldiers wouldn't obey him after completing the mission, they'd provide protection during the journey. 

In truth, Liu Biao harbored no schemes against Fei Qian. The Pang and Huang families backing Fei Qian weren't to be trifled with. If they suspected Liu Biao of sending Fei Qian into harm's way under diplomatic pretense, the resulting backlash could end Liu Biao's rule in Jingxiang. 

Liu Biao simply seized the opportunity to have Fei Qian run an errand during his northward journey. Of course, hidden agendas lurked beneath this surface task—though Fei Qian couldn't yet discern them. 

"Governor Liu's generosity moves me deeply. I shall faithfully carry out your orders!" After brief consideration, Fei Qian accepted, judging the risks acceptable and the arrangement beneficial for his own plans. 

Liu Biao had an attendant bring the ceremonial staff but kept hold of it rather than handing it over immediately. "Ziyuan, since your appointment as Inspector Aide, our shared memories remain vivid. How quickly the new year has come! Now this sudden parting grieves me..." 

Fei Qian inwardly scoffed: 'What memories? You gave me a hollow title and now pretend affection?' But with Liu Biao playing this sentimental charade, he couldn't bluntly call out the hypocrisy. 

"Governor Liu's mentorship and kindness have touched me profoundly. I shall not fail this mission!" Fei Qian replied—essentially saying 'Enough already, I'll deliver your messages, now hand over the staff...' 

To his surprise, Liu Biao still withheld the staff, smiling as he said: "Ziyuan's brilliance and learning, combined with the knowledge from Pang and Huang families, promise boundless prospects. Perhaps in future I may need to rely on your assistance..." 

Hearing this, Fei Qian finally grasped Liu Biao's meticulously calculated scheme. The earlier remarks about the "Inspector Aide" position emphasized favors granted; mentioning the new year implied Fei Qian had enjoyed benefits without sufficient service; the "parting sorrow" suggested regret over investing in someone now departing. 

By invoking the Pang and Huang families, Liu Biao implied their influence secured Fei Qian's privileges. The "future prospects" and "possible reliance" hinted at expected reciprocity—'I've shown such consideration to you and your backers, shouldn't you and they return the favor when needed?' 

In short: Liu Biao was leveraging past favors to demand future repayment! 

Realizing this, Fei Qian carefully replied: "Governor Liu's generosity is etched in my heart. Should you require assistance within my capabilities in future, I shall spare no effort!"—making clear any obligations would be limited to his personal capacity, excluding the Pang and Huang families. 

"I... see." Liu Biao's smile remained but his eyes flickered. "...Very well, very well indeed!" Only then did he finally hand over the staff, instructing Fei Qian to depart northward in three days before dismissing him. 

Liu Biao maintained his smile until Fei Qian disappeared from view, then gradually let it fade. Summoning Liu Pan, he stroked his beard in thought: 'That slippery youngster with his "within my capabilities" qualifier... Hmph, no matter...' 

Liu Biao had simply aimed to extract whatever benefits he could. While Fei Qian's conditional response wasn't ideal, it wasn't entirely unsatisfactory either. Since Fei Qian specified "within capabilities," Liu Biao could simply present requests fitting that description later. 

Moreover, this wasn't Liu Biao's primary objective—Fei Qian's promised favor was merely a bonus. More important matters required attention. 

Liu Pan arrived promptly. Originally from Yan Province, his blood relation to Liu Biao had persuaded him to stay while Xu Yue returned alone to deliver their report. 

Liu Biao's inspiration came from Liu Dai's emissary strategy—using Fei Qian's public diplomatic mission as cover while Liu Pan conveyed the true messages. After all, only blood relations could be fully trusted. 

"Zhongjian, I need you to accompany Fei Qian on this mission," Liu Biao said with noticeably warmer sincerity than he'd shown Fei Qian. 

"At your service, my lord!" Liu Pan responded without hesitation. 

"Good. Remember carefully..." Liu Biao motioned Liu Pan closer and whispered additional instructions before sending him to prepare. 

Alone again, Liu Biao paced briefly before stepping outside to gaze southward, stroking his beard as he murmured: "...You take what's yours, I'll take what's mine..." 

*****

A/N: During the anti-Dong Zhuo campaign, envoys enjoyed relative safety—even Dong Zhuo sent generals to negotiate with Sun Jian, who merely berated them before sending them back rather than killing them.