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Extra Chapter: On Every 50 powerstone
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Yang Hong slightly curled the corners of his lips. Having finished speaking, he naturally paused, waiting for Fei Qian's response.
Fei Qian glanced at Yang Hong's faintly mocking expression and smiled in return, cupping his hands in a polite gesture. Yet inwardly, his mind was racing with calculations.
The phrase "A heart embracing the world, where forests shelter untapped talent and depths conceal hidden pearls" was, of course, referring to Yuan Shu's grand ambitions and his magnanimity in gathering capable individuals. There was nothing inherently wrong with that. The key lay in the allusion to "depths concealing hidden pearls"—a clear hint that Yuan Shu sought to recruit not only Fei Qian himself but also other influential scholars from the Jingxiang region, including the Huang family.
After all, Fei Qian's courtesy name, "Ziyuan" (子渊)', contained the character for "abyss" (渊)', making the metaphor unmistakable.
But the subsequent wording was far more intriguing…
"A forgotten elder of the countryside?"
"A sage of the rural wilds?"
At first glance, Yang Hong's words seemed innocuous. But upon closer reflection, Fei Qian couldn't help but find them subtly demeaning.
Was he being called a "forgotten elder" or a "rustic sage"?
'How amusing.'
Of course, Fei Qian didn't consider himself some unparalleled genius. Yet, under normal circumstances, such terms would never be used in recruitment. More flattering phrases like "a bright pearl cast into darkness" or "a man of extraordinary wisdom" would be far more appropriate.
Yang Hong didn't strike him as someone careless with words or socially inept. So why this deliberate choice of phrasing?
'Yang Hong… the Yang family… Yuan Shu… the Yuan clan…'
Fei Qian sighed inwardly. 'So that's what this is about.'
Both the Yuan family of Nanyang and the Yang family of Hongnong were among the most prestigious clans of the era—undisputed first-tier aristocratic families. In contrast, Fei Qian hailed from the humble He-Luo Fei family, a world apart from the likes of the Yuan and Yang clans. The gap between them was as vast as that between a high-ranking court official and a recluse in the countryside. By repeatedly emphasizing "rural" and "wilds," Yang Hong was subtly underscoring the superiority of the Yuan and Yang families, reminding Fei Qian that no matter his talents, he remained a second-tier scholar at best.
Moreover, Yang Hong's wording likely carried a veiled warning.
The title of "foremost clan of the realm" was no empty boast. In this era, countless people would go to great lengths to forge connections with such families, let alone become their protégés or subordinates. Even Dong Zhuo—the very man now wreaking havoc in Luoyang and monopolizing imperial power—had once been a lowly "bandit-suppressing officer" recommended by the Yuan family.
Thus, Yang Hong's carefully chosen words conveyed a clear message: the Yuan and Yang families were already showing Fei Qian considerable face, largely out of respect for the Jingxiang scholars. At the same time, they served as a reminder not to get too carried away. Even if Fei Qian was a "hidden pearl," he was still just a pearl from the backwaters—never to rival the Yuan family, and certainly not the Yangs. Should he join their ranks, he'd best know his place.
'How… typical.'
It was no wonder Yang Hong took such an attitude. The current campaign against Dong Zhuo wasn't truly a united effort by the empire's people—or even its commoners. In reality, it was the Yuan family leading the charge.
As mentioned earlier, the Yuan family had initially promoted Dong Zhuo. Regardless of the specific position, Dong Zhuo owed his early career to their patronage. Yet now, the man had seized control of the court, feasting on the spoils of the Han dynasty while leaving the Yuan family with barely a sip of broth. After painstakingly eliminating both the eunuchs and the imperial in-laws to secure their dominance, how could the Yuans possibly tolerate such insolence?
Any astute scholar of the realm understood the choices before them: align with Dong Zhuo's faction or pledge allegiance to Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao. As for which side to pick—well, was there even a question?
Naturally, Yang Hong assumed that a mere hint from him would send Fei Qian scrambling to their side. Hence, the mix of flattery and admonishment was only to be expected.
Unfortunately for Yang Hong, Fei Qian had never once considered siding with either Yuan brother since arriving in this era. All that posturing had been entirely wasted.
Still, he couldn't outright reject Yang Hong, could he?
With another cupped-hand salute, Fei Qian smiled and said, "Lord Yuan's generosity overwhelms this humble one. I shall follow his steed's lead, never daring to overstep."
The phrase "follow his steed's lead, never daring to overstep" could be interpreted as a pledge of allegiance—a promise to respect the Yuan and Yang families' authority and refrain from any presumptuous actions.
'Or…'
It could simply mean exactly what it said: 'I'll watch your horse's head, but I won't actually follow you.'
When it came to verbal sparring, Fei Qian—a seasoned office politician in his past life—had more than a few tricks up his sleeve.
Yang Hong, oblivious to the double meaning (or perhaps unable to fathom that Fei Qian had no intention of joining Yuan Shu), gave a satisfied nod at the show of humility. Then he asked, "When does Ziyuan plan to depart for Luoyang?"
—'In other words: Hurry up and finish your business so you can return to serve us.'
"The troops are weary from the march, and our supplies are depleted. After a day's rest and replenishment, we'll set out tomorrow."
This was true enough. The men needed time to bathe, tend to their gear, and enjoy a few proper hot meals. Resupplying was also a necessity.
'And if they could squeeze some extra provisions out of the wealthy Yuan Shu—well, that wouldn't hurt either.'
Just as Fei Qian anticipated, Yang Hong said, "My lord, moved by the bond between master and disciple, has gifted you five sheep, twenty chickens and ducks, and fifty dan of millet. Send your men to the official storehouse to collect them."
"My deepest gratitude for Lord Yuan's kindness!" Fei Qian accepted without hesitation, then added with a glance at Yang Hong, "And my thanks to the Chief Clerk for his consideration."
Yang Hong's greatest concern was Fei Qian threatening his position. After all, Fei Qian represented the Jingxiang scholars to some degree. If conflicts arose, Yuan Shu would likely prioritize Fei Qian—especially since he still needed the Jingxiang faction's support to oust Liu Biao and seize Jing Province. A direct confrontation would only end badly for Yang Hong.
The current outcome was ideal. Since Fei Qian knew his place, Yang Hong saw no need to make things difficult for him. As for their future standing—well, what was one scholar from Jingxiang compared to the Yang family, a premier clan of the realm? Once Jingxiang was secured, half of Fei Qian's usefulness would vanish. The Yangs, however, would remain untouchable. Where was the cause for concern?
With a faint smile, Yang Hong rose to take his leave. Before departing, he made a point of seeking out Yi Ji, engaging him in animated conversation and laughter before finally sauntering off with his entourage.
Once Yang Hong was out of earshot, Yi Ji's eyes flickered with concealed thoughts. Concealing his sleeves—and the letter Yang Hong had slipped him (likely a reply to Liu Biao)—he asked with a smile, "What did the Chief Clerk discuss with Ziyuan?"
—He knew Fei Qian wouldn't reveal the details. The question was merely a diversion.
"Nothing significant—just some idle talk about Jingxiang's local customs." Fei Qian smiled back. "And what did the Chief Clerk say to you, Jibo?"
"Oh, just asking about Jingxiang's scenic spots…"
Their eyes met, and the two men burst into simultaneous, knowing laughter.