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When Fei Qian arrived at Cai Yong's study, he saw the refined and scholarly Cai Yong smiling warmly at him. Unable to hold back his emotions, his eyes grew moist, and he stepped forward to bow deeply, paying his respects to his teacher.
Cai Yong stroked his beard with a smile and motioned for Fei Qian to rise. After looking him up and down, he remarked, "Ziyuan, you seem robust and spirited, with an inward composure. It appears you have gained much."
"Your kindness is as weighty as a mountain, and I fear I can never repay even a fraction of it," Fei Qian replied.
Cai Yong waved his hand dismissively and asked, "Did Governor Liu of Jingzhou send you to the capital?"
"No… I have resigned from my post," Fei Qian answered. "My coming here was not by Governor Liu's order, but of my own will."
Instead of immediately inquiring about Fei Qian's intentions, Cai Yong first asked, "Is Governor Liu…? What happened? Speak freely, without hesitation."
Fei Qian then recounted in detail the events surrounding his appointment as the Assistant Inspector of Jingzhou and added, "Governor Liu is imposing in stature, wields both kindness and authority skillfully, and governs his subordinates effectively. However, he seems to aspire to emulate the Western Earl…"
The "Western Earl" referred to King Wen of Zhou. Ji Chang inherited the title of the Western Earl and was later known as King Wen of Zhou. In Confucian culture, King Wen was highly revered for his virtuous governance, emphasis on justice, diligent administration, and recruitment of talented individuals. Under his rule, two-thirds of the realm submitted to Zhou, laying a solid foundation for King Wu's eventual overthrow of the Shang Dynasty. Additionally, King Wen was credited with composing the I Ching and establishing the rites of Zhou, earning him Confucius's praise as "the flower of the Three Dynasties."
By using "Western Earl" to describe Liu Biao, Fei Qian was subtly implying criticism. Having just resigned from Liu Biao's service, it would be unseemly to openly disparage him. Yet, since Cai Yong had asked, he had to respond, and thus he employed this historical allusion.
To describe a ruler as the "Western Earl" was a compliment, but to apply it to a provincial governor—well, that was another matter entirely.
Cai Yong, hearing this description of Liu Biao for the first time, naturally understood the implication. He mused, "When Jingsheng (Liu Biao) was in the capital, he was a man of many talents, thoroughly versed in the Five Classics and intimately familiar with celestial phenomena. He once lamented the injustices in governance, sighing deeply and expressing his desire for a realm where he could fully exercise his abilities."
From this, it seemed that when Liu Biao was younger and in the capital, he had left the impression of an idealistic youth on Cai Yong.
Perhaps Liu Biao had indeed been passionate in his youth, but upon entering Jingzhou alone and facing the harsh realities of political struggle, he had undergone some changes.
Fei Qian did not continue the topic. He had already explained his actions in Jingzhou clearly enough, and Cai Yong was wise enough to form his own judgment about Liu Biao.
Cai Yong consoled Fei Qian, saying, "Do not dwell on it, Ziyuan. With your talents, there will surely be another opportunity to serve the court. Given the current turbulence in the court and the countryside, maintaining a clear and tranquil mind is no small virtue."
Fei Qian was deeply moved. Cai Yong's attitude reminded him of a modern-day family member—when a child quits a job, instead of reproach, there is only comfort and encouragement.
Cai Yong then asked, "Where are you staying now? Your old residence has been unoccupied for some time and may no longer be habitable." Fei Qian's former home had been rather dilapidated, and after months of neglect, it was likely overgrown with weeds or even infested with pests, making it unsuitable for immediate living.
Fei Qian replied, "For now, I am staying at the Cui Estate north of the city."
"The Cui Estate north of the city? That of Cui Wei Kao?" After receiving Fei Qian's confirmation, Cai Yong nodded and advised, "Cui Wei Kao was once a renowned scholar of Ji Province, but he later engaged in the sale of official titles. Though he rose to the rank of one of the Three Excellencies, his reputation suffered greatly. Ziyuan, you must be cautious."
"Understood," Fei Qian acknowledged. The scholarly gentry often looked down upon merchants as vulgar and money-grubbing. Cai Yong was reminding Fei Qian that while staying at the Cui Estate was acceptable, he should avoid being influenced by the Cui family's mercantile tendencies, lest it tarnish his own reputation.
After a pause, Fei Qian carefully considered his words before speaking again. "There is something I do not fully understand, and I wish to seek your guidance, Master."
"Speak freely, Ziyuan."
"Recently, while reading the Zuo Zhuan, I came across the story of Jian Shu weeping for his son and the army. As he sent them off, he predicted: 'The men of Jin will surely waylay our army at Mount Xiao. Mount Xiao has two ridges. The southern ridge is the burial place of Xia Hou Gao, and the northern ridge is where King Wen once took shelter from the wind and rain. You will surely perish between them, and I will gather your bones there!' Later, the Qin army marched east and was utterly defeated. Does the world truly contain those who can foresee events with such divine accuracy?"
Jian Shu was a wise minister of the Spring and Autumn period. When Duke Mu of Qin sought to attack the State of Zheng, which required passing through Jin territory, he consulted Jian Shu, who opposed the campaign. Ignoring his advice, Duke Mu dispatched generals Meng Mingshi, Xi Qi Shu, and Bai Yi Bing to lead the expedition.
Jian Shu's son was among the troops. As he bade his son farewell, Jian Shu wept and said, "The Jin army will surely ambush you at Mount Xiao. You will die there, and I will collect your remains." The Qin army was indeed annihilated as predicted.
"Ziyuan, have you not heard the saying, 'Discard the supernatural and focus on the practical'? This was not prophecy, but the consequence of acting without righteousness…" Cai Yong trailed off, then pointed at Fei Qian and chuckled. "Ah, Ziyuan, are you using the Zuo Zhuan as an allegory? Speak plainly—who, in your view, is acting without righteousness?"
Fei Qian clasped his hands and said, "When men lack love, they cease to fear; when they cease to fear, their desires swell unchecked. Unrestrained desires lead to lawlessness. The chaos among the feudal lords in the Spring and Autumn period stemmed from their struggles for power. They exhausted every means at their disposal, yet still could not control their fates. Today, the strong prey upon the weak, and cruelty prevails. The mighty may fall in a day, while the weak may rise overnight. Strength is not eternal, nor is weakness perpetual. Neither side upholds true righteousness."
Fei Qian's meaning was clear: the current situation was heading down the same path as the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The so-called "righteousness" or "lack thereof" was merely an excuse used by those vying for power. Both sides placed their ambitions above the law, resorting to ruthless tactics. How could such behavior be considered righteous?
Moreover, the balance of power was still uncertain. The strong could be toppled in an instant, and the weak could suddenly rise. The situation was highly unstable.
After a long silence, Cai Yong said, "From your perspective… does this matter still hold room for change?"
Cai Yong did not criticize Fei Qian for including the eastern warlords among those "without righteousness." In Cai Yong's view, these regional rulers had mobilized troops beyond their jurisdictions without imperial decree. Even if their intentions were good, they had already disregarded the laws of the land.
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