Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3667 A Deep Abyss Conceals a Hidden Dragon, A Towering Mountain Reveals Clear Vision

The summer breeze from the great river carries the scent of rising grass and trees.

The atmosphere was subtle in a manor near Mengjin.

Several core members of the Hanoi gentry, led by Liu Heng of the Liu family of Wen County, were led into the hall. Their faces were respectful, but their eyes held scrutiny and suspicion.

The news Cheng Yu had spread on Cao Cao's northern front had already reached the ears of the general Fei Qian, who was stationed in the heart of the He-Luo region and unable to attend to other matters. The person sent to Hanoi was merely a lookalike, a "stand-in" to stabilize morale!

Liu Heng and others were skeptical of this.

There were indeed rumors that Hanoi youths came to pay their respects but were not allowed to enter the hall; they were only seen from afar and that was it...

The hall was elegantly decorated, and several distinguished young men from Hanoi's aristocratic families, dressed in brocade robes, sat upright, their gazes occasionally drifting towards the head of the table. Today, under the guise of "rewarding the troops," their real purpose was to "verify their identities."

A man sat in the main seat, dressed in military uniform, whose facial features did indeed resemble the legendary Fei Qian by seven or eight points.

His expression was calm, his gaze indifferent, revealing little emotion.

Has the General of the Flying Cavalry truly left the heart of the Heluo region and ventured deep into the newly reconquered and still unsettled heartland of Hanoi? Liu Heng was quite skeptical, suspecting it was mostly a ruse by the General of the Flying Cavalry, sending a decoy to appease the people and deter the villains…

Such tricks really show that they don't take Hanoi's youth seriously?

"Greetings, General of the Cavalry."

Following proper etiquette, Liu Heng and the others introduced themselves by their own names and stepped forward to pay their respects.

There seemed to be no problem with etiquette.

The "General of the Cavalry" could even tell a few glorious stories about the ancestors of certain people based on their surnames, moving those guys to tears...

Liu Heng pondered to himself, "Well, if this really is a 'stand-in,' then it's no ordinary stand-in."

After all, most "stand-ins" are just for show; it's already quite an achievement if they can manage to be decent in terms of basic etiquette.

But a fake is still a fake!

Liu Heng coughed lightly, gestured to his companions with his eyes, then stepped forward with just the right amount of respect, cupping his hands in a bow. His tone rose slightly, seemingly carrying a subtle probing, "The 'General' patrols on behalf of Heaven, his might shaking the world. We scholars of Hanoi have long admired the 'General's' reputation; to have the honor of seeing his esteemed face today is truly a blessing beyond measure!"

Liu Heng deliberately emphasized the word "general," using it several times in one sentence, seemingly to indicate something, but also seemingly a very normal sentence structure.

Fei Qian, seated at the head of the table, smiled slightly. His smile was serene, yet it exuded a profound and dignified air. Meeting the scrutinizing gazes of the Hanoi youths, he spoke frankly: "You are all outstanding figures of Hanoi. At this turbulent time, your concern for your homeland and your efforts to ensure its stability is truly gratifying to me."

Did he really refer to himself as "this general"?
Liu Heng exchanged glances with the other Hanoi youths.

This "General" sounds, seems, almost, quite natural?
Liu Heng sneered inwardly, 'They're quite the actors!'

Liu Heng dislikes Cheng Yu.

Especially after Cheng Yu implemented a scorched-earth policy near Wen County, Liu Heng also suffered significant losses, but Liu Heng disliked being 'deceived' even more!
Just like sometimes when you know you're lying, but you still stare wide-eyed and say things like, "Whether you believe it or not, I believe it anyway," it's not only an insult to feelings, but also an insult to your personality and intelligence.

Insulting feelings is a sign of insufficient power, leaving one with no choice but to be bullied, but when it comes to personality and intelligence...

It's not a problem for the Hanoi youths to switch sides and pledge allegiance to the General, but expecting them to beg for a "substitute" is...

The way these flowers are being presented doesn't seem right either!
Therefore, Liu Heng decided to go a step further and directly test the strengths and weaknesses of this 'stand-in' using classical allusions...

Of course, this was also a test of the true General of the Cavalry's attitude towards the Hanoi gentry.

Liu Heng cupped his hands and said, "General, your talent and strategy are truly remarkable, sweeping away all rivals. You are indeed a wise ruler of the past. However… I am unworthy, and there is something I do not understand. I would like to ask you, General, if that is permissible?"

"Speak freely." Fei Qian picked up his teacup, his demeanor calm and composed.

"In the past, Duke Huan of Qi convened a meeting of the feudal lords and unified the world. However, the foundation of his hegemony lay in respecting the Zhou king, repelling the barbarians, and heavily relying on Guan Zhong. Guan Zhong was a virtuous prime minister of Qi, yet in his early years, he had shot an arrow at Duke Huan's belt hook, making them enemies." Liu Heng's gaze was intense as he stared intently at Fei Qian. "Duke Huan disregarded past grievances and entrusted him with the affairs of state, ultimately achieving hegemony. I am foolish and dare to ask the general, if any member of the gentry in Hanoi had been forced by circumstances, or if any of their relatives or friends had served in Cao Cao's camp… would the general treat them as Duke Huan treated Guan Zhong? Or… would he not tolerate any disloyalty?"

This is an extremely tricky question!
On the surface, it seems to be just a test of whether Fei Qian is truly tolerant enough to accept the Hanoi gentry with a "criminal record," but in reality, it hides a deeper meaning!
If the "stand-in" is just a facade, even if one only understands the story of Duke Huan of Qi, one may not be able to perceive the deeper meaning hidden beneath the story by Liu Heng!
More importantly, this story involves the imperial art of recognizing and employing talent, and the principle of not holding grudges. Could a "stand-in" answer it flawlessly?
The other aristocratic youths in the hall held their breath, waiting for the "General of the Cavalry's" reaction.

Fei Qian set down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his eyes seemingly able to see into the depths of their anxieties. He didn't answer directly, but instead quoted a classical allusion: "The question posed by Liu Lang demonstrates his profound understanding of governance. However, this general is reminded of something else."

His voice was steady, carrying an undeniable authority: "I have heard that Duke Xiao of Qin desired to reform and strengthen Qin, and was eager to find talented individuals. When Wei Yang entered Qin, he first offered the ways of the emperor and the way of the king, but Duke Xiao was drowsy; then he offered the way of the hegemon, and Duke Xiao was moved; but when he offered the 'method of strengthening the state'—enriching the country, strengthening the army, and establishing the state through agriculture and warfare—Duke Xiao was overjoyed, and talked with Wei Yang tirelessly for three days. He then entrusted him with important responsibilities, and the reforms were undertaken to strengthen the state."

"The way of the 'emperor' is not without merit; it is simply that it was not the right time to employ it!"

Fei Qian paused, his gaze sharpening. "My heart is like that of Duke Xiao! What I value is not empty fame, old grudges, or social status. What I value is solely 'practicality'! First, 'sincerity'—do I genuinely agree with the Qinglong Temple's doctrines of 'seeking truth and righteousness' and 'putting the people first'? Second, 'real talent'—do I possess the genuine ability to govern the world, benefit the people, and enrich the nation? Third, 'practical action'—do I have the down-to-earth ambition to contribute to the prosperity of China?"

At this point, Fei Qian leaned forward slightly, his imposing aura radiating authority. "If any member of the Hanoi gentry possesses these three 'truths,' regardless of past transgressions, as long as they sincerely submit and diligently serve, I will regard them as my limbs and rely on them as I would a Great Wall! This is not the 'tolerance' of Duke Huan, but the 'seeking truth' of Duke Xiao! As for the rest…"

Fei Qian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly put it down. "If one's mind is biased, abandoning the righteous path for a cunning one, how can one be of any use?"

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but take a sip of the donkey meat sandwich.

This response was full of quotations, sharp and confrontational, powerful and ambitious!

Not only did it perfectly respond to Liu Heng's probing, but it also clearly outlined the criteria for selecting talent for the Flying Cavalry and Fei Qian's own political ambitions. In particular, elevating "tolerance" to the level of "pragmatism," emphasizing substantial contributions rather than simple forgiveness, far exceeded Liu Heng's expectations!
More importantly, Fei Qian not only answered the so-called "employment" question on the surface, but also answered Liu Heng's hidden question about the "respect for the king and expulsion of barbarians" policy!

Fei Qian stated that the "way of the emperor" is not bad, but it cannot be used at the moment because the time is not right!

Liu Heng and the others were all deeply shocked!

That composure, that insight, that effortless ease with which he quotes classical texts…

This is something that a mere "stand-in" could never possess!

They exchanged surprised and uncertain glances.

"Young man, I have another question..." Liu Heng cleared his throat and posed a question involving delicate political ethics: "In the past, Duke Zhuang of Zheng defeated Duan at Yan. His mother, Wu Jiang, favored her uncle Duan, so Duke Zhuang exiled her to Chengying, vowing, 'I will not see you again until I reach the Yellow Springs!' Later, Ying Kao Shu suggested, 'Dig a tunnel to the spring, so they can meet again,' and mother and son reconciled. May I ask, General, was Duke Zhuang's action filial piety? Or not? Was Ying Kao Shu's advice proper etiquette? Or was it a perfunctory and improper measure?"

This question seems "simple," after all, it's from the Spring and Autumn Period, and this is the opening chapter. To say you haven't read it is an insult to your intelligence. However, upon closer examination, Liu Heng's question is extremely tricky. It involves both the fundamental ethics of "filial piety," namely, whether Duke Zhuang of Zheng was unfilial for imprisoning his mother, and the implementation and adaptation of ritual law, namely, whether digging a tunnel to see his mother was in accordance with ritual.
There are even several other layers of meaning hidden beneath the surface...

Who is "Duke Zheng", who is "Uncle Duan", and who is "Wu Jiang"?
Duke Zheng won, and Uncle Duan died. Perhaps he deserved it, or perhaps it's a matter of the victor taking all; there's not much to say. But what about Wu Jiang? Should she be buried alive? Imprisoned? Or perhaps…

Moreover, if Ying Kao Shu were to offer advice, would Zheng Gong be willing to listen?
All of these points require a profound understanding of the Zuo Zhuan and the social and cultural context of the time; only someone with such a deep understanding could provide a convincing and original answer… All the Hanoi gentry members in the hall held their breath, awaiting the reply from this 'stand-in'—

Or rather, at this moment, Liu Heng and other Hanoi youths have basically come to believe that this cavalry commander is not a 'substitute,' but the 'real one'!

That's why Liu Heng asked a second question, a question that was almost "openly stated," rather than trying to find a small, obscure detail in the Spring and Autumn Annals to test the "stand-in's" familiarity with it. After all, most people know that Fei Qian studied the Zuo Zhuan (a commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals)...

Fei Qian's analysis of this story, and his definitions and answers regarding "loyalty and filial piety" and "propriety and law," will determine their subsequent attitude towards the Flying Cavalry and their future.

Upon hearing this, General Fei Qian, seated at the head of the table, seemed to let out a faint smile. It wasn't a mocking smile, but rather a knowing understanding of the questioner's intentions.

He didn't rush to answer, but slowly nodded, seemingly approving of Liu Heng's question, or perhaps pondering how to respond...

Liu Heng and the others held their breath in anticipation.

"Master Liu's question touches upon the very foundations of propriety, law, and human relations, demonstrating profound thought. However, upon examining these events from the Spring and Autumn period, I also have three questions."

Fei Qian's voice was not loud, but every word was clear and carried an undeniable penetrating power.

Question 1: As the Empress Dowager, Wu Jiang plotted to depose the eldest son and install a younger one in order to seize the throne due to personal affection, and even intended to help her younger son seize the throne and murder his brother. Can her actions be described as those of a "benevolent mother"? Is her heart worthy of the dignity of "Empress Dowager"?

Second question: As the ruler, Duke Zhuang initially endured and did not act, waiting until his brother Duan's wickedness had reached its peak before eliminating him in one fell swoop. Was this "nurturing evil," or was it "bearing humiliation and hardship" to rid the state of a scourge?

Three questions: Ying Kao Shu's remonstrance, seemingly fulfilling the bond between mother and son, yet using the cunning tactic of "digging to find a spring" to circumvent the vow of "not reaching the Yellow Springs," is this "wisdom"? Is it "cleverness"? Or is it... a desecration of the true meaning of "faith" and "propriety"?

The three rhetorical questions, like three thunderclaps, shattered the preconceived notions of Liu Heng and the others!

This is by no means a rote explanation, but rather a profound analysis that directly addresses the core contradictions of the event, the motives of the characters, the legitimacy of their actions, and the essence of etiquette and law!

The third question, in particular, is a truly revolutionary rhetorical question!

After all, most of the classical scholarship traditions say that Ying Kao Shu was right, saying that this guy was not only a filial son himself, but he could also extend the practice of filial piety to Duke Zheng, so that Duke Zheng would also fulfill the virtue of filial piety, and so on...

However, there are no detailed records to prove whether Ying Kao Shu was "filial" or "unfilial".

Ying Kao Shu was a scholar, not a member of the aristocracy or royal family. So what was his purpose in advising the Duke of Zheng? Was it really just for the sake of filial piety?
After advising Duke Zhuang of Zheng, Ying Kao Shu was promoted from a minor border official, "Yinggu Fengren," to "Daifu" and put to official use. However, historical records only mention two events: first, advising Duke Zhuang to dig a spring to see his mother; and second, the dispute over the worm-head bow. How long was the interval between these two events? Approximately ten years. During those ten years, Zheng fought against Wei, Song, Chen, and Cai, inflicting a major defeat on the Northern Rong. Did Ying Kao Shu's name appear in any of these battles? No.

Therefore, Fei Qian's current views, from the "Queen Mother" to the "Duke of Zheng" and then to "Ying Kao Shu," especially his questioning of Ying Kao Shu's "deceitful methods" while adhering to "propriety," were so sharp and insightful that they completely exceeded Liu Heng's expectations!

Liu Heng swallowed hard, his heart pounding. This level of knowledge...

This is something that a mere "stand-in" could not achieve!

The man before us must be none other than the General of the Cavalry!
As this viewpoint became established, Liu Heng increasingly felt an invisible pressure emanating from the General of the Cavalry, pressing heavily on his head and shoulders, causing him to break out in a sweat. He began to quickly recall whether he had been disrespectful or improper in his etiquette when he had just paid his respects to the General of the Cavalry...

Liu Heng suppressed his shock, "Then...may I ask the General, if...if you grant me your opinion, how should this matter be resolved?"

Fei Qian's gaze was profound, as if piercing through the dust of history. "Duke Zhuang's predicament was not merely a matter of human relations, but a conflict between royal power and private interests, between national law and personal feelings. His imprisonment of his mother was punishment for her crime of disrupting the state, not a severing of the bond between mother and son. Ying Kao Shu's remonstrance, seemingly satisfactory, actually blurred the lines between right and wrong. This general believes that the solution to this predicament lies in 'clarifying the law' and 'fully considering personal feelings'!"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a pioneering spirit: "If, under my rule, the Queen Mother were to commit such a rebellious act, she should first be punished according to the law to serve as a warning to others! Afterwards, if Duke Zhuang still harbors affection for his daughter, he may, outside the law, provide her with a quiet room to live out her remaining years in peace. This is 'the law does not tolerate sentiment, but sentiment does not override the law!' Why imitate those who 'dig the ground to find a spring,' engaging in self-deception and leaving only future controversies?"

The law is impartial, but sentiment cannot override the law!
This term, which is quite common in later generations, was rarely mentioned in the Han Dynasty.

After all, during the three or four hundred years of the Han Dynasty, "concealing the faults of one's relatives" was the politically correct approach.

Fei Qian completely broke free from the traditional Confucian framework regarding "filial piety" and "propriety," offering a refreshing yet reasonable solution through clear legal thinking and pragmatic humanistic considerations.

Liu Heng and the others exchanged bewildered glances.

Such vision, such boldness, such insight...

This is hardly a stand-in!

This is clearly a visionary and innovative leader!
The doubts and reserve on Liu Heng and the others' faces were instantly replaced by extreme shock and awe!

They looked at each other, and each saw an incredulous glint in the other's eyes...

The message Cheng Yu sent was fake!
The man before me possesses a magnanimous demeanor, cites classical texts with remarkable familiarity, analyzes historical events with penetrating insight, and also displays the ambition to create new theories…

Besides General Fei Qian himself, who else could possess such charisma?!

*Thump!*

Liu Heng had no more doubts. Trembling with excitement, he was the first to rise from his seat and prostrate himself deeply on the ground. His voice was filled with unprecedented reverence and excitement: "Great General! A true…a true deity has descended to earth! I was arrogant, deceived by treacherous men, and presumptuously presumed to know the Emperor's face! General, your knowledge is as vast as the sea, your heart as boundless as the sky, and you possess the grand ambition to reform and innovate… The Liu family of Hanoi is willing to follow you wholeheartedly, serving you with utmost loyalty! We would gladly give our lives for you!"

The other Hanoi gentry youths who had come with him also knelt down, shouting in unison with heartfelt admiration, "We are willing to follow the General of the Flying Cavalry!"

Fei Qian rose, personally helping Liu Heng to his feet, then gesturing for the others to rise as well. Smiling, he said, "Please rise, everyone… Hanoi is the heart of Chinese culture, and I place high hopes on it. I hope you will all uphold the principles of 'Three Realities,' overcome adversity and follow the right path, work together for this great undertaking, and revive the Han Dynasty for China and its people!"

These seemingly casual words, however, sounded like a thousand pounds to Liu Heng and the others.

Fei Qian did not linger. After offering a few words of gentle encouragement, he said, "Originally, I should have hosted a welcome banquet for you all, but this general is truly burdened with military affairs and needs to inspect other places. It will have to wait until next time… Regarding the affairs of Hanoi, all of you talented individuals should work together with one heart and one mind, and live up to the expectations of your hometown."

Liu Heng and the others couldn't say anything, of course, since they weren't short of food. They hadn't come to see the General of Chariots and Cavalry today just for a meal, so they naturally said that military affairs were more important, and so on...

Liu Heng and the others respectfully escorted Fei Qian to the manor gate, watching him mount his horse and admire his imposing figure in the afterglow of the setting sun.

The sound of horses' hooves rose, and the group quickly disappeared into the dust.

"General... truly a dragon whose head is seen but not its tail!"

After a long while, a member of a noble family gazed at the smoke and dust in the distance and murmured.

Liu Heng stood there blankly, his heart surging with emotion, unable to calm down for a long time.

Suddenly, he remembered the rumors about the 'stand-in' that Cheng Yu had spread, and a nameless anger rose up within him!

Damn it, if I hadn't made this trip myself, I might have been fooled by this old bastard!

Liu Heng turned around, looked at the other Hanoi gentry, and a cold smile appeared on his face. "Gentlemen, gentlemen! Do you remember the words of that old scoundrel Cheng Yu?!"