章節 341: 328. Liu Bei's Political Manuver
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In response to the protests from Cai Mao's adversaries, Liu Biao, incensed by their audacity, delivered swift and severe punishments, effectively quelling the dissent and solidifying Cai Mao's standing within the province. This turn of events bolstered the power and influence of the Cai Clan, securing their position as a formidable force under Liu Biao's rule.
The rising influence of the Cai Clan was something Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang didn't expect, they forgot about the singular variable which was Lady Cai, and in turn, caused them to be caught off guard.
Realizing their blunder, Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang halted their preparation for their next move where they would overthrow some of the Cai Clan's enterprises and take them over as their own, reducing their power and influence in Jing Province.
Since they failed, they stopped and in turn gave some concessions to Cai Mao and the Cai Clan, to appease them and extricate the Kuai Clan from the Cai Clan's rage, not wanting to be like the other Clans that couldn't read the situation.
Acknowledging the concessions offered by Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang, Cai Mao decided to accept their tribute and refrain from implicating the Kuai Clan in any further disputes.
Despite his lingering anger towards them, Cai Mao recognized the wisdom in not escalating the conflict further, especially considering the Kuai Clan's longstanding influence and connections within Jing Province.
Though the Cai Clan had risen to prominence under Liu Biao's rule, the Kuai Clan remained a formidable force in the region.
Led by figures like Kuai Liang, who held sway as leaders among the Jing Province gentry and scholars, the Kuai Clan commanded respect and influence that extended far beyond their own holdings.
Understanding the delicate balance of power within Jing Province, Cai Mao chose to tread carefully, preserving the stability of his own clan while maintaining a wary but cautious relationship with the Kuai Clan.
As the news of Cai Mao's defeat and the fall of Jiangxia reached Liu Bei's ears in Xinye, a sense of restlessness settled over him. Sensing the shifting tides of opportunity in the wake of Liu Biao's setback, Liu Bei wasted no time in convening an emergency meeting with his trusted advisors, Ju Shou and Wang Xiu.
Gathering in Liu Bei's chamber, the three men exchanged grave looks as they contemplated the implications of the recent developments.
For Liu Bei, the fall of Jiangxia, and the weakening of Liu Biao's position presented a potential opening, a chance to expand his own influence on Jing Province and even swallow it as a whole to become his domain.
Liu Bei: "Master Ju Shou and Master Wang Xiu, I'm sure you have received the news about Liu Biao's defeat against the Sun Clan and Jiangxia's fall to Lie Fan's hand, I think this is the perfect chance for us to start our plan right?"
Ju Shou: "Yes My Lord, since My Lorf have done great work in appeasing Liu Qi and Liu Pan, I think this is the perfect time for My Lord to head to Xiangyang to signal the people who promised to join My Lord's side."
Wang Xiu: "Just like what Master Ju Shou said, My Lord, My Lord will be accompanied by Master Ju Shou to Xiangyang so rest easy for the negotiation matter, but I think there's a perfect chance to sway a powerful clan in Xiangyang."
Liu Bei: "Oh? Which clan is it? I think it wouldn't be the Cai Clan because they have put all of their eggs into Liu Biao's basket, is it the Kuai Clan? If it's them, I don't think they would agree."
Ju Shou: "That may have been true in the past My Lord, at least without Liu Biao's truly defeated there is a low chance they will be swayed, but now due to their blunder they have offended the Cai Clan and an extent Liu Biao so there's a chance for us to sway them."
Liu Bei: "I see, if what the two of you said is true then we truly need to sway them to our side, with the Kuai Clan joining us, we could convince more clans to join us at least in Xiangyang."
Both Ju Shou and Wang Xiu nod their head, showing their agreement with Liu Bei's statement. Ju Shou then told Liu Bei it was better for him to head to Xiangyang as soon as possible because this was the best chance for Liu Bei to grasp.
Wang Xiu supported the idea and Liu Bei who has to hide his excitement can't contain it anymore, and hurriedly agree with Ju Shou and Wang Xiu's statement, causing both of them to be a little surprised but just thought of it as Liu Bei can't wait to help Liu Qi.
With resolve firm in his heart, Liu Bei dismissed Ju Shou and Wang Xiu, his mind already set on the path ahead. Exiting his chamber, he sought out Liu Qi and Liu Pan, eager to share his decision with them.
Upon hearing Liu Bei's plan to journey to Xiangyang in the coming days to meet with Liu Biao, Liu Qi, and Liu Pan were deeply moved by Liu Bei's consideration and care for Liu Qi.
Expressing his gratitude, Liu Qi granted his permission for Liu Bei to pursue this endeavor, though he couldn't help but hint at his own reservations about inheriting his father's position. Yet, Liu Bei, ever the astute politician, chose to ignore the implication, focusing instead on the opportunity that lay ahead.
As Liu Bei's mind buzzed with anticipation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of what lay ahead, the chance of finally having his own domain once again and not living under anyone's whims or rule.
Prepared and resolute, Liu Bei, accompanied by Ju Shou and Guan Yu along with 5,000 men, embarked on his journey to Xiangyang after days of meticulous planning and anticipation.
Their journey spanned over a week and a half, traversing the terrain until finally reaching their destination. As they arrived in Xiangyang, they were greeted by a welcoming party of officials who stood in support of Liu Bei's cause, having been informed in advance of his impending arrival.
However, Liu Bei's presence did not go unnoticed by the key players in the region. Liu Biao perceived it as a friendly visit, assuming Liu Bei sought nothing more than a casual conversation.
In contrast, the Cai Clan suspected ulterior motives, viewing Liu Bei's arrival with skepticism and concern, particularly regarding his potential support for Liu Qi. Meanwhile, the Kuai Clan, with their keen awareness of local politics, had their own theories about Liu Bei's intentions, sensing the subtle movements of his underground activities.
Upon their arrival at the Governor's Castle, Liu Bei engaged in a candid conversation with Liu Biao about the challenges facing Jing Province, particularly in light of recent setbacks against Lie Fan and Sun Jian.
Liu Biao expressed a mixture of frustration and disappointment over the incompetence of his forces and the betrayal of Huang Zu at Jiangxia. However, keen to maintain a semblance of optimism, Liu Biao swiftly shifted the conversation to lighter topics.
Following their meeting with Liu Biao, Liu Bei and his companions retired to an inn they had booked for the day, allowing them a much needed respite after their journey from Xinye.
The following day, Liu Bei, accompanied by Ju Shou and Guan Yu, paid a visit to the residence of the Kuai Clan. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by both Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue, who greeted them with open arms and wanted to hear the purpose of their visit.
As Liu Bei, Ju Shou, and Guan Yu engaged in conversation with Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue, the two brothers couldn't help but entertain their own speculations regarding Liu Bei's sudden visit.
Privy to certain underground movements and political maneuvers, they harbored their own thoughts about Liu Bei's potential aspirations and potential.
However, mindful of the delicate balance of power within Jing Province and the potential consequences of their actions, Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue chose to keep their suspicions to themselves, opting not to report their insights to Liu Biao or the Cai Clan.
Instead, they maintained a cautious approach, seeking to ensure they had an escape route should anything go awry or not as they planned.
In their minds, Liu Bei emerged as a compelling candidate to assume leadership within the region, far more capable than the current heirs, Liu Qi and Liu Cong. They foresaw a future where Liu Qi and Liu Cong would serve merely as figureheads, puppets manipulated by either the Cai Clan or the broader nobility of Jing Province.
Conversely, Liu Bei possessed the potential to exert genuine authority, offering a glimmer of hope for stability and effective governance in the turbulent Jing Province, especially facing threats from North, South, and East.
Liu Bei: "I think it's time for us to enter the main topic shall we, from our previous conversations I think both Master Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue have known the purpose of my visit."
Kuai Liang: "Of Course Lord Liu Bei, while your movement was very covert it doesn't mean will escape any eyes, yes you can escape Lord Liu Biao and Cai Clan's eyes, but not us who are entrenched longer in Jing Province than the two of them."
Kuai Yue: "Just like what my older brother has just said, we have speculated and more or less know about Lord Liu Bei's intention to visit us, so what we wanted to ask is what does Lord Liu Bei offer to us in exchange for our support?"
Ju Shou: "Master Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue, My Lord offer the Kuai Clan the true undisputed number one clan in Jing Province, no maybe even the entirety of Southern China, and an oath that he would always ask for your advice in important decisions."
Kuai Liang: "This is almost the same as what Lord Liu Biao offered to us previously, but he absolved all those promises after marrying Lady Cai, so we don't just want words but actions to prove that Lord Liu Bei is telling the truth."
Liu Bei: "I promise that I will do the action, I hope that Master Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue will support me, as I will try to push for Liu Qi's inheritance and have it passed on to me in any way whatsoever, especially since now Brother Liu Biao was in a delicate situation."
Both Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang were surprised by the statement that came out of Liu Bei's mouth, they didn't expect Liu Bei and his advisors to have thought of their plan to such a degree, which shows the preparation they have and increased their confidence in throwing their support to Liu Bei and put their eggs on his basket, because at least this shows that Liu Bei has the ambition and daringness to do something, unlike Liu Biao who just sit in Jing Province.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 29 (196 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 2,462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,071,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 93
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
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