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Was Kong Zhou truly a suitable candidate?
Fei Qian didn't even need to think about it—of course not! If Kong Zhou had any real ability, he wouldn't have left no impression in Fei Qian's memory at all!
Yet now, he was actually being pushed as a candidate for alliance leader. What on earth was going on here?
From what Fei Qian recalled, it should have been Cao Cao who nominated Yuan Shao. Could it be that even this thick-browed, narrow-eyed fellow had agreed to support Kong Zhou?
Unable to resist, Fei Qian glanced toward Cao Cao, only to find him staring at the ground, lost in thought…
What did this mean?
Wasn't Cao Cao supposed to be a staunch supporter of Yuan Shao? Why was he staying silent now?
Had Cao Cao already struck a deal with Zhang Miao and was now echoing his opinion?
Was this really a good idea?
That said, if Kong Zhou became the alliance leader, the first person to object should be Liu Dai…
At that moment, Liu Dai, seated at the head of the assembly, was so furious he nearly ground his teeth to dust. His hands, hidden beneath the table, clutched his robes so tightly that no one could see them trembling…
Liu Dai had originally assumed that he would effortlessly become the alliance leader. After all, if Kong Zhou hadn't shown up, he would have been the highest-ranking official present. All he needed to do was pressure Zhang Miao, balancing favors and threats to bring him under control, and the position would naturally fall into his lap.
But now, a single misstep had led to total defeat…
Most people preferred to be leaders rather than subordinates, and Liu Dai was no exception. Especially since the position of supreme commander in Suanzao had been within his grasp—just one step away.
Yet now, that seemingly simple step had become an insurmountable chasm…
Just then, Yuan Yi, seated on the right, spoke up.
"Governor Kong of Yuzhou is knowledgeable, prudent, modest, and refined—truly a suitable candidate. However…"
Everyone knew that what came after "however" was the real point, so they all pricked up their ears to listen.
"...However, the position of alliance leader is of utmost importance. It requires strategic planning, allocation of funds, provisions, and troops. Only someone of high rank and immense prestige can shoulder such a responsibility. Therefore, I nominate the Marquis of Kangxiang, Yuan Benchu (Yuan Shao), for the role!"
Once Yuan Yi finished speaking, the room fell into silence.
Everyone knew that Yuan Yi was Yuan Shao's cousin. His appointment as the Grand Administrator of Shanyang was closely tied to this relationship, so of course he would speak in Yuan Shao's favor. But the problem was—Yuan Shao wasn't even in Suanzao yet!
If he had intended to come, he would have arrived long ago. Since he still hadn't shown up, it was likely he wouldn't be coming at all. So, was it really appropriate to elect an absent leader?
Yet no one dared to openly oppose the idea. After all, the Yuan family's influence was undeniable—their disciples and former subordinates spanned the empire. Even the Yang family of Hongnong paled in comparison…
Liu Dai of Yanzhou gritted his teeth and was the first to voice his support.
"Bo Ye's words are most reasonable! The Marquis of Kangxiang is heroic in bearing, generous in character, and skilled in strategy. His reputation spreads across the land, and his loyalty inspires all. Truly, there is no better candidate!"
Liu Dai's reasoning was simple. if he couldn't have the position, he didn't want anyone else to have it either. Yuan Shao was in Hebei, far from Suanzao. Even if he tried to control things remotely, the delays in communication would buy Liu Dai time to maneuver…
But if someone present—especially Kong Zhou—secured the position, Liu Dai would be bound by duty to follow Kong Zhou's orders. And who knew what kind of trouble Kong Zhou, who was clearly in cahoots with Zhang Miao, might cause for him?
So, even if he couldn't be the leader himself, he absolutely couldn't let someone from Kong Zhou and Zhang Miao's faction take the role!
Unfortunately, not everyone shared Liu Dai's perspective. Qiao Mao, the Grand Administrator of Dongjun, coldly interjected.
"The Yuan family has produced three dukes in four generations, and Yuan Benchu is not the only worthy member. The General of the Rear (Yuan Shu) is right at our doorstep. Why must we look so far afield? Moreover, military affairs are urgent—how can we afford delays in communication? I nominate the General of the Rear, Yuan Gonglu (Yuan Shu), as alliance leader!"
Kong Zhou's smile had frozen stiff, but he still forced himself to maintain it. His resentment toward Liu Dai was indescribable. Originally, among those present, Kong Zhou and Liu Dai held the highest ranks. If Liu Dai had just nodded in agreement, Kong Zhou's appointment as alliance leader would have been settled!
But now, even absent figures like Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were being proposed. Liu Dai, you absolute troublemaker—this is the kind of governance you bring to Yanzhou? These are the fine subordinates under your command as Inspector of Yanzhou!
Kong Zhou gave a dry chuckle and turned to Bao Xin, the Chancellor of Jibei, who was seated beside him.
"Does Yuncheng have any insights to share?"
Bao Xin laughed heartily and said.
"I am but a crude man, versed only in military matters and ignorant of politics. The Inspector and the esteemed gentlemen may discuss this—I will follow whatever is decided, haha…"
Well, Bao Xin had effectively abstained.
Still, given that Bao Xin had previously served in the central government under the Grand General, he was a senior official in his own right. Since he refused to take a stance, no one could pressure him.
When Kong Zhou's gaze shifted toward him, Fei Qian suddenly felt a sinking sensation in his chest…
Originally, Fei Qian had been enjoying the lively spectacle of this coalition meeting, observing the expressions of each person present. It was like watching a masterclass in maintaining a smile while engaging in ruthless scheming.
It was truly fascinating.
The intensity of the infighting was on par with the power struggles he had witnessed in corporate offices in his past life. The intricate web of relationships here—familial ties, hometown connections, official alliances, seniority dynamics—was just as convoluted as anything he'd seen before.
It was like a tangled spider's web—utterly chaotic but undeniably entertaining.
Just as Fei Qian was engrossed in the spectacle, he suddenly noticed Kong Zhou looking directly at him. His heart skipped a beat…
Hey!
I'm just here to observe, alright?!
Fei Qian desperately wanted to wave a flag declaring himself an irrelevant bystander, hoping the old man's failing eyesight would spare him…
He tried to convey this with his eyes, but whether his message was too intense or Kong Zhou simply didn't notice, the worst-case scenario unfolded—
Kong Zhou's lips parted, and Fei Qian heard him say in a slow, deliberate tone.
"Ziyuan is an envoy of Jingzhou, highly regarded by Governor Liu Biao. Moreover, he has studied under Cai Yong and Pang Degong, making him erudite, talented, and sharp-witted. Surely he must have valuable insights. Ziyuan, what do you think of this matter?"
I'm not Yuan Fang!
Fei Qian cursed inwardly. Kong Zhou was buttering him up for one reason—to force him to show support.
Under the collective gaze of the assembly, Fei Qian was caught completely off guard…
Damn that old man Kong! Who the hell am I supposed to endorse now?
Kong Zhou?
Yuan Shao?
Yuan Shu?
Or should he just throw the whole thing into chaos by nominating Cao Cao?