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Liu Dai's shirking of responsibility left Fei Qian truly at a loss.
He had never imagined that Liu Dai, a member of the imperial clan, could be so opportunistic—eagerly grasping for advantages when they presented themselves, yet quick to push away obligations when there was nothing to gain.
In Fei Qian's mind, such a man should have been a figure of high standing. a pure-blooded descendant of the Han imperial family, a powerful regional warlord, one of the most prominent figures of the era. Yet, in reality, he was no different from the kind of corporate directors Fei Qian had encountered in his past life—those who rose to their positions through nepotism rather than merit.
To be fair, Liu Dai must have possessed some talent; otherwise, like those unqualified directors, he would never have been able to hold onto his position. But beneath the veneer of nobility and the trappings of ancient authority, he was the same as those modern opportunists—recognizing only profit, not principle.
These men were undeniably the elite of Han society, the so-called talented individuals who controlled vast resources. Yet, they lacked the moral character that should have accompanied such status.
Perhaps Kong Zhou and Liu Dai simply believed that without the actual authority of a coalition leader, there was no point in taking on the associated risks. It was a thankless task, offering no immediate benefits. But what about the future?
If Fei Qian hadn't still been planning to go to Luoyang, he might have actually stepped forward to take the oath himself. But if he did so, his plans would be completely ruined. Even if Dong Zhuo were the most patient of men, he would never allow someone who had openly declared opposition to him to roam freely within his domain. Thus, all of Fei Qian's previous schemes would become impossible.
Just as Fei Qian hesitated, Qiao Mao, the Governor of Dong Commandery, muttered under his breath, "Coward!" Though his voice was low, it was clearly audible to everyone present.
Naturally, Qiao Mao wasn't referring to Fei Qian, who had yet to declare his stance. The target of his insult was none other than Liu Dai, the Inspector of Yan Province.
The animosity between Qiao Mao and Liu Dai was well-known, but Qiao Mao's open contempt suggested that the conflicts and grudges between them had escalated far beyond what anyone had anticipated.
Liu Dai's face flushed with rage. He whirled toward Qiao Mao and barked, "State affairs demand solemnity! As a governor, you dare disregard propriety? You are utterly shameless, lacking even the most basic respect for hierarchy! Guards! Drive him out at once!" He immediately ordered his men to expel Qiao Mao from the altar. Were it not for the fact that the appointment of governors still technically required imperial approval, Liu Dai might have stripped Qiao Mao of his position on the spot.
Qiao Mao remained unfazed. With a cold sneer, he retorted, "What a fine 'member of the imperial clan' you are! When Dong Zhuo deposed the Emperor, you cowered and did nothing—such disloyalty! You flattered your way into high office—such dishonor! A man devoid of loyalty and honor dares to speak of propriety? Ridiculous!"
During Dong Zhuo's rise to power, Liu Dai had served as a Palace Attendant in the capital but had taken no action against the usurpation. Later, it was under Dong Zhuo's appointment that he became Inspector of Yan Province, replacing Qiao Mao's original position.
Thus, Qiao Mao's taunts struck a nerve. Liu Dai was so incensed he could barely contain himself, yet he could summon no rebuttal—because Qiao Mao's words were undeniably true. He could only shout for his men to seize Qiao Mao.
Kong Zhou and Zhang Miao quickly intervened, positioning themselves between the two men in an attempt to mediate. Most of their efforts, however, were directed at restraining Liu Dai, while Qiao Mao stood to the side, arms crossed, his mocking laughter never ceasing.
The more Qiao Mao laughed, the angrier Liu Dai became. He tried several times to charge at Qiao Mao, only to be held back by Zhang Miao. In his fury, he turned his verbal assault on Zhang Miao, even ordering him to help apprehend Qiao Mao—threatening to impeach both Qiao Mao and Zhang Miao if they refused.
After all, when Liu Dai had first arrived at Suanzao, Zhang Miao had played a trick on him. Now, Liu Dai seemed determined to settle all scores at once, as if he no longer cared about the consequences.
Zhang Miao endured the barrage of insults, his expression darkening. As the long-serving Governor of Chenliu, he had learned patience, but his brother, Zhang Chao, was far less restrained.
Zhang Chao, hot-tempered by nature, could not bear to see his elder brother treated with such disrespect. He stepped forward and shouted, "My brother respected you as a member of the imperial clan and supported you to lead the oath! Moreover, with the enemy at our gates, unity is paramount! He offered you goodwill, yet you repay him with abuse?!"
Mentioning Liu Dai's imperial lineage and the oath only poured oil on the fire. Liu Dai grew even more enraged. Hadn't this entire mess been started by Kong Zhou and Zhang Miao in the first place?
And now, they were pinning it all on him?
Liu Dai laughed bitterly and shot back, "Goodwill?! Your 'goodwill'?! Fine! Then I nominate you to take the oath in my stead—consider this my 'goodwill'! Do you dare accept?!"
Zhang Chao hesitated.
Seeing this, Liu Dai scoffed. "Quick with words, slow to act—what noble gentlemen you all are!"
Stung by the mockery, Zhang Chao clenched his teeth. "Fine! I'll take the oath! I'm no coward!" With that, he strode toward the altar.
But after only a few steps, he was pulled back by one of his subordinates—Zang Hong, the Merit Officer he had brought from Guangling.
The commotion below the altar had drawn the attention of not only Liu Dai's men but also the retinues of the other governors. Seeing the situation escalate, they had all moved closer.
Zang Hong had served under Zhang Chao for years, earning his deep trust. Many matters had been delegated to him, and Zhang Chao often followed his advice. Thus, Zang Hong regarded Zhang Chao as a wise and worthy lord. Seeing him provoked into taking the oath, Zang Hong acted swiftly.
Though he hadn't witnessed the beginning of the dispute, Zhang Chao had mentioned the recent events during their private conversations. Zang Hong knew that Yuan Shao was the true leader of the coalition and that this oath was merely being administered in his name.
As the one who had first persuaded Zhang Chao to raise arms against Dong Zhuo, Zang Hong had carefully weighed the pros and cons. Understanding the implications of the oath, he gripped Zhang Chao's sleeve and pleaded, "My lord, if you must take the oath, allow me to do so in your stead."
"Zang Hong, this is..."
Zang Hong lowered his voice. "Your status is too lofty to risk. I am of humble rank—it will make no difference."
After a moment of consideration, Zhang Chao nodded.
Thus, Zang Hong ascended the altar, lifted the ceremonial vessel, and swore the oath with blood.
"The Han Dynasty has suffered misfortune, its imperial order undone. The traitor Dong Zhuo has seized the moment to wreak havoc, bringing calamity upon the sovereign and torment upon the people. Fearing the collapse of our sacred state and the ruin of our land, we—Liu Dai, Inspector of Yan Province; Kong Zhou, Inspector of Yu Province; Zhang Miao, Governor of Chenliu; Qiao Mao, Governor of Dong Commandery; and Zhang Chao, Governor of Guangling—have gathered righteous armies to answer the call of our nation. Let all who share this alliance unite in purpose, striving with one heart to fulfill our duty as subjects. Should any betray this oath, may heaven and earth, our ancestors and the spirits, bear witness to their doom!"
Zang Hong's voice rang out, impassioned and resonant, carrying far across the gathering. Below the altar, the quarreling ceased. Every face was solemn, and by the oath's end, many were moved to tears.
Fei Qian couldn't help but think to himself. Every single one of them is an Oscar-worthy actor.