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In the Han dynasty, forms of address were intricate and highly significant, far different from later eras. One could discern relationships and attitudes between individuals just from how they addressed each other.
For instance, Huang Cheng typically called Fei Qian "Fei Langjun," a term used within family or clan contexts, reserved for those like Huang Cheng and Huang Xu, who had familial ties to Fei Qian.
Of course, Huang Xu, like Du Yuan, sometimes addressed Fei Qian as "my lord" (zhugong), especially in formal settings, as his status was lower than Huang Cheng's, requiring a subordinate's etiquette.
Jia Qu, though he had pledged allegiance, still called Fei Qian "Lord Fei" (Fei Shijun), a neutral term that allowed flexibility. It could advance to "my lord" or retreat to a stranger's distance, aligning with the current situation.
Jia Qu's stance was clear: he would serve under Fei Qian for now, but if Fei Qian failed to achieve his goals within three years, it would be time to part ways…
Fei Qian didn't mind. He helped Jia Qu to his feet, a gesture signaling his acceptance of the terms. If he had been unwilling, he could have simply returned a half-courtesy, saying something like, "What merit have I to receive such a gesture?" and the matter would have been clear to all.
The position of Record Keeper was neither high nor low. For someone like Jia Qu, especially from a humble background, starting as a clerk would have been more typical, particularly at his age.
Indeed, Jia Qu had just turned sixteen. Perhaps due to malnutrition, he appeared slight and younger than his years. Fortunately, the Han dynasty had no concept of child labor…
With Du Yuan off to Beiqu to establish a base, no one was handling the army's logistics accounts. Jia Qu's arrival was perfectly timed to fill the gap.
"I have a junior fellow…" Now that Jia Qu was part of the team, Fei Qian spoke more casually, leading him toward the rear camp. "He's about five years younger than you… His mastery of classics, history, and philosophy surpasses mine. As for mathematics, let's just say he can calculate the weight of a single drop of water…"
"Five years younger… Stronger in classics, history, and philosophy… Can calculate the weight of a drop of water…"
Three consecutive blows left Jia Qu reeling, and he asked, somewhat defiantly, "May I ask, Lord Fei, the name of your junior fellow?"
Fei Qian chuckled. "His name is Pang Tong, styled Shiyuan, from Jingxiang. He's a relative of Lord Pang De of Jingxiang… Oh, I forgot to mention, I studied under Lord Pang De in Jingxiang, which is how we met…"
"Lord Pang De…" Jia Qu drew a sharp breath, glancing at Fei Qian before falling silent.
Fei Qian pretended not to notice, leading Jia Qu to the tent where Du Yuan had worked. Pointing to the desk, he said, "Liangdao, you'll work here. If you need anything, send someone to find me."
"Yes!" Jia Qu bowed respectfully and began diligently handling logistics matters.
Sometimes, people need to show off a bit. Staying too low-key for too long risks being overlooked.
Many, including Jia Qu, had only recently heard of Fei Qian, often knowing him solely as Cai Yong's disciple, unaware of the immense potential behind him.
Fei Qian's words to Jia Qu were deliberate. A northern master of classical studies combined with a southern literary giant wasn't a simple one-plus-one equation.
Had Cai Yong not died early in history, Zheng Xuan wouldn't have so easily inherited the mantle of northern classical scholarship.
Thus, Fei Qian's goal wasn't merely to secure Shang Commandery in three years—he aimed to build momentum within one!
To achieve this in such a short time, the only way was to employ a modern tactic: pulling off a grand scheme with no initial capital…
When Fei Qian returned to the front camp, Huang Cheng was waiting for him.
"All selected?" Fei Qian asked.
Huang Cheng nodded.
"Good! Let's move now!"
---
Anyi, despite its name suggesting peace, was destined to be anything but calm today.
A military column entered through the south gate. Though not large in number, their disciplined, uniform formation exuded the aura of thousands.
Banners fluttered fiercely in the air, stirring the hearts of onlookers; the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the long street resounded like war drums, pounding in everyone's chests…
Leading the way was a cavalry unit, stern and solemn, holding reins in their left hands and upright lances in their right. The polished spear tips gleamed under the sun, radiating an intimidating chill. At the junction of spearhead and shaft, tricolor cloth strips echoed the tricolor war banner raised high, dancing in the wind.
The warhorses, specially selected, were tall and robust, their muscles rippling with each step, exuding raw power. Coupled with the upright, gallant riders, they captivated the gazes of Anyi's populace the moment they appeared.
Many citizens called out to friends, spontaneously lining the streets, their eyes filled with awe and a sense of pride.
Look!
These are the mighty soldiers of our great Han!
Tsk, tsk, tsk…
Who leads these troops?
Have they returned victorious from some campaign?
The crowd buzzed with excited chatter.
On the city walls, the commandery guards craned their necks to look, then glanced down at their own wrinkled robes. They tugged at their clothes, wiped their grimy faces with equally grimy sleeves, and, finding it futile, shrank back in embarrassment…
Behind the imposing cavalry came a unit of infantry, fully armed, fierce in demeanor, marching in such perfect unison they seemed one. Their overwhelming presence suggested they could charge into battle at any moment, crushing any foe, no matter how formidable…
"That's Lord Fei's army, heading to reclaim Shang Commandery!"
"They're going to deal with the Xiongnu barbarians!"
"They're here to protect us!"
"These are the true elite soldiers of the Han!"
Wandering knights in the crowd, partly motivated by payment and partly by the genuine awe inspired by Fei Qian's formidable troops, shouted loudly, igniting the crowd's fervor.
"Lord Fei, mighty!"
"Long live the Han dynasty!"
Amid the crowd's waves of cheers, Wei Ji, his face darkening, descended from the Wei clan's watchtower, flicked his sleeves, and strode toward the inner hall, hands behind his back.
At nearly the same moment, Wang Yi, the Governor of Hedong Commandery, shook his head. Fei Qian's maneuver had caught him off guard…