Chapter 3: Teaching the Brother-in-Law a Lesson!

“No way!”

“Though my younger brother is a rough man, he would never be so reckless as to commit the absurdity you described!”

Guan Yu’s voice was stern, his eyes full of doubt, and he immediately stepped forward to defend his brother.

Xiao Fang smiled lightly, saying no more, and rose to bow:

“I originally came with my wife’s brother to Xuzhou to pay respects to our ancestors. Passing through Xutai, out of admiration for Lord Liu’s benevolence, I came to offer some sound counsel.”

“Whether Lord Liu accepts it or not is of no consequence. I bid you farewell.”

With that, he turned to leave.

Suddenly, Liu Bei snapped back to his senses. Without hesitation, he hurried forward and stood before Xiao Fang, blocking his departure.

“Master Xiao, you have traveled a great distance as our guest, and you hold me in such regard. I am truly grateful.”

“Please stay in Xutai for a few days. I would like to extend my hospitality in return.”

Liu Bei bowed slightly, his face earnest as he urged him to stay.

Xiao Fang’s lips curved into a faint smile.

He had come all this way to Xutai precisely to secure a long-term position with Liu Bei. There was no way he would leave so easily.

Claiming he wanted to leave was simply a strategic retreat to force Liu Bei’s gracious invitation.

Those who come willingly are often taken for granted; those who are sought after with effort become treasures—such is human nature…

Just as he predicted, Liu Bei enthusiastically pressed him to stay.

Xiao Fang feigned modesty for a moment before accepting Liu Bei’s invitation to remain for a few days.

Liu Bei was delighted and immediately ordered his guards to prepare accommodations and arrange rest for Xiao Fang and his party.

Fifteen minutes later.

Xiao Fang sat poised in his room, surrounded by fine wine and exquisite dishes.

“The heavens and earth are vast, but eating is paramount.”

“Aliang, let’s begin!”

Without ceremony, Xiao Fang began to eat and drink with vigorous appetite.

Zhuge Liang held his bowl, yet hesitated to pick up his chopsticks.

“Brother-in-law, there is something I do not understand. I wonder if I should speak of it.”

“Where are you puzzled now?”

Xiao Fang put down his utensils and looked at Zhuge Liang.

“When we first met, Liu Xuande’s humility and approachability were indeed commendable.”

“Everything I have seen on this journey confirms that Liu’s reputation for benevolence is well-earned.”

“Yet, beyond his virtue, I feel that Liu Xuande is somewhat mediocre.”

“How can you be so sure he is the enlightened ruler who will restore order to this chaotic age and uphold the Han dynasty?”

Zhuge Liang voiced his doubts.

Xiao Fang was not surprised by his skepticism.

After all, he was still a youth.

For a young man in his prime to offer such an objective assessment of Liu Bei already showed the makings of a wise strategist.

But objectivity alone was not enough; it lacked depth.

“Aliang, let me ask you—what kind of lineage do Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Liu Biao come from?”

“And what about this Lord Liu?”

Xiao Fang set down his bowl, deciding to seize this opportunity for a lesson.

“Yuan Shao is a scion of a family that has held high office for four generations, renowned across the land.”

“Though Cao Cao’s pedigree is not quite on par with Yuan Shao’s, he is still from a scholarly family. His father was one of the wealthiest men in the realm, and the Cao and Xiahou clans are powerful local gentry.”

“Liu Biao is a recognized member of the Han royal clan, one of the ‘Eight Steeds,’ and a celebrated gentleman of great renown.”

Zhuge Liang recited their family backgrounds as if listing treasured scrolls, then shifted tone:

“As for Liu Xuande, though he claims royal blood, his status is far below that of Liu Biao, who is officially recognized by the court as a member of the imperial family.”

“His ancestors were minor officials who made a living weaving mats and selling shoes. Only by quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion did he earn a modest appointment as a county officer.”

“By this measure, Liu Xuande comes from humble origins, vastly inferior by birth to the likes of Yuan and Cao.”

Xiao Fang nodded slightly, then asked:

“Considering Liu Xuande’s background, how has he risen to govern a whole province, standing shoulder to shoulder with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in the struggle for supremacy?”

“Aliang, do you truly believe such a man is mediocre?”

Zhuge Liang’s body trembled; a sudden flash of insight dawned on his face.

A man who once wove mats and sold shoes, now able to compete with the likes of Yuan Shao—if that were mediocrity, then the whole world would be fools.

“Brother-in-law, your words make sense. In that light, Liu Xuande is not just unremarkable but a true hero!”

“My understanding of people is shallow. I need your guidance, brother-in-law.”

Zhuge Liang bowed humbly to Xiao Fang, seeking instruction.

“Some truths cannot be gleaned from books alone; they require ample experience. No rush—first, eat.”

Xiao Fang smiled and gestured with his chopsticks, urging him to eat.

Relieved of his doubts, Zhuge Liang realized his stomach was empty and eagerly resumed his meal.

Watching his brother-in-law devour his food, Xiao Fang sighed inwardly.

There were still things he could not yet reveal to Zhuge Liang—not even to his own wife, Zhuge Lan, who shared his pillow.

He had chosen to support Liu Bei not because others could not assist him, but because Liu’s temperament suited him better.

Now that Cao Cao had welcomed the emperor to Xuchang, the initial phase of his enterprise was over. His ranks were filled with strategists; all key positions were taken. Joining Cao Cao now would yield little reward.

Liu Bei was different. Even though he held the high office of Governor of Xuzhou, many great talents kept their distance; his advisers were of second or third rank, like Sun Qian and Jian Yong.

Coming to aid Liu Bei now was like lending a helping hand in a time of need.

Xiao Fang had come to claim the role of chief strategist!

Then there was temperament.

Cao Cao’s suspicious nature was unbearable.

Anyone who wanted to experience the peril of serving a ruler like a tiger could try it—but not Xiao Fang.

Liu Bei was different—he treated his ministers with genuine kindness.

Unless one deliberately courted disaster, Liu Bei’s blade would never fall upon you.

When Liu Bei entrusted Zhuge Liang with his son at Baidi, he said, “You may take him as you see fit.” No emperor in all history had shown such trust.

Working for a master like Liu Bei meant these eight words:

“Bask in the spring breeze, with peace of mind.”

By comparison, aiding Liu Bei offered both high rank and a peaceful retirement. Naturally, Xiao Fang chose him.

Of course, beyond mere pragmatism, personal sentiment played a part.

Liu Bei led a band of idealists, founding the romantically colored Shu Han dynasty, only to be crushed by harsh reality—a tragic chapter in history.

People need spirit, and Xiao Fang was no exception.

He yearned to rewrite this eternal regret, to help ideals triumph over reality, to restore the greatness of the Han!

But such secrets had to remain locked in his heart, not even shared with Zhuge Liang or his wife.

“Brother-in-law, there is another matter I cannot understand.”

“How did you deduce that Zhang Fei would, in drunken rage, lash Cao Bao? Such a detailed conjecture is simply astonishing.”

Zhuge Liang had only just taken a few bites when he looked up curiously at Xiao Fang.

“When you’re still growing, you should think less and eat more. Why so many questions? Now, eat!”

“Ah…”

At that moment,

In the main hall of the government office.

“Brother Xiao Fang’s background is unclear, yet he speaks startling words. I believe we should not trust him lightly,” Guan Yu said, watching Xiao Fang depart.

“Xiao Jinglue’s origins indeed seem suspicious.”

“His predictions are shocking and hard to believe.”

“Yet his assessments of Xuzhou’s situation and the difficulties we face are apt.”

“This shows he is no mere braggart but indeed a man of strategy.”

“If I could secure his counsel, it would be a stroke of fortune.”

Liu Bei admired Xiao Fang more than he doubted him.

Guan Yu frowned and sighed:

“Brother, you are always too trusting.”

“If Xiao Fang is truly a great talent, you should at least send someone to Xiapi to investigate.”

Before he finished speaking,

A guard rushed in, reporting that Zhang Fei had arrived in Xutai and was heading toward the government hall.

“Yide?”

Liu Bei and Guan Yu exclaimed in unison, their faces suddenly grim.

Zhang Fei guarded Xiapi—a responsibility immense.

Now, without any sign, he suddenly appeared in Xutai?

A wave of foreboding surged within them.

“Brother!”

“I have wronged you, I am guilty!”

Before they could react further, a burly man with a blackened face and thick beard burst into the hall, falling to his knees before Liu Bei.

“Yide, what is the meaning of this?” Liu Bei suppressed his shock and hurriedly supported Zhang Fei, questioning him.

Zhang Fei’s face was flushed with shame as he kowtowed, tears flowing as he cried:

“I am incompetent. I failed to guard Xiapi for you!”

“I lost Xiapi… I lost it!”