"Little brother, Yuan Shu and Xuande have fought several battles. If Yuan Shu becomes related by marriage to Lu Bu, Xiaopei will be in danger," Gan Qian said anxiously.
"Qian'er is right. I know you've never liked Xuande, but he is still your sister's husband. When the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact? Don't let your feelings get the better of you and give that girl reckless advice," Gan Ji added.
Lan Tian was taken aback. Was it really that obvious that he disliked Liu Bei? Even his adoptive father had noticed?
"Father, Elder Sister, don't worry. I'm certain this marriage with Yuan Shu won't happen," Lan Tian said firmly.
Gan Qian furrowed her delicate brows. "Don't be mysterious in front of your own family. Unless you explain exactly what you mean, I won't be able to put my mind at ease."
To reassure Gan Qian, Lan Tian ran through the history he knew in his mind, then said, "Elder Sister, since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the realm has been in chaos, with warlords rising everywhere. Why do you think Liu Xuande was able to become Governor of Xuzhou?"
"Of course it was because my husband's benevolence and righteousness were known throughout the land, and because he had saved Xuzhou. That was why Tao Gongzu sincerely yielded the position to him," Gan Qian replied.
Lan Tian suddenly shook his head. Gan Qian looked at him in confusion. "Was that not the reason?"
"It was, but it wasn't the whole story. Tao Gongzu was originally from Danyang Commandery. To win the people over when he came to serve as Governor of Xuzhou, he had to rely on the local powerful clans. The other warlords, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, did the same. In Xuzhou, the powerful clans were the Chen Family of Xiapi and the Mi Family of Donghai. If Tao Qian hadn't yielded the position to Liu Bei, Xuzhou would certainly have fallen into turmoil," Lan Tian explained.
The Eastern Han forbade people from serving as officials in their native region, especially as a province's governor or a commandery's administrator. While this system kept local powers from growing too strong, it also meant that many officials, newly arrived in their posts, had to rely on powerful local families to maintain their rule. As a result, governors and administrators had to share power with the local gentry and influential clans.
Gan Qian thought this made a lot of sense. Liu Bei had been on friendly terms with Chen Gui, the administrator of Pei, back when he was in Xiaopei. Could the Chen Family have been supporting her husband behind the scenes?
"Little brother, you're getting sidetracked. Even if my husband happened to become Governor of Xuzhou, what does that have to do with Lu Bu and Yuan Shu?" Gan Qian continued.
"There's no need to mention that the Mi Family has openly backed General Liu. Their influence in Xuzhou would never allow Lu Bu to grow powerful. The Chen Family of Xiapi is the other key player in this matter."
"You mean Chen Gui and the others? The Chen Family has ties to Xuande, but after Xuzhou changed hands, couldn't they choose to back Lu Bu?"
Lan Tian shook his head, thinking that Elder Sister Qian was looking at things too simply, then slowly explained, "The Chen Family isn't just a prominent clan in Xiapi. They wield considerable influence in both Xu and Yang Provinces. Chen Gui's cousin, Chen Yu, was once one of Yuan Shu's men."
"Ah? Then does that mean the Chen Family will do everything they can to arrange this marriage?" Gan Ji cut in.
"Father, don't worry. It's precisely because of Chen Yu that the Chen Family won't join forces with Yuan Shu. In the fourth year of Chuping, when Chen Wen, the governor of Yang Province, died, Yuan Shu appointed Chen Yu as governor and planned to seize Yang Province as a base for himself.
"Later, Yuan Shu was soundly defeated by Cao Cao and Yuan Shao at Kuangting. When he tried to head for Yang Province, Chen Yu betrayed him, leaving Yuan Shu no choice but to gather his forces and attack Shouchun. Seeing that Yuan Shu was still strong, Chen Yu then sent people to ask for peace, but Yuan Shu refused.
"Afraid Yuan Shu would strike at him, Chen Yu had no choice but to flee to Xiapi and take refuge with Chen Gui." Lan Tian pieced together the scattered fragments of history in his mind.
Gan Qian suddenly understood. "I had no idea the situation behind all this was so complicated."
Seeing that Gan Qian seemed to understand, Lan Tian finally let out a long breath. "Now you believe I wasn't just making things up, right?"
Gan Ji was slow to catch on. Scratching his head, he asked, "You keep bringing up Chen Gui and Chen Yu. What does any of this have to do with Lu Bu marrying off his daughter?"
Gan Qian smiled at the sight. "Father, in short, the Chen Family of Xiapi has a grudge against Yuan Shu. If Lu Bu really becomes related to Yuan Shu by marriage, they'll inevitably face Yuan Shu's reprisals. So the Chen Family will definitely stop Lu Bu from marrying off his daughter."
"So that's how it is? Then I'm relieved," Gan Ji said, only half understanding.
"Little brother, how do you know all this?" Gan Qian asked, catching on.
"Ahem. I read it in books," Lan Tian said. He hadn't expected his adoptive sister to be so perceptive.
Gan Qian looked puzzled. "I remember Uncle once gave you a copy of the Spring and Autumn Annals, but that's about the Zhou Dynasty. How could it possibly record events from the fourth year of Chuping?"
"The Spring and Autumn Annals is a history book that teaches people to understand reason and conduct themselves properly. I heard about the powerful families in Xuzhou from people chatting at the estate. Of course, I also drew my own conclusions."
After hearing that, Gan Qian didn't suspect anything. "Other people read books and see only what's written there. You can read a book and figure out all sorts of other things too, little brother. That's truly impressive."
Gan Ji stroked his beard and nodded. "I've always said that Tian'er is no ordinary child. He's destined to soar beyond the pond."
"Father, I'm worried about Xuande's daily needs, so I'm planning to return to Xiaopei tomorrow," Gan Qian said.
"Won't you stay a few more days? Xuande has taken a new wife. What is there to worry about?" Gan Ji said unhurriedly.
Gan Qian blushed. "Lady Mi was born into a wealthy family. How could she know how to look after a man and tend to his every need?"
The next day, Gan Qian returned to Xiaopei, taking with her the Spring and Autumn Annals Guan Yu had given Lan Tian.
When Guan Yu saw the bamboo slips, he asked in confusion, "Sister-in-law, what do you mean by this? I've never taken back anything I've given away."
"Please don't be upset, Uncle. My younger brother has finished reading it, so he asked me to return it to you," Gan Qian said.
With Liu Bei present, Guan Yu couldn't voice his opinion. Only after Gan Qian had left did he shake his head and sigh. "I thought Lan Tian was a promising lad. I never expected him to disappoint me so much."
"Second Brother, why do you say that? Hasn't he finished reading the Spring and Autumn Annals?" Liu Bei asked, baffled.
Guan Yu stroked his long beard. "How could he grasp the profound principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals in such a short time? I've traveled far and wide with you for many years, Elder Brother. You know that I still read it from time to time, and every time I do, I gain a new understanding."
Liu Bei smiled. "Lan Tian is still a child. His mind must be unsettled at his age. How could he understand the profound meaning behind Master Zuo's subtle words?"
"That child is clever enough. What a pity."
"He merely skimmed through it. Why should you sigh over it, Second Brother?"
Guan Yu nodded. "I know that. Still, I think Sister-in-law has the bearing of a principal wife. Elder Brother, you shouldn't leave her too neglected."
"Very well. I'll spend the night in her room," Liu Bei said.
That night, after finishing his military affairs, Liu Bei went to Gan Qian's room to sleep. Seeing her sitting at the bedside, lost in thought, he asked, "You've been staying at the estate for quite a while. Could it be that you resent me for taking another wife?"
"Whatever do you mean, my husband? How could I be such an unreasonable, jealous woman? My father missed his homeland, so I stayed a few extra days to keep him company," Gan Qian explained.
"Since it was to fulfill your filial duty, that was only right. I'm a little tired. Let's turn in early." Liu Bei took off his armor and robes by himself, then lay down first.
"My husband, have you heard that Yuan Shu of Huainan recently went to Xiapi to propose a marriage alliance with Lu Bu?" Gan Qian said softly, glancing at Liu Bei on the bed.
"Where did you hear that?" Liu Bei's sleepiness vanished at once, and he sat up.
"Yesterday, a servant came from Xiapi. They say the whole place is abuzz with the news," Gan Qian lied.
After hearing that, Liu Bei had no thought of sleep. He put on a thin robe and was about to head out.
"My husband, it's already late. Where are you going?" Gan Qian hurried after him and asked.
"I have something important to discuss with Yunchang. If you're tired, go to sleep first," Liu Bei said. Before the words had even left his mouth, he had disappeared through the doorway.
"Then I'll wait for you."
Before you continue