In Chinese history, the era of the Three Kingdoms, with its division of power among numerous warlords, was an age filled with strategies and intrigues. Among these, the event of Liu Biao sheltering Liu Bei has always been a focal point for later generations to discuss. Why did Liu Biao, as the governor of Jingzhou, decide to shelter Liu Bei, who was also a descendant of the Han Dynasty and possessed ambitious aspirations? Did he not fear that Liu Bei would become a threat to him?

Firstly, we need to understand the situation at that time. Although Liu Biao controlled the prosperous Jingzhou, he was surrounded by powerful enemies, especially the formidable Cao Cao forces from the north, who were eyeing Jingzhou greedily. Against this backdrop, Liu Biao needed to find allies and reinforcements to consolidate his position. Liu Bei, as a prestigious descendant of the Han Dynasty and a general with a certain military strength, naturally became a target for Liu Biao's consideration.

Secondly, Liu Biao's decision to shelter Liu Bei also had political considerations. By accepting Liu Bei, Liu Biao could demonstrate his generosity and inclusiveness to other forces, while also utilizing Liu Bei's influence to enhance his own reputation. Additionally, Liu Biao may have hoped to incorporate Liu Bei into his sphere of influence by sheltering him, thereby weakening Liu Bei's independence and threat.

However, Liu Biao's suspicions and defenses towards Liu Bei also existed. While sheltering Liu Bei, Liu Biao did not grant him excessive power or territory, instead allowing him to station himself in a small place like Xinye. This indicates that while Liu Biao accepted Liu Bei, he was also secretly restricting his development to prevent him from becoming a competitor.

Furthermore, historical records mention that Liu Biao's advisor Kuai Yue once advised him not to shelter Liu Bei, believing that Liu Bei possessed "great talents and strategies" and could become a threat to Jingzhou. This also reflects that Liu Biao had concerns when sheltering Liu Bei.

In conclusion, Liu Biao's decision to shelter Liu Bei was a complex one, involving both strategic considerations and political intentions, as well as vigilance and defenses against Liu Bei's potential threats. This event reflects the subtle power balance and mutual rivalry between the various warlords during the Three Kingdoms period. Through analyzing this historical event, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political complexity and the multifaceted character of individuals during that era.

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