Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

On the main road between Qingzhou and Yanzhou, a long dragon-like column was slowly making its way towards Qingzhou. This was Liu Bei’s army sent to suppress the Yellow Turbans.

With Chen Xi as the main commander and Fa Zheng as the strategist, the army boasted deputy generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Tai Shi Ci, forming a luxurious force of thirty thousand mixed infantry and cavalry. However, at present, only deputy general Sun Guan and the five thousand infantry prepared for Tai Shi Ci were marching on this road.

”Why do you insist on riding in a carriage if you don’t want to ride a horse? Why push it onto me?” Fa Zheng complained from inside the carriage.

”Falling off a horse and dying isn’t uncommon, and don’t you find sitting in a carriage much safer?” Chen Xi argued with a smile, though he couldn’t say he actually remembered how to ride a horse since he had never truly ridden one before.

”Hmph!” Fa Zheng turned his head in annoyance. ”And soldiers should move quickly. Is it really alright for us to march so slowly?” Fa Zheng pointed outside the carriage at the long column of troops, expressing his dissatisfaction.

”I’m afraid of dying, so even if we’re walking on the main road, I’ve sent out scouts ahead. Besides, moving quickly only makes sense if it changes the situation. Otherwise, it’s better to maintain the soldiers’ stamina to handle unexpected events.” Chen Xi replied nonchalantly.

”No wonder you positioned the sword and shield soldiers on the flanks, with the spearmen in the middle among the archers and sword and shield soldiers. Still, the formation seems a bit too long.” Fa Zheng nodded in agreement.

”I’ve placed the most mobile cavalry at the front and back. If anyone tries to cut through the middle, I don’t mind encircling and annihilating them.” Chen Xi said indifferently, ”I’m not good at commanding troops, but I know how to respond. So my role as the commander, apart from providing authority, is similar to yours.”

Fa Zheng felt helpless. During his half-year stay in Taishan, he witnessed Chen Xi’s capabilities. Although Chen Xi didn’t seem particularly diligent, always delegating tasks to others, Taishan was well-governed under his administration. The population was increasing, agriculture and commerce were flourishing, and the treasury showed no signs of depletion. Even a rebellious Fa Zheng had to admit Chen Xi was quite capable.Now that Chen Xi claimed their roles were similar, Fa Zheng felt immense pressure. Before leaving Fenggao, he thought he had escaped the clutches of a manipulator, only to find himself in another’s grasp, with a different person directing him.

Though Fa Zheng didn’t want to admit it, he sensed the gap between himself and Guo Jia. It might take him three to five years to catch up. As for the man beside him, Fa Zheng suspected Chen Xi might be eating something extraordinary since their age difference was merely a year, yet the disparity felt significant.

Seeing Fa Zheng’s changing expressions, Chen Xi inwardly sighed, realizing Guo Jia must have harassed Fa Zheng a lot, leaving him with psychological scars.

”Alright, I’ll give you a chance this time. Unlike Guo Jia’s mischievous nature, I won’t interfere unless you make a grave mistake. I’ll follow your plans. My role is to back you up and ensure this group’s cohesion. You have this one chance. The Yellow Turbans are manageable, but remember, our value lies in achieving the greatest gain with the least loss.” Chen Xi placed a hand on Fa Zheng’s shoulder, emanating an aura of righteousness and grandeur.

Fa Zheng, taken aback, looked up at Chen Xi, the happiness almost too sudden to believe.

”Since last year, I’ve been planning the world’s situation from the Battle of Hulao Pass. Lord Xuande believes you can manage it, so here’s your opportunity.” Chen Xi patted Fa Zheng’s shoulder. ”Do your best. We all have high expectations for you. Perhaps the battlefield will help you mature.”

”I will do my best!” Fa Zheng said excitedly.

”Hu~” Chen Xi exhaled deeply. ”Kids are so easy to fool. Now I have another laborer. Although I might not excel at strategizing myself, I can still make modifications. My judgment is solid. Even if Lord Xuande finds out, it’s all part of nurturing the next generation.”

Fa Zheng had no idea Chen Xi used so many methods just to secure a laborer. Of course, given Chen Xi’s previous impressive performance, no one would doubt his strategic prowess.

In Li Ru’s residence in Chang’an.

Li Ru, with a pale face and occasionally flashing abnormal redness, lay on the couch, listening to reports from his household servants.

”Did you say the abdication is tomorrow?” Li Ru asked with closed eyes.

”Yes,” the servant replied, bowing.

”Fetch pen and ink. I have little interest in living further, but I can’t let the Western Liang forces I built crumble with Dong Zhuo’s fall.” A trace of loneliness appeared on Li Ru’s face. Even if he warned Dong Zhuo again, it wouldn’t change anything. He realized his efforts were in vain; even the Western Liang cavalry he created was now experiencing desertions, showing there was no hope left.

”Deliver this letter to Generals Guo and Li. Tell them not to worry about me and inform them that as long as they don’t create internal chaos, they can enjoy lifelong wealth. Now, take the servants and leave.” Li Ru handed the letter to his old servant and gestured for him to go.

Seeing his old servant bow three times, Li Ru was moved to tears but still urged him to leave quickly. By tomorrow, he would face certain death.

After the servant left, Li Ru changed into white mourning clothes and knelt by the table, waiting for dawn. Having poured so much effort into building a formidable army from the harsh lands of Western Liang, creating a force capable of contending with the world, he felt a deep sense of loss.

”What a pity. I was once so proud, thinking I could single-handedly control the world. I had the talent to govern a nation but lacked the ability to judge people. Laughable, laughable!” Li Ru drank a cup of wine. He rarely drank because he believed it clouded his thinking, but now, only inebriation could numb his pain.

”Crash!” A cold wind blew, instantly sobering Li Ru from his drunken state. He stared at the burly man suddenly appearing before him and then lowered his head to continue drinking, showing neither panic nor fear. With his heart nearly dead, he cared little about life or death.

”Strategist!” Hua Xiong knelt on one knee before Li Ru.

”Leave. Lord Xuande is a good master.” Li Ru waved dismissively. ”I have no desire to join any warlord. Dong Zhuo was once so brave and heroic but was still overwhelmed by this splendor. Can you guarantee Liu Bei will remain unchanged?”