Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Chen Xi looked at Liu Bei, his throat dry, unsure of what to say. He had expected to need to persuade Liu Bei before getting him on his side. After all, Chen Xi had prepared his arguments and knew there was a good chance Liu Bei would agree. But he hadn’t anticipated how easily Liu Bei would agree, not because of his arguments but simply because Liu Bei trusted him. Liu Bei believed in Chen Xi—not because of any specific reason but simply because he trusted him. Even if everyone else opposed Chen Xi, Liu Bei was willing to stand behind him.

”Lord, thank you! I’ve never considered myself among the ranks of strategists, always feeling that I fall short in many areas compared to others, despite the advantages I have. But since you believe I can be better than everyone else, I will strive to prove it,” Chen Xi said, a glint of madness in his eyes.

Even if it wasn’t just for ending the chaos, he would prove himself, if only for Liu Bei’s trust. This moment gave Chen Xi a fleeting sense of what it meant to die for someone who truly understood him.

”Go forth, Zichuan!” Liu Bei said simply, without adding another word.

”Understood!” Chen Xi bowed deeply.

When Chen Xi had arrived, he was confident but not entirely certain of success. However, after leaving Liu Bei’s presence, he felt fully assured once more. Even if only to live up to Liu Bei’s trust, Chen Xi resolved to accomplish this task and shock everyone.

Chen Xi took one of Liu Bei’s paired swords. Since his authority wasn’t enough, he decided to add a bit more until it was sufficient.

It was afternoon when Chen Xi went to see Liu Bei, and by the time their discussion was over, it was already evening. Liu Bei didn’t invite him to stay for dinner but gave him a sword instead. The cool night breeze hit Chen Xi as he stepped out, quickly bringing him back to his senses.

Feeling a bit embarrassed by his earlier display, Chen Xi sighed and gradually calmed down. While he felt some embarrassment at first, he soon regained his composure. Even if he had been overly passionate, he wouldn’t have spoken up if he didn’t genuinely believe in his cause.

Chen Xi shook off Liu Bei’s influence on his thoughts. As for Liu Bei’s trust, he would remember it. Although Chen Xi found the idea of dying for someone who understood him a bit excessive, he acknowledged that, in a heated moment, he might act differently—just as he had today.After Chen Xi left, Liu Bei rubbed his temples, suddenly feeling that he had been a bit rash. There was someone else in the room! He had been so caught up in his conversation with Chen Xi that he had forgotten about it. Now that he thought back on it, the things Chen Xi had said covered such a broad range of topics that, while they didn’t seem like much to him, they could be a big problem if heard by someone else. The entire strategy had been exposed.

”Lady Zhen, you can come out now,” Liu Bei called out helplessly toward the inner room.

Zhang Shi walked out calmly, taking a seat where Chen Xi had just been sitting, and looked at Liu Bei. She understood that she had unwittingly been caught up in something dangerous. Chen Xi’s words had contained too much information, including strategies for dealing with all four corners of the realm. As an outsider who had heard these things, her only path forward seemed bleak.

”I wonder how Lord Xuande plans to deal with me, a widowed woman,” Zhang Shi said with a bitter smile. Faced with the grand ambitions of a lord, personal desires seemed trivial. Zhang Shi believed she no longer needed to worry about herself; a man of such stature wouldn’t let her live.

Liu Bei didn’t respond immediately. Zhang Shi represented the Zhen family, an important piece in Chen Xi’s strategy. Killing her would mean disrupting all the plans Chen Xi had made regarding Jizhou, creating a massive obstacle in dealing with Yuan Shao in the future.

Zhang Shi couldn’t die. Liu Bei pondered this for a long time, ultimately dismissing the idea of killing her. The importance of the Zhen family saved her life, though it was a precarious situation.

As Liu Bei’s murderous aura gradually subsided, Zhang Shi relaxed. Her biggest fear had been that Liu Bei would kill her without hesitation. If that happened, no amount of pleading would save her.

Although Zhang Shi had overheard details about the Zhen family’s role in the strategy, she wasn’t certain she could use that information to save her life. After all, from her conversation with Chen Xi, Zhang Shi realized that his capabilities far exceeded her expectations. Despite the constantly shifting political landscape, Liu Bei had consistently followed Chen Xi’s designs. With someone like that advising him, Zhang Shi knew that the Zhen family wasn’t indispensable.

”I ask that you remain in Taishan for the next two years and refrain from contacting the Zhen family. I hope you understand,” Liu Bei finally said, abandoning the idea of killing Zhang Shi. He wasn’t willing to create trouble for Chen Xi.

”Lord Xuande is merciful, but would you allow the Zhen family to participate in Chen Zichuan’s previous plan? The Taishan Merchants’ Guild—I believe my family could be of great help. We have considerable influence among northern merchants,” Zhang Shi said, now more at ease, her tone more assertive.

After some hesitation, Liu Bei agreed to her request. After all, a little sweet with the bitter was necessary in situations like these, especially when the other party was as blameless as Zhang Shi.

”Thank you, Lord Xuande,” Zhang Shi said, smiling. Now, she had something to report to the Zhen family, and her position in Taishan would be secure. Moreover, her keen intuition and the natural instinct of a merchant told her that Chen Zichuan’s predictions could very well come true.

Moreover, after hearing Liu Bei and Chen Xi’s conversation, Zhang Shi’s faith in Chen Xi’s abilities was as strong as Liu Bei’s. Someone capable of controlling the tides of the world couldn’t possibly fall short after making such bold claims.

Sometimes, a simple approach with a bit of intuition yields the best results. Zhang Shi had played her cards well.

”If the Zhen family has other business interests, Taishan will treat you equally,” Liu Bei added after some thought, offering another olive branch. If Zhang Shi couldn’t be eliminated, it was better to show her the benefits of cooperating with Taishan.

”Thank you, Lord Xuande!” Zhang Shi’s eyes gleamed with gratitude, feeling that this misfortune had turned into a blessing. Indeed, the old saying ”fortune and misfortune are intertwined” held true.

During her time in Taishan, Zhang Shi had come to understand many things, especially the value of certain resources. However, the barriers to entry were so high that only someone like Mi Zhu could take advantage of them. But now that Liu Bei had promised equal treatment, Zhang Shi felt confident that the Zhen family would thrive. Even if they were to compete with the Mi family in the pure business realm, Zhang Shi believed they wouldn’t lose. After all, their centuries of experience were no joke!

”Lord Xuande, may I borrow someone from your household?” Zhang Shi asked.

”Of course,” Liu Bei replied, appreciating Zhang Shi’s tact and understanding of when to advance and retreat. ”Whoever you need, feel free to take them.”

Liu Bei trusted everyone in his household implicitly, so Zhang Shi’s request reassured him that she had no intention of betraying him.

”Just a personal maid. I hope Lord Xuande doesn’t mind,” Zhang Shi said calmly.

”If you have any other requests, feel free to ask,” Liu Bei offered, realizing that it was now fully dark. Inviting Zhang Shi to stay the night wouldn’t be appropriate, though he wouldn’t object if she insisted.

”I have nothing else. I’ll return tomorrow,” Zhang Shi said, rising gracefully and bowing before leaving.

The next morning, Chen Xi arrived at the government office with Liu Bei’s sword in hand. Mi Zhu and Sun Qian arrived shortly after, with Man Chong and Lu Su arriving just in time. Jia Xu was a bit late, and by the time Guo Jia and Jian Yong arrived, Liu Ye had already finished his breakfast.

”Everyone’s here,” Chen Xi said, smiling as he scanned the room. He seemed in good spirits, as if the previous day’s events were behind him. Whether Liu Yan had arrived was irrelevant; for all anyone knew, he could be off somewhere boasting.

”My, Zichuan, you seem in high spirits today,” Jian Yong teased.

Smack! Chen Xi placed the paired sword on the table with a loud thud. ”We need to revisit yesterday’s discussion. I’m not satisfied with losing that debate, so we’re going to continue today!”

Everyone recognized the sword as Liu Bei’s and furrowed their brows.

”Some things can’t be resolved through debate, Zichuan. Even with Lord Xuande’s sword, I still disagree with this plan!” Liu Ye was the first to stand up and reject Chen Xi’s proposal, just as he had the day before.

”Forget about the sword.” Chen Xi casually tossed it aside. ”This is something I will do, regardless of whether you all agree. I have the authority to override you all!”

Chen Xi stood up, pressing his hands on the table and scanning everyone with a cold gaze. ”Whether you agree or not won’t change the outcome. I’m going to do this, no matter how much you try to stop me. Nothing will sway my determination this time.”

”Zichuan, we should consider this more carefully!” Lu Su, ever the peacemaker, tried to reason with him, suggesting they take their time.

”There’s no time for that. The work begins this afternoon,” Chen Xi replied, his eyes as cold as ice. He wasn’t about to fall for Lu Su’s delaying tactics.

”Zichuan, are you absolutely sure this will succeed?” Jia Xu asked with a frown. ”This could affect all of our future plans. We can’t risk ruining the current situation for the sake of haste. We’re not yet in a dangerous position, and a steady approach is far more realistic than a risky gamble.”

”I will succeed!” Chen Xi sneered at Jia Xu. ”I’m Chen Zichuan. From the Battle of Hulao to now, I’ve navigated the tides of the world. Who among you can say you’ve got a better eye or better skills than me?”

Jia Xu and Guo Jia exchanged glances. There wasn’t much to argue with. How had the discussion suddenly turned into a contest of vision and ability?

”So, you do acknowledge my abilities and judgment,” Chen Xi said with a hint of sarcasm. At this point, he didn’t mind offending them; they weren’t petty enough to hold a grudge. He could make amends once the job was done, but for now, he had to overpower them.

”Are you sure you won’t fail?” Guo Jia asked, staring intently.

”Hmph, don’t play tricks on me,” Chen Xi scoffed. ”I won’t fail. I’ll continue to steer the course of history. I’m Chen Zichuan. When I can’t see the direction history is heading, I’ll create that direction myself. I have that power!”

Chen Xi’s words left everyone confused, except for Chen Xi himself. He knew that the current trajectory of history had been thoroughly disrupted by his actions. Relying on historical precedent was no longer an option. Since the future was murky, it was time for the strongest to cut through the fog and pave a clear path.

Guo Jia frowned. Chen Xi’s behavior was completely different from what he was used to. In the past, Chen Xi had been low-key, but today he seemed downright arrogant, as if he had taken leave of his senses.

”Are you thinking I’m arrogant?” Chen Xi asked, noticing their puzzled looks.

Chen Xi pressed his left hand onto the table, his confidence radiating as he spoke, stunning everyone. ”I’m only eighteen years old, but I’ve already helped Lord Xuande, who started with nothing, rise to the rank of a warlord. We now have all the resources, warriors, and advisors we need to be a formidable force—one that makes the world take notice and tread carefully. I have the right to be arrogant, and I have the strength to back it up.”

”I’m not here to discuss this with you. I’m here to command you. I have absolute authority over administrative matters. This is the power Lord Xuande granted me, and it’s the source of my confidence,” Chen Xi said, sweeping his gaze across the room as everyone frowned in thought. ”So, whether you agree or not, I will proceed. And by the way, there’s only one person who can stop me, and that’s Lord Xuande!”

”Zichuan, is this truly your only option? No room for reconsideration?” Mi Zhu asked, instinctively sensing Chen Xi’s unwavering resolve.

Chen Xi had rarely exercised his veto power, but now that he was doing so, it was clear how determined he was.

”No! This is something I must do. The gap between Lord Xuande and the other warlords is too small—so small that our original plan is no longer feasible. If we miss this opportunity, we’ll lose our grip on the tides of history, and the future will be full of uncertainties!” Chen Xi firmly rejected Mi Zhu’s plea, though he softened his tone to explain further.

”Why does it have to be this plan, Zichuan? Do you really need to prove yourself?” Lu Su, usually the most patient, finally lost his temper, slamming his hand on the table in frustration. ”We’re in a strong position. We don’t need to rush. A steady, cautious approach is better!”

”Do I need to prove myself? Zijing, do you think I still need to prove my abilities? I’m no longer that untested youth who first appeared at the Battle of Hulao. My name, Chen Zichuan, is enough to make any warlord wary. I don’t need to build my reputation through achievements or a prosperous territory! Even if this plan succeeds, it’ll only be the icing on the cake!” Chen Xi sneered, clearly beyond the need for validation. His reputation might not be widespread, but it was certainly enough to make any warlord think twice before crossing him.

”Then why are you so insistent? Isn’t a steady approach good enough?” Lu Su nearly shouted.

”To solidify our foundation! Taishan and Qingzhou’s foundations are too weak! We need prosperity and resources! Our goal is to sweep across the land, not be confined to a corner!” Chen Xi locked eyes with Lu Su, speaking slowly and deliberately. ”So, we must amass enough strength to face any danger before it arises! Zijing, help me! We’ve worked together for so long; you should know me better than anyone!”

Chen Xi’s words finally cooled Lu Su’s temper. He had worked alongside Chen Xi the longest and knew him better than anyone else. Seeing Chen Xi so resolute, Lu Su realized just how much thought he had put into this plan. After a long moment of indecision, Lu Su sighed. ”Zichuan, promise me you’ll succeed!”

Lu Su felt resigned, knowing there was no turning back now.

Chen Xi’s expression brightened as he solemnly nodded to Lu Su. ”I will succeed. You’ll see soon enough!”

”Alright, I’ll trust you this time, based on your past record,” Lu Su said reluctantly as he walked over and extended his hand to Chen Xi. ”Shake on it. But if you fail, don’t ever use this veto power again. We’re all working for Lord Xuande.”

”Agreed!” Chen Xi shook hands with Lu Su, grateful for the olive branch. He realized just how essential it was to have a mediator like Lu Su among them. Without him, their group of proud advisors might have torn itself apart.

Seeing Lu Su and Chen Xi shake hands, Liu Ye felt a pang of frustration. Lu Su was a good person—too good, in fact. That was his consistent opinion, and now this good person had switched sides.

Once the first had crossed over, others were bound to follow. With Lu Su supporting Chen Xi, Liu Ye sighed and finally relented. There was little point in continuing the argument now.

”Count me in. At least I’ll be here to clean up the mess if things go wrong. I’ll handle the accounts,” Liu Ye said reluctantly. He had been arguing all along for Liu Bei’s sake. Now that things couldn’t be reversed, he could only minimize the damage. ”Zichuan, remember, no matter what, don’t harm my cousin’s interests! Everything we do must be for his benefit!”

”I promise, you’ll soon realize that today’s decision was the right one,” Chen Xi replied confidently.

”I’ll be glad if you prove me wrong!” Liu Ye grumbled, annoyed but resigned. ”I hope joining you is a mistake!”

”Don’t worry; I’ll make sure you’re wrong,” Chen Xi said with a wave, turning his attention to Jia Xu and Guo Jia. These two weren’t heavily involved in administrative matters, but they needed to voice their stance nonetheless.

”With you three handling things, everything should be fine,” Jia Xu said, taking a sip of tea. After all, Taishan and Qingzhou’s administration mainly relied on these three. With them on board, things could proceed smoothly.

”Thank you for your understanding,” Chen Xi replied, bowing to Jia Xu. Jia Xu’s words signaled that he wouldn’t interfere any further.

”And you, Fengxiao?” Chen Xi asked, turning to Guo Jia.

”I’ll reserve my judgment, but I agree with Wenhe,” Guo Jia said, shaking his head.

”Zizhong, rest assured. You’ll soon see the results. This is the best opportunity we’ll have. If we miss it, we may never get another chance like this, so I ask for your understanding. I promise that both Lord Xuande’s and your interests will be safeguarded,” Chen Xi said, bowing to Mi Zhu.

”Sigh, I hope so,” Mi Zhu replied, looking somewhat despondent.

Chen Xi didn’t push any further. There was no need for more words; the truth would reveal itself soon enough. When the time came, Mi Zhu would understand that Chen Xi hadn’t misled him. Right now, no amount of talk would change Mi Zhu’s mind.

Chen Xi thought to himself.

”Now that everyone agrees, I’ll assign tasks. Let me be clear: no matter how much we’ve argued before, now that we’re moving forward, no one can drag their feet. If you do, don’t blame me for being ruthless! Boming, you’ll oversee everyone!” Chen Xi said, turning to Man Chong.

”Understood!” Man Chong replied, bowing.

Just as Chen Xi was about to delegate tasks, Zhang Shi entered the room, followed by Lady Gan.

”I heard that Marquis Chen is reorganizing the Merchants’ Guild and establishing it in Taishan. May the Zhen family participate?” Zhang Shi immediately disrupted Chen Xi’s plans.

Mi Zhu glanced at Zhang Shi and sighed.

Chen Xi frowned at Zhang Shi. He hadn’t mentioned anything about the new tax law to anyone outside, let alone the Merchants’ Guild’s relocation to Taishan.

Chen Xi’s expression turned odd as he tried to recall what he had said the previous day. Then, noticing Lady Gan standing behind Zhang Shi, an unbidden thought crossed his mind.

Zhang Shi felt uneasy under Chen Xi’s teasing gaze, but she maintained her composure. ”Marquis Chen, what are your thoughts? The Zhen family is a well-known clan in Jizhou, and we manage one of the most significant merchant guilds in the land. Joining the Taishan Merchants’ Guild would be a substantial boost.”

”That’s not my decision. I’ve entrusted all matters concerning the guild to Zizhong. If you have any needs, please discuss them with him,” Chen Xi said, deliberately emphasizing the word ”Madam.” Instantly, everyone understood the situation. Upon noticing Lady Gan standing behind Zhang Shi, their expressions grew thoughtful. How had they become so close, and when had this happened?

Mi Zhu chuckled inwardly. Whether Chen Zichuan had agreed or Lady Gan had intervened, it was clear that the Zhen family’s participation in the guild was inevitable. Having once considered recruiting the Zhen family himself, Mi Zhu didn’t feel too much pressure. He stood and bowed to Zhang Shi. ”Madam, we can discuss the guild in more detail in a few days. I have more pressing matters to attend to today.”

”That’s fine. The Zhen family will need some time to prepare as well,” Zhang Shi replied, nodding. She took a seat as a guard brought her a chair, ready to listen to Chen Xi’s plans. After all, the Zhen family’s future was now tied to these decisions.