Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Zhuge Liang was now deeply grateful that his talent was an active one. If it had been passive, in a place like Liu Bei’s domain, where spiritual talents were everywhere, he estimated that his lifespan would be drained within five years. Calculating it, it seemed that each activation reduced his lifespan by about twenty times, so Zhuge Liang figured that if he used it sparingly, only in critical moments, he could manage. After all, despite his dissatisfaction, the effectiveness of his talent was undeniable—if necessary, he could keep it active for a month straight, and as long as his allies were strong, Zhuge Liang could achieve incredible feats during that time.

While the talent had its advantages, its drawbacks were significant, and Zhuge Liang couldn’t help but feel frustrated with Pang Tong for triggering his premature awakening.

Unbeknownst to him, two of the most formidable figures of the Three Kingdoms era had already arrived in Fenggao. Zhuge Liang was currently preoccupied with observing the scholars causing trouble outside the library. In this era, where scholars could easily transition into military roles, many of these scholars possessed some level of internal energy. After all, those who could afford to read could also afford to eat well, and that meant they could cultivate some degree of internal energy. A large group of them gathering together was indeed quite intimidating.

”Go tell them that the person who made them a promise has arrived. Those who willingly came here should stand to the left, and those who were brought here by force should stand to the right,” Chen Xi instructed Hua Xiong’s bodyguard to relay the message.

”Chen Hou has ordered that those who willingly came to Fenggao should stand to the left, and those who were brought here by force should stand to the right,” Hua Xiong’s bodyguard shouted boldly.

”Hua Xiong, make sure to keep an eye on this group. I’m going to protect the strategist,” Hua Xiong said. Ever since Chen Dao had captured him, the two had become fast friends, and Hua Xiong had recruited Chen Dao as a junior officer under his command.

Although Hua Xiong’s command consisted of 7,000 troops, he had given Chen Dao command of 3,000 of them, partly to avoid favoritism and partly because he genuinely admired Chen Dao’s abilities.

”Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, no one will get through,” Chen Dao replied impatiently. He had decided to settle down here since he was a loner, and Taishan had everything he needed—especially military books.

When the scholars heard the soldier’s message and saw the white-clad man leading two young officials behind him, they quickly guessed that this must be Chen Xi. The idea of impersonating him in Fenggao seemed too foolish to consider.

Seeing the young men behind Chen Xi, the scholars surmised that they must be high-ranking officials. The most striking difference between Fenggao and other places was that here, high-ranking officials were typically very young. The higher the position, the more likely it was held by someone young.”Chen Hou, you once promised us the right to borrow books from the library. Why, then, are soldiers stationed here? Isn’t this a breach of faith?” One of the scholars stepped forward before the others could split into two lines, his skepticism about the library’s claimed collection of 100,000 volumes apparent.

”Did I say that? Fine, let’s say you’re right in taking my words out of context. But I also said the scholars should divide into two groups,” Chen Xi replied nonchalantly.

Sitting on a balcony at a nearby tavern, Sima Yi watched the scene unfold with a sneer, clearly disdainful of the scholars below.

”Chen Hou, please explain why we are not being granted the right to borrow books,” the leading scholar demanded forcefully.

”I only mentioned the existence of a library, not that you would have access to it. You don’t have the right to make demands. I’m offering an opportunity—if you can seize it, good for you. If not, well, that’s your problem,” Chen Xi replied coolly. Here in Fenggao, he had all the confidence he needed.

”This is different from what was initially said!” the scholar protested angrily.

”If you’re dissatisfied, you can leave. I said from the start that land would be granted, and I never promised access to the library. That’s just a bonus—I decide who gets it,” Chen Xi said, unconcerned. He hadn’t promised anything about opening the library; that was just something Li You had thrown out there. As for the household registration he’d mentioned, most of these scholars didn’t even have that.

”By the way, access to the library requires qualifications. These are books, not trivial items. I intended to do a good deed, but I can’t let just anyone in. You should know whether you qualify. You should also be aware of the crime of attacking a family to steal their private collection,” Chen Xi said lazily, his words sending a chill through the scholars.

”Looks like you understand the severity of the crime. I don’t want to pursue it further. Go your separate ways. Soon, we’ll publish the requirements for obtaining library access. You’ll know where you stand then,” Chen Xi said, narrowing his eyes. Most of these scholars had simply followed the crowd, and Chen Xi wasn’t interested in their leader’s motives. The library was off-limits for now.

”Those who have already divided into left and right groups may come forward,” Chen Xi said casually, his goal of dividing and conquering nearly achieved.

Hearing this, those who had already taken sides—whether willingly or reluctantly—moved to stand beside Chen Xi.

”Congratulations, you now have the right to borrow books. Go to Li Wenru to get your household registration sorted,” Chen Xi said offhandedly, his decision leaving those who had hesitated earlier feeling as if they’d been struck by lightning. If only they’d taken a step in either direction earlier, they could’ve gained this valuable opportunity!

But while others fretted, the three or four dozen scholars who had gained Chen Xi’s approval were overjoyed.

”Zi Jian, send someone to escort them to Wenru for their household registration papers,” Chen Xi said to Hua Xiong. The whole exercise had been a strategy to divide the crowd, and these people had fallen right into it.

Hua Xiong gave the scholars a look that seemed to say, ”You got lucky,” and sent one of his men off with Chen Xi’s seal to Li You. The first batch of registrations needed to be prestigious.

Ignoring the others’ frustration, Chen Xi maintained his usual casual demeanor. He’d brought Lu Su and Fa Zheng along, thinking the situation might escalate, but it hadn’t. Now, it was smooth sailing.

Glancing at the leader of the scholars, who was now receiving glares from his peers, Chen Xi shook his head slightly. It seemed this guy had made a lot of enemies today.

”Zi Jian, keep guarding the library,” Chen Xi told Hua Xiong, signaling that he was done there.

”Call if you need me, strategist. Hua Xiong will be at your service,” Hua Xiong said before returning to his post.

Chen Xi glanced at the remaining scholars who were still lingering and considering speaking up. He turned and walked away, uninterested in debating with them any further.

As Chen Xi walked off, a commotion broke out behind him, likely leading to a scuffle. After all, the leader had been far too arrogant earlier.

”Zi Jing, Xiao Zhi, you two should return to your duties. I’m going to check on Qu Hanmo and see how he’s progressing with the tasks I assigned him,” Chen Xi said with a smile, ignoring the shouts behind him.

”Sigh, self-inflicted misfortune,” Lu Su said with a sigh.

”Tsk, tsk, tsk. See? This is the allure of fame,” Fa Zheng said with a smirk.

Chen Xi paused for a moment, glancing at Fa Zheng. Indeed, every advantage came with its drawbacks. Having never experienced the frustration of being stuck in a dead-end job for years, Fa Zheng viewed life’s greatest temptations with a rather detached perspective.