Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Jia Xu was stunned, while Liu Bei stood there, mouth agape, unsure of what to say. Although Fa Zheng was often treated as a mascot in Taishan, and despite his occasional eccentric behavior, even Liu Bei would sometimes find tasks for him to sharpen his skills. There was no denying that Fa Zheng was a genius. After all, if he weren’t a genius, why would so many people bother to find challenging tasks for him to tackle?

”I think it was your words that scared off the Lu family. Even if they had initially considered moving, your unrealistic promises might have made them reconsider,” Jia Xu said, exhaling in frustration. ”Be careful with your promises. Sometimes, speaking too ambitiously can have the opposite effect.”

”What I said was true. You haven’t met Lu Xun yet, have you? Before meeting Kongming, did you think there could be someone that smart in this world?” Chen Xi sighed. ”Lu Xun may be slightly less talented than Zhuge Kongming, but he’s still a prodigy.”

Jia Xu and Liu Bei exchanged glances. Both had met Fa Zheng and Zhuge Liang. When Jia Xu first encountered Fa Zheng, he immediately recognized his potential as a prodigy. But after meeting Zhuge Liang, Jia Xu noticed that Zhuge Liang’s temperament was far superior to Fa Zheng’s, and even his intelligence surpassed Fa Zheng’s. Zhuge Liang truly was a genius, making Jia Xu realize that he had previously underestimated what true talent looked like.

”If Lu Xun is as talented as you say, then the value of the Lu family rises even higher. Middle-level talent can be nurtured, but at the highest level, in addition to proper training, one needs inherent talent,” Jia Xu sighed. ”Still, you shouldn’t have made such grand promises. Moderation is key.”

”Is Lu Xun truly as gifted as Kongming?” Liu Bei asked, still somewhat skeptical. He admired Zhuge Liang more than Fa Zheng, given that Fa Zheng’s eccentric personality often made comparisons unflattering. Although Liu Bei was tolerant of Fa Zheng, direct comparisons often revealed the differences.

”Even if he isn’t exactly like Kongming, with similar education, he wouldn’t be far behind,” Chen Xi sighed. Lu Xun’s unfortunate circumstances during his childhood had forced him into hiding, which hindered his development. With proper education, he might have rivaled Zhuge Liang. However, his temperament remained uncertain.

”Send another invitation and try to persuade them to join us. The border between Yuzhou and Yangzhou has been unstable lately,” Jia Xu suggested after some thought. From any perspective, Jia Xu believed it was necessary to invite the Lu family.

”I’ve already instructed Xingba and Ziyi to head to Lujiang to replace their ships once they finish their duties in Qingzhou. I also told Xingba to pass along a few words to the Lu family. If they’re willing to come, they will; if not, there’s nothing more we can do,” Chen Xi replied. He had already briefed Gan Ning on the matter.

”That should suffice. If everything goes as expected, the battle in Qingzhou should conclude within a few days. It will likely be easier than the last time a million Yellow Turbans emerged from Qingzhou. Guan Hai truly is a righteous bandit,” Liu Bei said, nodding as his thoughts returned to the situation in Qingzhou, where he couldn’t help but admire Guan Hai’s character.”Don’t worry. General Guan will draw blood with three strikes, but the result will be the same as at Hulao Pass. Once General Guan declares him dead, who will know otherwise amidst the dust and chaos? Prepare a coffin, place Guan Hai inside, and he can start a new life under a different identity. Righteous bandits like him are rare,” Chen Xi said nonchalantly.

”This matter will certainly catch the attention of the other warlords. But on the bright side, the previous incident with Zang Ba will be completely overshadowed. The Black Mountain Bandits will be easier to handle now,” Jia Xu sighed. With this incident serving as concrete evidence, it would be impossible to dispute the claim that Liu Bei had orchestrated the Yellow Turban uprising from Qingzhou. Guan Hai’s actions had turned this into reality.

”Sometimes, a moment of righteous bravery can turn many cowards into heroes,” Chen Xi said with a smile.

”I see you’re quite ruthless too. The Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou and the Black Mountain Bandits are both part of the Yellow Turbans, yet while the Qingzhou Yellow Turban leaders sacrifice themselves for their cause, the Black Mountain Bandits feel no shame?” Jia Xu sneered at Chen Xi. The political opportunities presented by this situation were numerous.

Guan Yu was now only a day’s journey from Beihai, and the Yellow Turban camp was filled with cheers. Guan Hai, having received the news from Liao Hua, was completely at ease. He was satisfied with the terms and was now ready to take on the mantle of the former leader’s honor, no longer merely a leader in name only.

”Great Leader, we have two days’ worth of grain left. Why not let everyone have a feast today?” Guan Cheng joked, looking at Guan Hai, who sat at the head of the table.

”If we let everyone eat to their heart’s content, we won’t have enough to last even today. We’ll stick with two buns per person,” Guan Hai said calmly. ”I’ve gathered you all here because I have something to tell you. I don’t want you to act rashly after the fact, so I’m giving you a day to process it.”

”Great Leader, what could we possibly do that would be rash?” Jiang Gong laughed heartily, slapping his chest. The other leaders joined in with teasing remarks.

”Brothers, settle down,” Guan Hai’s deep voice cut through the noise, and the leaders immediately quieted down, finding places to sit and listen to what he had to say.

”I’ve negotiated with Taishan. After our surrender, we’ll get everything we’re entitled to. Those who want to serve in the army can take up military positions as captains or sergeants. Those who don’t want to fight can open up land for farming alongside the other brothers. Taishan will treat you fairly, without prejudice,” Guan Hai calmly relayed the promises made by Guan Yu. The Yellow Turban leaders cheered at the good news.

Seeing the joy in the tent, a smile appeared on Guan Hai’s face as well.

”But what about you, Great Leader?” There were always sharp minds among any group. While most of the leaders were celebrating, Sima Ju and Huang Shao exchanged bitter glances, and Guan Cheng knelt down.

”Someone has to take responsibility for this. Just as the former leader chose death to protect the million Yellow Turbans, it’s now my turn. I’m telling you this now so that you won’t do anything foolish afterward, and don’t harbor any resentment toward Taishan on my behalf,” Guan Hai said calmly. Though his words were spoken softly, they struck the joyous leaders like a thunderbolt.