Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Chen Xi’s appearance piqued Zhou Yu’s interest. The reason was simple: Chen Xi’s abilities had already been proven to many. By now, he no longer needed to demonstrate his competence through achievements or governance. The prosperity of Mount Tai and Liu Bei’s repeated victories spoke for themselves.

What intrigued Zhou Yu the most was that Chen Xi was only one year older than him. Zhou Yu was nineteen this year, and Chen Xi was twenty. Both were in their prime, and it was precisely this that made Zhou Yu eager to compete with Chen Xi. In the world today, only by defeating such a renowned strategist could Zhou Yu feel the thrill of victory.

After Chen Xi and Gan Ning led their troops to retreat, it wasn’t long before Gan Luo and Xu Sheng brought the four core members of the Lu family, along with Lu Jun’s wife, to meet them.

”Old man Lu Kang greets the Marquis of Yingshang,” Lu Kang said as soon as he saw Chen Xi and Gan Ning, immediately guessing Chen Xi’s identity.

”There’s no need for that, Old Master Lu,” Chen Xi replied calmly. His current status dictated that he couldn’t be as casual as before. ”And this young man must be Lu Xun, the third generation of the Lu family?”

”Lu Xun of the Lu family greets the Marquis of Yingshang and Uncle Gan,” Lu Xun said respectfully, bowing deeply to Chen Xi and Gan Ning. His solemn and courteous demeanor reminded Chen Xi of Zhuge Liang.

”You’re very promising. Once the carriages arrive, we can head out. When we reach Chaohu, I’ll introduce you to someone. He’s one year older than you, and you two can become friends,” Chen Xi said with a smile. Introducing Lu Xun to Zhuge Liang seemed like a great idea—two equally talented individuals could inspire and challenge each other.

”Jicai, you really aren’t reliable. I’ve hurried all this way, and if you had held out for just one more hour, we could have surrounded and defeated Sun Ce. How could you not manage to hold on for just a bit longer? It’s such a waste,” Gan Ning said as he turned to see Lu Jun, his tone filled with dissatisfaction. ”And when the city fell, you should have left a message for me. I’ve been searching for you for so long. If you hadn’t come out today, I would have left.”

”My father was injured in the battle for Lujiang City. How could we move hastily in such a condition?” Lu Jun shook his head. ”But being able to meet you just as you were about to leave shows that we were meant to cross paths. We’re planning to go to Mount Tai. Won’t you give us a ride?” Lu Jun, having spent much time with Gan Ning, was no longer as rigid as before.

”I told you long ago to come with me to Mount Tai. No one dares to trouble you there. Now, forget it. It’s too late for regrets. As long as everyone is safe, money can always be earned again,” Gan Ning said bluntly, causing Lu Jun to roll his eyes in exasperation. He knew Gan Ning’s personality well enough to understand that he meant no harm with his straightforward words.”Enough, let’s discuss this later. Help your father and sister-in-law onto the carriage. We’ll talk more once we reach my territory,” Gan Ning said, glancing at the carriages that Xu Sheng had brought over. Then, remembering the promise he made to Xu Sheng earlier, he shamelessly turned to Lu Jun and said, ”This General Xu was the one who captured Lu Liang. Without him, I wouldn’t have found you. You should remember to thank him.”

Gan Ning then patted Lu Jun on the shoulder with a serious expression. Lu Jun immediately understood the unspoken request. This look, this tone—it was just like the time Gan Ning had come to borrow a ship without enough money, leaving Lu Jun no choice but to extend credit.

”Hahaha, don’t worry, Xingba,” Lu Jun laughed as he helped his father, brother, and wife onto the carriage. Then, he turned to Xu Sheng and said, ”Thank you, General Xu. My family is not in the best situation right now, but once we reach Mount Tai, the Lu family will present you with a grand gift.”

”There’s no need for that,” Xu Sheng quickly replied, waving his hands. Although he didn’t know what this grand gift might be, he had no intention of accepting it, especially in front of Chen Xi and Gan Ning. ”This was my duty, and besides, General Gan has already promoted me.”

To be fair, a Tuen Commander typically led more men than a Ship Captain. However, in the navy, three Tuen Commanders without ships had less power than a single Ship Captain with a vessel. And with Gan Ning promising to give him a ship, complete with smaller boats, Xu Sheng would effectively command a small fleet—much more exciting than being a Tuen Commander.

”Just accept it,” Chen Xi and Gan Ning said simultaneously, each placing a hand on Xu Sheng’s shoulders. With Lu Kang no longer present, Chen Xi no longer needed to maintain the refined, gentlemanly facade.

”Then, congratulations on your promotion, General Xu. Xingba’s promotion is his gift to you, and the Lu family’s gift is our way of showing gratitude,” Lu Jun said with a smile, deciding it was worth investing in Xu Sheng. It was clear that this young man had caught the attention of both Gan Ning and Chen Xi.

After that, Lu Jun climbed into the carriage, leaving Xu Sheng standing there with a sense of disbelief. The other soldiers looked on with slight envy. Over time, they had come to recognize Xu Sheng’s abilities, and while his rapid rise surprised them, none showed any resentment.

”Let’s go, Wenxiang. You probably don’t know what kind of gift the Lu family is offering, do you?” Chen Xi asked with a smile as the army started to move again. He rode up beside Xu Sheng, who was originally destined to become a famous general for Wu.

”I really have no idea,” the young man admitted, somewhat embarrassed. ”To be honest, I don’t mind receiving gifts, but I don’t feel right accepting something that doesn’t seem quite proper.”

”Oh, so that’s how you see it,” Chen Xi chuckled, his opinion of Xu Sheng improving slightly. ”Actually, the gift that Lu Jicai mentioned is the warship you’ve always wanted. Xingba may have promised you one, but he can’t deliver on that. However, he knows Lu Jicai well and is confident that the Lu family will fulfill the promise. After all, the ships we’ve been using were built by the Lu family.”

”Really?” Xu Sheng asked, somewhat incredulous. ”So, does that mean our forces don’t have any reserve ships?”

”Do you really think someone like Xingba would keep a reserve ship hidden away? Our current warships were all newly built by the Lu family. Just wait. Once the Lu family rebuilds their shipyard in Donglai, the first ship they produce will be yours. We’ve gone through all this trouble because of the Lu family’s shipbuilding expertise,” Chen Xi explained with a sigh. He then extended his hand. ”Work hard, and you’ll become an outstanding naval commander. I believe in you.”

”Thank you for your encouragement, Strategist. I will do my best to become an excellent naval commander,” Xu Sheng replied earnestly.