Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chen Gong’s hands couldn’t stop trembling. Upon finding that Mount Tai had already prepared everything in advance, Chen Gong completely lost control over his inner shivers. It turned out everyone in the world had been played; there was indeed a master of this world, it’s just that the master had retreated a step to better construct the world.

”[As such, it is evident that Li You is none other than Li Ru. If nothing unexpected has occurred, Yongliang Guanzhong would have strategies in place already. The North has been secured, and from Mount Tai’s perspective, what everyone saw as a fierce struggle amongst the feudal lords seems no more than a farce. No wonder the operas of Mount Tai are famous; this is how the world appears in their eyes.]”

At that moment, Chen Gong felt a coldness enveloping his entire body. After carefully analyzing everything that had happened from the beginning until now, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply, realizing that the other party had prepared for everything.

”[Probably, the areas initially captured by Yuzhou had too many contingencies left behind, and these were likely in place to restrain the Yuan Family, since Yuan Shu was too weak. So weak that a single feast at Hongmen would be enough for Yuan Shao to take control from the Northern Bing down south. No wonder Yuan Shu could keep hold of territories spanning two and a half provinces.]”

Chen Gong thought more meticulously, piecing together details that previously went unnoticed. The more he thought, the more astonished he became, realizing the truth in the sayings ’the greatest sound is silence’ and ’the greatest form has no shape.’

”[Everyone thought Liu Xuande was preparing for a northern campaign, not stirring up trouble with Yuan Gonglu. Unexpectedly, the truth is quite the opposite. Yuan Gonglu could very well have been fattened by Liu Xuande, to the point where no ordinary person could swallow him, with only Liu Xuande capable of cooking him in a gigantic cauldron. Liu Yao and Liu Biao have both been fed in the same manner.]”

Reflecting on the past few years, Chen Gong eventually realized an important fact: among all the Liu Surname Feudal Lord Kings in the world, the only one flourishing was Liu Bei. All others had either died or could no longer carry the banner of the Han Dynasty. Now, Liu Bei was the only one left who could be considered the legitimate successor of the Han Dynasty.

Thinking back to the time at Hulao Pass five or six years ago, Liu Bei was regarded highly because there were four Provincial Governors of Liu Surname among the Feudal Lords, and the Han Dynasty was not yet in decline. Liu Bei, being of Han blood and having presented himself in person, was accepted by the other lords even if they turned a blind eye. At that time, those carrying the Han flag were Liu Yu, Liu Yao, Liu Biao, and Liu Yan!

Now look at the present: Liu Yu, once the most prestigious, has been defeated and saved by Liu Bei, and has been sent to Chang’an by Kong Rong, the leader of the noted scholars—benefiting Liu Bei’s reputation...

The first proposer of the Provincial Governor, Liu Yan, had already died of old age. His son, Liu Zhang, feebly occupied Sichuan and Shu, unable to conquer even the small territory of Hanzhong. The good ministers of Sichuan and Shu could only wait in vain for a wise ruler, and another player was finished.

Liu Biao pranced into Jingzhou alone, a hero of his times. Although he experienced an indulgent life leading to the temporary loss of northern Jing, he regained his noble appearance after being defeated at Xiangyang.

Unfortunately, capable as he was, he suffered under the pressure of Yuan Shu, helpless due to a lack of resources. What he lacked wasn’t brains or valiant generals, but a foundation. Under his rule, there were only seven hundred thousand civilians, with an almost equal number of Wu Creek Barbarians dragging him down. Across the Yangtze River, he also had to deal with Yuan Shu, who had been fattened by Liu Bei to ten million people in his control. Tsk, tsk, tsk, Yuan Shu wasn’t sharp enough to conquer even that.

As for Liu Yao, there’s no need to mention him; his unfortunate territory has already become part of the nearly ten million people under Yuan Shu...

Comparing them all side by side, if Chen Gong couldn’t see the problem, that would be strange indeed. Liu Bei might not be aware, but his subordinates definitely let Yuan Shu clean up these Feudal Lord Kings. Moreover, the method was certainly subtle, invisible; without understanding the entire situation, one could never see the pit that Liu Bei’s side had dug.

”Ruthless indeed, whether by accident or not, the presence of Liu Bei’s men there was absolutely unacceptable. When it was Liu Biao’s time, Liu Yan happened to get all the civil and military officials under Liu Jingsheng drunk that day, and it was precisely because of that incident that Liu Yao became embroiled in enmity with Yuan Gonglu. Excellent, the heavens as a chessboard, all beings as pieces!”

The more Chen Gong thought about it, the more alarmed he became, realizing that the current situation in the world was deliberately created by Liu Bei’s side.

”Marvelous, such is the bearing of an overlord! Then, thinking it over, what Liu Xuande did was indeed for the common people of the world. In this light, Liu Ziyang’s so-called ’Support the King’...”

A bolt of lightning flashed through Chen Gong’s mind, ”Shenn Sheng died within, while Chong Er found safety abroad! This is treating the feudal lords as chess pieces; going forward, only Liu Bei could carry the banner of the Han Dynasty. The outcome doesn’t need to be seen, those who ’Support the King,’ though they reap many benefits, cannot avoid conflicts. Cao Mengde is suspicious and resolute by nature, the emperor was coerced much in his youth...”

In an instant, Chen Gong guessed everything. Having been coerced for years, Liu Xie, seeing the great respect Cao Cao showed him, would certainly confer titles on Cao Cao. After stabilizing the situation, the first thing he would naturally do is reclaim military authority.

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This was fundamentally in conflict with what Cao Cao wanted to do, which was to pacify the world. Therefore, the outcome goes without saying, Chen Gong would not believe for a moment that Liu Xie could successfully seize power.

Truthfully, anyone in Cao Cao’s position would find it difficult to hand over military authority when faced with the emperor’s and the ministers’ adamant demands, as it concerned not only one’s own fate but the fate of one’s entire lineage.

In fact, this was not irreconcilable; if only the emperor were to slow down, and the ministers were more loyal, power could indeed be gradually taken back. As for Cao Cao’s loyalty, Chen Gong wasn’t certain, but he knew one thing—Cao Cao hadn’t completely deteriorated. He was able to issue a proclamation admitting his faults, which spoke volumes.

Regrettably, Chen Gong was clear on one point: would the Little Emperor Liu Xie, having experienced so many times when he couldn’t control his own destiny, trust, or dare to trust Cao Cao? Definitely not. Perhaps, in the beginning, when Liu Xie was in sheer agony, a bowl of meat porridge from Cao Cao would have sufficed to earn his approval.

But what about afterward? What when there is no peace in clothing and food? Chen Gong had once witnessed Liu Xie’s shallow nature, and with that understanding, the result was predetermined: all the radiance of the Han Dynasty would inevitably fall upon Liu Bei’s head, and it was destined that Cao Cao would strip away all of Liu Xie’s halo, leaving behind only a life as a puppet.

”Impressive, truly impressive, everything is predetermined, everyone has been played. Perhaps Liu Bei’s oath on the altar was sincere after all. A life without flaw, there’s no need to eliminate meritorious subjects if one doesn’t claim the title of emperor. Perfect, everything is so perfect! It’s probably difficult for any sovereign king from ancient times to today to surpass this minister who isn’t a sovereign king.”

Chen Gong completely understood in his heart, even if Liu Bei declared himself emperor, what could it change? History is not short of emperors, even if you reached the pinnacle, you could only follow behind the Qin Emperor. Being first means others are unsurpassable.

Thus, it would be better to perfect the role of minister, to such an extent that it overshadows all emperors through history, not to become an emperor, but to achieve greatness that emperors look up to.

Chen Xi couldn’t hear what Chen Gong was thinking, but if he had heard, he would have been struck with dread and would at all costs keep Chen Gong by his side. After all, this was a matter of great import for the world. Although not completely the same, the difference was minor; the world was indeed a chessboard. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at . Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)