Mythical Three Kingdoms

”The reason for that is because you previously demonstrated much danger, and we had no choice but to guard against you. The stronger the strength, the greater the destruction—that much you should understand. If your interests align with the nation’s, your growth also signifies the strengthening of the nation, and we will not impede you, so...” Chen Xi no longer elaborated, leaving the rest for them to comprehend on their own.

Chen Xi was willing to say even this much because he recognized that the aristocratic families indeed had not been deficient in virtue; even if they had erred terribly in another history, in the present, aristocratic families had no opportunity to exercise the Nine-Rank System, and Chen Xi would not completely overturn them with a single stroke, for they had a necessary place in existence.

In Chen Xi’s view, the future Great Han Dynasty would need the moral philosophy of the aristocratic families, but this philosophy was relative to the state.

All these were matters Chen Xi had to consider, for compared to the Confucian scholars after the Song Dynasty, he held the aristocratic families’ morality in higher regard. Similarly, the moral philosophy of the Confucian School at the end of the Han Dynasty was also worthy of recognition; at least in this era, these were all right.

After Chen Xi chatted with Chen Shang about various other matters, Chen Shang left with a thoughtful expression; he had achieved his objective, but now he had even more questions.

”Hopefully the aristocratic families can continue this way, not repeating the past actions that obstructed the path to power for ninety-nine percent of the populace. Their virtue is indeed without fault, but sadly, sometimes after a clear class conflict emerges, the most perfect virtue appears as a tragedy to other classes.” After sending Chen Shang out the door and watching the carriage depart, Chen Xi murmured to himself.

Subsequently, in his study, Chen Xi recorded everything that had happened today, highlighting all the main points.

”Butler Chen, send this letter to Lord Xuande. If Lord Xuande asks about me, remember to tell him to entrust it to Jia Wenhe and Li Wenru,” Chen Xi instructed as he folded the letter he had written and handed it to his butler.

”Master, rest assured.” Butler Chen took the envelope, bowed with hands clasped in front of him, and then quickly departed.

On the other side, Jia Xu and Li Youu were also ready to wrap up their operation because they had obtained the most critical piece of information: Yuan Shao’s Army had already arrived at Fenggao. Though partially concealed by some aristocratic families, Li Youu, relying on the household registration system, easily spotted the trouble and deduced the actual truth.

”These aristocratic families are really quite bold, daring to use their own caravans as cover for Yuan Shao’s Elite Soldiers,” Li Youu shook his head slightly, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes. His sentiment towards the aristocratic families could never be good; after all, Liangzhou became a mess, largely due to the aristocratic families abandoning Liangzhou.

”I’m afraid this is not their first time. They seem quite adept at this sort of thing, which suggests they’ve made ample preparation in the past and have likely carried out many such deployments before,” Jia Xu commented indifferently. He had speculated about what moves Yuan Shao might make, and now it had indeed come to pass.

”The household registration system does have certain loopholes, or perhaps it is inaccurate to call them loopholes; rather, in terms of migrations from other Provinces and Counties, we have been somewhat too lax. Previously, to increase the population, we have always been admitting newcomers, with Local Aristocratic Family guarantees, we were somewhat relaxed during the inspections, but this time it will be a good opportunity to uproot the issue entirely,” Li Youu said calmly, his words tinged with a hint of murderous intent.

”Yuan Benchu has indeed planted scouts on our side. It seems that only these aristocratic families can truly be considered the enemy. This time we can follow the vine to get the melon, hitting all these scouts at once,” Jia Xu also sensed Li Youu’s murderous intent, but by this point, drastic measures were inevitable.

Just as Li Youu and Jia Xu were discussing the best time to send out the signal, Liu Bei arrived with the letter from Chen Xi. Without saying much, he handed Chen Xi’s writings to Jia Xu, who, after a single glance, understood the most critical content.

”This is good news for us, as for Zichuan’s promised wish, that’s very much in line with our next moves,” Jia Xu said as he handed the letter to Li Youu. ”Just as we discussed before, the aristocratic families are indeed internally divided.”

”Lord, when shall we commence the plan?” Li Youu, too, glanced over the letter. He had no specific comments about the promises Chen Xi made to the aristocratic families.

”We should proceed as soon as possible. The plan to stabilize the Northern Three States cannot be delayed any longer. The Emperor is still waiting for us to rescue him. Lately, the news from Ziyang’s side has not been good, Yuan Benchu’s subordinates, Xun Shen and Chunyu Qiong, have already clashed with him,” Liu Bei said with a firm expression.

”Ziyang has encountered Xun Shen?” Jia Xu frowned slightly before looking up at Liu Bei. ”Given Ziyang’s capabilities, facing Xun Shen shouldn’t be too much trouble, and with Zijian and Wen Ze attacking and defending, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

”The situation is not too promising. According to Ziyang, Chunyu Qiong is merely beating the war drums at the edge, but Xun Shen is truly formidable. Many of Ziyang’s plans have been foiled by him, and Ziyang has expressed concerns that the enemy’s ’Spiritual Talent’ is increasingly putting him at a disadvantage,” Liu Bei said, shaking his head after reading the private letter from Liu Ye, which was not too encouraging.

Jia Xu and Li Youu exchanged a look, their eyes briefly flickering before Li Youu spoke up.

”Lord, did Ziyang provide any other suggestions in light of the dire situation, such as us sending reinforcements or other advice?” Li Youu asked, leaning forward slightly.

”No, there isn’t. Ziyang simply stated that he will do his best to hold off the enemy, but lacking sufficient power to ’Support the King’, he plans to see if it’s possible to get Cao Mengde’s help, and then let the Emperor decide whether to be guarded by him or by Cao Mengde,” Liu Bei pondered over the situation described in the previous letter from Liu Ye.

With a glance, Jia Xu and Li Youu understood what was happening.

”I do not trust Cao Cao much. Back in Xuzhou, he vented his anger on the common people. I’m afraid even his ’Support the King’ comes with ulterior motives,” Li Youu immediately responded.

”It’s not quite so simple. Although Cao Mengde was at fault during the battle of Xuzhou, he was ultimately avenging his father. Moreover, he has since admitted his mistakes to the world. Not to mention that time in Luoyang when Cao Mengde pursued Dong Zhuo alone, truly deserving the reputation of being loyal and righteous to the Han Dynasty,” Jia Xu said emotionlessly, stepping forward to speak positively of Cao Cao, fully understanding Liu Ye’s thoughts.

”Ziyang explained as much, but I still feel somewhat worried,” Liu Bei said with a slightly absent look.

”You need not worry so, Lord. The Yuan Family is the real threat to the Han Dynasty. If they get hold of the Emperor, we, the ministers dedicated to ’Restore the Han Dynasty’, will be on shaky ground in terms of righteousness, and thus we will be at a disadvantage,” Jia Xu shifted the perspective. ”Lord, do you remember your oath?”

”...” Liu Bei opened his mouth, then gradually calmed down, ”I understand now. We should deal with Yuan Shao first, secure the situation of the Great Han, and if Cao Mengde dares show the slightest disrespect to His Majesty, I won’t let him off lightly!” (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian ) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)