Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chen Xi almost spat out his tea; Li Youu had considered far too much, and his thoughts were exceedingly meticulous, directly hitting the biggest issue of disposal. It was probable that Li Youu had already realized all land in Mount Tai, as well as most of the lands in Qing and Xu, were in the hands of the government.

”Are you not also going to ask if adopted heirs should also inherit? And whether if commoners have no heirs, designating someone to inherit is appropriate, and while we’re at it, whether it’s the state or the commoners’ responsibility to repair damaged houses,” Chen Xi said, looking at Li Youu with a speechless expression.

”It seems Zichuan indeed settled these matters years ago, and the title of being well-prepared isn’t just for show,” Li Youu said, nodding at Chen Xi as he spoke, ”In that case, there is no need for me to inquire further.”

”At that time, I indeed harbored such thoughts, but I didn’t have the time to study this aspect, and more importantly, I haven’t even started on it yet. You’ve brought up this matter too early,” Chen Xi said, his hand propping his forehead, his face showing helplessness.

”So you mean it’s not completed?” Li Youu asked, slightly startled.

”Do you really think I’m a divine being descended to earth? It’s not that exaggerated. I haven’t yet started on this matter. If it hadn’t been brought up today, I probably would not have mentioned it until we establish the capital in the north. By then, with Zijing present, we could have studied it slowly,” Chen Xi said, putting down his hand and picking up the teacup.

Li Youu stopped talking and simply nodded his head to indicate he understood, feeling relieved at the same time. After all, it was comforting to know Chen Xi was human, not a god.

”However, let Boning handle this matter for now. As for what Wen Youi mentioned, take your time with it. While the world is in chaos, quickly collect as much as possible into state ownership; private ownership can exist, but blanket policies rarely bring any good,” Chen Xi set the tone decisively.

”The effort needed to ensure social system security is great, and the costs are somewhat high,” Li Youu nodded, seeming to agree with the tone Chen Xi had set, ”Nevertheless, this is also acceptable.”

Li Youu’s performance in public affairs, though certainly showing some stubborn issues, was more than enough to serve as a Prime Minister of a country, so he quickly came to terms with it.

With Li Youu’s guidance, others seated around also gained some understanding of what Chen Xi talked about, although the issues involved were very distant.

”I didn’t expect you to foresee so far into the future back then,” Jia Xu said, stroking his beard, feeling somewhat sentimental. When he had first arrived at Mount Tai, the slight immaturity on Chen Xi’s face contrasted with the vision ahead of its time, which commanded Jia Xu’s admiration.

”This is what I’m best at. Leave me to handle development. As long as the person dealing with the details is capable, managing the world wouldn’t be as easy as cooking small fish, but to say I’m well-practiced wouldn’t be too much,” Chen Xi said boastfully.

In terms of internal affairs, Chen Xi really didn’t need to be modest. Everyone knew he was incredibly strong in this area, and all the facts laid out before them sufficiently demonstrated his ability.

”Let’s set this matter aside for now. Zichuan, discuss more with Wen Ru. When Zijing returns to Mount Tai later, the three of you should study it more. If necessary, others can also offer their suggestions.” Seeing Chen Xi had made his decision, Liu Bei immediately approved.

Liu Bei might not be the smartest, but having experienced the early days of establishing Mount Tai, he had some guesses about what Chen Xi wanted to do and naturally knew now was not the best time.

”Mm, Wen Ru, I’ll need your assistance when the time comes,” Chen Xi said, nodding his head, then turning to speak to Li Youu.

”I can’t be certain whether this matter is good or bad in the long run, but analyzing the current situation, although it seems this will place a burden on the state, it has incredibly potent effects on national stability, not to mention...” Li Youu said, as if talking to himself.

”Whatever happens in the future is unknown; managing the present is enough. We’ll pave the way as best we can for future generations. If they take the wrong path, it’s not our fault. At least I don’t think this is a burden at all,” Chen Xi said, shaking his head slightly as he looked at Li Youu, then spoke with utmost confidence.

”True, as long as you are alive, money is not an issue for the state. The Government Treasury can always be filled as long as you want to get things done,” Li Youu spoke, his tone unclear whether it was admiration or exclamation.

”Hahaha, you two stop flattering each other. Let’s finish up our business quickly. Look, Wen He is almost asleep,” Liu Bei said with a laugh, interrupting Chen Xi and Li Youu, seeing they had more to say.

”Let’s end early so everyone can return home. I’m sure everyone has things to do. Besides reconstructing Fenggao, I plan to reactivate the earliest kilns on Mount Tai for official and private use,” Chen Xi said, glancing at Jia Xu, who was feigning sleep, and spoke.

”Are we going to make glassware again?” Jia Xu raised his head and looked at Chen Xi, estimating before he spoke, ”Are you so eager to stockpile these materials for the post-war period? Generally, these shouldn’t be considered critical, right?”

”It’s not about stockpiling materials, but a mere reopening,” Chen Xi said, covering his expression with the folding fan and spoke without revealing any hints, ”Medicine and astrology have reached a significant height in their research, and now we need these things again, especially since we don’t have many colorless crystals here.”

”Medicine needs this?” Li Youu looked at Chen Xi puzzledly and asked, not seeing the connection between medicine and this material.

”Yes, we need it. It wasn’t necessary at first, but now it is. Physician Hua’s research has become quite frightening, and he will likely delve into deeper studies soon,” Chen Xi said with a wry smile, regretting that the technology couldn’t achieve the level of optical glass and they would need to use colorless crystal instead.

”By now, no one would treat an excellent physician as a lowly artisan. Here, an excellent physician and a scholar practically receive the same treatment. This can be approved,” Jia Xu said after a moment’s thought, considering it worthwhile if it was beneficial to medicine.

”The problem is, training a physician is even more difficult than training a scholar, but it’s a good thing Physician Hua has standardized the medicinal recipes,” Chen Xi said helplessly, ”Anyway, let’s operate the kilns to make glass, ready to produce some vessels, which will be of tremendous use for research in medicine and astrology.”

”This can be approved. Also, let each household report what they need, and we’ll produce it all in one kiln firing,” Liu Bei nodded, then remembering Lady Gan and the soon-to-depart Zhang Clan, decisively took the opportunity for some scheming. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit qidian.com to cast your votes for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)