Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1312: Chapter 1265: Whose World Is It

Chen Xi’s words were like a bucket of water poured directly over Liu Ba’s head, leaving him speechless.

”Now, even the slightly more formal shops will accept official tickets, and likewise, anyone with a hint of status will use them. I’ve even ordered a batch of tickets worth one hundred coins, contrary to previous ones, these only require a signature for use,” Chen Xi said to Liu Ba with a faint smile.

The complete credit system that Chen Xi took years to establish is the truly terrifying part. Once it was confirmed that the Money Exchange was officially established by Liu Bei and Chen Xi together, even breakfast shops under Liu Bei’s rule started accepting tickets.

For the breakfast shop owners, cashing in tickets was just a few extra steps, and accepting one meant someone was committing to a year’s worth of breakfasts. Only someone with little sense would order a year’s worth of breakfasts without using tickets!

Liu Ba silently watched Chen Xi, realizing that all his previously prepared strategies were now worthless. Chen Xi was entirely unconcerned with what he intended to do, or rather, Chen Xi had already blocked all potential loopholes.

”Forget it, Zichu, sit down. Finally seeing someone who can see through my arrangements, let me explain them to you thoroughly, because in truth, I’m quite bored,” Chen Xi gestured to calm Liu Ba as he stood up in confusion.

It wasn’t that Chen Xi specifically favored Liu Ba, just that he knew Liu Ba wasn’t likely to die in internal conflict. A promising economist held real value for the world, and others, including Li Youu, seemingly lacked financial talent.

Then Chen Xi began to explain, piece by piece, trusts, credit currency, credit, currency flow, and deficits to Liu Ba.

”That’s about it. There are other fragmented things that would need to be organized if I were to explain them. What you can grasp from this should be enough, and you will extend it yourself with the foundation,” Chen Xi told Liu Ba with a smile.

By this point, Liu Ba had lost all his previous arrogance and pride, saying respectfully to Chen Xi, ”Aren’t you worried, Marquis Chen, after teaching me, that I might one day surpass you?”

”I fear it won’t be something you can understand quickly. I told you because I believe you are a talent that can be developed,” Chen Xi smiled, sipping tea.

”I serve Lord Cao, and you...” At this, Liu Ba paused slightly, ”As Xuande’s friend, wouldn’t it be inappropriate to teach Xuande’s enemy?”

”Hahaha, Zichu, you still think like this?” Chen Xi laughed heartily. ”Rest assured, Xuande cares not for these matters. Political and financial affairs are my responsibility; Xuande oversees military affairs. I am the Han Minister of Agriculture, Xuande is the Han Grand Commandant, and Cao Mengde is the Han Sikong.”

Liu Ba was momentarily silent, then respectfully said, ”I fear Marquis Chen’s intentions differ from Lord Xuande’s. The supreme position is within reach, and who could resist such temptation?”

”That’s not your concern,” Chen Xi replied with a smile. ”However, you’re indeed very suitable for those things earlier. It’s a pity you never joined Xuande; otherwise, I could have handed all financial matters to you.”

Liu Ba recognized the underlying invitation from Chen Xi, but he was loyal to Cao Cao and could only decline Chen Xi’s overture.

”Lord Cao treats me very well; I cannot betray him,” Liu Ba left no room for negotiation, his voice low but firm.

”Good,” Chen Xi nodded slowly, feeling a respect towards the unwavering loyalty of some ministers.

”Learning about finance is indeed more profound than I initially thought,” Liu Ba sighed, expressing his gratitude, ”With your teachings, I will certainly contend against you one day. I hope Marquis Chen will show no leniency, for what you’ve taught me could easily enhance Lord Cao’s capabilities by several percent. Aren’t you worried about the future effort?”

Liu Ba now understood that Liu Bei’s foundation might be far more robust than he had perceived, yet he was perplexed by Chen Xi’s actions—it seemed like aiding the enemy!

”Not worried,” Chen Xi chuckled, then began discussing financial loopholes, causing Liu Ba to break out in cold sweat. ”That’s how it is. It depends on how you use it. If you deploy it, I could strip Cao Mengde of all resources, forcing him to barter with goods.”

Liu Ba fell silent, realizing that his strategies were child’s play compared to Chen Xi’s mastery. In game terms, while he was using purple gear, he thought at best his opponent used divine equipment, only to realize they were using codes, placing them on a wholly different level.

”Alright, I’ve said just about everything,” Chen Xi smiled at the sweat-drenched Liu Ba, scaring him a bit to extinguish any cunning thoughts and have him obediently manage the Money Exchange.

Ultimately, with the Money Exchange in place, the construction speed under Cao Cao would increase by twenty percent, while Liu Bei’s side would enjoy a fifty percent increase. If the gap were still closed, Chen Xi could only acknowledge that Xun Yu equaled three Lub Su and himself.

”Thank you for your guidance, Marquis Chen. Once I return to Chang’an, I will ensure proper management of the Money Exchange,” Liu Ba sighed, appearing a bit desolate, having extinguished his competitive spirit and resolved to focus on what he should do upon returning to Chang’an, leaving intrigue and scheming behind.

”Zichu, when you return to Chang’an and see Minister Cao, remember to convey this message for me: Ask him whose world this is and let him ponder over it,” Chen Xi said, noticing Liu Ba’s expression and smiled.

”Alright, I will deliver this message to Lord Cao,” Liu Ba nodded, internally wondering what Chen Xi truly meant.

After speaking, Chen Xi lifted his teacup again, this time with a clear gesture of sending off a guest. Earlier, Liu Ba would have ignored it, but now, after receiving so much knowledge, he felt obliged to take his leave.

As he watched Liu Ba depart, Chen Xi assessed the situation on Sun Ce’s side, which wasn’t too problematic due to Yuan Shu’s mediation. As long as Sun Ce is convinced of his complete failure, he might surrender for the sake of his family and followers.

Moreover, Sun Ce is one of the only monarchs, besides Liu Bei, in this era who recognizes the importance of the people. Aside from the massacre in Lujiang where he vented his rage on the Lul Family, he hadn’t committed acts of wanton slaughter. Just for this, Chen Xi was willing to show him consideration.

This meant the remaining challenge was Cao ***, one of the era’s quintessential figures. Unlike Sun Ce, Chen Xi had no confidence in subduing Cao Cao and could only proceed cautiously.

If within three years, Cao Cao continued to disregard the populace of the Central Plains, Chen Xi would have no choice but to decisively remove him, preventing him from using the threat of mass abductions against himself.