Chapter 121: I am Chen Zichuan, You are Fa Xiaozhi

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“Strategies are such a hassle. I wonder if Zang Ba managed to bring my two friends back?” Chen Xi glanced at Fa Zheng, who remained silent. Chen Xi chuckled, knowing very well how much this victory would shock the world and elevate his reputation. After this victory, he would stand on par with the likes of Xun Yu and Chen Qun, the sons of noble families.

In this era, Chen Xi had the lineage, the capability, and the background. The distinction between main and collateral branches in a family wasn't very clear during chaotic times. With his bloodline established, it was all about competence. After April, under Chen Xi's planning, Liu Bei would have the power to rival the lords of the realm. Chen Xi’s status would rise accordingly, allowing him to look down on someone like Chen Qun.

“You have two other friends!” Fa Zheng instantly snapped back to reality.

“Who doesn’t have one or two friends? Don’t you?” Chen Xi gave Fa Zheng a disdainful look. “Guo Fengxiao, that wanderer, is friends with Ji Cai, Wen Ruo, Gongda, and Zhongde. So, why can’t I have two or three friends?”

Fa Zheng knew everyone had one or two close friends. He was concerned that if Chen Xi’s friends arrived, his future prospects would dim further. Friends meant comrades with similar abilities and mutual understanding. Those who could befriend Guo Jia were all of his caliber. Even if they had their shortcomings, they would excel in other areas; otherwise, they couldn't be in the same league.

Now, with Chen Xi planning to bring his friends over, Fa Zheng felt his future darkening. There were already too many formidable people above him. How would he ever rise to the top? Judging by Chen Xi's caliber, it was likely his friends would be as capable as Guo Jia.

Guo Jia’s scheme had split the Yellow Turbans into three large groups, further divided into smaller factions. These smaller factions formed the foundation for Zang Ba’s snowball tactic. The snowball grew larger, and by the time it encountered the main Yellow Turban forces, it was already unstoppable.

Although Guo Jia hadn't anticipated Chen Xi using such a method to defeat the Yellow Turbans, splitting them up was the right choice. Otherwise, dealing with over a million Yellow Turbans gathered together would have been much more challenging.

“You needn't worry, Xiaozhi. Each of us will mentor you for a while. You must learn from us all and then surpass us. We are pretty much set in our ways with little room for growth. You are still young; the future belongs to you.” Chen Xi stood bathed in the morning light, placing a solemn hand on Fa Zheng's shoulder.

At this moment, Fa Zheng’s chest swelled with confidence, and his eyes sparkled. Unlike Guo Jia, who constantly berated him, Chen Xi always comforted his fragile heart. Fa Zheng resolved to absorb the best from each mentor and strive to improve, determined not to waste Chen Xi’s efforts.

“Alright, Xiaozhi. Keep working hard. I’m off to check if the grain, seeds, and tools delivered by Ziyang’s men are sufficient. Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang couldn’t even manage to turn oxen into plow animals. They need someone to teach them how to fit nose rings. Such a hassle! The south sure is wealthy; they’ve managed to buy so much grain.” Chen Xi patted Fa Zheng’s shoulder and then sighed helplessly.

From Chen Xi’s perspective, Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping were useless. Didn’t they know to fit nose rings on the oxen they bought from the north? Bringing back thousands of fat, strong oxen without nose rings—what a hassle! They needed oxen for plowing, not for eating. Without nose rings, how would they plow fields? Trying to lead them by their heads—did they think they were Xu Chu? If they had that kind of strength, they wouldn’t need oxen.

In this regard, the Lu family was much more reliable. Previously, when there was no grain transported, as soon as it was needed, the Lu family began shipping grain non-stop, without any delays. The quality was good, and the price was fair, with rice costing just 150 coins per shi, the same as Taishan millet.

Given this, Chen Xi didn't hesitate to engage in commercial transactions with the Lu family. As for Tao Qian’s strategic investment, he used it sparingly, relying on his own efforts as the mainstay. Liu Bei now governed over two million people. Relying solely on others was not sustainable.

Unlimited grain purchases were made. As many books as needed were exchanged for grain. Liu Bei’s generosity pleased the Lu family, who delivered three thousand books without naming a price, just asking for grain.

The Lu family appreciated this trust and reciprocated Liu Bei's generosity by actively procuring grain in Jiangnan, Jing, Yang, and Yuzhou regions. The Jiangdong Five Great Families were not just for show; motivated by the book-for-grain exchange, southern families brought out their reserves, as grain was something they did not lack.

“Wait, so you bought cattle not for eating?” Fa Zheng asked, snapping back to the topic.

“Do you think I need to buy cattle for meat?” Chen Xi rolled his eyes. “I bought them for plowing.”

“Northern oxen can plow fields?” Fa Zheng asked, his expression skeptical. If northern cattle could plow fields, their value wouldn't just be around 3,000 coins. An ox in the central plains could sell for 20,000 coins. In the borderlands, killing cattle for meat was common, but try that in the central plains, and you’d be fighting people to the death.

“Put away that look. I’m Chen Zichuan, you’re Fa Xiaozhi. We can question everything, but don’t show surprise. Even if you don’t know, ask in private. As strategists, if we panic, who will the generals rely on? When necessary, even if you’re clueless, act profound. Don’t shake the army’s morale.” Chen Xi glanced at Fa Zheng before turning his head and continuing his lecture.

“You’re Chen Zichuan,” Fa Zheng said sternly. “That’s all you needed to say. Spare me the rest.”

“...Let’s go.” Chen Xi glanced at Fa Zheng, thinking, "I'm still too young. Maybe Zang Ba is cursing me out right now. If I were thirty, after this victory, I could rightfully call myself 'Old Master.' But at that age, I probably wouldn’t have this sharpness…"

Meanwhile, Liu Bei had received the full battle report. At almost the same time, Cao Cao received an identical report: Chen Zichuan led 30,000 Taishan soldiers in the Battle of Zhangqiu against 300,000 Yellow Turbans, utterly defeating them. He pursued them for hundreds of miles, decimating Chen Bai, Fu Yun, and Hou Qian’s forces, killing 50,000, capturing a million, with almost no losses on his side.