Chen Xi looked at Liu Bei, his throat dry, unsure of what to say. He had expected to need to persuade Liu Bei before getting him on his side. After all, Chen Xi had prepared his arguments and knew there was a good chance Liu Bei would agree. But he hadnāt anticipated how easily Liu Bei would agree, not because of his arguments but simply because Liu Bei trusted him. Liu Bei believed in Chen Xiānot because of any specific reason but simply because he trusted him. Even if everyone else opposed Chen Xi, Liu Bei was willing to stand behind him.
"Lord, thank you! Iāve never considered myself among the ranks of strategists, always feeling that I fall short in many areas compared to others, despite the advantages I have. But since you believe I can be better than everyone else, I will strive to prove it," Chen Xi said, a glint of madness in his eyes.
Even if it wasnāt just for ending the chaos, he would prove himself, if only for Liu Beiās trust. This moment gave Chen Xi a fleeting sense of what it meant to die for someone who truly understood him.
"Go forth, Zichuan!" Liu Bei said simply, without adding another word.
"Understood!" Chen Xi bowed deeply.
When Chen Xi had arrived, he was confident but not entirely certain of success. However, after leaving Liu Beiās presence, he felt fully assured once more. Even if only to live up to Liu Beiās trust, Chen Xi resolved to accomplish this task and shock everyone.
Chen Xi took one of Liu Beiās paired swords. Since his authority wasnāt enough, he decided to add a bit more until it was sufficient.
It was afternoon when Chen Xi went to see Liu Bei, and by the time their discussion was over, it was already evening. Liu Bei didnāt invite him to stay for dinner but gave him a sword instead. The cool night breeze hit Chen Xi as he stepped out, quickly bringing him back to his senses.
Feeling a bit embarrassed by his earlier display, Chen Xi sighed and gradually calmed down. While he felt some embarrassment at first, he soon regained his composure. Even if he had been overly passionate, he wouldnāt have spoken up if he didnāt genuinely believe in his cause.
Chen Xi shook off Liu Beiās influence on his thoughts. As for Liu Beiās trust, he would remember it. Although Chen Xi found the idea of dying for someone who understood him a bit excessive, he acknowledged that, in a heated moment, he might act differentlyājust as he had today.
After Chen Xi left, Liu Bei rubbed his temples, suddenly feeling that he had been a bit rash. There was someone else in the room! He had been so caught up in his conversation with Chen Xi that he had forgotten about it. Now that he thought back on it, the things Chen Xi had said covered such a broad range of topics that, while they didnāt seem like much to him, they could be a big problem if heard by someone else. The entire strategy had been exposed.
"Lady Zhen, you can come out now," Liu Bei called out helplessly toward the inner room.
Zhang Shi walked out calmly, taking a seat where Chen Xi had just been sitting, and looked at Liu Bei. She understood that she had unwittingly been caught up in something dangerous. Chen Xiās words had contained too much information, including strategies for dealing with all four corners of the realm. As an outsider who had heard these things, her only path forward seemed bleak.
"I wonder how Lord Xuande plans to deal with me, a widowed woman," Zhang Shi said with a bitter smile. Faced with the grand ambitions of a lord, personal desires seemed trivial. Zhang Shi believed she no longer needed to worry about herself; a man of such stature wouldnāt let her live.
Liu Bei didnāt respond immediately. Zhang Shi represented the Zhen family, an important piece in Chen Xiās strategy. Killing her would mean disrupting all the plans Chen Xi had made regarding Jizhou, creating a massive obstacle in dealing with Yuan Shao in the future.
Zhang Shi couldnāt die. Liu Bei pondered this for a long time, ultimately dismissing the idea of killing her. The importance of the Zhen family saved her life, though it was a precarious situation.
As Liu Beiās murderous aura gradually subsided, Zhang Shi relaxed. Her biggest fear had been that Liu Bei would kill her without hesitation. If that happened, no amount of pleading would save her.
Although Zhang Shi had overheard details about the Zhen familyās role in the strategy, she wasnāt certain she could use that information to save her life. After all, from her conversation with Chen Xi, Zhang Shi realized that his capabilities far exceeded her expectations. Despite the constantly shifting political landscape, Liu Bei had consistently followed Chen Xiās designs. With someone like that advising him, Zhang Shi knew that the Zhen family wasnāt indispensable.
"I ask that you remain in Taishan for the next two years and refrain from contacting the Zhen family. I hope you understand," Liu Bei finally said, abandoning the idea of killing Zhang Shi. He wasnāt willing to create trouble for Chen Xi.
"Lord Xuande is merciful, but would you allow the Zhen family to participate in Chen Zichuanās previous plan? The Taishan Merchantsā GuildāI believe my family could be of great help. We have considerable influence among northern merchants," Zhang Shi said, now more at ease, her tone more assertive.
After some hesitation, Liu Bei agreed to her request. After all, a little sweet with the bitter was necessary in situations like these, especially when the other party was as blameless as Zhang Shi.
"Thank you, Lord Xuande," Zhang Shi said, smiling. Now, she had something to report to the Zhen family, and her position in Taishan would be secure. Moreover, her keen intuition and the natural instinct of a merchant told her that Chen Zichuanās predictions could very well come true.
Moreover, after hearing Liu Bei and Chen Xiās conversation, Zhang Shiās faith in Chen Xiās abilities was as strong as Liu Beiās. Someone capable of controlling the tides of the world couldnāt possibly fall short after making such bold claims.
Sometimes, a simple approach with a bit of intuition yields the best results. Zhang Shi had played her cards well.
"If the Zhen family has other business interests, Taishan will treat you equally," Liu Bei added after some thought, offering another olive branch. If Zhang Shi couldnāt be eliminated, it was better to show her the benefits of cooperating with Taishan.
"Thank you, Lord Xuande!" Zhang Shiās eyes gleamed with gratitude, feeling that this misfortune had turned into a blessing. Indeed, the old saying "fortune and misfortune are intertwined" held true.
During her time in Taishan, Zhang Shi had come to understand many things, especially the value of certain resources. However, the barriers to entry were so high that only someone like Mi Zhu could take advantage of them. But now that Liu Bei had promised equal treatment, Zhang Shi felt confident that the Zhen family would thrive. Even if they were to compete with the Mi family in the pure business realm, Zhang Shi believed they wouldnāt lose. After all, their centuries of experience were no joke!
"Lord Xuande, may I borrow someone from your household?" Zhang Shi asked.
"Of course," Liu Bei replied, appreciating Zhang Shiās tact and understanding of when to advance and retreat. "Whoever you need, feel free to take them."
Liu Bei trusted everyone in his household implicitly, so Zhang Shiās request reassured him that she had no intention of betraying him.
"Just a personal maid. I hope Lord Xuande doesnāt mind," Zhang Shi said calmly.
"If you have any other requests, feel free to ask," Liu Bei offered, realizing that it was now fully dark. Inviting Zhang Shi to stay the night wouldnāt be appropriate, though he wouldnāt object if she insisted.
"I have nothing else. Iāll return tomorrow," Zhang Shi said, rising gracefully and bowing before leaving.
The next morning, Chen Xi arrived at the government office with Liu Beiās sword in hand. Mi Zhu and Sun Qian arrived shortly after, with Man Chong and Lu Su arriving just in time. Jia Xu was a bit late, and by the time Guo Jia and Jian Yong arrived, Liu Ye had already finished his breakfast.
"Everyoneās here," Chen Xi said, smiling as he scanned the room. He seemed in good spirits, as if the previous dayās events were behind him. Whether Liu Yan had arrived was irrelevant; for all anyone knew, he could be off somewhere boasting.
"My, Zichuan, you seem in high spirits today," Jian Yong teased.
Smack! Chen Xi placed the paired sword on the table with a loud thud. "We need to revisit yesterdayās discussion. Iām not satisfied with losing that debate, so weāre going to continue today!"
Everyone recognized the sword as Liu Beiās and furrowed their brows.
"Some things canāt be resolved through debate, Zichuan. Even with Lord Xuandeās sword, I still disagree with this plan!" Liu Ye was the first to stand up and reject Chen Xiās proposal, just as he had the day before.
"Forget about the sword." Chen Xi casually tossed it aside. "This is something I will do, regardless of whether you all agree. I have the authority to override you all!"
Chen Xi stood up, pressing his hands on the table and scanning everyone with a cold gaze. "Whether you agree or not wonāt change the outcome. Iām going to do this, no matter how much you try to stop me. Nothing will sway my determination this time."
"Zichuan, we should consider this more carefully!" Lu Su, ever the peacemaker, tried to reason with him, suggesting they take their time.
"Thereās no time for that. The work begins this afternoon," Chen Xi replied, his eyes as cold as ice. He wasnāt about to fall for Lu Suās delaying tactics.
"Zichuan, are you absolutely sure this will succeed?" Jia Xu asked with a frown. "This could affect all of our future plans. We canāt risk ruining the current situation for the sake of haste. Weāre not yet in a dangerous position, and a steady approach is far more realistic than a risky gamble."
"I will succeed!" Chen Xi sneered at Jia Xu. "Iām Chen Zichuan. From the Battle of Hulao to now, Iāve navigated the tides of the world. Who among you can say youāve got a better eye or better skills than me?"
Jia Xu and Guo Jia exchanged glances. There wasnāt much to argue with. How had the discussion suddenly turned into a contest of vision and ability?
"So, you do acknowledge my abilities and judgment," Chen Xi said with a hint of sarcasm. At this point, he didnāt mind offending them; they werenāt petty enough to hold a grudge. He could make amends once the job was done, but for now, he had to overpower them.
"Are you sure you wonāt fail?" Guo Jia asked, staring intently.
"Hmph, donāt play tricks on me," Chen Xi scoffed. "I wonāt fail. Iāll continue to steer the course of history. Iām Chen Zichuan. When I canāt see the direction history is heading, Iāll create that direction myself. I have that power!"
Chen Xiās words left everyone confused, except for Chen Xi himself. He knew that the current trajectory of history had been thoroughly disrupted by his actions. Relying on historical precedent was no longer an option. Since the future was murky, it was time for the strongest to cut through the fog and pave a clear path.
Guo Jia frowned. Chen Xiās behavior was completely different from what he was used to. In the past, Chen Xi had been low-key, but today he seemed downright arrogant, as if he had taken leave of his senses.
"Are you thinking Iām arrogant?" Chen Xi asked, noticing their puzzled looks.
Chen Xi pressed his left hand onto the table, his confidence radiating as he spoke, stunning everyone. "Iām only eighteen years old, but Iāve already helped Lord Xuande, who started with nothing, rise to the rank of a warlord. We now have all the resources, warriors, and advisors we need to be a formidable forceāone that makes the world take notice and tread carefully. I have the right to be arrogant, and I have the strength to back it up."
"Iām not here to discuss this with you. Iām here to command you. I have absolute authority over administrative matters. This is the power Lord Xuande granted me, and itās the source of my confidence," Chen Xi said, sweeping his gaze across the room as everyone frowned in thought. "So, whether you agree or not, I will proceed. And by the way, thereās only one person who can stop me, and thatās Lord Xuande!"
"Zichuan, is this truly your only option? No room for reconsideration?" Mi Zhu asked, instinctively sensing Chen Xiās unwavering resolve.
Chen Xi had rarely exercised his veto power, but now that he was doing so, it was clear how determined he was.
"No! This is something I must do. The gap between Lord Xuande and the other warlords is too smallāso small that our original plan is no longer feasible. If we miss this opportunity, weāll lose our grip on the tides of history, and the future will be full of uncertainties!" Chen Xi firmly rejected Mi Zhuās plea, though he softened his tone to explain further.
"Why does it have to be this plan, Zichuan? Do you really need to prove yourself?" Lu Su, usually the most patient, finally lost his temper, slamming his hand on the table in frustration. "Weāre in a strong position. We donāt need to rush. A steady, cautious approach is better!"
"Do I need to prove myself? Zijing, do you think I still need to prove my abilities? Iām no longer that untested youth who first appeared at the Battle of Hulao. My name, Chen Zichuan, is enough to make any warlord wary. I donāt need to build my reputation through achievements or a prosperous territory! Even if this plan succeeds, itāll only be the icing on the cake!" Chen Xi sneered, clearly beyond the need for validation. His reputation might not be widespread, but it was certainly enough to make any warlord think twice before crossing him.
"Then why are you so insistent? Isnāt a steady approach good enough?" Lu Su nearly shouted.
"To solidify our foundation! Taishan and Qingzhouās foundations are too weak! We need prosperity and resources! Our goal is to sweep across the land, not be confined to a corner!" Chen Xi locked eyes with Lu Su, speaking slowly and deliberately. "So, we must amass enough strength to face any danger before it arises! Zijing, help me! Weāve worked together for so long; you should know me better than anyone!"
Chen Xiās words finally cooled Lu Suās temper. He had worked alongside Chen Xi the longest and knew him better than anyone else. Seeing Chen Xi so resolute, Lu Su realized just how much thought he had put into this plan. After a long moment of indecision, Lu Su sighed. "Zichuan, promise me youāll succeed!"
Lu Su felt resigned, knowing there was no turning back now.
Chen Xiās expression brightened as he solemnly nodded to Lu Su. "I will succeed. Youāll see soon enough!"
"Alright, Iāll trust you this time, based on your past record," Lu Su said reluctantly as he walked over and extended his hand to Chen Xi. "Shake on it. But if you fail, donāt ever use this veto power again. Weāre all working for Lord Xuande."
"Agreed!" Chen Xi shook hands with Lu Su, grateful for the olive branch. He realized just how essential it was to have a mediator like Lu Su among them. Without him, their group of proud advisors might have torn itself apart.
Seeing Lu Su and Chen Xi shake hands, Liu Ye felt a pang of frustration. Lu Su was a good personātoo good, in fact. That was his consistent opinion, and now this good person had switched sides.
Once the first had crossed over, others were bound to follow. With Lu Su supporting Chen Xi, Liu Ye sighed and finally relented. There was little point in continuing the argument now.
"Count me in. At least Iāll be here to clean up the mess if things go wrong. Iāll handle the accounts," Liu Ye said reluctantly. He had been arguing all along for Liu Beiās sake. Now that things couldnāt be reversed, he could only minimize the damage. "Zichuan, remember, no matter what, donāt harm my cousinās interests! Everything we do must be for his benefit!"
"I promise, youāll soon realize that todayās decision was the right one," Chen Xi replied confidently.
"Iāll be glad if you prove me wrong!" Liu Ye grumbled, annoyed but resigned. "I hope joining you is a mistake!"
"Donāt worry; Iāll make sure youāre wrong," Chen Xi said with a wave, turning his attention to Jia Xu and Guo Jia. These two werenāt heavily involved in administrative matters, but they needed to voice their stance nonetheless.
"With you three handling things, everything should be fine," Jia Xu said, taking a sip of tea. After all, Taishan and Qingzhouās administration mainly relied on these three. With them on board, things could proceed smoothly.
"Thank you for your understanding," Chen Xi replied, bowing to Jia Xu. Jia Xuās words signaled that he wouldnāt interfere any further.
"And you, Fengxiao?" Chen Xi asked, turning to Guo Jia.
"Iāll reserve my judgment, but I agree with Wenhe," Guo Jia said, shaking his head.
"Zizhong, rest assured. Youāll soon see the results. This is the best opportunity weāll have. If we miss it, we may never get another chance like this, so I ask for your understanding. I promise that both Lord Xuandeās and your interests will be safeguarded," Chen Xi said, bowing to Mi Zhu.
"Sigh, I hope so," Mi Zhu replied, looking somewhat despondent.
Chen Xi didnāt push any further. There was no need for more words; the truth would reveal itself soon enough. When the time came, Mi Zhu would understand that Chen Xi hadnāt misled him. Right now, no amount of talk would change Mi Zhuās mind.
Chen Xi thought to himself.
"Now that everyone agrees, Iāll assign tasks. Let me be clear: no matter how much weāve argued before, now that weāre moving forward, no one can drag their feet. If you do, donāt blame me for being ruthless! Boming, youāll oversee everyone!" Chen Xi said, turning to Man Chong.
"Understood!" Man Chong replied, bowing.
Just as Chen Xi was about to delegate tasks, Zhang Shi entered the room, followed by Lady Gan.
"I heard that Marquis Chen is reorganizing the Merchantsā Guild and establishing it in Taishan. May the Zhen family participate?" Zhang Shi immediately disrupted Chen Xiās plans.
Mi Zhu glanced at Zhang Shi and sighed.
Chen Xi frowned at Zhang Shi. He hadnāt mentioned anything about the new tax law to anyone outside, let alone the Merchantsā Guildās relocation to Taishan.
Chen Xiās expression turned odd as he tried to recall what he had said the previous day. Then, noticing Lady Gan standing behind Zhang Shi, an unbidden thought crossed his mind.
Zhang Shi felt uneasy under Chen Xiās teasing gaze, but she maintained her composure. "Marquis Chen, what are your thoughts? The Zhen family is a well-known clan in Jizhou, and we manage one of the most significant merchant guilds in the land. Joining the Taishan Merchantsā Guild would be a substantial boost."
"Thatās not my decision. Iāve entrusted all matters concerning the guild to Zizhong. If you have any needs, please discuss them with him," Chen Xi said, deliberately emphasizing the word "Madam." Instantly, everyone understood the situation. Upon noticing Lady Gan standing behind Zhang Shi, their expressions grew thoughtful. How had they become so close, and when had this happened?
Mi Zhu chuckled inwardly. Whether Chen Zichuan had agreed or Lady Gan had intervened, it was clear that the Zhen familyās participation in the guild was inevitable. Having once considered recruiting the Zhen family himself, Mi Zhu didnāt feel too much pressure. He stood and bowed to Zhang Shi. "Madam, we can discuss the guild in more detail in a few days. I have more pressing matters to attend to today."
"Thatās fine. The Zhen family will need some time to prepare as well," Zhang Shi replied, nodding. She took a seat as a guard brought her a chair, ready to listen to Chen Xiās plans. After all, the Zhen familyās future was now tied to these decisions.