Chapter 687: A Misfit and Self-Realization

As Jiang Wan mentioned, he wasn't entirely ignorant of military affairs. However, compared to his prowess in administration, his military skills were only at a level of around seventy percent.

For an average person, a military aptitude of seventy percent would be more than sufficient to serve as a commander of a thousand troops, or even to work hard and, with some luck, rise to the rank of a deputy general.

Unfortunately, this was Jiang Wan, and he had more confidence in his administrative abilities than in his military skills. This was why he declined Chen Xi’s kind offer.

Jiang Wan wasn’t sure if he was imagining things, but when he spoke up, it seemed as though he caught a fleeting smile at the corner of Chen Xi’s mouth. Although he wasn’t certain why Chen Xi might have smiled, he sensed a hint of goodwill behind it.

Still, Jiang Wan couldn’t be sure if Chen Xi had indeed smiled or if he was pleased or displeased with his decision.

After Jiang Wan spoke, Jian Yong was momentarily stunned. Then, he frowned slightly, preparing to speak up and support Jiang Wan. He understood from their time together that Jiang Wan excelled in administration, and though his military skills were decent, making him join the army would be a waste of his talent. Even with Chen Xi’s guidance, he might not be able to fully showcase his abilities.

“If you’re that resolute, let me think about what position would be suitable for you,” Chen Xi replied calmly, his expression revealing nothing.

“Thank you for understanding, Lord Chen,” Jiang Wan said before respectfully excusing himself.

After Jiang Wan left, Jian Yong finally spoke up. “Hey, Zichuan, don’t take it the wrong way. Gongyan isn’t being picky; it’s just that his strengths truly lie in governance.”

Unlike others, Jian Yong didn’t hold any particular reverence for Chen Xi. He had been around since the early days of Taishan’s establishment, sharing hardships alongside everyone else, and was a fellow townsman of Liu Bei. In terms of seniority, he wasn’t inferior to anyone.

“Sit here, Jianhe,” Fa Zheng said, indicating the spot next to him. He was also one of the first batch of officials and was quite familiar with Jian Yong. The fact that he and others like Man Chong, Mi Zhu, Sun Qian, and Liu Yan had made room for him back then was one reason why Fa Zheng now sat among the top ranks.

Jian Yong casually took a seat, and Fa Zheng poured wine for everyone. Unlike Jian Yong, Fa Zheng had clearly noticed the slight smile on Chen Xi’s face and immediately understood what Chen Xi meant.

“Are you worried that I’ll hold a grudge against Gongyan?” Chen Xi chuckled. “Do you really think I’m that petty? When have I ever held a grudge over something so trivial? Besides, Jiang Gongyan has the aura of a man destined for greatness.”

Chen Xi didn’t realize that his tone had subtly changed over time. When he first arrived in this world, he would have been hesitant to speak in such a manner about a historical figure. But now, he was comfortable evaluating others as if he were an elder appraising the next generation. Gradually, whether due to others’ flattery or his own adaptation, Chen Xi had fully integrated into this era.

“That’s true. You’re not the type to suppress newcomers. In fact, you’re probably eager for someone to take over for you,” Jian Yong remarked with a smile. “I just hope my visit doesn’t stir up any conflict and get me caught in the middle of it.”

Chen Xi shook his head, refraining from discussing the ongoing war. Instead, he continued the conversation about Jiang Wan. “He’s very capable. Even I need to carefully consider what position to assign him—something not too high, to avoid stirring resentment, but not too low, where his talents would go to waste.”

“Oh, you’re aware of that? Then tell me, if you had free rein, what position would you give him?” Jian Yong asked, downing his cup of wine in one gulp. He had always trusted Chen Xi’s judgment.

“A position as an Assistant Officer in the Ministry of Governance. This role would allow him to fully utilize his abilities, and it’s a position he can grow into, giving him insight into both the higher and lower levels of administration,” Chen Xi replied with a smile. In his mind, Jiang Wan should be groomed for the role of Chancellor, or at the very least, the position of Minister of Personnel. Wasting his potential would be a great loss.

“Assistant Officer in the Ministry of Governance…” Fa Zheng turned his head toward Zhuge Liang, who currently held that position. Zhuge Liang had been promoted from Senior Secretary to Assistant Officer in less than a year.

This was unavoidable. With Lu Su overseeing two and a half provinces and his rank already elevated to that of Governor, Li You had been brought back from Xu Province to serve as Chief Secretary. Naturally, a hard worker like Zhuge Liang was promoted when the time came. After all, only he and Lu Su were true workaholics, while everyone else avoided responsibilities unless absolutely necessary.

“That’s too high,” Zhuge Liang remarked calmly.

“It’s not. Right now, you’re underutilized as an Assistant Officer. Even if you were to manage three provinces, it wouldn’t fully tap into your potential. With your current abilities, you’re fit to be one of the Nine Ministers, specifically the Minister of Finance. After ten years in that role, you’d be ready to transition to the position of Chancellor. That’s my assessment of your capabilities,” Chen Xi stated earnestly.

In ten years, Zhuge Liang would be only twenty-four, around the age when he first emerged from his seclusion. By then, Zhuge Liang would have already developed the skills necessary to serve as Chancellor; what he lacked was experience. A decade of serving as a high-ranking minister would provide that experience.

Zhuge Liang was slightly taken aback. He hadn’t expected Chen Xi to hold him in such high regard. The position of Chancellor was something Zhuge Liang had once considered, but he wasn’t confident he could fulfill such a role in just ten years.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. Our opponents include all the great figures of history. If we can’t achieve this, what right do we have?” Fa Zheng remarked nonchalantly. He had come to terms with his own ambitions.

Fa Zheng’s calm demeanor was partly because he had already fulfilled his life’s ambition—to gain his father’s acknowledgment that he no longer needed any ancestral protection to thrive and that he could live well on his own merits. In fact, he could now use his success to shield future generations of the Fa family.

Fa Yan had never explicitly praised Fa Zheng, but Fa Zheng had seen enough in his father’s expressions to know that he had earned his approval.

Having gained immense satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment from his father’s recognition and his wife’s love, Fa Zheng no longer felt the need to prove himself as he once did.

When he brought his father to Taishan, and when Jiang Ying arrived to complete the final piece of his contentment, Fa Zheng no longer needed wealth or power to validate his success. He had moved past that phase of his life.

While Zhuge Liang might be astounded by the possibility of becoming one of the Nine Ministers or even Chancellor, Fa Zheng felt no such interest. His focus had shifted to contemplating whether he was acting foolishly or whether he could still fulfill the oath Liu Bei had once sworn.

Fa Zheng’s interest now lay more in self-realization. The tangible rewards of wealth and power no longer held much appeal for him. At this stage, he was more interested in how to achieve the grand vision Liu Bei had set forth.

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