Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chen Xi and Guo Jia both noticed Chen Gong’s hand tremble, involuntarily frowning, as they both overlooked the words Chen Xi had said before. Indeed, habit can be a terrifying force; even someone with the remarkable strategy of Guo Jia can be blinded by it.

It seems that at moments like this, aside from those top sages who do not have such habits, probably only Jia Xu would notice someone slipping up in speech. Jia Xu was never blinded by habit because his spiritual talent in logic was overly meticulous, making it difficult for any faults to arise.

However, if Jia Xu had been present this time, given his ruthless nature, he might have fought to keep Chen Gong no matter what, refusing to allow any threat to remain. After all, their plan of using the world as a chessboard and all beings as pieces was a monumental conspiracy they had worked onerously on; no mistake could be tolerated, especially when the table was set to be flipped this very year. How could they allow for change?

Keep in mind that this plot was not just a framework proposed by Chen Xi, which everyone contributed to, identifying and filling gaps to forge a grand strategy on a completely different scale compared to the trifling schemes of people like Xun Yu, Zhou Yu, and Tian Feng.

Regardless of whether it was Xun Yu’s plundering or Zhou Yu’s profit from another’s starting point, both strategies had significant hidden risks. Even Tian Feng’s solid foundation, planning step by step by leveraging Yuan Shao’s resources, though reliable, was too slow. These couldn’t compare with the grand strategy the group with Chen Xi was devising.

The weakest among this group were merciless at the level of national strategy. The grand plot began solely with Chen Xi’s covert replacement, to which Jia Xu added his plot of borrowing a knife to kill someone. Li Youu contributed his profit from another’s starting point, while Guo Jia added the final touch by removing the ladder after leading the enemy onto the roof. Fa Zheng was recognized for his wisdom due to his strategy of catching by releasing. At just nineteen, this was why he secured a seat among the leaders.

Afterward, Liu Ye and Lub Su constantly refined and perfected it, erasing all traces concerning Mount Tai from the grand situation, making everything that happened appear completely rational!

It could be said that these people spared no effort in each phase of the plan. Had not Chen Xi proposed the concept of securing a territory and administering it, Mount Tai, having been prepared for war, might have already started an epic battle with Yuan Shao.

If one were to consider which of the feudal lords had the farthest-reaching plans, there’s no doubt it was Liu Bei. Mount Tai always talked about a century-long plan and never worried that it couldn’t be carried out.

Defeating Yuan Shao and pacifying the land was not just confidence or lip service, but a genuine sure win. Don’t talk about the unpredictability of war—just say this: Yuan Shao was doomed to lose.

All of Yuan Shao’s foundations, whether it was the prosperity of Jizhou or the balanced relationships with the noble families, were illusory. Jizhou’s prosperity was a result of Chen Xi’s covert replacement strategy, and the noble families were controlled by Guo Jia’s removal of the ladder—what did Yuan Benchu have without these two capitals?

However, it’s worth mentioning that among all the feudal lords, only Yuan Shao was schemed against twice. Others, including Cao Cao, were simply lured into a trap, which speaks volumes of Yuan Shao’s strength.

Of course, Chen Xi also knew that to set these two plots in motion, it was necessary to demonstrate sufficient power; otherwise, even if the Zhang Clan and Liu Bei were as close as if glued, it would be meaningless. Discover hidden tales at NovelBin.Côm

Noble families would sacrifice anyone, including the family head, for the sake of the clan. What more for a Matriarch? This was why Chen Xi didn’t want to live in the Chen Family Compound; he didn’t want to be swayed by the will of the family.

The pieces in the north were positioned by Chen Xi and Guo Jia themselves. Naturally, they both had the confidence to set them in motion. Should the players be countered by their own pieces, wouldn’t that be a tragedy? Therefore, they both prepared other means as well, and although these were never explicitly mentioned, the executors on Liu Bei’s side were ready.

"Gongtai, why is your hand trembling?" Chen Xi curiously asked.

"It’s because I am thrilled that Fengxian, my friend, might return to Bingzhou, and for the Great Han Dynasty to reclaim the Hetao Region," Chen Gong replied composedly.

"Let’s toast in advance to Gongtai’s triumph and hope that one day, you and I might even serve together in the same court," Chen Xi said with a smile on his face.

"I too look forward to that day," Chen Gong replied with a smile, "Now that we’ve finished discussing the important matters and with Yuan Shao’s Army retreated, there’s no further enmity between our forces. Why don’t we indulge in some light-hearted topics to comfort ourselves?"

"Hahaha, Gongtai is in high spirits!" Chen Xi laughed heartily, "Since it’s out in the open, our armies have no significant conflicts in essence; what’s more, now that Marquis Wen is willing to campaign against the Hu People and reclaim the Hetao Region, it would make sense for us not to oppose each other. I’ll have someone start the meal; a wine banquet where we can eat and talk."

After sensing the signals of defection from Chen Gong, Chen Xi instantly realized the implications, and Guo Jia clearly looked pleased.

The banquet was joyous with lively toasts exchanged. Chen Gong, having discerned the grand trend of the world, abandoned any thoughts of holding out for a better offer and was utterly cordial, leading to a delighted host and guests.

"Marquis Chen, it’s a pity I need to head to Bingzhou, or else I would’ve liked to visit Mount Tai. Having been stationed in Yanuzhou for several years, ever since Lord Xuande took over Mount Tai, I’ve often heard that Mount Tai changes three times a month, alas, I’ve never had the chance to witness it myself, such a pity," Chen Gong said, full of regret.

"That’s not difficult. Gongtai can accompany me to Mount Tai for a visit," Chen Xi replied with a smile, "The prosperity of Mount Tai is sure to surprise you."

"I believe you, but sadly, Fengxian cannot do without me," Chen Gong shook his head, "Once I help Fengxian pacify Hetao Region, I think I will be able to fulfill my wish. By then, I hope Marquis Chen remembers the banquet we had today."

"Why do you speak like that?" Chen Xi said with a straight face, his words obviously carrying a hint of displeasure, "Come on, lift your wine goblets; this drink is to wish Marquis Wenn success in pacifying the Hetao Region and expanding the borders for our Great Han!"

The three of them drank merrily, and both Guo Jia and Chen Xi had no doubts about Chen Gong’s intentions to join Liu Xuande’s side—a good piece of news indeed. As for Lyu Bu, retreating to Bingzhou was a wise choice indeed, as the greater cause of the nation could cleanse any impurities and sufficiently cover up any other discordant elements.

Upon departure, Chen Xi and Guo Jia walked Chen Gong out of the camp, and after a formal bow, Chen Xi said, "Gongtai, remember to speak up about anything you might need. Mount Tai can fulfill almost every wish, and while you’re in the north, give some thought to the path you and Marquis Wenn will take from now on."

"Marquis Chen, rest assured, I’ll give you a satisfactory answer before Fengxian and I depart," Chen Gong said standing next to his carriage, addressing Chen Xi.

"No, you have plenty of time to think it over," Chen Xi said with a smile, "Don’t rush."

Chen Gong smiled without responding immediately. After a long pause, he said, "I must be going. Marquis Chen, thank you for your hospitality. I think it won’t be long before we serve together in the same court."

"How come this guy is even more confident than us," Chen Xi muttered after Chen Gong left.

"I’m quite surprised myself," Guo Jia said, taking a swig of wine. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian ) and cast your recommendation votes, monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)