Chapter 49

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A large army was stationed outside the administrative center of Yingchuan Commandery. To be honest, Liu Bei’s arrival had nearly frightened the governor of Yangdi to death. Although this was the administrative center of Yingchuan, with over ten thousand elite infantry and cavalry stationed outside the city, anyone would be terrified, especially in such uncertain times amidst the chaos.

Governor Chen Liang of Yangdi immediately sealed the city gates and mobilized all the defensive forces within the city to guard against Liu Bei’s potential attack. After all, the Han Dynasty had not yet fallen, and without an imperial order, no army of over ten thousand could be allowed to enter the city.

After Liu Bei presented the general’s order from the city wall, Chen Liang finally realized it was just a false alarm. Of course, he also noticed that the route back to Mount Tai did not lead to his territory, but at this moment, as long as he wasn’t foolish, he wouldn’t nitpick over such issues. He had no intention of provoking this military and administrative official who wielded both civil and military power. Such a person was incomparable to a governor like himself, who had no military authority.

To put it bluntly, if Liu Bei were to attack the city now, eliminate him, and find someone to take his place, then report to the central government, in this chaotic period, no one would really care.

“Governor Chen, you are too kind. I should not have passed through this place, but for the peace and prosperity of my jurisdiction, I must come to this land of talented people in Yingchuan to seek out a few virtuous individuals.” Liu Bei showed great respect to Chen Liang, who stood behind the city gate. He did not act arrogantly but instead bowed politely, giving Chen Liang a way out.

“Lord Xuande, you are too kind. Governing a region should balance both civil and military aspects. Bandits are rampant in Tai Mountain Commandery, but your soldiers are brave and strong, capable of defeating the bandits. However, you lack civil officials, and Yingchuan is known for producing many talented scholars.” Chen Liang took the opportunity to step down and expressed great interest in Liu Bei’s large cavalry force, hinting at it with a laugh.

Liu Bei joined in the laughter, but these soldiers were his lifeline. He himself did not have enough to spare, and Chen Liang wanted to pick some out? What a joke. He gave Chen Liang a way out, not a ladder to climb. How dare he even think about the soldiers? Chen Xi really didn’t understand what his kinsman was thinking.

A banquet was set up to welcome and entertain the troops. It was unclear whether Chen Liang was dizzy or saw potential in Liu Bei, but the treatment was truly excellent. He even specially invited the prominent families in the city to welcome Liu Bei, including Chen Xi’s father-in-law.

“Zichuan, what are you doing here?” After a hearty meal, Chen Xi, seeing Fan Liang nodding, slipped out of the banquet. Liu Bei was unusually lenient with the few people under his command.

“Uncle, I have been to Hulao Pass to witness the ambitions of the feudal lords. The fate of the Guangwu lineage has run out. I am now following Lord Xuande, planning to achieve wealth and honor.” Chen Xi smiled and said, as Fan Liang was a trustworthy person, and he did not mind speaking shocking words.

“Be careful with your words!” Fan Liang warned.

“It’s only to you, Uncle. I wouldn’t say such things to others. What do you think of Lord Xuande?” Chen Xi smiled and asked.

“His nobility cannot be described.” Fan Liang remained silent for a long time before saying, “He has the aura of a king or a prince.”

“Just the aura of a king or prince?” Chen Xi’s face was playful, showing little respect. To him, Fan Liang was more like a family member, and there was no need for excessive formalities.

“The aura of an emperor, but he should have suffered the loss of his wife. Now, something has suppressed it. His original hardships and late success have been forcibly elevated to a smooth path. This is not the appearance of a founding emperor; without sufficient trials, it is impossible to establish a nation!” Fan Liang said after a long silence.

“Uncle’s eyes are still as sharp as ever.” Chen Xi smiled, acknowledging that a thousand-year-old family had some unique knowledge, even if it had declined, it was still incomparable to ordinary families.

“Your face...” Fan Liang frowned.

“Uncle, let’s talk about Fan Jian instead. There’s no need to look at my face.” Chen Xi smiled.

The topic was quickly changed. How could the marriage of his daughter be less important than his face? If she didn’t get married soon, he would have to pay double the head tax, which Fan Liang could afford, but he couldn’t bear the embarrassment!

“Jian is well, just waiting for you to marry her. It’s clear that Lord Liu Xuande treats you very well. Since you have chosen your path, I won’t say anything more. Take Jian with you, and notify Uncle and Aunt when you get married. I will go to Tai Mountain at that time. As for you, Zichuan, to be honest, I underestimated you.” Fan Liang smiled and then his expression gradually became calm as he praised Chen Xi.

“Take her directly? That doesn’t seem to follow proper etiquette.” Chen Xi frowned. “As for whether you underestimated me or not, it doesn’t matter. I know my own worth.”

“You can take her. Since you are establishing your career, you should first start a family. Cao Mengde mentioned you in passing. What do you think the feudal lords will think of you?” Fan Liang waved his hand, indicating that Chen Xi shouldn’t worry about these small details. The Fan family was no longer a high-ranking family, and the marriage contract had already been established, so he could take her away.

“It’s nothing. Cao Gong has gained a good subordinate. I think he wants Lu Bu to eliminate Li Ru and Dong Zhuo. By openly revealing their distrust, it would have been easier to resolve the issue if they had been honest. Unfortunately, Li Ru is cunning, Lu Bu is foolish, and Dong Zhuo is cruel. Revealing their distrust will only make them more suspicious.” Chen Xi shrugged, noting that this was a pure strategy, a way to bully people.

After hearing Fan Liang’s words, Chen Xi understood that Cao Cao’s first capable minister had appeared. Xi Zhicai, a figure not mentioned in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms but recorded in the Records of the Three Kingdoms, had finally emerged. Cao Cao had officially begun to accumulate his own strength. Similarly, Zao Zhi, who had initially joined Cao Cao, had almost completed the land reclamation project, which would soon be ready to implement.

“Zichuan, it seems you are very proficient in these matters. You are no longer the sickly youth you once were. I’m sure Chen Lao would be amazed to see how much you have grown. I am very satisfied with your comments and your nonchalant attitude,” Fan Liang said, feeling gratified.

Seeing that Chen Xi did not respond, Fan Liang thought for a moment and said, “Zichuan, I believe you came to Yingchuan not only to see me and Jian but also to seek out talented individuals for Liu Xuande. However, remember not to go to the Chen family. Unless one day the Chen family seeks you out to connect with Liu Xuande, do not involve yourself with them. Great families have their own ways of doing things, and until you have enough ability, do not get involved in such matters.”

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