Chapter 77

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"Ziguan, I heard that a warrior defeated Zijian in just ten moves outside. I plan to go and welcome him. Do you want to come with me?" Liu Bei, upon hearing the urgent report from his subordinate, was overjoyed and stood up to prepare to welcome this mighty warrior. He happened to see Chen Xi, who was propping his head up, lazily reviewing orders and drinking tea, and decided to take Chen Xi along. After all, Chen Zichuan’s administrative work was always completed, so there was no need to worry about wasting time. Besides, from Liu Bei’s perspective, Chen Xi didn’t seem to like sitting in the administrative hall, always being late and leaving early.

"What?" Chen Xi almost choked on his tea. He had just sent Hua Xiong away to handle some business and had Zang Ba take Hua Xiong’s name to recruit warriors on the platform. As soon as Hua Xiong left, a mighty warrior appeared.

"A mighty warrior, Zijian was defeated in just ten moves," Liu Bei said loudly.

"Oh, I sent Zijian away. Now, on the recruitment platform, it’s Xuangao," Chen Xi said, turning his head awkwardly.

"I see. I was wondering how someone could defeat Zijian in just ten moves. Even Zilong, when sparring with Zijian, couldn’t do that. By the way, what did you order Zijian to do?" Liu Bei nodded, no longer surprised, and instead asked what Chen Xi had ordered Hua Xiong to do.

"After the tax settlement, I informed Lord Xuande to offer ten thousand stones of grain to the emperor. Zijian is escorting the grain. After all, the road is not safe now, and I feel more at ease with Zijian going," Chen Xi said calmly, and he had indeed told Liu Bei about this.

"Oh, I remember that. Yes, Mount Tai had a good harvest, and it’s indeed appropriate to offer grain to the emperor. Zijian is leading his elite infantry?" Liu Bei thought for a moment and recalled what Chen Xi had told him before, and he agreed. "But isn’t it a bit wasteful to send Zijian for such a task?"

"Oh, offering grain is one part. The other part is that I have two scoundrel friends there. I suspect my letters won’t be of much use, so I plan to have Zijian tie them up and bring them back if they ignore me," Chen Xi said, clearly gritting his teeth.

"Such deep resentment... Are the friends you mentioned really friends?" Liu Bei asked curiously, leading Chen Xi out.

"Yes, friends." Chen Xi said resentfully, "Friends I’ve known for a long time, I guess they’ve known me for a long time too."

"Did they do something to wrong you?" Liu Bei was curious; the usually aloof Chen Xi was now clearly annoyed.

"They are too dangerous. Lord Xuande should know that so-called friends, to put it bluntly, are all of the same ilk. Lord Xuande, what do you think of me?" Chen Xi turned his head, a hopeful look on his face, almost saying, "Come on, praise me!"

Liu Bei laughed inwardly. He always thought Chen Xi was sometimes like a child, but at other times, he was steady and mature, with a long-term vision. Overall, he was indeed a rare talent. Of course, except when he was being stubborn, which, according to Chen Xi’s own words, would significantly lower his IQ.

After a long pause, Liu Bei said, "If Cao Cao compares himself to the Marquis of Liu, then you, Chen Zichuan, are the Xiao He sent by heaven to assist me, Liu Bei."

Chen Xi’s steps paused, and he turned to look at Liu Bei, seeing no trace of insincerity on his face, only complete seriousness.

"Lord Xuande, then what do you think the commotion would be if I went to cause trouble?" Chen Xi said with a bitter smile.

"Probably enough to turn the world upside down," Liu Bei said with a bitter smile. "You’re not saying that your friend thinks the same, are you?"

"Yes, their way of thinking is a bit abnormal, so I plan to bring them back and re-educate them deeply. Otherwise, if they continue to cause trouble, it will be very troublesome," Chen Xi said solemnly. If those two in Chang'an were not brought back, things would get really messy.

"They?" Liu Bei asked curiously, "Tell me more."

"Yes, if I have good judgment, one of them is extremely skilled at exploiting opportunities. Given a small chance, he can turn the entire situation into chaos, causing unpredictable shifts. The other is less dangerous but is very versatile, excelling in both political and strategic planning. For our own sake, I think we should bring them back. In terms of ability, they are no less than anyone in the world," Chen Xi said with a bitter smile.

"So I ordered Zijian to tie them up and put them in a sack, no matter what they say. I’ll go and persuade them later to prevent them from causing trouble elsewhere," Chen Xi said fiercely. If Li Ru and Jia Xu ran away, Li Ru might be fine since he had retired, but if Jia Xu went to Cao Cao, even with Dian Wei dead, it would make it harder to deal with Cao Cao in the future.

To be safe, Chen Xi directly ordered Hua Xiong to bring the two back. After all, Dong Zhuo would be executed in the spring, and though the exact time was uncertain, spring would come soon after winter. Besides, among Chen Xi’s subordinates, only Hua Xiong knew Jia Xu and Li Ru. If someone else went, they might bring back the wrong people, which would be laughable.

Chen Xi’s plan for Hua Xiong was to suppress bandits and spread propaganda along the way, and to settle down during the winter. They just needed to arrive before spring.

Upon reaching Chang'an, they would deliver the grain and hide, find out where Li Ru and Jia Xu lived, and on the night before the day when it was rumored that the Han emperor would abdicate to Dong Zhuo, personally capture the two. Then, regardless of any other matters, they would stuff the two into a carriage and treat them well with beautiful women and fine wine. To ensure the two could handle it, Chen Xi even prepared a team of ten doctors...

Naturally, Chen Xi didn’t forget to tell Hua Xiong to constantly remind Li Ru that his name was Li You, courtesy name Wenru. Liu Bei just needed a step down. Historically, founding emperors have always been tolerant of capable people. As long as Li Ru made significant contributions, even if he was exposed, Liu Bei could pretend not to see, and once the country was established, Li Ru could still become a founding minister.

With Li Ru’s abilities, he could excel in politics, strategy, power play, law, diplomacy, and overall trends. Such a top-notch all-rounder must be secured. If any position was vacant, he could fill it temporarily. After all, Li Ru seemed to know everything except how to fight, making him the most versatile civil official. Liu Bei would likely find him indispensable after using him for a while, the best secretary, and one who could do everything except fight...

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