Mythical Three Kingdoms

Fa Zheng and Hua Xiong rushed back, only to find the messenger almost in tears. The letter Lub Su had given him was marked as special, denoting the highest level of urgency. Yet, he ended up waiting so long that even a regular letter would have arrived faster.

”Alright, you don’t need to worry about this anymore, I’m here,” Hua Xiong said upon seeing that the messenger was one of his own overworked soldiers. He waved his hand, signaling that he would take over the responsibility, and told the man to rest and just be sure to return to Mount Tai before the end of the month.

”Yes!” The messenger was overjoyed. His biggest fear was that a failure to deliver the message on his part would lead to a disaster, which could very well end with him being executed—many messengers had died that way…

”Lord Xuande probably went to some place around here,” Fa Zheng said as he arrived at the Government Office after taking care of his father. Hua Xiong was asking questions; there was no time to waste.

”Probably around this area,” Fa Zheng said as he pointed to a location on the map.

Hua Xiong glanced at it and nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood; he had passed by that area earlier.

Suppressing the frustration in his heart, ”Xiao Zhi, you stay in charge of North Sea. I’ll go and explain the situation to our lord. But remember, don’t act rashly again. Even though there isn’t much going on in the North Sea Government Office, you can’t just abandon your post without permission. And if you must leave, make sure to find someone to take over your responsibilities first,” he said.

”Sure, sure, go quickly. Don’t worry, the development of North Sea is quite straightforward. Trust me, we’ve done this many times before,” Fa Zheng replied with a sullen face. ”Just go and do your thing, leave North Sea to me. Remember, I was there when Mount Tai was developed!”

After saying this, Fa Zheng pushed Hua Xiong out. For him, the development of North Sea wasn’t a challenge at all. He had witnessed exactly how Chen Xi and Lub Su developed Mount Tai, and after going to Qi State, he had already undertaken one round of comprehensive development of agriculture, commerce, and mineral resources there. When Liu Bei transferred him to North Sea, Lub Su, worried that Fa Zheng might not know how to handle a large scale migration of Yellow Turban Refugees, had specially given him a plan that Chen Xi had used to develop Mount Tai.

This was why Fa Zheng was so confident. The plan Chen Xi had originally drafted had become very thorough with Lub Su’s additions, and the situation in North Sea was almost an exact repeat of Chen Xi’s early days in Mount Tai. However, the difference was that they now had abundant resources and could simply follow the plan, using work-relief to proceed.

That said, Fa Zheng’s investigations into the local conditions weren’t just to outdo Chen Xi and Lub Su. He felt directly copying others didn’t suit his spirit. Apart from anything else, he had to do something different. Like when he was the Prime Minister of Qi State, he had the people build iron mines to subsidize civilian use. In North Sea, he also sought something similar to the iron mines—he believed that even if the nature was the same, the emphasis had to be slightly different.

It’s worth noting that Fa Zheng hadn’t yet reported the iron mines he had built in Qi State to Liu Bei. As for whether it might lead to jealousy, Fa Zheng had simply avoided producing weapons and only manufactured iron agricultural tools instead. He was waiting to surprise Liu Bei with the tools, knowing that the people urgently needed them. Lub Su, aware of Fa Zheng’s actions, approved of his approach, adhering to the timeless adage, ”People regard food as their prime need.”

Hua Xiong left the Government Office, saw Fa Zheng ordering to close the gates of the office, scornfully mounted his horse, and rode off straight toward the direction Fa Zheng had indicated, regardless of the misty night. Once he arrived, he reckoned Xuu Chu would sense his strong Qi, and that would lead him to Liu Bei.

That night, as Zixu prepared to meditate and heal his injuries, he heard faint footsteps outside his door. Resigned, he put on his shoes and opened the door just as the visitor was about to knock.

”Click!” Just as Jia Xu was about to knock, the calm expression of Zixu appeared before him. Jia Xu’s raised hand paused, and his expression momentarily faltered, but he didn’t show much reaction and maintained his composure.

”Zhongyou, what a coincidence,” Jia Xu said as he pulled back his arm, completely ignoring the awkwardness and speaking calmly to Zixu.

”Chancellor Jia, what brings you here at this hour?” Zixu asked expressionlessly.

”Won’t you invite me to sit? We are of similar age, just call me Wen He,” Jia Xu said indifferently, unconcerned by Zixu’s demeanor.

”I wouldn’t dare, Brother Wen He, please,” Zixu said with a forced smile, feeling a sense of alarm. Although he was confident he hadn’t revealed anything amiss in front of this man, he always felt uneasy around Jia Wenhe, who seemed like a dark blade hidden in the shadows, truly capable of killing without spilling blood.

Jia Xu walked in and unceremoniously took the main seat. He tapped the teacup, and Zixu, with a wry smile, poured him more tea. Despite any dissatisfaction, Zixu couldn’t voice it. Even if he wished to trouble Jia Xu, he would have to wait until after his departure.

”Zhongyou, take a seat, it’s not good to just stand there,” Jia Xu said, sipping his tea as if he just realized Zixu hadn’t sat down yet.

After Zixu casually found a seat, he said, ”Brother Wen He, I wonder what urgent matter brings you here today, it really worries me.”

”It’s nothing major, I just want to continue our conversation from the day before yesterday. The question Ziyang asked, I now wish to know,” Jia Xu said, putting down his teacup and looking at Zixu with a sly smile, ”Surely, with no one else around at this hour, Zhongyou, you should speak. I’m quite interested in the question Ziyang asked.”

Zixu was taken aback; he hadn’t expected Jia Xu to come with questions. This should be easy to deal with, ”What question could be of such concern to Brother Wen He?”

”The Spiritual Talent in strategizing of the Cao Clan and that of the Yuan Clan,” Jia Xu replied, his eyes gleaming sharply as he watched Zixu.

”How could I possibly know that?” Zixu said, taken aback, unable to understand why Jia Xu would ask such things.

”Zhongyou, speak. Since you wish to join us, you should demonstrate your true capabilities, as any half-truths don’t serve us well,” Jia Xu said evenly, his deep gaze sending chills down Zixu’s spine.

”I don’t know,” Zixu hesitated and then reluctantly spoke. At this moment, he simply couldn’t divine answers. With Jia Wenhe nearby, even if he foresaw the future, it wouldn’t necessarily come to pass—the variables were too great.

”Oh? Have you given it thorough thought, Zhongyou?” Jia Xu raised an eyebrow, ”If you have difficulties, you may speak of them, but these individuals are important to us. As a Taoist residing with us, please state your intentions clearly, or at least tell us what we wish to know, as it’s better for all parties.”

”Aren’t you afraid I’ll turn against you?” Zixu, feeling exposed, was initially startled but then felt less wary of Jia Wenhe and challenged him in response.

”I am not afraid; you neither dare nor are capable,” Jia Xu replied calmly, ”I too have means of self-protection. Perhaps, Taoist, your injuries have not yet healed, and to act hastily now would likely not be in your best interest.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian ) to cast your recommendation and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)