Mythical Three Kingdoms

Indeed, as Jiangh Wan said, he is not unfamiliar with military affairs, but when compared to political strategy, his level in military matters is only a little over seventy.

Of course, for most people, a military level of over seventy is more than sufficient to serve as a Chiliarch, and with a bit of effort and some luck, even a role as a Vice General wouldn’t be out of the question.

Unfortunately, this is Jiangh Wan we’re talking about. Compared to military affairs, he is more confident in his political skills, and it is precisely because of this that he declined Chen Xi’s well-intentioned offer.

Jiangh Wan wasn’t sure if it was an illusion or if his eyes were playing tricks on him, but when he spoke up, it seemed as though he saw a smile on Chen Xi’s lips. Although he wasn’t entirely clear on why that smile was there, he could vaguely sense the goodwill behind it.

However, Jiangh Wan wasn’t certain Chen Xi had actually smiled, so naturally, he was also uncertain whether Chen Xi was satisfied or not.

After Jiangh Wan spoke up, Jian Yong was initially stunned, then frowned and prepared to speak up on behalf of Jiangh Wan. After all, having spent some time together, he understood that Jiangh Wan was proficient in political strategy. Although his military skills were not lacking, accompanying the army would be beneath his abilities. Even with Chen Xi’s care, it would be difficult for him to fully demonstrate his expertise.

”Since you are so firm in your decision, let me think about what kind of official position to assign to you,” Chen Xi said, his expression calm, showing no signs of pleasure or anger.

”Please forgive me, Marquis Chen,” Jiangh Wan said, then slowly backed away.

Only after Jiangh Wan had left did Jian Yong speak up, ”Hey, hey, Zichuan, Gong Yan isn’t being picky, he’s genuinely suited for governance.”

Jian Yong didn’t have the same awe of Chen Xi as others did. He had endured hardships from the time before Mount Tai had been raised, and he was also a fellow townsman of Liu Bei. In terms of seniority, he was certainly not inferior to anyone.

”Xianhe, take a seat here,” Fa Zheng pointed to a spot next to him, as he too was among the first batch of characters and was very familiar with Jian Yong. The reason he had been able to sit in the front row initially was partly because Mann Chong, Mi Zhu, Jian Yong, Sun Qian, and Liu Yan had given up their seats for him.

Jian Yong sat down casually in a sprawling manner, and Fa Zheng handed out full cups of wine to everyone. Jian Yong might not have seen Chen Xi’s smile, but Fa Zheng had seen it clearly and instantly understood what Chen Xi meant.

”Are you worried that Gong Yan and I might hold grudges?” Chen Xi asked with a smile. ”Am I that petty? When have you ever seen me quibble over such trivial matters? Besides, Jiangh Gongyan has a dignified presence and is bound to achieve great things one day.”

Chen Xi was completely unaware that the way he spoke had changed somewhat from before. At least when he had first arrived in this world, Chen Xi would have found it hard to assess a historical figure in such a manner. Now, however, he could evaluate someone with the tone of addressing a junior, and gradually, whether because of others’ flattery or his own adaptation, he had become part of this era.

”That’s right, you’d be too lazy to suppress newcomers. I bet you’d love for a newbie to take over for you,” Jian Yong said with a chuckle. ”I haven’t disturbed you guys, have I? It wouldn’t be good if a fight broke out just because of my arrival.”

Chen Xi shook his head, not delving further into matters of battle but rather continuing to discuss Jiangh Wan, ”He is very capable. Even I need to think carefully about what position to offer him. It can’t be too high, to avoid discontent among the subordinates, nor too low, for if it’s too low, it won’t harness his potential.”

”Oh, you’re pretty clear on that, then tell me, what official position would you give him if you set him loose?” Jian Yong drained the wine in his cup in one gulp, smiling as he spoke. He acknowledged Chen Xi’s eye for talent.

”Secretary-General Attendant. This official position would not only allow him to utilize his abilities but also wouldn’t be too much for him to handle. It would give him a chance to understand the middle and lower strata of society,” Chen Xi said with a smile. Jiangg Wan should indeed be cultivated for the position of Prime Minister or at least Imperial Secretary. This matter shouldn’t be taken lightly—if he were to be spoiled, it would really be a pity.

”Secretary-General Attendant...” Fa Zheng turned his head to look at Zhuge Liang, whose seat was right next to him. He had risen from Chief Clerk to Secretary-General Attendant in less than a year.

There was no helping it—Lub Su was in charge of more than two prefectures, and his official rank had risen to that of Regional Inspector. Li Youu, taken from Xuzhou, had become an Assistant Officer. Naturally, members like Zhuge Liang who worked so diligently were advocated by everyone for promotion to Secretary-General. Only he and Lub Su were workaholics; the others, unless something significant happened, would definitely try to escape their responsibilities.

”That’s too high,” Zhuge Liang said placidly.

”Not high at all. Just like you as Secretary-General Attendant are already hiding your talents. Even though you control the land of three prefectures, your abilities aren’t fully utilized. At this point, you are suited for the position of Junior Minister of the Nine Ministers. After serving ten years, you should transition to Prime Minister. That’s my judgment of your capabilities,” Chen Xi said earnestly.

Ten years later, Zhuge Liang would be twenty-four, the same age as when he emerged into public life. By that time, Zhuge Liang would actually have the capabilities to be a prime minister, lacking, at most, experience. If he were to be tempered in the position of Junior Minister for ten years, his experience would surely be sufficient after that.

Zhuge Liang was slightly surprised; he hadn’t expected Chen Xi to hold him in such high regard. The position of Prime Minister was a high one, and though Zhuge Liang had thought about it, he really couldn’t guarantee he would be ready in ten years.

”Don’t underestimate yourself. Our opponents are all the ancients. If we can’t even do this much, what qualification do we have?” Fa Zheng said nonchalantly, as he seemed to see things more openly.

In truth, Fa Zheng could afford such openness because he had already achieved his ideal—getting his father to acknowledge that he no longer needed the protection of his ancestors to survive, that he could live well on his own, and even use his own glory to shelter the descendants of the Legalist family.

Fa Yan had never directly praised Fa Zheng, but his expression had already let Fa Zheng know that he had gained recognition.

For Fa Zheng, who had found immense happiness and satisfaction in his father and his wife, the drive to prove himself wasn’t as strong as it used to be.

Having brought his father to Mount Tai and with Jiangg Ying’s arrival completing the last bit of imperfection, Fa Zheng no longer needed to flaunt money and financial power to show his success; he had moved on from such trivial times.

Zhuge Liang might be shocked that he could occupy the position of one of the Nine Ministers, could sit in the seat of the Prime Minister, but Fa Zheng wouldn’t be the least interested. He was more concerned with whether his actions were foolish, and he reflected on Liu Bei’s vows from the past.

Fa Zheng’s interests had shifted to this area. Real financial power could hardly stimulate him anymore. At this level, what he thought more about was self-actualization; he had risen to a higher plane of thought.

From Fa Zheng’s perspective, the greatest self-actualization was to realize Liu Bei’s ideals. It’s not that he couldn’t come up with a more comprehensive ideal than Liu Bei’s, but Liu Bei’s was grand enough, and Fa Zheng owed his current success to Liu Bei’s Talent Recruitment Order. Therefore, in Fa Zheng’s view, official positions and power weren’t important; what mattered was how to realize that ideal.

(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian ) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, and your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)