Mythical Three Kingdoms

Now, the Cui Family stands at a crossroads. Aligning with Liu Bei—does it count as delivering the knife to Yuan Shao or stepping towards another peak? Even Cui Yan himself cannot see clearly; Yuan Shao and Liu Bei are too powerful—so powerful that he can no longer discern their true nature, relying only on intuition and speculation to distinguish between them.

This is actually the sentiment of most aristocratic families. The question of whether Yuan Shao or Liu Bei is stronger carries immense implications. The judgment they rely on is the old metric: whichever side has more aristocratic families, that side is stronger.

In this era, aristocratic families represent knowledge, money and grain, and population. Therefore, in the eyes of most families, Yuan Shao seems slightly stronger. However, to someone of Cui Yan’s stature, there is already a vague sense of some underlying clues—a faint awareness of things that don’t seem right!

As for someone at Xun Yu’s level, who could advise Xun Shen that comprehensive defense is the best strategy, he probably knows all that there is to know. Unfortunately, certain statements, when based solely on conjecture, cannot fully convince others. Xun Yu, after all, cannot physically be present at the battlefield; otherwise, he would likely make even more accurate judgments.

Unfortunately, Cui Yan is not someone of Xun Yu’s caliber. Relying solely on speculation is insufficient to persuade the clan elders of his family.

To be precise, ever since the previous misstep in choosing Cao Cao, Cui Yan’s position has been somewhat shaken. If not for the fact that the Cui Family of Qinghe truly lacks someone more capable than Cui Yan to take the helm, his position might have experienced more than just ”some movement.” He might even have been forced out entirely.

[Alas, I absolutely cannot make a second mistake. If I err again, the Cui Family of Qinghe may cease to exist.] Cui Yan sighed deeply toward the heavens. His burden now was extraordinarily heavy—any slight error or oversight would surely result in scenarios where countless other families took delight in kicking them while they’re down.

”My lord, there is a visitor,” a servant bowed respectfully to Cui Yan and reported.

”Who is it?” Cui Yan composed his demeanor to avoid revealing the thoughts weighing on his mind through his expression.

”The family head’s younger cousin,” the servant replied with lowered head.

”Deru?” Cui Yan tilted his head and inquired, then spoke, ”Prepare the banquet and invite him in, and clean up the banquet hall in the rear courtyard as well.”

Soon, Cui Lin, led by the servant, crossed the rooms and entered Cui Yan’s inner chamber. Compared to Cui Yan, who was dressed in an elegant brocade robe, Cui Lin’s attire was far humbler.

”Elder brother, do you know the reason for my visit?” Cui Lin didn’t waste time on pleasantries and went straight to the point after taking his seat.

”I don’t,” Cui Yan flatly denied, although he could roughly guess. He wanted to see how Cui Lin would attempt to convince him.

”Do not deceive me, elder brother,” Cui Lin shook his head. ”I’ve come for Liu Xuande. With Qinghe in such chaos, if the Cui Family doesn’t leap out of this quagmire now, what better time will there be?”

”But if we act now, leap out of this mire only to find ourselves in an even deeper one, what should I do then?” Cui Yan sighed deeply. His younger cousin was often dismissed by the Cui Family as dull and foolish, but only he knew that the man possessed true wisdom—unfortunately, he lacked the ability to express it.

”The supply lines!” Cui Lin raised a finger, and in that instant, Cui Yan’s mind became clear, though he still hesitated somewhat.

”In such a case, if Liu Xuande still cannot prevail, then he could never hope to share the title of overlord with Yuan Shao anyway,” Cui Lin said with conviction.

”Indeed!” Cui Yan nodded. Such an opportunity for the Cui Family—why not take a gamble? Even if Liu Xuande proves incapable, and despite the gigantic advantage created by them, he still loses to Yuan Shao, then it could only be said that the Cui Family of Qinghe’s fate is sealed. As for the Cui Family itself, there will always be the Boling branch to carry on!

With Cui Lin’s words, Cui Yan no longer hesitated. He immediately ordered someone to invite Xin Pi and Zhu Ling to attend a banquet, while also dispatching messengers to notify Xu Shu and Wei Yan. Since Xin Pi and Zhu Ling came promptly, while Xu Shu and Wei Yan realized that Gao Lan was heading to Yanzhou and promptly pulled their troops back.

Although Xin Pi and Zhu Ling arrived, they were obviously wary, especially Xin Pi, who didn’t bother to hide his suspicion of Cui Yan. After all, the Cui Family of Qinghe was still an aristocratic family of Jizhou, but those in leadership were well aware of Cui Jun’s defeat.

As a defeated party, the Cui Family of Qinghe wouldn’t necessarily be despised; those in upper circles understood that part of their defeat stemmed from Yuan Shao’s favoritism towards the opponent. But given the current pivotal moment, Cui Yan offering a banquet left Xin Pi and Zhu Ling much to ponder.

The servant sent to investigate was swift in returning a report before Cui Yan had the chance to meet Xin Pi. He informed Cui Yan of the ill news, leaving him stunned. Having finally resolved to act, he found Liu Bei’s Army had left—something major must have happened.

Still, Cui Yan knew he couldn’t afford to dwell on this now. Wearing a smile on his face, he went out to greet Xin Pi and Zhu Ling.

”Zuozhi and Wenbo, perhaps you both suspect today’s banquet carries ill intentions,” Cui Yan greeted them with a smile and bowed, inviting them into the hall, his tone remaining gentle.

”Military affairs are the nation’s gravest matters—the ground of life and death, the path of survival or extinction—it must be investigated with utmost care,” Xin Pi replied expressionlessly.

”Do you take me for one ignorant of military texts?” Cui Yan twitched at the words, but managed to suppress his irritation and responded calmly.

”It’s just that given the key junctures involved, caution and prudence are warranted. I ask for Jir Gui’s pardon,” Xin Pi replied indifferently, unconcerned with Cui Yan’s reaction. His manner practically said that he didn’t plan on eating this meal at all—perhaps at a more opportune moment later.

”Hmph. Someone, see the guests out. Since the two of you are like this, my Cui Family has no need to entertain you,” Cui Yan snorted and turned on his heel, leaving Xin Pi and Zhu Ling standing in the hall. Moments later, servants emerged and escorted Xin Pi and Zhu Ling out of the residence.

Before Xin Pi and Zhu Ling had time to react, they found themselves unceremoniously escorted out of the estate, leaving them bewildered.

”It seems we’ve been somewhat too harsh on the Cui Family,” Zhu Ling said with a wry smile.

”Alas, at such a crucial moment, caution remains essential. If we offend them now, there’s still a chance to make amends later. But losing Ganling at this juncture would put our lord’s grand ambitions in jeopardy,” Xin Pi sighed heavily. Though he had long known Cui Yan to be headstrong, such actions that left guests unable to save face still made Xin Pi feel uncomfortable, though the incident also eased some of his doubts.

”Chancellor Xin, the Butler Cui asked me to deliver this to you—he said it was from the Family Head,” as Xin Pi pondered whether to revisit the Cui Family after the war, a trusted aide ran over.

Xin Pi received the letter, skimmed through it briefly, and froze before handing it to Zhu Ling. Zhu Ling’s expression lit up upon reading it.

”Truly, as expected of a local powerhouse—they even managed to acquire such intelligence,” Zhu Ling exclaimed with admiration.

”Send someone to investigate—explore a hundred-mile radius. If Xu Shu truly has retreated, then we’ll visit the Cui Family afterward with an apology,” Xin Pi declared decisively. A man of discernment, he was convinced that the intelligence provided by the Cui Family was unlikely to be false.

(End of excerpt. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)