Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1268: Chapter 1222: I Don’t Work for Your Own Good

At this moment, Zhuge Liang’s forehead was already beading with cold sweat. He also thought of that terrifying outcome: that if he completed all the tasks by himself, those below him would not grow at all, and thus, how could they possibly take over his position.

”Honestly, under Lord Xuande’s rule now, if I were to nitpick, I could find many faults. But I would rather turn a blind eye to those that are not too serious than do it myself. As long as it’s not a very serious mistake, I’d rather endure it!” Chen Xi sighed and said.

Zhuge Liang looked slightly startled at Chen Xi’s expression. He could feel the authenticity in Chen Xi’s words; it wasn’t a joke. In Zhuge Liang’s view, Liu Bei’s rule had already approached a golden age, yet in Chen Xi’s eyes, it was still full of errors.

”Do you hope that we find and correct the mistakes ourselves?” Zhuge Liang remained silent for a while before speaking.

”Yes, because only by making mistakes can one grow. The world cannot be supported by one person alone. To govern vast fields requires several generations. As a leader, I need to leave room for them to grow.” Chen Xi nodded and said.

”A person cannot stifle others for their own sake, especially when standing at a national level.” Chen Xi sighed and said, ”Therefore, I only create the general framework to ensure the correct direction. This way, even if mistakes occur, they won’t be too serious, yet room for changes remains.”

”It’s not arrogance on my part, but just stating a fact: in government affairs, purely from a framework standpoint, there is none better than me. However, once this statement leaves this room, I won’t acknowledge it.” Chen Xi looked at Zhuge Liang very cautiously and said. This was something he usually wouldn’t admit in front of others.

”This...” Zhuge Liang paused in silence, ”We all know.”

”There is a gap between first and second. There is also a gap between Zijing and me. However, if I were the one to always do it, Zijing would have no hope of surpassing me in this lifetime...” Chen Xi said with a hint of regret. In fact, he wanted to say that even if Lub Su completed his life, he would not have a chance.

”I seem to see other implications in your expression.” Zhuge Liang, being adept at reading expressions and always keeping an eye on Chen Xi, naturally saw the other expressions on Chen Xi’s face, which didn’t seem to match what he was saying.

”Let’s move on. Just know this: if you don’t cultivate the people below, they will never become like you. You must give them the chance to make mistakes, to tolerate their mistakes, instead of doing everything yourself.” Chen Xi, slightly embarrassed, casually dismissed the topic.

”I will pay attention to this aspect.” Zhuge Liang understood why Chen Xi was telling him these things today.

”As a perfectionist, tolerating mistakes is indeed painful, but watching them no longer make mistakes and grow stronger, you will feel gratified. The empire’s great cause cannot rely on one person to support it.” Chen Xi poured Zhuge Liang a cup of tea, as he felt a bit thirsty from talking.

”Actually, this also relates to my consistent strategy of preserving the vitality of the Han Dynasty. It involves not only the population but also you distinguished individuals, and especially the next generation of gifted talents.” Chen Xi pointed at the map hanging on the wall and sighed, ”This is also the reason why I delegate government affairs most of the time.” Chen Xi solemnly articulated this intention to Zhuge Liang.

Because such vast ambitions entail significant responsibilities, if it weren’t to make Huaxia stand out during this era, Chen Xi might have already embarked on the path of war.

Try to suppress Cao Cao and Sun Ce’s absorption speed for talents, and seize as much of the mid to upper echelons that they can obtain historically.

Try to preserve every civil official and military general. Even if they would rather die than surrender, they would never be killed, hoping to take them over with grandeur after the world unifies and the empire battles, with greater boldness and broader acceptance.

Until today, Liu Bei’s side never killed any captured military general or civil official. Even if Li Tong and Xin Pi once tried to escape, there was never a thought of killing them. For Chen Xi, individuals above the middle tier are the main forces of future imperial conquests.

Chen Xi released Zhuge Liang; he had taught him everything he needed. If Zhuge Liang continued to do everything alone, as long as Chen Xi was alive, Zhuge Liang would never become Prime Minister, only rising to the position of Chief of Staff at best!

Incidentally, Chen Xi didn’t think Zhuge Liang could outlive him if he continued at his current work intensity. Although at fifty-four, he was considered long-lived in ancient times, Zhuge Liang’s death couldn’t just be attributed to his untiring efforts and overexertion.

[Nevertheless, precautions are necessary. If Kongming can’t change his current habits, then I must find a suitable person to assume the position of Prime Minister. Both Wen Ru and I cannot take the stage a second time, and Zijing also has certain health issues...] After seeing Zhuge Liang off, Chen Xi began to ponder meticulously.

Honestly, after Lub Su, apart from Zhuge Liang, there really weren’t any suitable candidates for Prime Minister. If Lul Xun were appointed, his exceptional military strategy would be wasted. As for Lu Yu, if he took the position, at best he wouldn’t let things deteriorate.

For the impending imperial contest, if national strength can’t be enhanced, only maintained, then you’ll have to hope that Great Qin doesn’t progress either. It wasn’t the time to compare mediocrity in those times.

”I hope Kongming won’t disappoint me. Although Gong Yan is excellent, he is not a prodigy of inherent talent. He is indeed a late bloomer, yet compared to Kongming, there is still a significant gap.” Chen Xi sighed deeply. Throughout history, only a handful could match Zhuge Liang in ability.

In Chen Xi’s current view, the empire is a complex instrument, and he is the assembler. The civil and military officials under him are parts, many being interchangeable. His greatest hope is to finally assemble a machine that is stronger than his assembly skills.

Once, there was a joke where the Germans greedily assembled divine level equipment parts into a purple outfit, while the Soviet people assembled blue robe parts into a purple outfit, using their quantity to overcome the Germans’ divine parts, and then reassemble. No matter how excellent the parts are, if your assembly skills are poor, it becomes meaningless.

If translated to officials, essentially it would be about organization management and talent utilization. Unfortunately, Zhuge Liang’s organization management skills are somewhat distressing, bordering on a structure breaker.

But by now, Chen Xi had no more solutions. Regardless, if Zhuge Liang didn’t change his habits, Chen Xi would keep suppressing him, preventing him from ever becoming Prime Minister. He was not afraid of problems; politics ultimately is about outliving the competition!

Whoever lives the longest, takes charge. Back then, Zhang He was invincible in the world simply because all who were stronger than him had died! Moreover, Chen Xi himself held absolute advantage; by then, he just needed to endure, as he wasn’t afraid at all!