Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1760: Chapter 1653: Cao Cao Approaches

Sure, here’s the translation:

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Afterward, Ma Chao and Fa Zheng, under the shocked gaze of many, walked toward the rear camp like brothers. Upon receiving the victorious soldiers at the front camp, Liu Bei sighed in relief upon hearing the news—he was worried that Ma Chao and Fa Zheng might start fighting.

If the feud between these two escalated, it could be life or death; if minimized, it was merely a matter of a concubine. The Wang Family of Fufeng had some strength, but this strength depended on comparison. If compared to Ma Chao and Fa Zheng, it was far inferior.

Both of them were ennobled before the age of twenty, not as pretense but based on their meritorious service.

Faced with such monsters, the Wang Family of Fufeng had no resistance. Even if their legitimate daughter was demoted to concubine, they had to endure this time; sometimes having eyes but failing to see is as such.

Now Liu Bei was at ease; if Fa Zheng and Ma Chao truly fought, he needed to covertly assist Fa Zheng regardless because Fa Zheng was under his command and he couldn’t let morale falter, whereas Ma Chao and the Ma Clan, Liu Bei admired greatly.

If possible, in Liu Bei’s view, reconciliation would be the best outcome. But frankly, Liu Bei himself did not hold much hope for it, as Ma Chao and Fa Zheng were far too young; Liu Bei had been young once too.

When Liu Bei lashed the Supervising Envoy, he was much older than Ma Chao and Fa Zheng, and compared to their current stature, it was a world of difference; achieving the rank of Marquis by pure merit at twenty, young and successful doesn’t suffice to describe it.

Thus Liu Bei chose to quietly observe; giving advice may backfire, leaving Fa Zheng and Ma Chao to resolve it themselves. As long as the worst didn’t happen, Liu Bei was confident he could manage the aftermath.

Initially hearing of this, Liu Bei merely hoped Fa Zheng and Ma Chao would gain wisdom from the ordeal. As for other hopes, he dared not; two youths who had found success, each taking one step back might lead to significant problems.

Unexpectedly, it was resolved just like that; Liu Bei rejoiced upon hearing it, with Chen Xi observing keenly beside him, ”Lord Xuande, did something happen? You seem quite happy.”

”Xiaoo Zhi and Meng Qi reconciled.” Liu Bei said proudly.

”Wasn’t this destined long ago?” Chen Xi said in disbelief. Ever since Fa Zheng told Chen Xi that, reflecting on past events, he felt foolish out of his mind, Chen Xi knew Fa Zheng had already let it go.

”...How did I not know?” Liu Bei said tensely. He had always feared that one day Ma Chao would go mad and directly kill Fa Zheng, then Fa Zheng would strike back in death, taking Ma Chao with him.

”Would Xiaoo Zhi care about such things?” Chen Xi said speechlessly, ”When he hadn’t proven himself before, he might care. Now, that fellow has proven all those who looked down on him were indeed blind, why would he care?”

”Would you care about those foolish aristocratic families of Yingchuan now?” Chen Xi challenged.

Liu Bei was taken aback, realizing he hadn’t paid attention to the families for a long time. Even if all Aristocratic Families Under Heaven retaliated now, it wouldn’t matter much to his foundation.

Under Liu Bei’s command, he knew all forty thousand veteran soldiers who could lead fifty men, knowing them by name. Government Treasury’s grain could support chaos for two years. Aside from eliminating families, there were not enough officials to govern the land; Central Plains would be a mess from lack of governance; in terms of combat power, Liu Bei felt he could educate Aristocratic Families Under Heaven.

”Thinking like this makes sense.” Liu Bei said, stroking his beard, realizing how he had wanted Yingchuan’s families to regret, and when it came to that point, his mindset became more natural. Now, it’s more of an indifferent equal treatment—use those who listen, kick out those who don’t.

”This is how it is; what was once a great ambition has become very small for us, overlooked even when it was a goal we pursued and surpassed. How could one remember the mindset from the time of promises?” Chen Xi shrugged, ”It’s the same for Xiaoo Zhi.”

”The right way to rise above hatred is not to forget, but to let it become so trivial that it’s impossible to focus on. For Xiaoo Zhi now, it’s just that.” Chen Xi explained with a faint smile. Even if Fa Zheng continued with his choleric ways, he could only maintain that mindset for a brief period, as today is vastly different from the past.

”Indeed, I focused on their early successes but forgot that many things are actually no longer important for Xiaoo Zhi.” Liu Bei said with immense sentiment.

At this moment, Hua Xiong and Zhang Xiu arrived together at the end. Liu Bei keenly sensed an immense aura from Hua Xiong, a sea-like presence, not just emanating from him but linking with every soldier behind him.

”This is...” Liu Bei looked at Hua Xiong in disbelief.

”Military Spirit Legion, Zijian has broken through the final barrier of Xiliang Iron Cavalry and Military Spirit Legion. We consider it a true Military Spirit Legion.” Chen Xi said with a smile, ”Henceforth, we need not have further casualties piling against the opponent’s Military Spirit Legion.”

”Well done!” Liu Bei said earnestly, patting Hua Xiong’s shoulder, and turning to Zhang Xiu, whom he didn’t recognize, asked about him. This was the moment Hua Xiong had been waiting for eagerly, immediately introducing Zhang Xiu to Liu Bei and explaining recent events.