Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1775: Chapter 1661: Their Own Will

When Xu Shu and Cheng Yu were in Yingchuan, they had met before, but at that time, it was Cheng Yu chasing Xu Shu in a fight. Now neither of them relies on martial force anymore and instead uses their brains, so when they see each other, there’s a bit of ”nostalgia for the heroic days,” which, of course, is nonsense.

It’s probably more about watching others fight to death while they enjoy the spectacle from behind, especially for strategists like Xu Shu and Cheng Yu who already have a sage’s instinct.

During the conversation between Liu Bei and Cao Cao, Chen Xi didn’t deliberately eavesdrop and honestly wasn’t keen to get involved. Chen Xi believed that the two could resolve their issues by themselves. However, just when Chen Xi hadn’t even excitedly started chatting, Liu Bei called him over.

Likewise, Xun Yu was also summoned. Chen Xi and Xun Yu exchanged a glance; Chen Xi spread his hands, showing a reluctant expression of not wanting to go, but Xun Yu urged his horse forward, and Chen Xi, with a pursed mouth, could only follow.

”Well, now that my most capable civil official is here, we can have a good talk,” Cao Cao said, looking at Liu Bei. ”It’s hard to explain to you.”

”Zichuan, it’s up to you.” Liu Bei didn’t say much, only patted Chen Xi on the shoulder. Chen Xi looked helplessly at Xun Yu, really not wanting to argue with him, reasoning that he might not win against Xun Yu in a debate.

”Marquis Chen, who do you think the world belongs to today?” Xun Yu asked.

Cao Cao gave a look, and Xun Yu understood, but Liu Bei’s actions left Chen Xi clueless. However, it was not a big deal; at worst, he would just muddle through.

”It’s the world of the people of the Han Dynasty,” Chen Xi said naturally. He was quite satisfied with the term ”Han,” just like Tang, which successfully ran through the bloodline of Yani Huang, so Chen Xi never considered changing the country’s name.

”Then Marquis Chen, who do you think was at fault for the chaos under heaven ten years ago?” Xun Yu didn’t comment on Chen Xi’s answer, directly switching to another question. Chen Xi scanned Xun Yu’s expression, but it was hard to read any joy or anger.

”Uh, you can’t frame it like that. You ask one, at least I should ask one, too,” Chen Xi said irritably. This question has an ultimate answer to show Cao Mengde the ultimate answer mode of this question, flawless!

”Then please, Marquis Chen, ask your question.” Xun Yu heard Chen Xi say this and thought Chen Xi was somewhat reluctant to directly mention the Two Emperors Huan Ling, the Ten Attendants, the outer relatives, and the powerful landlords in front of the two, so he didn’t press too hard.

”Cao Sikong, who do you think was at fault for the chaos under heaven ten years ago?” Chen Xi asked Cao Cao solemnly. ”Lord Xuande has an answer to this question, and I want to know your answer. If your answer can convince me, I will approve all of your proposals, and I can also help you suppress the one you find most unpleasant.”

Liu Ye had been eavesdropping from a distance. When Liu Bei and Cao Cao called people over, Liu Ye started paying attention here. Upon hearing Xun Yu’s question, Liu Ye recalled the answer from before and originally felt that it was a clever answer, but now increasingly recognizes its truth.

Initially, Xun Yu found it amusing when Chen Xi used the tactic of attacking others with their own spear to attack Cao Cao, thinking he was being childish. But after Chen Xi finished speaking, Xun Yu’s expression turned serious; Chen Xi was not joking.

”What Zichuan said is precisely what I mean,” Liu Bei said with a smile. ”Minister Xun can also provide some insight; no need to let Brother Mengde answer alone.”

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu slightly closed his eyes, instantly understanding that this issue wasn’t as simple as the Two Emperors Huan Ling, the Ten Attendants, the outer relatives, and the powerful landlords—there could be a very profound aspect to it, leading him to bow his head in thought.

Cao Cao, however, bowed his head in deep thought, but before Xun Yu could speak, Cao Cao spoke himself, starting from the root cause of Guangwu establishing his kingdom, then moving on to outer relatives and eunuchs, followed by the land annexation by the powerful aristocratic families, and finally, natural and man-made disasters.

Objectively, Cao Cao’s answer already covered the fundamental reasons for the downfall of the Eastern Han Dynasty. So after speaking, Cao Cao looked at Liu Bei with unparalleled calm.

”Actually, saying those things is useless. If I were born ten years earlier, the world wouldn’t be like this,” Liu Bei said, looking at Cao Cao. Cao Cao did not immediately grasp the meaning of these words.

But then, Cao Cao’s expression changed with surprise as he suddenly understood Liu Bei’s meaning, looking at him with a hint of awe.

”To embrace the world, one must at least bear its mistakes,” Xun Yu said with a bitter smile. ”In a way, for someone aspiring to rule the world, it is indeed the most correct answer. Yet, for us, it is the most unacceptable answer.”

”It seems that Cao Sikong has understood and accepted it,” Chen Xi said with a smile.

”Indeed, I’ve been foolish. Saying so much doesn’t match up to your one sentence,” Cao Cao said, having regained his composure, exuding an aura that was not any weaker than Liu Bei’s.

”I originally wanted to discuss this further with you, but your sentence has already explained many issues. If you desire that position, I, Cao Mengde, will be the first to stand in your way,” Cao Cao said, with eyes calm and devoid of any emotion, to Liu Bei.

”That position might only be so significant in your eyes,” Liu Bei said with a raised corner of his mouth, suddenly displaying a sense of pride above all.

At the moment Liu Bei spoke, Chen Xi also chimed in, saying, ”Cao Sikong, besides striving for the Han Dynasty, I suppose there’s also an obsession in your heart.”