Mythical Three Kingdoms

Liu Zhang wanted to turn back to Yizhou immediately, but here he was at the palace gates. Leaving now would be a clear sign of his insecurity; wouldn’t that just send him to his death quicker? Liu Zhang was heartbroken!

Therefore, Liu Zhang stood firm and refused to leave. Not only did he stay, but he also showed concern and adopted an air of fearlessness, as if he had nothing to hide. As for the rest, he wouldn’t let it bother him.

As Liu Zhang leaned against the carriage, projecting an aura of bravery, two figures emerged from the palace gates. For some reason, Liu Zhang instantly guessed their identities.

Sure enough, before Liu Zhang could step down from the carriage, the names of Chen Xi and Liu Bei were announced.

On Liu Zhang’s side, someone naturally responded on his behalf, and then Liu Zhang took a deep breath and slowly got off, without a trace of fear showing on his rather wealthy face.

”Brother Xuande, I’ve heard of your great name for many years, and upon meeting you today, I see that your reputation is indeed well-deserved. As for Minister Chen of Agriculture, seeing is believing; he is truly exceptional.” Liu Zhang stepped down and saluted first, placing himself in a humble position.

”Thanks to the former Minister of Ceremonies’ support, how has Brother Jir Yu fared in Sichuan and Shu all these years? People speak of Sichuan and Shu’s prosperity, yet why has my brother come to Chang’an seeking fortune?” Liu Bei casually accepted Liu Zhang’s compliment, and then started engaging in formal conversations with Liu Zhang.

”Greetings, Liu Yizhou.” Chen Xi bowed in return, secretly observing Liu Zhang. Clearly, the man before him did not resemble the historical accounts of being foolish and timid.

”Brother Xuande, I’ll call you ’brother’ once again. Let’s drop the formalities. I came to Chang’an for this.” As he spoke, Liu Zhang handed Liu Bei a stack of memorials from the Southwest Yi, with a hint of pride on his face, which then faded to bitterness. ”It’s a pity I came at the wrong time. I originally wanted to report to the Ancestral Temple, invoking the spirit of my ancestors.”

Upon seeing the stack of silk documents, Liu Bei opened them and showed a hint of joy on his face.

”The Southwest Seventeen Kingdoms’ memorial states that on the eve of next year’s Lunar New Year’s Eve sacrificial ceremony, the Southwest Seventeen Kingdoms, along with the Kushan Empire after the Great Yuezhi, will bring tribute to honor our ancestors together.” Liu Zhang sighed and said, ”I was hoping to use this achievement to gain recognition from my ancestors this time.”

Liu Bei and Chen Xi were both startled upon hearing this. Liu Bei immediately turned to look at Chen Xi, who nodded and asked, ”Can I inquire if the Governor of Yizhou, were you referring to Kushan earlier?”

”Yes, General Yan hunted with them in the Wenga Dynasty. The entire Kingdom of Wenga became a battlefield, and my army fought and won, establishing a ruling relationship, so Kushan should come to pay tribute next year.” Liu Zhang replied, somewhat puzzled.

”Could I inquire about the details from General Yan?” Chen Xi bowed respectfully to Liu Zhang. From his earlier observations, it was clear Liu Zhang didn’t seem to have any major issues; he didn’t appear as timid or weak as historical records suggested. Then again, anyone who achieved such a feat wouldn’t cower.

”Minister Chen of Agriculture, please.” Liu Zhang gestured invitingly, then continued to chat casually with Liu Bei. In summary, Liu Zhang’s current attitude was a determined effort to distance himself from the issue.

”Lord, Grand Commandant Liu is an exceptional ally. My spiritual talent has never given me such a strong reaction before. I can sense he harbors some suspicion towards you, but without any malice, you can speak to him openly.” At this point, Zhang Song was starting to get excited.

Zhang Song’s spiritual talent can be used to screen allies, creating the most effective combinations that may initially appear illogical but will eventually complement each other’s weaknesses and exceed normal performance levels.

However, when Zhang Song encountered Liu Bei and Chen Xi, his spiritual talent, which he had nearly exhausted for the year, suddenly became remarkably active, indicating that both were extremely excellent and fitting as trustworthy allies.

Taking advantage of this surge of spiritual activity, Zhang Song quickly scrutinized Ji Xiang, and sure enough, with this liveliness, Zhang Song confirmed that Ji Xiang was not merely an object of amusement as he had initially surmised but was also a beneficial ally.

Chen Xi diligently inquired about the details of Yan Yan’s confirmed warfare in Wenga, cross-referencing as he listened, finally confirming that it was indeed during Vasu Deva I’s era. For some reason, the fate of Vasu Deva I had shifted, and he had taken the path of a tyrant.

Overall, the Kushan Empire seemed to be in a general state. The southern infantry remained subpar, but Chen Xi estimated that the Kushan southern infantry, having fought so hard against the Yizhou Army, would likely be weaker compared to the desert-born soldiers from Central Asia, and likely unable to contend with the cavalry from the northern Central Plains.

However, Kushan’s navy was quite a challenge; Gan Ning was overwhelmed and reportedly submitted. According to Li Youu, Taishi Ci had been intensively training the navy lately, preparing to seek vengeance for Gan Ning. Chen Xi didn’t bother instructing Li Youu to tell Taishi Ci that Gan Ning was still alive; people always need some motivation.

”I see, Kushan is quite capable.” Chen Xi thoughtfully stroked his chin and asked, ”General Yan, what do you think of Kushan?”

”Based on our intelligence, Kushan is far stronger than they were a century ago, possibly having a population of around twenty million.” Zhang Song answered in place of Yan Yan.

”Ah, so you must be Assistant Officer Zhang.” Chen Xi glanced at Zhang Song, noticing he wasn’t as hideous as expected, perhaps due to his aesthetic perception being distorted by Pang Tong and Dian Wei recently. In any case, for Chen Xi, he hadn’t quite hit the bottom line yet.

”I greet Marquis Chen.” Zhang Song, catching the clarity in Chen Xi’s eyes, couldn’t help but take a liking to him. Although he had long become accustomed to people initially despising him for his looks, only to admire his talent later, truthfully, who would willingly endure such treatment?

”Alright, I’ve shared all the pertinent information with you.” Chen Xi began to slowly recount the current state of affairs in Chang’an, causing Zhang Song’s eyebrows to furrow tightly.

”My lord’s main hope now is to clear suspicions. Regarding the Emperor’s position, Lord Xuande doesn’t covet it, so how could my lord have any other intentions?” Zhang Song naturally responded, ”But how should the merit afterward and the rewards or penalties be managed?”

”Assistant Officer Zhang, after staying in Chang’an for a few days, you’ll naturally understand. For now, let’s refrain from discussing this matter further; otherwise, a major conflict might arise, and even if Yizhou doesn’t want to, it could get caught in the fray since matters of the Emperor are not trivial.” Chen Xi sighed and spoke.

Although Chen Xi had already identified from Liu Zhang’s calm demeanor that he was eager to distance himself from the matter, Zhang Song could readily respond, giving Chen Xi insight into Liu Zhang’s psychology.

[Liu Jiyu is probably all bark and no bite, although he presently shows some attitude of a Feudal Lord King, I suspect his achievements have forcibly upheld his facade, but underneath he remains unchanged. It is rather intriguing.] Chen Xi glanced back at Liu Zhang with a bit of interest.