Mythical Three Kingdoms

”I seem to have roughly understood the situation.” Liu Bei nodded slightly; he was aware that Chen Xi relied on intuition and judgment to handle certain matters. However, since over the years he hadn’t seen Chen Xi mess up anything important, Liu Bei didn’t pay it much heed.

”Anyway, let’s leave it at that. I’ll take care of commerce, hygiene, healthcare, and education. I just feel that if I leave it to someone else, it might get messed up.” Chen Xi said helplessly, and Liu Bei didn’t bother to retort.

”I almost forgot to ask you; earlier you clearly came to find us. What’s happened?” Liu Bei changed the topic.

”I was so focused on debating the issue of those who left their positions that I even forgot about this matter.” Chen Xi replied, ”I came to find Lord Xuande actually to inform you about some issues.”

”What issues?” Liu Bei inquired. ”If Zichuan has come personally, it mustn’t be a trivial matter.”

”Yes, firstly regarding the emperor’s passing.” Chen Xi sighed.

Upon hearing these words, both Cao Cao and Liu Bei became serious, losing the previous casual demeanor. Although the two of them had significant grievances against Liu Xie, considering his status, this matter needed a proper response—at least a publicly acceptable one.

Mi Zhu and Wei Ji and others, upon hearing this, bowed slightly and left, knowing that there were some issues better left unheard. Although their statuses were quite high, it still depended on whom they compared against.

Liu Bei and Cao Cao understood that this issue couldn’t be discussed haphazardly, so they let Wei Ji and Weii Zi leave, waiting quietly for Chen Xi’s words.

”This matter can’t be investigated further. I believe Xun Wenruo might have already informed Lord Cao.” Chen Xi said, looking at Cao Cao and Liu Bei. Cao Cao’s expression grew grim upon hearing this.

”Is that so?” Cao Cao asked with a heavy expression.

”No, but due to what Lord Cao already knows, it’s almost impossible to continue the investigation. We intend to set it aside for now and then resume.” Chen Xi shook his head. ”Lord Xuande, if this matter is pursued, it will affect too many gray areas.”

Liu Bei’s face darkened; Chen Xi coming to inform him solemnly indicated that it was time to put an end to it.

”Zichuan, based on your intuition, who do you think is behind it?” Liu Bei suddenly asked, seemingly hoping to provide Liu Xie some peace in the afterlife.

”If I had found some clues, I could have identified the culprit by other means. But this time, I can’t. Likewise, even Zhong Yuanchang, who could intuitively judge the result, finds it impossible.” Chen Xi shrugged; this time, he truly had no way.

Frankly, Chen Xi now leaned towards the notion that this incident was an accident. Because for someone insane enough to set fire in Weiyang Palace, Chen Xi estimated three, whereas those ready to make an example could be a dozen or more.

”In that case, let’s leave it be. Later, we will all go together to keep watch over the Emperor’s spirit.” Liu Bei remained silent for a while; Chen Xi’s words had already given him a rough estimate of part of the situation, so all he could do was console.

”Alright.” Chen Xi nodded, ”Moreover, the second matter is that the various states of the Western Regions are in turmoil again. The Wuxi Colonel’s forces are insufficient to suppress the region, and due to us leaving them unchecked for too long, the states are somewhat disregarding the dignified authority of the Han Dynasty.”

”Hmph, those small states in the Western Regions actually dare harbor thoughts of unrest?” Cao Cao’s eyes flashed coldly. His ambition was to be the Han General of Western Campaigns, so naturally, he had some understanding of the region. Though not profound, in Cao Cao’s view, vassal states daring to rebel should be thoroughly eradicated.

”In fact, if we hadn’t struggled with dealing with the Marquis of Chiyang and Marquis of Meiyang and dispatched them to the Western Regions, the situation now might be worse.” Chen Xi gestured.

Cao Cao nodded silently; back then, when Li Jue and Guo Si made their escape, Liu Bei gained significant benefits. Because of those benefits, in the Yuan Liu battle, Hua Xiong could execute an annihilating kill and cause a collapse of Yuan Shao’s rear army, securing victory.

”Zichuan, what do you mean?” Liu Bei asked knowingly.

”Deploy troops. Honestly, no matter the personal character of that individual, the people of Yongliang actually still recognize the Marquis of Chiyang now. After all, the majority of the rivers and waterways in Yongliang were organized and repaired by him with the help of the locals, and if he’s truly brought back, managing the aftermath would be a hassle.” Chen Xi appeared to be in contemplation.

In fact, back then, when Li Jue and Guo Si fled so gladly, no one pursued due to the overwhelming locals of Yongliang who weren’t concerned with what Li Jue did in the past. What stuck in their minds the most was probably that Li Jue led them in repairing rivers and waterways, enabling them to have food.

This resulted in Li Jue, despite committing many evil deeds—if judged by the law, he should be beheaded and abandoned—being protected by the same locals due to the tangible benefits he provided under Zhong Yao’s direction, safeguarding millions of Yongliang people.

Yan and Zhao had many righteous individuals, and Yongliang was no different. Thus, when Li Jue’s influence waned, under the steward sent by Li Ru, after doing a great deal, he escaped to the Western Regions with no pursuit and even had no orders to revoke Li Jue and others’ titles.

Cao Cao also turned a blind eye in this aspect since Li Jue back then indeed held an amulet—not that he couldn’t be killed, but for someone not closely related and already powerless, stirring public resentment under one’s rule was not worth the trouble. Better to just ignore it.

”Indeed.” Cao Cao agreed, ”Let him remain in the Western Regions; we can adjust his official position to prevent any disorder upon his return. As for the current situation, it’s not impossible to allocate some forces from Chang’an.”

Cao Cao was entirely thinking of keeping Li Jue and Guo Si from causing trouble back home. For him, Li Jue and Guo Si were also a matter of waste utilization. Despite the despicable character of those three, even Cao Cao acknowledged their capability in commanding troops.

”My idea is to give the Thirty-six States of the Western Regions a lesson so they won’t entertain any unnecessary ideas again.” Chen Xi said casually, as if discussing what to eat rather than dealing with numerous countries.

”In that case, the forces required might be substantial.” Cao Cao hesitated slightly. ”Back when Emperor Xiaoo Wu attacked the Western Regions, it cost quite a bit. Moreover, the Western Regions are quite distant, making it exceedingly difficult to go back and forth. Even if we claim victory momentarily, it’s inevitably abandoned.”

Liu Bei glanced sideways at Chen Xi, who pursed his lips. ”Just leave it to me; I naturally have a way to firmly integrate it into Han Territory.”