Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Chen Xi and Zhao Yun entered the mansion, and soon the servants of the Zhen family surrounded them. However, the skill difference was vast, and within moments, Zhao Yun had subdued them all.

”Madam, this is no way to treat guests!” Mi Zhu called out loudly, knowing full well that the Zhen family couldn’t be unaware of the commotion in the front hall.

”Why shouldn’t we treat uninvited guests like this?” Zhang Shi’s voice came from the central hall.

”Zhang Shi, if you don’t want to provoke a war between the Chen family of Yingchuan and the Zhen family of Jizhou, stop now. Otherwise, I don’t mind showing you some harsh lessons. The connections your Zhen family boasts about are nothing to me; I won’t hesitate to ensure you can’t leave Jizhou!” Chen Xi’s icy voice reached Zhang Shi’s ears.

”Yingchuan Chen family, well, well, well!” Zhang Shi’s voice, filled with anger, echoed back.

Chen Xi remained unfazed by Zhang Shi’s anger. As for using the name of the Yingchuan Chen family, he had done it many times, and the Chen family had never objected. After quelling the Yellow Turbans, he felt even more justified in wielding this intimidating title.

Zhang Shi did not doubt Chen Xi’s words. Among the prominent families in the Central Plains, only three had the capability to suppress the Zhen family across provinces. With the Liu family preoccupied, the Yuan family too busy, and the Yang family in chaos, only the Chen and Xun families could manage such a feat.

”Zilong, make sure none of them can fight anymore!” Chen Xi commanded Zhao Yun, seeing that the Zhen family’s servants were still resisting.

Sounds of spears striking filled the air.

”Well, now we can talk.” Chen Xi’s expression turned gentle as he walked towards the central hall.”You must be Madam Zhen,” Chen Xi greeted the woman sitting at the head, bowing slightly. ”Chen Zicuan greets you, Madam.”

”This general is quite impressive!” Zhang Shi ignored Chen Xi and instead focused on Zhao Yun.

”Hahaha, the second-best warrior in the world, Zhao Zilong, is merely ’impressive’ to the Zhen family? Should I say it’s arrogance or just small-mindedness?” Chen Xi’s warm expression turned mocking, infuriating Zhang Shi. He was clearly implying the Zhen family had no discernment.

With a clap, Chen Xi had Mi Zhu’s men bring a heavy wooden chair and place it opposite Zhang Shi in the central hall. Chen Xi sat down, his seat higher than Zhang Shi’s, casting a shadow over her.

”Let’s talk,” Chen Xi propped his head on his hand, staring at Zhang Shi.

”What is there to discuss with your Chen family!” Zhang Shi fumed, barely containing her rage. Chen Xi’s indifferent demeanor was intolerable, but the imposing presence of Zhao Yun kept her in check. Two people alone had subdued the entire Zhen family.

”I have many things to discuss, such as this incident or anything Madam wishes. I am here to talk, and I doubt Madam wants me to leave empty-handed,” Chen Xi spoke leisurely, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Shi as if she were a commodity, making her shudder.

”Hmph, a mere two billion coins is something our Zhen family can afford!” Zhang Shi retorted defiantly.

Chen Xi paused, his expression hidden as he surveyed the hall, preventing Zhang Shi from noticing his reaction.

”Honestly, how many times can your Zhen family endure this?” Chen Xi adjusted his posture, now sitting upright and staring coldly at Zhang Shi.

”In this world, when status is equal, it’s a battle of wits. I believe my wit is not inferior. The plight of the Zhen family was orchestrated by me alone, without any support from my family. Even if your Zhen family moves to Bingzhou next to the Wang family, trust me, the outcome won’t differ,” Chen Xi’s confidence was palpable, intimidating Zhang Shi.

”Is the Chen family also entering this grand scheme, choosing to fight rather than just bet?” Zhang Shi finally spoke after a long silence, seemingly mesmerized by Chen Xi’s presence.

”Not really. I’m just preparing a gift for someone I favor, and among all the choices, only the Zhen family fits. What does Madam think? Does the Zhen family wish to advance further?” Chen Xi asked pointedly.

”...” Zhang Shi remained silent. The situation was indeed dire; the Zhen family’s influence and connections had been severed, making them incapable of resisting this man.

”Your silence implies consent. I need your Zhen family. Give me the two billion coins, and we can make a deal,” Chen Xi said coolly. ”Perhaps your Zhen family has other options, but I believe Jizhou’s land is the most suitable for your survival. This time, I’m merely showcasing my capabilities. The properties and lands your Zhen family acquired will be considered a gift. Future transactions will not exceed the prices you initially paid.”

Chen Xi’s casual attitude shocked Zhang Shi. There was no arrogance, just a calm and undeniable confidence that left her unable to maintain her composure.

”Can you mobilize the merchants of the world?” Zhang Shi asked with difficulty. If that were the case, the Chen family might have already accumulated enough wealth to buy an entire province. The thought of the Chen family’s history was alarming; they had once used wealth to buy one of the Five Hegemons, Qi, leading to the end of the Spring and Autumn period and the rise of the Warring States. Though they bore the surname Tian then, their experience in such matters was evident.

”Just leveraging benefits,” Chen Xi replied nonchalantly. ”What does Madam think? The Yuan family is not easy to deal with.”

Zhang Shi pondered for a long time. This man’s proposal might not be a bad plan. With the previously mentioned resources, the Zhen family could firmly establish itself in Jizhou. Even if unexpected events occurred, they wouldn’t be as powerless as they are now. Given this man’s demeanor, his chosen ally might be just as capable as Yuan Shao, if not more.

”Please wait a moment, Sir Chen. Such a significant matter requires further deliberation,” Zhang Shi said, rising and bowing gracefully. ”We will give you an answer shortly.”

”I’ll wait here, but my time is limited,” Chen Xi smiled.

As Chen Xi waited in the hall, a feast was laid out, and the maids attended to him calmly, showing no fear despite Zhao Yun’s earlier actions.

Chen Xi remained relaxed, eating and observing. He knew that his actions were being reported to Zhang Shi, and soon she would understand the scale of the Yellow Turban campaign and why all of Jizhou had made their choice.

As Chen Xi continued his casual inspection, a young girl with a determined yet fearful expression approached, carrying a tea tray. Chen Xi paused, extending his hand toward her, captivated by her resolve despite her fear.