Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Chen Xi had no idea what was going through Liu Bei’s mind. If he knew, considering Liu Bei’s previous actions, he would probably give him the title of a ”melodramatic hero.” But speaking with such grandiose words, even Chen Xi found himself extending his hand in confusion. If it were anyone else, they might have been moved to tears and knelt in reverence. This shows that a melodramatic aura is almost equivalent to a kingly aura.

Liu Bei personally helped Jia Xu and Li You off the carriage. As someone who rose from the lower ranks without the education of noble families but reached a high position, Liu Bei lacked the sense of distance that noble families maintained. In simple terms, Liu Bei could casually leave Chen Xi on the carriage and drive himself, something Yuan Shao would never do, regardless of the talent of the person.

Comparing the current statuses of Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, they weren’t too different. Thus, Liu Bei’s conduct seemed exceedingly gracious to many scholars. Although Lu Su often felt it was unnecessary, he still appreciated Liu Bei’s actions.

Liu Bei was likely aware of his changing status, but the rapid change left him no time to adjust. He had become a central figure among the Central Plains warlords. His habit of respecting scholars and treating people kindly had not changed, even though he now held a high position where most had to look up to him.

Liu Bang never changed his habits over the years, leaving a legacy of the ”style of Gaozu” in history, regardless of whether it was good or bad. This shows that it’s hard to change one’s nature. Liu Bei was in a similar situation, habitually welcoming scholars personally and sharing unfinished food with his officials.

Liu Bei might not realize how his habits appeared to others—how gracious it seemed for a high-ranking lord to be so humble. The Yellow Turbans raiding Qingzhou primarily targeted Taishan, yet no scholar fled their posts. This was largely due to Liu Bei’s past gestures of hosting banquets, escorting scholars out of the city, and bowing deeply. Such actions deeply moved scholars from humble backgrounds, inspiring them to serve him loyally.

It didn’t matter that the Yellow Turbans hadn’t attacked the city; these scholars would have fought to the death rather than surrender, showing their unwavering loyalty to Liu Bei.

”Li Wenru from Yongzhou, Jia Wenhe from Liangzhou, greet Lord Xuande,” Li You and Jia Xu bowed to Liu Bei.

[Such a gracious demeanor, even previously unknown scholars are treated with respect. The Central Plains Warlord? It’s not impossible,] thought Li You as he watched Liu Bei from a distance. Using some esoteric methods, he observed auras of purple energy and faint multicolored insignias around Liu Bei, though lacking the form of a dragon or tiger, just floating scattered around him.

”Please rise. Zichuan has mentioned both of you many times. Would you be willing to join me?” Liu Bei asked directly, somewhat stunned. If they refused, he would be humiliated in front of so many people.”Are you so confident, Lord Xuande?” Li You asked curiously.

”No, because I’m not afraid of being refused. I’ve been refused many times but still reached this point. I, Liu Xuande, will not rest until I achieve my goals!” Liu Bei declared firmly.

”Honored by your confidence, I, Wenru, am willing to assist in correcting any shortcomings,” Li You nodded, acknowledging Liu Bei’s determination.

”And you, Wenhe?” Liu Bei asked Jia Xu.

”I have a question,” Jia Xu pondered. Since Li You had already leaned towards Liu Bei, he had to make a choice today. Though he admired Liu Bei, admiration didn’t equate to joining. Jia Xu’s primary concern was his personal safety.

”Please ask, Wenhe,” Liu Bei quickly understood that Jia Xu favored him but had reservations. This question was crucial and might be what Chen Xi referred to as ”the last straw that breaks the camel’s back,” so Liu Bei had to be cautious.

”Who is responsible for the current chaos in the world?” Jia Xu asked calmly.

As soon as the words were spoken, Liu Ye angrily retorted, ”How dare you speak like that, old man!”

”Ziyang, stand down!” Liu Bei, though displeased, reprimanded Liu Ye. He knew the question but was unwilling to answer. Too many were at fault—the royal family, eunuchs, scholars, consort clans, ministers, and noble families. Who could claim innocence? How to answer?

”Lord Xuande, let me answer this. Jia Wenhe’s question is difficult, but I know the answer the world will want in the future,” Chen Xi saw Liu Bei’s dilemma and stepped forward, unable to let Liu Bei handle it alone.

”Wenhe, may Zichuan answer for me?” Liu Bei asked, delighted but then turned to Jia Xu.

”Alright, I’d like to hear Chen Zichuan’s answer,” Jia Xu nodded.

”Zichuan, it’s up to you!” Liu Bei patted Chen Xi’s shoulder.

”The answer is simple: it’s Lord Xuande’s fault,” Chen Xi said without pressure.

”What? All the chaos is Liu Xuande’s fault?” Liu Bei was dumbfounded, as were the others who heard. How could everything be Liu Bei’s fault?

”Explain,” Jia Xu asked expressionlessly.

”Lord Xuande was born too late and not strong enough. Otherwise, the world would already be at peace. So, it’s his fault for not having the ability to pacify the world and ensure the people’s well-being. Does this answer satisfy you? If not, ask the world in twenty years! They will tell you the same,” Chen Xi said calmly, looking at Jia Xu.

”As expected of Chen Zichuan. I’m not satisfied with this answer, but I plan to ask the world in twenty years,” Jia Xu smiled slightly, nodded to Liu Bei, and saluted, ”Greetings, my lord.”

”Good, today we have gained two great advisors!” Liu Bei laughed, ”Thanks to Zichuan, I couldn’t have answered without you.”

”No need for thanks, Lord Xuande. Just remember, the fault of the world lies with you,” Chen Xi warned.

Chen Xi wouldn’t admit that he answered this way on purpose. Jia Xu didn’t want the answer he gave, but the meaning behind it was enough for everyone to ponder. If Liu Xuande dared to take on all the past faults, how high would his ambition and vision be? This was worth considering.

[Surpassing one’s ancestors is not easy. First, you must dare to take on all their faults. Only then will the world acknowledge you!] Chen Xi thought silently.

Chen Xi was sure Liu Bei hadn’t considered these issues. Most of Liu Bei’s grand statements were made in a feverish state, without a complete plan or even knowing where to start. Since Liu Bei had made such claims, it was up to him to push Liu Bei onto the path he desired!