NOVPUBChen Xi was unaware of what Liu Bei was truly thinking—if he knew, based on Liu Bei’s previous behavior, he would probably have to bestow upon him the title of a "sophomoric dominator", however, given the breadth of Liu Bei’s heart and his words at the time, even Chen Xi had unwittingly reached out his hand, which, faced by anyone else, would surely provoke tears and prostration in admiration. This goes to show that the air of adolescence is almost equivalent to that of regal dominance.
Liu Bei personally helped Jia Xu and Li You from the carriage. To him, a dominator of humble origins with no experience of aristocratic upbringing yet holding a high rank, there was none of the distance typically felt with those from an aristocratic clan. Put simply, Liu Bei was the kind of person who wouldn’t mind leaving Chen Xi on the carriage while he himself took the reins. In contrast, someone like Yuan Shao, despite any talent the other party might have, would never stoop to such undignified actions.
However, when comparing the current status of Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, the difference wasn’t that great. Therefore, many scholars indeed saw Liu Bei’s style as highly gracious, even though Lub Su often felt there was no need for it, he was still very thankful for Liu Bei’s behavior.
Liu Bei might have noticed the change in his status, but this transformation was so rapid that he had not yet adjusted to it. Before he knew it, he had become the "Central Plains Dominator" of rumors, and after more than twenty years of respecting the virtuous and the learned, being generous and benevolent, and treating people kindly, those habits had not yet changed and he was already seated in a high position, where most people under heaven had to look up to him.
Liu Bang spent so many years without correcting his own habits, and in the end, historical records still included the phrase "the ways of Emperor Gaozu", for better or worse, only proving one thing—that nature is hard to change. Now, Liu Bei was in the same situation, habitually receiving scholars personally, habitually leaving some of the pot-cooked meat uneaten, to offer to every civil official in service...
Liu Bei might not realize just how magnanimous his habits appeared in the eyes of others, for someone in high position to respect the virtuous and the learned was highly valuable to the feudal lords. When the Yellow Turbans approached Qingzhou, Mount Tai faced the brunt, yet from east to west, not a single scholar abandoned his post. It must be said that Liu Bei’s earlier banquets and respectful send-offs from the city, bowing deeply, provided tremendous encouragement to these scholars of humble origin. "A scholar dies for those who appreciate him," and with that bow, many scholars were ready to repay him with their lives.
No matter that the Yellow Turbans had not yet attacked the city, even if they had besieged it, these people would have sworn to die rather than surrender. They were truly Liu Bei’s stalwarts!
"Yongzhou’s Li Wenru and Liangzhou’s Jia Wenhe pay their respects to Lord Xuande," Li You and Jia Xu bowed together before Liu Bei.
[Sigh, with such a spirit of respecting the learned and talented, even scholars I’ve never heard of are willing to treat with courtesy. A Central Plains Dominator? It might not be impossible.] Li You had been watching Liu Bei from afar when he was greeting the Angel, observing him with certain metaphysical techniques. His body radiated purple qi, with a faint circulation of the five colors, but there were no shapes of dragons or tigers, just a chaotic drift around Liu Bei.
"Please rise, both of you. Zichuan has mentioned you several times to me. May I ask if you two are willing to join us?" Liu Bei seemed a bit muddled as he asked directly in front of everyone. If they refused him here, Liu Bei would face great embarrassment.
"Lord Xuande has such confidence?" Li You asked, curious.
"No, because I am not afraid of being rejected. I have been turned down too many times, but I have still reached this point. I, Liu Xuande, am unyielding. Unless my endeavors are fulfilled, I shall not rest!" Liu Bei said firmly.
"Grateful for your favor, Wen Ru is willing to serve Lord Xuande in correcting any oversights," Li You nodded, seemingly agreeing with Liu Bei’s proposition.
"And you, Wen He?" Liu Bei turned to Jia Xu and asked.
"I would like to ask a question." After pondering for a moment, now that Li You had sided with Liu Bei, it meant that a choice had to be made today. Although Jia Xu favored Liu Bei, favoring was not the same as joining, because Jia Xu’s priority was to ensure his personal safety.
"Wen He, please ask," Liu Bei instantly understood that Jia Xu favored him, but due to certain reasons, he had some reservations. This one question could be crucial. Liu Bei couldn’t afford to be careless, knowing it might turn out to be "the last straw that breaks the camel’s back," as previously suggested by Chen Xi.
"Who is to blame for the world falling into its current state?" Jia Xu asked calmly.
"As soon as the words were out, Liu Ye angrily rebuked, ’How dare this old man speak so!’"
"Ziyang, stand down!" Although Liu Bei was also somewhat displeased, he still ordered Liu Ye to retreat. He knew the answer to the problem, yet he was unwilling to respond. There were too many at fault here: the Imperial Family, the eunuchs, the Pure Stream Faction, the Outer Relatives, the Outer Officials, the Aristocratic Clans—who among them could claim innocence? Since all were at fault, how then could he reply?"
"Lord Xuande, let me answer this question, please. The answer Jia Wenhe demands is difficult to provide, but I do know what the people of the world will require in the future," Chen Xi said as he saw Liu Bei in a great dilemma and, with no other choice, stood forward. Liu Bei alone could hardly handle such a question—it was a matter of life and death.
"Wen He, may I have Chen Zichuan respond on my behalf?" Liu Bei was pleased and then quickly looking at Jia Xu, he asked.
"You may. I, too, wish to see what answer Chen Zichuan will provide," Jia Xu nodded and said.
"Zichuan, it’s in your hands now!" Liu Bei patted Chen Xi on the shoulder.
"The answer to this question is quite simple. The fault lies with Lord Xuande," Chen Xi declared without any pressure.
"Huh? All the fault lies with Xuande?" Now, Even Liu Bei himself was baffled, as was everyone else who heard the answer. How could the entire state of the world be Liu Bei’s fault?
"How so?" Jia Xu asked emotionlessly.
"Lord Xuande was born too late, lacking sufficient strength. Otherwise, the world would already be at peace. Therefore, the fault lies with Lord Xuande, for not having the power to pacify the world and ensure the common people are clothed and fed. Are you satisfied with this answer? If not, wait twenty years and ask the people of the world! They will give you this very answer," Chen Xi replied steadily, fixing his gaze on Jia Xu.
"Worthy of being Chen Zichuan, I am not satisfied with the answer, but I plan to wait twenty years and then ask the people of the world this question," Jia Xu said, revealing a faint smile as he nodded towards Liu Bei, then bowed and spoke, "I have seen the Lord."
"Great, today I have gained yet two able strategists!" Liu Bei laughed heartily, "And I also thank Zichuan. Without you here, I surely would have been unable to answer."
"There’s no need for such sentiments. Just remember that all the present wrongs of the world lie with Lord Xuande," Chen Xi shook his head, then advised.
Chen Xi would never admit it, but he had deliberately given that answer. The answer that Jia Xu truly sought was definitely not the one spoken. Yet, the intent behind the previous response was enough to make everyone reflect. If Liu Xuande was willing to carry the blame for all his predecessors’ faults, then just how grand must his aspirations and spirit be? These were the things worth pondering for all those present.
[Surpassing one’s ancestors is no easy feat. First, you must dare to shoulder all their past mistakes. Only when you bear these will the people of the world acknowledge you!] Chen Xi thought silently to himself.
Chen Xi was sure that Liu Bei had never considered these issues. Even the whole concept of surpassing his ancestors was mostly a feverish pitch without a complete plan, not even knowing where to start. Since Liu Bei had made his proclamation, then it was only right to push him onto the path he sought! (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, we welcome you to vote for it with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.) 𝘯𝑜𝘷𝘱𝘶𝑏.𝘤𝘰𝑚
