NOVPUBAs for the time of great governance in the future, it will be even harder to implement reforms. By that time, even if Chen Xi opens his mouth to suggest something, all the ministers would oppose it. When political rivals, the Pure Stream Faction, noted scholars, and those looking to gain prestige turn it into a factional struggle, all hope will be lost. Once a good deed gets caught in factional strife, it becomes a question of where your loyalty lies. And when it becomes a question of loyalty, there’s no need to argue anymore—it’s purely fighting for the sake of fighting.
Chen Xi sat in the Political Office, gripping his head and sipping tea, as his eyes gradually revealed a fierce glint. Since he knew for certain that this matter was correct, why should he concede? Giving in once would lead to a second time. It’s okay to admit a mistake if something is indeed wrong, but this matter has been historically validated as correct. So let’s do it. What can all the people who try to stop me do? It can only prove that I am stronger and wiser than you all!
Thinking this, Chen Xi set down his teacup and a cold smirk appeared on his face. In Mount Tai, everyone’s words might be negligible, but there was one person whose word must be heeded, and that was Liu Bei. Don’t be fooled by how Liu Bei acts like a jolly mascot all day; the real power undoubtedly lies in his hands! There are things Chen Xi cannot do, but that doesn’t mean Liu Bei can’t do them!
If he wants to do it, just go ahead and do it—Chen Xi refused to believe that Liu Bei had so quickly degenerated amidst prosperity and luxury, eroding his own fighting spirit. A self-made man, after all, definitely wouldn’t lack courage!
"Click!" Chen Xi pushed the door and entered, finding Xu Chu not far from the entrance.
"Lord is now in the bedroom," Xu Chu said to Chen Xi, his expression slightly troubled, and his voice seemed a bit too loud.
Chen Xi tugged at his ear, casting a peculiar glance at Xu Chu. What’s with him today? Such a loud announcement; hadn’t he always pretended to be a stone statue in the past, ignoring things as if he hadn’t seen them?
Liu Bei happened to move into a place just a few steps away from Chen Xi’s house, as his previous residence was under renovation. Actually, his former dwelling was also only a few steps from the Chen Family’s estate. Unless Liu Bei said otherwise, no one was allowed to enter, so no one would stop Chen Xi from entering Liu Bei’s home. Xu Chu, seeing Guan, Zhang, Zhao, and Chen Xi usually just stood at the door like a stone statue—it was indeed quite odd today.
As for the estate that was being rebuilt, Liu Bei also learned what it meant to burn money. Even the Zhang Clan felt dizzy looking at the lavish building materials, and naturally, Liu Bei also felt they were somewhat inappropriate. However, Chen Xi chased him away, saying that it was just a matter of ten billion or so, which almost gave Liu Bei a heart attack, leading him to question why Chen Xi didn’t spend that money on the people instead.
Chen Xi was quite pleased with this. It made him very happy that Liu Bei, after nearly having a heart attack, immediately thought of the welfare of the people. Pretending to be benevolent to such an extent was simply incredible.
Chen Xi’s response at that time left Liu Bei with nothing to say, "This stuff was earned by doing a little side business out of boredom last year, so I decided to invest in building a Library Pavilion myself. I bought too much material, so I’m using some to build a building for Lord Xuande."
These words made Zhang Clan’s eyes shine with admiration. Chen Xi’s ability to make money was well-known to Liu Bei and Zhang Clan, but this level of wealth seemed astonishing. Yet, because the account books showed that for the renovation of Liu Bei’s residence at Mount Tai, there were only two contributions: labor and materials, totaling only a few million, which was far less than the tens of billions Chen Xi mentioned.
This meant that Chen Xi’s extravagance was only with his own family’s wealth, and it had nothing to do with the Treasury of Mount Tai. They couldn’t say anything even if he built himself another mansion, let alone building one for Liu Bei.
Women are generally interested in shiny things, and while there might be concerns about the quality of the building materials Chen Xi produced, there was no doubt they were glittering, which greatly attracted Zhang Clan. Liu Bei might see it as extravagance, but Zhang Clan was already contemplating whether to try using the same extravagant materials for her own home, although the expense was considerable...
Liu Bei even rebuked Chen Xi for the excessive luxury, but having noted that whether such money was invested or not, there was virtually no change to the governance of his lands, he relented after consulting with Li Youu, who reached the same conclusion. 𝒏𝙤𝙫𝒑𝙪𝙗.𝙘𝒐𝙢
If we were really talking about tens of billions, then investing it in places like Qingzhou and Mount Tai would make a huge difference. But a million? Better forget it—it would be a joke.
Pushing the door open and entering, there sat Liu Bei alone in the bedroom, holding a book and reading.
"Hmm..." Chen Xi shook his head from side to side, finding it odd. Why would you read in the bedroom instead of the study? And today’s incense in the bedroom seemed a bit unusual.
"Zichuan, it’s rare to see you here, except when I invite you for a meal," said Liu Bei, slowly turning a page of his book before he put it down, his face smiling. But, perhaps it was just Chen Xi’s imagination, the smile seemed somewhat forced today.
However, Chen Xi now had important matters to discuss and completely ignored these details, "Lord Xuande, I have a favor to ask."
"Sure, just take whatever you want from our place," Liu Bei generously replied.
"..." Chen Xi stared at Liu Bei until Liu Bei felt somewhat ashamed, and then finally said, "I have a strategy that could enrich your governed lands, making the wealth of a single commandery rival that of a province. But this method has never been tried before, so Zijing and others, preferring stability, won’t approve it!"
