NOVPUB"Many thanks, Lord Xuande," said a faint smile appeared on Mrs. Zhang’s face. With this matter settled, she could explain to the Zhen Family. Once stationed at Mount Tai, no one would suspect her anymore—especially with her keen intuition and the merchant’s nature to pursue profit, Chen Zichuan’s scenario seemed very likely to come true in her eyes.
Moreover, after hearing the entire experience of Liu Bei and Chen Xi, Zhang Clan’s trust in Chen Xi’s abilities was no less than that for Liu Bei. How could someone who had steadily gained control over the world’s situation after making bold declarations slap themselves in the face?
Therefore, sometimes it’s beneficial to have simpler thoughts and rely on intuition; at least Mrs. Zhang had made a good move.
"If the Zhen Family has other commercial matters, my Mount Tai will treat them with the same regard," Liu Bei added after some thought, giving Mrs. Zhang another benefit. Since he couldn’t kill her here, he might as well let her understand the advantages of following Mount Tai.
"Many thanks, Lord Xuande!" A spark of radiance flashed in Mrs. Zhang’s beautiful eyes. This was a blessing in disguise. The ancient adage went, ’Disaster is what happiness depends upon,’ and indeed it made sense.
Mrs. Zhang had been at Mount Tai for a long time and, with Liu Bei’s care, had come to understand a lot about it. Mount Tai had many fine things, but except for Mi Zhu, the threshold for others was so high that it left many shaking their heads in sighing!
Liu Bei now offered to treat her with the same regard as whom? Of course, it was only Mi Zhu! Without the high entry barrier, Mrs. Zhang didn’t think her Zhen Family would be weaker than the Mi Family. Even in pure business competition, without any underhanded tactics, Mrs. Zhang was confident that her family would not lose to the Mi Family—their centuries of foundation were not a joke!
"May I borrow someone from the residence of Lord Xuande?" Mrs. Zhang asked.
"Yes," Liu Bei nodded, appreciating one thing about Mrs. Zhang—her perceptiveness, knowing when to advance or retreat, "If the lady fancies anyone, feel free to take them with you."
Liu Bei was well aware that every member of his household could be considered his confidant. Mrs. Zhang’s request for someone indicated that she truly did not intend to share this matter with others.
"It’s just a personal maid, please do not mind, Lord Xuande," Mrs. Zhang said calmly.
"If the lady has any other requests, please state them all," Liu Bei spoke as the sky had completely darkened. Having Mrs. Zhang stay over wasn’t ideal, although he didn’t mind it.
"There’s nothing else; I will come again tomorrow," said Mrs. Zhang as she rose to her feet and gave a curtsy.
The next day, Chen Zichuan was the first to head to the Political Office, carrying Liu Bei’s sword. Mi Zhu and Sun Qian quickly followed, Mann Chong and Lub Su arrived just in time, Jia Xu came slightly later, and by the time Liu Ye arrived, everyone else had finished their morning tea—Guo Jia and Jian Yong came even after Liu Ye had finished his breakfast.
"Everyone is here," Chen Xi said with a smile, seemingly in a good mood as if yesterday’s matters had been forgotten. No one counted whether Liu Yan had come—God knows if he went boasting elsewhere today!
"Yo, Zichuan looks quite happy today," Jian Yong teased.
"Slap!" Chen Xi grabbed the double-edged sword that had been resting behind his chair and slapped it onto the table, "We need to talk again about yesterday’s matter. I’m not happy about being out-argued by all of you, and we will continue today!"
The others frowned as they recognized the sword resting on the table. 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝒑𝙪𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝙢
"Some things can’t be settled by argument, and even with the Lord’s sword, I still don’t approve of this matter!" Liu Ye stood up first like the day before, rejecting Chen Xi’s proposal.
"Set the Lord’s sword aside," said Chen Xi as he nonchalantly tossed the sword next to the chair, "I am determined to do this matter, even if all of you oppose me, I must do it. I have the power to veto all of you!"
Chen Xi stood up, his hands pressing on the table, his cold gaze sweeping over everyone, "Whether you agree or not won’t change the final outcome. I intend to do this regardless of your disapproval. This time, no one can shake my conviction."
"Zichuan, this matter should still be considered for the long term," Lub Su, the consistent good guy, suggested without further comment—a hint to think longer.
"There’s no time for long-term considerations. We start work this afternoon at the latest." Chen Xi’s icy gaze glanced at Lub Su, showing complete disdain for any delaying tactics.
"Zichuan, are you sure this will succeed?" Jia Xu asked with a furrowed brow, "This affects all of our future plans, it can’t be broken by a momentary whim. We’re not yet in such danger that hasty risks trump steady success!"
"It will definitely succeed!" Chen Xi looked at Jia Xu with a sneer, "I am Chen Zichuan. I have come this far by controlling the world’s situation from Hulao. Who here believes they are more far-sighted or capable than me?"
Jia Xu, Guo Jia, and others exchanged glances. There was really no comparison—how did it suddenly become a contest of foresight and ability?
"It seems then that you all do acknowledge my abilities and insight," Chen Xi’s face showed a hint of scorn. At this moment, he didn’t mind offending this group of people. None of them here were petty, so after the matter was resolved, he could amend it. But right now, it was essential to assert his will over everyone.
