Mythical Three Kingdoms

Of course, this is not surprising either. With Chen Gong’s wisdom, even Cao Cao was convinced, though at first the other party had stormed out because of Bian Rang and the Xuzhou affair.

This made it difficult for Chen Gong to look back. Even though Cao Cao has admitted his mistakes, after all, "once you have seen the vast ocean, other bodies of water are insignificant." With Chen Gong’s integrity, he would never bow his head, and if he doesn’t, the possibility of Zhang Liao and Gao Shun leaning toward Cao Cao becomes incredibly slim.

On top of that, it seems like Lyu Qiling is still sticking to Zhao Yun. Cao Cao has basically lost hope for these two people, but even if he has given up hope, he still feels unwilling. Now, when there’s a chance to make sure if he can’t have it, others can’t have it either, Cao Cao is still very willing to take action.

"Is that so? I originally thought Lord Cao meant that each of our three sides would send one person." Chen Xi said with a slight tease, and Cao Cao’s expression hardly changed upon hearing this.

"It seems that Lord Cao will not agree then. Alright, if General Zhang and others agree, we won’t refuse." Seeing Cao Cao’s unchanged expression, Chen Xi shook his head with a look of helplessness and said, "But besides this wave, we will also send others, won’t Lord Cao send some people?"

Cao Cao looked displeased upon hearing this. Previously, when Chen Xi goaded him like this, he could remain unfazed. His intention was to be teased by Chen Xi a little, considering he didn’t suffer any substantial loss himself. Unexpectedly, Chen Xi still wouldn’t let it go.

"I plan to send Kongming to the Western Regions to coordinate. What are your thoughts, Lord Cao?" Chen Xi looked at Cao Cao and asked, "Although Chen Gongtai is formidable, there still needs to be someone to hold the fort."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao snorted, although what Chen Xi said was indeed correct, such actions in the current situation are indeed a bit aggressive.

But after all, Liu Bei’s Faction has already made this step right in front of him. If he doesn’t take a step back, Cao Cao knows that what was previously discussed is basically off the table.

"How about Sima Zhongda? I’ll send Sima Zhongda and Cao Zidan to the Western Regions." Cao Cao, after a bit of thought, made up his mind. Since he couldn’t pretend not to see, the most correct approach was to find a way to stop the losses.

"Heh, it’s indeed a good idea," Chen Xi said with a slightly mocking tone. This time it was a genuine mockery because Cao Cao’s words had already reached a point of clarity. To put it bluntly, it was about exchanging pieces. Using the unstable piece of Sima Yi to exchange for Zhuge Liang, and then using the relatively competent second-generation Cao Zhen to drag Liu Bei’s even more competent second generation down.

"Send Wen Chang. Wen Chang and Kongming cooperate seamlessly, together they can match half a Military Spirit Legion. The Western Regions are not that easy, ensuring safety is paramount." Liu Bei, who was holding a cup of tea, slowly spoke.

"In that case, it can’t just be us; Sun Bofu should be counted in too, right?" Chen Xi squinted his eyes and asked. Cao Cao hesitated for a moment and nodded, considering they had invested so many resources, how could Sun Ce just stand by the side?

"Including Sun Bofu, there’s no way to favor one over the other." Liu Bei’s face unwittingly showed a different expression. Chen Xi wasn’t just setting up Cao Cao but also Sun Ce and the others.

"Then what about the troops to be dispatched?" Chen Xi pressed on Cao Cao relentlessly, "At least a legion should be sent, otherwise, I honestly feel it wouldn’t be right."

Cao Cao calculated silently while pondering, afraid that Chen Xi would catch him taking a big advantage. But overall, it was okay. At least from Cao Cao’s perspective, blocking the chances of Chen Gong and others defecting to Liu Bei, and relying on the unstable Sima Yi and immature Cao Zhen to hold back Zhuge Liang and Wei Yan, Cao Cao actually felt it was quite worthwhile.

[However, in such a situation, Liu Xuande has actually invested three Inner Qi Manifestation, two spiritually talented sages, and even one and a half Military Spirit Legions in the Western Regions. What is the meaning of such a large investment?] Cao Cao suddenly began to ponder this aspect.

"Actually, I’m very curious, Zichuan, is it worth it for you to invest so much in the Western Regions?" Cao Cao looked at Chen Xi with thoughtful eyes, but Chen Xi’s expression remained unmoved.

"It’s not a question of worth, but because I want to plan further and more long term. The Western Regions, for us right now, are like Baiyue in the era of the First Emperor. Obviously, we don’t have the ability like the First Emperor to neutralize and assimilate with half a million troops." Chen Xi said with a calm expression, "And such efforts to make it local, the investment cannot be small."

Cao Cao nodded upon hearing this, although he still felt the investment was somewhat too high, thinking of the investment made by the First Emperor to conquer Baiyue, Chen Xi’s current investment wasn’t really considerable. Furthermore, what Chen Xi was doing now was indeed calculated for the future.

"But are you sure you want to invest like this, these manpower and resources are not a joke, if you invest just like that, maybe the one who benefits in the end is us." Cao Cao suddenly changed his tone, speaking with a tone of complacency, but found that Chen Xi’s expression remained as usual.

[Although Chen Zichuan sometimes acts arrogant, he never loses his reputation for foresight under any circumstances, meaning he has absolute confidence. Isn’t the chess he’s playing right now something I could take advantage of? Such arrogance.] Cao Cao cursed inwardly.

[Hmph, so confident? I, Cao Cao, am not to be trifled with, although I’ve lost the initiative, by the time even if I don’t win against you, I will surely make your victory difficult.] Cao Cao couldn’t help but make up his mind.

"Actually, Lord Cao doesn’t have to worry about these things. Lord Cao should be more concerned about what will happen three months later when we leave Chang’an, how you will deal with us next year." Chen Xi, with an upward curl of his lips, had already seen Cao Cao and Sun Ce being forced to let go next year.

"You think I don’t know you’re collecting intelligence from various places? We’re also taking advantage of this time to gather intelligence on you, because we’re summoning senior officials from all provinces and counties to Chang’an for court meetings, collecting intelligence on you has become a lot easier than before," Cao Cao said casually, as these things were now laid out in the open.

"Our governance can change three times a day, and I believe Xun Wenruo definitely doesn’t have this capability. Though he is indeed formidable, in this aspect, he is not as good as me," Chen Xi spread his hands, with an indifferent look, "And the more you know, the more fearful you become. Sometimes ignorance is one’s capital to support oneself in battle."

Cao Cao’s face turned dark upon hearing this, such mockery making him really unhappy, but Cao Cao held it back, thinking he had taken too harsh actions before making Chen Xi unhappy, without delving deeper. Little did he know, Chen Xi’s words weren’t just talk, but the truth!

"Alright, alright, Zichuan, that’s enough poking," Liu Bei said expressionlessly, trying to mediate, making Cao Cao’s face even more displeased.