Mythical Three Kingdoms

Liu Bei might not see that Liu Zhang is currently strong on the outside but weak within, whereas Chen Xi, having been pointed out by Zhang Song, already understands everything. Liu Zhang is still the same Liu Zhang, just that Liu Zhang has gained confidence and spirit due to a major achievement.

[It seems that environment and confidence indeed shape a person’s character.] Chen Xi shook his head and thought silently, thinking about how many ambitions and aspirations must be set aside if one cannot even fill one’s stomach.

"Is that so, has the Emperor already passed away?" At this time, Liu Zhang also received the most accurate news from Liu Bei, leaving no room for luck anymore.

"Yes, the Emperor has already passed away, so we plan to stabilize the situation first before discussing anything else. Jir Yu, do you have any other opinions?" Liu Bei did not hide anything, got straight to the point, and Liu Zhang shook his head repeatedly.

At a time like this, daring to have other opinions is seeking death, isn’t it? The fists of these three parties are not ordinary, and Liu Bei has agreed to this proposal. Could Liu Zhang possibly disagree? Thinking this through, Liu Zhang felt somewhat weak and thin, realizing he needed allies.

Right at this moment, a carriage arrived, and Liu Yu, with a pale face, wrapped in bandages and using a crutch, stepped down from it.

Though yesterday evening the heroes from Yan and Zhao desperately protected Liu Yu, he still got slashed twice, thankfully one on the back and one on the calf, neither life-threatening, though sadly several concubines were killed.

Honestly, Liu Yu was especially frustrated. He indeed had intentions to support Liu Bei, but he had no direct ideas regarding the Emperor, yet suffered unwarranted disaster, ending up in this dire state. He was fuelling fires with no outlet. Those scoundrels are all dead now, leaving him no way to exact revenge.

"Xuande, Jir Yu." With his son Liu Heo supporting his other arm, Liu Yu performed a half salute, causing Liu Bei and Liu Zhang to quickly stabilize him.

"Not seriously injured, are you?" Liu Bei glanced at Liu Yu, sighed, originally planning to confront him a bit, but seeing the situation now, Liu Bei decided to let Liu Yu off the hook, considering the miserable condition.

"Two slashes from that bastard Dong Cheng chasing me, if he hadn’t died, I’d definitely return the favor." Liu Yu spoke grumpily, "What exactly happened in Weiyang Palace?"

"I don’t know. Nothing can be figured out now; the Emperor’s coffin can only first be sent to Weiyang Rear Hall for vigil." Liu Bei shook his head in response.

"Summon the aged élites of Chang’an; conveniently, all the families and factions are here in Chang’an, and the surviving old ministers are present. Decide on the Emperor’s position quickly; the nation cannot be without a ruler for a day." Liu Yu, as Minister of Ceremonies, after such a major incident and suffering severe losses himself, naturally had to push for recommending an Emperor quickly and issue orders to stabilize the situation and avoid problems.

"Now is not the right time." Liu Bei shook his head, "Whether it’s me or Jir Yu ascending the throne, it would only cause national division. You know Cao Mengde’s strength and Sunx Bofu’s capabilities. If we fail to provide reasonable explanations, they might revolt under the Emperor’s name."

"Would they dare?" Liu Yu’s heart ignited with fury, followed by continuous coughing. Nevertheless, Liu Yu also understood that this was indeed the case; Liu Bei ascending the throne might likely cause rampant chaos.

"Brother Xuande, can’t we, with our strength, crush them completely?" Liu Zhang invited.

"We can, but the Central Plains would be severely ravaged in the process." Liu Bei sighed, "So, for the sake of the nation, it’s better to leave the Emperor’s position vacant for now."

"If that’s the case, it’s fine." Liu Zhang nodded. Although he harbored some aspirations for the throne, they weren’t strong. His father Liu Yan had kept the Imperial Guard and Emperor’s Robes, yet Liu Zhang never used them as he preferred being a local tyrant in places distant from the Emperor’s influence, seeking assistance only when trouble arose.

This was essentially enjoying benefits while relying on the Emperor to clean up messes when they occurred.

Thus, after understanding the troubles surrounding the Emperor’s position, Liu Zhang decisively withdrew, resolving to return to Sichuan and Shu to be his local tyrant. With his blood connection and significant achievements, he thought he could manage as long as he didn’t act recklessly.

Eventually, if trouble reared its head or complications arose, the Emperor would naturally be there to patch things up, which was much better than handling the currently troublesome hot potato. Liu Zhang’s relatively timid nature and modest ambition led him to agree to Liu Bei’s proposal to set aside the Emperor’s position without much thought.

"Actually, Governor of Yizhou, if you wish to take on the role, you can." Chen Xi suddenly interjected, "Emperor’s position, oh, Lord Xuande is bound by promises, and you are technically the second in line for succession, if you have thoughts about it, it’s not impossible."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhang looked up at Liu Bei, who silently nodded. In fact, finding someone to sit on the throne whom Cao and Sunx would be reassured by was plausible, and previously unnoticed by Liu Bei until Chen Xi pointed it out, enhancing his awareness of Liu Zhang’s character.

When Liu Zhang saw Liu Bei nod, he was startled but instantly refused. Regardless if this was a test or sincere, Liu Zhang resolved not to accept. If it’s you who won’t want it, I dare not take it. He decisively refused, opting to return to Yizhou to be the local tyrant!

At that moment, Liu Zhang intensely felt that the schemes in Chang’an were too deep, and Yizhou was truly just like a small countryside. Evidently, someone like him was only suited to remain in Yizhou.

"Since Jir Yu is unwilling, I won’t insist. Inevitably, numerous people will utter such words during this period; I ask you both to think more for the nation’s sake." Liu Bei spoke solemnly.