Mythical Three Kingdoms

Time once again reverted to when Liu Bei, Chen Xi, and others were leaving Chang’an.

"Ah, Boyan, now that Kongming is not here, I have to carefully cultivate you." Chen Xi said earnestly, patting Lu Xun on the shoulder.

Lu Xun had a look of utter despair, feeling that as the only disciple, he was not as important as Zhuge Liang. Then, realizing he wasn’t the sole disciple, he felt inexplicably lost.

"Speaking of which, just thinking about all the work waiting for me when I return makes me want to lie down in Chang’an." Chen Xi suddenly seemed to remember something, his whole demeanor drooping.

"You worked harder in Chang’an than you ever did in Ye City." Guo Jia passed by on horseback and commented silently, "But to be honest, after returning to Ye City, there won’t be that much work. Haven’t you done all the planning?"

"You have quite a good imagination. The reason I want a pause for a year is because this year is crucial to us. I’ve spent a lot of effort to finally pry away the local aristocratic families; if we don’t promptly take control, do you guys want to revert to the old days when political power didn’t even reach counties?" Chen Xi said, speechless. He pried away the aristocratic families to address the flaws left behind by Guangwu.

Back in the day, Guangwu relied on the aristocratic families to rise up, eventually allowing them to grow influential, so much so that even the strongest Zhang and Ming Emperors could not solve this problem. It’s safe to say the late Eastern Han Dynasty’s troubles were seeded in the early times, knotted deeply and hardly resolvable.

Chen Xi employed various methods, leveraging benefits, fists, and some long-sighted supporters, managing with great difficulty to pry away the aristocratic families. If we don’t seize this moment to solve the power vacuum across regions, it practically equals digging a pit for generations to come.

"That’s indeed true. Although some aristocratic families’ actions are quite detestable, their existence is equivalent to a long-established local rule, albeit not a good one, it’s still better than having no rules at all." Liu Ye passed by, nodding in agreement.

"Absolutely, having rules, even if slightly bad, is better than having none. Without rules, dark elements could start spawning over time, so as the aristocratic families migrate north, we need to be swift here too." Chen Xi said with a smile.

"To have really solved the problem left behind by Guangwu two centuries ago." Liu Ye sighed deeply and said with a tinge of admiration.

"Yes, if not resolved, the government is essentially dangling in mid-air, hence it’s imperative. The decrees should originate from the state, carried out by the people, that’s the correct way. With aristocratic clans blocking, the issues intensify." Chen Xi smiled and said.

After such preparations, uprooting and transplanting the entire group northward, even Chen Xi felt a sense of pride.

No matter what, even if the Late Han aristocratic families haven’t completely rotted under the Nine-Rank Merit System, they’re already less virtuous than at their earliest. It’s undeniable that there are indeed upright individuals among them, but they’re not the majority.

If everyone had Xun Yu’s integrity and ability, Chen Xi wouldn’t need such troubles, but that’s unrealistic. There’s a wide range of characters, and even strictly disciplined families like Chen and Xun have some black sheep.

"By the way, Wen He, how’s the Yang Family?" Chen Xi suddenly remembered and turned to Jia Xu to inquire.

"Yang Biao’s branch is completely annihilated, other branches of the Yang Family fully support the migration north." Jia Xu replied slowly, leaving Chen Xi with an inexplicable sense of cruelty; an entire branch annihilated just like that.

"Well, they must bear the consequences of their actions." Chen Xi sighed, "Going back means work, although well-prepared ahead, it certainly came quickly."

"Yuan Gonglu’s knife is sharp. Be careful it doesn’t cut you." Jia Xu suddenly shifted the topic to Yuan Shu.

By now, Jia Xu thoroughly understood Yuan Shu’s situation. His problem wasn’t stupidity or naivety, nor was it intelligence, the foremost issue was his obsession, he’s a fanatic believing his path is correct, ready to stake his life on it.

"Relax, relax, this guy is a fanatic. If his direction is wrong, he’ll self-destruct eventually. If it’s right, he’ll hit any mountain in his way." Chen Xi said indifferently.

Chen Xi must admit, Yuan Shu’s blade might indeed cut him, should their paths collide, Yuan Shu could crash and still splatter Chen Xi with blood; he’s an absolute madman, and it isn’t merely a lack of brainpower.

Accurately speaking, Yuan Shu clearly knows what he’s doing but plows on regardless. Such a person, if aligned, is the perfect pioneer; if opposing, you better be ready for a splattering despite being a steamroller.

"You’re aware then, if he truly bites you, even you won’t dodge." Jia Xu withdrew his gaze, spoke solemnly, "Exercise caution while using."

Chen Xi nodded. Yuan Shu, the man who brings roads, if his path is righteous, he can carve a path where none exists. His status stands, his backing strong, even fiercely self-sacrificing; such a man isn’t good for governance but serves as an excellent deterrent.

"By the way, Xiaoo Zhi, what are you looking at, you seem horrified?" Guo Jia suddenly yelled, remembering Fa Zheng was reviewing local reports. Did something exceptionally horrific occur?

"Yes, quite horrific. A certain branch lineage of Deng Family of Nanyang, a newborn shows Inner Qi." Fa Zheng said, a horrified expression on his face.

"Deng Family of Nanyang?" Chen Xi frowned, it’s an aristocratic family, exceptionally mighty, perhaps not as deep-rooted as Chen-Xun, but their reputation surpasses these families.

"Yes, now that branch lineage has been recalled to the main line, reportedly, Deng Family plans to invest heavily in the child’s education." Fa Zheng said slightly surprised, "Is this a sign of Heaven and Earth Essence recovering, already showing Inner Qi at birth?"

"Probably, wonder how the craftsmen’s research is progressing." Chen Xi drifted momentarily, since Jia Xu discovered Spiritual Capacity draws Heaven and Earth Essence, Chen Xi initiated deeper investigation, but without reference, the status remains unknown.

Speaking of which, previously Qu Qi spread that cultivation method across the nation, on Cao Cao’s side it’s carved on stone tablets, now converted into a different type of temple, many gather there for blessings too, if Qu Qi saw, might feel as awkward as Hua Tuo back then.

According to those blessing seekers, it seemed quite effective, unknown when Qu Qi added a divine office of sending offspring.