Mythical Three Kingdoms

When Chen Xi returned, the Weiyang Palace Rear Hall was already filled with some unfamiliar faces. A glance at their expressions revealed that they were all old ministers of the Han Dynasty, and those who survived last night’s chaos were either extremely lucky or experienced and shrewd.

However, from the words of these people now, Chen Xi estimated that their survival yesterday was mostly due to luck. Otherwise, given their current inability to see the situation clearly and their insistence on establishing an Emperor, they were indeed lacking in intelligence.

This group of people, already halfway to the grave, was surprisingly interested in the matter of establishing an Emperor, likely hoping to better present themselves in front of the new Emperor. Unfortunately, they were completely blind to the reality.

"Lord Xuande, Cao Sikong, General Sunx, and everyone else, earlier, Wen He and I went to the Northern Palace to see the Grand Princess. After the chaos in Chang’an last night, the Imperial Clan is dwindling, and many senior ministers of the Han Dynasty perished in the turmoil, but the Imperial Court still needs to operate. The two of us presumptuously asked the Grand Princess to come out and take charge of the situation." Chen Xi said to Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sunx Ce.

In contrast to others who were whispering among themselves, trying to convey messages without being overheard but failing, Chen Xi’s voice was clear, audible to everyone in the Weiyang Rear Hall.

Originally, Cao Cao and Sunx Ce’s expressions were ugly due to the ministers secretly supporting Liu Bei and Liu Zhang in the rear hall. However, after Chen Xi’s intervention, their expressions improved significantly.

In this situation, Liu Bei did not speak, but he was pleased in his heart by others secretly spreading ideas of support for him, whether he ascended the throne or not. Being acknowledged for his achievements was satisfying to Liu Bei.

Of course, Liu Bei knew not to sabotage important matters due to his secret joy. But there were words he could not say himself, as opposing his supporters would not be wise. After Chen Xi exposed the matter, the spirit hall fell silent, followed by murmuring.

"Who are you, and what qualifies you to speak of such significant matters?" Just after Chen Xi finished speaking, an elderly man, about fifty years old, stood up and questioned, likely seeking merit by challenging the young and unfamiliar Chen Xi.

"I am one of the Nine Ministers. In terms of qualification, I’m likely more qualified than you," Chen Xi replied calmly. "Moreover, the Grand Princess stepping forward to manage the situation is in accordance with the Han system, leaving no room for much debate."

With those words, the elder men, who had sought to gain at Chen Xi’s expense, immediately fell silent. Although most of them had not met Chen Xi, it was clear that someone young, holding a position among the Nine Ministers at this time, had to be him.

As for Xun Yu’s Imperial Secretary position, it was not inherently high. It was originally intended to restrict the Prime Minister’s power, but Cao Cao, wanting Xun Yu to display his talent, had allocated many of the Prime Minister’s powers to him. Thus, the current position of Imperial Secretary was akin to a small-scale Prime Minister.

Additionally, there was a nominal position called Minister of Personnel during the Qin and Han periods, meaning the one in charge of managing affairs. The so-called Minister of Personnel meant overseeing a bunch of Chiefs of Staff, effectively acting as a Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister was above all other officials, even higher than the Three Dukes. So, giving Chen Xi the Prime Minister position directly was impossible, hence Jia Xu estimated that there was a high chance Chen Xi would be the Minister of Personnel, overseeing the Prime Minister’s duties.

Of course, whether Cao Cao would split the Minister of Personnel position into two depended on Chen Xi’s performance. If Chen Xi didn’t work diligently, there was a high likelihood of Xun Yu’s Imperial Secretary position being transformed into Right Secretary Deputy, dividing Chen Xi’s powers.

If Chen Xi performed well, even if Cao Cao intended to divide his powers, Xun Yu’s integrity would prevent such actions.

"Wannian is actually willing to act as Regent?" Liu Zhang furrowed his brows and said, "It does fit the current situation. Brother Xuande, what do you think?"

"In the current situation, anyone ascending the throne would cause chaos in the world. Stabilizing the Han Dynasty’s imperial clan is the priority, and there is no problem with the Grand Princess taking command." Liu Bei nodded silently. "I’m just unsure how the Grand Princess plans to govern."

"Wannian is indeed a suitable candidate right now," Liu Yu, having calmed down, also saw the situation in the Emperor’s spirit hall. Though Liu Bei was powerful, neither Cao nor Sunx were pushovers.

In Liu Yu’s view, although Liu Bei was the most suitable candidate for the throne, the conditions with the Feudal Lords of Cao and Sunx dictated that Liu Bei should not ascend. Ascending the throne would inevitably lead to chaos.

Given Liu Yu’s background in the Enlightenment Sect, he leaned toward a gentle resolution over martial conquests. While he wasn’t averse to iron-fisted measures, those only within tolerable bounds. Given the current situation, Liu Yu preferred compromise.

As a Minister of Ceremonies, thinking in this way was somewhat improper, but Cao Cao and Sunx Ce had grown so powerful that, with compromise, Liu Bei’s capabilities would undoubtedly secure stability in time. Without it, Cao and Sunx might genuinely overthrow the Han Dynasty.

Compared to Liu Bei compromising now for gradual stability later, risking the Han Dynasty’s fall for immediate ascension seemed unwise to Liu Yu.

Of course, if Liu Bei truly wished to take power now, Liu Yu had no recourse. After all, the initiative lay with Liu Bei from the start. Considering Chen Xi’s mediating solution, it seemed the most appropriate to Liu Yu.

Cao Cao then turned to confer with Xun Yu, discussing what impact the Grand Princess coming forward to stabilize the court might have on him, whether there might be hidden threats, or if it was Liu Bei’s strategy to deceive.

"Lord, this issue is quite simple to resolve. If Grand Commandant Liu remotely controls the Grand Princess, then knowing what he can offer the Grand Princess means she can align with us," Xun Yu said calmly, to which Cao Cao agreed deeply.

However, Xun Yu did not finish his thought - if it truly came to that, and the Grand Princess was capable enough, she might become a true puppet master, gradually consolidating power. Since he hadn’t met the Grand Princess, Xun Yu couldn’t confirm her capabilities.

"I have no issues on my end," Sunx Ce candidly stated.

Once these key figures made their decision, the others found no further point in arguing. Thus, the matter of the Grand Princess stepping forward to stabilize the situation was settled. The throne was temporarily set aside until the time was right to discuss the Emperor’s position later. When that time came depended on the advancements made by Liu, Cao, and Sunx.