Mythical Three Kingdoms

Sometimes people are just like this; of course, saying it was the pride of a Great Power during the Han Dynasty is perfectly reasonable. At that time, people of the Han Dynasty wouldn't consider themselves inferior to anyone.

Though this mindset didn't change much even into the Qing Dynasty, the Han Dynasty differed from the Qing Dynasty's stagnation, for they genuinely had the grounds to say such things.

Although the tone and stagnation sound similar, when the same words are spoken by different people, some are overestimating, while others are demonstrating the demeanor of a Great Power. To put it bluntly, it's either about appearance or strength.

Liu Bei felt a chill when he saw the world map; indeed, achieving "All under heaven is the land beneath the king" would be an utterly daunting mission, but that was in the absence of any external provocation.

However, Li Jue's letter profoundly stirred Liu Bei. An ordinary person might not feel the majestic prowess in the conversation between Ganasis and Li Jue, but Liu Bei could clearly sense the sharpness within, and the Parthia Empire, as an empire, could be decided by one word!

This domineering attitude wasn't feigned but naturally revealed. Looking down upon you was genuine, requiring no disguise. This was said right to one's face, but whether you're displeased, you must tolerate it. An empire wouldn't alter its stride for mere ants!

Liu Bei may not fully comprehend this sentiment, but Liu Bei knew that if a Duke can address another country this way, then that country must be exceedingly powerful, at least powerful enough for its people to keenly feel the strength behind their nation!

That is a pride, an honor, a deep-seated arrogance. The Monarch ruling such an empire would truly utter words like, "The entire world, none compares to me; above and below, only I reign supreme!"

Such willpower isn't obstructed by the End of the Sky or the Cape of the Sea. As long as he wishes to act, as long as his empire hasn't crumbled, he will do it. No one can deter his conviction!

Even if the world isn't how Liu Bei understands it, Liu Bei still believes the Central Plains is the world's center, and all Four Directions are merely Barbarians. Yet if even figures aiming to conquer the world emerge among the Barbarians, how can they, as the world's center, retreat!

At that moment, Liu Bei held the thought, even if it means getting bruised, he certainly wouldn't retreat. If even the Barbarians can achieve this, why can't they, as the world's center!

Thus, swept away by his fervor, Liu Bei chose to confront without thinking. After all, Li Jue had such boldness, and he, being a Han Imperial Kinsman, mustn't be lesser than a rebel!

Even rebels knew to defend the empire's dignity and fought for the empire; as a member of the Imperial Clan, how could he stand idly by? Come, let's show the Barbarians the might of the world's center!

But after Chen Xi left, Liu Bei calmed down, looked at the world map, and suddenly felt a chill all over, thinking about the enormous pit he'd jumped into earlier!

Liu Bei stared at the world map, cold sweat cascading down his body—the Central Plains is only a square foot, yet the map is several square meters. For thousands of years, Huaxia has fought for just over one foot of land; is "All under heaven is the land beneath the king" achievable in one era?

Feeling a chill all over, Liu Bei stood up; he needed to soak up the sun to warm up. He was now entirely chilled. Facing his own words, tears mixed with blood, he must settle it!

With a gloomy expression, Liu Bei exited the front hall. The more he thought, the more dangerous it seemed—a complete empire, equal with the Han Empire, yet he's going to attack them outright, potentially getting defeated instead; this is a path leading to demise!

[It seems I should discuss with Wen Ru later; Zichuan sometimes really isn't stable enough, stirring up a hornet's nest!] thought Liu Bei, feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes people are like this; in moments of fervor, they don't consider the consequences—just act spontaneously. History has many instances of actions taken on a whim, which either led to miraculous achievements or utter failure.

Only when calm returns, do they deliberate, normal thought processes resume, reflecting on those impulsive actions taken in hot-blooded fervor, bringing chills to their hands and feet!

"Xuande, what's wrong?" The Zhang Clan, having finished grooming and changing clothes, knowing Chen Xi had left, emerged from the backyard.

"Just some matters that Zichuan stirred up, causing chills." Liu Bei replied with a bitter smile, thinking about these issues.

"Chen Zichuan is considered the foremost scholar under heaven. Xuande, if you desire to Restore the Han Dynasty, you'll need him. If he ever offends you, think more of Mi'er." The Zhang Clan smiled, praising Chen Xi, though it was clear she hadn't pinpointed the issue.

"It's not quite as you imagine." Liu Bei waved his hand, somewhat helpless, "Zichuan sometimes does things that astound people, even actions difficult to fathom, showing little regard for our tolerances."

"Oh," The Zhang Clan noticed Liu Bei's expression slightly, seeing no signs of anger, formed a guess, and with a smile asked, "Xuande, how many do you think surpass Chen Xi in governance under heaven?"

"Probably none," Liu Bei gazed at the white clouds in the sky, barely pondering; this question had ample validation.

"Then, Xuande, do you think you're smarter than Chen Zichuan?" The Zhang Clan smiled softly and continued probing.

"Not really, probably no one in the world is smarter than Zichuan, just Zichuan is overly lazy," Liu Bei replied with a bitter smile, "In this aspect, how could I compare? Even if I wanted to, I'd have to seek out Wen Ru, Wen He, and those folks..."

The Zhang Clan chuckled; while she hadn't seen much of Jia Xu, she'd seen Li Youu often, a formidable character, though feeling Li Youu was indeed formidable, yet still lagging behind Chen Xi.

"Since Xuande understands, why fret then? Given Chen Zichuan's intelligence, has he ever lacked preparation? Many things deemed utterly impossible by Sages, he's achieved. What's there to worry?" The Zhang Clan smiled brightly when looking at Liu Bei, querying.

"Is Chen Zichuan's readiness mere words? Ever exceeded his plans?" Seeing Liu Bei's deep thought, The Zhang Clan continued probing.

"Unexpectedly, you're most clear-sighted; I, however, haven't realized," Liu Bei smiled wryly, feeling considerably relieved.

"Just a bystander perspective, Xuande. Being in the midst of it, you can't see the whole picture," The Zhang Clan, without claiming credit, responded with a light smile.

"It's merely I've been too focused elsewhere; fetch the map from my study. Zhongkang, notify all military generals," Liu Bei stood with a dignified expression, subsequently calling out to Xuu Chu—that's how vast the world is, something all military generals should know. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to cast recommendation and monthly votes at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)