Three Kingdoms, Myth

...

"Lord Xuande, there's no need for this," Chen Xi quickly stood up and helped Liu Bei to his feet. It was not good to receive such a courtesy without reason.

After Chen Xi helped him up, Liu Bei straightened but didn't try to recruit Chen Xi this time. Instead, he asked, "Sir, do you have any further plans? I would be most grateful if you could share them."

"Lord Xuande, there's no need for such formality. What remains now is to take things one step at a time. We've already made a good start. The rest will depend largely on Generals Guan and Zhang," Chen Xi shook his head, indicating that he had already done what he could. The rest would be a matter of seizing opportunities.

It wasn't that Chen Xi didn't want to save Sun Jian, but Liu Bei's foundation was too weak. Trying to save someone might end up costing their own lives. Chen Xi still wasn't sure just how formidable the Xiliang cavalry were.

Therefore, Chen Xi decided to wait and see. If Sun Jian, the fierce tiger, would be defeated by Hua Xiong as in the historical records. This time, Sun Jian had brought all four of his capable generals. According to Guan Yu, even if he fought with all his might, he might not be able to take down one or two of Sun Jian's generals. Most likely, both sides would retreat unscathed.

From this perspective, Hua Xiong's strength was no joke. Even if he was a bit weaker than Guan Yu, it wouldn't be by much. Yet, he was defeated by Guan Yu within three to five moves, indicating a significant problem.

Of course, Chen Xi didn't ask Guan Yu about this in detail. He figured he would find out in due time. Guan Yu might have some special moves up his sleeve.

In the following days, Chen Xi spent his time drinking and chatting with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in the camp. The treatment for the eighteen warlords was excellent: listening to music, drinking wine, with no immediate pressure of impending war. If they could still win like this, it raised questions about how timid Dong Zhuo must be...

As they were about to leave, a drunken Chen Xi said to Liu Bei, "When the Marquis of Wucheng returns, make sure to hold him back and stop him from being reckless. Otherwise, something serious might happen."

Liu Bei didn't pay much attention to this, mainly because he didn't understand what it meant. They all continued their daily routine of eating, drinking, and chatting, praising each other, enjoying themselves thoroughly.

When a blood-soaked Sun Jian burst into the main tent, Yuan Shao and the others were drinking! Sun Jian's eyes were red with rage as he glared at Yuan Shu, drew his sword, and shouted, "Yuan Shu, prepare to die!"

Yuan Shu had been feeling pleased with himself for successfully undermining Sun Jian, but seeing Sun Jian charging at him with a sword made him panic. He quickly dodged behind Yuan Shao like a frightened rabbit.

"Restrain him!" Yuan Shao was displeased. He hadn't expected Sun Jian to be so unreasonable. After all, they were all dignified figures. It was disgraceful to draw weapons over such matters. Everyone was embarrassed.

A large group of soldiers and generals rushed forward to restrain Sun Jian and take him into custody.

"Marquis of Wucheng, what is the meaning of this?" Yuan Shao asked.

"Ask Yuan Shu!" Sun Jian said, gritting his teeth. "Yuan Shu cut off my supplies. My army hasn't eaten for days and was successfully ambushed by Hua Xiong. We suffered heavy losses, and my brother Zu Mao was killed! Yuan Shu, prepare to die!"

"Calm down, calm down, let's talk this over," Cao Cao and Liu Bei quickly intervened. Liu Bei was particularly shocked by Chen Xi's drunken warning from the other night. It was as if he had known this would happen, indicating that Chen Xi was truly talented.

Sun Jian, growing more enraged, struggled fiercely against his captors, nearly breaking free to attack Yuan Shu. Yuan Shao, seeing the situation deteriorate, signaled the others to restrain Sun Jian more securely.

"Yuan Shu!" Yuan Shao's face darkened. He didn't want to deal with this mess, but as the leader, he had to mediate. He gave Yuan Shu a stern look, silently urging him to explain.

"I... I had no idea," Yuan Shu denied everything.

Sun Jian grew even more furious. "You were in charge of supplies. How could you not know? No matter what, you can't deny responsibility!"

Yuan Shu realized he was in serious trouble. He had intended only to weaken Sun Jian's troops, not to kill Zu Mao. This turn of events had even shocked Yuan Shu. Zu Mao, one of Sun Jian's top generals, had been close to him, and his death was a significant blow. Yuan Shu cursed Hua Xiong for his ruthlessness, but knew he had to provide an explanation.

"Uh, I've been unwell these past few days and left the management of supplies to my subordinates. It must have been their mistake. Marquis of Wucheng, it's not my fault. Guards, execute the officer in charge of supplies!"

At his command, soldiers led by Ji Ling dragged the unfortunate supply officer out. Moments later, a scream was heard, signaling the execution.

Sun Jian was stunned, pointing a bloodstained finger at Yuan Shu, "You, you, you..."

"Marquis of Wucheng, please consider the bigger picture," Cao Cao urged.

Everyone understood the situation. After Cao Cao spoke, they all looked at Sun Jian, who finally sighed in resignation. "With over fifty thousand troops, if we could unite, Dong Zhuo wouldn't be a threat. Sigh, I take my leave, my lord!" With that, Sun Jian turned and walked away without looking back.

Cao Cao glared at Yuan Shu, thinking, "This fool is not worth plotting with," and left as well. The banquet ended in discord.

The others exchanged glances and also left.

"Lord Xuande seems unhappy," Chen Xi said, lounging in the tent as Liu Bei entered with a sullen face.

"Sit, sit, there's no need for formality between us," Liu Bei said, waving his hand and sighing. He briefly recounted the events in the main tent.

"Oh, so Yuan Shu did this, and Sun Jian was defeated. As expected, the real show is about to begin. The battle between the vanguards is over. It's time for us to take the stage against Dong Zhuo. Hua Xiong will challenge us soon," Chen Xi said confidently. "Second Brother, it's up to you next. When Hua Xiong challenges us, observe him carefully before stepping up. If possible, capture him alive; if not, kill him."

"I won't disappoint," Guan Yu said, eyes slightly open, with an air of confidence.

"Lord Xuande, your task is to act as a mediator, like Cao Mengde, resolving conflicts among the warlords. If necessary, involve Kong Rong and Tao Qian. The alliance is crucial. Only by defeating Dong Zhuo can we hope to restore the Han dynasty," Chen Xi advised slyly.