Three Kingdoms, Myth

...

Zhang Fei returned to the camp feeling disheartened. He had completely forgotten his initial purpose, as Chen Xi's barrage of confusing statements had almost knocked him out.

For the next few days, Zhang Fei did not appear again. Chen Xi continued to ponder his future direction. To be honest, during Liu Bei's prime, if it weren't for Guan Yu's capture, it was uncertain who would have come out on top between Wei, Shu, and Wu.

The war potential of the Shu Kingdom wasn't a joke, especially in this abnormal historical context. Seeing Zhang Fei's capabilities, Chen Xi roughly understood the extent of the Five Tiger Generals. The claim of being able to fight ten thousand enemies wasn't an exaggeration. These five alone could stand against fifty thousand troops effortlessly.

Thinking along these lines, it seemed reasonable to join Liu Bei. However, on second thought, it was notable that Liu Bei's significant advisors often met unfortunate ends. This was concerning; if he ended up like them, it would be a tragedy.

After much deliberation, Chen Xi still couldn't make a decision and resolved to take things one step at a time.

With this thought, Chen Xi began to think about how to mingle with the eighteen warlords. However, Liu Bei couldn't help much in this regard. He wasn't considered one of the warlords at this time. Although he had a seat later on, it was clear he didn't have the same qualifications as the others. Only Gongsun Zan could help him get in, but Chen Xi had no connection with Gongsun Zan.

While Chen Xi was contemplating his next move, Zhang Fei appeared again, staring at him silently with his big bull-like eyes until Chen Xi felt uncomfortable.

"Yide, we're pretty familiar with each other now. Just say what you want directly, and I'll help you if I can," Chen Xi said, feeling uneasy.

"My elder brother wants to see you."

"Great, I was just thinking about how to get into the main camp. This will save me some trouble," Chen Xi replied, rolling his eyes. It was clear that Zhang Fei's recent gloomy demeanor had been noticed by Liu Bei, who then managed to extract Chen Xi's words and wanted to recruit him.

Dragged by Zhang Fei, Chen Xi was brought to the main tent. Guan Yu sat at the left-hand seat of honor, Zhang Fei sat next to him after bringing Chen Xi in, and Liu Bei sat at the main seat, while the right-hand seats were empty.

"Greetings, Lord Xuande," Chen Xi cupped his hands in salute.

"Have a seat. In private meetings, there's no need for such formalities. Zichuan, how have you been lately? We are about to reach Suanzao, where already over ten warlords have gathered, forming an impressive coalition stretching for miles," Liu Bei said, explaining the situation to Chen Xi with a smile. "Once we enter Suanzao, you should be cautious. I understand you wish to meet various heroes, but you should consider the current chaos."

Chen Xi felt a bit helpless. Adding one or two people among two thousand was unnoticeable, and among tens of thousands, he would be even more invisible. However, Liu Bei's words were worth considering, and his implications were clear.

"Please, Lord Xuande, offer your advice," Chen Xi said reluctantly. He knew the solution, and so did Liu Bei, but it was better for Liu Bei to say it himself. If he said it, there would be no graceful way out.

"General Gongsun happens to be in need of a secretary. With your talents, Zichuan, you would certainly be suitable," Liu Bei said with a smile.

"Sigh, thank you, Lord Xuande, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful and willing to serve as the army's secretary," Chen Xi sighed, knowing that his remaining two companions would also have arrangements. Although women were generally not allowed in the army, it was common for warlords to have singers and courtesans during their campaigns. As long as they were cautious, it wouldn't be a serious issue.

Thus, Chen Xi became an honorable secretary under Liu Bei. To be honest, he never even met Gongsun Zan; he just held the title and spent his days chatting with Liu Bei. It was clear that Liu Bei's gaze was becoming more eager, and Chen Xi could sense that he was entering Liu Bei's inner circle. At this time, Liu Bei didn't even have Jian Yong with him.

From Chen Xi's understanding of the Three Kingdoms period, predicting future events wasn't a guess; it was a certainty. Knowing the outcomes and the characters' personalities allowed him to convince Liu Bei with ease. Even Zhuge Liang would be impressed by Chen Xi's grand scheme analysis.

Liu Bei was now in a state of amazement, stunned by Chen Xi's detailed and logical analysis of the future. Liu Bei couldn't help but believe it—Chen Xi was a genius!

Details were important, but a long-term vision was crucial. With Chen Xi's analysis of the grand scheme, Liu Bei realized the importance of having a strategist. With Chen Xi's insights into the future, although he hadn't detailed specific actions, Liu Bei now had a direction and could see the potential to rise as a warlord within a few years.

However, Liu Bei was disappointed that Chen Xi didn't seem to understand his hints. Liu Bei thought Chen Xi was subtly offering his insights as thanks for being brought to Suanzao, seeing it as fair compensation for providing a strategy that could establish him as a warlord within a few years. But compared to having a strategist, what was a single strategy worth?

To Liu Bei, Chen Xi was incredibly important. With his guidance, the path to restoring the Han dynasty was no longer obscure. A clear road lay ahead. Yet, whenever Liu Bei hinted at recruiting him, Chen Xi played dumb.

Did he really not understand? Liu Bei didn't believe it. Someone so smart couldn't possibly miss the hints.

Chen Xi, on the other hand, genuinely didn't understand Liu Bei's intentions. He just enjoyed chatting with Liu Bei about the future. Whenever Liu Bei steered the conversation towards future scenarios, Chen Xi didn't mind using "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" or "Records of the Three Kingdoms" to dazzle him.

As for recruitment, Chen Xi truly didn't notice. Perhaps Liu Bei's hints were too subtle, or maybe Chen Xi was too engrossed in discussing future trends to pay attention to subtle cues.

Gongsun Zan arrived relatively late. Five days after Liu Bei and his group arrived, the eighteen warlords had all gathered.

Gongsun Zan proved to be a good brother. Despite being somewhat straightforward, he treated Liu Bei well. First, he brought Liu Bei to the warlords' alliance, allowing him to show his face. Then, worried that Liu Bei, having no soldiers, would be embarrassed, he left his original two thousand troops with Liu Bei for appearances, including over three hundred cavalry.

Only a wealthy native of Liaoxi like Gongsun Zan wouldn't care about these horses. Other warlords would have been more calculative, as horses were extremely valuable strategic resources in this era.