Chapter 53: Striving Towards the Goal

Chen Xi had made up his mind. Since the aristocratic families looked down on them, he would make sure they had to look up in awe. He began revising and refining the plans he had already laid out.

A determined person can be terrifying, especially if that person has a long-term vision, a precise plan, clear goals, and a final objective, all while having a team of helpers. Such a combination is not just terrifying but an awe-inspiring force.

"It's still not working!" Chen Xi scratched his head and tossed the piece of cloth aside. He was still terrible at writing on bamboo slips.

"Zichuan, you seem worried lately. What's bothering you?" Liu Bei asked curiously, noticing Chen Xi's distressed expression.

"Take a look, Lord Xuande. If there's no issue, we'll go ahead with this plan. It might be slow, but it will work. Let them be arrogant for another two years. Once we have the upper hand, we'll deal with them," Chen Xi handed Liu Bei his half-finished plan written on a piece of white cloth. "Just give them some time. We'll make sure to teach those bastards a lesson."

Liu Bei took the cloth, covered in Chen Xi's scribbles and edits. The more he read, the more astonished he became, finally letting out a sigh, "Heaven has not forsaken me, Liu Bei. If we follow this plan, within three years, we will make the world's lords tremble. What could possibly be the problem with this?"

"It's too slow," Chen Xi scratched his head. "It takes too much time. Mainly, pacifying the people and winning their hearts will take at least a year. Otherwise, this plan is quite good; it's just too slow."

"Zichuan!" Liu Bei rarely raised his voice, but now he did, calling out solemnly.

"What's wrong?" Chen Xi looked at Liu Bei, puzzled.

"Three years is not a long time. By then, you will only be twenty, and I will be in my prime. What is there to regret?" Liu Bei said seriously. "Why change your plan for the sake of a few aristocratic families? Is their approval more important than the grand scheme of things?"

"They're irritating. I think we can deal with the Yellow Turbans and annex Qing Province while keeping these bastards in check," Chen Xi said angrily. "They need to be shown that some people can be provoked, and others can't. Don't you want to see them with their tails between their legs?"

"I do, but remember that people's energy is limited. Spreading yourself too thin, and excelling in many areas, will affect your lifespan. I don't want you to sacrifice your life for such trivial matters. It's not worth it," Liu Bei said sternly. He was not joking.

"These matters probably won't affect my lifespan, but if you don't want to deal with them right now, then we'll wait," Chen Xi smiled.

Since Liu Bei was concerned about his well-being, Chen Xi didn't mention that he wouldn't have any problems. He was, after all, a mentally fortified non-human. His thinking was broad, and his reactions quick. What once took a day or two to plan now took less than an hour. His speed was at least ten times faster.

Therefore, Chen Xi wasn't worried about being overwhelmed by handling too many things. Historically, others had accomplished similar feats. All he needed to do was fill in the gaps. So what seemed like a grand plan to Liu Bei was not very difficult for Chen Xi.

If Chen Xi weren't afraid of scaring people, he would have drafted a comprehensive plan for the conquest and development of the Han Empire's thirteen provinces, covering everything from military campaigns to talent recruitment and territorial expansion. But considering Liu Bei's concern that Chen Xi might overwork himself, he decided against revealing his grand designs.

Chen Xi decided to take it slow to avoid being seen as a monster. They had time. Liu Bei was prepared to spend thirty years unifying the land. They were both still young, so there was no need to rush.

Calming his restless heart, Chen Xi focused on steady progress. He still aimed for the dream team. First, strengthen the core team. For instance, recruiting Xu Shu and Lu Su would be excellent. If Cao Cao had his top strategists, Liu Bei would have even more.

Recruiting talents like Xu Chu, Gan Ning, Tai Shi Ci, and Zhang Liao would be ideal. If Cao Cao had his elite Eight Tiger Riders, Liu Bei would have nine, excelling in everything from strategy to combat prowess.

As for Sun Quan, he could stay in Yang Province. After Sun Ce's death, Sun Wu would remain the same, controlled by the aristocrats.

"Is that the village of the mighty Xu?" Liu Bei asked, pointing to a small village nestled against a mountain.

"It should be," Chen Xi turned to the guide. "Old man, is that Xu Family Village?"

"Please don't call me old man," the guide, who looked aged but was only in his forties, said fearfully. After some reassurance from Liu Bei and Chen Xi, he began to speak normally again.

"This is indeed Xu Family Village. The man you're looking for, Xu Chu, has driven off bandits several times, keeping the area safe," the old guide said.

"Yide, it's up to you!" Chen Xi called Zhang Fei by his courtesy name whenever he got serious.

"Leave it to me," Zhang Fei patted his chest and dashed off, shouting, "Xu Chu, come out and meet me!"

As Xu Chu was gnawing on a pig's trotter, he felt the ground shake and heard a voice calling him out. He was furious. He had just managed to eat in peace without having to study.

Grabbing a large knife, Xu Chu rushed out, shouting, "Don't run! I'll show you the price of angering me!" As he ran, he picked up a large stone and threw it with such force that it created a white smoke ring in front of him before flying straight towards Zhang Fei like a missile.