Chapter 7: Chen Zichuan who Excels in Grasping the Overall Situation

Chapter Seven

Zhang Fei returned to the military camp at the front, feeling utterly defeated. He had completely forgotten his initial purpose, as Chen Xi's chaotic fist had nearly knocked him senseless.

In the following days, Zhang Fei did not show up again, and Chen Xi continued to ponder his future direction. To be honest, during the height of Liu Bei's power, it was uncertain who would come out on top among the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu, especially if the second brother hadn't been muddled.

The Kingdom of Shu's military potential was not to be trifled with, particularly in this abnormal historical context. After witnessing Zhang Fei, Chen Xi more or less understood the capabilities of the Five Tiger Generals. Being a match for ten thousand was not mere boasting; these five men alone could take on fifty thousand troops like it was child's play.

Considering this, it seemed appropriate to ally with Liu Bei, but then again, every time Liu Bei suffered the loss of an important strategist, it was never a good thing. What if by some unlucky chance he were the next to be struck down? Wouldn't that be tragic?

Thinking it over and over, in the end, Chen Xi still had no clear course of action; he could only take things one step at a time.

With this thought in mind, Chen Xi started to consider how he could infiltrate the main tent of the Eighteen Feudal Lords. However, Liu Bei was unable to help in this matter, as he was not counted among the lords, and although he later gained a seat, it was clear he did not possess the qualifications of the others to bring someone else in. Only Gongsun Zan could manage that, but the problem was Chen Xi had no connection with Gongsun Zan.

As Chen Xi was contemplating how to sneak in, Zhang Fei arrived again, staring at Chen Xi with his big, bulging eyes without a word, making Chen Xi quite uncomfortable.

"Yide, seeing as we're so familiar with each other, let's not play these games. Whatever it is, just say it. If I can help you, I will do my utmost," Chen Xi said, feeling somewhat uneasy.

"My elder brother wants to meet you."

"Great, I was just thinking about how to get into the main camp. This will save me some trouble," Chen Xi muttered, realizing that Liu Bei must have seen Zhang Fei's dejected demeanor over the past few days and pried out what he had said, hoping to win Chen Xi over.

Chen Xi was dragged by Zhang Fei into the main tent, where Guan Yu was sitting in the most honored seat to the left. After bringing him in, Zhang Fei took the second seat on the left while Liu Bei sat in the chief seat, with the right side completely empty.

"I have come to see Lord Xuande," Chen Xi greeted with a bow.

"Please, sit down. There's no need for formalities in private encounters. How have you been lately, Zichuan? We are about to reach Sour Jujube, and now over a dozen military contingents have convened for the Sour Jujube Alliance, an impressive and unbroken line stretching for miles," Liu Bei said with a smile as he briefed Chen Xi on the situation. "We will soon enter Sour Jujube, and you, Zichuan, must be careful. I understand you wish to meet with the various selfless warriors, but I think it warrants careful consideration on your part, given the current turmoil."

Chen Xi felt somewhat helpless—if two thousand men were joined by one or two more, it would be imperceptible; likewise, among hundreds of thousands, the addition of one man like him would hardly matter. However, Liu Bei's words definitely warranted consideration, and the implied meaning was quite clear.

"Please impart your knowledge, Lord Xuande," Chen Xi said helplessly. He knew what to do, and so did Liu Bei, but at this moment it was better to let Liu Bei articulate it. If he did, there would be no going back.

"General Gongsun just happens to be short of a Chief Secretary, and it is believed that with Zichuan's talent, he would surely be capable," Liu Bei said with a smiling tone.

"Alas, I am deeply grateful for Lord Xuande's high regard. I am willing to serve as the military chief scribe," Chen Xi sighed. He figured the other two members of his household must also have their arrangements set. Although women were not allowed in the military, there were more than a few Singers accompanying the Eighteen Feudal Lords during their campaign against Dong Zhuo. As long as one was careful, it wouldn't be a serious issue.

With this, Chen Xi became a glorified Chief Secretary under Liu Bei. Truth be told, he never even met Gongsun Zan; he was just given a title. Aside from daily chit-chat with Liu Bei, there wasn't much else to do. However, it was pretty clear that Liu Xuande's gaze towards him became increasingly fervent. He even felt like he was being accepted into the inner circle of Liu Guan Zhang, especially since at this point, Liu Bei didn't even have Jian Yong.

If Chen Xi were to explain the potential future events of the Three Kingdoms Era based on his knowledge, it wouldn't be prediction but rather assured certainty. With knowledge of the outcomes and characters' personalities, he could sway Liu Bei effortlessly. Not to mention him, even if Zhuge Liang were present, he would probably be overawed by Chen Xi's grand strategic analysis.

Clearly, Liu Bei was currently bewildered, shocked by the future as analyzed by Chen Xi. The structured, well-founded analysis left Liu Bei with no choice but to believe. What a prodigy!

Details are important, but having a long-term vision is even more so. With Chen Xi's analysis of the grand scheme, Liu Bei's understanding of the importance of a Strategist deepened. With the future scenarios that Chen Xi had been instilling in him, although there were no instructions on how to manipulate the situations, having a direction naturally created opportunities for maneuvering. Liu Bei even found the path for his future endeavors.

However, much to Liu Bei's disappointment, Chen Xi seemed to have completely missed his hints. Liu Bei thought Chen Xi was intentionally teaching him this knowledge as a way to thank him for taking him to Sour Jujube previously. This mastery of future events, if maneuvered correctly, could elevate him to a Feudal Lord within a few years—indeed a great deal. But how could it compare with the person who devised the strategies?

For the current Liu Bei, Chen Xi's ability to grasp the grand situation was crucial, extremely so. With his guidance, the journey to Restore the Han Dynasty was no longer like trying to see flowers through fog. The path to success lay right before him. Yet, every time Liu Bei hinted that Chen Xi could join him, Chen Xi acted foolishly.

Did he really not understand? That must be a joke—Liu Bei didn't believe it for a second. With such intelligence, how could he not understand?

Chen Xi, on the other hand, truly did not grasp Liu Bei's intentions. He continued to entertain himself with the belief that, as long as Liu Bei steered him towards future events, Chen Xi had no qualms about bluffing with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the Records of the Three Kingdoms.

As for recruitment, Chen Xi genuinely hadn't noticed. Perhaps it was spoken of too subtly. Besides, when discussing future events, someone like Chen Xi would definitely fail to catch subtle hints—probably most people would.

Gongsun Zan must have arrived later compared to other Feudal Lords. Within five days of Liu Bei's arrival, all the Eighteen Feudal Lords had gathered.

It must be said that Gongsun Zan was a good brother. Although a bit straightforward, he treated Liu Bei very well. First bringing Liu Bei to the Feudal Lords' Alliance to gain some exposure, then, concerned that Liu Bei, with no troops or generals, might feel embarrassed at the assembly, he generously handed over the two thousand infantry and cavalry he had not yet called back to his own camp to Liu Bei, bolstering his facade. This included more than three hundred cavalrymen.

Only Gongsun Zan, a rich tycoon from Liaoxi, would not value these horses highly. Had it been any other Lord, they would have quibbled over every detail. Horses were, after all, a critical strategic resource at the time.