Chapter 51: The Aristocratic Family (2)

Chen Xi was somewhat frustrated now. He had miscalculated Chen Qun's reaction. Generally, during chaotic times, aristocratic families would compete for positions, and those from branch families or illegitimate lines would all try their luck.

Typically, when a family patriarch detected such undercurrents, they would handle it by either letting them go out on their own or, if the situation was unclear, by setting up a separate branch. In more severe cases, they would expel the person from the family.

A good example was Yuan Shu. If Yuan Shu had won, the head of the Yuan family would have shifted from Yuan Shao to Yuan Shu. Even if Yuan Shu had been expelled from the family before, the records would be revised to show Yuan Shu expelling Yuan Shao, as only the victor has the right to inherit the family estate. However, Chen Xi didn't think his intelligence or behavior was akin to Yuan Shu's.

Chen Xi had just signaled his intention to be independent and was immediately kicked out of the family. This annoyed him greatly. Usually, a person of little importance would be given some travel funds and sent out to make their way. Unexpectedly, he was directly expelled from the family. Although his parents' memorial tablets remained in the ancestral hall, indicating the ties weren't completely severed, the action was excessively harsh!

Reflecting on his current situation, Chen Xi grimly stared in the direction of the Chen family. He understood Chen Qun's intentions and couldn't help but sneer.

"Intimidation tactics?" Chen Xi asked himself, then laughed. Chen Qun was overly confident, thinking he didn't need to hedge his bets. Even the Xun family couldn't ensure their chosen lord was the correct one, so they placed their bets on both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. Did the Chen family truly believe Chen Qun was a once-in-a-thousand-years saint?

Chen Xi had figured out Chen Qun's mindset. In Chen Qun's view, his chosen lord would undoubtedly unify the realm with his assistance.

Unfortunately, while he chose the right lord, the accomplishment wasn't due to his support. Chen Qun's overconfidence would only be shattered by the likes of Xun Yu. Currently, Chen Qun was likely in the throes of youthful arrogance. There's no dealing with a middle-aged narcissist with conventional thinking. Let him be.

Having figured this out, Chen Xi felt less troubled. Being expelled from the family was also a form of liberation, giving him more freedom to act. As for Chen Qun, there would come a time to see him fall.

When Liu Bei heard that Chen Xi had been expelled from the Chen family, he immediately brought Guan, Zhang, Zhao, and Hua Xiong to see him.

"Zichuan, since you have no family to return to because of me, follow me from now on. As long as I have food, you will never go hungry," Liu Bei said, holding Chen Xi's hand without asking why he was expelled, sincerely making his promise.

"Hmph, that damned Chen family! I'll go teach them a lesson right now," Zhang Fei grumbled angrily.

Chen Xi felt a warmth in his heart. None of these people cared about him being expelled, an act that usually signified moral failing in this era. Yet, they didn't mind at all.

"Third Brother, there's no need. I chose to be independent. The Chen family will eventually give an explanation. Don't worry, they'll have to," Chen Xi said confidently, smiling at the group.

Seeing Chen Xi was his usual self, Liu Bei and the others were relieved. Their greatest fear was that this incident would make Chen Xi despondent.

"Zichuan, although we didn't get the great talents you mentioned from Yingchuan, we did recruit some scholars," Liu Bei said, sighing. His status as a relative of the Han and the governor of Taishan, coupled with over ten thousand elite troops, was quite attractive to scholars seeking to make a mark.

"Hmm? Did you not meet Xun Wenruo?" Chen Xi asked curiously. "He should have at least had a conversation with you, even if he didn't accept your recruitment. How could you miss him?"

"Alas, it wasn't meant to be. His fourth brother, Chen, said he was visiting friends and wouldn't return for three to five months," Liu Bei said helplessly. "I left a letter and gifts, asking him to speak on my behalf when his brother returns."

"Xun Chen?" Chen Xi felt his eyelids twitch. The Xun family had many talents, and Xun Chen was one of them. If he remembered correctly, Xun Chen served as Yuan Shao's strategist, managing to secure a significant territory. During the Battle of Guandu, he outmaneuvered Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Xu You, and Shen Pei. Most importantly, he remained silent throughout the battle and disappeared afterward, much like Li Ru.

Alright, this was a mysterious figure. His capabilities might even surpass Ju Shou's. He was someone worth trying to recruit.

"Since we couldn't meet Wenruo, let's visit Youruo. The Xun family members can all handle state affairs. Anyone willing to join us is welcome. Taishan lacks scholars; we need every one we can get," Chen Xi suggested.

After a moment of thought, recalling Xun Chen's composed demeanor at the gate, Liu Bei nodded in agreement.

Liu Bei and his entourage, including Chen Xi, went to the Xun family, bringing gifts. This time, however, none of the prominent family members were home: Xun Yu was visiting friends, Xun Yan was traveling, Xun Zhi had gone north to seek a worthy lord, and Xun You had gone to find his uncle, Xun Yu.

Alright, even a fool could see that the Xun family didn't want to bet on Liu Bei now. Indeed, it was a tall order. Although Liu Bei looked impressive, he had no solid foundation. To gain their recognition and recruitment, he needed to show something hopeful, which he currently couldn't.

"Master Liu, it seems we're just unlucky," Chen Xi said with a smile. Aristocratic families sought stability before advancement. If they deemed the time was not right, they wouldn't have a chance later. Chen Xi felt it was a pity that the complete dream team was unlikely. Well, fate had its way.

As for the rest, Chen Xi didn't feel too bad. Without these people, the work still had to be done. Since these families didn't support Liu Bei, Chen Xi wanted to challenge them, making them witness Liu Bei's rise to supreme power. He was eager to see their regretful faces.

"Indeed, just our luck," Liu Bei said, unfazed. He had endured enough hardships; this was insignificant in comparison.