Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1536 - 1479: I’m Curious—How Will You Convince Me?

Whether one is a hero or a villain, they all have their own firm will, without that bit of will, it is absolutely impossible to reach this height.

It is also because of this will that they are difficult to be convinced by words, unless they already have the idea themselves, otherwise, no matter how much is said, they will not change.

This is also the reason why the inevitable battle for the power structure of the Central Plains, as initially planned by Chen Xi, is unavoidable. Neither Sunx Ce nor Cao Cao can be persuaded with words; only by truly defeating them will they step down willingly, which inevitably leads to the final battle.

Chen Xi once considered laying all the cards on the table during a meeting of the three parties, but after thinking it over, he abandoned this idea.

Even without Jia Xu’s predictive ability or Fa Zheng’s insight into human nature, Chen Xi foresaw further under the current chaotic situation than both of them. Even with history steering Chen Xi toward another direction, this point has not changed.

If Sunx Ce and Cao Cao had gotten their hands on a world map, the Han Dynasty might never have become a unified empire.

With the capabilities of Sunx Ce and Cao Cao, even if they were at a dead end, or during a period of rising power such as now, acquiring such a treasure, even if not used for righteous means, would surely provide them with a way out during exploration.

Once there is a retreat, many things have room for maneuver. Neither Cao Cao nor Sunx Ce is an easy adversary, and if there is a way out, enduring a prolonged war could truly break the bottom line.

At that time, no matter how hard Chen Xi tries, it would be impossible to bring the two sides back together. Even if he could bring them back, it would only be a partial reintegration, rather than forming two forces capable of establishing a complete regime.

As someone who wants to create a Han civilization cultural circle, effectively uniting everyone is what Chen Xi aims to do.

Some things, even with good intentions, if done out of order, can cause more harm than no good intentions at all. The more critical the moment, the more cautious one needs to be. Cao Cao and Sunx Ce must be defeated in a shorter time compared to the Yuan Liu battle.

This is the primary condition, whereas, unlike the Yuan Liu battle where Yuan Shao could retaliate, in the ultimate battle between Cao Sunx and Liu Bei, according to Chen Xi’s estimation, Liu Bei’s strength must comprehensively surpass the combination of the other two, not relying on strategies or schemes, but defeating them fair and square.

Only by using such an overwhelmingly irresistible force can the two fully understand the disparity in strength, and only by defeating Cao Sunx in this manner can they understand the mercy of the strong, showing them that we are merely providing a way down, not intending to harm them.

Isn’t it just because of the unpredictability of human nature that good intentions sometimes backfire?

"I need to return to Ye City, I originally intended to take you to Yingchuan for fun, I’m truly sorry for this," Chen Xi said somewhat helplessly to Chen Lan, Fan Jian, and others. He had brought them along to relax, but unexpectedly found himself in this situation.

[But Cheng Zhongde really underestimated me, though Xun Gongda is strong, if he truly intends to take me down in Yingchuan, he might be overthinking it.] Chen Xi thought to himself as he comforted his wife and daughter. After Cheng Yu mentioned the matter, he pondered over it, realizing lethal as it was, they indeed underestimated him.

Xun Youi’s spiritual talent easily leads people to overlook him, subsequently causing shocking effects, but this does not mean Xun Youi can march thousands to firmly encircle Chen Xi from behind, achieving a siege with Cheng Yu and Zhou Yu against him.

It could be said that if Xun Youi replaced Zhou Yu with someone else who suddenly appeared, the plan might cause considerable harm to Chen Xi.

However, without Zhou Yu’s incredible grasp of battle opportunities, the worst would be a minor defeat. In a plain, taking down the Xiliang Iron Cavalry is thinking too far; even with Zhang Xiu and Xiahou Yuan as excellent cavalry commanders, without perfect infantry coordination, they can’t limit the Xiliang Iron Cavalry led by Hua Xiong.

However, if the commander is replaced by Zhou Yu, there’s no hope at all. Once Zhou Yu appears on the field, Chen Xi’s attention will be fully focused on him, and at the slightest commotion, Chen Xi, with his frenzied approach, would definitely mobilize the entire army to fiercely assault Zhou Yu.

Under such a premise, even if Xun Youi intends to cooperate, the preemptive Xiliang Iron Cavalry, versus the Jingchu infantry, allow Chen Xi a hearty laugh.

If the infantry in the Jingchu region could withstand mediocre cavalry, Eastern Wu wouldn’t have been immediately overwhelmed upon landing, let alone if their opponent was the crushing force of the Xiliang Iron Cavalry.

Therefore, wanting Zhou Yu, with unparalleled control over battle opportunities, to assist from the side is overthinking; while Chen Xi can’t command troops himself well, if someone does it for him, defeating Chen Xi on the battlefield becomes extremely difficult.

Because Chen Xi knows exactly who to target first, this alone greatly increases his tenacity on the battlefield.

Similarly, there’s Guo Jia, though Guo Jia’s ability to command troops is so lacking that even Chen Xi can’t stand it. During an instance where the two commanded troops together, they nearly courted disaster, so they never stepped into battle without a general again, but by pairing Guo Jia with a capable general, trying to defeat Guo Jia on the battlefield would only mean overthinking it.

Both Chen Lan and Fan Jian cast somewhat resentful glances at Chen Xi, but they didn’t stop him. They understood what Chen Xi was going to do, so they simply bid him farewell, wishing him a safe return, while they would need to stay here for a while.

"Report, Marquis Chen, there is an envoy from the Jingchu region." Just as Chen Xi finished reassuring his wife and daughter and was about to discuss matters with Hua Xiong, an escort respectfully informed Chen Xi.

"Let him in," Chen Xi said, curious about the envoy’s identity, thus ordering the escort to bring in the envoy sent by Zhou Yu.

"Kan Ze from Kuaiji, greets Marquis Chen," said the man dressed in scholar’s robes, stepping gracefully before Chen Xi. Upon hearing the introduction, Chen Xi couldn’t help but smile, realizing this guy is also renowned for his eloquence.

"No need for formalities, Mr. Kan, please have a seat." Chen Xi gestured graciously, curious about how this envoy planned to persuade him today.

After Kan Ze sat down, both men sipped tea, though Chen Xi remained calm, mischievously contemplating toying with Kan Ze, while Kan Ze was carefully observing Chen Xi.

"Does Marquis Chen have some prejudice against the civil and military of our Jingchu land?" Kan Ze inquired slowly after taking a sip of tea.

"No prejudice," Chen Xi replied with a shake of his head.

"Then why look at me in such a manner?" Kan Ze questioned again. Though slightly embarrassed, Chen Xi, speaking frankly, replied, "I assume Duke Zhou sent you to talk with me, and I’m curious about how you intend to persuade someone entirely intent on causing trouble."