In Chen Xi's opinion, Dong Zhuo would die in a few months, and the Xiliang army would fall into chaos. The reorganized Xiliang army led by Hua Xiong was not to be trifled with. If they went to purchase the horses now, they'd be lucky if they didn't get ripped off. Who dared to take advantage of the Xiliang army now would quickly learn who controlled Yongzhou!
A few months later, after Dong Zhuo's fall, if Hua Xiong went to seize the horses, the Xiliang army wouldn't even bother. However, Chen Xi wondered if the sellers could wait three to four months before making a move.
"Is it really necessary to do this?" Mi Zhu tried to reason. For a law-abiding merchant, such actions were too damaging to their reputation.
"The Han and traitors cannot coexist," Chen Xi invoked a powerful argument, leaving Mi Zhu speechless.
With that, the plan was set. Without money, their only option was to seize the goods. In Chen Xi's eyes, once Dong Zhuo was dead, those goods would become unclaimed assets. As a member of the imperial family, it was only right for Liu Bei to take them.
As the New Year approached, the festive atmosphere was noticeably absent. There were no red papers, no couplets, no firecrackers—just small wooden plaques with writing hung on doors. At most, households prepared some extra food. Other than that, there was no difference from usual days. The end of the Eastern Han Dynasty saw such a stark New Year celebration among the lower classes.
Chen Xi's household had slightly more liveliness now. However, the only family members he truly acknowledged were Old Master Chen, Chen Lan, and Fan Jian. Surprisingly, Fan Jian, the pampered young lady, could prepare some New Year dishes like lotus root slices and various types of meatballs, and she did them quite well.
Looking at the table filled with sweet and sour meatballs, steamed meatballs, braised meatballs, tofu meatballs, fried meatballs, and more, Chen Xi suddenly felt that Fan Jian might turn him into a meatball.
Seeing Fan Jian's slightly bashful expression, Chen Xi sighed. He knew he had to eat them, or she would be upset.
"Jian'er, did you make all these?" Chen Xi asked, tasting each type of meatball. Except for a few that tasted peculiar, the rest were surprisingly delicious.
"Yes!" Fan Jian nodded repeatedly, her face showing a hint of pride as she watched Chen Xi expectantly.
When someone shows initiative, it's always worth praising. Chen Xi could see that Fan Jian was confident in her culinary skills.
"Try some yourself," Chen Xi said, placing the odd-tasting meatballs in a small bowl. "Here, open your mouth."
Fan Jian was taken aback, her face flushing red, but she obediently closed her eyes and opened her mouth, waiting for Chen Xi to feed her.
Just then, Chen Lan appeared at the door. Seeing the scene, her face turned red as she tried to quietly close the door and leave.
"Come over here," Chen Xi called out, stopping Chen Lan.
Reluctantly, Chen Lan walked over and sat beside Fan Jian, closing her eyes and waiting to be fed as well.
Chen Xi was at a loss, unsure who to feed first. Fan Jian was already peeking at him with half-closed eyes, her face still blushing.
Chen Xi sighed and ate all the odd-tasting meatballs himself, chewing hard and swallowing the strange mix of flavors. The combination of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty was overwhelming.
"Husband seems to really like these meatballs," Fan Jian said happily, quickly filling Chen Xi's bowl with more. Chen Lan followed suit, adding more as well.
Looking at the bowl full of dubious meatballs, Chen Xi smiled wryly. "Alright, Jian'er, Lan'er, let me feed you both. You remember which ones you picked, right?"
As spouses, they should share both good and bad times. After feeding each of them a few meatballs, Chen Xi forced himself to eat the rest. Watching the two women struggle with the taste made him feel better.
"Are my meatballs really that bad?" Fan Jian's previously cheerful demeanor quickly turned teary.
"Just eat," Chen Xi said, stuffing another meatball into Fan Jian's mouth. "Considering this is your first time making so many, it's already impressive that only a few taste bad."
"Eat up. Afterward, I'll make some jewelry for you both. Mi Zhu told me his family makes jewelry, so we'll go and get some custom-made. It's always better to have unique pieces than common ones," Chen Xi said, comforting Fan Jian. He recalled his own first attempts at cooking were far worse.
In this plain New Year without couplets, firecrackers, incense, or dumplings (which Chen Xi had to make himself), as he held Fan Jian while falling asleep, Chen Xi felt that the pain in his heart had faded considerably. Perhaps time really was the best healer.
The New Year was uneventful yet warm. For the first time, Chen Xi felt he had more to strive for in life beyond his distant ambitions.
The days passed quietly, and everything in Taishan was routine after the New Year. Chen Xi continued his practice of gathering refugees, always believing that in this era, population was the fundamental factor influencing everything.
Chen Xi had accepted Fan Jian, and unlike his indifference in Yingchuan, now she mattered greatly to him. She could almost overshadow the memory of the girl buried in the grave. However, what is deeply etched in one's heart is often what is lost. Fan Jian could never surpass the girl who lay beneath the wild grass and grave mound.
As April's sunlight warmed his body, Chen Xi took the reports from Liu Ye and sighed. It had finally begun. The warlords and ambitious men of the world were all stepping onto the stage of the late Han Dynasty.
On that day, Chen Xi received continuous reports from all directions, as if the heavens were orchestrating the grand opening of this chaotic drama.
In April of 192, Gongsun Zan marched into Jizhou, and Yuan Shao prepared for battle. Yuan Shu moved into Yangzhou, facing off against Yuan Yi. Meanwhile, news came from Yongzhou that the Emperor would soon abdicate in favor of Dong Zhuo, and the latest intelligence reported that a million Qingzhou Yellow Turbans were marching on Yanzhou.
The grand drama of the chaotic times had finally begun!