When Madam Zhang left with Zhen Mi, Chen Xi covered his forehead and took a long breath before perking up. "This matter is settled, and all things are in place. I should return to Taishan. I never want to come to Jizhou again."
"Zi Zhong, we are returning to Taishan!" Chen Xi called out loudly as he stepped out of his room.
"Understood!" Mi Zhu's voice came from afar. When Madam Zhang personally came to visit earlier, Mi Zhu had already understood that the matter in Jizhou was settled. Although sometimes he found Chen Xi unreliable, he had great confidence in Chen Xi's abilities.
Sitting in the carriage, Chen Xi silently pondered the events in Jizhou, finally confirming there were no significant loopholes. What remained was the contest between the strengths of the Yuan family and Liu Bei. Ultimately, it would come down to a real battle, where only Liu Bei's victory would grant the right to use the Zhen family as a strategic piece.
"Zi Zhong, did I seem somewhat ill earlier?" Chen Xi, dressed in a white brocade robe, leaned against the carriage wall with no semblance of dignity, resting with his eyes closed.
"Zi Chuan, if you fancy Zhen Mi, you don't have to act this way. With your status, proposing marriage to the Zhen family is unlikely to be refused," Mi Zhu did not directly call Chen Xi ill, but suggested that he should propose to Zhen Mi.
"It wouldn't be appropriate. Even if I married her, she would be nothing more than a vase." Chen Xi smiled bitterly. "Her demeanor is too similar to someone in my memory, incredibly alike."
"A vase?" Mi Zhu repeated, confused.
"Even if I married her, she would only serve as a substitute for someone else, which is unnecessary. In the future, unless necessary, do not let me come to Jizhou again." Chen Xi slowly opened his eyes. "Using a woman as a stand-in for someone else is not what I want."
Chen Xi's cold eyes made Mi Zhu feel a piercing pain, making him understand why Chen Xi had lost composure upon seeing Zhen Mi.
"Military Advisor, the south gate of Nanpi is closed!" Zhao Yun rode back to the carriage and reported quietly.
"Oh, it seems Ju Gongyu has discovered me. Forget it, I'll go meet him. If the situation turns unfavorable, remember to follow the plan I laid out when we came." Hearing Zhao Yun's words, Chen Xi's previously bitter expression straightened, revealing a mocking smile. "Ju Shou, you're quite cooperative."
"Where is Ju Gong? Come out and meet me." Chen Xi stepped out of the carriage, standing on the shaft, looking towards the city gate.
"Since Hu Lao Pass, it has been a year since we last met. I did not expect the young man of that time to now be renowned throughout the land, having defeated a million Yellow Turbans. Would you care to stay in Bohai for a while?" As soon as Chen Xi spoke, the previously closed city gates parted, and Ju Gongyu appeared, smiling at Chen Xi.
"It has indeed been a year." Chen Xi casually jumped off the carriage, walking towards Ju Shou without any escort. "What teachings does Ju Gong have for me?"
Seeing Chen Xi walking towards him, Ju Shou also smiled in welcome. Nanpi City was already sealed. With just these few men, it was impossible for Chen Zichuan to break out. Even if Zhao Zilong was here, he would only meet his end under the onslaught of a properly organized force.
"Since Zi Chuan has come, it would be unbecoming of a guest not to see the host," Ju Shou laughed. He believed in Chen Zichuan's intelligence. Anyone who could defeat a million Yellow Turbans in a month must be smart. Within a year, he had transformed the desolate Taishan into a prosperous place comparable to Jizhou's Wei Commandery. Such a talent could be called extraordinary anywhere. But after all, he was still young and could not change his youthful arrogance.
"Heh, now that I've met the host, Ju Gong, may I leave?" Chen Xi chuckled, standing just a step away from Ju Shou.
"Wouldn't Zi Chuan like to stay a few more days so I can show you proper hospitality?" Ju Shou replied, not giving any ground.
"Heh, it seems Ju Gong intends to detain me. You must have already investigated Taishan. My reputation for planning ahead is no joke," Chen Xi mocked, his left hand already holding a dagger to Ju Shou's throat.
"An assassin's means will ensure you can't leave Bohai City alive. If I die here, you, Chen Zichuan, will also not leave Bohai. Besides, Liu Xuande's foundation is weak. Losing you would be far more devastating than my master losing me. It might even provoke an all-out war, jeopardizing Liu Bei's entire base. I hear Liu Xuande is a benevolent lord and likely wouldn't bear the loss of his right-hand man," Ju Shou, ignoring the dagger at his neck, maintained a calm demeanor.
"If I didn't know this, I wouldn't be called Chen Zichuan. Those two should be Zhang Yun and Gao Lan, correct?" Chen Xi mockingly glanced at the calm Zhang Yun and Gao Lan, knowing Ju Shou had likely briefed them on all possible scenarios.
"Zilong!" Chen Xi called out, glancing back at Zhao Yun.
Zhao Yun took out a treasured bow from his saddle, causing Zhang Yun, Gao Lan, and their lieutenants to immediately become alert.
Ignoring them, Zhao Yun drew his bow and shot an arrow into the sky. The silver-blue arrow shot into the heavens and exploded in mid-air.
"This isn't good!" Ju Shou reacted immediately, urgently shouting to Zhang Yun and Gao Lan, "Zhang Yun, Gao Lan, order your men to guard the four gates and defend Nanpi. You two, return to the camp and bring in reinforcements. Chen Zichuan, do you really want to provoke a war between Qingzhou and Jizhou?"
"Heh, the one provoking war between Qingzhou and Jizhou is not me, but you, Ju Gong. A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. I won't risk myself for a piece of land. Remember, I'm still a guest here," Chen Xi replied nonchalantly, unfazed by Ju Shou's threat.
Chen Xi neither dared nor would provoke a war between Qingzhou and Jizhou, and Ju Shou likewise would not. Both were cautious, which was why Chen Zichuan dared to come to Bohai alone. Otherwise, he wouldn't risk himself for any plan.
"What do you want, Chen Zichuan?" Ju Shou asked coldly.
"Jizhou is prosperous, Bohai is rich. Since you scared me half to death, I'll take half of Nanpi as compensation. By the way, when Zhang Yun and Gao Lan gather their troops, Nanpi's city gates will be broken. The gates can't withstand the vanguard of my army without a proper defense," Chen Xi said carelessly. "Ju Gong should have let me leave earlier. Now, look at the trouble."
Just then, an explosion sounded from Bohai County's east gate. "Yan Ren Zhang Yide is here!"
"See, I knew it," Chen Xi said, grinning. "Zhang Yun and Gao Lan are great generals, but you brought them as escorts, leaving their lieutenants to follow. This disrupted the command structure of your army. An army without a commander is just a rabble!"
Ju Shou fully understood Chen Xi's plan now. If he hadn't tried to detain Chen Xi, the latter would have just left. But to ensure safety, he brought Zhang Yun and Gao Lan, leading to their lieutenants following, thus disrupting the army's command structure.