Mythical Three Kingdoms

Just as Yuy Fan had thought, before the money was in hand, Chen Xi was undoubtedly the boss. Since Chen Xi was the boss, there was no need to say more; whatever he said was what happened.

In such circumstances, the warning items that Chen Xi wanted to add, although numerous and making Liu Ba somewhat embarrassed, had nothing to say about them, and ultimately they were added to the list.

Afterwards, the two of them awkwardly watched Chen Xi, satisfied, pat his backside and run off, waiting for the money to be in hand before making grand statements. After all, they all knew it was a huge sum, and even if Chen Xi was willing to lend it and was public-minded, it was inevitable he’d feel the pinch.

"This should be considered fine now." Liu Ba silently tucked the documents into his sleeve, as did Yuy Fan in the same manner.

"Regardless of other aspects, at least Chen Zichuan truly stands unbiasedly from the perspective of the Han Dynasty, considering the common people. Just this alone makes us inferior." Yuy Fan, after Chen Xi had left, responded to Liu Ba, saying with a tinge of sigh, also a kind word after receiving the money.

"In this regard, no one can compare with him." Liu Ba nodded and said, because of economic and commercial interactions, he held a deep admiration for Chen Xi, and more importantly, Chen Xi’s character was quite reliable, "This time, we have also completed the task smoothly, and we have something to report back. Probably, they are also waiting for this fund over there."

"This is indeed the fact." Yuy Fan did not hide his thoughts, nodding. He previously felt that Eastern Wu was quite prosperous, but only upon reaching under Liu Bei’s governance did he truly understand what it meant to live in peace and work happily and what true prosperity looked like.

"By the way, help me bring a message to Zhang Zibu." Liu Ba, originally with a joyful expression, slowly restrained himself and instructed Yuy Fan with a solemn demeanor.

"That’s no problem, but your stern expression makes me a bit unsure if I can deliver it." Yuy Fan collected his smile upon hearing this and spoke to Liu Ba with gravity.

"Zhang Zibu was not involved in the five-year plan at the time, although Zhou Yu must have conveyed all the necessary information to him. However, it’s not enough. I hope you tell him not to harbor any competitive notions with Chen Zichuan over past matters." Liu Ba looked at Yuy Fan with a stern face.

Yuy Fan’s expression turned unpleasant upon hearing this because the matters of Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong had become more famous with the rise of Liu Bei and Chen Xi. Not that Chen Xi or Liu Bei deliberately mentioned it, but it was uncovered by others, so many civil officials didn’t think highly of them when they initially joined Sunx Ce’s command.

On one hand, this was the common exclusionary mindset in Eastern Wu; on the other, Liu Bei and Chen Xi’s disturbance was too great, making the "Three Refusals of Liu Bei" by the Two Zhangs a well-known story back then.

Fortunately, the Two Zhangs, though not at Chen Xi’s overpowered level or comparable to a monster like Xun Yu, were certainly unmatched in the current times in Eastern Wu for internal administration capabilities.

Thus, relying on their abilities, the two secured their positions. Even though many civil officials in Eastern Wu had intentions to gossip, they didn’t dare to go too far. But in truth, everyone knew the Two Zhangs must have a thorn in their hearts.

"I will take this message back." Yuy Fan thought for a moment and said, as he still respected the Two Zhangs, even though Liu Bei’s rise reflected poorly on their earlier judgments, their abilities deserved recognition.

"Chen Zichuan is undoubtedly the first person in internal administration." Liu Ba advised, "The Two Zhangs are also intelligent; just leave it at that. We shouldn’t provoke a rebellious attitude. Losing to certain people doesn’t count as losing—in fact, most civil officials in the world are not qualified to compare with him in this aspect."

Yuy Fan’s mouth twitched; he felt this appraisal was somewhat too high.

Liu Ba repeatedly shook his head. Yuy Fan had not participated in the Northern Frontier battle and did not know how Chen Xi had dominated others in internal governance in the Northern Frontier. To put it simply, in this aspect, everyone combined might still not be a match for Chen Xi alone. Reality was just that unfair.

The same was true because he hadn’t participated in that battle and hadn’t seen how Chen Xi crushed others, this kind of situation exceeding the limits of imagination was definitely not something the Two Zhangs and Yuy Fan could gauge, even if someone informed them of the facts; rationally, it would be considered exaggerated. This was why Liu Ba urged Yuy Fan.

"You might think I’m exaggerating. If you have time, ask the civil officials who participated in the Northern Frontier battle on your side, whether Zhou Yu, Pang Shiyuan, or Zheng Zizhong." Liu Ba glanced at Yuy Fan, knowing he wasn’t convinced.

"Hmm, I will take the words back." Yuy Fan, possibly noticing Liu Ba’s expression, got slightly annoyed and replied somewhat coldly.

"Although you might not believe it, based on what we’ve seen, all of us combined might not be his match, and he possibly hasn’t even exerted himself fully. If the Two Zhangs don’t want to humiliate themselves, it would be best to follow the plans he issues, without altering any part arbitrarily. That’s all I have to say." Liu Ba, thinking with a responsibility to the Han Empire, earnestly advised one last time.

Yuy Fan’s face, originally not very good, turned more displeased upon hearing this; he flung his sleeve and stepped out decisively. Liu Ba shook his head while watching Yuy Fan’s departing figure.

I’m telling you the truth, and you don’t believe it, do you? Just wait and see the loss. The Two Zhangs might be among the top five in the entire realm’s internal affairs, but so what? Even if the second to the one hundredth join forces, they’re no match for the first. Do you think I’m joking, mocking you?

Liu Ba watched as Yuy Fan stormed off in anger, and after a moment, he too left. However, this conversation was relayed word for word to Guo Jia, who was currently managing intelligence.

"This Liu Zichu indeed has self-awareness." Guo Jia smiled as he looked at the conversation and said, "Xiaoo Zhi, Suzhi, how have you two been handling internal governance?"

"Not bad. Master Jia did a decent job before on internal affairs. Although he roughly divided officials into those who work, those who work and are honest, and those who are inactive, which is quite crude, I think we should just eliminate this wave of inactive ones." Fa Zheng leaned back casually and tossed aside the report in his hand.

Fa Zheng is now considered a big shot in his own right, and he no longer feels as nervous or timid in front of Guo Jia as he did in his youth; his capabilities have secured his status, and he is much stronger now.

"This kind of sweeping method, although inactive officials are terrible, your sweeping method isn’t advisable." Guo Jia shook his head repeatedly, noting that Fa Zheng’s simple and blunt approach was more suitable for previous years, but not anymore.

"And you, Suzhi?" Guo Jia turned to look at Jia Xu’s son, who had been rigorously trained by Li Youu. Instead of being ruined, he exhibited some fine potential, and after being taught by Jia Xu for a while, he was handed over to Guo Jia.

"Rotation. For those inactive officials showing signs of corruption, no matter how little, take them down and investigate according to law. However, for another part who were inactive but whose moral standards have been tested during their tenure, rotate them to supervisory positions, and those unfit for supervision should be moved to suitable positions as deputies." Jia Mu slowly said.

Jia Mu felt grateful for Fa Zheng’s suggestion. He didn’t believe Fa Zheng couldn’t come up with a solution; it was clear he was giving him a chance.

Fa Zheng glanced at Guo Jia, who understood and nodded, "This proposal is good. I’ll give you a ten-day period to draft a detailed implementation plan, and then I’ll assign you to the front lines to execute it personally."

It’s clear that Jia Xu hadn’t given Guo Jia any special instructions, but sending his son over to gain experience was enough to show his recognition of Guo Jia. As for Guo Jia’s so-called assignment to the front lines, it was actually paving the way for Jia Mu.

He’ll be promoted by half a level and sent out for some training. After gaining experience, he’ll be transferred back to the central government at the same level for more learning, understanding the current situation, and getting to know people. Then, he’ll be promoted by another half or a full level and sent out again. After several rounds, his position will rise.

Jia Mu took a bunch of old materials from Guo Jia and some information Fa Zheng had collected early, and he used the official documents provided by the state to review the files, enriching and perfecting his ideas.

"Wen He was too severe back then, raising Suzhi almost to waste. Though his mind is intact, it’s too late." Guo Jia watched Jia Mu leave and said with some helplessness.

"The circumstances back then left Master Jia with no choice." Fa Zheng sighed slightly, recalling his own past. If he had also wasted away as a county magistrate for so many years, he wouldn’t have the esteemed title of Marquis Fa Xiaozhi now.

"What have you been working on recently?" Guo Jia, understanding what Fa Zheng was thinking, drank his tea and then changed the subject.

"Some research in the direction of military formations." Fa Zheng said quietly, "The ancient things handed down are indeed useful and good, but ultimately they aren’t my own. At this level, relying solely on the ancients’ stuff isn’t enough. And you?"

"Military formation talent in legions." Guo Jia sipped his tea and spoke slowly, "This is a plan proposed by Wen Ru. He believes every legion talent should correspond to a military formation, and I’m verifying this."

"How’s it going?" Fa Zheng curiously inquired.

"Neither fish nor fowl." Guo Jia shook his head, saying, "I sigh, when will I have a disciple? If I had a disciple, I would teach him everything I know."

"First, find a scion with the qualifications; how’s your son?" Fa Zheng sneered. To inherit from people like us, merely having the qualifications would block countless people.

"He’s got some potential; I just don’t know how he’ll turn out when he grows up." Guo Jia sighed lightly, thinking that passing on the family business to one’s child would be ideal, but talent is unpredictable. Kong Rong was frighteningly clever as a child, yet he turned out to be a failure when he grew up.

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