Mythical Three Kingdoms

Yizhou itself is well-equipped with both civil and military talents. Although it lacks top-tier civil officials and military generals, there are quite a few second-tier ones, and their numbers add up. If they unite with one heart, supporting a single Feudal Lord is very easy.

Moreover, currently, Yizhou does not have a large number of incoming parties, and there is not much intense partisan strife. Liu Zhang holds his power in a way that doesn't stifle others, and the governance of both civil and military officials is quite harmonious.

After all, there are leaders among both the civil officials and military generals, and the leaders have fairly good characters. Although everyone has their own little calculations, preserving Yizhou remains the common thought of all.

This results in a peculiar situation where, clearly, everyone has their own ideas, but all the officials of Yizhou support Liu Zhang, including Wu Yi and Zhang Song among others.

In a situation of united resolve, Yizhou's combat power is still very strong. At least, there's no pressure in dealing with weaker Feudal Lords, and defending against stronger ones doesn't pose much difficulty. Basically, unless there's betrayal from within, they could easily hold on until the unification of the Central Plains without any issue.

Under such circumstances, the people of Yizhou are content to possess natural defenses and watch the world's changes with amusement. They have no intention of expanding territories; they're just here to enjoy the show and reap high official positions, happy with ten years of idleness. The Yizhou faction expresses they are content with their lot.

This peculiar situation is something Jia Xu hasn't quite figured out yet, although he's seen some clues, despite not having deeply pondered it.

And so, Liu Xie's first New Year after changing the era title quietly arrived under peaceful conditions in various parts of the Central Plains.

There were no wars in the Central Plains, and each Feudal Lord had substantial reserves. Compared to five years ago, or even during the Era of Emperor Ling, this year, although chaos reigned all around, during the festive season, the people under the rule of each Feudal Lord could at least have a full meal.

Whether they admit it or not, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Yuan Shao managed the world far better than those mediocre officials during the Era of Emperor Ling who only knew how to plunder. Although their wars caused destruction, they also brought a new life to the people of the world.

Therefore, in an era without damaging the global population structure, the people acknowledged their local rulers because they provided a means of survival and opportunities for a full meal, a stark contrast to the previous destitution and hunger.

"In the end, I was still late, and you had to help me distribute the supplies," said Liu Bei as he turned to Chen Xi after handing a string of preserved meat to the soldier's family.

"Actually, I didn't want to come with you at all." Seeing that there were only the two of them, Chen Xi did not hide his frustration, "Why didn't Lord Xuande bring Madame Zhang and has to bring me instead!"

"The worry is not about scarcity but about inequality!" Liu Bei sighed, "At least by bringing you with me to distribute the supplies, neither the Zhang Clan nor Lady Gan will have any issues. If I only brought the Zhang Clan, Lady Gan, who just gave birth to Adou, might be uncomfortable."

"..." Chen Xi said, speechless, "I'm the one feeling uncomfortable."

"You can stay uncomfortable with me." Liu Bei glanced at Chen Xi and said.

"Let's go, to the next one. Fortunately, there aren't many soldiers near Ye City, and we'll finish the visits in a few days," Chen Xi shrugged and said, although it might seem like a show, the items are genuine.

"Have you named your daughter yet?" Liu Bei asked as they walked.

"Yes, what about Adou?" Chen Xi asked casually.

"Liu Shan," Liu Bei said decisively.

"That's a bit taboo," Chen Xi tilted his head slightly, somewhat puzzled.

Chen Xi had always been curious about why Adou's given name was Liu Shan and what it signified, but in this world, only he dared to ask this question; others probably didn't dare or believe.

"Do you think so as well?" Liu Bei smiled and said. In this era, the character only had one pronunciation, which was "Shan" (善).

"Not really," Chen Xi shook his head, "I'm just curious about your thoughts."

"Actually, I'm also curious about what you all think," Liu Bei smiled and said.

"Oh, I see, it's like an entrustment. But are you sure about making him the heir? Isn't that too arbitrary?" Chen Xi said with a bitter smile.

Shan has a meaning of 'heir,' and given Liu Bei's age at the time in his previous life, he might truly have had the idea of making this child his heir, except he had an adopted son named Kou Feng, which complicates matters.

"That'll be your task then, whether he is well-educated depends on you." Liu Bei nonchalantly said. He had confidence in Chen Xi's educational capabilities and personal abilities.

"Such a troublesome matter, alright, I'll educate him to your satisfaction." Chen Xi first looked helpless, then accepted it, considering it's Liu Shan after all.

"There's still so much more to distribute, but after today it'll be done. Though it's only once a year, there's no point in complaining. I also wonder how Hanmou's research is going." Chen Xi said with a face nearly cramping from smiling all day, as he headed to the next house with various supplies.

"It should be going well; grain production is a very important issue, and Hanmou has always been progressing towards his goal." Liu Bei nodded and said, feeling quite satisfied with Qu Qi's progress.

"Sigh, with low grain yields, we have no choice but to spend time reclaiming more land and planting more. The earth power of the Central Plains is already somewhat depleted, and developing new farmland is inevitable, though it's cold there, and the crops for cultivation will be demanding." Chen Xi said helplessly.

"Regarding the Northern Frontier, well, let's not talk about it for now. The Hetao Plain should have been fully recovered by Lyu Fengxian this time. Although he had many issues before, he is still very clear on greater righteousness." Liu Bei praised, for after conquering the Xianbei, Liu Bei's evaluation of Lyu Bu had improved significantly.

"Well, good and bad are always relative. His issues are probably personal virtues." Chen Xi thought and said. Lyu Bu was likely maintaining discipline only because he was among the Bingzhou Army, after all, it was his hometown, and face mattered.

"Personal virtue versus public interest. Previously I thought what you said about Guanzi to Duke Huan made sense, but now, with a higher perspective, if you can do better, it should be done better. Though public interest is important, personal virtue shouldn't be abandoned either; therefore, if you can't stand it, you can't stand it." Liu Bei said, causing Chen Xi to laugh heartily.

"Speaking of which, I surprisingly share the same view as Yide." Liu Bei also laughed along, "It seems that true emotions result in similar perspectives, and if the Marquis Wenn wishes to align with us, let's leave the Northern Frontier to him, grant him the highest decision-making power!"

"But he shouldn't return to the Central Plains; this place isn't suited for him. The Great Prairie, the windy Great Desert, and the snowy borderlands are where he should roam. Returning to the Central Plains would only make this blade for extinguishing the Hu People lose its sharpness." Liu Bei sighed deeply and said, realizing that the environment really influences and even determines a person!

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