Mythical Three Kingdoms

Jia Xu nodded slightly, which could be considered as acknowledging Chen Xi's words. Yuan Shao had many problems, but did Liu Bei's strategists have fewer issues?

It's merely a matter of hiding one's shortcomings and preventing hidden dangers from surfacing. One must understand that Liu Bei's strategists are certainly far from being trouble-free.

Currently, the only reason these advisers can efficiently wield their abilities is because there's a formidable enemy, a shared ambition, and, most importantly, a battlefield where victories prevail. Coupled with Chen Xi's astonishingly competent administration, otherwise the competition for the chief position would already have erupted into chaos!

Human beings, after all, harbor their own **. Perhaps some remain indifferent and silent, and some feign carelessness. But these traits emerge because they've already seen through worldly affairs, grasped societal dynamics, or perhaps reached the pinnacle of self-realization.

To be precise, when a person's ideals and goals are fully realized, the overwhelming satisfaction that follows self-actualization tends to be all-encompassing. If no new goals are set, the subsequent void can lead only to decadence.

One of life's greatest sorrows is unfulfilled longing. Yet precisely because it remains unfulfilled, one works harder for it. If it were easily attainable, few would treasure it.

Currently, the position held by Chen Xi serves as the aspiration of all goal-driven ministers in Mount Tai—some covet the position itself, some seek validation, some pursue ideals, and others…

Ultimately, one thing cannot be changed: no matter the motives, they undeniably desire it. The internal issues among Mount Tai's civil officials have surfaced twice before. Unfortunately, whether it was during the initial reforms or subsequent educational initiatives, regardless of opposition, Chen Xi single-handedly suppressed everyone in the end.

Whether it was silent support, covert facilitation, or the emergence of gullible jesters, one fact remained unchanged: from the top to the bottom, Mount Tai of Qing Xu was completely dominated by Chen Xi!

Even when everyone united to put up resistance, they ultimately served only as stepping stones. And with a seemingly benign smile, Chen Xi suppressed them all without overt hostility. Furthermore, he didn't hold others accountable nor did he treat anyone unfairly due to temporary estrangements.

To elaborate, Jia Xu was keenly aware that during the first tax reform, aside from Fa Zheng's carefree attitude, Guo Jia extended some support, while others were either skeptical or silent. Liu Ye, meanwhile, subtly added fuel to the fire.

Yet, the outcome was known to all. Chen Xi crushed them effortlessly, so much so that Guo Jia worried Chen Xi might pursue accountability rigorously, causing internal turmoil, and specifically sought him out to intercede.

Everything that happened afterward, Jia Xu understood clearly. Chen Xi casually suppressed a few frivolous individuals rushing in to create trouble, and the matter was resolved.

That unchanging expression completely confirmed one fact: Chen Xi utterly disregarded how many people opposed him, nor did he care about their identities. In his own words, "Reality will prove your errors."

Only after that incident did Chen Xi's commands in civil governance run smoothly without obstruction. This explained why, during the complex effort to promote education—despite the numerous challenges and others' lingering doubts—no one sought clarification.

When everyone is mistaken, and unverified results have yet to materialize, how many can persist until the finish line? Chen Xi, from start to finish, wasn't actively involved in the process too often. Yet Jia Xu distinctly remembered those few occasional encounters with Chen Xi.

Still calm, still composed, his tone of speech unchanged from the past, even his expression unwavering—always in a languid state.

Jia Xu vividly remembered that demeanor to this day. It required no verbal elaboration or motivational speech. Just standing there calmly, with a casual air, had already made Jia Xu grasp the meaning of confidence.

It was during that moment that Jia Xu understood. Perhaps certain individuals exist to crush the confidence of everyone around them. No speech is necessary, nor is persuasion required; the desired outcome will not waver because of external opposition.

Since that incident, Liu Bei's civil advisers gradually shifted their covetous intentions away from Chen Xi. After all, choosing opponents wisely is an essential skill for any sage. Though silent, they tacitly acknowledged Chen Xi's leadership role.

Picking an opponent whose figure is within sight fosters substantial progress later on. Conversely, selecting one who's unreachable will only lead to greater exhaustion.

This is another critical distinction between Liu Bei's faction and Yuan Shao's. In terms of civil officials' abilities, Liu Bei's side surpassing Yuan Shao's side is no small feat. Yuan Shao, to this day, lacks a civil official capable of stabilizing everyone beneath him.

Bear in mind, the triumph of the Wei, Shu, and Wu factions largely hinges on the existence of such figures capable of subduing internal factional strife. Yuan Shao's defeat at Guandu, apart from his indecision and Xuu You's betrayal, was fundamentally due to the absence of a mastermind to hold the fort.

Sometimes, the issue isn't poor strategy but indecision. Even a flawed plan can be salvaged with sufficient strength, but indecision renders even the best plans futile.

To put it bluntly, what a mastermind and prime minister do aren't that different. A prime minister harmonizes the Yin and Yang, commands officials, and assists the emperor, without handling everything personally—just managing officials effectively is enough. A mastermind essentially balances factions, leads subordinates, aids the lord, and devises strategies without having to intervene in every matter—they need merely assign the right person for each task.

These insights reflected Chen Xi's understanding over time. It also explained why his administrative capabilities were unparalleled even if his battlefield performance was mediocre—yet he remained undefeated. His knack lay in uncovering talent and positioning them perfectly, something Yuan Shao currently lacked!

Speaking of which, the most suitable candidate under Yuan Shao to act as a mastermind is undoubtedly Xun Shen. It's not just his capability; even his status makes him an ideal choice. However, Liu Bei and Yuan Shao both recognize Xun Shen's current state—the man is simply coasting.

Xun Shen's abilities are undeniable, but his aspirations don't fully align with Yuan Shao's. His willingness to aid Yuan Shao stemmed primarily from the lack of alternatives among Feudal Lords. Yuan Shao just happened to be closest to his ideals—nothing more.

Given Yuan Shao's current charisma, he naturally understands Xun Shen's position. Thus, Xun Shen is no longer suited to serve as the central mastermind for Yuan Shao's forces. Meanwhile, removing Xun Shen reveals glaring flaws in Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and Xuu You—flaws that even make Yuan Shao grimace at times.

This leaves only Sheni Pei, Dong Zhao, and Xin Pi as potential masterminds. However, with Dong Zhao's ulterior motives out of the question, neither Sheni Pei nor Xin Pi measures up to Chen Xi's control over Mount Tai's civil officials. When experts clash, victory rests on the narrowest margins!

(To be continued. If you're enjoying this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation! Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)