Chapter Ten: The Tasks Before Us

“Lord Xuande, there is no need for such formality.” Chen Xi quickly stood up and helped Liu Bei to his feet; accepting a bow without reason was hardly a good thing.

Supported by Chen Xi, Liu Bei straightened up, but unlike before, this time he did not try to recruit anyone. Instead, he asked, “Sir, if you have any further plans, please share them. I would be most grateful.”

“Lord Xuande, there is no need for that. The rest must be taken step by step. We already have a good start, but much depends on Generals Guan Yunchang and Zhang Yide now.” Chen Xi shook his head, indicating that all that could be done for now had been done; the rest was a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.

It wasn’t that Chen Xi was unwilling to rescue Sun Jian, but Liu Bei’s position was still too weak. Attempting a rescue could easily end in failure and even cost them dearly. The prowess of the Xiliang elite cavalry was still unknown to Chen Xi.

For this reason, Chen Xi could only observe the situation. Would Sun Jian, the fierce tiger, be overturned by Hua Xiong as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms suggests? This time, Sun Jian brought all four of his trusted generals. According to the Second Lord’s (Guan Yu’s) assessment, even if he went all out, one against five, he might barely take down one or two of Sun Jian’s men, more likely resulting in a stalemate with no injuries.

From this, it was clear that Hua Xiong’s strength was no joke. Even if he was a bit weaker than the Second Lord, it couldn’t be by much. Yet, being taken down within three or five moves hinted at something amiss.

Of course, Chen Xi hadn’t probed deeply into this; he would soon find out. Perhaps Guan Yu still possessed a few secret techniques.

Afterwards, Chen Xi and Liu Bei, along with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, spent time drinking and chatting in the main camp. The treatment for the eighteen warlords was undeniably good: listening to music, drinking wine, without the pressure of impending war. If victory could be achieved this way, just how timid was Dong Zhuo?

As Chen Xi was leaving, slightly drunk, he said to Liu Bei, “When Marquis Wucheng returns, be sure to hold him back. Don’t let him recklessly risk himself; otherwise, trouble will surely arise.”

Liu Bei didn’t take this seriously, not fully understanding what was going on. The group continued their days of eating, drinking, boasting, and teasing one another, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Suddenly, Sun Jian burst into the tent, bloodied from head to toe. Yuan Shao and the others were still drinking! Sun Jian’s eyes were bloodshot as he stared directly at Yuan Shu, drew his treasured blade, and shouted, “Yuan Shu, you brat, prepare to die!”

Yuan Shu, who had been smug after successfully ambushing Sun Jian, was shocked to see Sun Jian charge at him with a blade. He quickly dodged, retreating behind Yuan Shao like a frightened rabbit.

“Hold him!” Yuan Shao was displeased. He had never seen Sun Jian behave so recklessly, practically dishonoring himself. He thought, “WeI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.