Chapter Seven: Chen Zichuan, Master of Grand Strategy

Chapter Seven

Zhang Fei returned to the camp at the front, feeling dejected; he had completely forgotten his original purpose. Chen Xi had practically beaten him senseless with a flurry of disorganized blows.

In the following days, Zhang Fei did not show up again. Chen Xi continued to contemplate his future course. To be honest, during Liu Bei’s prime, had it not been for Liu Bei’s occasional lapses, it was uncertain which of the three kingdoms—Wei, Shu, or Wu—would have dominated the others.

Shu’s wartime potential was no joke, especially in this highly unusual timeline. After observing Zhang Fei, Chen Xi had a rough idea of just how formidable the Five Tiger Generals were. The title “match for ten thousand enemies” was no exaggeration; these five alone could take on fifty thousand troops as if it were a mere game.

Considering this, it seemed fitting to align with Liu Bei. Yet on the other hand, Liu Bei appeared to have lost all his key strategists—certainly not a good sign. What if Chen Xi himself ended up as a casualty? That would be tragic.

After much thought, Chen Xi had no clear answer and decided to take things one step at a time.

With this in mind, Chen Xi began pondering how to infiltrate the grand tent where the eighteen lords gathered. However, Liu Bei was of little help in this regard; he was not officially one of the lords, and though he had a seat later on, it was obvious he lacked the full qualifications others possessed. The only person who could get him in was Gongsun Zan, but Chen Xi had little connection with him.

Just as Chen Xi was mulling over how to get inside, Zhang Fei reappeared, glaring at him with wide eyes and saying nothing, making Chen Xi increasingly uncomfortable.

“Yide,” Chen Xi said awkwardly, “since we know each other so well, don’t play games. Just tell me straight—if there’s anything you need, I’ll do my best to help.”

“My elder brother wants to see you.”

“Alright, I was just thinking about how to get into the main camp anyway; this will save me some trouble.” Chen Xi smirked to himself, guessing that Liu Bei must have noticed Zhang Fei’s recent gloomy mood and pried information out of him in order to win Chen Xi over.

Chen Xi was dragged into the grand tent, where Guan Yu sat at the leftmost seat. Zhang Fei led him to the second seat on the left. Liu Bei occupied the main seat, while the right side was entirely vacant.

“Greetings, Lord Xuande,” Chen Xi bowed respectfully.

“Please, sit. There’s no need for such formality when we meet privately. How have you been, Zichuan? We’re about to arrive at Suanzao. Already, more than a dozen armies have come to the alliance meeting there—vast and stretching for miles,” Liu Bei smiled as he briefed Chen Xi on the situation. “Soon we will enter Suanzao. Zichuan, you must be careful. I hear you wish to meet various righteous heroes, but I think you should reconsider—this is a time of chaos and warfare.”

Chen Xi sighed inwardly. Among two thousand men, adding one or two more was hardly noticeable; likewise, among hundreds of thousands, one extra person mattered little. Nevertheless, Liu Bei’s words were worth heeding, and the hint was clear.

“Please, Lord Xuande, instruct me,” Chen Xi said resignedly. He knew the method, and Liu Bei did as well, but it was better for Liu Bei to say it outright, leaving no room for retreat.

“General Gongsun happens to be short of a chief clerk. I believe with Zichuan’s talents, you will be perfect for the role,” Liu Bei said cheerfully.

“Ah, I am grateful for Lord Xuande’s kindness. I would be honored to serve as chief clerk,” Chen Xi sighed. It seemed the others he knew had also been assigned posts. Although women were not allowed in the army, it was no secret that many of the eighteen lords brought entertainers during the campaign against Dong Zhuo. As long as he was cautious, it wouldn’t be a serious problem.

Thus, Chen Xi became an honored chief clerk under Liu Bei’s command. In truth, he never even met Gongsun Zan; his position was nominal. He simply chatted with Liu Bei daily, with no other duties. Yet it was clear that Liu Xuande looked at him with increasing warmth. Chen Xi felt himself welcomed into the small inner circle of Liu, Guan, and Zhang—especially since even Jian Yong was not yet part of it.

If Chen Xi were to explain the future based on his knowledge of the Three Kingdoms era, it would be more than prediction—it would be absolute certainty. Knowing the outcomes and personalities, he could easily convince Liu Bei. Not just Liu Bei; even Zhuge Liang would likely be impressed by Chen Xi’s strategic insights.

Liu Bei was clearly bewildered, shocked by Chen Xi’s detailed and well-reasoned analyses. He had no choice but to believe; Chen Xi was a prodigy.

Details mattered, but a long-term vision mattered even more. With Chen Xi’s strategic forecasts, Liu Bei increasingly understood the importance of a capable advisor. Although Chen Xi had not yet suggested specific actions, having a clear direction naturally opened opportunities. Even Liu Bei had now found what he must do next.

Yet, to Liu Bei’s disappointment, Chen Xi did not seem to grasp his hints. From Liu Bei’s perspective, Chen Xi’s sharing of future developments was likely a gesture of gratitude for having been brought to Suanzao. The strategic outlook for the coming years was a great bargain, but how could it compare to the advice of a true strategist?

For Liu Bei, Chen Xi’s mastery of the grand trends was invaluable. With his guidance, the path to restore the Han dynasty was no longer shrouded in fog but a broad and clear avenue. The problem was, whenever Liu Bei subtly suggested that Chen Xi join him, Chen Xi acted clueless.

Did he really not understand? What a joke—Liu Bei, so clever, surely knew he was understood.

On Chen Xi’s side, he genuinely did not perceive Liu Bei’s intentions. He continued to treat their conversations as casual banter, happy to spin tales from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms or Records of the Three Kingdoms whenever Liu Bei steered him toward future trends.

As for being recruited, Chen Xi simply failed to notice. Perhaps Liu Bei’s hints were too subtle. Besides, when discussing the future, a person like Chen Xi would hardly detect hidden implications—most wouldn’t.

Gongsun Zan was one of the later lords to arrive. Within five days after Liu Bei and company reached the camp, all eighteen lords had assembled.

Gongsun Zan was undoubtedly a good brother—though a bit blunt, he treated Liu Bei kindly. He first brought Liu Bei to the alliance meeting to give him some exposure. Then, worried that Liu Bei had no troops, he generously allowed Liu Bei to keep his contingent of two thousand foot soldiers and cavalry as a show of support. Among them were over three hundred cavalrymen.

Only a wealthy landowner born in Liaoxi could be so unconcerned with these valuable horses. Other lords would have surely quibbled over them, for horses remained a precious strategic asset in this era.