Chapter 1145: The Age-Old Official-Based Mindset

The next morning, Yi Ji and Liang Xi, newly appointed by Liu Bei as subordinates to Chen Xi, came together to visit Chen Xi and make themselves known.

There’s not much to say about Yi Ji—he had long admired Liu Bei and had been eager to switch sides. However, since Liu Biao treated him well, Yi Ji held onto his loyalty until Liu Biao was defeated. After helping to stabilize things post-flood, Yi Ji headed to Taishan.

As for Liang Xi, he was originally recommended as a military officer by Zhou Yu, but during the Xuzhou campaign, Fa Zheng had tricked and captured him, keeping him imprisoned for some time. When Liang Xi was finally released, the world had already changed. To put it simply, if Liu Bei had been a hegemon before, now he was a ruler poised to claim the throne.

Liang Xi was the type of person who submitted to strength. After being held captive for so long and witnessing Liu Bei’s overwhelming charisma during the recruitment of Li Tong, he chose to surrender. After some evaluation, Liu Bei realized Liang Xi was quite capable, so he assigned him to serve under Chen Xi as a subordinate.

After all, Chen Xi was now one of the Nine Ministers, holding the title of Grand Minister of Agriculture, overseeing salt and iron, taxation, and the national treasury. Though Chen Xi wasn't stationed in the central government, he still managed Liu Bei's territory without issue.

When Chen Xi met these two men, he didn’t think much of it. He had seen many capable individuals, though he felt slightly regretful that Liang Xi, with his talents, was given a subordinate role. Liang Xi was more suited to being a governor or inspector in a border region.

Despite his current harmless demeanor, when Liang Xi had previously served as an inspector in the border regions, he had executed countless people. That being said, he was also skilled in educating the populace and was considered one of the six great inspectors during the late Han Dynasty, managing the border regions efficiently.

However, Chen Xi didn’t openly state that Liang Xi was ill-suited to his new position. He wasn’t foolish enough to insult someone of Liang Xi’s reputation.

After some thought, Chen Xi decided to have Liang Xi manage trade with foreign tribes, dealing in cattle, sheep, wool, jewelry, and jade. As for Yi Ji, Chen Xi appointed him as the Granary Chief, a position of modest rank but essential in Chen Xi's strategy of stockpiling resources.

Yi Ji was clearly satisfied with this arrangement, while Liang Xi seemed a bit frustrated. Liang Xi had wanted to go to war again. Though he had been defeated before, he was eager to fight, especially now that he had Liu Bei’s support and ample resources. He believed his days of losing were behind him.

Chen Xi noticed Liang Xi’s dissatisfaction but made no move to reassign him. If he couldn’t even manage the treasury, how could he be expected to lead troops in the future?

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Yi Ji and Liang Xi, Chen Xi sent them on their way. Since they had come together, they naturally left together.

"Are you dissatisfied, Ziyu?" Yi Ji, a skilled observer of emotions, immediately noticed the frustration in the still somewhat young Liang Xi.

"Not at all," Liang Xi replied, slightly startled, quickly adjusting his attitude to appear more composed. Yi Ji smiled, recognizing that Liang Xi was indeed talented.

"There’s no need to hide your feelings. I understand what you're thinking. But if you can’t manage the current resources, how can you hope to govern a region one day?" Yi Ji stroked his beard with a smile.

Liang Xi fell silent. Though it was hard to admit, every time he saw the young officials in Liu Bei’s ranks, he felt a sense of frustration. Why hadn’t he encountered such an opportunity to serve a great ruler in his youth?

"Lord Liu started from humble beginnings. Back then, he invited the great families and talented individuals with respect, yet was rejected. Who could have foreseen today? Focus on doing well in the tasks before you, and then talk about the future," Yi Ji said, with a heart full of loyalty. He had pledged his allegiance early on, though circumstances had kept him away until now.

Liang Xi didn’t say much in response. His frustration stemmed from the fact that Chen Xi and the other high-ranking officials were so young that they could govern for another forty years. Anyone who hadn’t entered that circle by now was destined to remain a supporting player.

After this, Yi Ji said no more. These were things that Liang Xi would have to come to terms with himself. In Yi Ji’s eyes, Liang Xi wasn’t a fool—he would figure out the right priorities eventually.

After sending Yi Ji and Liang Xi off, Chen Xi didn’t think about them anymore. He had originally planned to write a couplet for decoration, but his calligraphy was too poor. Asking someone else to write it for him would have felt insincere, so he settled for hanging a simple peachwood charm instead.

As he lazily lay in a rocking chair, Chen Yun approached and gently woke him. "Master, there is a young guest here to see you."

Chen Xi was quite surprised. His home rarely had any visitors, so this piqued his curiosity. "A young guest? Do you know who it is?"

"The name on the calling card says it’s from the Wen family of Bingzhou," Chen Yun replied gently.

Chen Xi frowned. He didn’t recall having any dealings with the Wen family of Bingzhou. Then, his expression relaxed. It didn’t matter whether he knew them or not—he could always invite the guest in and ask. Perhaps it was a friend of his father’s.

"When one is poor, even in a bustling city, no one visits; but when rich, even in the deep mountains, one has distant relatives," Chen Xi thought with amusement. Perhaps it really was someone who knew his father. If they dared come, they must have some connection.

"Invite him in," Chen Xi said with a smile.

"The inner courtyard?" Chen Yun asked with a slight frown.

Having lived in the inner courtyard for many years, even Liu Bei had rarely entered. The most formidable guest they had ever hosted was Zhuge Liang, but even he had left after being teased by the women of the household. As for Lu Xun, he was still too young. Though his intellect was sharp, he hadn't fully grown, and as Chen Xi’s disciple, the maids dared not tease him too much.

"The front hall," Chen Xi replied, then rose to change his clothes. By the time he arrived at the front hall, Wen Hui had already been seated and was sipping tea.

As Chen Xi entered from the side hall, he glanced at the young man. Wen Hui was dressed in velvet, not ostentatious but well-suited to his appearance, creating the image of a nobleman. Chen Xi nodded approvingly.

"Wen Hui of the Wen family from Bingzhou, courtesy name Manki, greets Lord Chen," Wen Hui said as he rose to bow.

"No need to be so formal," Chen Xi replied with a smile. "Now then..."

When Bingzhou was mentioned, Chen Xi was reminded that the Wen family had likely had some contact with his father's generation. After all, the Chen family had been heavily involved in business in Bingzhou, even doing business with the Wang family there. The prestige of the Chen family in Yingchuan was considerable.

Wen Hui wasted no time in getting to the point. He politely recounted the events of the previous day, then presented Chen Xi with the bracelet. The clear engraving of the character "Xi" in the bracelet reflected the deep-rooted official-based mindset that had existed since ancient times.

"Manki, is it?" Chen Xi muttered to himself as he watched Wen Hui leave, thinking for a moment. "Chen Bo, have someone pull Wen Manki’s records. If he’s passed the imperial exam, assign him a post in the salt department."

At this moment, Chen Xi remembered who this young man was. Compared to someone like Liang Xi, Wen Hui's personality matched his name—capable, humble, and eager to progress. Such individuals were incredibly valuable.

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