Chapter 956: United Glory

Li You nodded silently, indicating his understanding. If breaking free from the cycle of dynasties were that simple, it wouldn’t have taken countless generations of wisdom and effort without anyone successfully ensuring the eternal continuity of an empire.

"What are you talking about?" Fa Zheng asked, puzzled. He couldn’t follow what Li You and Chen Xi were discussing. The conversation had suddenly veered into incomprehensible territory.

At that moment, the others also turned their attention to Chen Xi and Li You, curious about the so-called "dynastic cycle theory" that had piqued their interest.

"It’s a theory Zichuan deduced from studying history. It contains the secret to making an empire last forever," Li You said with a teasing smile. Then, seeing the bewildered expressions on everyone’s faces, he briefly explained the theory of dynastic cycles.

"There’s no way to break free from this, is there?" Jia Xu said with a wry smile. "Though you’re right, Wenru, that it contains the secret to everlasting empires, no one has been able to crack it."

"Not necessarily. Theoretically, there’s a balance point — a state where population dynamics and resource sustainability are in equilibrium. But I don’t know exactly where that balance lies," Chen Xi said helplessly.

"So, it’s like you didn’t say anything at all," Liu Ye chuckled, the concept of an eternal empire giving him chills just from the thought.

"It’s not useless. Who knows, maybe someone will find that balance point someday," Chen Xi said nonchalantly. "The future is full of possibilities."

—

As they chatted, a large number of letters were sent out from Yecheng. All the northern warlords received Jia Xu’s assessment of the situation beyond the northern borders. Some sneered, some sighed, and some were eager to act.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei, who was wandering near Yecheng, encountered Liu Liang, the fortune teller who, many years ago, had predicted great fortune for Zhen Mi shortly after her birth. This time, Liu Liang met Liu Bei.

"It seems you must be Lord Xuande," Liu Liang said, drifting forward like a breeze until he was five steps in front of Liu Bei. He bowed slightly and smiled, his gentle demeanor immediately making a good impression on Liu Bei.

"And who might you be?" Liu Bei returned the bow courteously, then asked.

"A humble man from the mountains and fields, Liu Liang. I’ve come to see the one carrying the weight of the Han dynasty on his shoulders. You truly are a hero among men, a rare sight indeed," Liu Liang said with a smile.

"I am unworthy of such praise, sir," Liu Bei responded, smiling as he gestured for Liu Liang to sit, choosing a quiet spot for them to sit on the ground.

"I’ve read the faces of many people over the years, but I’ve never seen one as extraordinary as yours. Though you lack the aura of the Purple Star, your brilliance shines across the heavens," Liu Liang said in awe.

Standing behind Liu Bei, Xu Chu eyed Liu Liang warily, but Liu Liang showed no fear. Despite his lack of any special abilities, his boldness was enough to astonish most people.

Liu Liang’s straightforward words left Liu Bei unsure how to respond, but Liu Liang continued speaking, "Lord Xuande, you need not be surprised. I am skilled in physiognomy and can see the future reflected in a person’s face. You are undoubtedly a man of great benevolence."

Liu Bei smiled wryly, but before he could reply, Liu Liang continued, "In truth, I have come today because of the Zhen family. I met Zhen Mi over ten years ago, and not long ago, I caught another glimpse of her. Compared to before, she is greatly changed. Though still destined for greatness, certain variables have introduced new complexities."

"Xuande, where are you?" Just as Liu Bei was about to ask more, the voice of Madam Zhang called out from the distance.

Lately, Madam Zhang had been quite frustrated. Her daughter had been rejected, leaving both mother and daughter feeling resentful. If Madam Zhang had been more assertive, she would have confronted Chen Xi by now.

It was because Zhen Mi had been heartbroken over love that Madam Zhang had shifted her focus away from Liu Bei to take care of her daughter. No future husband could be more important than her own daughter. Having finally succeeded in consoling Zhen Mi, Madam Zhang had decided to take her out for a stroll.

As long as Liu Bei was in the Jizhou region, it was only a matter of time before the Zhen family found him. Soon enough, Madam Zhang arrived with Zhen Mi. If Chen Xi couldn’t be swayed, then surely Liu Bei could be. And if necessary, they could even bribe the young emperor to grant an imperial marriage decree. Any problem solvable with money was no problem for the Zhen family!

The biggest difference between Madam Zhang and Zhen Mi was that Madam Zhang had lived through a political marriage herself. The marriage between the Zhang and Zhen families was, after all, a political union between noble houses. If Zhen Yi were still alive, Madam Zhang’s life would have continued peacefully and comfortably.

Madam Zhang simply couldn’t believe that if they offered someone as stunning as Zhen Mi to Chen Xi, he wouldn’t accept.

She knew about the time Chen Xi and Guo Jia had gone to a brothel without enough money. Had the owner not been astute, Chen Xi and Guo Jia would have lost face entirely. Then there was the incident where Chen Xi and Guan Ping caused a scene at Manxiang Tower. From these incidents, Madam Zhang knew Chen Xi wasn’t a saint. He was still a man, driven by emotions.

It was precisely because of these things that Madam Zhang found the situation perplexing. Chen Xi wasn’t a playboy, but he certainly wasn’t a pure-hearted, untouched youth either. More importantly, he clearly had feelings for Zhen Mi, and she was willing to lower herself for him.

Madam Zhang simply couldn’t understand why, despite mutual affection, a reasonable match, and Zhen Mi’s willingness to humble herself, their relationship had ended so abruptly. There was no disparity in their status, no unwillingness from either side, yet it still fell apart. What was going on? She didn’t think Chen Xi was the type to toy with her daughter’s feelings.

"Lord Xuande, you should go see Lady Zhang. Once you marry her, Jizhou will truly be yours, and many problems will solve themselves," Liu Liang suddenly said with a mischievous grin, abandoning his earlier dignified tone.

Liu Bei was taken aback by Liu Liang’s sudden shift, blushing slightly but not denying the truth of Liu Liang’s words.

"As expected, I once thought I might have been mistaken, but now I see clearly. It’s not just Zhen Mi who is destined for greatness — her mother is equally remarkable," Liu Liang said, gazing at the faint yellow cloud of fortune that had nearly merged with Liu Bei’s own aura. The two were already so closely intertwined that they were indistinguishable from one another.

"You have quite the keen eye, sir," Liu Bei laughed, calling back to Madam Zhang and continuing his conversation with Liu Liang.

"However, Zhen Mi’s fortune has only grown stronger," Liu Liang observed, using his fortune-telling skills to see the pure white aura surrounding Zhen Mi, glowing with a rainbow of colors. It had already merged seamlessly with Liu Bei’s own fortune and that of Madam Zhang, creating a harmonious union.

Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter