Chapter 1010: Two Diverging Paths

Chen Xi's words left everyone exchanging glances. What was this about? Hadn't they all agreed on the plan beforehand? How could it be changed so suddenly?

"There’s no choice. Plans can’t keep up with changes. Look at how many aristocratic families showed up, and see how many agreed to our proposal. The land we allocated isn't enough to show sincerity!" Chen Xi spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness.

"That little bit of land?" Fa Zheng rolled his eyes.

"It’s just an analogy, but if we divide it among so many families, it really isn’t enough," Chen Xi said with a smile.

First of all, they hadn’t expected so many families to come, especially with almost all of the first-tier families showing up except for the Yang family. Secondly, to their surprise, 90% of the families present accepted the proposal.

"No, it’s already too much. They’ve received more land than they originally owned, and it’s prime, fertile land," Liu Ye said discontentedly. "These lands should not be given to them."

"They shouldn’t be given to them," Chen Xi lowered his head, thinking for a moment. "But in my opinion, there’s no land more suitable."

"Zichuan, do you really not understand what we’re saying?" Liu Ye’s eyes grew cold as he tried to press the issue.

"I understand," Chen Xi replied calmly after a moment, "but I’ve already done it. And if I recall correctly, I don’t need to answer to any of you for my actions, right?" Chen Xi narrowed his eyes at Liu Ye, showing rare signs of displeasure.

Although Chen Xi didn’t have to answer to anyone present, his gaze towards Liu Ye made it clear that there was a deeper issue at hand. Everyone knew there had been friction between Chen Xi and Liu Ye before. After all, Liu Ye came from the Liu royal family, and he had caused problems for Chen Xi in the past.

Chen Xi's words made Liu Ye's brow twitch, but in the end, he suppressed his emotions. Although Chen Xi’s words were harsh, they were true. In Liu Bei's realm, Chen Xi only had to answer to the people, which was his unique privilege.

"Alright, Zichuan, Ziyang, let’s both calm down. This situation has already unfolded; there’s no point in getting worked up before we see the outcome," Lu Su, ever the mediator, spoke up. Though he too was perplexed by today’s events, he still trusted Chen Xi, even though there were certainly many issues to be addressed.

Chen Xi nodded. "Let me start with this: according to Han law, land reclaimed from wastelands is tax-exempt for the first three years. After that, as long as taxes are paid on time, the land belongs to whoever reclaimed it, as long as it’s not riverbank land."

Before Liu Ye could argue, Chen Xi cut him off. "First of all, that land was unowned. Whoever reclaims it, it’s theirs. Don’t tell me it belongs to the state. Competing with the people for land is not something the state should do. Han law clearly states this. Now, tell me, who among us—whether it's me, you, or the aristocrats—isn't a part of the people? Who’s violating that law?"

Liu Ye had caused trouble for Chen Xi several times before, but Chen Xi never made a big deal of it. Unlike the historically cautious and prudent Liu Ye who later joined Cao Cao, this Liu Ye held both royal lineage and real ability, working under Liu Bei, the Han Dynasty's flagbearer.

If not for Chen Xi’s overwhelming administrative strength, Liu Ye would likely have become the top figure under Liu Bei, thanks to his ability and royal status. However, Chen Xi’s dominance suffocated Liu Ye’s potential.

After Chen Xi overpowered Liu Ye, the others had no qualms. Lu Su, Jia Xu, Guo Jia, Li You, and Fa Zheng were all on par with Liu Ye, so what should have been Liu Ye’s time to shine was overshadowed not just by Chen Xi but also by this formidable group.

"Zichuan, enough. No one is debating those points with you. Just give me a proper explanation. Why give this land—meant to be our strategic grain reserve—to the aristocrats? I need a reasonable justification," Li You interjected, trying to defuse the tension.

"Because it seems simpler to me this way," Chen Xi exhaled as he explained to Li You. After all, neither Li You nor Jia Xu ever directly clashed with others. Though they sometimes held back their full capabilities, they generally preferred to maintain harmony.

"That explanation won’t fly with me. I want to know why you’re giving this prime land to the aristocrats. That fertile soil alone surpasses the total farmland in Zhongyuan. If you’re saying it’s because you’ve suddenly developed an aristocratic mindset, I won’t believe it," Li You said, his tone measured but firm.

Chen Xi smiled. At least Li You, Lu Su, and Fa Zheng seemed to be on his side. As for Guo Jia and Jia Xu, their intentions were harder to read, but based on past experiences, Fa Zheng often acted as an extension of their influence.

Liu Ye furrowed his brow. Though Li You’s words seemed neutral, there was an underlying message urging him to calm down. When had his mindset begun to destabilize?

"I didn’t give the land to them. It’s just like borrowing chickens to lay eggs. You all know what they’re going to do with it, right? Ziyang’s agitation probably comes from being overly concerned," Chen Xi shook his head. "By that point, Wenru, I’m sure you’ll know how to handle it."

"...," Li You suddenly understood. Jia Xu’s face remained emotionless, and Guo Jia frowned but said nothing.

"This explanation makes sense and aligns with your character," Liu Ye said, tapping the table as he looked at Chen Xi. However, he couldn’t guarantee that Chen Xi wouldn’t take an entirely different path. Right now, they stood at a fork in the road, and Chen Xi was at the crossroads, while they could only watch.

"I want to hear your honest thoughts, Ziyang. Do you really believe I’ll take the path you’re all thinking of?" Chen Xi suddenly laughed, directly confronting the question that Li You, Jia Xu, and the others hadn’t dared to ask.

Li You frowned but remained silent. Since Chen Xi had brought it up, he wanted to hear the answer. They had avoided thinking about that other possibility because even for top statesmen like Li You and Jia Xu, who were used to expecting the worst, they were also human. They didn’t want their purest ideals tainted by selfish desires.

Even though they knew there was another answer, they hadn’t dared to consider it deeply.

"Enough, Zichuan," Guo Jia suddenly spoke up. "As long as you don’t say it, I can still fix everything. My spiritual talent is enough to alter the future. If you don’t say it, if the words remain unsaid, nothing will happen. I can guarantee it."

As Guo Jia finished speaking, his face turned pale, though he didn’t cough up blood. His eyes flashed with understanding, and he shot Chen Xi a disdainful look. Even with a fifty-fifty chance, the fact that he could proactively influence such a critical historical moment without backlash meant Guo Jia instantly understood!

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