Chapter 923: Shadows Under Like-Minded Cooperation

For Chen Xi and his group, they didn't need Liu Bei to be exceptionally powerful. What they needed was Liu Bei's discerning eye to place the right people in the right positions, to lead the world forward as a leader, rather than getting personally involved in these matters.

In Liu Bei's faction, Chen Xi, who was at the core, had decision-making power, but this power had to come from Liu Bei. Even if Liu Bei could ignore this point, others could not.

"I don’t need to go; you can just explain it yourself. It’s not something that Xuande can’t understand. After all, everything that follows is happening in the north, and we are determined to obtain Chang'an. As for Luoyang, hm hm hm," Chen Xi glanced at Li You with irritation, recalling how ruthless he was back then.

"Chang'an is indeed quite good," Li You responded dismissively, rolling his eyes. However, there was a hint of bitterness in his eyes. That was when he was closest to realizing his ideals, and now, he was even closer.

Regarding Luoyang, Li You no longer wished to explain. In the past, Dong Zhuo had the chance to unify the world with his help and end the chaotic war of the lords quickly. Unfortunately, Dong Zhuo had changed and was no longer the brave and righteous Xiliang man he once was. People inevitably change.

After Li You spoke, both Chen Xi and Li You fell into silence for a while. Chen Xi felt that his previous words were excessive, so he sighed and said, "Sorry, I misspoke earlier."

Chen Xi then waved his hand without looking back, and Zhen Mi, seemingly understanding his intentions, pulled Xin Xianying away, leaving Chen Xi and Li You alone.

"There’s no need to be like that. What happened back then is long past, and I don’t mind others’ evaluations of things that have already happened. It’s just a failure," Li You said indifferently, but there was a trace of gloom in his eyes.

Chen Xi opened his mouth. He wanted to say something but hesitated. Some things weren’t suitable to be said to the current Li You, especially since the person opposite him was formidable and had a very mature disposition, willing to use any means to achieve his goals.

"In fact, I am very worried. When my lord fell, I was reaching the peak. Our forces were also reaching their peak, and my dream was just a step away. But just as I was about to touch that dream, it shattered," Li You sighed deeply.

Before Chen Xi could offer consolation, Li You answered himself, "Zichuan, do you know? I was very clear about Wang Yun's methods. I saw how Lu Bu valued the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry. Do you know why I didn’t stop it?"

Chen Xi shook his head. He was indeed curious about this. After all, with Li You and Jia Xu’s insights, how could they not see through such a minor scheme? If Jia Xu was preparing for escape, it was clearly unreasonable.

"Wen He was deceived by me. At that time, Wen He thought I allowed these things to happen, and then after Zhong Ying’s death, regardless of whether I used the pretext of clearing out traitors or avenging Dong Zhuo, he could step up and take over the Xiliang banner. After all, my status in the Xiliang faction was no lower than Zhong Ying's," Li You smiled and said. Thinking of how Jia Xu frantically dug tunnels in the end, Li You’s lips curved up. There were few times he had managed to deceive Jia Xu.

"I did notice it. Such schemes are beneath us. Moreover, I was monitoring every move in Chang'an, so how could I not understand? It’s just that I was already mentally exhausted at that time. Zhong Ying was someone I supported all the way, sharing similar ambitions," Li You said, his eyes extremely firm. Even Chen Xi dared not meet his gaze.

"In that situation, he still became corrupt. The person who once shared my ambitions just died like that. His will was never fully realized and was already exhausted. How ridiculous. This kind of remnant without its own aspirations and thoughts has fallen to being manipulated. What’s the point of living?" Li You asked Chen Xi in return.

"Similarly, I feel that I no longer have any value in surviving. A strategist who can misjudge a person—what’s the meaning of his survival? I didn’t want to be a ruler. At that time, Zhong Ying was beyond redemption. I had no choice but to watch him head towards destruction. I, who was always attached to him, should also face the same fate," Li You’s voice carried a hint of heaviness. Back then, he had harbored thoughts of dying alongside Dong Zhuo.

"Do you understand what I’m saying?" Li You’s story ended abruptly, seemingly without a beginning or end, but he immediately turned and asked.

At this moment, Chen Xi was on the verge of breaking into a sweat. He understood every word Li You said, but the situation back then was not that simple. Hua Xiong had even said that Li You wanted to kill him too, showing how terrifying it was at the time. If Jia Xu had not poisoned Li You with a farewell cup of wine, Li You would have surely died. At that time, Li You was truly in despair.

"Let’s discuss this. I understand what you said. It’s just that I might have stirred up the shadows in your heart with my earlier words," Chen Xi said with a wry smile, though it seemed to be expected.

After all, Li You and Dong Zhuo had built their power, and it survived even in the most difficult times. But it was shattered just as they were nearing their dreams, despite most of the issues being Dong Zhuo’s fault.

"What if this situation occurs again? This was my second chance to approach my goal. If I miss it, I’m not sure if I’ll get a third chance," Li You said, staring at Chen Xi. He was indeed stirred by the shadows in his heart.

To be honest, with Liu Bei’s current strength, apart from having advantages in resources and population compared to Dong Zhuo, in terms of field battles, Liu Bei might not be able to defeat Dong Zhuo from back then. Xiliang’s bravery wasn’t just talk; it was achieved through battle.

In the same situation of nearing his goal, with Li You’s concerns stirred by Chen Xi, he couldn’t help but worry about history repeating itself. A flourishing force doesn’t mean it cannot be defeated. While outsiders might not defeat it, internal corruption could still lead to its downfall.

"All I can say is that Xuande is entirely different from that person," Chen Xi said with a strained smile. He was uncertain whether he could persuade Li You.

Li You’s words also stirred Chen Xi’s internal concerns. He too was unsure if Liu Bei, who had not experienced prolonged upheaval, could still maintain his inner self, especially as the overall situation in the world became clearer. After all, he was just a person, not a deity.

"I hope so," Li You said with a bitter smile. He then sighed and asked, "Are there any more realistic methods?"

Chen Xi also smiled wryly. If Liu Bei truly became corrupt, no matter what extraordinary methods he had, it would be in vain. He wasn’t suited to be a ruler. "We need to find a system. People, after all, can’t remain stable without a system."

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