Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator

Chapter 70: Going with the Flow

Inside the room.

After Li Ji fled, Liu Bei bowed respectfully and gratefully to Jia Xu.

"Mr. Wenhe, I am truly grateful to you for saving Zikun in the past."

Jia Xu, seeing this, was shocked by Li Ji's position in Liu Bei's heart, and also surprised that Liu Bei, as a ruler, would privately thank others on behalf of his subordinates.

Jia Xu had seen many people, but such a courteous and approachable person was rare, which reassured Jia Xu a lot.

Originally, after being schemed against by Li Ji, it was impossible for Jia Xu not to feel resentment.

However, Jia Xu had to admit that Li Ji's judgment was correct. Dong Zhuo might have the potential to rise, but his character would not last long once he gained power, and might even implicate himself.

However, this was not necessarily the reason why Jia Xu would join Liu Bei's command.

Even though he was temporarily controlled by Li Ji's scheme, Jia Xu seemed to have no intention of resisting to the death. In reality, Jia Xu planned to join first.

Then, if Liu Bei also proved to be unsustainable, he could find an opportunity to leave Liu Bei.

"Duke Xuande is too kind."

Liu Bei was slightly taken aback by Jia Xu's respectful address.

This was the first time Liu Bei had been addressed as "Duke," which made him suddenly realize the improvement of his status after being appointed as a Prefect.

However, Liu Bei had no intention of being complacent. He maintained his gentle expression and said.

"No, Zikun is more important to me than my own arms and legs. Therefore, Wenhe saving Zikun's life when he was young is equivalent to saving my life…"

After a pause, Liu Bei said earnestly.

"Moreover, Zikun has no relatives by his side. I have a request, and I would like to ask Wenhe to stay by Zikun's side, what do you think?"

Hearing this, several thoughts flashed through Jia Xu's mind.

It seemed that Liu Xuande was completely unaware of Li Ji's actions…

In that case, Li Ji's scheme to trick me here at the banquet was truly a momentary impulse.

Furthermore, Jia Xu admired Liu Bei's concern for Li Ji.

This was enough to prove that Liu Bei was not an ungrateful person, and there was no need to worry about being imprisoned and executed without warning.

"That is what I wish for, I dare not refuse," Jia Xu replied.

"Excellent!"

Liu Bei said with a smile, and then asked, "I wonder what are Wenhe's strengths, so that I can arrange a position for you."

"I used to be a marginal military advisor under Governor Dong, and I know a little about military and political affairs," Jia Xu replied.

"Military and political affairs? That's perfect. Currently, all the trivial matters under my command are handled by Zikun alone, which is especially hard. Then, please help Zikun more in the future," Liu Bei said.

This made Jia Xu a little embarrassed. The cautious Jia Xu sensed some danger and said.

"Duke Xuande, my relationship with Zikun is very good. If I assist Zikun again, wouldn't it be inappropriate? Please allow me to occasionally assist Duke Xuande in advising on military and political affairs."

Hearing this, Liu Bei pondered for a moment before understanding the hidden meaning in Jia Xu's words.

What Jia Xu was worried about was that Li Ji alone handled all the important military and political affairs, which was undoubtedly a very dangerous situation. Liu Bei, as the ruler, was at risk of being hollowed out.

If Jia Xu, who was labeled as Li Ji's man, joined in, it would only make this situation of one family dominating more obvious, and might even implicate himself.

However, Liu Bei naturally did not know that Jia Xu was thinking entirely for self-preservation. He thought that Jia Xu was worried that this would make Li Ji be suspected of forming cliques for personal gain and hollowing out the ruler.

Immediately, Liu Bei said with a smile.

"Wenhe, rest assured, Zikun is not a person who is greedy for power. What I worry about is that Zikun is too tired. Furthermore, I know Zikun, and Zikun knows me. The ruler and his subject know each other's hearts, what is there to worry about?"

Although Li Ji did not have many affairs to handle on weekdays, after experiencing Li Ji's two fainting incidents, Liu Bei could not help but worry about Li Ji's physical condition, and only wanted to reduce Li Ji's burden as much as possible, so as to prevent Li Ji from overworking again.

Immediately, Liu Bei did not continue to say much to Jia Xu, and then left the room with a worried look, preparing to comfort Li Ji.

What Liu Bei didn't expect was that Li Ji hadn't gone far, and then sat in the pavilion outside the door.

Seeing Liu Bei's appearance, Li Ji quickly got up and saluted.

"My lord…"

Before Li Ji could finish speaking, Liu Bei hurriedly stepped forward to support Li Ji, looking at Li Ji's calm face with concern. His heart ached.

'Zikun must not want me to worry, so he is pretending to be strong.'

However, Liu Bei was obviously not good at comforting people. After pulling Li Ji to sit down, he held back for a long time before saying.

"Alas, Zikun, please accept my condolences."

??

Li Ji.

Who died?

Immediately, Li Ji realized that Liu Bei should be comforting him.

"Thank you, my lord."

Li Ji quickly thanked him, and then realized that his expression seemed to be a little too calm, and quickly made amends, saying.

"My lord, how many people in this world are left alone to survive? What is the use of my sorrow? Since they are all harmed by the chaotic world, I should aspire to change this world and restore peace and prosperity."

"Good!"

Liu Bei praised.

"Zikun is right. We men should not be depressed and melancholy, but should set great ambitions and practice them. I am relieved that Zikun has this thought."

After a pause, Liu Bei reached out and patted Li Ji, saying.

"Zikun, but since you are the only one left in this branch of your family, it is not considered extinct. You should revive the name of the Longxi Li clan, and I will definitely help you with all my strength."

"Yes, my lord."

Li Ji replied, and then took the opportunity to reveal his prepared background, mentioning that he had been studying with an old man in the mountains since he was a child, and this name was also given by the old man in the mountains.

After Li Ji entered the world, he studied in Zhuo Commandery, and finally settled in a thatched cottage outside Zhuo County to live and study.

"My lord, my household registration is a black household, and I didn't know my origin before, so it's not that I didn't tell you before, it's just that I didn't know," Li Ji said.

"So that's how it is, but it's not appropriate for Zikun to have no information in the household registration. Since Zikun is about to go to Wu Commandery with me, why not have Zikun registered in the household registration of Wu Commandery at that time, what do you think?"

Liu Bei suggested a little cautiously, fearing that Li Ji would have a whim and prepare to run back to Longxi Commandery in Liang Province, and then enter the household registration with the proof of the Longxi Li clan.

"Yes."

To this, Li Ji agreed without any objection.

In the final analysis, the problem of black households will have to be solved sooner or later, even when Liu Bei goes to Wu Commandery to take office, and then prepares to appoint Li Ji as the Assistant Prefect.

Then, this appointment, although Liu Bei, as the Prefect, can decide on his own, but the Assistant Prefect is a real official, not a clerk.

Therefore, this appointment also needs to be reported to the imperial court for filing.

At that time, when the imperial court files this appointment, it will find that Li Ji is a black household when it compares it with the household registration information, and then cause all kinds of trouble.

Afterwards, Liu Bei comforted Li Ji for a long time, until he was completely sure that there was no problem with Li Ji's condition, before proposing to hold a banquet for Li Ji and Jia Xu to celebrate.

Hearing this, Li Ji couldn't help but say with a slight headache.

"My lord, you were drunk yesterday, even if you want to hold a banquet today, don't be greedy for wine."

Liu Bei said a little embarrassedly. "Zikun's lesson is right. I was a little too excited yesterday, so I was drunk and lost my composure without knowing it. I should take this as a warning."

To this, Li Ji understood Liu Bei's feeling.

When he was young, Liu Bei had many shortcomings, which also disappointed Lu Zhi a lot. Whenever he thought of it, Liu Bei regretted his past prodigality.

Now, after many years, Liu Bei proved himself in front of his former teacher, and was even invited to sit on the seat, how could Liu Bei not be overjoyed?

At this moment, there may be no imperial examination, but Liu Bei's feeling of being recognized by his teacher is no different from being named on the gold list.

Afterwards, Liu Bei hurriedly took the initiative to arrange the banquet.

Until after Liu Bei left, Jia Xu, who had been observing in the room, walked out leisurely, sat down in front of Li Ji, and said.

"The way Zikun and Duke Xuande get along is enviable. They are not like a ruler and his subject, but more like close friends."

Li Ji, who instantly understood Jia Xu's meaning, asked back.

"Wenhe, are you going to say that this is a way to court disaster?"

Jia Xu smiled without saying a word, obviously that was exactly what he meant.

To this, Li Ji also smiled without saying a word, and did not explain too much.

Liu Bei does not love power, does not like wealth, does not covet women, but values ​​loyalty and benevolence, and is willing to risk his life to avenge his two sworn brothers.

Even in history, when treating Huang Quan, who was forced to surrender to the Wei Kingdom, Liu Bei not only did not blame him, but blamed himself for implicating Huang Quan, and even treated Huang Quan's family in Yizhou kindly.

In an era that advocated rather dying than surrendering, Liu Bei's tolerance was rare, and he often blamed himself instead of others.

His character, even in the five thousand years of China that Li Ji knew, was difficult to find a ruler who could compare with him.

Therefore, if Li Ji saw Liu Bei appearing in his room with a rope in the middle of the night, Li Ji would only suspect that Liu Bei wanted to climb into his bed, not that Liu Bei wanted to tie him up and throw him into prison.

However, even if Li Ji said this, I am afraid that a wise man like Jia Xu would not believe it. Only by letting him observe and judge for himself in the future would he believe it.

But…

"Duke Xuande? Wenhe hasn't pledged allegiance yet?"

Li Ji asked seemingly casually.

"I choose a master, but I am not a casual person."

Jia Xu said, and then feeling Li Ji's gradually narrowed eyes, he added.

"However, I have already agreed to stay in the army under Xuande Gong and assist Zikun in handling military and political affairs, both large and small."

Immediately, Li Ji's expression visibly brightened, and he didn't continue to force Jia Xu to pledge allegiance on the spot.

Li Ji also believed that with Liu Bei's unique charm and Jia Xu's unique requirements, they would likely be a good match. When the time comes, Jia Xu would naturally make his own final decision.

"However, there is one thing I am quite curious about. Why does Zikun so strongly desire my assistance to Xuande Gong?" Jia Xu asked.

Jia Xu already believed that Li Ji's ability to recognize talent was quite remarkable, discerning the truth at a glance. However, Jia Xu wondered why, considering he had only exchanged a few words with Li Ji at the banquet.

Furthermore, Jia Xu's past life could almost be described with two words: 'laissez-faire,' and he had never really displayed any particular abilities.