Chapter 1067: Zhang Fei's Troubles

Originally, the plan was to finish suppressing the bandits and recall all the civil and military officials for a change of defense. However, after their return, news of Gongsun Du’s defeat arrived, causing a slight shift in the plan. As a result, everyone had to rest in Ye City for a while, waiting for new orders.

In other words, after a year of running around, everyone suddenly found themselves with free time. Well, not everyone. Those who were busy were still busy, and those who were idle remained idle. It was just that, for once, everyone was gathered in one place.

Unlike before, when Guan Yu was free while Gan Ning was busy, or when Gan Ning was free while Zhao Yun was busy, or when Zhao Yun was free while Zhang Fei was busy, or when Zhang Fei was free while Hua Xiong was busy, this time, because of Gongsun Du’s unexpected defeat, everyone had gathered together. It was a rare chance for them all to sit down and enjoy a meal together.

After Liu Bei realized this, and with the latest northern intelligence from Jia Xu—indicating that it was snowing heavily north of Youzhou, making it impossible for the Wuhuan, Eastern Xianbei, and Southern Xiongnu to move south—he made a quick decision. Liu Bei hesitated briefly and then decided to give everyone a break, even sending a bunch of treasures to Liu Xie in Chang’an.

Later, Liu Bei summoned Lu Su and carefully inquired about the current state of the territories under his control. Confirming that it would take another year of rest and adjustments to achieve the development goals Chen Xi had set, Liu Bei decided to focus on consolidating and making steady progress in Jizhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou instead of rushing for expansion.

During this period, Chen Xi spent most of his time eating and drinking with others. It was rare to see all of Liu Bei’s men gathered in one place.

After Liu Bei hosted a large banquet for everyone, the other officials began organizing their own dinner gatherings. At first, Chen Xi attended every one with enthusiasm, but after five consecutive days of feasting, he began to feel overwhelmed.

By the sixth day, the only civil official still full of energy was Xu Shu. The rest, especially the younger ones, were starting to show signs of fatigue. Meanwhile, the military officers couldn’t care less. Xu Chu and the others never missed a meal, and after every feast, they would engage in wrestling, sparring with weapons, or horse combat. These warriors had boundless energy.

Often, they would get into friendly fights right in the middle of the banquet, contributing to the lively atmosphere. It almost felt like the festive spirit was emerging, a stark contrast to the busier, more hectic atmosphere of previous years.

"Zichuan! Tonight is the welcoming banquet for Ziyi and Shuzi. Are you coming?" Zhang Fei shouted from outside Chen Xi’s courtyard.

Before Chen Xi could respond, Zhang Fei barged in and saw Chen Xi lazily reclining in a lounge chair, covered with a bear-skin blanket, with two fire basins nearby. The bear skin had been a gift Zhang Fei recently brought back for Chen Xi. A book rested in Chen Xi's hands as he slowly turned the pages.

"Of course, I’ll be there," Chen Xi replied, leisurely putting down the book like an old man, his movements slow and relaxed.

Earlier, Chen Xi had already welcomed Taishi Ci and Chen Dao when they returned. There was no way he would skip the welcoming banquet, even though the feasting was getting tiresome. Still, it was unfortunate that Zhuge Liang had not yet returned.

"Then why are you still lying here? Where’s my niece?" Zhang Fei asked excitedly, a teasing grin on his face.

"Your niece isn’t here, and you better not try taking advantage of me," Chen Xi responded calmly as he sat up slowly. He didn’t want to argue with Zhang Fei, who was notorious for being loud and persistent—traits that could leave anyone feeling exasperated.

"Who said she’s not here!" Zhang Fei laughed as he clapped Chen Xi on the shoulder. "Zhang's wife is about to become my brother’s wife soon!"

"Alright, alright," Chen Xi said helplessly. The entire city of Ye had been buzzing with excitement, not just because of the officials returning, but more so due to the fact that Liu Bei was set to marry the Zhang family’s daughter, with the wedding planned for July of the following year.

Even though Zhang’s daughter was remarrying, no one seemed to care about that detail. Moreover, as she would be Liu Bei’s legitimate wife, the wedding would be held with full rites, requiring a six-month wait.

"So, how are things between you two?" Zhang Fei asked, winking and teasing Chen Xi.

"It’s fine," Chen Xi replied flatly, maintaining a calm demeanor that betrayed nothing.

"What about your preparations? You’re going to be the commander heading to Liaodong in February next year. You know, the Hu people can’t move south now because of the heavy snow, but as soon as the snow melts, they’ll definitely come down, cold and hungry," Chen Xi continued, not letting Zhang Fei keep teasing him, and instead turning the conversation to more serious matters.

Zhang Fei had been about to continue teasing Chen Xi when the mention of his upcoming command took the wind out of his sails. His cheerful expression faded, and after a long silence, he let out a heavy sigh.

"You haven’t prepared anything, have you?" Chen Xi asked, raising an eyebrow at Zhang Fei.

"What is there to prepare? I’ll just follow Yuan Zhi’s orders when the time comes," Zhang Fei grumbled, clearly intending to rely on Xu Shu to take charge.

"I recommended you to Lord Xuande as the commander, not so you could do this. If you’re just going to follow Yuan Zhi’s orders, I could have sent anyone. Why send you?" Chen Xi said disapprovingly. "Haven’t you understood Lord Xuande’s and our intentions yet? You’re the commander; you are the master of this army!"

Zhang Fei remained silent for a moment before casually sitting down on the steps outside Chen Xi’s house. Staring at the large gates, he slowly spoke, "I’m different from my second brother. He used to be just like me—a brute. But he spent every spare moment reading military texts. He’s read Spring and Autumn Annals over thirty times, and he keeps getting stronger."

"You can do the same. If General Guan can do it, why can’t you? He read Spring and Autumn Annals thirty times; you can read The Art of War fifty times," Chen Xi said, crouching down to be at Zhang Fei’s eye level.

"My second brother told me that every time he reads Spring and Autumn Annals, he gains new insights. But no matter how many times I read it, I feel the same. Even after reading The Art of War, I didn’t feel anything special," Zhang Fei admitted with a bitter smile. "Maybe I’m just not cut out to be a grand commander."

"That might not be the case. Some people rely on military texts to rise to greatness, while others never read a single one. Maybe you’re in the latter group," Chen Xi said with a smile.

"Since ancient times, who has ever become a commander without reading military texts?" Zhang Fei chuckled.

"Haven’t you heard of Huo Qubing from the Former Han? He was like that," Chen Xi replied with a grin.

Zhang Fei might not have known, but anyone who had read Records of the Grand Historian knew about Huo Qubing’s famous words to Emperor Wu of Han: "Strategy is all that matters; there’s no need to study ancient military texts."

Those words carried a significant meaning. If anyone else had said it, it would’ve been considered arrogant. But when spoken by a general undefeated in battle, they carried the weight of truth.

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