Chapter 908: Securing the Heavenly Cauldron

Chen Xi let out a helpless sigh and didn’t continue the conversation. This kind of issue, even after thousands of years in the future, would still remain unresolved. It was inherently unsolvable—your perspective is determined by your position, and your position defines your path. Unless everyone’s minds could be linked, this problem would always remain unsolvable.

"Lord, the residences of Yuan Shao’s important ministers, who had relocated to Ye City, have been secured by our forces," Guan Ping reported excitedly as he approached Liu Bei.

"Has anyone been harmed?" Liu Bei asked.

"There wasn’t much resistance; most of the guards were private family soldiers, and our forces took control. However, not many of Yuan Shao’s top ministers relocated their families to Ye City," Guan Ping replied, somewhat disappointed. He had hoped to find the families of generals like Yan Liang and Wen Chou, but neither had moved their families to the city.

"Which ministers' families did we find?" Chen Xi asked curiously.

"Only the families of Xin Pi and his brother, as well as Tian Feng's family," Guan Ping said, clearly feeling let down by the meager results.

"Oh, seal off the Xin family’s residence. If they need anything, supply it. Do not harm any of their family members. As for Tian Yuanhao’s family, treat them with kindness," Liu Bei instructed calmly. "Make sure there are no accidents."

"Understood!" Guan Ping saluted and quickly ran off. His personality was somewhat energetic and carefree, not quite like his father, Guan Yu.

Before long, Liu Bei and his group arrived at the location where Yuan Shao had placed the Xuanyuan Cauldron. It was obvious that the structure, which resembled an indoor altar, hadn’t been fully completed.

"It’s over there, Lord Xuande. You should go on ahead; we’ll stay here," Chen Xi said, stopping and gesturing politely. Although the oppressive aura of the Xuanyuan Cauldron had faded, it was still better to avoid feeling its presence if possible.

"My lord, we will wait here for you," Jia Xu said, bowing respectfully, followed by the others who also offered their bows. They would see Liu Bei off.

Liu Bei calmly nodded and took a few large steps forward. In those short steps, countless thoughts flashed through his mind. He recalled his childhood, joking about pointing at the pagoda tree, the vows made in the Peach Garden of Zhuo County, the reverence he felt before the alliances, and the formation of his ambition beneath the gates of Hulao Pass. Finally, he remembered the oath he made on the high altar in front of the people.

"I, Liu Xuande, have fought all my life for the vows I made back then: to provide homes, medical care, work for the diligent, and rewards for hard work. To ensure that the young are taught and the old are cared for. For this, I, Liu Xuande, will fight relentlessly!" Liu Bei murmured as he stood before the Xuanyuan Cauldron, unwavering in his commitment despite all the changes in the external world.

Liu Bei slowly placed his hands on the edge of the cauldron, and the bronze cauldron suddenly emitted a golden radiance. Behind him, a figure appeared in the void, bowing slightly to Liu Bei's back before retreating. This was the immortal who had been silently protecting him.

"If Zichuan had asked me this in the past, I might still have been uncertain. But now, everything is clear. What I seek is peace for all the people, and I desire a prosperous Han dynasty. For this, I can give up everything, even myself," Liu Bei said serenely, with a faint smile appearing on his face.

After speaking, Liu Bei slowly removed his hand. He could clearly feel that from this moment on, even an internal energy master would not be able to touch the Xuanyuan Cauldron without his approval. The cauldron had recognized his resolve.

"Let’s go. The Xuanyuan Cauldron will remain here. Anyone who wishes to view it may do so; it needs no special protection," Liu Bei said as he walked out. His demeanor was calm and relaxed, as if he were merely taking a casual stroll after a meal.

"Later, I’ll discuss with the aristocratic families about engraving the promises I made onto the Xuanyuan Cauldron. I’ll also carve the responsibilities and obligations of the aristocracy on it," Chen Xi said, not caring how shocking this idea might be.

"You really dare to do that!" Liu Bei laughed. "But it’s a good idea. Engrave the responsibilities and obligations—not just of the aristocracy, but of all the people, including the emperor. Let it serve as a permanent reminder to everyone under the heavens!"

"I won’t hold back," Chen Xi said with a smile. "When the time comes, I’ll carve everything I’ve said to the aristocracy in front of everyone, with all of you as witnesses."

"Leave some space for Boming to carve the law codes," Liu Ye added weakly. To be honest, he didn’t have the courage to suggest engraving something on a sacred artifact. It was just a casual proposal, though he suspected that someone like Man Chong might dare to do it.

"Law codes? That could work," Liu Bei said thoughtfully. "Rulership and law are always difficult to reconcile. Let’s hope that when Boming takes up the chisel, he doesn’t leave future generations with a problem."

[Don’t underestimate Boming! If I’m right, at first he might think about carving something else, but when he actually starts, he’ll definitely carve the phrase ‘The emperor is subject to the same laws as commoners.’ That madman will definitely inscribe it!] Chen Xi thought to himself.

Chen Xi even suspected that after carving that phrase, Man Chong would undergo a personal transformation, becoming a living embodiment of the law.

Li You and Jia Xu both had slightly worried expressions. They could foresee that outcome. The chance that Man Chong would carve law codes was slim; the chance that he would carve Shang Yang's famous phrase was almost certain. Liu Ye was simply too concerned to think clearly.

Meanwhile, Guo Jia’s face twitched upon hearing Liu Ye's suggestion. Among everyone present, Guo Jia was the one who most often danced on the edge of the law, taking reckless actions. Naturally, he wasn’t thrilled about the idea of strict laws being carved onto a sacred artifact.

"Make it something fierce," Lu Su chuckled as he teased Guo Jia, his grin widening as Guo Jia grew more exasperated.

"Let’s head to the Ye City administrative offices and get a better understanding of the current situation in Wei Commandery," Liu Bei suggested, choosing not to dwell too much on Guo Jia's reaction. Though he could tell some things, they weren’t too serious.

As for the engraving on the Xuanyuan Cauldron, Liu Bei wasn’t concerned. He knew exactly what his goal was, and if the inscription could help him achieve it faster, he wouldn’t mind such an action.

"Let’s go take a look. Although we have a deep understanding of Ji Province, seeing things with our own eyes is different from relying on reports. Perhaps we’ll get some ideas that will make the reconstruction of Ji Province more efficient," Lu Su said with a smile. The time had come for him to take center stage—his specialty was in construction and development.

"The overall framework for Ji Province is already set, but in my opinion, we should first construct a national road straight to Zhuo County. If we want to develop that area, we’ll definitely need a major road. By the way, this will be our first national road!" Chen Xi said with a wide grin. After the conquest of Ji Province, the real challenge would be in the development work that followed.

Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter