Chapter 1021: Chapter 977 Sincerity

Now that Chen Xi has arrived, it’s excellent news for Gongsun Gong. Everyone is clearly aware of Chen Xi’s importance in Liu Bei’s faction.

“I’ve heard of Marquis Chen’s great reputation for a long time, but never thought I’d see your dignified presence today.” Gongsun Gong respectfully saluted Chen Xi, showing no awkwardness due to his senior age and Chen Xi’s younger age.

“I greatly admire your esteemed father, General Gongsun. Our sides had convenient and smooth trade exchanges before, but unfortunately, Yuan Shao interrupted it, forcing us to halt communications. Now that we can resume, it’s truly pleasant.” Chen Xi said soberly, his recent mood somewhat downcast, making it hard for anyone to discern his thoughts from his expression.

Chen Xi’s words made Gongsun Gong even more respectful. Regardless of whether Chen Xi meant to forgive past issues or hinted at a warning, Gongsun Gong dared not show any impatience and instead worked harder to cater to Liu Bei’s side’s emotions.

“Liaodong is remote and relies on convenient sea routes to trade with the Central Plains to ensure local prosperity. Unfortunately, as prospects improved back then, the previous Governor of Jizhou viewed us–remote Han citizens–as threats, resulting in unrest under our governance.” Liangg Mao noticed Gongsun Gong struggling to respond and thus interjected.

“This must be the Governor of Lelang, Liangg Mao.” Chen Xi nodded calmly, not arguing with Liangg Mao, because what truly transpired was not for them to decide but for Chen Xi to determine himself.

“It’s a modest reputation, fortunate to be known by Marquis Chen.” Liangg Mao responded unhurriedly. “We came here, first to congratulate Lord Xuande on his conquest, and also to hope to mediate relations between us once more. After all, Liaodong is bitterly cold, and without Central Plains support, Han people struggle to persist.”

Settling down, Chen Xi glanced at Liangg Mao, appreciating that his words were indeed well-spoken. One might say he’s quite the character.

“It’s not entirely impossible.” Chen Xi stated blandly, yet his flat tone and unmoved demeanor left Gongsun Gong feeling uncertain.

“In that case, I thank Lord Xuande on behalf of Liaodong’s people.” Liangg Mao showed no such concern like Gongsun Gong, immediately saluting to solidify this fact.

“It’s merely trade; mutual exchanges benefit both parties. Why reject? Yet I’m curious, if pirates appear at sea again, will our exchanges be disrupted once more?” Chen Xi pondered the jade gui, his calm and unwavering gaze deepening Gongsun Gong’s chilling anxiety.

“No, such things will absolutely not recur. During the last pirate crisis, my father made strong efforts to expel them, and the current maritime situation has greatly improved without such issues anymore.” Gongsun Gong quickly responded.

What a joke. Previously, the response to Liu Bei was there were too many pirates. In reality, what pirates were there at sea? Gan Ning roamed with his fleet everywhere, which ruled out pirates–a mere pretext. For Gongsun Du, the balanced stance between Yuan Liu’s battles best suited his interests.

Sadly, Gongsun Du can now only curse Yuan Shao as all show, no substance, for Liu Bei overturned Yuan Shao without losing a hair, leaving Gongsun Du offending Liu Bei by cutting ties unilaterally.

“Pirates gone then.” Chen Xi feigned a newly-aware expression, before Gongsun Gong could assume the matter was settled, Chen Xi shifted topics, saying, “Gone for good? Didn’t you initially state the coastlines of Youzhou and Jizhou were teeming with countless pirates, impossible to eradicate?”

Cold sweat dripped from Gongsun Gong. When Gongsun Du wished to sever ties without offending Liu Bei too much, he fabricated a somewhat face-saving excuse, and now, who could’ve thought Chen Xi would seize upon it now, clearly intending to deal with Gongsun Du?

“Under my father’s vigorous suppression, we’ve barely managed to control the situation.” Gongsun Gong replied through gritted teeth.

Gongsun Gong hoped Liu Bei wouldn’t tally everything against their family. Though their Gongsun Family proclaimed themselves King of Liaodong, measuring up against Yuan Shao was inadequate, let alone against Liu Bei who defeated Yuan Shao.

“So it’s just barely controlled.” After Chen Xi’s utterance, he remarked, “Perhaps the previous situation could reappear anytime, right.”

This time, Chen Xi showed no intent to hide the coldness in his eyes, leaving both Gongsun Gong and Liangg Mao oppressed.

[Gongsun Du has even prepared to fight to the death. Sending his son symbolizes sincerity, but sending a son devoid of reproductive capabilities suggests they’re ready to fight desperately?]

Chen Xi quietly sipped tea, contemplating his thoughts, about the two before him and extending a touch of pity toward Gongsun Gong. As for Gongsun Du, Chen Xi regarded him as akin to a frog in a well.

[Gongsun Du probably thinks, liaodong borders with Three Hann States, ultimately a barbaric land. When Liu Bei settles scores, he just needs to endure one desperate fight, and wouldn’t abandon the Central Plains for a mere bone.]

Upon setting down his teacup, Chen Xi connected all the dots. Gongsun Du indeed counted as a ruthless person, apparent in his submission while secretly readying to battle fiercely.

[Except he won’t foresee how vital his turf becomes, it’s enough for a nation to wage a life-and-death struggle. Does he truly believe we’d abandon it easily?]

“I don’t wish to pursue past matters, but show your sincerity. Gongsun Shengji must’ve briefed you before sending you here. Honestly, Gongsun Shengji intends to gamble on whether we spare the Central Plains to contend for barren land, now let me tell you.” Chen Xi coldly scanned the two before him.

“Even in barren land, where enemies lie, it’s worthy for us to conquer. So, may I ask you two, do you wish to stand against us or continue serving as Han officials, governing for the Han Dynasty?” Chen Xi spoke icily, echoing a ‘fight if you’re dissatisfied’ stance.

Frankly speaking, Liu Bei’s faction truly lacks war capacity now, not from a lack of strength, but that building Jizhou and Yuzhou outweighs warfare’s importance. Yet at present, he’s merely intimidating, as who knows these details?

“If Marquis Chen wishes to give us a chance, we won’t change our former stance.” Even Liangg Mao is shocked; yet, after collecting himself he contained his panic and responded.

This response is noteworthy. What was the former stance: King of Liaodong, or a Han official who campaigns east against Goguryeo and west against Wuhuan Xianbei–who can tell? (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote recommendations tickets, monthly tickets on ; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.wuxiaworld.site for reading.)

“`