Three Kingdoms, Myth

Chen Xi was dumbfounded. What was Liu Bei talking about, saying such things? "Deeply indebted to the imperial grace, I cannot harbor any ambition for the throne!" You're not that kind of person! In history, you ascended to the throne. Now you say you have no ambition for it—is this a joke?

Seeing Chen Xi's astonished expression, Liu Bei sighed and explained, "Whether it is ambition or desire, I have both. But since I've stepped into this position step by step, I've encountered no obstacles. Tao Gongzu, Kong Wenju—they all helped me. The might of the Han Dynasty still protects me. Even if I had any dissatisfaction, it still gave me opportunities."

"Zichuan, have I ever fought for anything?" Liu Bei asked.

"No," Chen Xi thought for a moment and replied.

"Exactly. I haven't fought for anything, yet because of my surname and bloodline, I've gained so much. Maybe before the incident with the postal inspector, I thought these were all deserved. But after that, I understood that in this world, besides ability, one also needs the lingering favor of ancestors!" Liu Bei's face showed bitterness, his words almost incoherent, but Chen Xi understood the underlying meaning.

This was Liu Bei's greatest pain. Despite his efforts, he still couldn't escape the need to rely on his ancestors. And now, even more painfully, he relied on his ancestors yet still desired to covet the legitimate line they left behind!

Even if the other party was at fault, Liu Bei felt that others had the right, but he did not. He believed that as a collateral family member, the main family had given him a chance to thrive. Now, should he strike down the legitimate heir and take his place? His conscience wouldn't allow it!

Chen Xi smiled bitterly, finally understanding the situation. Unlike the historical Liu Bei, this Liu Bei had not experienced hardship!

In the previous life, besides the title of "Imperial Uncle," Liu Bei enjoyed no benefits from the royal family. Even with the help of some loyal Han officials, those resources had long been exhausted over time. Except for an empty title, Liu Bei started almost from scratch and owed nothing to the Han Dynasty, so he felt no pressure to ascend the throne as the last remaining royal member, Liu Xuande.

In this life, Liu Bei had royal documentation and benefits, quickly rising from a nobody to a great lord ruling over a populous region. He even gained a title. Though he fought for some of it and had Chen Xi's strategies, without loyal Han officials like Tao Qian, Liu Bei wouldn't have risen so quickly.

Because of this, Liu Bei felt deeply indebted to the Han Dynasty. The situation wasn't too dire yet; there was still hope for salvation if efforts were made. Hence, his conscience easily suppressed his ambition, and he aspired to be like Duke of Zhou, not aiming to become emperor. His dream was to bring peace to the world and restore the Han Dynasty, not to claim the throne.

This was why he was so hurt by Emperor Xian's actions. Otherwise, Liu Xie doing such things would have been a favorable situation for Liu Bei. If Liu Xie disappointed the loyal officials, following the principle that any royal member could ascend, wouldn't Liu Bei, hailed as a great hero by Liu Yan, be the best choice?

Understanding all this, Chen Xi knew how to respond.

"Xuande, may I say something?" Chen Xi said with a smile.

"Please speak, Zichuan," Liu Bei said calmly. After venting for a while, Liu Bei felt a bit regretful for saying things he shouldn't have, but he was much calmer now.

"Xuande, how did the ancestors' favor come about?" Chen Xi asked, his eyes twinkling with a hint of a smile.

"It was the result of Emperor Gaozu cutting through thorns and overthrowing Qin's tyranny, competing with Xiang Yu, and leaving blessings for us descendants," Liu Bei said fervently.

"To Emperor Gaozu, there's no distinction between close and distant descendants, right?" Chen Xi asked with a smile.

"You can't say that," Liu Bei frowned.

"Alright, then let's change the topic. What kind of Han Dynasty did Emperor Gaozu hope for?" Chen Xi continued to ask.

"Enduring, passed down through generations," Liu Bei paused, knowing this wasn't realistic.

"And for each generation's hope?" Chen Xi asked with a smile.

"..." Liu Bei didn't answer, but his eyes flashed with a light.

"Did the ancestors hope their descendants would rely solely on their glory, or did they want their descendants to surpass them?" Chen Xi's smile grew clearer.

Liu Bei didn't answer, but his whole demeanor changed, shedding his earlier despondency.

"Xuande, no ancestor wants their descendants to live solely off their glory. The glory they created and the solid foundation they laid were meant to support their descendants during tough times until they could rise again," Chen Xi said slowly.

Liu Bei stood up and extended his hand toward Chen Xi. "Let's create more glory for our descendants, lay a stronger foundation, and surpass our ancestors!" Liu Bei's last words were almost squeezed out through clenched teeth, but once spoken, he seemed filled with strength, radiating energy.

"Ancestors, forgive your descendant's disrespect. Today, I, Liu Xuande, swear to the heavens: If I cannot surpass the past generations, I will never covet the throne. Let the ancestors witness this!" Liu Bei passionately declared to the sky, his eyes filled with determination, giving Chen Xi the feeling that Liu Bei was serious this time.

"Zichuan!" At this moment, Liu Bei seemed shrouded in a layer of solemnity. He extended his hand again, "Tell me your ideal. Don't give me that lie about wanting to be the head of the Chen family. With your ability, that position is like picking something out of a bag! Speak your ideal, Zichuan!"

Chen Xi paused, then put away his playful expression. For the first time, he showed no sign of dislike and placed his hand on Liu Bei's. "My ideal... Through the ages, let China always stand at the pinnacle of the world. Whether in the past or the future, let others only look up to us; let the people be well-fed and clothed, with paths for advancement, the wealth, wisdom, and talent of the world not monopolized by noble families, and everyone able to earn a fair return for their contributions!"

"Good! That's the Chen Zichuan I know!" Liu Bei laughed heartily, then turned to Chen Xi. "Zichuan, make a vow. One day, I will inscribe your vow today in the Liu family's ancestral teachings. I, Liu Xuande, will surpass my ancestors. My loyalty lies with the Han Dynasty, not any single person!"