Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1523 - 1466: Ceasefire in the Central Plains

Once the Northern Huns' invasion was confirmed, it caused an uproar across the land. Not only did both Liu Bei and Cao Cao begin to mobilize, but Chen Xi and Cheng Yu, who initially had a tendency towards war, as well as Zhou Yu and Guo Jia, all withdrew upon hearing the news.

Moreover, without waiting for the three to speak up, reputable figures from various Great Aristocratic Families within the Pure Stream Faction had already formed groups to mediate in these dangerous areas.

As a result, Cao and Liu's conflict in Yingchuan and Wancheng hadn't even begun when the noted scholars from Jing-Xiang and Yuzhou pulled them together to sit down, unlike Xun Youi, Cheng Yu was truly filled with rage.

"This must be Cheng Gong." After the issue of the Northern Huns marching south was revealed, Chen Xi understood that a domestic war couldn't be fought, so when the noted scholars began mediation, Chen Xi naturally stepped down.

Thus, what Cheng Yu wished to happen had no chance of occurring anymore, and he could only call off the war with Chen Xi.

Such a significant move naturally required the highest commanders from both sides to be present in the region, giving Chen Xi the opportunity to finally meet Cheng Yu in person.

"Greetings, Marquis Chen!" Cheng Yu, with a dignified demeanor, saluted Chen Xi.

"I've long admired the name of Cheng Gong, yet have never had the pleasure of meeting you." Chen Xi surreptitiously observed Cheng Yu while also scanning the two strong, mighty generals behind him.

"Xiahou Yuan, Zhang Xiu greets Marquis Chen and General Jianwei!" Since both sides were led to cease fighting and form an alliance by the noted scholars of Jing-Xiang, and in this non-hostile context, they all belonged to the Han Officials, thus not a single person showed disrespect before others.

"Good to see you both again." Hua Xiong politely acknowledged the two.

Hua Xiong was fairly familiar with both, and whether it was Xiahou Yuan or Zhang Xiu, they were somewhat stronger than him. However, ever since Yuan Liu's battle in Cangting, Hua Xiong was no longer famous for his bravery, but rather for his command of cavalry in field battles.

Chen Xi smiled as he watched the scene, gesturing politely to Cheng Yu, who reciprocated, and then Chen Xi proceeded to the main seat.

Cheng Yu sat on a side seat, observing the composed Chen Xi with a sigh; he had planned so many contingencies yet was called back by a single letter from Cao Cao, wasting his military efforts, but ultimately, Cao Cao's orders surpassed all else!

[Damn Northern Huns, I must make you pay dearly this time!] Cheng Yu cursed inwardly.

Upon receiving the ceasefire letters from both Xun Youi and Cao Cao, Cheng Yu was filled with anger. Initially, he came to Wancheng with his army to both exchange information with Sunx Ce and form an alliance, and to test how his Spiritual Talent would interact with others' Legion Talent.

The most important aspect was to put pressure on Chen Xi to personally oversee Yuzhou through the alliance between Cao and Sunx, then by using Xun Youi's thunderous tactics, capture Chen Xi from three sides. But the Northern Huns caused a delay, and although Cao Cao had more opportunities to build strength, Liu Bei's civil and military officials had freed themselves up, and such an opportunity won't come again.

"Cheng Gong, why do you seem troubled?" Chen Xi smiled as he observed Cheng Yu's silence.

Having bottled up his words, Cheng Yu remained silent for a moment before speaking to Chen Xi, "Marquis Chen, do you know why I came to Wancheng with General Xiahou?"

Chen Xi glanced in puzzlement at Cheng Yu, wondering about his question, and replied with a nonchalant answer, "Could it be on account of me?"

"Since Marquis Chen knows it is about you that I came, why do you still have such confidence?" Cheng Yu was initially surprised and then puzzled, asking further.

"When soldiers come, generals defend, when water floods, earth absorbs. If one lacks confidence in oneself, battles that could be won might be lost," Chen Xi smiled and replied.

"Marquis Chen, are you aware that Liu Ziyang was defeated by Gong Da?" Cheng Yu, noticing Chen Xi's unreadable smile, decided to speak.

Chen Xi raised an eyebrow; he hadn't received this news yet, but upon reflecting, he trusted the news of Liu Ye losing to Xun Youi.

"A major defeat?" Chen Xi pondered momentarily and inquired.

Cheng Yu relayed everything he knew to Chen Xi, as Xun Youi had won this battle. The implications were for Chen Xi to ponder.

"Xun Gong Da is indeed remarkable." Contrary to Cheng Yu's expectations of seeing a heavy expression, Chen Xi expressed admiration instead.

"Saying such things hurts feelings at this time. In the Northern Expedition Against Huns, since Cao Sikong personally leads the army northward, I believe there are matters that I could discuss with you." Chen Xi shifted the topic; despite feeling sorry for the soldiers' deaths due to Liu Ye's defeat, he had little to add regarding the loss itself.

"Good!" Cheng Yu, seeing the calm demeanor in Chen Xi's eyes, showed a heavy expression himself, knowing the implications of Xun Youi's victory over Liu Ye for the Yingchuan battle's trajectory.

Chen Xi, observing Cheng Yu's worry, remained silent, understanding the impact of Xun Youi's victory over Liu Ye and obtaining the Commander's Seal. Yet, it's all past now; for Chen Xi, who is broad-hearted, aside from acknowledging Xun Youi's clever planning, there was little more to say.

[However, Xun Youi is indeed formidable; even Jia Xu might naturally overlook Xun Youi in his calculations. This ability can achieve many incredible surprise attacks.]Chen Xi pondered sipping his wine.

Meanwhile, when Cao and Liu both began to cease fighting, Zhou Yu felt as if he wanted to kill someone—Sunx Ce had disappeared!

"Sister, where's Bofu gone?" Zhou Yu asked a visibly pregnant Da Qiao, feeling helpless.

"Bofu?" Da Qiao glared disapprovingly at Zhou Yu, "Gongjin, if you don't know where Bofu is, how could I possibly know?"

"Uh, I'll have Little Qiao accompany you then." Zhou Yu replied awkwardly; he had deduced where Sunx Ce went, but Sunx Ce's actions left him in a bind.

[Bofu, that scoundrel! He left the whole mess to me and went north alone to fight the Huns—what can you achieve by yourself?] Zhou Yu left Sunx Ce's residence, feeling as if he'd explode. Sunx Ce had headed north alone, claiming that's the job for the General of Breaking the Barbarians.

Zhou Yu was filled with rage, but Sunx Ce had already left; if not for his strong influence, Eastern Wu might have already started to destabilize.

[Bofu going north alone will certainly make Cao and Liu underestimate him. Given the current world scenario, heading north to fight the Huns has become an inevitable trend regardless of which Feudal Lords cannot avoid it, but Bofu was too reckless; it seems I need to head north myself!]

After much contemplation and worrying about Sunx Ce, Zhou Yu felt compelled to summon all civil and military officials to discuss how to deal with the situation. Of course, Zhou Yu already had a plan—this was merely a formality.