Liu Bei personally helped Lu Kang to the seat right next to his own, showing him the utmost respect. Although Liu Bei hadn't fully grasped the importance of Lu Kang and the Lu family, both Chen Xi and Li You had made it clear to him that the Lu family would play a significant role in his future plans to restore the Han dynasty. Therefore, Liu Bei felt it was necessary to treat Lu Kang with great courtesy.
Glancing at Liu Bei's expression as he looked back at him, Chen Xi casually nodded. If they had truly organized a grand reception for him and invited everyone, Chen Xi would have felt a bit awkward, particularly because it would have been difficult to handle the situation with Lu Su.
Lu Kang, understanding his position, was quite satisfied with Liu Bei's treatment. Despite his previous concerns that Liu Bei might hold a grudge against the Lu family for their cautious behavior, Liu Bei had not even mentioned it. Instead, he sincerely expressed his hope that the Lu family would join him in Taishan, and if they chose not to, he would still offer them protection due to their previous amicable relationship.
Given the circumstances, Lu Kang had no intention of refusing Liu Bei's offer. The respect Liu Bei showed him had already exceeded his expectations, so he humbly expressed his willingness to rely on Liu Bei in the future.
As a result, the atmosphere at the banquet was lively and harmonious. After about an hour, Lu Kang excused himself, citing his old age and declining health, and Liu Bei and Chen Xi personally saw him off to his carriage.
"I didn't expect the head of the Lu family to be so sensible," Liu Bei remarked as he watched Lu Kang's carriage roll away.
"It's because we've become strong enough that even the most cautious families have no choice but to be sensible," Chen Xi said with a smile. "We've grown powerful enough that most forces have no choice but to submit."
"Indeed. I remember when we passed through Yingchuan, we tried to visit the Xun family but couldn't even get an audience, and you were even removed from the Chen family's registry," Liu Bei said with a sigh, reminiscing about the past.
"Yes, it wasn't easy back then. How are Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping doing now?" Chen Xi asked, recalling the two merchants who had helped him early on. Though they couldn't compare to the foundations of the Zhen family or the foresight of the Mi family, they were by no means ordinary.
"They're doing well. Among the wealthy merchants of the world, they're now among the top," Liu Bei replied with a nod. He had never forgotten the two who had helped him in the beginning and had continued to support them, though their foundations were still somewhat weak.
"Time flies," Chen Xi said, gazing up at the stars. "I imagine many people regret their decisions now. When we first came to Taishan, we tried to recruit Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong from the Zhang family in Xuzhou. Unfortunately, only Zijing came. I bet they regret it now."
Without a doubt, Chen Xi was sure that Zhang Zhao, in particular, regretted his decision. The Zhang family had been forced to relocate, while Liu Bei had grown to a level where they could only look up to him as a dominant force in the world. Unfortunately for Zhang Zhao, he had rejected them too thoroughly back then.
"Hahaha, they must regret it deeply. I remember you insisted that our soldiers visit them twice, and on the third departure, you made sure they were told, 'You will regret this,'" Liu Bei laughed heartily. Back then, he hadn't understood Chen Xi's actions, but as his power grew, he increasingly understood the impact of those words after being rejected three times.
"It's more than just regret; they must be filled with regret as they watch us grow stronger and stronger," Chen Xi said with a grin. "And as we continue to grow, they'll regret it even more because we will become unstoppable!"
"Yes, we will only grow stronger!" Liu Bei said firmly. "But even back then, I was content to have Zijing join us. Hahaha."
"That's luck," Chen Xi shrugged. "Just like how I initially planned to follow Cao Mengde's forces to gain some experience. But because of Lan'er, I was delayed a few days, and had to travel on my own. Then, my steward took the wrong path, and I ended up running into you, was caught spying on the camp by third brother while you were training, and you didn't pursue the matter..."
Hearing this, Liu Bei realized how many coincidences had led to their meeting. If any one of those events hadn't occurred, he would have missed the greatest opportunity of his life.
"What are you thinking about, Xuande?" Chen Xi noticed the silence beside him and turned to look at Liu Bei.
"I'm just thinking that I am truly very lucky," Liu Bei said, patting Chen Xi on the shoulder before heading back inside, leaving Chen Xi standing there, slightly bewildered. "Why is he walking so fast? It suddenly feels a bit chilly."
When Chen Xi returned to the hall, the banquet had already been cleared away, and Liu Bei was seated at the head of the table, with the seat to his left empty, reserved for him.
"Come, Zichuan, we've been waiting for you," Liu Bei called out with a hearty laugh.
Chen Xi rolled his eyes. He had only been a few seconds behind Liu Bei, yet Liu Bei was teasing him as if he had been late, though he did tend to be late quite often.
Once Chen Xi took his seat, the meeting proceeded smoothly—well, it was mostly Lu Su speaking while everyone else listened. After all, this year's tasks had largely been handled by Lu Su, while everyone else had been slacking off. Of course, Chen Xi had planned out the year's work the previous year, but Lu Su's attention to detail sometimes made him want to strangle someone.
"In the next three months, we need to complete the registration of new households, update household records, establish markets outside the city, thoroughly audit year-end accounts, evaluate officials, and finalize tax assessments," Lu Su said calmly, though the list of tasks made everyone behind him groan internally. Lu Su's insistence on meticulous work was a burden for many.
"Zichuan, what about next year's work plan? Or perhaps some long-term planning?" Lu Su asked, turning to Chen Xi, who was seated diagonally from him. If Chen Xi was in Taishan, Lu Su would always sit in the second position on the left.
"Long-term planning?" Chen Xi raised an eyebrow. "Have you finished the entire northern plan?"
"I've completed that part of the plan over the course of this year. Before Yuan Benchu falls, all the foundational infrastructure and basic planning will be finished. Now we just need Gongyou to complete the strategic reserves, and we can begin the campaign. Wherever we conquer, I'll build, and we won't delay any of the people's needs!" Lu Su's pale complexion and thin frame couldn't conceal the intense confidence he exuded in that moment.
"Alright, I'll handle the next phase. I'll complete the second batch of mid-to-late-stage strategic plans before the end of the year. Gongyou, how far along are we on the strategic reserves that started two years ago?" Chen Xi nodded and stood up to address the room.