Three Kingdoms, Myth

Chen Xi crouched down and grabbed the leader by the collar. "You're from Manxiang Pavilion? Why haven't I seen you around?"

"You'd better let us go, or our master won't let you off!" the leader spat blood as he spoke, though he refrained from making too many threats. Xu Chu's strength had shaken him deeply; with just one punch, all his skilled men were left incapacitated.

"And who's your master? If you don't say, there aren't many in all of the Han Dynasty who would dare to provoke us. So, tell me, who's your boss? I like bold people," Chen Xi grinned with a devilish smile. When Ma Zhong mentioned that these men were from Manxiang Pavilion, Liu Bei began glaring at Chen Xi. In Liu Bei's mind, this was one of Chen Xi's businesses—how could it be involved in such things?

"My master is none other than the advisor under Liu Xuande, the Marquis within the Passes, Chen Zichuan!" the leader shouted angrily at Chen Xi.

When Ma Zhong heard this, he immediately became wary. He knew that the person squatting on the ground, who looked like a rich young master, was indeed Chen Xi. If that were true, then the words spoken at the tavern earlier must have been lies, perhaps just an attempt to turn private dealings into something lawful. Ma Zhong now felt he had walked into a trap, and panic flashed across his eyes. Silently, he glanced around at his younger siblings, signaling them to leave.

"I don't recall ever instructing anyone to engage in human trafficking. And just so you know, Manxiang Pavilion no longer deals in such things. What were you planning to do with the young girls?" Chen Xi asked, noticing Ma Zhong's cautious behavior. He rolled his eyes and then pulled out his seal of nobility, waving it in front of the leader's face. "I am the master you're talking about. Now explain to me when I ever gave you orders to do this."

"Spare me, Lord Chen, spare me!" The leader immediately begged for mercy upon seeing the seal. He now realized he had seriously miscalculated.

"Hold on. I want to know what your connection to Manxiang Pavilion is. Don't worry; if what you say is true, I won't hold it against you." Chen Xi was not particularly inclined to pass judgment on the issue of human trafficking—it was a common practice of the time. In this era, many people willingly sold themselves or their children in exchange for food, and selling people without consent was only marginally worse. However, it was still an abuse of power.

The leader, realizing his situation, knew that lying could only make things worse. With no other choice, he spilled everything he knew like beans being poured from a can.

"Just my luck," Chen Xi muttered to himself once he got the story. "I knew Manxiang Pavilion had shifted business, so why would they still be taking in people like this? Someone fetch a few men and take them to Man Chong. Have him give a fair sentence—just don't kill them."

Chen Xi sighed. He had suspected something was amiss when even small fry like these knew about his backing of Manxiang Pavilion. He wasn't looking forward to having his name dragged into the mud.

"Now I understand. When Fenggao wasn't wealthy, people often had to sell their children. Manxiang Pavilion's old line of business naturally got involved in that. But now, with prosperity across the territory, people can afford to keep their kids, so no one's selling them. Without a steady supply, these people turned to kidnapping," Chen Xi explained with a weary expression.

The reason these thugs used Manxiang Pavilion's name was simply that it was big and intimidating. Local officials would turn a blind eye when they saw this group rounding up beggars—after all, they figured someone powerful was behind it. But this time, they had bumped into someone too powerful.

"I knew Zichuan wouldn't stoop so low. With so many ways to make money, why bother with something like this?" Liu Bei nodded in agreement, subtly signaling Li You. To Liu Bei, unlike Chen Xi, it wasn't enough to just let things go. Such actions tarnished the reputation of officials and deserved harsh punishment. In his mind, the best course was to execute a few criminals to set an example.

Li You smiled knowingly. He understood Liu Bei's intentions. Executing a few human traffickers would send a clear message. After all, back in the day, when dealing with the Yang family officials in Guanzhong, heads rolled, and that show of force had a lasting impact. Without such methods, even Dong Zhuo could have been doomed.

"Looks like there's more work to be done. What a headache!" Chen Xi grumbled. Now, he would have to regulate some of the gray market activities. Who knew how many people were using his name to get away with such things? He wasn't about to let himself become a scapegoat.

"Hey, Ma Zhong, just so you know, I wouldn't stoop to something as disgraceful as this. If you trust me, take your siblings and come with us. If not, stay here. Take a gamble—live a life in the light, or pass on this chance and wait for one that may never come," Chen Xi said, too tired to try persuading Ma Zhong further. The suspicion in the boy's eyes was understandable; after all, officials had long since lost the people's trust.

"Stay or go—your choice," Chen Xi said, scanning the group of children. It was clear they all looked to Ma Zhong, and his hesitation was evident. But Chen Xi couldn't blame him—after years of wandering, without some level of wariness, he would have been sold off long ago.

Liu Bei also watched Ma Zhong, noting how the boy's eyes darted between the door and his siblings before finally resting on him. "Lord Xuande, can I trust you? You really won't just sell us off to someone else?" Ma Zhong asked.

Chen Xi covered his eyes, feeling exasperated. What was this kid thinking? Selling him wouldn't fetch much. He was Ma Zhong, after all—the future slayer of gods. His value was far beyond that of an ordinary child.

"I once swore to ensure that all under my rule would have clothing and food. That includes you. I will protect you until you reach sixteen!" Liu Bei declared solemnly. Even for this small goal, Liu Bei knew he would have to put in a great deal of effort. But having seen this situation, he felt compelled to offer hope.

"I believe you!" Ma Zhong finally said after a long pause.

Liu Bei approached and gently patted Ma Zhong's head. "Let's go. Take your siblings and leave this place. I'll make arrangements for you, and once Zichuan has things ready, you'll start schooling."

Chen Xi shook his head slightly, looking at the children. He admired Ma Zhong—despite everything, the boy remained loyal to his siblings. Without them, Ma Zhong could probably make it anywhere on his own.

"Come on, everyone. Get some food. The General of the East will take us away from here soon," Ma Zhong told his younger siblings, picking up the bundle of food he had dropped earlier.

A group of scrawny children immediately ran to Ma Zhong's side, calling him "big brother" as they quickly devoured the food. Their eyes, full of longing for more, revealed just how hungry they still were. Yet, despite their young age, they already knew not to trouble their older brother.

What a cruel era this is, Chen Xi thought. These children should be nestled in their parents' arms, not living with such a painful understanding of life.