Chapter 274: Lady Zhang is a Good Choice!

"This is the situation. Although your horse-slaying sword design is impressive, replacing all the weapons with horse-slaying swords would leave our army without combat capability for over a year. The process of nurturing weapons on the battlefield is faster, and those with inner energy can accelerate it, but most of our soldiers don't have inner energy because they can't even get enough food. It would take at least a year and a half for our soldiers to bring a horse-slaying sword to its optimal condition," Liu Bei explained helplessly. Although he was optimistic about the horse-slaying sword, he couldn't afford to make such a foolish decision that would cost lives.

"Oh, it's not a big deal. We'll just equip our tens of thousands of agricultural soldiers with weapons and armor, nurture them like we nurture the soldiers, and eventually, their weapons will be battle-ready," Chen Xi responded with a look that said, "Why didn't you mention this earlier?"

Liu Bei was stunned. Why hadn't he thought of this before? Equipping the agricultural soldiers with weapons and armor and then swapping the nurtured weapons for new ones was a simple solution.

"Make a note of this. But if that's the case, doesn't that mean Cao Mengde (Cao Cao) has already benefited? After Yuan Shu's 100,000-strong army was routed, they left behind their weapons and armor. If those were seized by Cao Cao, wouldn't that mean Yuan Shu is done for?" Chen Xi suddenly recalled a recent event.

"Indeed, if Yuan Shu lost that much armor and weapons, it would be tough for him, even with his vast resources," Liu Bei said, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. It was easy to overlook such a significant detail.

"This is going to be a real problem," Chen Xi said with a frown. It meant that after the battle, Cao Cao had likely gained a large number of high-quality weapons, effectively elevating his troops to the same level as Liu Bei's, if not higher. It seemed that wealth truly comes to those who seize it, and they would need to target some wealthy enemies.

"Yes, Cao Mengde has always been an ambitious figure," Liu Bei recalled, thinking back to their discussions during the Battle of Hulao Pass.

"Xuande, how long does it take for weapons to return to their original state after they are no longer nurtured by inner energy? I need to make preparations," Chen Xi asked with a sigh. There was no point in being jealous of Cao Mengde. They would have to proceed cautiously and steadily.

"Generally, once weapons are no longer used or nurtured by inner energy, they revert to their normal state within a year. However, even though they lose their enhanced properties, they still retain some of the improvements. When they are nurtured again, the process is much faster—about half the time compared to the first time," Liu Bei explained. "Of course, this only applies to regular soldiers."

"Oh, that's reassuring. As for our generals, we don't need to worry. Weapons like those of the Third Brother are always kept close by," Chen Xi said, feeling more confident now that he had a better understanding. Since Liu Bei mentioned a year, he knew that for regular soldiers, nurturing their weapons again would still be effective, although not as fast as during the first year.

"What do you plan to do now?" Liu Bei asked curiously. After all, Chen Xi had prepared heavy armor and large shields for the city guards, but now it seemed those would be unnecessary.

"We won't switch their equipment. They'll just use their previous gear," Chen Xi said with some frustration. The shiny, eye-catching new armor would have to be abandoned—it was now nothing more than a burden. The enemy could easily overpower their heavy iron shields with lighter, well-used wooden ones.

"But let them carry the large shields you made. In a year, they should be good to go," Liu Bei said with a smile. After all, the city guards didn't have heavy duties, so they could join the ranks of those upgrading their equipment.

"That's all we can do," Chen Xi said, resigned. The living energy in this world was too powerful—it completely outclassed technology. What was the point of forging high-quality steel when it was so easily overshadowed? Technology was failing them!

"What do you think of Lady Zhang's proposal? Should we let her handle it?" Liu Bei asked, returning to the topic of Lady Zhang's earlier offer.

"That depends on what Xuande thinks," Chen Xi said, pouring tea for both of them, using the action to hide his expression.

"What I think?" Liu Bei asked, puzzled.

"If Xuande takes on this task himself, there's no problem. But if the Zhen family handles it, it could be seen as inappropriate. Regardless of the situation in Jizhou, all those students would have been educated at the Zhen family's expense," Chen Xi explained with a shrug. "Of course, I don't think Lady Zhang has thought of it that way, and she probably won't mention the Zhen family's involvement either."

After a moment's thought, Liu Bei understood what Chen Xi was concerned about and nodded. "In that case, I should decline the Zhen family's goodwill. It would be better for both parties."

"There's no need to go that far," Chen Xi said, shaking his head. "When it comes to handling this matter, Xuande won't have the time to manage everything. The most suitable person would be Lady Gan. But if Xuande has any intentions toward Lady Zhang, then it would be fine to let her handle it as well."

Chen Xi's words made Liu Bei's face flush, and he waved his hand dismissively. "How could I mix personal feelings with public matters? This is official business, Zichuan. Think of another solution. There's no harm in declining the Zhen family's offer."

"I'm being honest, Xuande. If you truly have feelings for Lady Zhang, she is a good match. It's perfectly normal for her to remarry, and having her handle some matters would eliminate the need for the kind of deliberation we've had today," Chen Xi said, exasperated. He wasn't trying to provoke Liu Bei.

Liu Bei remained silent, but Chen Xi's words struck a chord. Just as Guan Ping had an interest in noble ladies who had fallen on hard times, Liu Bei couldn't help but be attracted to Lady Zhang, who was noble and graceful.

Lady Zhang, who had managed the Zhen family's affairs, was not only beautiful and of noble birth but also highly capable. Although she had shown some short-sightedness, Chen Xi had corrected that, and she had since become steady and reliable—qualities that strongly appealed to Liu Bei. However, while he was attracted to her, Liu Bei wasn't the type to harm her family for his own gain.

"If you have feelings for her, there's no harm in entrusting this matter to Lady Zhang and Lady Gan," Chen Xi said. Liu Bei's hesitation was a sign that he was inclined toward the idea but couldn't find a perfect solution.

After a long silence, Liu Bei asked an unexpected question. "Zichuan, do you think Lady Zhang's daughter, Zhen Mi, is very beautiful?"

Chen Xi was taken aback. How did the conversation take such a surprising turn? Liu Bei wanting both mother and daughter? That didn't seem like him! Even when Mi Zhen occasionally appeared before him in her official attire, Liu Bei had shown no particular interest, treating her more like a niece. And now, was he suddenly interested in someone younger than Mi Zhen? Impossible!

Liu Bei studied Chen Xi's expression for a while, then nodded and smiled. "Zichuan, you don't need to worry about this matter anymore. I'll handle it myself."