The Northern Frontier Camp of the Han army was unable to head south because of Sun Ce and his group of young men. However, it was not a solution to keep delaying there. Thus, after waiting an additional three days without Sun Ce and his companions returning, Cao Cao and Liu Bei discussed the matter and decided to march south with their battered hearts.

Before the main army could break camp, they received a war report sent by Sun Ce, explaining the reason for the delays. Hence, Cao Cao and Liu Bei left thirty thousand soldiers and supplies for three months for Sun Ce.

"You guys, in the end, I still had to help to finish the remaining political strategies within three days. Did you really work seriously? It seems you need some honing," Chen Xi said, looking at the group, as exhausted as salted fish, while he nursed dark circles under his eyes.

Previously, indeed, Chen Xi had angered many, but since this was purely based on capability, there was nothing to dispute. Yet later, during casual chat with Xun Yu, when Cao Cao and Liu Bei came over to inform them to wait another three days, regardless of whether Sun Ce returned, they all had to retreat south.

In passing, Liu Bei asked about the progress, and Chen Xi responded. Liu Bei implied that they should hurry to complete the work within these days, as who knew how much trouble awaited once they returned to Chang'an.

Naturally, the burden fell onto Chen Xi, who considered that in Chang'an, there might be a big show limiting the emperor's power, with inevitable nuisances arising. Hence, Chen Xi agreed.

For the next three days, the group worked tirelessly, managing to produce something viable as a five-year plan before breaking camp.

"Alright, Zichuan, you're amazing," Guo Jia said, yawning, barely able to keep his eyes open, burying his head into the horse's mane as he yawned, "In the last three days, I made seventeen copies, I'm impressed with myself."

"I really must be getting old," Jia Xu, equally drowsy, his mind filled with thoughts of cattle, horses, and sheep. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Cheng Yu's face seemed noticeably sagging, squinting his eyes, "In the future, don't ask us old guys for things like this; young people need to take responsibility."

Zhou Yu's situation was slightly better but still exhausted, "Clearly I'm the commander-in-chief, why am I dealing with internal affairs? In the future, we must separate military and political affairs; we can't allow ambitious yet incapable people to destroy things. We must have military and political separation."

Even Zhuge Liang now found it difficult to maintain his composure, constantly drowsy, having barely touched a bed in three days.

"So, people, unless pushed, don't know their potential," Chen Xi said, burying his head deeper into the horse's mane, weariness etched across his face.

"Though I don't know how much potential I have, I do know that in this state, a rain of arrows would be enough to take us down," Xu Shu noted, having not pushed himself too hard as he wasn't adept at administration. With decent Inner Qi Cultivation, he appeared not quite dead yet.

"At this point, forget arrows; even a meteorite falling from the sky could be smashed by those outside. It's terrible without straight roads, even carriages can't be used," Chen Xi said, head buried in the mane, "I've decided, we'll build a straight road from Youzhou back here."

"A road three zhang wide from Youzhou to here would cost over a hundred million coins, and with too few travelers, without adequate nurturing, it could crack in winter," Mi Zhu struggled to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor.

"Ha, that's not a problem, as long as there's road construction, there are people who will profit. If I build a road, villages will naturally gather on both sides, especially at intersections. Many villages like to occupy such spots," Chen Xi replied indifferently.

"But in the north, the population is sparse, unlike the Central Plains, there might not be as many people," Mi Zhu argued tiredly, being one of Liu Bei's financiers.

"Uncle, how is your injury?" Xun Youi asked Xun Yu.

"Nothing serious, just realizing your choice back then was quite good," Xun Yu nodded, "Mi Zizhong is indeed a talent."

"Not just a talent, his understanding of money and manpower is deeper than ours. The Mi Family entering the ranks of the Five Great Merchants in his generation is no coincidence," Xun Youi glanced at Mi Zhu, "Though humble in origin, his talent is sufficient to stand beside us."

"Yes, his talent is indeed able to stand alongside us," Xun Yu nodded.

"Zizhong, we should exchange ideas when we have the time. You excel in practical operations, while I'm good at theory. The two of us could complement each other," Liu Ba said, also exhausted. He had exchanged many ideas with Mi Zhu recently, both having their understanding of money.

"It would be an honor," Mi Zhu smiled, "Zichuan's theories often confuse people, and I must not waste too much of his time."

Cao Cao and Liu Bei rode ahead, watching the civil officials peacefully coexisting behind, as well as the military generals sparring with each other, feeling helpless.

At this moment, both silently cursed Liu Xie for his incompetence. If the emperor could demonstrate considerable intelligence, given the current situation, once back in Chang'an, the world would practically be united. Unfortunately, Liu Xie's foolish actions completely ruined this opportunity.