Sima Yi glanced at the official announcement in his hand and chuckled repeatedly, "Brilliant as the great sun illuminating all, yet secretly containing such calculations, truly worthy of my main family."

"Zhongda, stop laughing. Chen Zichuan has officially begun to act against the aristocratic family. This is different from that seemingly hopeless oath two years ago; it is a real declaration now, and he already has the power to fulfill his promise." Sima Lang said with a hint of helplessness. The announcement by Xuu Zijiang might fool those below the top tier, but it falls far short of deceiving sages like Xun Yu and Sima Yi.

"Big brother, have you ever seen anything that our main family wanted to do but couldn't accomplish? I hate to admit it, but I must. His eyes seem to see through history, planning ahead, ten calculations per step." Sima Yi said with a smile to Sima Lang, showing no hesitation.

"Alas!" Sima Lang sighed and said, "Indeed, as Sima Yi said, the means of Chen Xi are always a combination of toughness and softness, never relying on one thing, and his strategies are mostly pre-meditated, only revealing themselves when they trap you in the mire."

"Rather than pay attention to such unattainable matters, we should think about how to deal with the Xianbei and the Qiang and Hu. Nowadays, Lord Cao's situation is not optimistic." Sima Yi said calmly, "As for the dealings with the aristocratic family by that person from our main family, it is still too distant for us, for our family has not yet fallen."

Sima Lang smiled wryly, feeling that today's conversation with Sima Yi was somewhat like a chicken talking to a duck.

"Big brother, rest assured. Even if he acts against the aristocratic family, one thing will never change, and that is his identity. Both you and I know the other party well. Whether it's called soft-hearted or benevolent, he has never been ruthless about anything." A strange color flashed in Sima Yi's eyes.

To be honest, Sima Yi was too lazy to evaluate Chen Xi. If he could stand at Chen Xi's height and grasp the world situation, he would definitely not proceed with such slow planning.

"I somewhat regret having been so absolute in my words back then; now I can only grit my teeth and persist. Opposites and unification are indeed not empty words!" As Sima Yi aged, his wisdom continuously grew. By now, he had gained deep insights into the book on opposites and unification from back then, and he had even started to walk his own path based on this foundation.

"What Chen Zichuan aims to achieve may only now be starting to attempt. After all, without a path ahead, even with his astounding brilliance, it is unlikely he can open the way overnight." Sima Lang shook his head and said.

The words from back then were indeed too absolute, although no one knew, the Sima brothers' nature wouldn't allow them to turn back now. Just do their duty according to their hearts.

At that time, whether victorious or defeated, it wouldn't matter much to the Sima brothers; their status ensured that even if they lost, they wouldn't come to nothing.

"Big brother, you're wrong. It's possible that Chen Zichuan already has the path in hand. That book from back then speaks truly about opposites and unification; all contradictions are interconnected, and thus there must be a balance point for resolution." Sima Yi shook his head. To this day, he had to admit that the book on opposites and unification in the Book Pavilion of Mount Tai was the most essential he had ever read. Not considering the content, just the thoughts alone far surpassed any book he had seen until now.

"This was also the opportunity for you and Kongming. Ziyu and I could only read the secondary details derived from your books. Unfortunately, those books seem to have a magical effect; the first book one encounters shocks the heart the most." Sima Lang said with a bitter smile.

Over the years, Sima Lang had also collected some classic books that had flowed out of Mount Tai. Though Cai Yan and others had polished and revised them into masterpieces for the ages, they lacked the initial shock.

To be precise, people like Sima Lang, who have a mature world view and cognitive methods, feel the deepest impact upon encountering their first book of this kind, whereas the second book is far less impressive. This is why it's referred to as an opportunity.

"Indeed, it is fate." Sima Yi said with heartfelt emotion. Those books didn't greatly increase his wisdom, but the way of understanding, that way of looking at problems, gave him fresh insight!

"Let's not talk about him; no matter how formidable he is, he has to maintain stability for a while." Sima Lang decisively changed the subject. From having nothing to his current state, it's only been a few years for Liu Xuande, and more importantly, his foundation is solid. A towering building rises from the ground; a faction fears nothing more than an unstable foundation.

"If not about him, then what else do you wish to discuss?" Sima Yi laughed and said. The world's great trend, having been deduced to this extent, is basically centered around events involving Liu Bei's faction, while matters concerning Cao Cao or Sun Ce could only be considered minor.

"Perhaps our lord is about to take action." Weighing the words, Sima Lang said.

"Though the Qiang and Hu are numerous, they are merely minor ailments." Sima Yi shook his head and said, "In contrast, what I mentioned before is the root of all problems. Liu Bei is the real enemy, so the current priority should be not only to strengthen oneself but also to weaken Liu Bei's future forces while doing so."

"Chen Zichuan is capable of making three calculations in one step; many things bear fruit naturally, planting a seed and reaping the desired results in due course. It seems entirely natural. Based solely on Lord Cao's ability, it's not just hard to catch up to him; even glimpsing his dust would be challenging." Sima Yi said mockingly.

"..." Sima Lang was helpless; the problem was brought back by Sima Yi again.

On the other side, after fulfilling the responsibilities assigned by Cao Cao, Cheng Yu began to contemplate a problem. Speaking of the civil officials under Cao Cao, who is most loyal to him, undoubtedly it is Cheng Yu. He could violate his beliefs for Cao Cao's ideals, stain his hands black, darken his heart, and even willingly be condemned by future generations.

Cheng Yu values Cao Cao's foundation the most and would go to any lengths to protect it. But now, Cao Cao's foundation has been significantly affected, with the danger of dissolution approaching.

Though Xun Yu had been scheming, one wrong war by Cao Cao could wash everything away. Without the Battle of Xuzhou, Cao Cao would now definitely lock his soldiers in Yongliang, with more than a hundred thousand armored soldiers watching over the world. Unfortunately, that battle wasted all the efforts of Xi Zhicai and Xun Yu!

This led to wasting the best opportunity for decisive victory and the strategic advantage initially gained when Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai first advanced into Yanzhou and took Nanyang.

Fortunately, he made a difficult resurgence afterward, but even today hasn't fully recovered his vital energy. Forget contending with Liu Bei; he can't even integrate Yongliang. This leaves Cheng Yu considering other methods, perhaps (. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)