My Three Kingdoms is not right

Chaotic times are the stage for heroines to shine.

Yuan Shao of Hebei, enjoying the support of the people and commanding an army of 100,000, was poised to defeat Gongsun Zan and complete the final battle to unify the north.

Yuan Shu, who controlled the fertile land of Yangzhou, stroked the Imperial Seal of the State beside his pillow, his ambition burning with uncontrollable fervor.

Liu Biao of Jingzhou sent envoys to Xu, offering gifts and acknowledging his allegiance, only thinking of preserving the peace and prosperity of Jingxiang.

Liu Bei of Xuzhou lost his territory again due to Lü Bu's betrayal, but he did not change his mind despite his predicament.

Sun Ce of Jiangdong swept through six counties with overwhelming force, and the name "Little Conqueror" began to emerge.

The remaining forces of Li Jue and Guo Si were still fighting amongst themselves in the ruins of Sili; Ma Teng and Han Sui were at odds and suspicious of each other in Liangzhou; Liu Zhang and Zhang Lu were at loggerheads in Yizhou...

Centuries later, when people look back on this history, they will surely be moved by the ambition and dreams, aspirations and glory of this era, but few will remember the silent bones, the starving dead who did not cry, the great plague that swept across the world, and the setting sun that fell on the desolate hills.

Fortunately,

After Xu County was upgraded to Xudu, it became one of the most prosperous places in the world.

Roads were widened, city walls were raised, palaces and government offices were built everywhere, and talented people from all directions flocked in.

The city, both inside and outside, presented a kind of prosperity that was rare, even somewhat distorted, in a chaotic world.

Liu Xun comes from the modern world and is accustomed to the convenience and comfort of life. However, he had no choice but to adapt to the "roughness" of this world because he couldn't be particular about such things before.

Now that we finally have the means, we can finally improve our quality of life.

He did not want to live in the inner palace, so he asked Xun Yu for a courtyard as a separate residence, which was placed near the palace and named Wannian Garden.

This location, by analogy to the previous life, is equivalent to the Second Ring Road right next to Haizi's red walls—it couldn't be more central.

The interior of the separate residence was also extensively renovated by him.

Even just looking at the kitchen in the back courtyard, it is quite different from any kitchen at present.

The building was specially designed with interconnected stoves with multiple burners, ceramic flues leading directly to the roof, smooth bluestone slabs on the floor, and hidden terracotta trenches in the corners of the walls...

Clean, bright, and well-ventilated, it is both refreshing and tidy.

All that effort wasn't for the cook, of course, but for the master.

At that moment, the kitchen was filled with a rapid, rhythmic clatter of knives. Liu Xun was focused on the cutting board, his two knives flashing as he chopped the meat with practiced skill and perfect rhythm. With the final stroke, the familiar system notification sounded in his mind:

[Skill Upgrade!]

[Blade prowess level increased to 7, reaching a level of consummate skill.]

[Your melee combat skills have improved significantly; you are awarded 2 points of Strength.]

During his time in Xudu, he diligently began a new round of "vegetable-cutting training." He practiced every day without fail, and finally improved his blade skills by 2 levels.

[Player: Liu Xun]

[Martial prowess: 79. Invincible in the surrounding villages, but don't be too arrogant if you encounter a famous general.]

[Charm: 86 Natural beauty plus a princess aura makes you unparalleled in charm.]

[Strategy: 60. Extraordinary education will give you, with your ordinary talents, extraordinary insights.]

[Bond Attributes: None]

[Skills Overview]

[Melee: Level 7]

[Riding Skill: Level 4]

[Cooking Skills: Level 6]

With the natural accumulation and upgrades from riding horses, his martial prowess finally climbed to 79, just one step away from the threshold of 80 for becoming a renowned general.

Of course, the chopped vegetables should not be wasted.

Thus, Princess Wannian transformed into Xu Du's infamous "hospitality maniac".

Not to mention that Yang Xiu, Xu Huang, and all the officers of the Imperial Guards were often invited to his residence for meals.

Many court officials and famous scholars would occasionally receive invitations from Liu Xun.

With a level 6 culinary skill, top-notch knife skills, and an incredible charm of 86 points,

Liu Xun won over his guests' stomachs and gained immense popularity in Xudu.

"That's about it." Liu Xun glanced at the minced meat on the cutting board and instructed the cook beside him, "Fire up one batch and cook it. Send the rest directly to the military camp after you finish wrapping them."

The cook readily agreed.

Liu Xun washed his hands, straightened his robes, and walked towards the courtyard.

……

The Taoranting Pavilion in the backyard was packed with guests.

The pavilion is furnished with comfortable cushions, and a stream that originates outside the courtyard meanders through it, forming a clear pool. The babbling water adds to the tranquility of the courtyard.

Those present were all outstanding talents from the Yingchuan gentry: Zhong Yao, Du Xi, Zhao Yan, Xun You... The one sitting in the host's seat was, of course, the newly appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary and Acting Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Xun Yu.

"Fengxiao, how did your talk with Cao Cao go?" Xun Yu asked, looking at the somewhat slender and delicate young woman opposite him.

The girl's name was Guo Jia. She had just met Cao Cao yesterday, recommended by Xun Yu.

Guo Jia's face was slightly pale, but his eyes were exceptionally bright: "Lord Cao is a man of great talent and strategy, a true hero who can end the chaos of the world. I am very happy to have met such a wise ruler."

Xun Yu smiled and nodded: "What does my lord say?"

"Lord Cao has already agreed to appoint me as the Military Advisor."

"The strategist and chief advisor?"

Xun Yu was slightly taken aback. "Serving in Cao Cao's staff? Rather than being formally appointed by the imperial court?"

Almost everyone present today was recommended by him to serve as an official in the imperial court. In his view, serving as an official in the court was the proper path and a more secure future.

Guo Jia's eyes flickered, and he smiled, "I understand Lord Xun's good intentions. It's just that my health is not up to par; I can't stand being on duty all day, and I love drinking and beautiful women. If I were to become a court official, I would surely be tied up and killed."

"I'm much more comfortable in the shogunate. As long as Cao Cao tolerates me, I can do whatever I want. Isn't that wonderful?"

Guo Jia came from the Guo clan of Yingchuan. Although she was a woman from a noble family, she was far less privileged than members of high-ranking clans like the Xun and Zhong families. Lacking the heavy burden of a powerful family, she acted more freely.

Xun Yu wanted to persuade him further, but Xun You laughed and said, "Fengxiao is thoughtful and resourceful. He is perfectly suited to be in the staff office planning military strategies for Cao Cao."

Xun Yu thought for a moment, then nodded slightly: "That's fine too."

Guo Jia smiled and changed the subject, saying, "Your Highness's Wannian Garden is full of ingenuity; I have never seen such a design before."

"The most ingenious thing is the toilet. It even draws water from the well and connects to the ditch, so it can be flushed at any time. It's well-ventilated and has no odor... Tsk tsk, what a brilliant idea."

The group shared a similar sentiment, as they had been invited to Wannian Garden multiple times.

No one brought up the "toilet" incident. Upon hearing this, they couldn't help but chuckle and nodded in agreement.

Of all those present, Xun Yu was most familiar with Liu Xun.

Upon hearing Guo Jia's praise, she couldn't help but smile and say, "Your Highness is indeed a rare and extraordinary man, unparalleled throughout history."

Since the princess accompanied the emperor to Xuchang, she and the princess had become fast friends and visited each other frequently.

Ostensibly, he was there to ask for knowledge, but in reality, they hardly discussed the "I Ching." They mostly talked about everything under the sun, from ancient times to the present, and occasionally he would offer some thought-provoking and novel viewpoints.

In addition, Liu Xun was a cheerful and enthusiastic person. Although he was a member of the royal family, he had no arrogance whatsoever. Xun Yu had unknowingly come to regard him as a close friend.

"That's true," Zhong Yao shook his head slightly, "Our prince is rather indulgent in pleasure and lacks a bit of ladylike demeanor."

"Yuan Chang, your words are utterly wrong!" Guo Jia picked up a jujube and said nonchalantly, "Your Highness is not a woman, why should you be expected to behave like a lady?"

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this, and they all nodded in agreement.

They were so used to interacting with Liu Xun as colleagues that they would sometimes forget that he was actually a man.

In this world, women who indulge in pleasure are criticized for lacking ambition and being obsessed with trivial matters, but isn't it perfectly reasonable for a man to enjoy some pleasures?

Besides, he's such a handsome young man!

Moreover, as the sage said, "A virtuous lady keeps away from the kitchen."

If Liu Xun were not a man, why would he be willing to cook for everyone himself?

"He who eats another's food is bound to him; no one can speak ill of another!"

At this moment, Liu Xun stepped into the pavilion with a bright smile: "Sorry to keep you all waiting. The dumplings are in the pot and will be ready soon."

Everyone stood up, bowed, and expressed their gratitude. Guo Jia was curious about what dumplings were, but too embarrassed to ask, so he could only gaze longingly towards the kitchen.

After chatting with the others for a few moments, Liu Xun turned to Xun Yu and said, "Wenruo, I have an official matter I'd like to ask you."

"Please speak, Your Highness."

"The expense lists for the Tiger Guard and Feathered Forest Guard armies have been submitted to the Ministry of Personnel several days ago, but the allocation has been delayed. Could you please expedite the process?"

Xun Yu smiled wryly: "It's not their fault... it's just that Lord Cao's funds and provisions are insufficient."

Eh?

Even the landlord's family has run out of surplus grain?