Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Bei's army defeats Yuan Shao's forces in Ganling, capturing over 100,000 prisoners.
• The main challenge now is to subdue the entrenched Noble Families in the occupied territories.
• Guo Jia's family situation is discussed, highlighting the power and influence of Noble Families.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan shows understanding of the complex political landscape and the power of Noble Families.
• Zhang Fei demonstrates his unique problem-solving approach, suggesting a "smelly" strategy to demoralize the enemy.

Significant Themes

• The influence and power of Noble Families in society.
• The difficulty of maintaining control over newly acquired territories.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to changing times.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Zhang Fei's interaction highlights their contrasting personalities and thinking processes.
• Liu Bei, Dian Wei, Zhao Yun, and Hua Xiong's reactions to Zhang Fei's idea show their shared disgust and amusement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Bei and his officers discuss strategies while eating hot pot.
• Zhang Fei proposes using catapults to hurl pots of feces onto Ganling City to force a surrender due to the stench.
• Wang Xuan teases Zhang Fei about his plan, causing him to spray wine everywhere.
• In Ganling City, Yuan Shao's strategists discuss the situation outside the city, realizing they are being ignored by the besiegers.

Character Developments

• Zhang Fei shows unexpected strategic thinking but is also easily provoked.
• Wang Xuan demonstrates his wit and humor, teasing Zhang Fei.
• Yuan Shao's strategists, particularly Guo Tu and Xun Chen, grapple with their pride and the reality of their situation.

Significant Themes

• Pride and Humility: Guo Tu and Xun Chen struggle with their pride, unable to accept being ignored by Wang Xuan.
• Strategic Thinking: Zhang Fei's unconventional plan highlights the importance of adaptability and unconventional tactics in warfare.
• Disregard and Indifference: The besiegers' indifference towards Ganling City underscores the strategic advantage they hold.

Character Interactions

• Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, Wang Xuan, and Zhao Yun interact playfully while discussing strategy.
• Guo Tu and Xun Chen clash over their interpretation of the besiegers' disregard for Ganling City.
• Yuan Shao's strategists discuss the city's situation, revealing their frustration and helplessness.

**Summary of the chapter"
**Key plot points and events":

• Yuan Shao's death"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shao's death is reported to Liu Bei's court.
• Wang Xuan provokes Xun Chen, Yuan Shao's envoy, by dismissing Yuan Shao's death as unimportant and mocking it.
• Wang Xuan argues that an enemy's death should be celebrated, not mourned, causing Xun Chen distress.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his sharp wit, sarcasm, and disregard for political correctness.
• Xun Chen shows his loyalty and respect for his late lord, Yuan Shao, but struggles to maintain composure against Wang Xuan's verbal onslaught.
• Liu Bei maintains his dignity and composure throughout the exchange, showing his understanding of his role as a rightful heir to the Han throne.

Significant Themes

• The mocking of the deceased and the disrespect towards the envoy highlight the political tension and lack of unity among the warring states.
• Wang Xuan's argument about celebrating an enemy's death raises questions about loyalty, respect, and the nature of war.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Xun Chen engage in a verbal sparring match, with Wang Xuan using sarcasm and logic to discomfort Xun Chen.
• Liu Bei and Wang Xuan have a moment of understanding, with Wang Xuan reminding Liu Bei of his rightful place in the world.
• The other characters, such as Guo Jia and Dian Wei, show amusement and support for Wang Xuan's antics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces the release of a new book, "Hong Kong Nine Villains," set in the Hong Kong film universe.
• The author reveals that the current book, "Hong Kong Island Storm," is nearing completion in about two months.
• The author shares plans for the next book, which will be urban-themed and exhilarating, similar to the first instance, "Young and Dangerous."

Character Developments (Author's Perspective)

• The author expresses their financial struggles due to the pandemic, which has led to the collapse of their original business.
• The author shows appreciation for their readers' support and understanding, but also feels the pressure to earn a living through writing.

Significant Themes

• Financial struggles and the impact of the pandemic on the author's livelihood.
• Appreciation for loyal readers and the importance of staying true to the story.

Character Interactions (Author-Reader)

• The author interacts with readers by responding to their queries and suggestions, showing transparency about their writing plans and financial situation.
• Readers express concern for the author's well-being and offer advice, creating a supportive community.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shao's death prompts a funeral procession, which Wang Xuan uses to express his stance.
• Wang Xuan dismisses the funeral arrangements as outside his concern, angering Xun Chen.
• Xun Chen reports Wang Xuan's words to Guo Tu, Xu You, and others, causing displeasure among them.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows disregard for Yuan Shao's funeral, indicating his focus on the living and Liu Bei's growing power.
• Xun Chen: Becomes angry and disgruntled due to Wang Xuan's dismissive attitude.
• Guo Tu, Xu You, and others: Express displeasure at Wang Xuan's words, believing their talents are undervalued.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reputation and family background in the selection of talent.
• Liu Bei's growing power and the changing political landscape.
• The struggle between established norms and new realities.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Xun Chen: Wang Xuan's dismissive attitude towards Yuan Shao's funeral angers Xun Chen.
• Xun Chen and Guo Tu, Xu You: Xun Chen shares his anger with Guo Tu and Xu You, who express their displeasure at Wang Xuan's words.
• Guo Tu, Xu You, and others: They discuss their talents and reputation, believing they are undervalued by Liu Bei and Wang Xuan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shao's former subordinates, including Xu You, Guo Tu, and Feng Ji, discuss surrendering to Liu Bei, believing they can help him govern the world better than Yuan Shao.
• Qu Yi, a general under Yuan Shao, listens to their plans and finds them ironic, as they had previously criticized him for disrespecting Yuan Shao.
• Xu You and his group visit Liu Bei, but Wang Xuan, Liu Bei's advisor, interrupts their introductions and asks why they're there instead of arranging Yuan Shao's funeral.

Character Developments

• Xu You and his group show ambition and a desire for power, believing they can help Liu Bei govern better than Yuan Shao.
• Qu Yi remains loyal to Yuan Shao's memory and finds the others' behavior ironic and disrespectful.
• Wang Xuan demonstrates his sharp tongue and lack of respect for protocol, interrupting Xu You's introductions.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle among warlords.
• Loyalty and disrespect towards a fallen leader.
• The contrast between the practical and the theoretical in governance.

Character Interactions

• Xu You and his group interact with Liu Bei, expecting a warm welcome but encounter Wang Xuan's rudeness.
• Qu Yi interacts with Xu You and his group, finding their behavior ironic and disrespectful to Yuan Shao.
• Liu Bei and Wang Xuan interact, with Wang Xuan taking the lead in questioning Xu You and his group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Bei has acquired three prefectures, and scholars come to find him, led by Xu You.
• Wang Xuan, a sharp-tongued scholar, provokes Xu You, leading to a heated exchange.
• Xu You and others try to warn Liu Bei about the potential backlash from the aristocratic clan class if he changes the rules in the newly acquired territories.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows his sharp wit and sarcasm, provoking Xu You and others, and exposing their hypocrisy.
• Xu You: Reveals his thin skin and lack of control over his emotions, getting easily provoked by Wang Xuan.
• Liu Bei: Maintains his composure despite the chaos, showing his political acumen and understanding of the underlying meanings in Xu You's warnings.

Significant Themes

• Hypocrisy of the Aristocratic Clan Class: The scholars, despite their high status, engage in unethical practices and try to cover up their actions.
• Political Manipulation: Liu Bei is warned about the potential backlash from the aristocratic clan class if he changes the rules in the newly acquired territories.
• Wit and Intelligence: Wang Xuan's sharp wit and intelligence are showcased as he exposes the scholars' hypocrisy.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan vs. Xu You: Wang Xuan provokes Xu You, leading to a heated exchange that exposes Xu You's thin skin and lack of control.
• Liu Bei vs. Scholars: Liu Bei maintains his composure and understanding of the political situation, despite the scholars' attempts to warn him.
• Scholars vs. Wang Xuan: The scholars try to argue with Wang Xuan but are repeatedly stumped by his sharp wit and sarcasm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu You and his group, former advisors to Yuan Shao, approach Liu Bei to offer their services, hoping he'll reconsider and accept their help.
• Wang Xuan, a strategist in Liu Bei's camp, challenges Xu You's group, questioning their motives and methods.
• Wang Xuan argues against the need to stabilize the region, asserting that the common people's opinions are irrelevant.

Character Developments

• Xu You and his group: They display arrogance and entitlement, expecting Liu Bei to accept their offer due to their family backgrounds and past achievements. They struggle to respond to Wang Xuan's provocations.
• Wang Xuan: He shows confidence in Liu Bei's ability to govern without their help, demonstrating a unique perspective on governance and the common people's role in it.
• Liu Bei: He remains mostly silent, observing the exchange between Xu You and Wang Xuan.

Significant Themes

• Hubris and Entitlement: Xu You and his group exhibit these traits, expecting special treatment from Liu Bei due to their past accomplishments and family backgrounds.
• Governance and the Role of the Common People: Wang Xuan challenges the conventional view that governing requires the support of the common people, arguing that they play a minimal role in the process.

Character Interactions

• Xu You vs. Wang Xuan: The two engage in a heated debate, with Xu You struggling to counter Wang Xuan's arguments and Wang Xuan questioning Xu You's understanding of governance.
• Liu Bei vs. Xu You's Group: Liu Bei's silent observation of the exchange implies his disapproval of Xu You's group's arrogance and entitlement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan tests Xu You and his group's knowledge in agriculture, industry, and commerce, finding them lacking in practical understanding.
• Wang Xuan emphasizes the importance of these fields for the country's development and the people's well-being.
• Xin Ping argues that such knowledge is beneath scholars, angering Wang Xuan, who slaps him.
• Wang Xuan's intense killing intent terrifies Xu You and his group, causing them to faint.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows his disdain for the group's ignorance and lack of practical knowledge. Demonstrates his power and ruthlessness.
• Xu You and his group: Realize their shortcomings in practical knowledge and experience Wang Xuan's terrifying power.
• Liu Bei: Tries to protect Xu You and his group from Wang Xuan's wrath.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical knowledge and skills in governing a country.
• The contrast between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan vs. Xu You and his group: Wang Xuan tests and belittles Xu You and his group, while they struggle to answer his questions.
• Wang Xuan vs. Xin Ping: Wang Xuan slaps Xin Ping for his disrespectful remark.
• Liu Bei vs. Wang Xuan: Liu Bei tries to intervene when Wang Xuan's killing intent threatens Xu You and his group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's killing intent is felt by everyone, making them realize their esteemed scholar status offers no protection.
• Xun Chen steps forward to challenge Wang Xuan's methods, arguing for the use of subordinates and defined rewards and punishments.
• Wang Xuan criticizes Xun Chen and the scholar-official class, questioning their right to rule and their ability to make decisions.
• Wang Xuan suggests that the scholar-official class is responsible for the empire's problems and implies that physical elimination might be necessary.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows his disregard for the scholar-official class and their methods, preferring practical solutions and individual merit.
• Xun Chen: Struggles to defend his position and the scholar-official class but is unable to counter Wang Xuan's arguments.
• Liu Bei: Realizes the harm the scholar-official class has caused the empire and understands Wang Xuan's perspective.

Significant Themes

• The Role of Scholars: Wang Xuan challenges the traditional role of scholars, questioning their right to rule and their effectiveness.
• Merit vs. Lineage: Wang Xuan argues for individual merit over lineage and inherited status.
• Practical Solutions vs. Traditional Methods: Wang Xuan prefers practical, real-world solutions over following ancestral precedents.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan vs. Xun Chen: Wang Xuan criticizes and humbles Xun Chen, who struggles to defend his position.
• Wang Xuan vs. Scholar-Official Class: Wang Xuan expresses his disdain for the scholar-official class and their methods.
• Liu Bei vs. Wang Xuan: Liu Bei understands Wang Xuan's perspective and realizes the harm caused by the scholar-official class.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shao's funeral procession leaves for Runan, seven days after his death.
• Liu Bei ignores Yuan Shao's death, causing shock and disorientation among the Noble Families.
• Xu You and others escort Yuan Shao's body to Runan and pledge allegiance to Cao Cao.
• Liu Bei annexes three prefectures (Jizhou, half of Xuzhou, Mount Tai Commandery), becoming the foremost lord in the realm.
• Cao Cao moves his base from Chenliu Commandery to Yuzhou, Liang State, due to Liu Bei's rapid expansion.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his strategic prowess, orchestrating Liu Bei's rapid expansion.
• Cao Cao realizes the extent of Wang Xuan's cunning and the danger his army faces.
• Liu Bei's reputation grows as he becomes the foremost lord, holding half of the Han Dynasty's territory.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power among lords and the impact of their actions on the realm.
• Strategic Planning: The importance of long-term planning and foresight in warfare and politics.
• Reputation and Legitimacy: The role of reputation and legitimacy in gaining support and maintaining power.

Character Interactions

• Liu Bei vs. Yuan Shao: Liu Bei's indifference towards Yuan Shao's death contrasts with the latter's ambition, highlighting their differing approaches to power.
• Cao Cao vs. Wang Xuan: Cao Cao's realization of Wang Xuan's strategic planning and the threat it poses to his own army.
• Noble Families vs. Liu Bei: The shock and disorientation of the Noble Families due to Liu Bei's indifference towards Yuan Shao's death, highlighting their expectations of proper protocol.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cao Cao laughs off the recent attack, thanking Liu Bei for taking the hit intended for him.
• Cao Cao's advisors, Xun Yu and Chen Qun, discuss Liu Bei's weaknesses:
  • Liu Bei lacks support from noble families.
  • He has a shortage of officials to govern his territories.
  • His rapid expansion has drawn animosity from other noble families.
• Cao Cao decides to strengthen his army and wait for Liu Bei's weaknesses to strike.
• Yuan Shu rejoices at Yuan Shao's death, seeing it as a boost to his own power.
• Liu Biao feels jealous of Liu Bei's success and plans to make an issue of Zhang Ji's allegiance to Liu Bei.

Character Developments

• Cao Cao shows relief and amusement at the recent events, but also concern about Liu Bei's potential threats.
• Xun Yu and Chen Qun demonstrate their strategic thinking and understanding of Liu Bei's weaknesses.
• Liu Biao shows jealousy and resentment towards Liu Bei's success.

Significant Themes

• The influence of noble families on politics and power dynamics.
• The importance of officials and governance in maintaining a territory.
• The consequences of rapid expansion and lack of support from noble families.

Character Interactions

• Cao Cao interacts with his advisors, Xun Yu and Chen Qun, discussing Liu Bei's weaknesses and their future strategy.
• Liu Biao interacts with Cai Mao, expressing his jealousy and resentment towards Liu Bei and planning to make an issue of Zhang Ji's allegiance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Jue and Guo Si, worried about Liu Bei's growing power after defeating Yuan Shao, discuss their concerns about their grain supply and potential military threat from Liu Bei.
• Liu Bei, now in control of three provinces, faces a severe shortage of officials, leading to chaos and resistance from local noble families.
• Wang Xuan (Zaizhi) proposes a firm stance against compromising with the noble families, threatening severe consequences if they cross the line.

Character Developments

• Li Jue and Guo Si show their military prowess but struggle with strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Wang Xuan demonstrates his ruthless and unyielding approach to governance, willing to cause short-term chaos for long-term gain.
• Liu Bei shows trust in Wang Xuan's judgment and supports his decisions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between new power (Liu Bei) and established power (local noble families).
• The necessity of firm principles in governance, even at the cost of short-term chaos.
• The importance of a strong foundation (Qingzhou) in supporting expansion and development.

Character Interactions

• Li Jue and Guo Si's interaction shows their differing opinions on how to handle the Liu Bei situation, with Li Jue preferring a direct approach and Guo Si being more cautious.
• Wang Xuan's interaction with Liu Bei and other advisors demonstrates his ability to influence decisions and his willingness to take bold, unpopular stances.
• Wang Xuan's threat to the noble families shows his determination to assert control and eliminate any resistance to his rule.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan suggests that even if all Noble Families in the three prefectures were killed, governing would be easier, similar to Qingzhou.
• He proposes a 'point-to-surface' method for managing the prefectures, focusing on developing key areas to drive overall growth.
• Wang Xuan hints at a plan to eliminate Noble Families in Jizhou to seize land and wealth, tempting Liu Bei with the prospect of accelerated development.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his ruthless and pragmatic nature, willing to consider drastic measures for political gain.
• Liu Bei shows temptation towards Wang Xuan's plan but is held back by moral and political considerations.
• Ju Shou, a newly surrendered official, shows loyalty and concern for Liu Bei's reputation and the stability of the region.

Significant Themes

• Pragmatism vs. Morality: Wang Xuan's ruthless strategies contrast with Ju Shou's moral concerns.
• Power and Control: The struggle for power and control over resources and land between the state and Noble Families.
• Development and Prosperity: The desire to develop and prosper the region, with differing views on how to achieve it.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan challenges Liu Bei's moral stance and tempts him with the prospect of accelerated development.
• Ju Shou confronts Wang Xuan's plans, showing loyalty and concern for Liu Bei's reputation.
• Liu Bei is torn between Wang Xuan's tempting offer and Ju Shou's moral concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Bei and his strategist, Wang Xuan, discuss administrative changes due to their expanding territory.
• They decide to move their administrative seat from Linzi to Jizhou (modern-day Shijiazhuang) due to its strategic location.
• Liu Bei and Wang Xuan discuss the possibility of Liu Bei proclaiming himself king, given the absence of a Han emperor and the need to provide direction and legitimacy to their rule.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his strategic prowess and political acumen, advocating for Liu Bei's coronation to solidify their rule and provide hope for the Han family.
• Liu Bei shows decisiveness and understanding of the political landscape, agreeing to Wang Xuan's proposal without excessive pretense.

Significant Themes

• Legitimacy and direction in governance: Wang Xuan emphasizes the need for Liu Bei to proclaim himself king to provide hope, legitimacy, and direction to their rule and the people under it.
• Adaptability: Liu Bei and Wang Xuan adapt to the changing political landscape, acknowledging that Liu Bei's coronation is now necessary due to the absence of a Han emperor.

Character Interactions

• Liu Bei and Wang Xuan have a private conversation, reflecting their close relationship and mutual trust. Wang Xuan openly shares his strategic thoughts, and Liu Bei values his opinion.
• Liu Bei and Wang Xuan's interaction displays a balance of power and mutual respect, with Liu Bei making decisions based on Wang Xuan's advice but not being entirely swayed by it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan reveals his desire to be appointed as Imperial Advisor, a position Liu Bei is unfamiliar with.
• Liu Bei is surprised and confused by Wang Xuan's request, as the position is unprecedented in their time.
• Wang Xuan admits to being a Taoist priest and declines Liu Bei's offer to be enfeoffed as a marquis or appointed prime minister.
• Liu Bei agrees to appoint Wang Xuan as Imperial Advisor.
• Wang Xuan publicly proposes Liu Bei's coronation as King of Han, which is met with approval from officials.
• Liu Bei is crowned King of Han after three requests and three refusals, following a grand coronation ceremony.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Reveals his true identity as a Taoist priest, demonstrates his imposing presence and vast killing intent, and expresses his disinterest in political power.
• Liu Bei: Shows surprise and confusion at Wang Xuan's request, acknowledges Wang Xuan's abilities, and agrees to his appointment as Imperial Advisor. He also accepts his coronation as King of Han.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue: Wang Xuan's influence over Liu Bei and the political landscape, as well as the noble families' reactions to Liu Bei's coronation.
• Ambition and legacy: Liu Bei's desire to establish his rule and Wang Xuan's role in facilitating this ambition.
• The role of advisors: Wang Xuan's unique position as Imperial Advisor, separate from traditional political roles.

Character Interactions

• Liu Bei and Wang Xuan: Their interaction reveals Wang Xuan's true identity and his influence over Liu Bei's political decisions. They display a high level of trust and understanding.
• Noble families: Their reactions to Liu Bei's coronation demonstrate their insecurity and desire to maintain their influence, setting the stage for potential conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Bei delays his coronation due to the chaotic state of the newly occupied territories.
• Wang Xuan hopes for the Noble Families' issues to erupt simultaneously to make a swift decision.
• The heads of Julujun's top Noble Families discuss their stance on Liu Bei's rule.
• They decide to manipulate Li Ru's past to discredit Liu Bei and actively cooperate with him to undermine his authority.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan shows his strategic thinking and ruthlessness in handling the Noble Families.
• The Noble Families' heads reveal their cunning and manipulative nature, prioritizing their interests over the common people's.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle between Liu Bei and the Noble Families.
• Manipulation of public opinion and historical events for personal gain.
• The common people's suffering as a result of political machinations.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Liu Bei: Wang Xuan's plans reflect Liu Bei's strategic thinking, but Liu Bei's employment of Li Ru could backfire due to Wang Xuan's manipulation.
• The Noble Families' heads: They collaborate to undermine Liu Bei's authority and maintain their influence, showing unity in their opposition to Liu Bei.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jizhou's Noble Families implement a governance method that quickly stabilizes the region, freeing it from war effects within a week.
• Liu Bei and his advisors discuss this development in Ye City.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan (Zaizhi) shows political acumen and strategic thinking, understanding the Noble Families' tactics and proposing countermeasures.
• Liu Bei demonstrates concern for the common people's hearts and minds, prioritizing their support over immediate gains.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between central authority (Qingzhou/Liu Bei) and local power (Noble Families/Jizhou).
• The manipulation of public opinion and governance methods.
• The tension between short-term gains and long-term stability.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Liu Bei: Wang Xuan advises Liu Bei, who values his input but is initially reluctant to adopt Wang Xuan's more drastic suggestions.
• Wang Xuan and Li Ru: They share a mutual understanding and appreciation for each other's strategic thinking.
• Liu Bei and his advisors (Xi Zhicai, Guo Jia, etc.): They discuss the situation, with some expressing uncertainty or disagreement with Wang Xuan's proposals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter discusses the power dynamics between the imperial family, the Noble Families (Scholars), and the commoners in the Great Han Dynasty.
• Wang Xuan, Guo Jia, and others discuss strategies to counter the Noble Families' control over knowledge and power.
• Wang Xuan proposes opening bookstores and establishing village schools to promote literacy, but also as a means to challenge the Noble Families' power.
• He also suggests reforming the Garrison soldier system into a Police Department and creating a Legal Affairs Department to divide local officials' power and check the Noble Families' influence.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his strategic thinking and cunning, using seemingly benevolent policies to undermine the Noble Families' power.
• Tian Feng initially suspects Wang Xuan's intentions but later apologizes after understanding the benefits of Wang Xuan's proposals.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in feudal society.
• The struggle between the imperial family, the Noble Families, and the commoners.
• The use of knowledge and education as tools for social change.
• The division of power to prevent corruption and strengthen central authority.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with Guo Jia, Liu Bei, Jia Xu, Tian Feng, Xi Zhicai, and others, presenting his ideas and responding to their reactions.
• Tian Feng initially expresses skepticism but later apologizes to Wang Xuan, showing a shift in his perspective.
• Jia Xu remains critical and disdainful of Wang Xuan's methods but acknowledges their effectiveness.