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Liu Ye's arrival was very formal, first presenting a visitation card, then requesting the Imperial Clan Court to bear witness, and only then did he join Liu Bei's forces. Such a manner of joining meant he could hardly afford to betray later, for the sake of his own dignity. Historically, Liu Ye defected to Cao Cao only because he saw no hope left, but now with hope on the horizon, he was naturally willing to take a gamble.
Chen Xi was also quite familiar with both Liu Ye and Mann Chong. Their abilities were overshadowed by the "halo" of the Cao Clan's five Strategists, but they were not to be underestimated. Moreover, these two were at opposite extremes: Liu Ye tailored his words to his audience, while Mann Chong was the stern-faced cruel official, a perfect complementary character.