If you want to read 15 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
With a firm voice, Sun Jian declared his formal abdication from his position as the head of the Sun Clan, passing the mantle of leadership to Sun Ce. Sun Ce, though filled with a mix of emotions, stepped forward to accept his father's decision and the responsibility that came with it. With a determined expression, he pledged to honor his father's legacy and lead the Sun Clan with courage, wisdom, and integrity.
The moment Sun Ce's word fell, everyone in the room gave a loud applause and cheered for Sun Ce. The Veterans led by Huang Gai have the loudest voices and swear to serve Sun Ce loyally like they were serving Sun Jian previously.
Sun Ce gave his thanks to everyone in the room and raised a toast for Sun Jian to thank him and honor him for what he has done for the Sun Clan, and hope for him to live a long and healthy life to see the Sun Clan rise even further under his hand.
Everyone followed suit and wished Sun Jian a long and healthy life, which Sun Jian received by drinking the wine in his cup in a single gulp, and with that, the fest continued with a more festive and happy atmosphere.
The feast ended late at night and everyone returned to their residence either drunk or already passed out due to the wine, and it was The next morning when Sun Jian, Sun Ce, Huan Jie, Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, Zhou Yu, and Sun Clan's Veteran Generals held a meeting to discuss Sun Ce's ceremony.
This was the first succession ceremony that happened in the land not caused by death or war, so Huan Jie wanted to have a solemn ceremony that could increase Sun Ce's prestige and become a happy event inviting their closest allies.
Zhang Zhao hearing what Huan Jie said agreed with his words, Sun Ce needed legitimacy from another lord to be recognized as the leader of the Sun Clan, and one of the Warlords of the land.
This statement receives support from Huan Jie, Zhang Hong, and Zhou Yu who understand Zhang Zhao's point. At this point, Sun Ce needs some kind of legitimacy to be acknowledged by the other Warlords.
Unlike Zhang Yan who could be considered to be of the same generation as the first generation of Warlords due to him leading a large number of Yellow Turban remnants and bandits, Sun Ce needs some form of recognition from other lords due to him succeeding through inheritance and Sun Jian still alive.
On the other hand, the Veteran generals were offended because they felt that Sun Ce didn't need some kind of recognition from others, and the only recognition he needed was from the retainers and people under Sun Clan's leadership.
Huang Gai: "Preposterous! The Young Lord doesn't need any form of recognition from outsiders! He only needs the recognition of the people of Sun Clan!"
Cheng Pu: "That's true! The Young Lord has proven himself on the battlefield many times, and his merit itself proves that he is fit to rule and replace The Old Lord."
Han Dang: "Are you saying that the Young Lord isn't fit to replace the Old Lord?! Then why do you give your agreement in the first place?!"
Zhang Zhao: "Generals please calm down, it's not that I don't trust the Young Lord, but this is an important step because if the Young Lord isn't recognized by the other Warlords, we will be ostracized and left alone without any allies."
Zhou Yu: "What Master Zhang Zhao said is true, The Young Lord needs outside recognition just like the Old Lord is recognized by all as the Tiger of Jiangdong, even though now the Young Lord has his own moniker but it's only in the Jing Province and Yang Province."
Sun Jian: "Okay okay Old Huang, Old Cheng, and Old Han calm down. What both Zhang Zhao and Gonglu said is true, I think we only need one lord to recognize and he also can be invited, Lie Fan is the best candidate I have in mind what do you all think?"
Sun Jian's voice calmed down the rowdy veteran generals because neither Zhou Yu nor Zhang Zhao doesn't hold enough prestige in the hearts of the veterans to truly calm them down, only Sun Jian and maybe Sun Ce could calm them down.
Huan Jie, Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Zhou Yu on the other hand agree with Sun Jian's choice to invite Lie Fan, because he could be said to be the closest ally to the Sun Clan right now and the reason the Sun Clan could achieve some of it's achievements today.
Sun Ce also gave his agreement, he was excited to meet Lie Fan once again because he wanted to exchange some knowledge and experience, especially since now he become a lord replacing his father.
Next, he ordered Zhang Zhao to draft the letter of invitation and then send it to his desk to be stamped with the official seal of the Sun Clan and then sent to Lie Fan with Zhou Yu as the messenger and accompanied by Zhou Tai.
Zhang Zhao nods his head receiving the order, and next Zhang Hong asks for the number of coins they will spend for the ceremony so that he can arrange it, to ensure the level of prestige it will show for Sun Ce.
Sun Ce assigns around 40% of this month's taxes for the ceremony, and he then asks Sun Jian and Zhou Yu if this is enough. Both Sun Jian and Zhou Yu replied saying that it was more than enough, receiving their agreement Sun Ce assigned Huan Jie and Zhang Hong to prepare for the ceremony.
Seeing that everything needed was done, Sun Ce ended the meeting, and everyone who had been given their assignment immediately headed to do their task, while Sun Ce, Sun Jian, and Zhou Yu stayed to discuss some government affairs.
Several days passed by and Zhang Zhao finished drafting the letter of invitation for Lie Fan and then sent it to Sun Ce who read the draft letter before approving it and then tasked Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai to send it to Lie Fan at Xiapi.
Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai brought 200 men as guards and set off to Xiapi, passing through Lie Fan's domain where they were escorted by Lie Fan's patrol before arriving at Jianye, where they crossed to Guangling.
Arriving at Guangling they were welcomed by Sima Lang who had become the Governor of Guanhling welcomed the two of them after receiving information from the Oriole about their presence.
Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai were surprised by how young Sima Lang was and already become the Governor of a major town, but they hid their surprise, Zhou Yu had a conversation with Sima Lang and soon he was astonished and impressed by Sima Lang's talent and knowledge.
After spending a day to rest in Guangling, Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai continued their journey to Xiapi. It took them around three weeks to reach their destination, where they were warmly welcomed by Chen Qun and Liu Ye at the Southern Gate of Xiapi.
Following the exchange of greetings, they proceeded to Xiapi's Governor Castle, where Lie Fan and his officials awaited their arrival. As they entered the castle, Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai were eager to discuss matters of importance with Lie Fan and his advisors.
Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai greet Lie Fan and all of his advisors who were present at the main hall, Lie Fan takes the lead in greeting them back and telling the two of them to take a seat on the chair prepared for them.
After Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai take their seat, Lie Fan congratulates Zhou Yu on the Sun Clan's victories against Liu Biao managing to snatch 3 counties from Liu Biao.
Zhou Yu thanked Lie Fan for his words and also congratulated Lie Fan on his victories against Liu Biao managing to take Jiangxia and even have Huang Zu surrender, bolstering the navy under Lie Fan's leadership.
This surprised Lie Fan and his advisors as to how Zhou Yu knew about Huang Zu's surrender, Lie Fan gazed at Jia Xu signaling him to tighten the Oriole's network around Jiangxia.
Because no one should have known about Huang Zu's surrender, as they have spread about him being captured and put into prison. This means there's an information leak from Jiangxia, and Lie Fan wants it to be tightened even more so no one else knows about this matter.
He believes that Zhou Yu knew that he shouldn't spread this matter outside because he knew the consequences would be devastating for the Sun Clan, which was much weaker than him, especially with the Navy under him which was much stronger than the Sun Clan's navy.
Lie Fan: " *ahem* Well then I would like to ask about the purpose of the two of you coming here to Xiapi, I think it wouldn't be to discuss small matters if they send General Zhou Yu as the messenger."
Zhou Yu: "Lord Lie Fan is too kind, I'm a nobody compared to Lord Lie Fan who has done much more accomplishment than me, the reason for my visit today to Xiapi is to extend an invitation to Lord Lie Fan on behalf of My Lord."
Lie Fan: "Oh? Don't tell me Sun Ce will hold his marriage this year. Haha! Finally, the Little Tiger of Jiangdong will have a wife! I never expected the young man I met several years ago will be wed now, ha... I feel a little old now."
Zhou Yu: "No Lord Lie Fan you misunderstood, the invitation is not about the Young Lord going to hold his wedding, of course, I wish for him to find his match as soon as possible. The invitation is about the coronation of the Young Lord as the new leader of the Sun Clan."
Lie Fan: "What?! Does something happen to Brother Wentai?! Is he sick?! Why didn't he or you or anyone else send letters to me, I will send both Master Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing to cure him or identify his illness."
Zhou Yu seeing the reaction coming from Lie Fan was touched because he didn't expect Lie Fan to truly consider Sun Jian as his brother, caring about Sun Jian to such a degree not knowing that this was all an act from Lie Fan because he already knows about this matter before Zhou Yu arrived at Xiapi form the Oriole, he was doing this to increase the goodwill of Zhou Yu and to some extend the Sun Clan toward him.
_____________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 29 (196 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 2,462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,071,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 93
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
If you want to read 15 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
Zhou Yu seeing the reaction coming from Lie Fan was touched because he didn't expect Lie Fan to truly consider Sun Jian as his brother, caring about Sun Jian to such a degree not knowing that this was all an act from Lie Fan because he already knows about this matter before Zhou Yu arrived at Xiapi from the Oriole, he was doing this to increase the goodwill of Zhou Yu and to some extend the Sun Clan toward him.
Lie Fan knew that the Sun Clan would be a very important chess piece in the future. If Sima Yi wasn't interested in Wannian, Lie Fan might be thinking about pairing Wannian with Sun Ce or Sun Quan, making the Sun Clan have a very close relationship with him.
Of course, that's if Wannian was interested in either two of the Sun Brothers and now he already has a prospective Brother In Law trying to prove himself, Sima Yi who was standing beside him right now as his page.
He doesn't want to antagonize the person who single handedly caused Wei to be severely weakened, allowing his son Sima Zhao to overthrow the Cao Clan and establish the Jin Dynasty.
That's if Wannian wanted to be with Sima Yi, if she didn't want that there was nothing he could do, and Sima Yi needed to accept her decision, if not then he could only say sorry and disable Sima Yi, not kill him but there are many ways for him to make Sima Yi disabled or vanish if he ever becomes a liability.
Seeing the sincere look of gratitude on Zhou Yu'd face, Lie Fan asked once again if Sun Jian had a hidden illness Zhou Yu woke up from his thoughts then replied to Lie Fan's question, that Sun Jian didn't have any illness but wanted to have Sun Ce succeed him because he feels unfit to rule with his disability.
Lie Fan hearing this nods his head and heaves a sigh of relief for Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai to see, saying that he was relieved to hear that and adding that he feels Sun Jain doesn't need to be embarrassed and feels unfit to rule but if that what's he decided then he supported his decision.
Zhou Yu thanked Lie Fan for the support he has for Sun Jian, and then continued by asking will he attend Sun Ce's coronation ceremony. Lie Fan gave his agreement to attend the ceremony and asked when it would be held.
Zhou Yu told Lie Fan that it would be held at the end of this year, which will be 2 and a half years from now, and told Lie Fan he could bring his entire family which was requested by Sun Jian since he wanted the two clans to become much closer.
Before Lie Fan could say a word, Jia Xu cut in and asked if the Sun Clan could ensure the safety of Lie Fan's family. He believes that Lie Fan can protect himself with the strength he possesses, but Lie Fan's family consists of defenseless ladies and children.
Zhou Yu stood up from his chair and solemnly swore that the Sun Clan would ensure the security of the Ceremony and the capital of the Sun Clan. if Jia Xu doesn't believe him, Lie Fan could bring any amount of men until he feels that his family would be safe.
Lie Fan: "Alright Wenhe you see that General Zhou Yu has sworn that my family would be safe there, don't corner him anymore I'm sure that he doesn't want harm to befall my family at their capital."
Zhou Yu: "Of Course Lord Lie Fan! You are our honored guest and the Old Lord's comrade in arms, so the safety of you and your family is our primary concern!"
Jia Xu: "Since My Lord and General Zhou Yu have said so, then I will believe the two of you but just for safety I think My Lord should bring General Ji Ling and General Zhao Yun for further protection."
Lie Fan: "Isn't this a bit overkill Wenhe, I could understand about Ji Ling but Brother Zilong is our honored guest, and not my subordinate I'm afraid such a matter would offend him."
Lu Zhi: "Don't worry My Lord, I will help My Lord to convey the message to General Zhao, he and old Zhu alongside old Huangfu have grown closer thanks to him joining in the security of Xu Province when you go out on your campaign on Jiangxia."
Lie Fan: "I see then I entrust his matter to Master Lu Zhi, if Brother Zilong doesn't agree then I could bring Xu Rong with me and the Tian Mao Battalion."
Lu Zhi cupped his hand toward Lie Fan receiving the order, while Zhou Yi stood aside just listening and observing the exchange happening in the hall, and he was truly astounded by the caliber of advisors Lie Fan surrounded himself with.
If the Sun Clan and Lie Fan ever stood on the opposite side in the future, he doesn't think the Sun Clan would win the war because the power of their think tank is vastly inferior to Lie Fan's think tank.
With the matter done, Lie Fan asked Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai to enjoy the delicacies prepared for them and he excused himself as he wanted to inform his family to prepare for their journey, and he appointed Jia Xu and Chen Qun to entertain their guest.
Both Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai gave their understanding and thanked Lie Fan for preparing such delicacies, Lie Fan waved his hand saying that it was his obligation to feel comfortable, and then he left the main hall leaving Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai to be entertained by his advisors.
Leaving the Governor's Castle, Lie Fan boarded his carriage with Sima Yi and was escorted by his bodyguards returning to his residence.
When he arrived, he saw Lu Lingqi standing outside his residence entrance with Lady Yan accompanied by their handmaidens, and his arrival attracted the attention of the two of them who were surprised by his homecoming as usually he doesn't return until evening.
Seeing Lie Fan getting down from his carriage with Sima Yi in tow, Lu Lingqi had the impulse to run toward him and hold his hand but managed to stop herself, and Lady Yan who was beside her also held her hand tightly to hold her daughter back while whispering for her to act proper.
After Lu Lingqi returned home safe and sound from her campaign, Lady Yan was relieved but she noticed the slight changes in her daughter, and after poking her daughter for a while, Lu Lingqi finally confess to her mother about what happened between her and Lie Fan.
Lady Yan was happy for her daughter after learning about what had transpired, and from there she began to be more determined to teach her daughter the proper decorum for a lady, at least so that she wouldn't embarrass Lie Fan in the future.
So that's why she holds Lu Lingqi's hand tightly and whispers to her. Lie Fan approached them, greeting Lady Yan respectfully, and then greeted Lu Lingqi with a warm smile while winking at her.
Lu Lingqi blushed at his action because she remembered the kiss they shared, and Lady Yan who saw this just sighed thinking that her daughter was like her when she was young, blushed easily when meeting their spouse.
After exchanging some words, Lie Fan invited them in and said that he had something to announce to his family, Lady Yan then asked if it was right for her and Lu Lingqi to hear about his family matters since they were outsiders.
Hearing this Lie Fan responds back by saying that the two of them weren't outsiders and that they were his family in a matter of time with Lady Yan his future mother in law and Lu Lingqi his future wife.
Both Lady Yan and Lu Lingqu were surprised by Lie Fan's straightforward words, where Lady Yan was satisfied by her future son in law for his courage while Lu Lingqi blushed even further happy by what Lie Fan just said.
The four of them entered the Lie Clan residence, where then Lie Fan asked a servant who passed by about the location of his wives and children, to which the servant replied by informing Lie Fan that they were at the playroom right now.
Thanking the servant, Lie Fan heads there alongside Lady Yan, Lu Lingqi, and Sima Yi. When they were near the playroom, they could hear the laughter and happiness coming out of the playroom.
When Lie Fan entered, he was greeted by the sight of his wives, children, and Wannian playing with some building blocks or reading a story books
The sound of the door opening attracted the attention of the people in the room, and seeing that it was Lie Fan, his children ran to him in happiness at seeing him and wanted to play with him.
Lie Fan picked up his eldest son and daughter, kissing them on the cheek while Ying Yue, Diao Chan, and Cai Wenji greeted Lady Yan and Lu Lingqi, and on the sideline, Wannian greeted Sima Yi happily inviting a smile to blossom in Sima Yi's face.
Ying Yue: "Husband, you come home early today. Is there something too unwanted to inform us?"
Lie Fan: "Yue'er is as sharp as always, yes that's true I came home early today because ei wanted to inform everyone that we will have a trip to the Sun Clan's capital Yang Province, they invited us to attend the ascension ceremony of Sun Ce."
Cai Wenji: "Did something happen to Lord Sun Jian, illness or something else? If not, why does Sun Ce ascend to become the new Lord of the Sun Clan?"
Lie Fan: "Brother Wentai feels that he is unfit to rule due to his disability, he loses one of his legs due to Liu Biao and Huang Zu ambushing him in the past, which restricts him from doing his duty and tarnished the reputation of the Sun Clan to have a disabled leader."
Diao Chan: "Lord Sun Jian is very honorable to have thought like that, not many have the will and determination to think of doing so, let alone truly acting on it."
Lie Fan nods his head in agreement with what Diao Chan has just said, that's why he hopes that he won't clash with the Sun Clan and that they join him willingly like Sheng Xian becoming his vassal and slowly integrating them.
Ying Yue asked Lie Fan when they would head off, so they could begin to prepare for the things they would bring, especially since the entire family would go and they needed many things to bring with them.
Hearing this, Lie Fan informed them that they had around a week to prepare before they headed out to Guangling to sail from there. Lie Fan's wives nodded their heads when they heard this, while Lady Yan asked if she and Lu Lingqi were also invited because they technically weren't Lie Fan's family yet, and Lie Fan repeated what he said to the previously and that they would all go out together, of course, that's if Lady Yan wanted to join along.
_____________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 29 (196 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 2,462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,071,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 93
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT