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___________________________
Lie Fan, with a single public statement, had not only positioned himself as the protector of the common people but had also orchestrated a coalition of warlords that acted on his cue. By framing his statement as a moral call to protect the people of Lingling from the Cai Clan's tyranny, Lie Fan had ensured that other warlords would feel compelled to join the cause—both to legitimize their own ambitions and to avoid appearing indifferent to the plight of the people.
Cao Cao leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. The southern warlords, in their rush to expand their domains and secure their reputations, had unwittingly played into Lie Fan's hands.
While they fought over the spoils of the Cai Clan's lands, it was Lie Fan who emerged as the real victor, without ever raising a sword. The Sun Clan had gained territory, Shi Xie had solidified his influence, and Liu Bei had expanded his holdings, but it was Lie Fan whose reputation had soared to new heights.
Cao Cao recognized the threat this posed. Lie Fan was no longer just a regional warlord—his influence was beginning to extend beyond his borders, and his political acumen was shaping the actions of other warlords.
"Lie Fan," Cao Cao muttered to himself, his brow furrowed. "He has positioned himself as a protector of the people. Clever. Very clever." He rose from his seat and began to pace, his mind racing with possibilities.
"He is growing in power without directly confronting his enemies. He uses others to weaken them while maintaining the image of a righteous ruler." This was a dangerous game Lie Fan was playing, but one that Cao Cao respected.
It was the kind of subtlety and strategy that Cao Cao himself employed, using political maneuvering and subtle intrigues combined with diplomacy to strengthen his position before striking his enemies.
Summoning his advisor Xun Yu, Cao Cao shared his concerns. "Lie Fan is no longer just a dominant warlord. His influence is expanding, and he is gaining support among the people. This situation in Lingling was not just about the Cai Clan—it was about consolidating power without direct confrontation."
Xun Yu nodded, his expression serious. "You are right, my lord. Lie Fan's actions have shown that he understands the importance of public perception and loyalty. He has become a much more significant threat because the people are the foundation of a nation."
Cao Cao sighed, gazing out of the window. "We must be cautious. His political maneuver could shift the balance of power, and if the southern warlords continue to be played around him, we will face a southern part of the land already controlled by Lie Fan."
Xun Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It may be wise to keep a close eye on him, perhaps even consider diplomatic overtures, my lord. Lie Fan may be gaining influence, but he is not yet strong enough to challenge the entire land directly, especially to you and Yuan Shao at the same time. If we can manipulate the situation, we could turn this to our advantage."
Cao Cao considered the idea, but for now, he preferred to remain cautious. "We will observe him closely. For now, let him enjoy his victory. His ambitions will eventually lead him into conflict with others, and when that happens, we will be ready."
On the other hand, at the center of Jing Province, in a small secluded village nestled near the foot of a mountain, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu sat together inside a modest cottage. The village was far removed from the bustling cities and courts of the warlords, a quiet refuge where the three strategists spent their days reading, discussing, and honing their political and military philosophies. Today, however, their routine was interrupted by a rare delivery: a bundle of letters from the outside world.
Zhuge Liang carefully unfolded one of the scrolls and began reading the latest news. Due to the village's isolation, information from the wider realm was slow to arrive, but this time, the letters contained news of significant events: the death of Liu Biao, the rise and fall of the Cai Clan, the massacre at Lingling, and the eventual collapse of Cai Mao's influence.
As he read aloud, Zhuge Liang paused occasionally to allow his companions time to absorb the details. The room was silent except for the crackle of the hearth and the faint rustling of paper. Both Pang Tong and Xu Shu listened intently, their faces growing increasingly contemplative as they processed the gravity of the events.
"Liu Biao's death marks a significant turning point," Zhuge Liang remarked as he laid down the letter. "Jing Province has lost its stabilizing force, and chaos is bound to follow. Cai Mao and his family took swift action to consolidate power, but their cruelty in Lingling was their undoing."
Pang Tong leaned back, his sharp eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. "The Cai Clan's desperation blinded them to the larger picture. Their ruthless massacre at Lingling was not only morally reprehensible but politically foolish. They may have gained temporary control, but they alienated themselves from both the people and their peers."
Xu Shu, sitting beside them, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The Cai Clan's arrogance was their downfall. They underestimated the significance of public perception, something that Lie Fan has clearly mastered. His response to the Lingling Massacre was a stroke of brilliance."
The three of them exchanged glances as Xu Shu continued. "Lie Fan's single public statement, framed as a moral plea to protect the people, was enough to set the southern warlords in motion. It's as though he orchestrated their every move without directly involving himself in the conflict. Now, while the Sun Clan, Shi Xie, and Liu Bei scramble for territory, it is Lie Fan who has emerged as the true victor, without ever lifting a sword."
Zhuge Liang stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Yes. His ability to turn the southern warlords into his pawns, all while maintaining the image of a righteous protector, is remarkable. By positioning himself as the champion of the people, he has gained both moral authority and political capital."
Pang Tong, ever the cynic, smirked. "And yet, while he plays the role of the benevolent ruler, it is clear that his ambitions are as vast as anyone else's. He used the Cai Clan's fall to bolster his own reputation, and now the people of Lingling see him as their savior."
Xu Shu tapped his finger on the table, his mind working through the various possibilities. "Lie Fan's strategy is dangerous, but it is also incredibly effective. By avoiding direct confrontation, he has preserved his own forces while allowing others to weaken themselves. He has sown the seeds of discord among the southern warlords, and when the time is right, he will strike."
Zhuge Liang glanced out of the cottage window, his gaze lost in the distant mountains. "But there is more to this than just the fall of the Cai Clan. Lie Fan's actions have reshaped the political landscape of the south. The southern warlords, once independent actors, now find themselves reacting to his maneuvers. They are being drawn into his orbit, whether they realize it or not."
Pang Tong chuckled softly. "A true political maestro. It reminds me of Cao Cao's early days—using others to achieve his goals without appearing to act on his own behalf. Lie Fan is following a similar path, but he has the advantage of a better reputation among the people."
Xu Shu shifted in his seat. "It will be interesting to see how Cao Cao responds to this. He cannot ignore Lie Fan's growing influence. Sooner or later, the two will find themselves at odds."
Zhuge Liang nodded. "Yes, but for now, Cao Cao will likely watch and wait. Lie Fan's rise is concerning, but he is not yet strong enough to challenge the entire land. Cao Cao will bide his time, waiting for the moment when Lie Fan's ambitions bring him into conflict with others."
The three strategists fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. The political landscape of the south was shifting, and Lie Fan had placed himself at the center of it. His rise was not just a matter of gaining territory; it was a calculated move to reshape the balance of power without drawing direct attention to his ambitions.
After a moment, Zhuge Liang spoke again, his tone more serious. "There is one more thing we must consider. While Lie Fan's political maneuvering is impressive, it is also precarious. By using others to achieve his goals, he risks alienating his allies once they realize they have been manipulated."
Pang Tong raised an eyebrow. "True, but as long as he maintains his image as the protector of the people, his allies will be reluctant to turn against him. After all, who would oppose a man who claims to fight for the common good?"
Xu Shu nodded. "And that is where his true strength lies. By framing his actions as moral and just, he has insulated himself from criticism. Even if his allies grow suspicious, they will find it difficult to publicly oppose him without damaging their own reputations."
Zhuge Liang sighed, his expression grim. "But that can only last for so long. Eventually, Lie Fan's ambitions will outgrow his current position, and when that happens, he will have to choose between maintaining his image and pursuing his goals."
Pang Tong smiled wryly. "And when that time comes, we will see the true measure of his abilities. It is one thing to manipulate others from behind the scenes; it is another to maintain control when the stakes are raised."
The conversation continued late into the night, with the three strategists dissecting every aspect of Lie Fan's rise and the potential consequences it could have on the wider realm. The letters before them were not just records of events—they were glimpses into the future, filled with opportunities and dangers alike.
As the fire in the hearth dimmed and the night grew colder, Zhuge Liang stood and stretched, his mind still racing with possibilities. "We must continue to observe Lie Fan closely," he said finally. "His actions will shape the course of the southern territories, and if he continues on his current path, he will become a force to be reckoned with."
Pang Tong and Xu Shu nodded in agreement, their own thoughts aligned with Zhuge Liang's assessment. Lie Fan was no longer just a regional warlord—he was becoming a significant player in the political game that was unfolding across the land. His ability to manipulate events from the shadows, combined with his growing reputation among the people, made him a formidable opponent.
As they prepared to retire for the night, the three strategists shared a final glance. The world outside their secluded village was changing rapidly, and they knew that their time of isolation would not last much longer. War and politics were coming for them, just as they were coming for Lie Fan and every other warlord who sought to carve out a piece of the fractured empire.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
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___________________________
As they prepared to retire for the night, the three strategists shared a final glance. The world outside their secluded village was changing rapidly, and they knew that their time of isolation would not last much longer. War and politics were coming for them, just as they were coming for Lie Fan and every other warlord who sought to carve out a piece of the fractured empire.
As the night deepened, the terrace of the cottage provided a peaceful refuge for the three elder scholars—Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan—who sat under the moonlit sky, enjoying the cool breeze and savoring the subtle fragrance of their high-quality tea leaves.
Their keen ears had picked up the ongoing conversation between their disciples—Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu—whose thoughts had been preoccupied with the unfolding events surrounding Lie Fan's rise. Though the younger strategists were bright and insightful, Sima Hui and his companions could see a broader picture, forged from years of experience and wisdom.
"Their insights are sharp, especially Zhuge Liang's," remarked Sima Hui, his tone filled with pride. "He has grown remarkably over the past year."
Pang Degong nodded slowly, his fingers tracing the rim of his tea cup. "Indeed. His intellect is unmatched, and his foresight is already miles ahead of most others. But there is something troubling about how he speaks of Lie Fan. It's as though he holds a personal grudge against the man."
Huang Chengyan, stroking his beard thoughtfully, chimed in. "I've noticed that too. At times, Zhuge Liang's words carry an edge, as if he wants to distance himself from Lie Fan. Yet, it feels more like a calculated act rather than genuine disdain. Perhaps Zhuge Liang sees something in Lie Fan that he is not ready to reveal."
Sima Hui sipped his tea, his gaze distant. "You may be right, Old Huang. Zhuge Liang is no fool. He understands the power of perception, and sometimes it is necessary to hide one's true intentions behind a mask. But what concerns me is what lies behind that mask. Is it admiration? Or is it something deeper, more complex?"
The three elders sat in contemplative silence for a moment, listening to the rustling of the leaves in the gentle night breeze. It was not unusual for the younger generation to have hidden motivations or conflicting feelings, especially in times as turbulent as these.
The land was fractured, warlords battled for supremacy, and each step taken by those with ambition carried consequences that reverberated far beyond their immediate actions.
Pang Degong broke the silence, his voice carrying a note of authority. "Let us not speculate on Zhuge Liang's personal motivations for now. What is clear is that Lie Fan's actions are reshaping the entire southern region. His ability to influence other warlords without direct confrontation is remarkable, and it has already paid off. The Cai Clan is no more, and the southern warlords are all dancing to his tune."
Sima Hui smiled knowingly. "Yes, it is quite the spectacle. Lie Fan has orchestrated this situation with such precision that even Cao Cao, a man known for his cunning, is now wary of him. Yet, Lie Fan has avoided any direct conflict, strengthening his position with minimal losses."
Huang Chengyan added, "The southern warlords—Sun Ce, Liu Bei, and Shi Xie—are strong in their own right, but they've played into Lie Fan's hands by competing for the spoils of the Cai Clan's fall. What they fail to realize is that they are merely pieces on Lie Fan's chessboard. His public declaration of protecting the people of Lingling was a masterstroke—framing his ambitions as a righteous cause."
Pang Degong looked thoughtful, his sharp eyes narrowing. "It is not just the southern warlords that Lie Fan has manipulated. The people themselves see him as a savior. That is the true genius of his maneuvering. While other warlords focus on expanding their territories through brute force, Lie Fan has cultivated a loyal following among the common folk. And we all know that a ruler who commands the hearts of the people is far more dangerous than one who controls armies."
Sima Hui chuckled softly. "The other warlords are too preoccupied with their immediate gains to see the long-term implications. Lie Fan is positioning himself for something far greater than regional dominance. If his plans continue to unfold as they have, he will soon be in a position to claim the Mandate of Heaven."
The three elders exchanged knowing glances. They had witnessed enough political upheavals and dynastic changes in their lifetimes to recognize the patterns of power.
Lie Fan was not the first warlord to make a bid for the throne, but his approach was unique. He wielded influence like a weapon, subtle yet devastating, and his understanding of human nature allowed him to manipulate not just other warlords, but entire populations.
Pang Degong leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "But while we may admire Lie Fan's political acumen, we must not forget that his ambition will eventually bring him into direct conflict with those who currently hold power. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are formidable adversaries, and they will not stand idly by while Lie Fan tries to take control of the entire south."
Sima Hui nodded in agreement. "True. Cao Cao has already taken notice of Lie Fan, and while he may bide his time for now, he is not one to allow threats to grow unchecked. When the time comes, Cao Cao will strike with the full might of his armies."
Huang Chengyan frowned slightly. "But Lie Fan may already be preparing for that. By consolidating his influence in the south, he is creating a stronghold that will be difficult to breach. The southern warlords, despite their rivalries, may unite under his banner if they see him as the best chance to resist Cao Cao's ambitions or have him act like a shield for them."
Pang Degong sighed. "That may be, but such alliances are fragile. As Zhuge Liang pointed out earlier, Lie Fan's manipulation of the southern warlords may eventually backfire. If they realize they are being used, they could turn on him, maybe except for the Suj Clan. And once internal dissent begins, his carefully constructed web of intrigue could crumble."
The conversation drifted into speculation about the future of the land, as Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan considered the many variables that could shape the next phase of the conflict.
They knew that war and political intrigue were inevitable, and that Lie Fan's controlling influence, while impressive, was only the beginning of a much larger struggle for control of the realm.
As the night wore on, and the moon reached its zenith, Sima Hui spoke again, his voice softer this time, as if addressing an unspoken truth. "There is one thing that sets Lie Fan apart from the other warlords. He is not driven solely by personal ambition. He truly believes in his vision of a new order—a realm where the people are protected and where chaos is replaced by stability. That belief gives him a strength that others lack."
Huang Chengyan nodded slowly. "Yes, but that belief also makes him dangerous. Those who are driven by ideals are often willing to go to great lengths to achieve them. And in times of war, ideals can quickly become justification for ruthless actions."
Pang Degong, with his pragmatist thinking, shrugged. "In the end, it does not matter what drives him. What matters is whether he can succeed. If he can maintain his control of the south and expand his influence, he will be in a position to challenge anyone who stands in his way. But if he falters, his vision will collapse, and the land will fall into further chaos."
The three elders sat in silence once more, each lost in their own thoughts. The night was peaceful, but they all knew that this peace was fleeting. The land was on the verge of a great upheaval, and Lie Fan was at the center of it. His actions over the coming months would determine not only his own fate, but the fate of the entire realm.
As the tea in their cups grew cold, Sima Hui rose to his feet and gazed out at the dark horizon. "We will watch and wait," he said quietly. "The time for action has not yet come, but when it does, we must be ready to guide those who seek to restore order."
Pang Degong and Huang Chengyan stood as well, their expressions resolute. They had trained Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu for this very moment—to navigate the turbulent waters of politics and war. But now, it was time for the younger generation to step into the fray. The world was changing, and they would soon have to choose their own paths.
As they retired for the night, the cottage fell into silence, save for the soft crackle of the dying hearth. Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the promise of conflict and the faint echoes of a new era dawning over the fractured land.
Meanwhile, at Lujiang to the northeast of Sima Hui's tranquil cottage, inside the imposing Governor's Castle, the atmosphere was anything but peaceful. Wang Lang and Lu Xun were deeply immersed in their work.
Parchments and scrolls cluttered the table in front of them, detailing military logistics, economic strategies, and the shifting political alliances across the fractured empire. The candlelight flickered over their faces, casting long shadows on the stone walls of the room.
Though only sixteen, Lu Xun was quickly proving himself an invaluable asset to his lord, Lie Fan. His sharp intellect and keen understanding of statecraft made him stand toe to toe with Wang Lang, a seasoned statesman.
The two men had spent the better part of the evening discussing Lie Fan's recent maneuvers across Jing Province and Jiaozhi Province. These lands, once the battlegrounds of competing warlords, had now fallen into Lie Fan's hands through cunning manipulation and strategic alliances.
The fall of the Cai Clan had been a masterstroke, allowing Lie Fan to expand his influence over the southern regions while his rivals continued to squabble for the remnants.
Wang Lang took a deep breath, placing his brush down on the table. He looked up at Lu Xun with an appraising gaze. "LordLie Fan's actions in the last few weeks have been nothing short of remarkable," he said thoughtfully. "To weaken the southern warlords without raising a single sword—it's as though he's allowed them to destroy themselves while we recover and consolidate our power."
Lu Xun nodded, his youthful face serious. Despite his age, he carried himself with the confidence of someone far older, and his eyes gleamed with understanding. "Indeed," Lu Xun replied, his voice steady. "The chaos in the southern lands works to our advantage. While they bleed their armies dry fighting over territory, we strengthen ours. Lord Lie Fan has masterfully turned the ambitions of others into tools for his own gain."
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
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