Chapter 429: 415. Ma Teng's Plan
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The grand chessboard of war was in motion once again, and the next move belonged to Cao Cao who had taken it as the next player. The Oriole that was stationed in Xuchang, wrote the reports concerning Cao Cao's movement and sent them to Lie Fan and Jia Xu who were currently staying at Qiao, consolidating it and integrating its government under Lie Fan's rule.
Meanwhile, in Qiao, Lie Fan and Jia Xu were busy consolidating their control over the newly captured town. The integration of Qiao's government under Lie Fan's rule was progressing smoothly, thanks to meticulous planning and the Qilin Army presence also helped the process a lot.
A swift messenger, one of the Orioles stationed in Xuchang, arrived with urgent reports. Lie Fan and Jia Xu gathered in the Governor's office, where documents were placed all over the room right now, and a map was spread across the table.
The messenger handed over the scroll, and Jia Xu unfurled it, his eyes scanning the contents rapidly, before telling Lie Fan what is the content of the letter.
"It seems Cao Cao is on the move," Jia Xu said, his voice calm but serious. "He has mobilized his forces to counter our invasion. The largest contingent is marching straight toward Qiao, while other divisions are heading to defend Jibei, Runan, and Beihai."
Lie Fan studied the map, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Cao Cao's response was swift, but not unexpected. We need to be ready to meet his main force here in Qiao. Our defenses must be impregnable."
Jia Xu nodded. "We have already fortified the city's defenses and trained the local garrison that surrendered to us, My Lord. Also, General Zhang Liao and Gao Shun are preparing the troops for the impending battle. However, we must ensure that our supply lines remain secure and that there are no entrances opened for Cao Cao's Army to enter your domain."
Lie Fan considered their options carefully. "We should send inform the Qinlong, Xuanwu, and Zhuque Army to bolster their men to be ready. We cannot allow Cao Cao to reclaim any ground in these three towns."
"I agree My Lord. I will immediately send the words to Liu Ba, Chen Deng, and Bu Zhi that Cao Cao's reinforcement is heading toward the towns that they siege, and told them to stay alert." Jia Xu said these words while he was writing a letter and gave it to the Oriole before them to be sent.
As the letters were sent, Lie Fan turned his attention back to the map, his mind already formulating strategies for the impending clash with Cao Cao's main force. "We must also prepare for the possibility that Cao Cao might attempt a feint or an encirclement. We need to be ready to adapt our strategy on the battlefield."
Jia Xu smiled slightly, his confidence in Lie Fan evident. "Your instincts have guided us well so far, My Lord. I have no doubt that we will be able to outmaneuver Cao Cao and secure another town soon."
Lie Fan nodded, his expression resolute. "We will meet Cao Cao head on and show him that we are the superior one and not to be underestimated. The future of the land depends on our success."
As the sun rose higher, casting its golden light over Qiao, the Qilin Army prepared for the next phase of the conflict. The soldiers steeled themselves for the battles to come, their spirits bolstered by the recent victory of managing to capture Qiao.
Meanwhile, in the western frontier at Jincheng, Ma Teng and Ma Chao received word of Lie Fan's bold invasion against Cao Cao. The news, carried swiftly by their scouts, spread like wildfire through Jincheng, igniting a spark of hope and excitement among the Ma Clan Army.
Ma Chao, receiving the news, was quick to advocate for immediate action. "Father, this is the opportunity we've been waiting for!" he exclaimed, pacing the floor of their command tent. "With Cao Cao's forces stretched thin and his attention divided, we must strike now. We can reclaim the territories he has taken from us and even take back Chang'An from him!"
Ma Teng listened thoughtfully to his son's passionate plea. Despite the fire in Ma Chao's eyes, Ma Teng remained calm and contemplative. "Your enthusiasm is commendable, Chao, but we must consider our moves carefully. A hasty attack could lead to disaster if we underestimate Cao Cao's remaining strength."
Ma Chao's brow furrowed in frustration. "But, Father, every moment we delay is a moment Cao Cao uses to regroup and fortify his positions. We should strike while the iron is hot!"
Ma Teng raised a hand to calm his son. "I understand your eagerness, but a direct assault is not our only option. Lie Fan's attack has opened new possibilities. We can use this distraction to our advantage, a leverage so to speak."
Ma Chao stopped pacing, his eyes fixed on his father. "What do you propose, then Father? What do you mean by using the news of Lie Fan attack as leverage?"
Ma Teng walked over to the map of their region, spread out on the table before them. He pointed to several key locations. "First, we will send envoys to Cao Cao, informing him that we knew of Lie Fan's attack. Don't underestimate this news, because I'm sure that Cao Cao will try to block it from reaching us."
"Why does he block the news intentionally Father? Even if the news reaches us, what can we do about it? Just flaunting it in front of Cao Cao's face?" Ma Chao was confused by his father's words and asked Ma Teng with a confused expression etched across his face.
Ma Teng shook his head, not knowing how his son couldn't see the obvious truth, "Because if we make an alliance with Lie Fan and coordinate our efforts, we can squeeze Cao Cao from both fronts, forcing him to divide his forces even further, finally defeating him."
Ma Chao nodded, seeing the wisdom in his father's plan. "And while we wait for Cao Cao's response of us knowing of this news?"
"We fortify our current positions and prepare ourselves for a series of calculated negotiations between us," Ma Teng continued. "We will prepare some gifts and resources for the negotiations, where we will be entering Cao Cao's interim government as an independent force, where we will bid our time to revolt against him."
Ma Chao's eyes widened with surprise and anger at his father's words. "Father, we cannot submit to Cao Cao and become part of his government!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with each word. "We are warriors of the west, not his vassals. How can you even consider bowing to that tyrant?"
Ma Teng sighed, anticipating his son's reaction. "Mengqi, this is a strategic move! By entering Cao Cao's interim government as an independent force, we gain valuable time and resources. We can strengthen our position from within and strike when the moment is right."
"But Father, that means playing into his hands and compromising our honor," Ma Chao countered, his frustration evident. "Why not do as you suggested earlier? We can form a secret alliance with Lie Fan and execute a pincer attack on Cao Cao. Together, we can crush him and reclaim our lands without ever submitting to his rule."
Ma Teng regarded his son thoughtfully. "I understand your concerns, Mengqi, but we must consider all possibilities. A direct attack, even with Lie Fan's help, carries immense risks. Cao Cao is a formidable opponent, and if we miscalculate, we could lose everything."
Ma Chao clenched his fists, his anger tempered by his respect for his father's wisdom. "Father, I know the risks, but our people look to us for leadership and strength. They trust us to fight for their prosperity, not to negotiate with their soon to be oppressor! We must stand firm and show them that we will not bow to Cao Cao."
Ma Teng placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his expression softening. "Your spirit and bravery are commendable, Mengqi. But spirit and bravery will not bring us resources and time, so we will do as I have planned and negotiate with Cao Cao."
Ma Chao's eyes widened in shock, unable to comprehend his father's stubborn insistence on this course of action. "Father, you cannot be serious. This is not the way."
Ma Teng's face remained resolute. "We need to buy time and gather strength. This is the only way to ensure our survival and ultimate victory."
Unable to contain his frustration, Ma Chao turned abruptly and stormed out of the room, leaving Ma Teng to watch his retreating figure with a mixture of sadness and determination. Ma Teng shook his head and turned back to his maps, knowing that his decision, though unpopular with his son, was the best course of action for their people.
Ma Teng swiftly wrote a letter to Cao Cao, carefully crafting his words to propose a temporary alliance while emphasizing their independent status. The message was sealed and handed to a trusted envoy with instructions to deliver it to Tianshui.
A few days later, the letter arrived in Tianshui, where Jia Kui was the one who received it. He broke the seal and began to read, his eyebrows lifting in surprise as he absorbed the contents.
Never in his wildest expectations had he thought that Ma Teng would seek negotiation, let alone consider joining Cao Cao's government, even temporarily.
Jia Kui called for a meeting with everyone to discuss the contest of the letter. "This is unexpected," he said, holding up the letter. "Ma Teng proposes a temporary alliance, offering to join our government as an independent force."
Hearing what Jia Kui said, Cao Hong, leaned forward, intrigued. "Do you think it's genuine? Or could it be a ruse to buy time and strengthen their position then attack us from behind?"
Jia Kui considered this carefully. "Ma Teng while he is a warrior was also a seasoned strategist. He understands the value of time and resources. This could be his way of gaining both while keeping his options open. But if we accept, it could also secure the western front for us, at least temporarily, and allow us to focus more resources on dealing with Lie Fan, where Our Lord definitely needs us right now."
Wang Yi who heard this on the other hand, was angered that Jia Kui was considering accepting Ma Teng's proposal. "Preposterous! How could you even consider accepting Ma Teng's proposal?! He killed my husband who tried to help you all take over Tianshui! If you go through with this plan, then I'm sorry I will leave Tianshui and everything behind!"
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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