Chapter 559: 537. The Grand Celebration Begun!
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But for now, patience and subtlety would be his greatest weapons. He would let the Sun Clan deliberate, and when the time was right, he would act. For now, the future was filled with possibility, and Lie Fan would make sure that whatever the outcome, it would be one that strengthened his position and brought him one step closer to unifying the fractured land under his rule.
As the intrigues and subtle diplomatic games unfolded behind the scenes, Xiapi's Grand Celebration was set to begin the very next day. The city had been buzzing with anticipation for weeks, and now, in the early morning, the streets were alive with the excitement of a people ready to indulge in a day of festivities.
Lie Fan had declared the day a public holiday, allowing the entire populace of Xiapi, from commoners, scholars, merchants, and nobles, to partake in the celebration without worrying about doing their work.
This celebration was more than just a festival for the populace of Xiapi, especially the commoners—it marked the completion of Xiapi's recent expansion and symbolized the city's growing prosperity and stability under Lie Fan's rule from the very first day he was in office until today, developing Xiapi to reach what it had become.
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city's towering walls and newly constructed buildings, as Lie Fan's force banner was unfurled alongside numerous banners in vibrant colors along the streets. Music filled the air, with drums, flutes, and the strumming of guqin echoing throughout the city.
The people of Xiapi, dressed in the finest clothes they had in their wardrobe, had gathered at the heart of the city inside the inner city, where commoners were allowed to enter without any security checking needed, waiting for Lie Fan's speech, which would officially open the celebration.
From the balcony of the Governor's Castle, Lie Fan stood before the assembled crowd, flanked by his closest advisors and three of his bodyguards. Beside him stood Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, Sima Yi, Chen Gui, Yi Ji, Mi Zhu, Sun Qian, Cai Yong, Zhuge Xuan, Lu Zhi, Man Chong, Mao Jie, and Zhuge Jin.
These men represented the finest minds he had that were present in Xiapi and were under his service—men who had helped him build Xiapi into the beacon of strength and prosperity that it had become in these chaotic times.
Lie Fan, wearing his ceremonial armor adorned with intricate designs of dragons and phoenixes, raised his hand to signal for silence. The crowd, composed of commoners, merchants, scholars, and nobles alike, quieted instantly, their eyes fixed on him in anticipation. Behind him, the banner of the Lie Clan fluttered in the wind, which had become a symbol of the unity and strength that Lie Fan had forged in this time of chaos.
His voice, firm and commanding, carried over the crowd as he began his speech. "People of Xiapi, my domain, and guests from outside, today we celebrate more than just the completion of our city's expansion. Today, we celebrate the birth of a new era for Xiapi—an era of peace, prosperity, and unity in a time when the world around us is fractured by war and strife which result in numerous deaths and hunger."
His words struck a chord with the crowd, who had experienced firsthand the transformation of their city under his rule. Xiapi had once been the capital city of Xu Province without anything special, but under Lie Fan's leadership, it had become a thriving metropolis, a hub of trade and culture that rivaled even the capital city of the Han Dynasty, Luoyang.
Lie Fan continued, his tone filled with hope but also determination. "Xiapi stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when people work together toward a common goal. It is a beacon of harmony in these dark times. But let us not put down our guards. We must remain vigilant, for there are those who seek to bring further chaos to our land. Together, we will ensure that Xiapi continues to stand strong, not just today, but for generations to come."
As he spoke, his words were received with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, who had come to admire their lord not just for his military prowess but for his vision of a peaceful and prosperous society. Merchants from distant lands who had come to Xiapi for trade and opportunity cheered alongside the city's scholars and artisans.
The Nobles, who had supported him from the first day he took office as the Governor of Xu Province or joined to support him along the way, had seen firsthand Lie Fan's growing influence, nodded in agreement, recognizing the stability and prosperity his leadership had brought to the region.
With a final flourish, Lie Fan raised his hand high and declared with a resolute voice, "Well then, Let the Grand Celebration begin!"
A roar of approval swept through the crowd as the celebrations officially commenced. The streets of Xiapi, both within the Inner City and the Outer City, erupted into a vibrant display of festivity. Street vendors lined the thoroughfares, selling all manner of food, trinkets, and souvenirs.
The aromas of roasted meats, steamed buns, and exotic spices filled the air, enticing the crowds to sample the diverse culinary delights on offer. Performers of all kinds—acrobats, fire-breathers, musicians, and dancers—entertained the masses with their skills, adding to the sense of wonder and excitement that filled the city.
In the Inner City, where the wealthier and more powerful resided, lavish banquets were being prepared in the grand homes of Xiapi's nobility. Guests from distant regions mingled with local aristocrats, discussing trade, politics, and the ever-shifting balance of power in the fractured land.
The markets were bustling with activity, as merchants from all over China and beyond conducted business deals, exchanging goods that ranged from silks and spices to weapons and horses. Inns, restaurants, and taverns were packed with people eager to join in the celebration, their laughter and conversation spilling out onto the streets.
Xiapi's economy flourished during the festival, with Lie Fan reaping the rewards of his careful planning. Almost half of the businesses in the city were under his control through the Yu Merchant Group, and the influx of visitors, combined with the massive sales generated by the festival, meant a significant increase in revenue for his administration.
This money, in turn, would be used to further strengthen the defenses of his domain, fund new construction projects, fund new research projects, and ensure that his troops remained well-equipped and ready all the time either to invade or defend.
Throughout the day, the festivities continued unabated. In the Outer City, where the common folk lived and worked, the atmosphere was equally jubilant. Farmers, laborers, and craftsmen who had toiled for months even year's on the city's expansion now had a chance to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
They gathered in the town squares, where they watched opera performances and participated in traditional games. Children ran through the streets with bright lanterns, while families sat together, enjoying the rare occasion of rest and celebration.
The streets of Xiapi bustled with an almost magical energy as the Grand Celebration unfolded. Every corner of the city was alive with vibrant sights, sounds, and smells. As the festivities spread across the city, Sun Jian and his family found themselves immersed in the joyous atmosphere.
Accompanied by their royal guards, the Sun Clan wandered through the tree-lined avenues of the inner city, taking in the marvels that Xiapi had to offer during such a large-scale event.
Sun Ce recognized the significance of the grandeur of the celebration had and was impressed by the scale of it. He couldn't help but admire how Lie Fan had pulled off such an extravagant festival, especially during a time when most warlords were hoarding resources, hesitant to spend even a fraction of their wealth for fear of instability. Yet here was Lie Fan, seemingly without concern, flaunting Xiapi's prosperity for all to see.
Sun Ce murmured to Zhou Yu, who walked by his side as he held Xiao Qiao's hand, "Gonglu, the scale of this celebration... the funds required must be enormous. Brother Lie Fan truly knows how to display his strength and wealth."
Zhou Yu, equally impressed by what he has seen nodded thoughtfully. "It's not just about wealth, Bofu. This is a statement. He's showing everyone, from commoners to nobles, that Xiapi and his domain are thriving under his rule. It's a display of power, a subtle way to secure loyalty from his people and even entice others to join him."
Lady Wu, walking with her daughter Sun Shangxiang and her daughter in law Da Qiao, couldn't help but smile as they passed through crowds of cheerful citizens and skilled street performers. She admired the way Xiapi's people seemed genuinely happy and content.
It was rare to see such joy in these chaotic times. Da Qiao, her daughter in law, was equally captivated by the sights, her delicate features glowing with delight as they watched acrobats tumble through the air and musicians perform lively tunes on the street corners.
Meanwhile, Sun Quan, the youngest of the Sun brothers, found himself entranced by the merchants in the market. He marveled at the goods on display—silks from the south, spices from distant lands, and even some exotic trinkets from beyond the borders of China. It was clear that Xiapi had become a prosperous trade hub, with goods flowing in from every corner of the land.
As they explored further, Sun Ce suggested they take lunch at the Serenity Inn, a well-known establishment famed for its delicacies and comfortable setting. What the Sun Clan didn't know was that the Serenity Inn was one of Lie Fan's many covert hubs, a place where his Oriole agents quietly operated behind the scenes, gathering intelligence from throughout the land.
The family entered the lavish inn, marveling at its elegant décor and the tantalizing aromas that filled the air. After booking a large private dining room, they settled in to enjoy the finest dishes Xiapi had to offer, unaware that they were dining in one of Lie Fan's most strategically placed establishments.
At the same time, in another part of Xiapi, Lie Fan made his way back to the Lie Clan residence after delivering his speech. As he entered the grand residence, he was greeted by his parents, Lie Shang and Yu Yan, along with his wives, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi. His sister, Wannian, alongside Sima Yi, was also present, beaming as she saw her brother.
Lie Fan's children, still young and full of energy, were also in the dining hall. The older two, Chenchen and Yaoyao, both nine years old, immediately ran up to their father, their faces filled with joy at seeing him.
Yanyan and Nuonuo, at five years old, followed suit, their laughter echoing through the room as they hugged his legs. Diao Chan held their youngest, Xuanxuan, who was still a baby, in her arms, smiling warmly at the reunion.
Lie Fan bent down to embrace his children, his stern exterior softening as he spoke gently to them. "Have you been enjoying the celebration?" he asked, his tone affectionate.
Chenchen, the more outgoing of the twins, grinned widely. "Yes, Father! The streets are filled with so many people, and there are dancers, musicians, and all kinds of food! I would love to enjoy it with you Father!"
Yaoyao, ever the quieter one, nodded in agreement, holding onto Lie Fan's hand. "Yes Father, like brother had said it's like nothing I've ever seen before."
Lie Fan chuckled, ruffling their hair before standing and turning to his wives. They had gathered around the main table, where a lavish meal was spread out before them. It was rare for the entire family to be gathered together like this, especially since Lie Shang and Yu Yan live outside of Xiapi, so the occasion was not lost on any of them.
____________________________
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
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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Chapter 560: 538. The End Of The Grand Celebration
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Lie Fan chuckled, ruffling their hair before standing and turning to his wives. They had gathered around the main table, where a lavish meal was spread out before them. It was rare for the entire family to be gathered together like this, especially since Lie Shang and Yu Yan live outside of Xiapi, so the occasion was not lost on any of them.
Ying Yue seeing the interaction between the children and Lie Fan, smiled at him warmly. "You've done an incredible job, husband. The city is alive with joy today and the people was happy to rest down their body to enjoy such festivity."
Cai Wenji, agreeing with what Ying Yue said, added, "The people love you, husband. I could hear the admiration in their voices as they cheered for you earlier, and I heard from my connections that many musicians and poets are creating work about the new Xiapi and some even dedicated to you."
Diao Chan who held Xuanxuan on her arm, spoke softly, "Our family has grown so much, both here in Xiapi and in our hearts. It's a blessing to see how far we've come, especially since you, husband, had done so many things for us to reach this point."
Lu Lingqi nodded with pride, as she heard what her sisters said about Xiapi and how everything was thanks to Lie Fan. "Xiapi is secure, prosperous, and growing stronger by the day, and even I who had stayed before in Xiapi with my father and now you husband, could see it's transformation let alone the people. It had become a fortress in this world of chaos, all thanks to your leadership, husband."
Lie Fan looked around at his family—his parents, his wives, his children—and felt a deep sense of contentment. The family settled down for lunch, sharing stories of the day's festivities and discussing the future. The air was filled with laughter and joy, a stark contrast to the turmoil that plagued the rest of China.
Outside, the streets of Xiapi continued to buzz with activity. Performers dazzled crowds with their tricks and stunts, while merchants haggled over prices in the busy markets.
For the Sun Clan, the day was an eye-opening experience. As they finished their lunch at the Serenity Inn and returned to the streets, Sun Ce couldn't help but think about how this celebration, while grand and extravagant, was also a subtle reminder of Lie Fan's power and influence. He glanced at his father, Sun Jian, who was deep in thought as they walked through the bustling streets.
"Father," Sun Ce said quietly, "this city is something else. Brother Lie Fan has built something here that no other warlord has been able to match. I think... perhaps we should seriously consider his offer of cooperation."
Sun Jian, his face unreadable, merely nodded. "We will discuss this further when the time is right, Bofu. For now, let us enjoy the celebration."
Sun Ce, hearing his father's response, became silent and turned his attention away from political matters for the moment. His eyes shifted to his wife, Da Qiao, who stood beside him, holding onto his arm while glancing left and right, mesmerized by the vibrant scenery of Xiapi.
The flickering lanterns, the performers dancing through the streets, and the festive spirit captured her attention fully, and her expression was one of pure delight. Sun Ce couldn't help but smile as he admired her. The stresses of war and the ever-present dangers of the time faded away in this moment of peace, and Da Qiao's happiness was all that mattered to him.
Seeing his eldest son so easily distracted by his wife's beauty, Sun Jian chuckled and shook his head in amusement. It was moments like these that reassured him of Sun Ce's good nature, despite his sometimes impulsive decisions. While his political sense might not always be the sharpest, Sun Ce was undeniably a born leader with a heart that was in the right place.
Behind them, Sun Quan, walking alongside his father and older brother, overheard their brief exchange about cooperating with Lie Fan. He furrowed his brow in confusion. Cooperation? he wondered.
Hadn't they already formed an alliance with Lie Fan? The alliance which had been formalized many years ago, a partnership meant to mutually protect their territories from other warlords and external threats. What more cooperation could they need? The thought lingered in his mind, and he made a mental note to ask his father about it later.
As each of the Sun Clan men became lost in their own thoughts, the festivities around them continued as the streets remained alive with music, laughter, and celebration. Even as the sun set, the city buzzed with activity, transitioning seamlessly into an evening celebration.
At the Lie Clan residence, the festivities continued in a more intimate setting. Lie Fan had gathered his entire family in the expansive courtyard of their estate. Chairs and tables had been set up beneath the open sky, each table adorned with plates of sweet snacks and fragrant teas. The courtyard itself was beautifully decorated with lanterns, and the soft glow of their light cast a serene atmosphere over the gathering.
Lie Fan, dressed in more casual attire now that his official duties for the day were over, stood with his parents and wives, looking content as they settled into the relaxing evening. The sounds of the celebration in the city echoed faintly in the distance, but here, in the privacy of the family courtyard, it felt as if the world had slowed down for just a moment, allowing them to enjoy the tranquility of the night.
His children, already full of energy from the day's events, were buzzing with excitement. Chenchen and Yaoyao, the eldest, had run ahead to the edge of the courtyard, eager to see the fireworks that would soon light up the sky. Yanyan and Nuonuo, the younger sisters, sat near their mother, Diao Chan and Cai Wenji, their small hands grabbing at the snacks laid out before them, giggling as they shared sweets.
Lie Shang, Lie Fan's father, sat nearby with Yu Yan, his wife. He watched the joyful scene unfolding before him with pride in his eyes. His son had come far since the early days of asking him for men to train.
Now he was a big warlord, with Xiapi as his capital which had grown into a prosperous, fortified metropolis, a true testament to Lie Fan's leadership, visision, and most importantly talent.
For Lie Shang and Yu Yan, moments like these were a blessing. They didn't live in Xiapi but had traveled here to be part of this grand celebration, and seeing their son's success filled them with a deep sense of fulfillment.
As the family gathered, the conversations flowed easily. Ying Yue, who sat close to Lie Fan, speaking softly about miscellaneous things alongside Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi.
Lie Fan listened to his wives talking and smiled, hearing them conversing with each other filled his heart with warmth and affection. For all the battles he fought, for all the political maneuvers he had to navigate, it was these moments with his family that made it all worthwhile.
The evening air was cool, and as the family continued to talk and enjoy their tea, the first of the fireworks was set off. A loud crack echoed through the courtyard, followed by a brilliant display of light that painted the sky in shades of red and gold. The children gasped in awe, their faces lit up by the glowing explosions overhead.
Chenchen pointed to the sky. "Look, Father! The fireworks! They're so bright!"
Yaoyao clapped her hands in delight, while Yanyan and Nuonuo, sitting beside their mother, watched wide-eyed as more fireworks followed, each one more vibrant than the last.
The smallest, Xuanxuan, who was nestled inside Diao Chan's arm, was at first surprised by the sound of fireworks and cries, but when he sees the beautiful skynight filled with colors he stopped crying and his hand goes to the sky like wanting to grab the fireworks.
Lie Fan watched his children's reactions with a warm smile, wrapping an arm around Ying Yue's shoulders as they all looked up at the sky together. "This is only the beginning," he said softly, more to himself than to anyone else. "Xiapi will continue to grow, and one day, all of China will see fireworks lighting up their sky."
As the fireworks continued to light up the night, Lie Fan's thoughts returned to the Sun Clan. He knew that Sun Jian and his family had been attending the festival, so he need to carefully ensure that the Sun Clan was well-received in Xiapi, offering them the best hospitality.
Cooperation with the Sun Clan was crucial, especially as the land continued to fracture under the strain of warlords vying for power. If the Sun family could be persuaded to fully integrate into his vision of a unified China, it would greatly strengthen his position.
As the night wore on, Lie Fan remained in the courtyard with his family, watching as the fireworks painted the sky in brilliant colors. He hoped that the beautiful fireworks lighten up the sky would be like the future—a future he was determined to protect and expand.
The fireworks show stretched on late into the night, painting the skies of Xiapi in vibrant bursts of light and color. The crackling sounds and dazzling visuals held the city's populace in awe. It was not just the residents of Xiapi who were captivated by the spectacle, but also those visiting from outside its walls.
Merchants and travelers from distant lands—particularly from Goguryeo and the hostages from Goguryeo—looked on with wide-eyed wonder, witnessing something they had never seen before.
In a private dining room at the Serenity Inn, a group of merchants from Goguryeo sat around a low table, the faint hum of the festival outside echoing into their secluded space.
The room was filled with the fragrance of rich food, but the meal was all but forgotten as the merchants discussed the incredible spectacle they had just witnessed. They were seasoned traders, well-traveled across various regions of China and beyond, but none of them had ever seen anything like these fireworks before.
"This… 'fireworks,' they called it," one of the merchants said, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. His face was illuminated by the flickering lanterns in the room, but his mind was focused on the potential profit this new discovery could bring.
Another merchant, younger but just as shrewd, nodded in agreement. "It's unlike anything we've seen back home. The artistic value alone could make it a coveted item among the nobles, not to mention the King."
A third merchant leaned forward, his voice lowered to a near whisper, even though they were in private. "There's more than just art to it, though. Think of the military potential. If we could bring these fireworks to Goguryeo, or at least learn how they're made, our King would be interested not just for festivals but for other purposes… perhaps even in battle."
The room fell silent as they considered this possibility. Fireworks were more than just entertainment; they could be a powerful tool. The merchants imagined what it would be like to wield such a resource—not only for trade but for strategic advantage. The booming sounds, the flashes of light, and the smoke that followed each burst could easily be repurposed to confuse or intimidate enemy forces.
One of the older merchants, who had seen many conflicts in his lifetime, stroked his chin as he spoke. "If we were to acquire these fireworks, we could become invaluable to the King. Not just for his celebrations but for his wars. The noise alone could terrify enemy troops."
The others nodded in agreement, each merchant calculating the potential riches such an endeavor could bring. They would need to be discreet, of course. Fireworks appeared to be a guarded technology, something that was likely not available to just anyone in China. But they had their ways. With the right contacts and enough gold, anything could be bought. Their minds were already racing with ideas of how to acquire this mysterious and powerful product.
____________________________
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
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Tang12
Tang12
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
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