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___________________________
Inside his office at the Palace, Cao Cao received the news of Dong Cheng's capture and execution. He sighed, knowing that while one threat had been neutralized, the war was far from over. His eyes narrowed with determination. "Raise the security level at Xuchang," he ordered. "We will not let Lie Fan or any other insurgents cause chaos. This is far from over as Dong Cheng's death are just a raindrop in a vast ocean."
Xun Yu and Cheng Yu who was on the office and the ones informing Cao Cao of the news, cupped their hand receiving the order, and Cheng Yu immediately leave the room to disclose Cao Cao's order to the entirety of Cao Cao's military in Xuchang alongside the town defense army.
As for Cao Cao and Xun Yu, they stayed in the room discussing about Emperor Xian and Empress Dong who had very high chances being involved in Dong Cheng's scheme, which Cao Cao wanted to punish the two of them as in his mind there's no chance they weren't involved in this scheme.
Xun Yu hearing what Cao Cao's said, immediately tried to calm down and persuade Cao Cao. "My Lord, please calm your anger. I agree with you opinion that the Emperor and the Empress must be involved, but we had just done a great cleansing of many officials that loyal to Han Dynasty, whether they were involved or not."
"If we do anything to the Emperor and Empress now, I afraid that it will only make Lie Fan's justification to go to war against us become a truer fact which become a boomerang for us." Xun Yu's words hung in the air, laden with caution and wisdom. Cao Cao leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications of Xun Yu's counsel.
After a long moment, Cao Cao nodded slowly. "You are right, Wenruo. Acting rashly against the Emperor and Empress now could indeed strengthen Lie Fan's justification against us. Thank you for calming me down."
Xun Yu cupped his hand and bowed down in reaction to Cao Cao's word, "It's my duty as your advisor, My Lord. For now, we should focus on fortifying our defenses and focus on our battle over the central plains. The Emperor and Empress will remain under our watchful eyes, but we must not give them or their supporters any chance for another action."
Cao Cao sighed, rubbing his temples his headache relapsed. "It's a delicate balance we must maintain. Wenruo, had Zhicai and Fengxia oversee all of military matters to ensure that our position is unassailable before making any further moves."
Meanwhile, the news of Dong Cheng's death and the subsequent crackdown had sent shockwaves through the Han Imperial court. Many of the officials that survived the crackdown, decided to change their side and swear their allegiance to Cao Cao.
This move further weaken Emperor Xian power in the court, as he had lost many retainers especially the most loyal that was led by Dong Cheng, his father in law and the highest ranking official under him before his death.
On the other hand, Emperor Xian recovering from the initial shock and tending to the fainted Empress Dong, felt a mixture of fear and anger. He knew his position was precarious, and the recent events only underscored his powerlessness.
In a private chamber, as Empress Dong regained consciousness, Emperor Xian held her hand. "Are you okay, my Empress? Do you want something to drink?" he whispered. "I'm sorry about your father, we will definitely avenge him but we need to be cautious for now as Cao Cao's men is becoming vigilant."
Empress Dong nodded weakly, her eyes filled with tears and worry. "What can we do? My Father's death will definite result in our allies are falling and abandoning us while Cao Cao's grip on us grow stronger."
Emperor Xian pat the hand of Empress Dong and slowly showed a determined look. "We must be patient and find new allies. The Han dynasty will not fall so easily. We must find a way to reach out to those who still support us, even if it means seeking aid from unexpected quarters."
As the Emperor and Empress quietly plotted their next moves, Cao Cao's men under Cheng Yu guidance were already tightening their grip on Xuchang. Guards were doubled, curfews enforced, and every movement within Xuchang was monitored closely.
Back in Lie Fan's camp, the news of Dong Cheng's death and the crackdown in Xuchang reached him through his network of spies. He doesn't feel anything for Dong Cheng death. "Looks like Cao Cao and his advisors had found out about Dong Cheng," he said to Jia Xu and Xun You. "Ensure that traces we had with him disappeared."
Jia Xu nodded confidently. "Rest assured, my lord. The Oriole agents have been thorough. All evidence of our involvement with Dong Cheng has been erased. Cao Cao will find nothing that links us to him."
Lie Fan felt a sense of relief. "Good. Thank you, Wenhe. Now then, what do both of you suggest we should do for our next move be?"
Xun You stepped forward. "I suggest we hold our position for a while, My Lord. at least until Jibei has been securely taken by the Baihu Army. Let our troops recuperate. A hasty move now could lead to unnecessary losses."
Jia Xu agreed. "Xun You is right, My Lord. Once our armies have recovered, we can launch a coordinated assault. The Baihu and Zhuque Armies alongside us can target Puyang and Chenliu, to take down the remaining town under his control in Central Plains except Xuchang."
"Meanwhile, the Qinglong Army should move against Wan. This will not only stretch Cao Cao's forces thin but also place direct pressure on Xuchang." Jia Xu suggest to Lie Fan while he put the figures representing the Qilin Army, Baihu Army, Zhuque Army, and Qinlong Army on the target he said.
Lie Fan nodded thoughtfully. "A coordinated strike on multiple fronts, it will keep Cao Cao's forces off balance and force him to defend on several fronts at once. It sounds like a sound strategy. But could this strategy work? We do this strategy on our first plan."
Xun You ensure that this plan would work, because it had turned into an attrition battle. There doesn't need to change any part of their strategy, especially since Cao Cao and his advisors are still overwhelmed by their strategy and army power.
Ensured by Xun You, Lie Fan nodded his head and told both of them to immediately prepare for the plan and inform Zhang Liao, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, and Taishi Ci.
The decision made, Jia Xu and Xun You began to implement the strategy. Orders were sent out to the various divisions, ensuring that each unit understood their role in the upcoming operations.
In Jibei, Dian Wei and Chen Deng worked tirelessly leading the Baihu Army currently sieging Jibei after their battle against Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian, when the order from Lie Fan arrived.
"Order from Lord Lie Gan is very clear, we should take Jibei as fast as we can," Dian Wei said, overseeing the the Baihu's Army attack on Jibei. "So we can recuperate and let our men rest as soon as possible, so we could implement the strategy."
Chen Deng nodded. "Agreed. We must also ensure our supply replenished and it's line secured. Even then we should also be cautious on our attack, lest we will have more casualties."
As the Baihu Army continued to siege Jibei, they remained vigilant but also optimistic, knowing that the a strategy for the next step had been made, and they only needed to complete their part.
Meanwhile, in Beihai, after the retreat of Xu Chu and Yue Jin's forces Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi oversee its construction and consolidating Lie Fan's influence in Beihai. When they oversee this, Lie Fan's order arrived and received by them.
Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi, standing in the central of Beihai's Governor Castle main hall with a large table in front of them filled with maps and scrolls, unrolled the scroll containing Lie Fan's orders.
Taishi Ci read aloud, "We are to hasten our consolidation efforts here in Beihai and ensure that our forces are ready to support the coordinated assault on Puyang and Chenliu."
Bu Zhi nodded thoughtfully. "We need to double our efforts in strengthening the defenses and integrating the local population into our fold. Establishing strong supply lines will be crucial as well."
Taishi Ci agreed. "I'll take charge of fortifying our key positions and training the new recruits. We must ensure that they are battle-ready. Meanwhile, Master Bu Zhi can oversee the logistics and ensure that our supplies are ample and secure."
Bu Zhi nodded. "Don't worry, using General Taishi Ci influence here in Beihai many merchants, big landlords, and farmers agreed to gave us many of their supplies."
In Runan, Huang Zhong, Liu Ba, and Qin Xie sat around a large wooden table in the command tent. The atmosphere was tense but focused. The arrival of Lie Fan's orders was a stark reminder of the pressing need to secure Runan and prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Huang Zhong finshsed reading the content of the scroll and give it to Liu Ba to read before saying his words, "Our orders are clear. We must secure Runan and ensure that the Our Army is well-supplied and ready for the assault on Wan. What are our immediate priorities?"
Liu Ba reading the scroll handed by Huang Zhing replied, "Firstly, we need to bolster our defenses here in Runan. If Cao Cao send his men to attack Runan, we must be prepared to repel them. I'll work on fortifying our positions and organizing the troops for any potential engagements."
Qin Xie, from the side, added, "We also need to ensure our supply lines are secure. I'll coordinate with the local officials and merchants to establish reliable supply chains so that there would be any disruptions."
Huang Zhong nodded. "We must also maintain constant communication with our allies. The success of our campaign depends on our ability to act in concert with the other armies. I'll set up a relay of messengers to keep us informed of any developments."
Liu Ba concurred. "Agreed. Additionally, we should send out our scouts to gather intelligence on the Cao Cao's men movements on Wan. Knowing their position and strength will give us a strategic advantage."
As they mapped out their plans, the sense of urgency was palpable. Each knew the importance of their role in the grand strategy orchestrated by Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You. The fate of their campaign hinged on their ability to execute their tasks swiftly and efficiently.
In the days that followed, Lie Fan's forces across the region prepared for the next phase of their campaign. The Qilin, Zhuque, and Qinglong Armies all focused on rest, resupply, and reinforcement while the Baihu Army focused on taking Jibei. The coordinated assault on Puyang, Chenliu, and Wan was meticulously planned, with each head general and advisors understanding the crucial role they would play.
____________________________
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
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___________________________
In the days that followed, Lie Fan's forces across the region prepared for the next phase of their campaign. The Qilin, Zhuque, and Qinglong Armies all focused on rest, resupply, and reinforcement while the Baihu Army focused on taking Jibei. The coordinated assault on Puyang, Chenliu, and Wan was meticulously planned, with each head general and advisors understanding the crucial role they would play.
After several days of battle, Dian Wei and Chen Deng alongside the Baihu Army finally managed to breakthrough the line of defense that the Jibei defense army organized, allowing them to break open Jibei's gate.
As the Baihu Army surged through the broken gates of Jibei, the once formidable defenses crumbled under their relentless assault. Dian Wei led the charge, his imposing figure cutting a swath through the defenders. Chen Deng directed the troops with strategic precision, ensuring that their advance was methodical and efficient.
After two hours of intense combat, the resistance within Jibei began to falter. The streets were filled with
the clash of steel and the shouts of soldiers, but the Baihu Army's discipline and coordination proved
overwhelming. Finally, the last pockets of resistance were subdued, and the town was pacified.
Dian Wei, accompanied by Chen Deng and several units, approached the Governor's Castle. The massive doors, once a symbol of Jibei's power, now stood vulnerable before them. Dian Wei smashed through the doors with brute force, and the Baihu Army poured into the castle.
Inside, the Governor of Jibei and his loyalists had made their final stand. They were heavily outnumbered but fought with the desperation of men
with nothing left to lose. Dian Wei's might and Chen Deng's tactical acumen soon overwhelmed the
defenders.
The Governor, a man of stern resolve, stood defiant even as his forces were cut down around
him. Chen Deng stepped forward, his eyes cold and calculating. "Governor, your resistance is futile.
Surrender now, and your lives may be spared."
The Governor, bloodied but unbowed, spat on the ground. "I would rather die than see Jibei fall
into the hands of traitors." Dian Wei's eyes flashed with anger, but Chen Deng held up a hand to stay him. "Very well," Chen Deng said, his voice icy. "You have chosen your fate."
With a swift command, the remaining loyalists were surrounded and disarmed. Their refusal to surrender sealed their fate, and Chen Deng ordered their execution. The Governor and his men met their end with grim determination, their defiance a final testament to their loyalty to Cao Cao.
As the executions were carried out, Dian Wei and Chen Deng took a moment to survey the castle. The
battle for Jibei had been fierce, but their victory was decisive. The Baihu Army had secured a crucial foothold in the region, and the stage was set
for the next phase of their campaign.
Chen Deng turned to Dian Wei. "We must fortify our positions and prepare for the next step. We also need to send word to Lord Lie Fan of our success." Dian Wei nodded. "Agreed. We'll make sure Jibei is secure and ready for the next move."
As the Baihu Army began to consolidate its hold on Jibei, messages were dispatched to inform Lie Fan and the other generals of their victory. The successful capture of Jibei was a significant step forward in their
campaign, and it bolstered the morale of their forces across the region.
The coordinated assault on Puyang, Chenliu, and Wan loomed on the horizon, and the Baihu Army's triumph in Jibei was a crucial component of their overarching
strategy. With each victory, Lie Fan's forces grew stronger and more confident, to face the next challenge that lay ahead.
Messages flew back and forth, confirming the readiness of all units. The Qilin Army, alongside the other armies, made their final preparations, ensuring that supplies were stocked, strategies were refined, and morale was high.
In Xuchang, the atmosphere was tense. Cao Cao and his advisors, ever watchful of the evolving situation, had been eagerly anticipating reinforcements. When word came that Cao Ren, Jia Kui, Xu Huang, and Zhang Ji had returned with their armies, a palpable sense of relief swept through Cao Cao's court.
Cao Cao stood at the gates of Xuchang, flanked by Xun Yu and Guo Jia, as Jia Kui and the generals approached. Cao Ren, leading the group, saluted Cao Cao. "My lord, we have returned as swiftly as possible. Our forces stand ready to do whatever you order us to do!"
Cao Cao nodded, his expression a mix of gratitude and resolve. "Your timely arrival is most welcome, Cousin. The situation is dire right now, but your arrival added more strength to our defenses, and we can slowly turn the tide."
Jia Kui to the left of Cao Ren stepped forward. "We have received reports of Lie Fan's advances, My Lord. His strategy is aggressive and effective. We must counter with equal fervor in terms of the aggressiveness they had shown."
Xu Huang, who was always looking at things pragmatically, added, "My Lord, please send me and my men to bolster our defenses. The enemy is formidable, but we can outlast them if we play our cards right."
Zhang Ji, on the other hand, cupped his hand toward Cao Cao. "My Lord this is the first time we met, I'm Zhang Ji and I'm sure My Lord has known who I am. If I may suggest, we also should defend Xuchang to the extreme since from the way Lie Fan advances, it looks like Xuchang will be surrounded soon in the Central Plains."
Cao Cao nodded his head hearing what all of them said, greeted Zhang Ji, and then turned to Jia Kui, Xun Yu, and Guo Jia. "Wenrou and Fengxiao begin coordinating with Liangdao for the placement of our newly arrived armies, to strengthen our defenses, and also prepare the supplies needed for each of the armies that had just arrived."
As Jia Kui, Xun Yu, and Guo Jia moved to carry out their orders, Cao Cao addressed the gathered generals. "I hear what you all said, we may have lost a lot of ground, but we have not lost the war. Each of you has proven your valor. Now, I want all of you to show that same valor and show Lie Fan that we could change the tide of this war!"
The generals nodded, their spirits burning due to Cao Cao's speech. With the arrival of reinforcements, the mood in Xuchang shifted from despair to determination. Plans were quickly set into motion to fortify Xuchang and prepare for the coming battles.
On the other hand, in Nanpi, the air was filled with the sounds of music and laughter, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere in Xuchang.
Yuan Shao's victory over Zhang Yan was a cause for grand celebration. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and the streets were alive with festivities. The people of Nanpi rejoiced, believing that their lord's power was unassailable.
Inside Yuan Shao's grand hall, a lavish banquet was being held. Noblemen, generals, and scholars were gathered, their faces flushed due to excitement and wine. Yuan Shao, seated at the head of the table, looked over his guests with a satisfied smile.
"Today, we celebrate not just Zhang Yan's surrender, but I becoming the Overlord of Northern China!" Yuan Shao declared, raising his cup. "This is a toast to Zhang He and Gao Lan, whose bravery and wisdom brought us this victory."
A chorus of cheers followed, and Zhang He and Gao Lan rose to acknowledge the applause. Despite the praise, there was a lingering sense of unease in their hearts and it became a reality.
"But! Even though it was due to the two of them, without Yan Liang and Wen Chou's effort to take down Shangdang, their action to persuade Zhang Yan would never happen!" After drinking the wine in his cup, Yuan Shao continued his speech and this word immediately caused silence to befall the hall.
"So Yan Liang and Wen Chou would receive the highest reward in this campaign! Both Zhang He and Gao Lan would receive a reward one level below Yan Liang and When Chou! I hope they can use this chance to motivate themselves to do more!" Not noticing the somber atmosphere, Yuan Shao continued to talk and when he stopped it caused the hall to explode.
The murmurs and laughter of the nobles, who found humor in the unusual equal reward system could be heard from every corner, and this did not escape Zhang He and Gao Lan's notice who was shimmering with frustration and anger.
Zhang He exchanged a glance with Gao Lan, their shared frustration and anger were evident. They had fought valiantly and risked their lives, and yet, their achievements were being belittled.
Later, away from the prying eyes of the banquet hall, Zhang He and Gao Lan found a moment to speak privately in the corner of the hall, where no one would notice them.
"Can you believe this?" Zhang He said, his voice low but seething with anger. "Our efforts reduced to a mere jest among these nobles. We gave everything to ensure this victory, yet we are mocked."
Gao Lan nodded, his expression dark. "Yuan Shao's favoritism is clear. Yan Liang and Wen Chou will always be his preferred generals. Our contributions will never be truly recognized, and this only proves that our decision was correct."
Their resolve was strengthened even more with Yuan Shao's action. They had aligned with Zhang Yan and together planned to betray Yuan Shao, but out of loyalty to Yuan Shao they still somehow held a sliver of hope. But now, this treatment only reaffirmed that they were right to seek a different path.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shao continued to revel in his success, oblivious to the simmering discontent that Zhang He and Gao Lan had due to his decision. Yan Liang and Wen Chou could be seen drunk with happiness and wine, as Yuan Shao's favorite was still them.
As for Feng Ji and Guo Tu, they shared the same table as Shen Pei discussing plans on how to gain some rewards and favors with the drunk Yuan Shao, and how to increase their influence over Yuan Shao.
In a quiet corner of the hall, a lonely table was shared by two men Tian Feng and Xu You who were ostracized by the rest of Yuan Shao's court as usual, but due to the contributions made by Tian Feng, he was invited and decided to bring along Xu You so that he could have someone to talked two. Seeing how grand the banquet was, Tian Feng could only shake his head as he was sure now that Yuan Shao would not be the last man standing on the chessboard.
____________________________
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
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.
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