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___________________________
Zhou Yu allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The plan had been executed flawlessly, and the threat posed by Cai Mao had been eliminated. But he knew that the road ahead was still fraught with challenges. The chaos following Cai Mao's death would undoubtedly lead to further power struggles in Jing Province, and the Sun Clan would need to be vigilant and prepared for whatever came next.
He called for his horse, and as he mounted, his mind was already turning to the next steps. Securing Yang Province was only part of the equation. Zhou Yu knew that the Sun Clan's next goal was to expand their domain to Jiaozhi Province and to achieve that, they would need to capitalize on this momentum and solidify their alliance with Lie Fan to secure their northern border.
As he rode back towards the Sun Clan's camp, Zhou Yu's thoughts turned to the future. The battle against Cai Mao had been a significant victory, but it was just one of many that would be needed in the coming years to come.
Jiaozhi Province holds many treacherous terrains, and Shi Xie is a cunning man, who managed to control Jiaozhi Province as its sole ruler for so long without any damage done to its people and economy, except for the separation war he had when Shi Hui and Shi Wu betrayed him.
But Zhou Yu had faith in the strength and unity of the Sun Clan. With Sun Ce as their leader, and combined with the loyalty and skill of their generals, he believed they had the power to achieve their goals.
Back in the camp, the Sun Clan generals were already celebrating their victory, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of cups. The mood was jubilant, but Zhou Yu remained focused. There was much to be done, and he knew that complacency was the enemy of progress.
He sought out Huang Gai, Cheng Pu, Zhu Ran, Dong Xi, Zhou Tai, and Wei Yan gathering them together to discuss the next phase of their campaign to capitalize on the momentum they had now.
Zhou Yu was a firm believer in the importance of planning and preparation, and he wanted to ensure that they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead in this campaign.
As they discussed their strategy, Zhou Yu emphasized the need to remain vigilant and adaptable. The situation in Jing Province and Jiaozhi Province was still fluid, as the Cai Clan domain was still present in both provinces, alongside Shi Xie and Liu Bei who watched from the sidelines.
So they would need to be prepared to respond to any developments quickly. He also stressed the importance of securing their supply lines and maintaining the morale of their troops, both of which would be crucial in the coming months of their campaign especially since their men would not spend the new year's with their family.
The generals listened attentively, their respect for Zhou Yu evident in their demeanor. They had seen firsthand the brilliance of his tactics, and they knew that his leadership was one of the key factors behind their success.
As the meeting drew to a close, Zhou Yu felt a sense of confidence and resolve. The Sun Clan was strong, and with careful planning and decisive action, they would continue to grow even stronger.
That night, as the camp settled down and the fires burned low, Zhou Yu stood alone at the edge of the camp, gazing out at the stars. The night was calm and clear, a stark contrast to the chaos and bloodshed of the battle earlier that day. Zhou Yu took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment of peace before returning to his duties.
The news of the Sun Clan's victory over Cai Mao spread like wildfire across the land, reverberating through the halls of power from Jing Province to Jiaozhi Province and beyond. The impact of this momentous battle was felt keenly by the major players in the region, each responding to the news in ways that would shape the course of events to come.
In Wuling, Liu Bei received the news with a mixture of relief and concern. Cai Mao had been a thorn in his side, a powerful general and politician with ambitions that threatened Liu Bei's own designs on the region.
However, Cai Mao's defeat and death also meant that the power dynamics in Jing Province were shifting once again. Liu Bei, ever the opportunist one., immediately returned to Xiangyang from Wuling, where he had been planning his next move.
Upon his arrival in Xiangyang, Liu Bei convened an emergency council with his chief strategist Kuai Liang. The two men sat together in Liu Bei's study, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls as they discussed the implications of Cai Mao's demise.
"Cai Mao's death has left a power vacuum in Lingling, my lord," Kuai Liang began, his voice measured and calm. "The Sun Clan will undoubtedly seek to expand their influence into Jing Province, taking advantage of the chaos. We must act swiftly if we are to secure our position."
Liu Bei nodded, his expression thoughtful while inwardly his greed already overflowed his heart. "Indeed, Kuai Liang. But we must also be wary of overextending ourselves and not cause suffering to the people. The Sun Clan is strong, and they have proven their military prowess by defeating Cai Mao. We cannot afford to underestimate them, lest who will defend the people of Jing Province if we lose."
Kuai Liang leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with sharp intelligence, not knowing whether agreeing with Liu Bei's words or saw through him. "That is why we must move decisively but carefully, my lord. I suggest that we continue to consolidate our forces in Wuling and prepare to launch an attack on Lingling. If we can capture Lingling, we can expand our foothold in Jing Province and challenge the Sun Clan's dominance."
Liu Bei considered this, his mind racing as he weighed the risks and benefits. "Very well," he finally said. "Kuai Yue and Ju Shou will remain in Wuling to prepare our forces, and Guan Yu will lead the vanguard when the time comes. But we must also be prepared for the possibility that the Sun Clan will strike first. We need to strengthen our defenses and gather intelligence on their movements."
Kuai Liang nodded in agreement. "I will dispatch our spies to monitor the Sun Clan's activities. We will be ready for whatever comes next my lord don't worry."
Meanwhile, in Jiaozhi Province, the reaction to the news was markedly different. Shi Xie, the shrewd and cunning governor of the province, received the news with a broad smile on his face.
The death of Cai Mao was a welcome development, as it removed a troublesome rival and destabilized the power structure in Jing Province. But unlike Liu Bei, Shi Xie had no intention of rushing into action.
As Shi Xie sat in his ornate chamber, surrounded by his advisors and generals, he waved away their calls for immediate action. "Patience, everyone," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "Let the two tigers—Cai Mao's remnants and the Sun Clan—fight it out. When the time is right, we will strike at the weakened victor and claim the spoils for ourselves."
His advisors exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. Shi Xie had long been known for his cautious approach, preferring to let others weaken themselves before making his move. And with the Sun Clan now engaged in a campaign to secure their hold on Yang Province and expand into Jiaozhi, Shi Xie was content to bide his time and let events unfold.
But while Shi Xie and Liu Bei plotted their next moves, the situation in Lingling was rapidly spiraling out of control. The news of Cai Mao's defeat and death had sent shockwaves through the city, plunging it into chaos.
Lady Cai as the regent and true controller of Liu Cong's court was the first to hear the news. Upon learning of her brother's death, she fainted, overcome with shock and grief.
Liu Cong's court in Lingling, already a tense and volatile place due to the tense war, descended into pandemonium as Lady Cai's supporters and enemies who survived the previous cleansing alike began maneuvering for power.
Liu Cong who was young and inexperienced, found himself at the center of the storm. Having been installed as the puppet ruler by the Cai Clan, Liu Cong had little real power or influence.
Now, with Cai Mao gone and Lady Cai incapacitated, Liu Cong was left floundering, unsure of how to handle the rapidly deteriorating situation inside his court and Lingling chose to turn a blind eye, put on an act to tend to Lady Cai who had fainted.
As the court descended into chaos, Zhang Yun, Cai Mao's most trusted general, took it upon himself to restore order. Enraged by the death of his lord and the ensuing turmoil, Zhang Yun ordered a brutal purge of the court, targeting anyone who was suspected of disloyalty or who posed a threat to the Cai Clan's control.
The streets of Lingling ran red with blood as Zhang Yun's soldiers carried out the purge, executing nobles, officials, and even commoners who were deemed enemies of the state. The once-thriving city was plunged into fear and despair as Zhang Yun's forces cracked down on any hint of dissent.
But the purge only served to further alienate the people of Lingling, who had already grown weary of the Cai Clan's heavy-handed rule. With the city in turmoil and its leadership in disarray, the stage was set for even greater unrest.
As the chaos in Lingling reached its peak, Zhou Yu and the Sun Clan's army began their advance into the Cai Clan's domain in Jiaozhi Province. With Cai Mao dead and Lingling in disarray, the Sun Clan saw an opportunity to expand their influence further south, securing their hold on Yang Province and pushing into the rich and fertile lands of Jiaozhi.
Zhou Yu, ever the meticulous strategist, had anticipated the response of their enemies to Cai Mao's defeat. He knew that Liu Bei would be preparing to strike at Lingling, and that Shi Xie would be content to wait and see who emerged victorious before making his move. But Zhou Yu was determined to stay one step ahead of them all.
The Sun Clan's forces moved swiftly, taking advantage of the chaos in Lingling to push deeper into Cai Mao's former territories. The cities and towns of Jiaozhi, already weakened by the absence of Cai Mao's leadership, fell one by one to the Sun Clan's advance.
As the Sun Clan's army swept through Jiaozhi, they encountered little resistance. The local garrisons, demoralized by the news of Cai Mao's death and the turmoil in Lingling, either surrendered or fled before the Sun Clan's might.
Zhou Yu, leading the advance personally, ensured that the cities they captured were secured and their defenses strengthened. But Zhou Yu knew that the real challenge lay ahead. Shi Xie, though content to wait for now, would not remain idle forever. And Liu Bei, with his forces massing in Wuling, was undoubtedly preparing to strike at Lingling and contest the Sun Clan's control of Jing Province.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 31 (198 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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___________________________
Zhou Yu, leading the advance personally, ensured that the cities they captured were secured and their defenses strengthened. But Zhou Yu knew that the real challenge lay ahead. Shi Xie, though content to wait for now, would not remain idle forever. And Liu Bei, with his forces massing in Wuling, was undoubtedly preparing to strike at Lingling and contest the Sun Clan's control of Jing Province.
The significance of the events unfolding in Jing and Jiaozhi Provinces could not be contained within their borders. Word of the chaotic developments spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of every major warlord across the land.
The news of Liu Biao's death, in particular, sent shockwaves through the region. Though it had been a carefully orchestrated plot by the Cai Clan to elevate Liu Cong as a puppet ruler, it nonetheless revealed the treachery that had pervaded the highest levels of power. Liu Biao, a member of the Han royal family, had been betrayed by those he trusted most, and the ripple effects of this revelation were felt far and wide.
As for Lie Fan, he was not surprised as he had already known about it. His Oriole agents, embedded deep within the political and military fabric of Jing and Jiaozhi, had kept him informed of every twist and turn.
He had long kept an eye with keen interest as the Cai Clan moved to consolidate power, fully aware that their ambition would eventually lead to their downfall. Unlike the other warlords who were caught off guard by the rapid succession of events, Lie Fan had anticipated this power struggle and was already planning his next moves.
For the common people, the news of Liu Biao's assassination was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite the fact that Liu Biao's rule had been largely ineffective in the face of the growing chaos, he was still seen as a legitimate ruler and a member of the Han royal family.
The fact that his own subordinates had conspired to kill him and install a puppet ruler in his place only deepened the sense of betrayal felt by the people. Whispers of unrest began to circulate in towns and villages across the Cai Clan's domain, with many questioning the legitimacy of Liu Cong's rule and the authority of the Cai Clan.
Among the nobles and scholars, the reaction was more measured, though no less concerned. The assassination of Liu Biao and the rise of the Cai Clan represented a further erosion of the Han Dynasty's already crumbling authority.
While many within the scholar class still paid lip service to the idea of loyalty to the Han, it was becoming increasingly clear that the imperial court in Luoyang was powerless to intervene in the affairs of the provinces.
Especially since the Imperial court and the Emperor were in the hands of Cao Cao, the Han Dynasty continued on because Cao Cao allowed it and still needed them, it was only a matter of time before the Han Dynasty came to an end.
The death of Cai Mao, however, was seen as a turning point. Everyone knew that the Cai Clan's time was running out. Without their most capable general and political mastermind, the clan's hold on power was tenuous at best.
The vultures were already circling, with Liu Bei, Shi Xie, and the Sun Clan each eyeing the remnants of the Cai Clan's domain as ripe for the taking. The only question now was who would strike first and how the power dynamics in the region would shift as a result.
Back at Xiapi, the city's transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The construction progress was steady, bolstered by the immense resources that Lie Fan now controlled after securing dominance over the Central Plains.
The expansion of his domain had brought a significant influx of funds, manpower, and natural resources, all of which fueled the city's expansion speed at an unprecedented rate.
Lie Fan, now finally had free time in Xiapi after his campaign and the diplomatic journey to the Sun Clan's capital, was deeply involved in overseeing the construction.
He was accompanied by two of the advisors who were put in charge of the expansion which are Liu Ye, who was responsible for managing the construction teams, and Mi Zhu, who meticulously monitored the financial aspects of the project.
The combination of their efforts ensured that the city's expansion construction was not only swift but also well-organized and sustainable.
The outer town of Xiapi, which was designed to accommodate the growing population and the increasing economic activities, was nearly complete. The buildings were already 80% finished, and the relocation of various social classes had begun in earnest.
Common people, small merchants clans, and low famed scholars clans alike were being moved into the newly constructed areas, bringing with them a flurry of activity. The streets of Xiapi were alive with the sounds of construction, the movement of goods, and the chatter of people as they settled into their new homes.
This relocation wasn't limited to the existing residents of Xiapi. Lie Fan had extended invitations to people from the surrounding regions to come and settle in the city, further boosting its population. This strategic move not only increased the city's manpower but also strengthened its economic base, as more people meant more trade, production, and taxation.
To maintain order and security amid the rapid expansion, Lie Fan had implemented a series of measures to safeguard the city. Checkpoints were established at each of the outer gates, with some of his most capable generals assigned to oversee them.
Zhao Yun, known for his exceptional combat skills and loyalty, was placed in charge of the southern gate. Zhang Liao, a seasoned warrior with a sharp tactical mind, guarded the northern gate. Ji Ling, whose experience in defending fortifications made him an ideal choice, was stationed at the eastern gate. Lastly, Gao Shun, a general renowned for his discipline and leadership, was tasked with securing the western gate.
These measures ensured that Xiapi remained well-protected, even as it grew larger and more complex. The presence of these formidable generals at the city's gates served as a deterrent to any would-be criminals and a reassurance to the citizens that their safety was in capable hands.
Outside of Xiapi, the agricultural expansion was a testament to Lie Fan's strategic foresight. Understanding the critical importance of food security for a rapidly growing city, he had directed that the farmlands surrounding Xiapi be extended and redistributed.
The division of these lands was a careful balance of appeasing the various societal classes. The commoners, big landlords, large-scale farmers, and nobles all received portions that reflected their status and contribution to the region's stability. This distribution not only ensured the cultivation of an ample supply of crops to sustain Xiapi's burgeoning population but also secured the loyalty of the influential land-owning class.
The surplus crops produced by these farmlands were meticulously stored in Xiapi's newly constructed granaries. These granaries were designed with future contingencies in mind, capable of holding large reserves to protect the city from the unpredictability of natural disasters or unforeseen supply shortages. It was a critical component of Lie Fan's vision for a self-sustaining city, able to weather the storms of both nature and conflict.
Inside the walls of the Lie Clan estate, life continued with a blend of domestic tranquility and subtle power dynamics. In the embroidery room, Lie Fan's four wives—Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi—sat together, their nimble fingers moving with practiced ease over delicate fabrics. The room was a sanctuary of calm, filled with the gentle murmur of conversation and the soft rustling of silk threads being woven into intricate patterns.
As they worked, the women discussed the ongoing transformation of Xiapi. They marveled at the city's rapid growth and the grandiosity of its new structures. The outer walls, in particular, were a point of pride, their imposing height and strength a clear sign of Xiapi's burgeoning power. The possibility that Xiapi might one day surpass even Luoyang in size and splendor was a thought that lingered in their minds, filling them with both awe and ambition.
The conversation took a surprising turn when Ying Yue, her voice thoughtful and measured, broached the subject of the future empress. Her question hung in the air, immediately silencing the others. Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi exchanged glances, their embroidery forgotten as they processed the unexpected topic.
In their hearts, each of them had assumed that Ying Yue would naturally ascend to the position of empress. As Lie Fan's first wife and his beloved, she held a special place not just in his heart but also in the hierarchy of the household. Her gentle nature, combined with her deep understanding of Lie Fan's character and ambitions, made her the obvious choice.
Seeing their reactions, Ying Yue smiled warmly, dispelling the tension that had settled in the room. "I do not wish to become empress," she said softly, her tone filled with sincerity. "My background is that of a commoner. Though I have been adopted by Hua Tuo and welcomed into the Lie Clan, I fear that my past might tarnish our husband's reputation. Especially in the years to come when foreign dignitaries will look to our household for guidance and strength."
Her words were met with surprise, but also understanding. Ying Yue had always been pragmatic, her love for Lie Fan guiding her every decision. Her reluctance to become empress was not born of insecurity but of a desire to protect Lie Fan's legacy. She did not want her origins to be a point of contention in the future, particularly when the Lie Clan would inevitably interact with foreign powers and the highest echelons of Chinese nobility.
"I would much prefer to stay here," Ying Yue continued, her eyes meeting those of her sister-wives with a calm resolve. "I want to care for all of you personally, to ensure that our household remains strong and harmonious. Managing a harem in the future... that is a responsibility I do not desire. I believe that one of you, with a background more suited to the role, should take on the mantle of empress when the time comes."
The room was silent for a moment as the other women absorbed Ying Yue's declaration. Diao Chan, who had always admired Ying Yue's wisdom, nodded slowly, recognizing the selflessness in her words. Cai Wenji, a scholar's daughter with a keen understanding of political machinations, appreciated the subtle implications of Ying Yue's decision. Lu Lingqi, ever practical and direct, respected the courage it took to voice such a significant choice.
The topic of the empress was thus left unresolved, but not in an uncomfortable way. Instead, there was a sense of unity among them, a shared understanding that this decision, whenever it needed to be made, would be done with the utmost care for both their husband's future and the stability of the Lie Clan.
As the discussion moved on to lighter topics, the women resumed their embroidery, but the thought of the future empress lingered in the back of their minds. Each of them knew that the question of succession, both within their household and in the broader political arena, would become increasingly important as Lie Fan's power grew.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 31 (198 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
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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