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77.33% Reborn In The Three Kingdoms / Chapter 518: 497. The Lingling's Agreement Between Three Warlords

Capítulo 518: 497. The Lingling's Agreement Between Three Warlords

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___________________________

Tension crackled between the three men, though they maintained their outward veneer of politeness. The fall of Lingling had been a joint effort, but now that the time had come to reap the rewards, it was clear that each faction had its own priorities. The treasury of the Cai family was said to be vast, filled with gold, jewels, and precious artifacts collected over decades of rule. Control over such wealth could provide the necessary resources to bolster armies, fund new campaigns, and strengthen alliances.

Kuai Yue, sensing the growing strain between the other two representatives, stepped forward, speaking in a tone meant to calm the situation. "We must remember that we are allies in this, not rivals. Lingling may have fallen, but there is still much work to be done. The people need leadership, and we cannot allow our divisions to undermine the peace we have fought so hard to achieve."

Kuai Yue said to calm Zhu Ran and Hua Bao before continuing to say, "I propose that we convene after the trial to discuss the matter of the Cai family's treasury in a more private setting, away from the eyes of the court and the people. Let us approach this matter with wisdom and foresight, as befits our respective lords."

Zhu Ran and Hua Bao exchanged glances, their expressions neutral, though it was clear that neither man was entirely satisfied with Kuai Yu's suggestion. However, both knew that a public argument would do them no favors, especially not with the eyes of the public upon them.

"Very well," Zhu Ran said, his voice laced with reluctant agreement. "We shall discuss this matter further in private. But let us not forget the sacrifices made by our men in this campaign. The Sun Clan expects to receive the rewards according to the contributions it had made."

Hua Bao nodded in agreement, though his smile did not reach his eyes. "Indeed. We shall settle this matter as civilized men. After all, the future of Lingling and the entire Cai Clan's former domain depends on our cooperation."

With the matter temporarily set aside, the three representatives turned their attention back to the courtroom, where the final proceedings of the trial were wrapping up.

Lady Cai, bound and flanked by guards, was led out of the chamber, her face pale but unyielding. She would face her execution with the same pride that had defined her status, refusing to beg or plead for her life as she had list meaning to live.

Liu Cong, on the other hand, remained slumped in his seat, his face twisted in despair as he contemplated the ruin of his young life not having any achievement made and will only be remembered as the puppet of the Cai Clan, and one of the Lingling Massacre originator for allowing it to happen.

As the courtroom began to empty, Kuai Yu, Hua Bao, and Zhu Ran made their way to a private chamber, where they could speak more freely. Once the doors were closed, the masks of civility began to slip.

"I will not mince words," Zhu Ran began, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "The Sun Clan expects a substantial share of the Cai family's wealth. We have no interest in playing second fiddle to either of your lords. We led the charge, and we deserve the lion's share."

Hua Bao, ever the scholar, sat calmly, folding his hands in his lap. "You speak of entitlement, General Zhu, but let us not forget that it was Shi Xie's forces that allowed this siege to succeed. Our contribution was equal, if not greater, than that of the Sun Clan. We have no intention of being sidelined in this discussion."

Kuai Yue, sensing that the conversation was veering toward conflict, raised a hand. "Gentlemen, we cannot allow greed to cloud our judgment. The wealth of the Cai family is great, but it is finite. We must consider the future. Lingling must be governed, its people must be cared for, and its resources must be allocated wisely. If we allow our factions to descend into infighting, we risk losing everything we've gained."

Zhu Ran narrowed his eyes. "And who do you propose should govern Lingling, Master Kuai Yue? Liu Bei? Should we simply hand over the city to your lord and walk away with whatever scraps you deem appropriate for us?"

Kuai Yu smiled politely, though his eyes were sharp. "I suggest we govern it together, as allies. A council, representing the interests of all three factions, with equal say in the management of the city and its resources. That way, no single faction can dominate, and we can avoid unnecessary conflict and create a neutral territory between our domains."

Hua Bao stroked his beard thoughtfully. "An interesting proposition. It would ensure stability, at least for the time being. But such an arrangement would require a great deal of trust—something that is often in short supply in times of war and chaos at these times."

The room fell into silence as the three men considered their next moves. Each of them knew that the fate of Lingling and its treasures hung in the balance, and while they spoke of cooperation, their minds were already working toward their own ends. The trial of Lady Cai had been a spectacle of justice, but the true battle for Lingling was only just beginning.

Kuai Yue's proposal lingered in the air long after the men had left the chamber. The idea of shared governance—a council with equal power over Lingling's wealth and resources—was one that could ensure stability in the short term, but everyone knew it was a fragile arrangement, one built on mutual distrust rather than unity.

Hua Bao and Zhu Ran had both given their reluctant agreements to take the proposal back to their respective lords, but it was clear that the seeds of discord had already been sown.

As the days passed, letters were dispatched to Liu Bei, Shi Xie, and Sun Jian, each of the warlords awaiting word from their envoys on how to proceed with the division of Lingling's spoils. And it wasn't long before the responses began to trickle back.

When Kuai Yue's report reached Liu Bei, the famously benevolent leader was far from pleased. He had trusted Kuai Yue to represent his interests in the negotiations, but the idea of shared governance with warlords like Shi Xie and the Sun Clan was an affront to Liu Bei's vision for power and control of the land.

Kuai Yue's suggestion seemed weak, naive even, and Liu Bei's temper flared as he read the proposal because, inside his heart, he felt that Kuai Yue was trying to sabotage his effort to become Emperor of the land.

"Does he think we are equals with the likes of Shi Xie and the Sun Clan? Does Master Kuai Yue have become a fool after going to the frontline?" Liu Bei snapped, not hiding his disdain for Kuai Yue as his voice cold with restrained anger as he spoke to his head of advisors, Kuai Liang in Xiangyang Governor's Castle.

Kuai Liang, even though offended by the words used to describe his brother, still nodded thoughtfully. "The proposal of a shared council might appear reasonable, my lord, but I agree that it does not suit your long-term plans. You have always desired to rule with benevolence and justice. To share Lingling with those who do not hold such principles would tarnish your name."

Liu Bei clenched his fist, realizing that he had offended Kuai Liang and after a few moments, his anger subsided into a more familiar mask of righteousness. "You are right, Master Kuai Liang. Then we must agree to these councils—on the surface. I'm willing to share governance for the sake of the people of Lingling but such matter would not bore well in the future. So, we will continue to strengthen our own forces, and when the time is right, we will act to secure Lingling fully under our control."

Kuai Liang nodded his head and was pleased that Liu Bei had given such a suggestion, "I agree with this move, my lord. This will give us the chance to win the people of Lingling to our side. If we present ourselves as their protectors, as those who truly care for their welfare, they may turn to us willingly. In time, the city's loyalty could shift entirely in our favor."

Liu Bei nodded, a smile forming on his lips as his plan solidified. "Yes. We will play the long game. For now, we agree to this council. But make no mistake—the people of Lingling come first and then the town second."

In the far south, when Hua Bao's letter reached Shi Xie, the response was more tempered. Shi Xie was not a man driven by ideals or personal vendettas. He was pragmatic, concerned more with maintaining his power in the southern provinces and ensuring a steady flow of wealth. As he read Hua Bao's account of the proposal, he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"A shared governance of Lingling..." he mused aloud to his advisors, his voice calm and measured. "It is not an ideal arrangement, but it has its benefits. We do not need to rule Lingling directly, only to ensure that we receive a fair share of its resources."

One of his senior advisors, Shi Yi, nodded in agreement. "Hua Bao was wise to push for your interests in the discussions. If the Sun Clan and Liu Bei are willing to divide the treasury, there is no reason we should not take advantage of the situation. We can rebuild our forces, strengthen our position, and when the time comes, we will be ready for whatever may follow."

Shi Xie nodded. "Indeed. As long as Hua Bao ensures that we receive a significant portion of the Cai family's wealth, I am content. Let Liu Bei and the Sun Clan fight for the moral high ground. We will focus on what matters most—ensuring that our domain in the south remains prosperous and secure."

While the negotiations unfolded, Sun Ce was absent from the political scene, having taken a personal outing with Zhou Yu. In his absence, Sun Jian, the former patriarch of the Sun family and the former warlord known as the "Tiger of Jiangdong," assumed command. Sun Jian, along with his advisors Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Huan Jie, convened to discuss the proposal sent by Zhu Ran.

Sun Jian was known for his fiery temper and bold strategies, but in this case, he showed a surprising amount of restraint. After reading the letter, he gathered his advisors for a meeting to discuss the next steps.

"It is clear that Kuai Yue's proposal is an attempt by Liu Bei to present himself as a man of virtue," Sun Jian said, his voice gruff but calm. "But we cannot underestimate him. He will use this shared council as a way to insert himself into the affairs of Lingling, perhaps even to turn the people against us."

Zhang Zhao, ever the voice of reason, responded, "You are correct, my lord. However, we are not in a position to contest the proposal openly. The Sun Clan's army is still recuperating from the campaign, and we must be cautious not to overextend ourselves. A shared governance, for the time being, buys us time to rebuild."

Zhang Hong, another trusted advisor, chimed in. "This council could serve as a temporary solution, allowing us to stabilize the region and secure a foothold in Lingling. If we play our cards right, we can use the resources gained from the Cai family's treasury to strengthen our forces. When the time comes, we will be in a position to assert our dominance over the region."

____________________________

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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Capítulo 519: 498. Lie Fan's Course Of Action For Lingling's Agreement

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___________________________

Zhang Hong, another trusted advisor, chimed in. "This council could serve as a temporary solution, allowing us to stabilize the region and secure a foothold in Lingling. If we play our cards right, we can use the resources gained from the Cai family's treasury to strengthen our forces. When the time comes, we will be in a position to assert our dominance over the region."

Sun Jian nodded, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Yes, we will agree to the proposal for now. But make no mistake, we will not share Lingling forever. Let Liu Bei and Shi Xie think we are content with this arrangement. Meanwhile, we will continue to build our strength, and when the moment is right, we will strike."

The room fell silent as Sun Jian's words hung in the air, the gravity of the situation clear to all present. The Sun Clan would bide its time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to seize full control of Lingling.

With all three warlords agreeing to the council proposal—albeit with hidden agendas—the future of Lingling became increasingly precarious. For the time being, the city would be governed by the representatives of Liu Bei, Shi Xie, and the Sun Clan, each of them vying for control while publicly maintaining the appearance of cooperation.

Kuai Yue, Hua Bao, and Zhu Ran reconvened several days later to formalize the agreement. The tension between them was palpable, but none dared to speak openly of the ambitions of their lords.

Instead, they drafted the terms of the council, each representative given equal authority over the city's governance and the management of the Cai family's vast wealth. It was a fragile alliance, one held together by the thinnest of threads.

For the people of Lingling, the trial of Lady Cai had been a moment of catharsis, a chance to see justice served for the atrocities committed by the Cai family. But now, they faced a new uncertainty.

The city was no longer under the iron grip of the Cai clan, but it was also not yet free. The three warlords who had liberated Lingling were all powerful men with their own ambitions, and it was unclear whether they had the people's best interests at heart like Lie Fan who had sent out a statement that allowed them to get out from their previous nightmare and gain justice.

As the council began its work, tensions simmered beneath the surface. Each representative watched the others carefully, waiting for the slightest sign of weakness. In the halls of power and subtle intrigues, the true battle for Lingling had only just begun.

Far to the most at Xiapi, Lie Fan sat in his study, surrounded by his most trusted advisors. The news of the fragile council agreement in Lingling, brokered between Liu Bei, Shi Xie, and the Sun Clan, had just reached him through his extensive Oriole intelligence network.

The Oriole agents had been swift in their reporting, detailing the curious alliance that had emerged in the aftermath of the trial of Lady Cai. Lie Fan was surprised, not by the agreement itself, but by the fact that the three warlords each known for their ambitions had agreed to share governance over Lingling at all.

Lie Fan knew it was a temporary solution, designed to buy time. He could see through the surface-level cooperation and recognize the underlying motives, especially from Liu Bei and the Sun Clan, who both sought to expand their territories.

Shi Xie, on the other hand, was more concerned with the immediate material benefits, content to gain wealth and resources from the Cai family's treasury. It was a precarious arrangement, one that could easily unravel, and Lie Fan saw both opportunities and risks in this development.

He had called for a council meeting, gathering his most brilliant advisors to discuss the matter. Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi were all seated around him, each a master of strategy, politics, or law. They listened intently as Lie Fan recounted the details of the Lingling agreement.

"This shared council is nothing more than a temporary alliance," Lie Fan began, his voice calm but sharp with understanding. "Liu Bei and the Sun Clan are using this time to strengthen their forces. Shi Xie, while not as ambitious in territorial conquest, seeks to enrich himself. They each play the part of allies for now, but we can be sure that each of them is waiting for the moment to strike. The question is: how can we turn this to our advantage?"

Jia Xu, Lie Fan's head of advisors and the oldest present was the first to speak. "My lord, this agreement is weak by design. It is held together by ambition and greed, not true cooperation. The Sun Clan and Liu Bei are both biding their time, and Shi Xie will grow discontent once he feels he has extracted enough wealth. I would not be surprised if, within a few months, this council begins to fracture."

"We must be patient and let them weaken themselves through their own infighting. When the time is right, we can offer support to one faction or the other, ensuring that we control the outcome of the struggle. We can even choose to support the Sun Clan, which will increase their domain and allow the Oriole to cause further discontent which will benefit our plan for the Sun Clan." Jia Xu said as he stroked his beard, having a thorough calculated plan, fully utilizing his subterfuge mastery.

Chen Gong who always prefers for bold action to be made, disagreed. "Waiting may allow us to take advantage of their weakness, but we must also consider the risk of allowing them to consolidate their power. Lingling is a key strategic location, and if one of them gains full control, it could pose a threat to our interests in the region. I propose that we act sooner rather than later, perhaps by sowing discord among their ranks or offering support to the Sun Clan directly. They are the most likely to break away from the agreement, and we could use the Sun Clan to destabilize the others."

Xun You, with his understanding of both civil and military affairs, nodded thoughtfully. "Master Chen Gong raises a valid point, but we must not act rashly. Lingling is indeed important, but it is the ambitions of Liu Bei and the Sun Clan that concern me most. They are both looking for an opportunity to expand their influence. If we move too quickly, we risk giving them a common enemy to unite against.

Xun You said, before continuing, "Instead, I suggest we play the long game, much like Liu Bei himself. We could quietly support the people of Lingling, gaining their loyalty over time, while keeping a close eye on the internal dynamics of the council. If the people see us as protectors, they may turn to us when the council inevitably fails and seek who should they support from the three warlords."

Lie Fan leaned back, absorbing the various viewpoints. The room fell into a contemplative silence, each advisor weighing the potential outcomes of their suggestions. After a moment, Liu Ye spoke up.

"My lord, I believe there is an advantage in letting the council exist, at least for the short term," Liu Ye said. "If we allow the council to continue, it will create a power vacuum in Lingling. The warlords will be so focused on internal power struggles that they will neglect the governance of the people. This is where we can step in—not militarily, but diplomatically. We can position further ourselves as the true protectors of Lingling, offering aid, rebuilding efforts, and stability to the commoners. When the council collapses, as it surely will, the people will naturally turn to us for leadership."

Lu Su, known for his balanced approach to diplomacy and strategy, added, "Liu Ye makes a good point. By helping the people of Lingling, we can undermine the authority of the council without ever having to lift a sword. However, I also believe we should maintain contact with each of the factions. Let them see us as a neutral party, one that could potentially offer assistance if needed. In doing so, we keep our options open for when the power struggle becomes more pronounced."

Sima Yi, sitting quietly in the corner, finally spoke, his voice low but deliberate. "This council is built on deception and ambition. Liu Bei and the Sun Clan are natural rivals, but neither will move until they see a clear advantage. We should create that advantage for one of them, subtly, of course. Perhaps a small disturbance in Lingling, or a rumor that one faction is plotting against the other. With their trust already fragile, it wouldn't take much to ignite conflict. Once they are at each other's throats, we can step in as the arbitrators of peace. But only after they've exhausted themselves."

Lie Fan listened carefully to each of his advisors, his mind racing through the possibilities. Each suggestion had merit, and the challenge now was deciding which course of action would best serve his long-term goals. He knew that the key to winning this game of power was subtlety and patience. Acting too quickly could provoke a united response from the three warlords, but waiting too long could allow one of them to grow too powerful.

After a long pause, Lie Fan spoke, and his decision was made.

"We will take a twofold approach," he said, his voice steady with conviction. "First, we will support the people of Lingling. Send agents to the city, disguised as merchants, scholars, and healers. Let them work quietly to gain the trust of the populace. Offer aid where it is needed, and spread the word that we are watching, ready to protect them should the council fail. This will lay the groundwork for us to step in when the time comes.

"Second, we will begin planting seeds of discord within the council. Sima Yi is correct, these men are held together by the thinnest of alliances. It will not take much to set them against one another. Spread rumors, create misunderstandings, and stir the pot just enough to create tension. But we must do so carefully, without revealing our hand.

"Finally, we will keep lines of communication open with all three factions, especially the Sun Clan. Let them think we are a neutral party, one that could potentially offer aid or mediation. When the time is right, we will support the Suh Clan at any moment, depending on how the situation unfolds."

Jia Xu nodded in approval, a slight smile on his face. "A wise plan, my lord. Patience and subtlety will be our greatest weapons."

Chen Gong, though eager for more direct action, conceded the point. "This will give us time to prepare, while weakening our enemies. I agree, my lord."

The rest of the council murmured their agreement, recognizing the brilliance of Lie Fan's approach. The fragile alliance over Lingling would not last, but with careful maneuvering, Lie Fan and his forces would be there when it inevitably collapsed. They would offer the people of Lingling the stability and leadership they craved, while ensuring that none of the ambitious warlords gained too much power.

____________________________

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


REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES
Tang12 Tang12

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