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___________________________
As preparations for the retreat began, Yuan Xi took charge of the rearguard. Despite his frustration with his father's indecisiveness and the incompetence of the court, he resolved to ensure the safe withdrawal of their forces and the preservation of the Yuan family's legacy.
Meanwhile, in Lie Fan's camp, the momentum of victory surged. Reports from Oriole Agents and the Zhen Clan confirmed that Yuan Shao's forces were planning to abandon Nanpi. Sima Yi and Xun You seized upon this intelligence to refine their strategy.
"If we strike while they retreat, we can cripple their forces and eliminate Yuan Shao's remaining power," Sima Yi proposed. "Their morale is already shattered. A decisive blow now will cement our dominance in the north."
Lie Fan's lips curled into a slight smile. "Very well. Prepare the troops for a pursuit. We will not allow Yuan Shao to regroup at Zhongshan."
As dawn broke, Lie Fan's forces launched their assault on Nanpi's weakened defenses. The city's gates, already battered by the onslaught of attacks during the siege, crumbled under the big attack.
Yuan Xi, leading the rearguard, fought valiantly to delay the invaders and buy time for the evacuation. His efforts were heroic, but the disparity in strength was insurmountable. Inside Nanpi, chaos reigned. Civilians scrambled to escape the carnage, while remnants of the militia either surrendered or fled.
Among them, the Zhen Clan silently worked to secure their newfound cooperation with Lie Fan, aiding in the city's transition to his control. Their actions not only solidified their position but also accelerated the collapse of Yuan Xi's defenses unbeknownst to him.
The skies above Nanpi were veiled with smoke as the once-thriving city descended into chaos. Yuan Xi's rearguard struggled to hold back the relentless assault of Lie Fan's forces, buying precious moments for the evacuation of the Yuan family and their retainers.
But even as he barked orders to his men, Yuan Xi's heart was elsewhere with his wife, Zhen Ji, and their household servants who had remained behind in his residence, waiting for him before they fled from Nanpi together.
As the sounds of battle drew closer to the city's heart, Yuan Xi spurred his horse through the crumbling streets, flanked by his personal guards. Panic gripped the people of Nanpi; civilians fled in all directions, their anguished cries mingling with the clash of steel and the roar of flames. When Yuan Xi turned the corner leading to his estate, he was met with a sight that froze him in his saddle, his residence was ablaze.
Servants darted frantically about, forming human chains to pass buckets of water in a futile attempt to douse the flames. Yuan Xi dismounted with a desperate urgency, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Where is my wife? Where is Zhen Ji?"
A cluster of maids, their faces streaked with soot and tears, turned to him. One spoke, her voice trembling. "My lord, we last saw Lady Zhen heading to her chambers for rest. She may still be inside, please have her!"
The words struck Yuan Xi like a thunderbolt. Without hesitation, he moved toward the inferno, his only thought to save Zhen Ji. But his guards, understanding the precariousness of the situation, restrained him. "My lord, the flames are too fierce! You cannot risk your life! The Lord and the Clan need you!"
Yuan Xi struggled against their grip, his eyes wild with anguish. "Let me go! She's my wife! I will not abandon her!" His voice cracked with a mix of fury and despair as the guards tightened their hold.
In the chaos, Yuan Xi could not see the truth, that this fire and the tragedy it symbolized were no accident. The blaze was part of a calculated scheme orchestrated by Zhen Yi, his father in law and the patriarch of the Zhen Clan.
Under the guise of an unfortunate accident amidst the city's turmoil, Zhen Yi had arranged for Zhen Ji's "death" to free her from her unwanted political marriage. Disgusted by Yuan Xi and resentful of the political union, Zhen Ji had willingly gone along with her father's plan. Hidden in a safe location, she watched from the shadows as her supposed "death" played out, a ghostly smile tugging at her lips.
As Yuan Xi's shouts echoed through the burning courtyard, one of his senior guards, realizing there was no reason with him, struck him from behind. The blow rendered him unconscious, his body collapsing into the arms of his retainers.
The guards quickly mounted their horses, carrying their unconscious young lord and as many servants as they could gather. There was no time to save the valuables or mourn the dead. Lie Fan's forces were closing in, and survival was paramount.
Yuan Xi awoke to the rhythmic jolting of a horse-drawn cart, his head pounding and his heart heavy. For a moment, he was disoriented, the events of Nanpi a hazy blur. Then the memories came flooding back to him, the fire, the servants' screams, the knowledge that Zhen Ji had been inside. A fresh wave of grief and rage consumed him.
"Why did you stop me?" he growled, his voice raw with emotion. His guards exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing, their silence a tacit acknowledgment of their difficult choice.
The journey to Zhongshan was fraught with tension. Yuan Xi, consumed by his sorrow, rode in silence, his once-commanding presence diminished by the weight of his perceived failure.
Meanwhile, the remnants of the Yuan Clan's forces trudged onward, their morale shattered. The retreat from Nanpi was not just a tactical withdrawal; it was a symbol of their declining fortunes.
Back in Nanpi, Lie Fan's forces surged through the city like a tidal wave. The remnants of the militia offered little resistance, and the streets were soon under the control of the Zhuque, Qinglong, and Baihu armies.
Sima Yi and Xun You alongside the strategists of the three armies, Man Chong, Chen Deng, and Liu Ba, moved quickly to consolidate their hold on the city.
The Zhen Clan, having already pledged their allegiance, played a key role in smoothing the transition. Under Zhen Yi's direction, they worked to stabilize the city, distributing grain and reassuring the populace that order would be restored under Lie Fan's rule.
Their actions won them favor with Lie Fan, even as whispers of their betrayal spread among the remnants of the Yuan loyalists who were captured by Lie Fan's soldiers.
Sima Yi reported the details of the fire at Yuan Xi's residence to Lie Fan. "The blaze appears to have been accidental, my lord," he said, though his tone carried a hint of skepticism. "Zhen Ji is presumed dead. It seems the Yuan Clan's misfortunes multiply with each passing day."
Lie Fan nodded thoughtfully, his expression inscrutable. "Accident or not, it weakens them further. Ensure the city's transition is swift and efficient. We will not give Yuan Shao a chance to regroup."
By the time Yuan Xi and the remnants of his forces arrived in Zhongshan, the city was already teeming with refugees and soldiers. Yuan Shao's court, once the center of power in the north, was now a cauldron of fear and discontent. The news of Nanpi's fall and the "death" of Zhen Ji, Yuan Xi's wife, spread quickly, casting a pall over the already demoralized ranks.
While the Yuan Clan reeled from their losses, Zhen Ji began her new life in secret. Hidden by her father's machinations, she found herself free for the first time after her marriage with Yuan Xi.
Though the path ahead was uncertain, she felt a strange sense of relief. No longer bound by the expectations of her political marriage, she could finally pursue her own dreams whatever they might be.
The fire that had "killed" her was a turning point, not just for her, but for the entire Zhen Clan. Their gamble had paid off, securing their place in Lie Fan's favor while extricating Zhen Ji from the grasp of a crumbling Yuan Clan.
Inside the once-mighty Yuan Clan Castle, now transformed into the command center for Lie Fan's operations in Nanpi, the atmosphere was tense yet brimming with a sense of renewal.
The grand halls that had once echoed with the ambitions of Yuan Shao were now filled with the purposeful movements of Lie Fan's officers and retainers.
Lie Fan, his commanding presence unshaken, sat at the head of the chamber alongside his wife, Lu Lingqi, who exuded an air of quiet confidence. Sima Yi and Xun You, his trusted strategists, flanked him, their expressions unreadable but their sharp minds already assessing the nuances of the unfolding discussion.
Before them stood Zhen Yi, the patriarch of the Zhen Clan, flanked by the elders of his family. Though outwardly composed, there was a subtle tension in their posture.
The Zhen Clan had taken a significant risk in aligning themselves with Lie Fan and orchestrating the events that had led to Zhen Ji's supposed death. Now, they sought to solidify their place within Lie Fan's growing dominion and ensure their continued influence in the northern markets.
Zhen Yi began with a respectful bow, his tone measured but earnest. "My lord, we are deeply honored to be granted this audience. The Zhen Clan has long sought stability and prosperity for the people of Nanpi and the north. With the Yuan Clan's decline and your ascendancy, we see a future where peace and order can finally take root. However, to ensure that we can best serve your cause, we wish to discuss the role the Zhen Clan might play in your administration."
Lie Fan leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes studying Zhen Yi. Beside him, Lu Lingqi's lips curved into a faint smile, a gesture that was equal parts encouragement and a subtle warning not to overstep.
Sima Yi interjected with a calm but pointed observation. "The Zhen Clan has indeed proven itself useful, particularly in facilitating the city's swift transition. However, loyalty must be demonstrated consistently over time, not just in moments of convenience."
Zhen Yi nodded, his expression remaining composed. "Of course, Master Sima Yi. The Zhen Clan's loyalty to Lord Lie Fan is unwavering. We do not seek merely to maintain our position but to contribute meaningfully to the stability and prosperity of this region. As merchants, we possess the networks and resources necessary to stabilize the northern markets and ensure a steady flow of revenue to your administration."
Xun You, who had been silent until now, spoke with his characteristic precision. "Stabilizing the markets is indeed crucial, particularly as we integrate Nanpi and its surroundings into Lord Lie Fan's domain. However, such a position of influence must come with safeguards. The Zhen Clan's ambitions must align entirely with the interests of the state."
Zhen Yi's eyes flickered, understanding the underlying caution in Xun You's words. "We fully understand, Master Xun You. To that end, we propose a formal partnership with Lord Lie Fan's administration. The Zhen Clan will not only manage the northern markets but also take an active role in providing supplies and logistical support for your campaigns. Additionally, we are prepared to offer a substantial initial contribution of wealth to demonstrate our sincerity."
_____________________________
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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___________________________
Zhen Yi's eyes flickered, understanding the underlying caution in Xun You's words. "We fully understand, Master Xun You. To that end, we propose a formal partnership with Lord Lie Fan's administration. The Zhen Clan will not only manage the northern markets but also take an active role in providing supplies and logistical support for your campaigns. Additionally, we are prepared to offer a substantial initial contribution of wealth to demonstrate our sincerity."
Lie Fan's gaze shifted to Lu Lingqi, silently inviting her opinion. She spoke with a steady confidence that belied her youthful energy. "The Zhen Clan's proposal is intriguing, but actions speak louder than words. If the Zhen Clan wishes to emulate the Mi Clan of Xiapi, it must prove itself indispensable. What assurances can you provide that your interests will not waver, even if circumstances grow difficult?"
Zhen Yi's expression hardened with determination. "Lady Lu, the Zhen Clan has weathered countless storms to reach this point. We are prepared to pledge our lives and fortunes to Lord Lie Fan's cause. Furthermore, to ensure transparency, we are willing to place trusted members of your administration within our operations. This will not only safeguard your interests but also foster trust between us."
Lie Fan finally broke his silence, his voice calm but firm. "Your words carry weight, Zhen Yi, but as my advisors have said, trust is built over time. I will accept your proposal on two conditions. First, you will integrate members of my administration into your trade operations, as you suggested. Second, you will ensure that a portion of your profits directly supports the reconstruction of Nanpi and the welfare of its people. If you fulfill these conditions, the Zhen Clan will have my favor."
Zhen Yi's face lit up with relief, and he bowed deeply. "Thank you, my lord. The Zhen Clan will not fail you."
The meeting concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. As Zhen Yi and the elders departed, Sima Yi leaned toward Lie Fan, his voice low. "The Zhen Clan's ambition is clear, my lord. They seek to entrench themselves as a pillar of your administration. While their contributions are valuable, we must remain vigilant. Power consolidated in one family can become a liability."
Lie Fan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Your caution is noted, Sima Yi. For now, their loyalty serves our purpose. But should they stray, we will remind them of their place."
Meanwhile, the aftermath of Nanpi's fall continued to ripple through the north. Refugees flooded into Zhongshan, overwhelming the city's resources and straining the morale of Yuan Shao's remaining forces.
Yuan Xi, still reeling from the loss of his wife and the humiliation of defeat, struggled to regain his composure. His father, Yuan Shao, had grown increasingly despondent, the weight of his failures crushing his once-indomitable spirit.
In secret, Yuan Xi began to nurture a simmering resentment toward his father and the court that had failed them. Though outwardly loyal, his heart burned with a desire to reclaim his honor and avenge the losses his family had suffered. Unbeknownst to him, whispers of rebellion began to circulate among the Yuan retainers, their faith in Yuan Shao's leadership eroded by repeated defeats.
The camp of Yuan Shao's main army outside Luoyang was tense, a cauldron of despair and uncertainty. News of Nanpi's fall had spread like wildfire, reaching even the furthest ranks. Soldiers who had once marched proudly under the Yuan banner now moved listlessly, their morale shattered. The chaos was palpable, and at its heart were Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang, and Wen Chou.
Yuan Tan stormed into the command tent, his face pale and drenched in sweat. "How could this happen? Nanpi has fallen! Our home, our capital! Is father even alive?" His voice cracked with panic, each word a cry of desperation.
Yuan Shang, his younger brother, sat hunched over a map, his trembling hands barely able to hold his wine cup. "If Father is… gone," he whispered, "what will become of us? The clan? Everything is crumbling." His voice was filled with dread, and he looked to Yuan Tan for reassurance he couldn't give.
Even though both of them wanted to inherit their father's position, they didn't want it to happen right now when the position was dire and the Yuan Clan crumbled.
The brothers' panic rippled through the army. Soldiers whispered among themselves, their fears feeding on one another. Some speculated that Lie Fan's forces were already on their way to Luoyang. Others questioned the Yuan family's ability to lead. The once-proud army began to unravel, cohesion giving way to doubt.
Wen Chou stood outside the tent, his weathered face betraying the strain he had endured. The loss of Yan Liang had already shaken him deeply, and now, with the fall of Nanpi, he felt like a dam on the verge of breaking. He had tried to maintain discipline among the troops, but the brothers' panic had made that impossible.
"General," one of his lieutenants ventured cautiously, "the men are losing faith. They need direction. What are your orders?"
Wen Chou's eyes burned with a mixture of anger and despair. "Orders?" he growled. "How can I command when the sons of Yuan Shao bicker like frightened children? How can I inspire when our own leaders doubt?"
Inside Luoyang's fortified walls, Cao Cao and his advisors gathered to assess the situation. Guo Jia, known for his keen insight, was the first to speak. "The fall of Nanpi is a devastating blow to Yuan Shao's forces. Panic will spread like wildfire through their ranks, and their cohesion will crumble. This is the moment we've been waiting for."
Xun Yu nodded in agreement. "A decisive counterattack now could break them entirely. Yuan Shao's forces outside Luoyang are vulnerable, their leadership in disarray."
Cao Cao leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips. "The heavens favor us. Send word to Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan. They are to strike from the rear. Our forces within Luoyang will launch a coordinated assault. Wen Chou's army will be caught between us. Crush them, and Yuan Shao's dreams of dominance will be over."
The orders were sent swiftly, and Cao Cao's camp buzzed with activity as preparations for the counterattack began. Meanwhile, in Yuan Shao's camp, chaos reigned. Wen Chou, in his desperation to salvage the siege, ordered reckless attacks on Luoyang's walls. Waves of soldiers were sent forward without coordination, their assaults easily repelled by Cao Cao's disciplined defenders.
Yuan Tan confronted Wen Chou in the command tent, his face red with anger. "What are you doing?" he demanded. "These attacks are useless! You're wasting lives!"
Wen Chou's patience finally snapped. "And what would you have me do, Yuan Tan? Wait for Lie Fan to descend upon us? Perhaps you would like to lead the charge yourself?" His voice was thick with sarcasm and bitterness.
Yuan Shang, watching from the corner of the tent, spoke timidly. "We should retreat. Preserve what remains of our forces and regroup at Zhongshan."
Wen Chou's laugh was hollow. "Retreat? Do you think Cao Cao will let us simply walk away? Do you think Lie Fan will stop at Nanpi? We are cornered, and you both argue like children."
As the tension in the tent reached its peak, a scout burst in, his face pale. "General! Reports from the rear! Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan have launched an attack! Our supply lines are compromised!"
Wen Chou's face darkened. "Damn it all!" He slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the tent. "Prepare the troops. We'll face them head-on. If we're to fall, we'll fall fighting."
Despite Wen Chou's attempts to rally the troops, the army's morale was beyond repair. The men fought without conviction, their movements sluggish and disorganized.
Cao Cao's forces, striking from within Luoyang, coordinated perfectly with the rear assault led by Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan. The Yuan army was caught in a deadly pincer, their ranks collapsing under the relentless onslaught.
Knowing that the situation was futile, Wen Chou rallied his most elite men. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, bringing their own contingent of elite guards, followed suit, and together they began a desperate push to retreat.
The chaos of the battlefield surrounded them as they fought through Cao Cao's tightening noose. Men fell on both sides, screams and the clash of steel filling the air, but Wen Chou pressed on, his face a grim mask of determination.
"Hold the line!" Wen Chou roared, his voice cutting through the din of battle. His men followed, their loyalty to him unwavering even in the face of certain defeat. Despite their efforts, the Yuan forces' retreat devolved into a rout. Soldiers threw down their weapons, some surrendering to Cao Cao's forces while others simply fled, abandoning the banners they once carried with pride.
As Wen Chou's group broke through the initial wave of resistance, they were met with a new challenge. Before them stood three of Cao Cao's formidable generals: Xiahou Yuan, Xu Huang, and Xu Chu. The trio, flanked by their own elite soldiers, formed a wall that blocked the retreating Yuan forces.
Xiahou Yuan stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. "Wen Chou, Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang! Lower your weapons and surrender. My lord, Cao Cao, has given his word, your lives will be spared if you yield."
Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang hesitated, their faces pale and drenched with sweat. The weight of defeat pressed heavily on their shoulders. They glanced at each other, silently debating whether surrender was their only option. But before either could respond, Wen Chou, his judgment clouded by rage and despair, let out a furious cry.
"Spare us? Spare us after destroying everything we've built? Never!" Without waiting for a reply, Wen Chou spurred his horse forward, charging directly at Xiahou Yuan, Xu Huang, and Xu Chu.
"No! Wait!" Yuan Shang shouted, but it was too late. Wen Chou's fury had consumed him.
The three generals raised their weapons, and prepared for the onslaught. Wen Chou's spear darted forward with precision and ferocity, his years of battle experience evident in every move. Xiahou Yuan parried the initial strike, his blade ringing out as it met the spear. Xu Huang flanked to Wen Chou's right, his axe swinging in a wide arc, while Xu Chu charged from the left, his massive rod hammer cleaving the air.
The battle between Wen Chou and Cao Cao's generals was ferocious. Blades clashed, and sparks flew as each warrior tested the other's limits. Wen Chou's strength and skill allowed him to hold his ground, even against three opponents.
He fought like a man possessed, driven by a mix of pride and hopelessness. Blood trickled from wounds on his arms and legs, but he pressed on, his attacks relentless.
"Is this all you have?" Wen Chou snarled, deflecting a strike from Xu Huang's axe. He countered with a thrust aimed at Xu Chu, who barely sidestepped the attack. Despite his bravado, it was clear he was tiring. His movements became slower, his strikes less precise.
Xu Huang, noticing the change, pressed the advantage. "Your strength is failing, Wen Chou. Surrender while you still can."
Wen Chou spat, his defiance undiminished. "I would rather die than kneel to Cao Cao!"
The three generals coordinated their attacks, their experience and teamwork proving too much for the weary Wen Chou. Xiahou Yuan distracted him with feints, forcing Wen Chou to overextend. Xu Huang capitalized on the opening, his axe grazing Wen Chou's side and drawing a deep wound. Wen Chou staggered but refused to fall. With a roar, he swung his spear in a wide arc, forcing his opponents to momentarily step back.
_____________________________
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
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
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I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
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