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___________________________
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
It was Xu Chu who delivered the final blow. As Wen Chou's strength faltered, Xu Chu saw his opportunity. With a powerful swing of his rod hammer, he struck Wen Chou's chest, the force of the blow unseating him from his horse. Wen Chou hit the ground hard, blood pooling beneath him. He struggled to rise, his hands grasping for his spear, but his body refused to obey.
Xu Chu dismounted, standing over the fallen general. "You fought bravely, Wen Chou," he said solemnly. "But this is the end."
Wen Chou's eyes burned with defiance until his last breath. As his life slipped away, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang watched in stunned silence. Their last hope of holding their forces together was gone.
"What now?" Yuan Shang whispered, his voice trembling.
Yuan Tan clenched his fists, his mind racing. "We retreat. What else can we do? We must live to rebuild. If we stay, we'll die here, just like Wen Chou."
The remnants of the Yuan forces began to scatter, their retreat turning into a chaotic flight. Xiahou Yuan and Xu Huang alongside Cao Hong, Cao Ang, Zhang He, Zhang Yan, and Gao Lan led their troops in pursuit, cutting down those who resisted and capturing others. Xu Chu, however, remained by Wen Chou's body, offering a silent moment of respect to the fallen warrior.
Back in Cao Cao's camp, news of Wen Chou's death and the rout of Yuan Shao's forces reached Cao Cao and his advisors. Guo Jia smiled faintly, his prediction coming to fruition. "The Yuan clan is finished," he said. "Their forces are broken, their leadership divided. They will never again pose a threat to your rule, my lord."
Cao Cao nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The heavens truly favor us. But we must not become complacent. Order the troops to secure the battlefield and tend to the wounded, friend and foe alike. A display of mercy now will sow seeds of loyalty among those who once followed Yuan Shao."
Meanwhile, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang fled north toward Zhongshan with what remained of their forces. As they rode, their minds were plagued by fear and uncertainty. The once-mighty Yuan clan had been reduced to fugitives, their future uncertain. Yuan Tan's face hardened as he resolved to rebuild, no matter the cost.
As the north was full of battles embroiling Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Lie Fan, in the southwest of China, The sun hung heavy in the humid skies of the Nanman territories, casting an oppressive heat over the war-torn lands.
Yan Yan and Zhang Ren stood atop a ridge overlooking the jungle basin below, where their troops were setting up another forward base. They had pressed deeper into Meng Huo's domain than any other army in memory. Despite their weariness, a sense of determination burned in their eyes.
Yan Yan turned to Zhang Ren, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "The Nanman resistance is faltering. If we press harder, we can break their will entirely. But we must remain cautious, desperation breeds dangerous foes."
Zhang Ren nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the treeline below. "Agreed. Meng Huo and his men fight like cornered beasts. They'll strike with every ounce of strength they have left. We must ensure we don't become complacent."
Their confidence stemmed from careful planning and exceptional intelligence. Spies embedded deep within the Nanman tribes had uncovered vital information, allowing Yan Yan and Zhang Ren to bypass swamps, avoid ambushes, and strike where Meng Huo's forces were weakest.
This was not simply brute force, it was calculated precision. Their successes owed much to Fa Zheng, the brilliant strategist who remained in the rear lines, coordinating movements and analyzing every report from the battlefield.
As the officers discussed their next moves, a rider approached, dust caking his face and armor. He dismounted swiftly, saluting. "Generals! Meng Huo's forces are gathering in the valley ahead. Scouts report that King Duosi and King Mulu have joined him. They appear to be preparing a last stand."
Yan Yan stroked his long beard, his expression thoughtful. "If the kings are uniting, this is likely their strongest force yet. This could be our opportunity to deal a decisive blow."
Zhang Ren smirked, his grip tightening on his spear. "Let's not keep them waiting."
In the heart of the Nanman camp, Meng Huo sat in his war tent surrounded by his trusted advisors: King Duosi, King Mulu, King Wutugu, and Ahui Nan, The atmosphere was tense, each man acutely aware of their precarious situation.
Meng Huo slammed his fist on the table, rattling the crude wooden surface. "Damn Liu Zhang and his generals! They fight as if they know our every move. The jungle itself feels as though it betrays us."
King Duosi, his sly smile unfazed by the dire circumstances, leaned forward. "My Chief, the key lies in their reliance on intelligence. If we can mislead their spies and lure them into a trap, we may still turn the tide."
King Mulu grunted in agreement, his face painted with the tribal patterns of his people. "We know this land better than they ever could. Let them march into the depths of the jungle where our warriors will be waiting."
Ahui Nan, however, raised a hand in caution. "The enemy's strategist, is no fool. If we lay a trap, it must be layered with deception. A simple ruse will not suffice."
Meng Huo nodded, his anger subsiding into resolve. "Then we will make it so. Wutugu, you and your warriors will take the vanguard and bait them into our chosen ground. Once they are ensnared, we will strike from all sides."
The kings departed to prepare, their tribes mustering for what they knew could be the final confrontation. Despite their determination, an air of uncertainty lingered, Meng Huo's forces had already suffered heavy losses, and their unity was fragile.
The following day, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren's armies advanced cautiously. Despite their successes, they had learned to respect the Nanman's resourcefulness. Fa Zheng had devised a strategy to counter the expected ambushes, dispatching flanking units to secure the surrounding terrain while the main force moved forward.
As they approached the valley, the dense jungle opened to reveal an imposing sight: King Wutugu and his elite warriors stood arrayed in the clearing, their massive shields and spiked armor glinting in the sun. The warriors let out a deafening roar, shaking the very air.
Yan Yan raised a hand, signaling his troops to halt. "They mean to intimidate us. Hold your ground and wait for their move."
King Wutugu charged first, his warriors following in a thunderous wave. Their brute strength was terrifying, but Yan Yan's men held firm. Archers released a hail of arrows, their projectiles finding gaps in the Nanman's armor. Yet, Wutugu's sheer presence turned the tide, he plowed through the front lines, scattering soldiers like leaves.
Seeing the chaos, Zhang Ren spurred his horse forward, rallying the troops. "Stand your ground! Reinforcements are coming!"
The battle raged fiercely, but just as Fa Zheng had predicted, King Wutugu's assault was a diversion. Hidden Nanman warriors emerged from the jungle, striking the flanks of the Shu forces. However, thanks to Fa Zheng's foresight, the flanking units had already anticipated this move and countered the ambush.
Fa Zheng's strategy turned the tide. With their flanks secured, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren launched a concentrated counterattack.
Zhang Ren personally faced off against King Wutugu in a fierce duel. Though Wutugu's strength was unmatched, Zhang Ren's skill and agility gave him the upper hand. In a final exchange, Zhang Ren's spear pierced through Wutugu's defenses, felling the giant warrior.
The sight of their fallen champion demoralized the Nanman forces. Meng Huo and the remaining kings tried to rally their men, but their efforts were in vain. Yan Yan's disciplined troops pressed the advantage, pushing deeper into the Nanman camp.
King Duosi and King Mulu attempted to flee, but were captured by flanking units. Ahui Nan, seeing the battle lost, surrendered in the hope of sparing his people further suffering.
Meng Huo, however, refused to yield. Surrounded and outnumbered, he stood defiantly, his massive frame a testament to his unbreakable will. Yan Yan approached, his sword drawn but lowered. "Meng Huo, your people have fought bravely, but this battle is over. Surrender, and you will be spared."
Meng Huo spat on the ground, his voice a growl. "I will never bow to Liu Zhang or his dogs!"
Zhang Ren dismounted, stepping forward. "Your defiance is admirable, but consider your people. How many more must die before you see reason?"
Meng Huo's fists clenched, his gaze shifting to the defeated remnants of his army. His shoulders slumped as the weight of reality set in. Slowly, he lowered his weapon and knelt. "I surrender."
The aftermath of Meng Huo's surrender was both solemn and triumphant. Yan Yan and Zhang Ren stood amidst the battlefield as the once-roaring Nanman warriors threw down their weapons, their defiance crumbling like the jungle mist dissipating in the heat of the midday sun.
Meng Huo, kneeling before Yan Yan, symbolized the end of the greatest threat to Liu Zhang's rule in the southwest. Yet, the generals knew their victory was not absolute.
As the warriors of the Nanman coalition gathered to lay down arms, Yan Yan spoke with a commanding yet measured tone. "Your chief has chosen to surrender, not out of weakness, but to spare your lives. Those who yield will be treated fairly under the governance of Liu Zhang. However, any who resist will be met with the same fate as those who have fallen today."
The message was clear, and murmurs of acknowledgment rippled through the exhausted tribesmen. Despite their hardships, the sight of Meng Huo in chains ensured their compliance, at least for the moment.
Yet Yan Yan and Zhang Ren understood the complexities of Nanman politics and geography. Not all tribes would accept this defeat, especially those deep within the southern jungles who had remained isolated from Meng Huo's broader coalition.
Yan Yan summoned his officers for a council. "We must not mistake this surrender for total victory. Meng Huo's influence, though significant, does not extend to every tribe. We need to send envoys to the deeper territories to communicate the terms of their chief's surrender. Zhang Ren, I trust you to oversee this personally."
Zhang Ren nodded. "And what of Meng Huo? His presence is both a liability and an opportunity. He is a symbol of resistance to his people, but also a means to bring them into the fold."
Yan Yan agreed. "We will take him back to Chengdu, where his surrender can be formalized before Liu Zhang. His testimony will serve as proof of our victory and as a tool to solidify the Nanman tribes' integration into our governance."
News of their triumph was dispatched to Chengdu with urgency. Messengers carried letters detailing the victory, including a comprehensive report on the subdued tribes and the remaining resistance. The correspondence also sought guidance from Liu Zhang's court on how to proceed, as Yan Yan and Zhang Ren recognized that further campaigns into the uncharted jungles required significant resources and political approval.
_____________________________
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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___________________________
News of their triumph was dispatched to Chengdu with urgency. Messengers carried letters detailing the victory, including a comprehensive report on the subdued tribes and the remaining resistance. The correspondence also sought guidance from Liu Zhang's court on how to proceed, as Yan Yan and Zhang Ren recognized that further campaigns into the uncharted jungles required significant resources and political approval.
When the news reached Chengdu, the city erupted in celebration. Civilians and officials alike praised the efforts of Yan Yan and Zhang Ren, seeing the victory as a critical step in securing the Yi Province. The court, under the direction of Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da, convened to deliberate on the next course of action.
Zhang Song, holding the letter, read aloud the generals' reports to the court. "The Nanman tribes' coalition has been subdued, and Meng Huo is now under our control. However, the generals request guidance on managing the remaining tribes and ensuring stability in the south."
The officials murmured in approval, many praising Liu Zhang for his leadership. Unbeknownst to Liu Zhang however, the true power behind the court lay in the hands of Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da.
The three had skillfully manipulated events to portray Liu Zhang as a capable ruler after becoming free from Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's grasp, all while tightening their grip on Yi Province in preparation for their secret allegiance to Lie Fan.
Fa Zheng spoke next, his voice calm and authoritative. "We must capitalize on this victory to consolidate our rule over the south. I propose that Yan Yan and Zhang Ren be granted autonomy to negotiate with the remaining tribes, using both diplomacy and force as necessary."
"Additionally, Meng Huo should be presented before the court, where his formal surrender can be witnessed by all. This will send a clear message to both the Nanman tribes and our own people."
Meng Da, always one to think ahead, added, "This is also an opportunity to strengthen the province's economy. The Nanman territories are rich in resources, particularly rare herbs and exotic goods. By integrating the tribes, we can establish trade routes and bolster our coffers."
Liu Zhang, unaware of the deeper machinations at play, beamed with pride. "Excellent suggestions! Send word to the generals immediately. Yan Yan and Zhang Ren shall handle the tribes, and Meng Huo will be brought to Chengdu to swear his loyalty before us."
The court applauded, their cheers masking the quiet satisfaction of Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da. Behind their loyal façades, they had begun laying the groundwork for delivering Yi Province as a gift to Lie Fan, ensuring their political survival and future prosperity.
In the days that followed, Meng Huo and his captured advisors were escorted to Chengdu. Along the way, they witnessed the disciplined order of Liu Zhang's forces and the prosperity of the Yi Province, a stark contrast to the rugged life of the Nanman territories. Meng Huo, though proud, could not help but feel a growing respect for the organization and governance of his captors.
Yan Yan and Zhang Ren treated their prisoners with dignity, a calculated move to sow goodwill among the remaining tribes. They allowed Meng Huo to address his people during their journey, encouraging them to accept the new order under Liu Zhang. While some tribesmen remained wary, others began to see the potential benefits of aligning with the more developed Yi Province.
Upon reaching Chengdu, Meng Huo and his entourage were paraded through the streets, not as trophies, but as honored guests. The city's residents, well aware of the strategic importance of this victory, lined the streets to witness the occasion.
In a grand ceremony, Meng Huo knelt before Liu Zhang in the court of Chengdu. The warlord, seated on his ornate throne, looked every bit the benevolent ruler. Flanked by Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da, Liu Zhang accepted Meng Huo's surrender with grace.
"Meng Huo," Liu Zhang declared, his voice resonating through the hall, "your bravery and loyalty to your people are commendable. But now is the time for unity. Together, we can bring prosperity to the Nanman tribes and the Yi Province as a whole."
Meng Huo, his pride tempered by the realities of defeat, responded solemnly. "I surrender not out of weakness, but for the sake of my people. I will serve you, Liu Zhang, and ensure that my tribes honor this agreement."
The court erupted in applause, the ceremony marking a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the Yi Province. Meng Huo's surrender not only solidified Liu Zhang's rule but also opened the door for greater integration of the Nanman tribes into Liu Zhang's administration.
As the court celebrated, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da convened in private. Their plan was unfolding perfectly. By presenting Liu Zhang as a wise and capable leader, they ensured the province's stability while quietly preparing it for transition to Lie Fan's control.
"The south is secure," Fa Zheng noted with a sly smile. "Liu Zhang is more dependent on us than ever. When the time comes, the Yi Province will be ready for Lord Lie Fan's arrival in the future."
Meng Da nodded, his expression one of satisfaction. "Let Liu Zhang enjoy his moment of glory. It only strengthens our position. When the province changes hands, the people will see it as a natural progression, not a betrayal."
Zhang Song raised a cup of wine in a silent toast. "To the future of Yi Province and to our survival."
After the toast was exchanged between the three conspirators, Fa Zheng leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful yet calculating.
He swirled the wine in his cup before speaking again, his voice low but firm. "Meng Huo is a variable we cannot afford to ignore. His loyalty may waver once he realizes we are not acting solely in Liu Zhang's interests. If left unchecked, he could disrupt a peaceful handover and turn it into a violent rebellion."
Zhang Song and Meng Da, who had been savoring their moment of triumph, paused at Fa Zheng's words. His observation hung in the air like a storm cloud. Meng Da nodded slowly, placing his cup on the table. "You're right. Meng Huo is not a man to be underestimated. He commands respect among the southern tribes, and his influence extends far beyond what we've seen. If he senses betrayal, his pride alone could drive him to rebellion."
Zhang Song tapped a finger against the armrest of his chair, his sharp mind already racing to address the issue. "Then we must bring him into the fold," he said, his tone decisive. "Not as a mere subordinate, but as an ally, one who sees the benefits of aligning with us. If we can convince him that his people will prosper under Lie Fan's eventual rule, he may be more inclined to support the transition."
Fa Zheng's lips curled into a small smile. "Precisely. Meng Huo is a pragmatic man, despite his pride. He surrendered not out of weakness but for the survival of his people. If we appeal to that pragmatism and offer him a role in the future administration, he may become an asset rather than a threat."
Meng Da folded his arms, his eyes narrowing. "But what of Yan Yan and Zhang Ren? Their loyalty to Liu Zhang is unwavering. Even if Meng Huo joins us, those two could still derail our plans. They command the military, and while they respect us, their allegiance lies with Liu Zhang."
Zhang Song sighed, leaning forward as he addressed the group. "Yan Yan and Zhang Ren are indeed a challenge. Persuading them to join us would require careful manipulation. They are honorable men, not easily swayed by promises of power or wealth."
"However, if we can frame Lie Fan's ascension as a continuation of Liu Zhang's legacy, something that would ensure the stability and prosperity of Yi Province, they might reconsider."
Fa Zheng nodded but remained skeptical. "It's a long shot. Men like Yan Yan and Zhang Ren value loyalty above all else. If persuasion fails, we may need to consider more... permanent solutions. Removing them from their positions would be difficult, but not impossible."
Meng Da frowned, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "Eliminating them would destabilize the province, at least temporarily. Their troops are loyal to them, not us. If we act too hastily, we risk creating more enemies than allies."
Zhang Song raised a hand to calm his colleagues. "Let us not rush to such extremes. First, we focus on Meng Huo. If we can secure his support, the southern tribes will be a powerful counterbalance to any resistance from Yan Yan and Zhang Ren. Once Meng Huo is on our side, we'll reassess our approach to the generals."
The three conspirators spent the rest of the evening hashing out their plan. They decided to meet with Meng Huo in private, away from the prying eyes of Liu Zhang's court. Their aim was to present him with a vision of the future, one in which his people would thrive under Lie Fan's rule, with Meng Huo himself as a key figure in the new administration.
A week later, in a secluded chamber of the governor's palace, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da convened with Meng Huo. The southern chieftain was seated at a sturdy wooden table, his imposing presence filling the room. Despite his captivity, Meng Huo exuded confidence, his sharp eyes scanning the three men before him.
"You've summoned me here," Meng Huo began, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "What is it you wish to discuss?"
Zhang Song spoke first, his tone cordial and respectful. "Meng Huo, your surrender was a testament to your wisdom. You recognized that resistance would only bring further suffering to your people. That same wisdom is why we wish to speak with you today."
Meng Huo leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Go on."
Fa Zheng took over, his words carefully chosen. "The Yi Province is at a crossroads. Under Liu Zhang's leadership, we have seen stability, but we believe the province's true potential lies in uniting with a greater vision, a vision led by Lord Lie Fan, a man who seeks to bring prosperity to all under his rule, including the Nanman tribes."
Meng Huo's brow furrowed, his skepticism evident. "You speak of unity, yet you would replace one ruler with another. What guarantee do I have that my people will not simply exchange one oppressor for another?"
Meng Da leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Lie Fan is no oppressor. He values the diverse cultures and strengths of those under his rule. Under his leadership, your tribes would not be subjugated, but integrated. Your people would retain their traditions while benefiting from trade, infrastructure, and security. And you, Meng Huo, would play a pivotal role in ensuring this unity."
_____________________________
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!
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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