Capítulo 488: 470. Plans To Incorporate The Sun Clan
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As they advanced, the Sun Clan's forces encountered scattered resistance from Cai Mao and Zhang Yin's men who were stationed across the borders. However, these encounters were swiftly dealt with due to the large difference in manpower, and the Sun Clan's dominance grew. Alongside the combination of Zhou Yu's strategic brilliance and Sun Ce's decisive leadership and indomitable strength, none of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun's men could hold their advance.
The Sun Clan's movement into the southern part of Jing Province further destabilized an already chaotic region. As they advanced to conquer new lands recently taken by the Cai Clan, the competition for territory and power intensified.
Liu Bei, the Cai Clan, and Sun Ce's forces all clashed, each vying for control over the strategic areas within Jing Province and parts of Jiaozhi Province.
In the midst of this turmoil, Liu Zhang, who controlled Yi Province to the west, recognized the potential threat posed by the ongoing conflicts.
As a puppet ruler under the influence of powerful gentries and nobles of Yi Province, he ordered his army to station itself along the borders, ensuring that the chaos from Jing Province did not spill into Yi Province. His primary concern was to maintain the stability and security of his own territory, avoiding any entanglement in the southern conflicts.
Shi Xie, having already fortified his borders after the Cai Clan's victory over Shi Hui and Shi Wu, kept a vigilant eye on the unfolding events. With the Cai Clan's forces spread thin due to their engagements with Sun Ce, Shi Xie saw an opportunity to reclaim the domains he had lost. He began discreetly amassing troops and resources, preparing to strike when the moment was right.
To the north, Lie Fan, an ally of the Sun Clan, monitored the situation through his network of Oriole agents. Despite the alliance, Lie Fan understood that a chaotic southern region worked to his advantage. Recovering from his devastating battle against Cao Cao and wary of Yuan Shao's strength to his north, he preferred to see his southern neighbors embroiled in conflict. This would allow him time to recuperate and strengthen his forces, preparing for any potential aggression from Yuan Shao.
Lie Fan also considered the growth of the Sun Clan in his timeline compared to the original timeline. Thanks to his past support, the Sun Clan had expanded significantly, with Sun Ce and Sun Jian still alive and leading a united front.
Their strengthened military and territorial power posed both an opportunity and a potential challenge for Lie Fan's own ambitions and path as Emperor in the future.
He didn't want to destroy the Sun Clan even though they might become a hindrance in the future. His past life had given him a soft spot for the Sun Clan, and he cherished his intimate relationships with Sun Jian, whom he considered an older brother, Sun Ce, as a younger brother, and Sun Shangxiang, whom he saw as a cute little sister much like his own sister, Wannian. Lie Fan hoped there were ways to incorporate the Sun Clan peacefully under his banner and make them part of his force.
In retrospect, he thought about the arranged marriage proposals between Sun Quan or Sun Ce and Wannian. Perhaps if he had agreed to these marriages, he could have used that relationship as diplomatic leverage.
However, with that opportunity missed, he needed to find urgent ways to bring the Sun Clan into his fold to fasten the progress of his ambition. Additionally, he was in the process of incorporating Sheng Xian's domain fully under his control.
Sheng Xian had enjoyed substantial benefits as a special Governor of his domain after becoming Lie Fan's vassal. However, Sheng Xian didn't realize that many Oriole agents had infiltrated his government.
These agents had befriended, bribed, intimidated, or even assassinated many officials in his administration to fully support Lie Fan, who gradually distanced themselves from Sheng Xian and sided with Lie Fan over the past few years.
Jia Xu, Chen Qun, and Lu Su were the key figures handling this covert operation. Jia Xu coordinated the Oriole agents, ensuring their actions were precise and effective.
Chen Qun managed the political implications, fabricating false evidence to justify the removal of Sheng Xian without tarnishing Lie Fan's governance and prestige. Lu Su focused on the incorporation of Sheng Xian's domain, ensuring a seamless transition under Lie Fan's rule.
Couldn't find any way to handle this matter, Lie Fan decided to convene a meeting with his trusted advisors the next day, to discuss the best approach to handle the Sun Clan. Jia Xu, as Lie Fan's right hand and Grand advisor, proposed a bold plan.
Jia Xu proposed a plan to cause a destabilizing situation over the Sun Clan domain, which would weaken the Sun Clan's power considerably. Then, Lie Fan could exploit this situation and approach them diplomatically, offering to save them in exchange for their allegiance.
Many noble clans in Jiangdong and the entire Yang Province didn't like the way an outside clan like the Sun Clan suddenly disturbed the balance and became the hegemon of the region. Several of Lie Fan's advisors, including Xun You, Chen Gong, Chen Gui, Wang Yi, Sima Yi, Man Chong, and Lu Zhi, agreed with Jia Xu's method.
Of course, some opposed this suggestion, led by Chen Qun, who argued that such an action, if known, could have a large impact on Lie Fan's prestige and reputation. It could lead to the loss of their alliance and create a vengeful enemy in the form of the Sun Clan.
He suggested a more direct diplomatic approach, as his investigation showed that neither Sun Jian nor Sun Ce had any ambition to become Emperor. They only wanted to bring the Sun Clan to glory and survive these turbulent times. This suggestion was supported by Sun Qian, Lu Su, Yi Ji, Liang Xi, Cai Yong, Sima Lang, Zhuge Jin, Mi Zhu, Mao Jie, and Zhuge Xuan.
Both sides soon became embroiled in a debate over the right approach to incorporate the Sun Clan under Lie Fan's banner peacefully. This marked the first time at Lie Fan's council that it was separated into two sides, whereas usually there was a third side, the neutrals.
As the debate heated up, Jia Xu elaborated on his plan. "We can exploit the discontent among the noble clans in Jiangdong, My Lord. By supporting their grievances and subtly fueling their opposition, we can create internal strife within the Sun Clan's domain. This will weaken their power base, making them more susceptible to our diplomatic overtures. Once they are in a vulnerable position, we can extend our hand in friendship and offer them protection and stability in exchange for their allegiance."
Chen Qun countered, "My Lord, while Master Jia Xu's plan is clever, it is also risky. The Sun Clan is proud and resilient. If they discover our involvement in their internal troubles, they will view us as treacherous and untrustworthy. This could lead to a prolonged conflict that would drain our resources and distract us from other pressing matters, such as the threat from Yuan Shao. A direct diplomatic approach, emphasizing our shared history and mutual benefits, would be more effective and less risky."
Sun Qian added, "We should appeal to the familial bonds and shared experiences that My Lord has with the Sun family. By emphasizing these connections and offering tangible benefits, such as military support and economic aid, we can persuade them to join us willingly. This approach would strengthen our alliance and avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
The council was divided, with both sides presenting valid arguments. Lie Fan listened intently, weighing the risks and benefits of each approach. He valued Jia Xu's strategic acumen but also understood Chen Qun's concerns about the potential backlash.
After hours of intense discussion, Lie Fan raised his hand to silence the room. "Both Wenhe and Changwen have presented compelling arguments. We must tread carefully to ensure our actions align with our long-term goals. I propose a combined approach. We will subtly support the noble clans in Jiangdong to apply pressure on the Sun Clan, but simultaneously, we will extend a sincere diplomatic offer to the Sun family. By doing so, we can cover both fronts and adapt our strategy based on their response."
Jia Xu nodded in agreement to Lie Fan's plan, knowing that further debate would lead nowhere. "A balanced approach could indeed yield the best results, my lord. We will need to execute this plan with precision and discretion to avoid arousing suspicion."
Chen Qun also conceded on this matter after Jia Xu took a step back. "This compromise allows us to maintain our honor while still leveraging the internal dynamics of the region, I agree my lord. By doing this, we could be prepared for all possible outcomes."
Lie Fan continued, " When the time was right to execute this plan, Wenhe, you will oversee the covert operations in Jiangdong. Ensure our involvement remains hidden. Changwen, you will lead the diplomatic efforts, crafting a proposal that highlights our mutual benefits and shared history with the Sun Clan. We will offer them support and stability in exchange for their allegiance."
Seeing that his council had finally reached a compromise on this matter thanks to his suggestion, Lie Fan nodded, pleased that his advisors knew to take a step back and not continue debating about this matter.
Next, they discussed the perfect time to launch the plan whether after the Sun Clan finished their campaign to the south, after the recuperation of Lie Fan's forces was finished, or after the threat to their north in the form of Yuan Shao was handled.
Chen Qun began the discussion. "My lord, it would be prudent to wait until the Sun Clan has concluded their southern campaign. They are currently focused on expanding their territory and dealing with the Cai Clan. If we strike too early, we might face a more united and determined resistance from them. Allowing them to exhaust their resources and manpower in their southern endeavors would make them more susceptible to our combined approach."
Jia Xu agreed. "Indeed, my lord. Timing is crucial. We must ensure that the Sun Clan is at its most vulnerable before we initiate our plan. However, we must also consider the state of our own forces. After our recent battles, it is essential that our troops are fully recuperated and prepared for any potential conflict. We cannot afford to be caught off guard by Yuan Shao to the north while we are entangled in the south."
Lu Su added, "My lord, we should also consider the political landscape. If we can manage the threat from Yuan Shao and stabilize our northern borders, we will have more flexibility to focus on our southern strategy. Yuan Shao is a significant threat, and his power cannot be underestimated. If he sees us embroiled in southern conflicts, he might take the opportunity to strike."
Lie Fan listened carefully, weighing the arguments of his advisors. He understood the importance of timing and preparation in such a delicate situation. "Wenhe, Changwen, and Zijing, you all make valid points. We must wait until the Sun Clan has exhausted themselves in the south and our forces are fully recuperated. We must also ensure that our northern borders are secure before we divert our attention to the south."
Sima Yi, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "My lord, I suggest we establish a timeline for our preparations. We should monitor the progress of the Sun Clan's campaign and the state of our own forces closely. Once we see signs of the Sun Clan's weakening and our forces are ready, we can initiate our plan. Simultaneously, we should fortify our northern borders and maintain vigilance against Yuan Shao's movements."
Lie Fan nodded in agreement. "Zhongda, your suggestion is sound. We will establish a timeline and closely monitor the situation. Wenhe, you will continue to oversee the covert operations in Jiangdong. Ensure that our agents are in place and ready to act when the time comes. Changwen, you will refine our diplomatic proposal and prepare our envoys. We must be ready to move swiftly when the opportunity presents itself."
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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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