Bab 495: 476. Identifying The Poison
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A week later, as Sun Ce's army arrived back at their capital, exhausted and demoralized, the long-awaited letter reached Xiapi. Lie Fan, who was in the midst of discussing military logistics with his advisors, was interrupted by the arrival of the urgent missive. He glanced at the seal and recognized the emblem of the Sun Clan.
Curious and slightly apprehensive, Lie Fan carefully inspected the letter for any signs of tampering. Once satisfied that it was safe, he broke the seal and read the contents. His eyes widened in surprise and concern as he absorbed the gravity of the situation.
Lie Fan had not anticipated such a dire turn of events, especially after all the aid he had provided to the Sun Clan in their battles against Liu Yao to change the course of their history, which caused Sun Ce and Zhou Yu to not meet the Qiao Sisters yet.
He had hoped that their alliance would secure a stable future for both their forces and a secure foundation to peacefully subjugate the Sun Clan, but fate had taken a cruel turn. Sun Ce who was at the time of his age, is now on the brink of death from a poisoned arrow.
He doesn't want Sun Quan to take over the seat of the leadership of the Sun Clan, because of the intel he gained from the Oriole he was much more adept at political intrigue than both his father and leader brother which would make him a big obstacle to subjugation the Sun Clan.
Realizing the urgency, Lie Fan immediately summoned his most trusted advisors Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and the young but brilliant Sima Yi. As they gathered, Lie Fan quickly briefed them on the contents of the letter and the predicament facing the Sun Clan.
Jia Xu using his masterful knowledge of human psychology and social interaction was the first to speak. "This situation presents us with a unique opportunity, My Lord. By extending our help to the Sun Clan in their time of need, we can solidify our alliance and potentially bring them under our influence by using this chance. It could be the first step towards peacefully subjugating their forces without bloodshed."
Xun You, meticulous in his analysis, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this is a delicate matter. The Sun Clan holds considerable power in the south, and they are key to controlling that region. If we can save Sun Ce, we will have earned their eternal gratitude, and from there slowly gain some sense of their loyalty."
Chen Gong, who had always been practical in his counsel, added, "However, we must tread carefully. The Sun Clan is proud and may not easily bend to our will, even if we save their leader. We must ensure that our assistance is seen as genuine and not as an attempt to gain control."
Liu Ye, on the other hand, saw an opportunity for expansion. "If we succeed in this endeavor, it will not only strengthen our position but also weaken the Cai Clan. With Sun Ce alive and indebted to us, we could turn the tide of power in the south in our favor."
Chen Qun sees this from a political eye and suggests a measured approach. "We should extend our help with no immediate strings attached. Let the Sun Clan see that we are their true allies, concerned for their welfare. Over time, this goodwill will pave the way for closer ties."
Lu Su, who had a deep understanding of the dynamics in Jiangdong due to his hometown Lujiang neighboring the area, concurred. "Trust is a fragile thing, My Lord. By saving Sun Ce, we may earn their trust, but we must be careful not to overstep. Let them come to us, seeking alliance rather than feeling coerced into it."
Finally, Sima Yi, offered his insight after all of his seniors had given theirs. "This is not just about politics, My Lord. If Sun Ce dies, chaos will erupt in the south. The Cai Clan, Liu Bei, and Shi Xie will see this as an opportunity to seize power and contend for Jiangdong. We must prevent that chaos at all costs, for it will destabilize the entire region."
Lie Fan listened carefully to each of his advisors, weighing their words. He agreed with their assessment. The opportunity to aid the Sun Clan was too significant to ignore, both for humanitarian reasons and for the potential political gains.
Moreover, Lie Fan had always respected Sun Ce and did not wish to see such a promising figure perish, especially since he could call him his younger brother.
Having made his decision, Lie Fan stood and issued his orders with firm resolve. "You are all correct. We will extend our help to the Sun Clan, not just to save Sun Ce, but to secure the stability of the south and use this chance as a stepping stone to peacefully subjugate them."
"Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing will travel to their capital with all the speed they can muster. I will personally accompany them, along with my bodyguards, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Zhao Yun. The Tian Mao Battalion will provide the escort."
The room fell silent as his advisors processed the weight of the decision. Lie Fan's presence would send a strong message of support to the Sun Clan, but it also carried risks.
If anything were to happen to him during the journey, it could destabilize his own position. But Lie Fan knew that this was a risk worth taking, and he wanted to personally see the type of poison it was.
Jia Xu immediately voiced his concern. "My Lord, are you certain you should go in person? Your presence here is vital to maintaining order in our own lands and it's too risky for you to go out there, especially since the Sun Clan is in battle against The Cai Clan."
Lie Fan nodded, understanding the concern. "I appreciate your caution, Wenhe, but this is something I must do personally. The Sun Clan needs to see that our support is genuine and that there's no danger for me with my bodyguards, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Zhao Yun accompanying me. Besides, with all of you here, I have no doubt that our lands will be well managed in my absence."
Sima Yi saw the wisdom in Lie Fan's decision and gave his support to this plan, feeling that sometimes they do have to take risks to gain something. "Your presence will indeed be a powerful statement, My Lord. It will show the Sun Clan that we are willing to risk much for their sake. This will resonate deeply with them."
With the plan set, Lie Fan wasted no time. He sent word to Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing, instructing them to prepare for the journey. The two renowned physicians understood the gravity of the situation and made ready with all the medicinal herbs and equipment they could carry.
Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Zhao Yun, were also informed of the mission. They were seasoned warriors, and their presence would ensure that the journey was as safe as possible.
The Tian Mao Battalion, Lie Fan's personal elite unit known for their discipline and skill, was to provide the escort, ensuring that nothing would endanger the mission, Hua Tuo, Zhang Zhongjin, and Lie Fan.
Within a day, the preparations were complete. Lie Fan, Hua Tuo, Zhang Zhongjing, and the escort set out for the Sun Clan's capital. The journey was fraught with potential dangers, but they moved swiftly, determined to reach their destination before it was too late.
Back at the Sun Clan's capital, Sun Jian and Lady Wu were holding vigil by Sun Ce's side. The physicians had done everything they could, but Sun Ce's condition continued to deteriorate.
His breathing was shallow, and his skin had taken on a deathly pallor. The poison was relentless, and without a proper antidote, it was only a matter of time before it claimed his life.
Lady Wu, ever the pillar of strength, remained at her son's side, refusing to leave him even for a moment. She prayed silently, hoping against hope that the letter had reached Lie Fan in time and that help was on its way.
Sun Jian, though wracked with guilt and worry, forced himself to remain strong for his wife and their people. He knew that the entire Sun Clan was looking to him for leadership during this crisis. If he showed any sign of weakness, it could shatter the fragile morale of their soldiers and citizens.
Days passed, each one feeling like an eternity. The Sun Clan's capital was shrouded in a tense silence, with everyone anxiously awaiting news. Then, finally, a rider arrived with the message that Lie Fan's entourage had been spotted approaching the city.
Word quickly spread through the capital, bringing a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered populace. Sun Jian and Lady Wu were informed immediately, and they hurried to the city gates to personally greet their guests.
As Lie Fan's party entered the city, they were met with a somber reception. The streets were lined with soldiers and citizens, all of them watching in silence, their faces etched with worry.
Sun Jian and Lady Wu met Lie Fan as he dismounted from his horse. The usually proud and stoic Sun Jian looked visibly relieved to see him. "Brother Lie Fan, thank you for coming so quickly," Sun Jian said, his voice thick with emotion. "My eldest son… he is in grave danger. We are counting on sir Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjin that you brought here to cure him."
Lie Fan placed a reassuring hand on Sun Jian's shoulder. "You did the right thing by calling for help, Brother Wentai. We will do everything in our power to save Sun Ce."
Lady Wu stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude and desperation. "Please, Lord Lie Fan, our son's life is in your hands. Save him."
Lie Fan nodded, his expression serious. "Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing are the best physicians in the land. If anyone can save Sun Ce, it is the two of them."
With no time to waste, Lie Fan, Hua Tuo, and Zhang Zhongjing were escorted to Sun Ce's chamber, where the young lord lay unconscious, his breathing shallow and labored. The two physicians immediately began to do a full check up on him, while also asking the physicians that attend Sun Ce the symptoms he showed and what conclusion they had made.
After about 30 minutes, Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing finally identified the poison that had infiltrated Sun Ce's body. They recognized it as the "Barbarian's Stinger," a rare and deadly toxin originating from the deep southern jungles of Yi Province.
This poison was known only to the tribes in that distant region, and few outside those territories had ever encountered it. The poison was incredibly rare, known for its ability to slowly paralyze the victim's vital functions, eventually leading to a gruesome death.
Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing had encountered the poison during their earlier travels across the land, where they had developed a rare antidote after forging alliances with the tribes who guarded the secrets of this deadly concoction. Sun Jian and Lady Wu, who had entered the room with Lie Fan, Hua Tuo, and Zhang Zhongjin, immediately asked if they had the necessary ingredients to prepare the antidote.
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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
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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