章 556: 534. Tea Party Discussion
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"Brother Lie Fan," Sun Jian said, his voice measured, "I trust you as a brother. But we must approach this carefully. The Sun Clan has stood strong because of the loyalty and respect of our retainers. We must ensure that they understand the advantages of this alliance, or else we risk internal dissent."
Sun Ce, eager to bridge the gap between his father's caution and his own enthusiasm, spoke up. "Father, I believe Brother Lie Fan is offering us more than just protection. He is offering us a chance to build something greater together. We have fought alongside him, and I trust him completely. If we are to survive in this fractured world, we need strong allies. Brother Lie Fan has proven time and again that he is someone we can depend on."
Sun Jian glanced at his son, seeing the conviction in his eyes. Sun Ce's words echoed the feelings Sun Jian himself had felt but hadn't yet voiced. He trusted Lie Fan deeply and knew that their bond was one forged in battle and loyalty. But the stakes were high, and the decision was not one to be made lightly.
Lie Fan, sensing the weight of the moment, decided to ease the tension. "Brother Wentai, Bofu, I understand that this is a significant decision, and I would not expect it to be made hastily. Let us enjoy our meeting today and take our time to consider the future. There is no need for immediate answers. What matters most is that our families remain united in purpose and friendship."
Sun Jian nodded, appreciating the space Lie Fan was giving them. "Thank you, Brother Lie Fan. You have always been a man of honor, and I value your patience. We will consider your proposal carefully, and when the time is right, we will speak again."
With the conversation temporarily set aside, the mood lightened as the three men shared a toast to their friendship. As they drank, Sun Ce could not help but feel a surge of excitement.
He believed in Lie Fan's vision for the future, and though he knew his father was right to be cautious, Sun Ce felt that this cooperation would be a turning point for both their families and like his father, he didn't have any grand ambition and just wanted to keep his family safe.
While Lie Fan was engaged in his meeting with Sun Jian and Sun Ce, a different kind of gathering was taking place elsewhere in the estate. His wives, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi, along with Wannian and Sima Yi, were hosting a tea party for Lady Wu, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Sun Shangxiang, and Sun Quan.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the air filled with the delicate fragrance of tea and the soft clatter of fine porcelain as cups were passed and refilled.
The table was laden with an array of snack delicacies that Xiapi was famous for: sweet lotus seed pastries, steamed buns filled with savory meats and vegetables, and platters of fresh fruits arranged in elaborate displays.
The attention to detail was clear, and the Sun family women were impressed with the hospitality they were receiving. It was a perfect setting to foster deeper ties between the two families, though in a way that focused on the softer, more domestic aspects of life.
Lady Wu, the matron of the Sun family, sat with Diao Chan and Ying Yue, talking about household management and the daily challenges of running such large estates.
Despite the grandeur of their lives, they shared common experiences—managing servants, overseeing kitchens, and ensuring that their homes were always ready to host important guests. It was a conversation that transcended social status, filled with anecdotes and tips passed down through generations.
"Your household must be very well-run, Lady Wu," Diao Chan said, her voice soft and respectful. "The reputation of the Sun family's grace and elegance is known throughout the land."
Lady Wu smiled, the lines of her face softening as she nodded. "It is a constant effort, but I have had many years to perfect my ways. Your home here in Xiapi is equally impressive, and I can see that you and your sisters-in-law are quite skilled in your own right."
The women laughed lightly, the conversation flowing easily as they bonded over their shared experiences. Meanwhile, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were discussing embroidery techniques with Cai Wenji, who was renowned for her artistry and poetic talents. The three women admired each other's skills, sharing patterns and tips as they examined the fine embroidery that adorned their sleeves.
"It's the small details that matter," Cai Wenji said, tracing the delicate threadwork of a flower on Da Qiao's robe. "A single thread out of place can change the entire look of a piece."
"Indeed," Da Qiao agreed, her voice thoughtful. "It's much like the way we manage our homes. Every detail matters, and if we're not careful, something small can unravel into something much larger."
As the women bonded over these softer arts, a very different conversation was unfolding between Wannian and Sun Shangxiang. Unlike her more traditionally feminine sisters-in-law, Wannian was a warrior at heart, much like Sun Shangxiang. The two young women had struck up an instant camaraderie, and they were now animatedly discussing martial arts, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I've been practicing swordplay since I was a child," Sun Shangxiang said proudly, her tone filled with the same fiery passion she exhibited on the battlefield. "I can match any of my brothers in combat, and I'll continue to train until I surpass them all."
Wannian, equally enthusiastic, nodded eagerly. "My sister-in-law Lu has trained me in combat as well, and I've been sparring with her and even some of the women soldiers in the barracks. It's important to be able to defend oneself, especially in times like these."
The two girls continued their conversation with zeal, comparing techniques and discussing different weapons. Wannian shared with Sun Shangxiang the news of her upcoming marriage to Sima Yi, which took Sun Shangxiang by surprise.
"You're getting married?" Sun Shangxiang exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I didn't expect you to be the first to marry! You always seemed so focused on your training."
Wannian blushed slightly, smiling as she spoke. "It wasn't something I planned, but Sima Yi is a good man, and we both understand each other well. I think it will be a strong partnership, even if it means balancing my martial training with other responsibilities."
Sun Shangxiang nodded thoughtfully, her surprise giving way to curiosity. "I suppose marriage is something we all have to think about eventually, but it's strange to think about it for myself. I've always focused on training and helping my brothers."
Wannian chuckled. "I thought the same thing, but life has a way of surprising you. Besides, it's not as if I'll stop training once I'm married. Sima Yi encourages my martial pursuits, and I wouldn't have agreed to it if he didn't."
Meanwhile, as the women engaged in their respective conversations, Sima Yi and Sun Quan were seated slightly apart from the rest, discussing matters of governance, politics, and military strategy. Both young men were sharp and ambitious, and it didn't take long for them to recognize each other's potential.
Sun Quan, though younger than his older brother, had always been seen as a capable leader, wise beyond his years. His curiosity about how to govern effectively in such tumultuous times was evident as he spoke with Sima Yi, who was equally known for his intelligence and strategic mind.
"The current state of the land is unsustainable," Sun Quan said, his tone serious. "Warlords across the land vie for control, but none have been able to unify it. Even in our territories, maintaining control requires constant vigilance. How do you believe we can ensure stability in such chaos?"
Sima Yi leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with intellect. "Stability comes from understanding both the needs of the people and the ambitions of those in power. The key is to create a system where both are balanced—strength at the top and support at the base. But it also requires foresight. Knowing when to strike and when to consolidate is crucial."
Sun Quan nodded, absorbing Sima Yi's words. "That's something my father often speaks about. He says that governing a territory is like managing a battlefield. Every decision you make has ripple effects, and even small mistakes can lead to larger issues down the line."
Sima Yi smiled slightly. "Your father is a wise man. Governance is indeed like a battlefield. In both, strategy is paramount. But where a battlefield requires swift and decisive action, governance often requires patience and a long-term view. Those who think only of immediate gains will find themselves trapped by their own short-sightedness."
The two continued their discussion, each impressed by the other's insight and understanding. Sun Quan, though young, showed a depth of thought that Sima Yi respected, and Sima Yi's methodical approach to governance and strategy resonated with Sun Quan's own values.
As the conversations at the tea party continued, the bonds between the two families were steadily being strengthened. The women had found common ground in their discussions of household management, arts, and shared responsibilities, while the younger generation—Wannian and Sun Shangxiang, Sima Yi and Sun Quan—were bonding their connections based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Lie Fan's wives, ever aware of the political importance of such gatherings, subtly guided the conversations toward reinforcing these bonds.
Ying Yue, the most senior of Lie Fan's wives, ensured that Lady Wu felt respected and valued, while Diao Chan's grace and charm helped to smooth over any potential awkwardness. Cai Wenji's intellect and artistic talents impressed the Sun family women, and Lu Lingqi, though quieter, exuded strength and poise that did not go unnoticed.
By the end of the tea party, there was a sense of warmth and camaraderie that had not been present before. The Sun family women had clearly enjoyed themselves, and even Sun Shangxiang, who was often more at ease on the training grounds than in such social settings, had found a kindred spirit in Wannian.
As they prepared to depart, Lady Wu spoke to Ying Yue with a smile. "Your hospitality has been exceptional. We are honored to be treated with such kindness."
Ying Yue bowed her head slightly in response. "It has been our pleasure to host you, Lady Wu. We hope that this is the beginning of a long and prosperous friendship between our families." With the tea party drawing to a close, it was clear that the foundation for a deeper alliance had been laid not only through the political discussions of the men but also through the personal connections formed among the women and younger generation.
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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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