Capítulo 550: 528. Taipei's Council Discussion
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Liu Ye continued. "The second project is an improvement to the papermaking process. We've made strides in increasing the quality of the paper while reducing the production time. However, the specialist company still needs more time to perfect the process. They're confident that within a year, we'll see a major boost in production, which will allow us to increase the dissemination of information across the region."
Lie Fan was pleased with this as well. Paper was an invaluable resource, not just for communication but also for spreading propaganda and solidifying control over his territories.
The faster and more efficiently he could produce paper, the more he could control the narrative of his rule, ensuring that his people remained loyal and well-informed of his victories and reforms.
"And finally," Liu Ye said, "the woodblock printing project. We've made significant progress, about fifty percent complete based on the outline you provided. The specialists are excited about this one—they believe it could revolutionize the way information is distributed. Once completed, we will be able to mass-produce texts, official decrees, and even images. The potential for both administration and propaganda is immense."
Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Woodblock printing would be a monumental achievement, far ahead of its time. If he could successfully implement this technology, it would not only cement his legacy as a forward-thinking ruler but also give him a powerful tool to control the flow of information.
In an era where hand-copied manuscripts were the norm, the ability to mass-produce printed materials would give him unprecedented control over education, culture, and the political landscape.
"The woodblock printing must be a priority," Lie Fan said firmly. "If we can complete it before our rivals even realize its potential, we will be in a position to shape the future of this land. Make sure the specialists have everything they need to continue their work."
Liu Ye nodded. "I'll ensure that they have all the resources and support required, my lord."
As the two advisers finished their reports, Lie Fan felt a growing sense of confidence. The Yuan Clan was teetering on the brink of internal collapse, and Cao Cao was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Meanwhile, his own domain was growing stronger, both militarily and technologically. With the cavalry stirrups nearing completion and the revolutionary potential of woodblock printing within reach, he had the tools to outmaneuver his enemies and secure his place in history.
"Wenhe, continue monitoring the situation within the Yuan Clan," Lie Fan said, rising from his seat. "Keep the Oriole agents active. I want to know the moment any significant changes occur. We need to be ready to act if an opportunity presents itself."
"Understood, my lord," Jia Xu replied.
"Ziyang, focus on accelerating the stirrups and woodblock printing projects," Lie Fan added. "These innovations will give us the edge we need in the coming years. Make sure nothing stands in the way of their completion."
"Yes, my lord," Liu Ye said, bowing slightly.
As the two men left the room, Lie Fan stood alone for a moment, staring out the window at the city of Xiapi. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rooftops and the river beyond. The world was changing, and he was determined to be at the forefront of that change.
With a combination of military might, technological innovation, and strategic cunning, Lie Fan knew that the future of the land could be his to shape. But he also knew that every decision, every step forward, had to be carefully calculated. One misstep could lead to disaster.
As night fell, Lie Fan sat back down at his desk, reviewing the reports once more. The path ahead was clear, but fraught with danger. He would need every bit of his intelligence, every resource at his disposal, to navigate the coming storms. But if he succeeded, the rewards would be great.
And with the stirrups, the improved papermaking, and the promise of woodblock printing, he would have the tools to ensure that his legacy would be written in ink—forever indelible, forever remembered that's if he became the winner of this chess battle.
Far to the southeast in the bustling city of Taipei, the air was thick with the energy of progress and expansion. Inside one of the larger administrative halls, Yang Hong and Yan Jun sat at a wooden table, surrounded by several of Lie Fan's most trusted commanders and advisers: Jiang Qin, Gan Ning, Ling Cao, and Li Feng.
Also present were Ahuan and several representatives from the Tono tribes, whose population had recently swelled Taipei's numbers. The room was lively with discussion, as they debated the next steps in managing the city's rapid growth.
Taipei had become a burgeoning hub of activity, a testament to Lie Fan's vision of transforming the remote island into a vital part of his burgeoning power base. The influx of the Tono tribesmen had helped bolster the population and labor force, but it was also beginning to strain the city's infrastructure.
Housing, food supplies, and services were becoming overextended as more and more people flowed into Taipei, not just from the Tono tribes, but also from the mainland territories which were under Lie Fan's control.
"We can't continue like this," Jiang Qin said, his voice deep and measured as he reviewed reports on the city's current state. "The population is growing too quickly, and the resources we have, while plentiful, aren't being distributed effectively. If we don't act now, there will be unrest."
Gan Ning, always the pragmatist, crossed his arms and nodded in agreement. "I've seen it in the streets. People are grumbling, especially among the Tono tribesmen who feel like they're being forced into a life they didn't expect. We need to ease the pressure, or we'll face more than just supply shortages—we'll face a riot."
Yang Hong, ever the shrewd administrator, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Tono tribes were vital in helping secure this region, and they have contributed greatly to our expansion. However, the sudden influx of their people into Taipei has caught us off guard. We need to find a way to integrate them properly, or we risk destabilizing the entire city."
Yan Jun leaned forward. "The question is not just how to accommodate them but how to ensure they are properly integrated into the fabric of our society. If we fail to do so, they will remain an isolated and potentially rebellious group within our borders."
At this point, Ahuan, the leader of the Tono tribesmen, stood and cleared his throat. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward him. Ahuan had proven himself a strong and capable leader, and despite his people's fierce independence, he had worked diligently to create a bridge between the Tono tribes and Lie Fan's administration.
"We understand the situation," Ahuan began, speaking in the Han language, though with a heavy accent. "The Tono tribes are proud, but we are not blind to the realities we face. Our numbers have grown quickly, and Taipei is now our home. However, our people are not yet fully ready to become citizens of the Han. The customs, the language, the way of life—it is all very different from what we know."
There was a murmur among everyone in the room. Some had expected resistance or demands from the Tono leaders, but Ahuan's tone was thoughtful and measured. He continued, glancing at the other Tono representatives before returning his gaze to the Han officials.
"We suggest that, for the time being, the Tono tribesmen be considered second-class citizens. This will give us time to assimilate gradually. Our people need time to learn the language, to understand the ways of your government, and to adapt to life in a city. Forcing full citizenship upon us too quickly would only lead to resentment and confusion."
Yang Hong and Yan Jun exchanged surprised glances. The proposal was unexpected. Normally, conquered or assimilated peoples would clamor for full rights and recognition, not suggest a path to become second-class citizens. But Ahuan's words carried a rare insight—he understood that rapid integration without preparation could be disastrous for his people and for Taipei.
"I see your point, Ahuan," Yang Hong said slowly, nodding. "But we must be careful about how we approach this. Creating a system of second-class citizenship could cause resentment, not only among the Tono tribes but also among other peoples under our rule. We need a clear plan for how this process will work."
Yan Jun, always the strategist, spoke up next. "The key is gradual assimilation, as Ahuan suggests. We can create a system where the Tono tribesmen are given time to adjust, with clear milestones for when they can become full-fledged citizens. This system should focus on language acquisition, cultural integration, and civic education. Over time, those who meet the requirements can earn full citizenship."
Jiang Qin, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "It's a practical solution, but we must ensure that the system is fair and transparent. The last thing we want is for the Tono people to feel like they're being permanently relegated to second-class status. The process must be clear, with achievable goals."
Gan Ning, leaning back in his chair, grinned. "It sounds like we'll need to build more schools. If the Tono tribesmen are to learn our language and culture, we need to make sure they have the resources to do so."
Ahuan nodded. "Education is key. We are willing to learn, but we need help. We are not asking for charity—our people are hardworking, and we will contribute to Taipei's growth. But we need guidance."
Ling Cao, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. "We should also consider appointing Tono leaders within the local government, perhaps in advisory roles. This will help them feel represented and give them a voice in the administration. It will also ease the transition as they work toward full citizenship."
Yang Hong looked around the room, considering the points made by each person. He could see the merit in what Ahuan and the others were suggesting. A phased approach to integration, with a focus on education and representation, could prevent the kind of unrest that so often plagued other regions where native populations were forcibly assimilated too quickly.
"We'll need to ensure that our citizens understand this as well," Yang Hong said. "There must be no sense of superiority or disdain. The Tono tribes are our allies, not our subjects. We must foster unity between our peoples, not division."
Ahuan smiled, clearly pleased with the way the conversation was progressing. "We are grateful for this opportunity. The Tono people will work alongside the Han to build Taipei into a city we can all be proud of."
With the broad strokes of the plan agreed upon, the conversation shifted to the more immediate issue of Taipei's physical infrastructure. The city's expansion had to keep pace with its growing population, and with the addition of the Tono tribesmen, that meant building more homes, schools, and marketplaces.
"We must expand the outer districts," Yan Jun said. "The center of Taipei is already crowded, and there's little room for new construction. We can begin building new residential areas on the outskirts, connected to the city by new roads. This will also help keep trade flowing smoothly."
Yang Hong nodded. "We'll need to secure the borders of these new districts as well. The increased population could attract wild animals or other threats from the surrounding areas."
Ling Cao, ever the warrior, smiled. "Leave that to me and my men. We'll make sure the city is well-protected."
Yan Jun added, "I'll work with the engineers to design the new districts. We'll need to account for future growth as well—this expansion is just the beginning."
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a sense of cautious optimism in the room. The challenges ahead were significant, but with a clear plan in place, there was confidence that Taipei could continue to grow and thrive.
Yang Hong stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "We have much work to do. Let us proceed with caution and care. Taipei will not only be a city of the Han but a city of many people. If we manage this transition well, it will be a shining example of what we can accomplish together."
As the others filed out of the room, Ahuan lingered for a moment, turning to Yan Jun. "Thank you for listening to our concerns, Master Yan Jun. We want to be part of this future, but we also want to preserve who we are."
Yan Jun nodded. "We understand. The road ahead is long, but if we walk it together, we can achieve something great."
With that, Ahuan bowed slightly and left the room, leaving Yan Jun and Yang Hong to reflect on the conversation. The future of Taipei was bright, but it was also fragile. How they managed the delicate balance between integration and autonomy would determine the city's fate. And as they looked out over the bustling streets of the city, they knew that every decision made today would echo for generations to come.
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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
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
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