Capítulo 558: 536. Lie Fan Received Reports Concerning The Sun Clan & Oriole Network Goguryeo
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To Sun Ce, the cooperation with Lie Fan was a golden opportunity—one that could provide immediate security and open up new avenues for expansion. He admired Lie Fan's strength and had seen firsthand how effectively he commanded his forces and governed his territories. Sun Ce believed that this alliance could catapult the Sun Clan into greater prominence, sparing them the need to fight endless battles for survival.
Still, Sun Ce understood why his father had made the decision to postpone. Even though he wasn't known for his political acumen, he realized that consulting with their supporters back in the capital was the right move.
Any sudden decision, especially one that involved something as monumental as swearing allegiance to another warlord, could easily cause unrest within their ranks. The Sun Clan's retainers and generals had served with the understanding that they were fighting for their own sovereignty.
If the family leadership decided to enter into such an agreement with Lie Fan without broad support, it could lead to internal dissent, or worse, rebellion.
Sun Ce's dissatisfaction was tempered by this understanding. He recognized that uniting the Sun Clan's supporters was key to ensuring that whatever decision was made, it would not tear the family apart.
He still held hope that, once the discussions were held, the majority would see the wisdom in aligning with Lie Fan. For Sun Ce, the future was bright, filled with potential if they could secure such a powerful ally for the Sun Family.
With that, the meeting concluded, and each man left the chamber with his own thoughts. Zhou Yu and Huan Jie went to work immediately, drafting letters to key Sun Clan retainers and supporters back in the capital.
Their goal was to frame the situation carefully, ensuring that when the council was convened, they would have the necessary support to make an informed decision.
Cheng Pu and Han Dang, meanwhile, set about quietly organizing the Sun Clan's forces in Xiapi, ensuring that they could leave swiftly if the need arose. They would not be caught unprepared if Lie Fan grew impatient or if the negotiations turned sour.
As for Sun Ce, he remained with his father for a moment longer. He looked at Sun Jian, who was deep in thought, and spoke quietly. "Father, I understand why we're taking this route, but I believe in Brother Lie Fan's vision. I think this cooperation could be the key to everything we've been fighting for."
Sun Jian glanced at his son, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I know, Bofu. But we must tread carefully. Ambition is a double-edged sword. Lie Fan is a powerful ally, but we cannot afford to lose sight of what makes the Sun Clan strong. We will make our decision when the time is right."
Sun Ce nodded, though the fire in his eyes did not dim. "I trust you, Father. Whatever you decide, I'll be ready."
With that, Sun Ce left his father's side, his mind still racing with thoughts of the future. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to see the Sun Clan have a safe and bright future, whether with Lie Fan or on their own path.
Unknown to Sun Jian, Sun Ce, and their retainers, Oriole agents had been lurking in the shadows throughout their entire meeting. Silent and invisible, these highly trained spies listened carefully, capturing every word and noting the subtlest of gestures.
The Oriole agents had been dispatched specifically for this task, well aware that Sun Jian's decision would significantly impact the balance of power in the region.
The agents recorded everything—the initial reluctance of Zhou Yu and Huan Jie, the proud defiance of Cheng Pu and Han Dang, and the quiet yet fervent optimism of Sun Ce. They understood the gravity of the situation and took meticulous care in documenting the nuanced details of the conversation.
After the meeting concluded, they moved swiftly and discreetly to send their report back to Lie Fan. Within hours, the detailed letter was in Lie Fan's hands.
Lie Fan, upon receiving the report, was in the midst of another crucial discussion with his advisors, Jia Xu and Wang Yi. The three were gathered to review a recent report from Xu Kai, detailing the rapid expansion of Oriole's intelligence network in Goguryeo.
Xu Kai's agents had successfully infiltrated a wide range of sectors within Goguryeo's domain, reaching into both civil and military institutions. The speed at which Oriole had penetrated the administrative structure of Goguryeo was nothing short of remarkable, and it was clear that Lie Fan's intelligence apparatus was becoming a formidable force in the region.
As the meeting progressed, an Oriole agent handed Lie Fan the letter, and he immediately recognized its importance. He excused himself briefly, opened the letter, and scanned the contents carefully.
A small smile played across his lips as he read, satisfied to know that Sun Ce supported his vision wholeheartedly, while Sun Jian, though cautious, was clearly giving the offer serious consideration.
Lie Fan looked up from the letter, his sharp eyes glinting with satisfaction as he turned to his advisors. "It seems the Sun Clan is not as divided as we might have feared. Sun Ce is fully on board, and though Sun Jian is cautious, he too understands the value of our proposal. They are taking time to consult with their supporters, but from what I've gathered, they will not reject us outright. This is good news."
Jia Xu, ever the strategist, nodded slowly, his mind already working through the implications. "Sun Jian's caution is to be expected. He is a seasoned leader, and he knows the importance of rallying his supporters before making such a monumental decision. However, the fact that Sun Ce is fully supportive of the cooperation gives us a strong advantage. If Sun Ce pushes for cooperation, it will be difficult for the more conservative elements in the Sun Clan to oppose it."
Wang Yi, who had been studying the situation with keen interest, spoke up next. "We must keep a close watch on the Sun Clan's internal deliberations. If they sense any weakness or hesitation from us, it could embolden those who oppose the cooperation. I suggest we continue to engage with them, but we should be careful not to appear overly eager. Let them come to us on their own terms, and when they do, we will be in a position of strength."
Lie Fan considered her words carefully. "Agreed. We will maintain our position, but we won't push them too hard. Sun Jian values strength and loyalty, and we must show that while we offer cooperation, we are not dependent on it. If they believe that refusing us will lead to conflict, they may grow more cautious in their opposition."
Jia Xu, always keen on subtlety, added, "We should also make sure that the Sun Clan knows we have other options. They must understand that while we value this alliance, we do not need them. We are offering them a chance to be part of something larger, but they are not the only family we could turn to."
Lie Fan nodded. "Indeed. Let them see that while we offer partnership, we are more than capable of standing on our own. That will force their hand, especially if Sun Jian's supporters begin to fear that rejecting us could leave them vulnerable."
The conversation shifted back to the developments in Goguryeo. Xu Kai's report had detailed the Oriole network's swift expansion, which now covered nearly the entirety of Goguryeo's domain.
Oriole agents had managed to infiltrate nearly all levels of the local bureaucracy, from middle-ranking officials to military officers. This level of intelligence penetration was unprecedented, and it gave Lie Fan an incredible advantage in the region.
Wang Yi, who had been particularly involved in overseeing the expansion of the Oriole network, spoke with a sense of pride in her voice. "Our reach in Goguryeo is unparalleled. With the level of information we now have, we can predict their movements, their strategies, and even their political decisions before they happen. If we choose to act in that region, we will have a significant edge."
Jia Xu, ever cautious, raised a hand. "This is excellent progress, but we must not become overconfident. The Goguryeo kingdom is vast, and while we have made great strides, we cannot afford to underestimate the resilience of their rulers. We must continue to expand our network and secure key individuals who can provide even more critical intelligence."
Lie Fan leaned forward, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "What is the status of our deeper infiltrations into Goguryeo's military? We need to know their plans and strategies if we are to ever make a move against them."
Wang Yi responded immediately, "We've begun infiltrating their military hierarchy, but the process is slower than with the civilian administration. The military is more tightly controlled, and the officers are more suspicious of outsiders. That said, we've already established contact with several mid-ranking officers, and from them, we're beginning to gather valuable information about troop movements and strategic planning."
Jia Xu added, "This is crucial. If we can continue to feed them misinformation or delay their decision-making processes, we can weaken their military response in the event of conflict. The key here is patience. The more we know, the more we can control the outcome."
Lie Fan was satisfied with the direction of the conversation. "Excellent work, both of you. The Oriole network is one of our most valuable assets. We must continue to strengthen it, not just in Goguryeo but across all the territories we wish to influence."
He glanced again at the letter from the Oriole agents regarding the Sun Clan and smiled once more. "As for Sun Jian and Sun Ce, we will watch and wait. If they decide to cooperate, we will welcome them with open arms. If they refuse… well, we will be prepared for that eventuality as well."
The meeting concluded with each of them tasked with furthering their individual responsibilities. Jia Xu would continue to refine their strategy regarding the Sun Clan and Goguryeo, ensuring that they had multiple plans in place depending on how things unfolded.
Wang Yi would focus on the expansion of the Oriole network, deepening their infiltration in Goguryeo while maintaining their existing operations across other regions.
As Lie Fan watched them leave, he turned his attention back to the Sun Clan. He knew that Sun Ce's enthusiasm and Sun Jian's cautious wisdom could serve him well, but he was not blind to the risks.
If Sun Jian decided to reject the offer, it could lead to war, a war that Lie Fan knew he would be ready to fight if it came to that though reluctantly.
But for now, patience and subtlety would be his greatest weapons. He would let the Sun Clan deliberate, and when the time was right, he would act. For now, the future was filled with possibility, and Lie Fan would make sure that whatever the outcome, it would be one that strengthened his position and brought him one step closer to unifying the fractured land under his rule.
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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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Capítulo 559: 537. The Grand Celebration Begun!
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But for now, patience and subtlety would be his greatest weapons. He would let the Sun Clan deliberate, and when the time was right, he would act. For now, the future was filled with possibility, and Lie Fan would make sure that whatever the outcome, it would be one that strengthened his position and brought him one step closer to unifying the fractured land under his rule.
As the intrigues and subtle diplomatic games unfolded behind the scenes, Xiapi's Grand Celebration was set to begin the very next day. The city had been buzzing with anticipation for weeks, and now, in the early morning, the streets were alive with the excitement of a people ready to indulge in a day of festivities.
Lie Fan had declared the day a public holiday, allowing the entire populace of Xiapi, from commoners, scholars, merchants, and nobles, to partake in the celebration without worrying about doing their work.
This celebration was more than just a festival for the populace of Xiapi, especially the commoners—it marked the completion of Xiapi's recent expansion and symbolized the city's growing prosperity and stability under Lie Fan's rule from the very first day he was in office until today, developing Xiapi to reach what it had become.
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city's towering walls and newly constructed buildings, as Lie Fan's force banner was unfurled alongside numerous banners in vibrant colors along the streets. Music filled the air, with drums, flutes, and the strumming of guqin echoing throughout the city.
The people of Xiapi, dressed in the finest clothes they had in their wardrobe, had gathered at the heart of the city inside the inner city, where commoners were allowed to enter without any security checking needed, waiting for Lie Fan's speech, which would officially open the celebration.
From the balcony of the Governor's Castle, Lie Fan stood before the assembled crowd, flanked by his closest advisors and three of his bodyguards. Beside him stood Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, Sima Yi, Chen Gui, Yi Ji, Mi Zhu, Sun Qian, Cai Yong, Zhuge Xuan, Lu Zhi, Man Chong, Mao Jie, and Zhuge Jin.
These men represented the finest minds he had that were present in Xiapi and were under his service—men who had helped him build Xiapi into the beacon of strength and prosperity that it had become in these chaotic times.
Lie Fan, wearing his ceremonial armor adorned with intricate designs of dragons and phoenixes, raised his hand to signal for silence. The crowd, composed of commoners, merchants, scholars, and nobles alike, quieted instantly, their eyes fixed on him in anticipation. Behind him, the banner of the Lie Clan fluttered in the wind, which had become a symbol of the unity and strength that Lie Fan had forged in this time of chaos.
His voice, firm and commanding, carried over the crowd as he began his speech. "People of Xiapi, my domain, and guests from outside, today we celebrate more than just the completion of our city's expansion. Today, we celebrate the birth of a new era for Xiapi—an era of peace, prosperity, and unity in a time when the world around us is fractured by war and strife which result in numerous deaths and hunger."
His words struck a chord with the crowd, who had experienced firsthand the transformation of their city under his rule. Xiapi had once been the capital city of Xu Province without anything special, but under Lie Fan's leadership, it had become a thriving metropolis, a hub of trade and culture that rivaled even the capital city of the Han Dynasty, Luoyang.
Lie Fan continued, his tone filled with hope but also determination. "Xiapi stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when people work together toward a common goal. It is a beacon of harmony in these dark times. But let us not put down our guards. We must remain vigilant, for there are those who seek to bring further chaos to our land. Together, we will ensure that Xiapi continues to stand strong, not just today, but for generations to come."
As he spoke, his words were received with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, who had come to admire their lord not just for his military prowess but for his vision of a peaceful and prosperous society. Merchants from distant lands who had come to Xiapi for trade and opportunity cheered alongside the city's scholars and artisans.
The Nobles, who had supported him from the first day he took office as the Governor of Xu Province or joined to support him along the way, had seen firsthand Lie Fan's growing influence, nodded in agreement, recognizing the stability and prosperity his leadership had brought to the region.
With a final flourish, Lie Fan raised his hand high and declared with a resolute voice, "Well then, Let the Grand Celebration begin!"
A roar of approval swept through the crowd as the celebrations officially commenced. The streets of Xiapi, both within the Inner City and the Outer City, erupted into a vibrant display of festivity. Street vendors lined the thoroughfares, selling all manner of food, trinkets, and souvenirs.
The aromas of roasted meats, steamed buns, and exotic spices filled the air, enticing the crowds to sample the diverse culinary delights on offer. Performers of all kinds—acrobats, fire-breathers, musicians, and dancers—entertained the masses with their skills, adding to the sense of wonder and excitement that filled the city.
In the Inner City, where the wealthier and more powerful resided, lavish banquets were being prepared in the grand homes of Xiapi's nobility. Guests from distant regions mingled with local aristocrats, discussing trade, politics, and the ever-shifting balance of power in the fractured land.
The markets were bustling with activity, as merchants from all over China and beyond conducted business deals, exchanging goods that ranged from silks and spices to weapons and horses. Inns, restaurants, and taverns were packed with people eager to join in the celebration, their laughter and conversation spilling out onto the streets.
Xiapi's economy flourished during the festival, with Lie Fan reaping the rewards of his careful planning. Almost half of the businesses in the city were under his control through the Yu Merchant Group, and the influx of visitors, combined with the massive sales generated by the festival, meant a significant increase in revenue for his administration.
This money, in turn, would be used to further strengthen the defenses of his domain, fund new construction projects, fund new research projects, and ensure that his troops remained well-equipped and ready all the time either to invade or defend.
Throughout the day, the festivities continued unabated. In the Outer City, where the common folk lived and worked, the atmosphere was equally jubilant. Farmers, laborers, and craftsmen who had toiled for months even year's on the city's expansion now had a chance to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
They gathered in the town squares, where they watched opera performances and participated in traditional games. Children ran through the streets with bright lanterns, while families sat together, enjoying the rare occasion of rest and celebration.
The streets of Xiapi bustled with an almost magical energy as the Grand Celebration unfolded. Every corner of the city was alive with vibrant sights, sounds, and smells. As the festivities spread across the city, Sun Jian and his family found themselves immersed in the joyous atmosphere.
Accompanied by their royal guards, the Sun Clan wandered through the tree-lined avenues of the inner city, taking in the marvels that Xiapi had to offer during such a large-scale event.
Sun Ce recognized the significance of the grandeur of the celebration had and was impressed by the scale of it. He couldn't help but admire how Lie Fan had pulled off such an extravagant festival, especially during a time when most warlords were hoarding resources, hesitant to spend even a fraction of their wealth for fear of instability. Yet here was Lie Fan, seemingly without concern, flaunting Xiapi's prosperity for all to see.
Sun Ce murmured to Zhou Yu, who walked by his side as he held Xiao Qiao's hand, "Gonglu, the scale of this celebration... the funds required must be enormous. Brother Lie Fan truly knows how to display his strength and wealth."
Zhou Yu, equally impressed by what he has seen nodded thoughtfully. "It's not just about wealth, Bofu. This is a statement. He's showing everyone, from commoners to nobles, that Xiapi and his domain are thriving under his rule. It's a display of power, a subtle way to secure loyalty from his people and even entice others to join him."
Lady Wu, walking with her daughter Sun Shangxiang and her daughter in law Da Qiao, couldn't help but smile as they passed through crowds of cheerful citizens and skilled street performers. She admired the way Xiapi's people seemed genuinely happy and content.
It was rare to see such joy in these chaotic times. Da Qiao, her daughter in law, was equally captivated by the sights, her delicate features glowing with delight as they watched acrobats tumble through the air and musicians perform lively tunes on the street corners.
Meanwhile, Sun Quan, the youngest of the Sun brothers, found himself entranced by the merchants in the market. He marveled at the goods on display—silks from the south, spices from distant lands, and even some exotic trinkets from beyond the borders of China. It was clear that Xiapi had become a prosperous trade hub, with goods flowing in from every corner of the land.
As they explored further, Sun Ce suggested they take lunch at the Serenity Inn, a well-known establishment famed for its delicacies and comfortable setting. What the Sun Clan didn't know was that the Serenity Inn was one of Lie Fan's many covert hubs, a place where his Oriole agents quietly operated behind the scenes, gathering intelligence from throughout the land.
The family entered the lavish inn, marveling at its elegant décor and the tantalizing aromas that filled the air. After booking a large private dining room, they settled in to enjoy the finest dishes Xiapi had to offer, unaware that they were dining in one of Lie Fan's most strategically placed establishments.
At the same time, in another part of Xiapi, Lie Fan made his way back to the Lie Clan residence after delivering his speech. As he entered the grand residence, he was greeted by his parents, Lie Shang and Yu Yan, along with his wives, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi. His sister, Wannian, alongside Sima Yi, was also present, beaming as she saw her brother.
Lie Fan's children, still young and full of energy, were also in the dining hall. The older two, Chenchen and Yaoyao, both nine years old, immediately ran up to their father, their faces filled with joy at seeing him.
Yanyan and Nuonuo, at five years old, followed suit, their laughter echoing through the room as they hugged his legs. Diao Chan held their youngest, Xuanxuan, who was still a baby, in her arms, smiling warmly at the reunion.
Lie Fan bent down to embrace his children, his stern exterior softening as he spoke gently to them. "Have you been enjoying the celebration?" he asked, his tone affectionate.
Chenchen, the more outgoing of the twins, grinned widely. "Yes, Father! The streets are filled with so many people, and there are dancers, musicians, and all kinds of food! I would love to enjoy it with you Father!"
Yaoyao, ever the quieter one, nodded in agreement, holding onto Lie Fan's hand. "Yes Father, like brother had said it's like nothing I've ever seen before."
Lie Fan chuckled, ruffling their hair before standing and turning to his wives. They had gathered around the main table, where a lavish meal was spread out before them. It was rare for the entire family to be gathered together like this, especially since Lie Shang and Yu Yan live outside of Xiapi, so the occasion was not lost on any of them.
____________________________
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
Tang12
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