Capítulo 560: 538. The End Of The Grand Celebration
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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.
Ying Yue seeing the interaction between the children and Lie Fan, smiled at him warmly. "You've done an incredible job, husband. The city is alive with joy today and the people was happy to rest down their body to enjoy such festivity."
Cai Wenji, agreeing with what Ying Yue said, added, "The people love you, husband. I could hear the admiration in their voices as they cheered for you earlier, and I heard from my connections that many musicians and poets are creating work about the new Xiapi and some even dedicated to you."
Diao Chan who held Xuanxuan on her arm, spoke softly, "Our family has grown so much, both here in Xiapi and in our hearts. It's a blessing to see how far we've come, especially since you, husband, had done so many things for us to reach this point."
Lu Lingqi nodded with pride, as she heard what her sisters said about Xiapi and how everything was thanks to Lie Fan. "Xiapi is secure, prosperous, and growing stronger by the day, and even I who had stayed before in Xiapi with my father and now you husband, could see it's transformation let alone the people. It had become a fortress in this world of chaos, all thanks to your leadership, husband."
Lie Fan looked around at his family—his parents, his wives, his children—and felt a deep sense of contentment. The family settled down for lunch, sharing stories of the day's festivities and discussing the future. The air was filled with laughter and joy, a stark contrast to the turmoil that plagued the rest of China.
Outside, the streets of Xiapi continued to buzz with activity. Performers dazzled crowds with their tricks and stunts, while merchants haggled over prices in the busy markets.
For the Sun Clan, the day was an eye-opening experience. As they finished their lunch at the Serenity Inn and returned to the streets, Sun Ce couldn't help but think about how this celebration, while grand and extravagant, was also a subtle reminder of Lie Fan's power and influence. He glanced at his father, Sun Jian, who was deep in thought as they walked through the bustling streets.
"Father," Sun Ce said quietly, "this city is something else. Brother Lie Fan has built something here that no other warlord has been able to match. I think... perhaps we should seriously consider his offer of cooperation."
Sun Jian, his face unreadable, merely nodded. "We will discuss this further when the time is right, Bofu. For now, let us enjoy the celebration."
Sun Ce, hearing his father's response, became silent and turned his attention away from political matters for the moment. His eyes shifted to his wife, Da Qiao, who stood beside him, holding onto his arm while glancing left and right, mesmerized by the vibrant scenery of Xiapi.
The flickering lanterns, the performers dancing through the streets, and the festive spirit captured her attention fully, and her expression was one of pure delight. Sun Ce couldn't help but smile as he admired her. The stresses of war and the ever-present dangers of the time faded away in this moment of peace, and Da Qiao's happiness was all that mattered to him.
Seeing his eldest son so easily distracted by his wife's beauty, Sun Jian chuckled and shook his head in amusement. It was moments like these that reassured him of Sun Ce's good nature, despite his sometimes impulsive decisions. While his political sense might not always be the sharpest, Sun Ce was undeniably a born leader with a heart that was in the right place.
Behind them, Sun Quan, walking alongside his father and older brother, overheard their brief exchange about cooperating with Lie Fan. He furrowed his brow in confusion. Cooperation? he wondered.
Hadn't they already formed an alliance with Lie Fan? The alliance which had been formalized many years ago, a partnership meant to mutually protect their territories from other warlords and external threats. What more cooperation could they need? The thought lingered in his mind, and he made a mental note to ask his father about it later.
As each of the Sun Clan men became lost in their own thoughts, the festivities around them continued as the streets remained alive with music, laughter, and celebration. Even as the sun set, the city buzzed with activity, transitioning seamlessly into an evening celebration.
At the Lie Clan residence, the festivities continued in a more intimate setting. Lie Fan had gathered his entire family in the expansive courtyard of their estate. Chairs and tables had been set up beneath the open sky, each table adorned with plates of sweet snacks and fragrant teas. The courtyard itself was beautifully decorated with lanterns, and the soft glow of their light cast a serene atmosphere over the gathering.
Lie Fan, dressed in more casual attire now that his official duties for the day were over, stood with his parents and wives, looking content as they settled into the relaxing evening. The sounds of the celebration in the city echoed faintly in the distance, but here, in the privacy of the family courtyard, it felt as if the world had slowed down for just a moment, allowing them to enjoy the tranquility of the night.
His children, already full of energy from the day's events, were buzzing with excitement. Chenchen and Yaoyao, the eldest, had run ahead to the edge of the courtyard, eager to see the fireworks that would soon light up the sky. Yanyan and Nuonuo, the younger sisters, sat near their mother, Diao Chan and Cai Wenji, their small hands grabbing at the snacks laid out before them, giggling as they shared sweets.
Lie Shang, Lie Fan's father, sat nearby with Yu Yan, his wife. He watched the joyful scene unfolding before him with pride in his eyes. His son had come far since the early days of asking him for men to train.
Now he was a big warlord, with Xiapi as his capital which had grown into a prosperous, fortified metropolis, a true testament to Lie Fan's leadership, visision, and most importantly talent.
For Lie Shang and Yu Yan, moments like these were a blessing. They didn't live in Xiapi but had traveled here to be part of this grand celebration, and seeing their son's success filled them with a deep sense of fulfillment.
As the family gathered, the conversations flowed easily. Ying Yue, who sat close to Lie Fan, speaking softly about miscellaneous things alongside Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi.
Lie Fan listened to his wives talking and smiled, hearing them conversing with each other filled his heart with warmth and affection. For all the battles he fought, for all the political maneuvers he had to navigate, it was these moments with his family that made it all worthwhile.
The evening air was cool, and as the family continued to talk and enjoy their tea, the first of the fireworks was set off. A loud crack echoed through the courtyard, followed by a brilliant display of light that painted the sky in shades of red and gold. The children gasped in awe, their faces lit up by the glowing explosions overhead.
Chenchen pointed to the sky. "Look, Father! The fireworks! They're so bright!"
Yaoyao clapped her hands in delight, while Yanyan and Nuonuo, sitting beside their mother, watched wide-eyed as more fireworks followed, each one more vibrant than the last.
The smallest, Xuanxuan, who was nestled inside Diao Chan's arm, was at first surprised by the sound of fireworks and cries, but when he sees the beautiful skynight filled with colors he stopped crying and his hand goes to the sky like wanting to grab the fireworks.
Lie Fan watched his children's reactions with a warm smile, wrapping an arm around Ying Yue's shoulders as they all looked up at the sky together. "This is only the beginning," he said softly, more to himself than to anyone else. "Xiapi will continue to grow, and one day, all of China will see fireworks lighting up their sky."
As the fireworks continued to light up the night, Lie Fan's thoughts returned to the Sun Clan. He knew that Sun Jian and his family had been attending the festival, so he need to carefully ensure that the Sun Clan was well-received in Xiapi, offering them the best hospitality.
Cooperation with the Sun Clan was crucial, especially as the land continued to fracture under the strain of warlords vying for power. If the Sun family could be persuaded to fully integrate into his vision of a unified China, it would greatly strengthen his position.
As the night wore on, Lie Fan remained in the courtyard with his family, watching as the fireworks painted the sky in brilliant colors. He hoped that the beautiful fireworks lighten up the sky would be like the future—a future he was determined to protect and expand.
The fireworks show stretched on late into the night, painting the skies of Xiapi in vibrant bursts of light and color. The crackling sounds and dazzling visuals held the city's populace in awe. It was not just the residents of Xiapi who were captivated by the spectacle, but also those visiting from outside its walls.
Merchants and travelers from distant lands—particularly from Goguryeo and the hostages from Goguryeo—looked on with wide-eyed wonder, witnessing something they had never seen before.
In a private dining room at the Serenity Inn, a group of merchants from Goguryeo sat around a low table, the faint hum of the festival outside echoing into their secluded space.
The room was filled with the fragrance of rich food, but the meal was all but forgotten as the merchants discussed the incredible spectacle they had just witnessed. They were seasoned traders, well-traveled across various regions of China and beyond, but none of them had ever seen anything like these fireworks before.
"This… 'fireworks,' they called it," one of the merchants said, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. His face was illuminated by the flickering lanterns in the room, but his mind was focused on the potential profit this new discovery could bring.
Another merchant, younger but just as shrewd, nodded in agreement. "It's unlike anything we've seen back home. The artistic value alone could make it a coveted item among the nobles, not to mention the King."
A third merchant leaned forward, his voice lowered to a near whisper, even though they were in private. "There's more than just art to it, though. Think of the military potential. If we could bring these fireworks to Goguryeo, or at least learn how they're made, our King would be interested not just for festivals but for other purposes… perhaps even in battle."
The room fell silent as they considered this possibility. Fireworks were more than just entertainment; they could be a powerful tool. The merchants imagined what it would be like to wield such a resource—not only for trade but for strategic advantage. The booming sounds, the flashes of light, and the smoke that followed each burst could easily be repurposed to confuse or intimidate enemy forces.
One of the older merchants, who had seen many conflicts in his lifetime, stroked his chin as he spoke. "If we were to acquire these fireworks, we could become invaluable to the King. Not just for his celebrations but for his wars. The noise alone could terrify enemy troops."
The others nodded in agreement, each merchant calculating the potential riches such an endeavor could bring. They would need to be discreet, of course. Fireworks appeared to be a guarded technology, something that was likely not available to just anyone in China. But they had their ways. With the right contacts and enough gold, anything could be bought. Their minds were already racing with ideas of how to acquire this mysterious and powerful product.
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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 561: 539. Battle At The Great Wall
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___________________________
The others nodded in agreement, each merchant calculating the potential riches such an endeavor could bring. They would need to be discreet, of course. Fireworks appeared to be a guarded technology, something that was likely not available to just anyone in China. But they had their ways. With the right contacts and enough gold, anything could be bought. Their minds were already racing with ideas of how to acquire this mysterious and powerful product.
"I suggest we begin inquiries tomorrow," the youngest merchant suggested. "Find out who controls the production of these fireworks in Xiapi. Perhaps we could strike a deal or learn the secrets behind how they're made."
The elder merchant raised a hand. "Patience. We must not draw too much attention. Xiapi may seem open, but we are guests here and our nation was a subsidiary to the Han, so we need to approach this delicately, find someone who can give us information without raising suspicion. After all, we are here as merchants, not spies."
The group agreed, lowering their voices even further as they laid out their plan for the following days. They would discreetly gather information, using their trade contacts and local guides to learn more about the fireworks and the people behind their production.
If successful, they could return to Goguryeo not just with goods to sell, but with a new technology that could revolutionize both their economy and military, making them drown in riches they would never expect before.
Unbeknownst to them however, their meeting and discussion was being eavesdropped by Oriole Agents, who had recorded everything and recorded their names to be presented to the Oriole Grandmaster Jia Xu, as part of their report.
Meanwhile, in the Lie Clan's residence, the family continued to enjoy the final moments of the night's festivities. The courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, the crackling of fireworks still echoing in the distance.
Lie Fan, sitting with his wives and children, leaned back in his chair, feeling a deep sense of contentment. He watched as his children, still brimming with energy, chased each other around the courtyard, their laughter mixing with the distant sounds of celebration.
His thoughts drifted back to the state of his capital and the recent visitors, including the merchants from Goguryeo, who was allowed to pass freely into his domain through Huai'An, where they sail from Goguryeo to enter his domain in the mainland.
He had been aware of their presence since their arrival through the Oriole agents reports, and though they were here under the guise of trade, he knew well enough that they were likely scouting for more than just commodities, as they will also scout for information and secrets they could found.
Goguryeo's nobles and officials one way or another had connections with these merchants, and after the spectacle shown by fireworks that lighten up the skies, their interest in fireworks would not be surprising, and without any reports from the Oriole agents he knew that tomorrow they would begin to search for any information about fireworks and try to procure them.
Lie Fan smirked, and thought inwardly that it was only a matter of time before others started to take notice of his fireworks. Fireworks are not just a form of entertainment, after all. They have potential beyond mere celebration, and could be used as weapon like the fire lance he will use soon. So he wouldn't be surprised if they were already thinking of ways to use them for military purposes.
But it's better to be cautious, as he never knew what will they do to procure the knowledge of fireworks and the times it self. His eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities of it happening. He make make a note in his mind to make sure taking any necessary precautions. If they attempt anything, his men will be ready.
Back in the private room at the Serenity Inn, the merchants from Goguryeo finished their discussion, each man deep in thought. They had a long road ahead, filled with negotiations and delicate maneuvers, but if they could succeed in acquiring the secrets of fireworks, they would return home not just as traders, but as heroes who increase the chance of Giguryeo liberating themselves from the Han.
One of the merchants, the youngest, looked out the window toward the fading lights of the fireworks display. "This city," he murmured, "is far more than it seems. There is power here, both in the people and in the technology. We must tread carefully."
The elder merchant nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Xiapi is no ordinary city, and Lie Fan is no ordinary warlord from the information I have gathered. But we have an opportunity here. Let's make the most of it."
The group fell into silence as they finished their meal, their minds already focused on the coming days. Outside, the streets of Xiapi were still alive with the remnants of the festival, but for the merchants of Goguryeo, the real work was just beginning.
While Xiapi basked in the glow of fireworks and festivity, far to the northwest, near the Great Wall, a different kind of energy simmered. The tension between Cao Cao's forces, led by Ma Teng, Han Sui, Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian, and the Northern Xiongnu Tribe Coalition had finally come to a boiling point.
The Northern Xiongnu Tribe Coalition, led by Tugeh Khagan, had been gathering strength for some time, rallying the nomadic tribes of the steppes under a banner of unity while waiting for the right moment to strik.
Now, Tugeh Khagan believed the moment had come to strike against the Han forces that guarded the Great Wall, aiming to catch them off guard and deliver a crushing blow and take over the illustrious Great Wall under his rule or at least part of it.
Under the cover of night, Tugeh Khagan mobilized his vast coalition of tribes. With over 200,000 Xiongnu tribesmen from a variety of clans and backgrounds, they moved like a tidal wave across the steppes, their horses galloping in rhythm as they approached the formidable Great Wall.
The tribesmen, many of whom were seasoned warriors, felt a surge of confidence as they rode, their spirits high. Tugeh Khagan had convinced them that they would take the Han by surprise, believing that an attack at dawn would shatter the morale of the Han soldiers, who were unprepared for such a massive assault.
The Xiongnu warriors pictured themselves breaching the Great Wall, pillaging the lands beyond, and weakening the Han's hold on the region. The vast expanse of their homeland stretched behind them, giving them the feeling that the steppes themselves were pushing them forward. They were a force of nature, unstoppable, or so they thought.
However, their confidence was misplaced.
Unknown to Tugeh Khagan and the people who were loyal to him, several of their own supposed allies had already betrayed them.
The leaders of the Onggirat and Qangli tribes—Batu and Zolgar, respectively—who had secretly aligned themselves with the Han forces along with other chieftains who doubted the success of Tugeh Khagan's campaign and pledge their support to Ca Cao's forces, had already informed the soldiers at the Greeat Wall about the oncoming attack.
Days earlier, Batu and Zolgar had dispatched their fastest messenger eagles to relay critical intelligence to Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai spies, who had leave the encampment after meeting the two of them and the other chieftains.
The message, laden with intricate details of the Xiongnu's battle plan, their numbers, and the timing of their approach, had been sent with the hope of gaining early favor with the Han leadership.
By informing Cao Cao's forces of the impending attack, these tribal leaders aimed to ensure truly the survival of their tribes but also a potential increase of rewards from the powerful Han forces.
The eagles flew swiftly across the steppes, carrying the fate of the Xiongnu coalition in their talons. Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai spies, upon receiving the message, immediately recognized the gravity of the situation.
They immediately sned the message to Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai who was located at Tianshui, and when Guo Jia received the message, his sharp mind quickly processed the information, and he and Xi Zhicai worked tirelessly to devise a strategy that would turn the Xiongnu's attempted surprise into a deadly trap for their own forces.
While the Xiongnu believed they were approaching the Great Wall under the cover of darkness, ready to strike at dawn, Cao Cao's forces had already fortified their positions. Xiahou Dun's soldiers had set up concealed traps along the most likely paths of attack, while Yu Jin's infantry and Li Dian's cavalry were prepared to mobilize at a moment's notice.
Ma Teng and Han Sui, who both had numerous experience in frontier warfare facing the Xiongnh, ensured that the morale of their troops remained high, reminding them of the honor of defending their homeland against the invaders.
As dawn began to break, the Xiongnu army drew closer to the Great Wall. Tugeh Khagan rode at the front of his forces, his mind filled with visions of victory. He could almost see the fear in the eyes of the Han soldiers, the disarray that would follow his surprise assault. His men were ready for bloodshed, eager to claim the riches that lay beyond the wall.
But instead of unprepared soldiers, the Xiongnu found a well-fortified defense. The moment they were within striking distance, the Han forces unleashed their full might. Archers, hidden in the shadows of the wall, rained arrows down upon the advancing Xiongnu, cutting down dozens of riders before they could even reach the base of the wall.
The traps laid by Xiahou Dun's forces—spiked pits and hidden caltrops—began to take their toll, causing chaos among the Xiongnu cavalry as horses stumbled and men were thrown from their saddles as they approached the Great Wall.
The Xiongnu advance faltered, confusion spreading through their ranks. Tugeh Khagan, realizing that his surprise attack had failed, roared in fury, but it was too late his coalition had already entered the trap which foiled his surprise attack plan.
Amid the chaos, Batu, Zolgar, and the traitorous chieftains, made their move. Under the guise of leading their tribes into battle, they quietly withdrew their forces from the fray, ensuring that their men did not suffer the same fate as the rest of the Xiongnu tribes who had fallen into the trap, retaining the number of warriors under them.
Unaware of this, Tugeh Khagan, seeing his meticulously planned attack fall apart before his eyes, rally his forces, calling for the chieftains to retreat several kilometers away from the Great Wall, far from the range of the Han Archers.
Seeing the Northern Xiongnu Tribes Coalition retreat after their failed surprise attack, Yu Jin and Li Dian, who commanded the infantry and cavalry respectively, halted their counter offensive manuver just outside of the Xiongnu's attack range.
They watched the Xiongnu regroup, retreating to the safety of the open plains, where they could avoid further engagement. It was clear the Xiongnu were stunned by the Han's preparedness, and Yu Jin, along with Li Dian, knew that this initial success was just the beginning. They needed to press their advantage but with strategic caution.
____________________________
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
Tang12
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