Capítulo 604: 579. Zhen Clan Made a Decision
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Cao Cao listened intently, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of his advisors. Finally, he spoke. "Prepare the army for a counteroffensive. Focus on Wen Chou's positions. With their morale in tatters and their leadership divided, they will crumble under pressure. Let us also sow discord among Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang. Exploit their rivalry to deepen the fractures within Yuan Shao's command."
The advisors nodded in agreement. Messages were dispatched to the generals stationed across the northern wall, outlining Cao Cao's plans. The camp buzzed with activity as troops prepared for the decisive push.
Back in Ye, the Zhuque and Xuanwu armies consolidated their control. Taishi Ci, Bu Zhi, and Zang Hong worked tirelessly to restore order and win the trust of the city's populace. Grain stores were distributed to the hungry, and proclamations assured the citizens of fair treatment under Lie Fan's rule. The efforts paid off as the people, initially wary, began to view their new rulers in a more favorable light.
Bu Zhi used the fall of Ye to spread propaganda throughout small towns and strongholds around Ye's domain. Pamphlets and messengers carried tales of Yan Liang's valor and ultimate fall, emphasizing the futility of resisting the Zhuque and Xuanwu armies.
The psychological impact was profound. Soldiers in the surrounding small towns and strongholds began to question their loyalty, and defections became increasingly common.
In Henei, the next target Zhuque and Xuanwu Army in the campaign, preparations were underway for an inevitable siege. The town's defenders, already demoralized by the news from Ye, scrambled to fortify their positions.
But the Zhuque and Xuanwu armies moved with relentless precision. As the combined forces approached, the defenders of Henei faced the grim reality that they were the next to fall.
Lie Fan's generals and strategists convened to plan the assault on Henei. Bu Zhi and Zang Hong presented detailed reports on the town's defenses, highlighting weaknesses that could be exploited. Taishi Ci, still recovering from the grueling siege of Ye, volunteered to lead the vanguard once more.
"You've earned some rest, General," Bu Zhi said with a rare smile. "But your spirit inspires the men. If you wish to lead, I will not stop you."
Taishi Ci bowed his head. "The men fought bravely under my command. I owe it to them to see this through."
Zhang Chao, commanding general of the Xuanwu Army, placed a firm yet reassuring hand on Taishi Ci's shoulder. "You've done more than enough, Taishi Ci," he said, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "Rest easy when leading the attack. Your duel with Yan Liang pushed your body to its limit. We need you strong for the battles ahead."
Taishi Ci laughed heartily, shaking his head. "As long as you command both armies well from the center, I'll be safe at the front line. Knowing that an experienced comrade has my back gives me all the rest I need." His eyes twinkled with a blend of exhaustion and determination as he nodded toward the troops gathering for the assault on Henei.
Meanwhile, in Nanpi, Lie Fan led the combined might of the Qilin Army, Qinglong Army, and Baihu Army. The city's defenders, under Yuan Xi's command, had managed to assemble a militia army of 150,000.
Despite this impressive number that Yuan Xi had managed to gather in a short amount of time, Lie Fan's forces held a clear advantage in numbers, training, equipment, and leadership. Still, he heeded the advice of Sima Yi and Xun You, who had devised a strategy to minimize casualties and maximize efficiency.
"Overconfidence is the path to ruin," Sima Yi had warned during a strategy meeting. "Though we have superior forces, caution is paramount. If we can conserve our strength here, we'll secure a decisive victory across the entire campaign."
Xun You added, "Our intelligence indicates Yuan Xi's forces are poorly trained. We should exploit this with psychological warfare. Target their morale, and they will crumble before we even breach their gates."
Lie Fan agreed with their assessments. "Prepare the men," he ordered. "We'll execute the plan at dawn. Yuan Xi will learn the price of underestimating us."
Inside Nanpi, tension gripped the city. Yuan Xi's hastily assembled militia lacked the cohesion and discipline needed to stand against Lie Fan's seasoned armies. The Zhen Clan, as one of the most influential mercantile families in the land, convened a high-secret meeting in their ancestral mansion. Zhen Yi, as the patriarch, sat at the head of the table, flanked by the clan elders.
"The Yuan Clan is finished," Zhen Yi declared, his tone heavy with resignation. "Their strength has been eroded by Lie Fan's relentless campaign. The fall of Ye and the death of Yan Liang are harbingers of their doom."
One elder, his face lined with worry, spoke up. "Our family's ties to the Yuan Clan through Zhen Ji's marriage to Yuan Xi could implicate us. We must act swiftly to protect our interests."
Another elder nodded. "The Zhen Clan's wealth and influence have always been our shield. But if we are seen as loyalists to Yuan Shao, which we define it seen as due to our ties, we risk losing everything."
Zhen Yi leaned forward, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Then we must make a decision. Do we sever ties with the Yuan Clan and align ourselves with Lie Fan? Or do we wait and risk being swept away by the tides of war?"
The room fell silent as the elders contemplated their options. The stakes were immense. Betraying the Yuan Clan could secure their survival, but it would also mean abandoning a long-standing conversation which could impact their reputation in the mercantile world. Remaining loyal, however, was a gamble with little hope of success.
Back on the battlefield outside Nanpi, Lie Fan's forces began their siege. Sima Yi's strategy was already in motion. The first phase involved a calculated display of overwhelming force.
Hwachas unleashed volleys of fire arrows, setting ablaze the outer fortifications. Siege towers loomed menacingly as they crept toward the city walls, while trebuchets hurled massive boulders, shaking the defenders to their core.
Inside the city, the militia's morale wavered. The sight of Lie Fan's disciplined and large army, combined with the relentless bombardment, sowed seeds of panic. Yuan Xi, desperate to maintain control, rallied his officers. "Hold the line!" he shouted. "Reinforcements will arrive! We must buy them time!"
But his words rang hollow. Many soldiers whispered among themselves, questioning the likelihood of reinforcements. Others eyed the Zhen Clan, suspecting that their influential leaders might already be negotiating with the enemy.
The Zhen Clan's internal debate reached a boiling point. Zhen Luo, Zhen Ji's younger brother, spoke passionately. "We cannot wait any longer! Lie Fan's forces are at our gates. If we act now, we can secure favorable terms. Delay, and we risk total ruin."
Zhen Yi finally made his decision. "Prepare a messenger," he commanded. "We will offer our surrender to Lie Fan. In return, we'll pledge our resources and influence to his cause. The Zhen Clan will endure."
As the Zhen Clan's envoy slipped out of Nanpi under cover of darkness, the defenders continued to falter. Sima Yi's psychological warfare escalated. Leaflets rained down on the city, urging the militia to surrender. They detailed the fall of Ye, the death of Yan Liang, and the futility of resistance. Promises of fair treatment for those who laid down their arms were emphasized, further eroding the defenders' resolve.
The Zhen Clan's envoy reached Lie Fan's camp, where Sima Yi and Xun You received him. After conveying Zhen Yi's offer, the envoy added, "The Zhen Clan seeks only to preserve its legacy. In return for our allegiance, we ask for protection and clemency."
Lie Fan considered the proposal carefully. "The Zhen Clan's resources could prove invaluable," he said. "Accept their surrender. But make it clear that any betrayal will be met with swift retribution."
As Lie Fan accepted the Zhen Clan's surrender, he recognized the immense value their wealth, resources, and connections would bring to his cause. He summoned Sima Yi and Xun You to discuss the terms of integration.
"We must tread carefully with the Zhen Clan, my lord." Sima Yi advised. "While their allegiance strengthens our position, we cannot overlook the possibility of treachery. They serve their own interests above all."
Lie Fan nodded thoughtfully. "I am aware, but their resources are too valuable to ignore. Let them prove their loyalty through action. Assign them roles where their influence can be monitored closely."
As the Zhen Clan began assisting Lie Fan's administration, Nanpi's defenders continued to crumble under the relentless pressure. Yuan Xi, bloodied and weary from leading the defense, returned to his father's court to find a scene of chaos.
Panic gripped Yuan Shao's court due to Lie Fan's siege of their capital and Gongsun Gong's encroachment spread. The once-mighty Yuan Clan appeared to be on the brink of collapse.
Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei, the architects of the disastrous campaign against Cao Cao at Luoyang, were stricken with fear. Their ambitions and greed, masked as counsel, had led the Yuan Clan to this desperate position.
Yuan Shao, slouched upon his throne, looked more like a shadow of his former self than a warlord. His once commanding presence was eroded by decadence and tinged with madness. Fury burned in his eyes as he glared at his retainers.
"Silence!" Yuan Shao roared, his voice cracking. "You have all failed me. Now tell me, is there any path left for the Yuan Clan?"
The court fell into a tense silence. Even Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei, normally quick with schemes and platitudes, remained mute. The weight of their collective failures hung heavily in the air.
It was Yuan Xi who finally broke the silence. He entered the hall, still clad in his bloodied and battle-worn armor. His exhaustion was evident, but so was his resolve.
"Father," Yuan Xi began, his voice steady despite his fatigue, "Nanpi is lost. Our militia cannot hold against Lie Fan's seasoned army, and reinforcements are a distant hope. We must retreat to Zhongshan. There, we can rally the northern border armies stationed along the Great Wall and make a defensive stand. To remain here is to court annihilation."
Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed, scanning his son's face. "And what of Nanpi? Are we to abandon it to Lie Fan without a fight?"
"Better to lose a city than the entire Yuan Clan," Yuan Xi replied firmly. "If we move swiftly, we can save our forces and rebuild. Zhongshan's position is more defensible, and the loyalty of the northern armies is still ours to command. But the decision must be made now."
Yuan Shao's gaze shifted to his remaining retainers, but none dared to contradict Yuan Xi. The silence from his court confirmed what he already knew: his son's plan was the only viable option. With a reluctant nod, Yuan Shao gave his consent.
"Prepare the evacuation," he ordered. "We will withdraw to Zhongshan. Ensure that the people who remain understand that this is a strategic move, not a defeat."
As preparations for the retreat began, Yuan Xi took charge of the rearguard. Despite his frustration with his father's indecisiveness and the incompetence of the court, he resolved to ensure the safe withdrawal of their forces and the preservation of the Yuan family's legacy.
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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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