บท 278: 271. Negotiation Successful & Lu Bu's Funeral Pyre
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He knew that in Liu Bei's eyes, Qing Province was his land, and splitting it even further would weaken his position, that's why he adamantly rejected Lie Fan's request when he heard it, Cao Cao after thinking for some time finally said that he will agree with Lie Fan's request but on the condition that they take another county and just gave Lie Fan two of Qing Province remaining counties who have adjacent to Lie Fan's domain.
Liu Bei who heard what Cao Cao said was stunned and flabbergasted, he didn't expect Cao Cao will change his mind and agree to Lie Fan's request, and he immediately protested Cao Cao's decision.
Even though it was only 2 counties, Liu Bei who held Qing Province which only held a handful of counties was a heavy blow because it didn't hold much land and was between two large provinces which were Yan Province and Xu Province.
As Liu Bei continued his protest over the loss of Qing Province, Cao Cao's expression momentarily turned grim, the weight of the situation apparent. However, swiftly regaining his composure, he adopted an appeasing demeanor, attempting to soothe Liu Bei's discontent.
Behind the façade of diplomatic words, a flicker of disdain flashed in Cao Cao's eyes as he discerned the true nature of Liu Bei's character.
Cao Cao, with practiced finesse, tried to calm Liu Bei's fervor and persuade him to accept the territorial changes. Yet, behind the scenes, the warlord couldn't shake off the realization that the virtue and benevolence Liu Bei often displayed were but a mask.
Guo Jia, the astute strategist on Cao Cao's side, and Xi Zhicai, the wise counselor, swiftly joined in, supporting Cao Cao's words with their own persuasive arguments.
They highlighted the strategic advantages of the proposed arrangement and reassured Liu Bei of potential benefits in the long run. Their combined efforts sought to mollify Liu Bei's concerns, weaving a narrative that would encourage cooperation.
On the other side, Ju Shou, standing steadfastly by Liu Bei, recognized the weight of the situation. Sensing Liu Bei's internal struggle, he skillfully attempted to lift the siege of persuasion.
With a measured tone, Ju Shou presented alternative viewpoints, emphasizing the potential advantages for both Liu Bei and Cao Cao to hold the entirety of Qing Province intact, giving away two counties to Lie Fan would only empower him more while weakening their side.
Guo Jia, maintaining his composed demeanor, responded to Ju Shou's alternative viewpoints without directly addressing them. Instead, he calmly stated, to Ju Shou as he held reservations about their current course, then it is imperative that he present a feasible strategy or plan.
Because Guo Jia has already attempted to formulate various scenarios, each one leaves his Lord Cao Cao and Liu Bei severely weakened after facing Lie Fan.
Guo Jia with a steady gaze then continued by telling Ju Shou that he should consider the pressing threat from the north where Yuan Shao remains a formidable force, engaged in a prolonged conflict with Gongsun Zan which buys them time to fight Lu Bu in the first place.
On the other hand, Lie Fan enjoys safety to the south with the Sun Clan as an ally and faces no immediate threat from the west, as Liu Biao will stay within Jing Province.
Ju Shou, momentarily tongue-tied, found himself grappling with the undeniable truth of Guo Jia's analysis. The weight of the pressing threat from the north, where Yuan Shao's forces remained formidable against Gongsun Zan, weighed heavily on his mind.
Lie Fan's secure position to the south, shielded by the Sun Clan, and the absence of immediate threats from the west further underscored the strategic challenges Lie Fan would face, which was a very different situation than theirs.
Recognizing Ju Shou's hesitation, Xi Zhicai stepped in, using the moment of silence to further persuade Liu Bei., where he began with a calm and reassuring tone, telling Liu Bei considering the geopolitical landscape, it's evident that relinquishing two of Qing Province counties to Lie Fan will safeguard their interests in the long run.
This decision aligns with the current realities of their alliances and the threats they face, because even if Lie Fan was defeated by the land he was sitting on eight now he could replenish his losses in a quick time.
Liu Bei, feeling the mounting pressure from Cao Cao, Cao Cao's advisors, and the strategic realities laid out before him, finally relented with a heavy heart agreeing to Cao Cao's decision.
With his agreement to Cao Cao's decision, it was decided that they would give away 2 counties to Lie Fan and take the rest under Liu Bei's rule and that a lot Bei then would act as a vassal to Cao Cao for a few years.
Ju Shou couldn't do anything since Liu Bei had already agreed, so the decision was made just like that and Cao Cao called for a guard to invite Lie Fana and his party back to the hall.
After waiting for some time, Lie Fan and his party finally entered the hall back and without even taking his seat, Lie Fa immediately asked both Cao Cao and Liu Bei what was their decision.
Being asked so directly by Lie Fan, Cao Cao told Lie Fan what he and Liu Bei had decided and agreed upon, which was they would only give Lie Fan two counties to the east that would come adjacent to his domain northeast.
Lie Fan hearing this was islet for some time, everyone thought he was not satisfied with what Cao Cao and Liu Bei had agreed upon, but actually, he was already pretty satisfied since he had expected Cao Cao and Liu Bei determined to fight him.
When Liu Bei wanted to ask Lie Fan if he agreed to this or not, Lie Fan raised his head and let out a bright smile, agreeing to what Cao Cao and Liu Bei had agreed upon and causing the tension in the room immediately simmered down.
Seeing and hearing that Lie Fan agreed to their decision, both Cao Cao and Liu Bei were relieved and let out a laugh to soothe the situation even more, then Cao Cao said that since they had come to an agreement they should celebrate.
Lie Fan refused Cao Cao's offer to celebrate as he needed to return to Xiapi as soon as possible to handle some administration matters that needed to be handled since he had just received new land under his domain.
Hearing what Lie Fan said, Cao Cao and Liu Bei tried reluctantly a few times to persuade Lie Fan to stay but Lie Fan refused each time since there would be no celebration then Lie Fan after talking some more with both Cao Cao and Liu Bei then take his leave alongside his group.
In a reluctant dance of persuasion, both Cao Cao and Liu Bei tried to convince Lie Fan to reconsider staying, each making their case with a tinge of fake desperation that Lie Fan and his advisors could see through since they didn't try to hide it.
However, Lie Fan remained steadfast in his decision, explaining that the situation demanded immediate attention and celebration could wait. After a series of parting words and exchanges, Lie Fan, accompanied by his group, took his leave from Beihai's Governor Castle.
As they walked toward the castle's entrance, Cao Cao and Liu Bei, alongside their advisors, shared glances of mixed relief and concern. The departure of Lie Fan marked a shift in the power dynamics of the region, leaving both Cao Cao and Liu Bei to grapple with the implications of their agreement.
When Lie Fan and his group arrived at Lu Bu's Army position to drop off Chen Gong they noticed something, and as they approached, they noticed a somber atmosphere, and their suspicions were confirmed when they saw a funeral pyre being built.
As Lie Fan and his group, alongside Chen Gong, observed the somber scene of the funeral pyre being built, the weight of the atmosphere settled heavily upon them.
It became evident that this solemn occasion was under the request and instruction of Lady Yan and Lu Lingqi, the grieving family of the fallen warlord Lu Bu.
Feeling a mixture of sadness and respect, Lie Fan dismounted from his horse, and his retinue followed suit. Together with Chen Gong, they headed toward a tent that hadn't been there during their previous visits to Lu Bu's Army position.
Upon entering, they were met with the poignant sight of Lu Bu's high-ranking generals, Lady Yan, and Lu Lingqi, and maids diligently preparing Lu Bu's body for the funeral.
The atmosphere inside the tent was hushed, filled with the solemn sounds of mourning and the delicate tasks of preparing Lu Bu for his final journey. The arrival of Lie Fan and his group doesn't stop them from preparing Lu Bu.
Lie Fan and his retinue stood silently, observing the poignant scene unfolding in front of them. The high-ranking generals, Lady Yan, Lu Lingqi, and the maids continued their solemn tasks of preparing Lu Bu for his final journey.
Chen Gong, recognizing the significance of the moment, joined in the preparations, offering his assistance in ensuring that Lu Bu's departure would be marked with dignity and respect. Hours passed in respectful silence, the gravity of the occasion hanging heavy in the air.
As nightfall draped the surroundings in darkness, the preparations neared completion. The flickering light of torches cast shadows on the faces of those present. It was then that the group decided it was the perfect time to proceed with Lu Bu's funeral pyre.
In the quiet embrace of the night, all of Lu Bu's high-ranking generals, draped in mourning, carefully carried his body on a stretcher toward the funeral pyre. Lady Yan and Lu Lingqi followed solemnly behind them, their faces etched with grief. Lie Fan and his retinue walked respectfully behind the grieving family, while Lu Bu's men formed a somber circle around the pyre.
As they approached the funeral pyre, the flickering torchlight cast haunting shadows on their faces. The high-ranking generals carefully placed Lu Bu's body on the pyre, each movement laden with the weight of finality. Chen Gong, who had been waiting, lit the torch in his hand, symbolizing the beginning of a farewell that would echo through the ages.
With the pyre engulfed in flames, Chen Gong spoke heartfelt words about Lu Bu, capturing the essence of the legendary lord, warrior, husband, and father. The night air seemed to carry his words to every corner of the encampment, and the assembled mourners stood in respectful silence.
Lady Yan and Lu Lingqi, holding back tears as Chen Gong spoke, could no longer contain their grief when the funeral pyre was set ablaze. Their tears flowed freely, marking the end of an era, as the flames flickered and danced in tribute to the departed warrior. The night embraced the sorrowful scene, bearing witness to the closing chapter of Lu Bu's extraordinary legacy that will be remembered throughout the ages.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 27 (194 AD)
Level: 15
Next Level: 938.000
Renown: 645
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 571.700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 906 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 93
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
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