บท 408: 394. Ceasefire Between Liu Zhang & The Nanman Tribes?
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Lie Fan looked out over the bustling camp, the determination of his men reflecting his own resolve. "With men like you by my side, I do not doubt that we will prevail against Cao Cao and eventually unite this chaotic land under my banner." as he said so, Liu Ye and Xun You were filled with determination to support Lie Fan, and exchanged glances where they agreed to inform Lie Fan's words to the others as Lie Fan finally showed his ambition to them fully open.
Lie Fan turned his attention to the engineers who were busy at work. "Increase the production of the climbing tigers," he commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. "We need as many as possible, and as quickly as possible. Our success depends heavily on these."
The engineers nodded, immediately promising to expedite their efforts. Satisfied, Lie Fan then turned to Liu Ye. "If you have any inventions or new strategies, inform me at once. Innovation is key to our victory against Cao Cao and all the Lords in the land."
Liu Ye nodded, his mind already racing with ideas to find. With that, Lie Fan, Liu Ye, and Xun You left the camp and made their way back to the Governor's Castle.
As they entered the grand hall, they found Jia Xu and Mi Zhu waiting for them, their expressions serious but reassuring, showing that they were here to inform good news.
Jia Xu was the first one to step forward. "My lord, we have implemented the new accounting method as you instructed, and after several months the results are promising across all boards."
Mi Zhu continued, "We have seen a significant improvement in resource management and allocation of our taxes. Our supplies are better accounted for, and waste has been minimized, and we managed to track officials who seize small amounts of funds for themselves."
Lie Fan listened intently, a sense of pride swelling within him. The basic accounting methods from the future were beginning to bear fruit, and the talent and competence of his advisors were evident, showing that future knowledge is a back thing for them to learn.
"Excellent work, Wenhou and Zizhong," Lie Fan praised, his tone sincere. "These improvements will give us the edge we need. Continue to monitor the process and make any necessary adjustments. Is there any news from Sima Lang concerning the accounting method there?"
Jia Xu with a thoughtful expression, responded to Lie Fan's question. "My lord, I have received a report from Sima Lang. He states that everything is proceeding well, and the results are all positive. The new accounting method has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of our resource management in his region."
Lie Fan nodded, pleased with the progress. "That's good to hear. But I sense there's more to his report than just about the results."
Jia Xu continued, "Indeed, my lord. Sima Lang has noted that while the method itself is effective, we face a challenge in the form of our manpower. We need to train officials who specialize in this new method as soon as possible to maximize its efficiency. Without knowledgeable officials, the full potential of the new method would be realized."
Lie Fan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Training is indeed crucial. We cannot rely solely on a few capable individuals; we need a network of well-trained officials," said Lie Fan thinking that Sima Lang is on point.
"Wenhou, Zizhong, I want you to prioritize the establishment of a training program for our officials and introduce it to the academy. "Lie Fan said to Jia Xu and Mi Zhu, "Identify the ones with the aptitude to learn quickly and ensure they are thoroughly educated in these new methods."
Mi Zhu nodded, already considering the expenses needed for such a program. "I will see to it, my lord. We will select the most promising candidates and begin their training immediately."
Jia Xu added, "I will coordinate with Sima Lang to ensure our efforts are unified as he is the one proposing this idea. This way, we can create a standardized approach across all our territories."
Lie Fan hearing this nodded his head, "Excellent. This is a necessary step for long term success. Continue your efforts and keep me informed of your progress."
Jia Xu and Mi Zhu cupped their hands in respect, acknowledging Lie Fan's order. "As you command, my lord," they said in unison, their voices firm with resolve.
Liu Ye and Xun You stood silently to the side, absorbing everything that had been discussed. They understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of the new accounting methods.
As the meeting drew to a close, Jia Xu and Mi Zhu exited the hall to begin their tasks. Liu Ye and Xun You also said their goodbyes to Lie Fan, leaving the hall as well alongside Jia Xu and Mi Zhu.
Lie Fan watched them go, feeling a sense of satisfaction. With his trusted advisors diligently working towards the goals that had been set, he returned to his residence.
The corridors of the Governor's Castle were quiet, allowing him a moment of reflection as he walked with his bodyguards following suit, where he left the Castle heading back to his residence.
Far to the southwest of Xiapi, to Liu Zhang's capital Chengdu. Here, Liu Zhang was in the midst of a small council meeting with his inner circle.
Liu Zhang sat at the head of the table, with a troubled expression looking for advice. Around him were the members of his inner council, handpicked by Zhang Wei and Wang Shan to bolster their power.
Zhang Wei was the one who spoke first. "My lord, our current strategy requires immediate attention. We must solidify our defenses and ensure our resources are managed efficiently."
Wang Shan, nodding in agreement, added, "Indeed, My Lord. We have identified a change that could be made to ensure our resources and the readiness of our military."
Liu Zhang, feeling the weight of their words and the urgency of the situation, leaned forward, with eyes betraying a hint of desperation. "What changes can be made?" he asked, his voice lacking the firmness of true authority.
Wang Shan seized the moment, his tone smooth and persuasive. "My lord, we need to consider a ceasefire with the tribes in the south. The conflict has been burning through our resources for five years now. Initially, we saw some successes, but progress has stalled completely. Continuing this war is a drain on our manpower and supplies."
Liu Zhang's brows furrowed as he processed Wang Shan's suggestion. "A ceasefire? But my Father told me that...," he echoed remembering that his father told him to continue the war against the southern tribes.
Zhang Wei nodded, his expression earnest. "Yes, my lord. A ceasefire would allow us to redirect our resources to our war against Zhang Lu. We can also strengthen our defenses and prepare for potential threats from other regions."
Wang Shang added with a heavy tone in his voice, "My Lord, what the Old Lord said is right but we can't fight on two fronts, and without any success, the resources we invested in will never be returned."
Liu Zhang hesitated, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He knew that continuing the war without progress was futile, but the thought of going against his father's wishes left him uneasy. Still, he couldn't deny the logic in Zhang Wei and Wang Shan's arguments.
"Very well," Liu Zhang said finally, his voice resigned. "We will pursue a ceasefire with the southern tribes. Begin preparations for the negotiations immediately. Ensure that our terms are clear and that our position remains strong."
Wang Shan and Zhang Wei exchanged a quick glance of satisfaction. "As you command, my lord," Wang Shan said smoothly. "We will handle the details and ensure that the ceasefire benefits us in every possible way."
With Liu Zhang's acquiescence, Zhang Wei and Wang Shan took over the meeting, dictating terms and strategies with an air of authority. Liu Zhang, feeling increasingly sidelined, found himself nodding along, unable to interject to say his opinions.
The two of them moved swiftly, outlining the terms they believed would secure a favorable outcome for Liu Zhang, that will ensure the benefits of their own and the group of interest they represent.
"We will propose a cessation of hostilities for a period of one year," Zhang Wei stated, his voice firm. "This will allow us to reassess our resources and end our war with Zhang Lu, before for trying our defenses in the south."
Wang Shan added, "In return, we will offer to trade some supplies and tools to the southern tribes, ensuring they have a vested interest in maintaining the peace. We can also use this period to gather more intelligence about the geography of the tribe's location."
Liu Zhang listened to these words and he couldn't deny the logic in their approach. "Very well," he said, with a soft voice that doesn't show any authority. "Let's proceed with these terms. Summon General Yan Yan back from the front lines to accompany the group of envoys, what do you think Master Zhang Wei and Wang Shan?"
Zhang Wei and Wang Shan nodded in agreement. "An excellent decision, my lord," Wang Shan said. "General Yan Yan's experience and reputation in these tribes will be invaluable in these talks."
Soon, a messenger was dispatched to the southern front with orders for Yan Yan to return. Within days, Yan Yan arrived in Chengdu, leaving the frontline to his men to defend while he was gone.
A seasoned warrior with a stern demeanor and the oldest veteran in Liu Zhang's Army, Yan Yan was well-respected among the troops and known for his unyielding loyalty.
Even Zhang Wei and Wang Shan need to show him some respect because all the generals in the army listened to him or respect him deeply. So they don't have any chance to extend their influence to the army yet due to Yan Yan's presence.
"My lord," Yan Yan said, bowing respectfully to Liu Zhang. "I have received your summons. How may I serve?"
Liu Zhang straightened in his chair, trying to show some demeanor in front of everyone in the main hall. "General Yan Yan, we are initiating a ceasefire with the southern tribes. You will accompany our envoys to negotiate the terms, as your experiences and rotation will help them greatly."
Yan Yan hearing this, had some changes in his face showing some emotion. "As you command, my lord. I will do my best in helping the negotiation.", even though he was reluctant Yan Yan followed the order he was given.
Wang Shan stepped forward, handing Yan Yan a detailed document outlining the proposed terms. "These are the conditions we seek to establish. Your help during the negotiations will be crucial to our envoys.", Yan Yan accepted the document, his eyes scanning it briefly before he tucked it into his belt. "I will study these terms thoroughly and ensure that our envoys are well prepared and well guarded."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
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