บท 425: 411. Lie Fan's Wife Conversation
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As they moved through the night, Zhang Yan rode at the head of his Army, his mind a whirlwind of plans and the move they needed to make. Jinyang would offer them a chance to regroup and fortify their position. There, he hoped to find the strength needed to continue their fight against Yuan Shao. Unbeknownst to Zhang Yan, his retreat was known by Zhang He who decided to not report this to Yan Liang and Wen Chou, so that they would not take all the glory in defeating him.
Zhang He watched the retreating figures of Zhang Yan's army with a calculating eye. He turned to Gao Lan, who was beside him, ready to report their findings to their superiors. Zhang He, however, had other plans.
"Gao Lan," Zhang He said, placing a firm hand on his comrade's shoulder. "You must consider what you want to do next carefully."
Gao Lan frowned. "What do you mean? Shouldn't we inform Yan Liang and Wen Chou about Zhang Yan's retreat? This could be our chance to crush him completely."
Zhang He shook his head. "If we report this now, Yan Liang and Wen Chou will take all the credit for Zhang Yan's defeat. They will lead the final charge, and we will be left in their shadow. But if we act independently, we can outmaneuver Zhang Yan ourselves and claim the victory in our name."
Gao Lan's expression shifted as he absorbed Zhang He's words. "You're suggesting we intercept Zhang Yan without informing Yan Liang and Wen Chou?"
"Not like that," Zhang He said, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Zhang Yan's forces are weakened and demoralized, we can intercept them now but Yan Liang and Wen Chou will know of this, and will blame us for not informing them, who do you think Lord Yuan Shao will support?"
Gao Lan listening to Zhang He's words nodded slowly, his initial hesitation giving way to agreeing with Zhang He's words. "Very well, Zhang He. You have a point, will follow what you said, you're smarter than me things like this "
With their decision made, Zhang He and Gao Lan ordered their troops to stand down and return to their encampment. They moved quietly and efficiently, ensuring that their actions raised no suspicion. By the time they reached their camp, it was as if nothing had happened.
The next morning, the camp buzzed with activity as soldiers prepared for another day of battle. However, the routine was soon shattered by the startling news that Shangdang was empty. Zhang Yan and his army had vanished, leaving the city undefended.
Yan Liang and Wen Chou were taken by surprise. The commanders quickly convened a meeting to discuss the unexpected development.
"How is this possible?" Yan Liang demanded, his face red with anger. "How could Zhang Yan and his men slip away unnoticed?"
Wen Chou, equally bewildered, replied, "It seems they took advantage of the night to retreat. We should have anticipated this."
Zhang He and Gao Lan stood among the assembled officers, feigning surprise at the news. Zhang He spoke up, his voice measured and calm. "It appears Zhang Yan was more cunning than we gave him credit for. We must act quickly to pursue him and prevent him from regrouping at Jinyang."
Yan Liang, still fuming, nodded. "We cannot afford to let him slip through our fingers. Mobilize the troops immediately. We march for Jinyang at once."
"Wait! Brother Yan Liang, we can't be too rash! If we attack now, our soldiers will be overwhelmed as they are tired from the march and our last battle against Zhang Yan last night," Wen Chou interrupted, objecting to his rash decision.
Yan Liang whirled around to face Wen Chou, his eyes blazing. "And if we delay, Zhang Yan will have time to fortify Jinyang and rally his forces! We must strike while the iron is hot."
Wen Chou stood his ground, his voice calm but firm. "And risk our men's lives? We should secure Shangdang first, ensure our supply lines, and give our troops a chance to recover. Rushing headlong into another battle is a recipe for our defeat."
The tension in the tent was palpable as the two of them glared at each other. Their argument grew louder, each trying to convince the other of their perspective.
Zhang He and Gao Lan stood by, watching the exchange with feigned surprise, all the while enjoying the spectacle they had before their eyes, never expecting that the two sworn brothers would argue with each other
Yan Liang pounded his fist on the table. "You would have us sit idly while our enemy escapes? That's cowardice, Wen Chou!"
Wen Chou's eyes narrowed. "And you would lead us into an ambush out of impatience? That's foolishness, Yan Liang! We have already taken a significant blow with our losses at Tianshui."
The other officers exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whom to support. The camp was divided, and the tension threatened to undermine their efforts. Zhang He finally stepped forward, adopting a conciliatory tone.
"Generals, perhaps there is a middle ground. We can send a small, swift detachment to harass Zhang Yan's rear guard and delay his retreat while the main army secures Shangdang and rests. This way, we achieve both objectives without risking everything."
Yan Liang and Wen Chou paused, considering the suggestion. It was a compromise that allowed both to save face.
Yan Liang finally nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Very well. We will do as Zhang He suggests. But we must move quickly. Gao Lan and Zhang He, the two of you will lead the detachment."
Gao Lan bowed. "I will ensure Zhang Yan does not reach Jinyang unscathed."
"Rest assured General, the two of us will do our best to cause as much damage as possible to Zhang Yan's Army," Zhang He promised Yan Liang that he would do his best.
Hearing Gao Lan and Zhang He's words, both Yan Liang and Wen Chou nodded their head in unison, feeling relieved and satisfied that the two of them would do their best to harass Zhang Yan and his army.
With the decision made, the tension in the tent eased slightly. The officers dispersed to carry out their orders, leaving Yan Liang and Wen Chou still simmering but grudgingly agreeing on the plan.
As they exited the tent, Zhang He and Gao Lan exchanged a discreet smile. Their maneuvering had successfully sowed discord among Yuan Shao's most beloved generals, furthering their own ambitions while keeping their true intentions hidden.
To the southeast of Shangdang, in the seat of power of Lie Fan's government Xiapi, a serene scene unfolded inside Lie Fan's residence. Diao Chan, her cheeks glowing with the news of her pregnancy, sat comfortably surrounded by Ying Yue, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi.
The four women, each remarkable in her own right, shared a rare moment of tranquility in the garden pavilion, leaving their children in the hands of their handmaidens alongside Wannian.
The soft murmur of their conversation blended with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of the city. Ying Yue, ever the caretaker, had arranged a selection of fruits and delicacies for Diao Chan, ensuring she was well-nourished.
Cai Wenji, with her refined elegance, played a soft melody on her guqin, adding to the peaceful atmosphere causing the four of them to have a relaxing conversation with each other.
Lu Lingqi, the spirited warrior, was the first to break the silence about their husband. "He's been so busy these days, with the preparations for the campaign and managing the affairs of his entire domain. It's a wonder he finds any time to rest."
Diao Chan nodded, her hand resting on her growing belly. "I know, but he always makes time for us, even if it's just a few moments. He's so excited about the baby. It's heartwarming to see him trying his best to make time for us."
Ying Yue smiled gently. "Husband is a good man, one that was very rare in this day, and he's doing everything he can to ensure the safety and prosperity of his people. It's not an easy burden to bear."
Cai Wenji, her fingers still moving gracefully over the strings, added, "Husband's vision for the future is very grand, and it requires immense dedication. But he draws strength from all of us. Our support is what keeps him going."
Ying Yue leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I've known Husband the longest between the four of us. He's always been driven, but there's something different now. He seems more... complete, I guess. Like he's found his true purpose."
Lu Lingqi's eyes burned with spirit and fire. "We all have a role to play in this vision he had. I'm proud to stand by his side and support him in any way I can."
"Look at our little sister, how spirited she is now in supporting our husband. If I remember correctly, in the past husband told me a certain little lass was hell bend on defeating him." Seeing how active Lu Lingqi was, Diao Chan couldn't help but tease her about the past.
Diao Chan's words caused everyone except for Lu Lingqi to laugh, remembering the seriousness Lie Fan had when he talked about Lu Lingqi in the past, Lu Lingqi on the other hand blushed and covered her face with her hand embarrassed.
With that their conversation flowed from topic to topic, touching on their daily lives, the challenges they may face, and the hopes they held for the future. They also talked about what baby Diao Chan would have, a boy or a girl.
Of course, it doesn't matter whether it's a boy or girl, since they know Lie Fan loves his children equally. Lu Lingqi as the least experienced among all of Lie Fan's wives, asks about their experience with pregnancy and taking care of children.
As the afternoon wore on, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the garden. Ying Yue looked around at the people she thought as her sisters. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together. Husband isn't alone in this, and neither are we."
Cai Wenji's music continued to weave through the air, a soothing backdrop to their quiet atmosphere. Back in the city, Lie Fan was unaware of this serene moment but would have been heartened to know that the women he cherished were united in their support for him. As he prepared for the next steps in his campaign facing one of the greatest talents of this era, their unwavering faith would be his greatest source of strength.
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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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