บท 551: 529. Family Time In The Lie Clan Residence
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With that, Ahuan bowed slightly and left the room, leaving Yan Jun and Yang Hong to reflect on the conversation. The future of Taipei was bright, but it was also fragile. How they managed the delicate balance between integration and autonomy would determine the city's fate. And as they looked out over the bustling streets of the city, they knew that every decision made today would echo for generations to come.
Several days had passed since the intense meetings in Taipei. Back in Xiapi, Lie Fan was busy with matters of governance, military preparations, and the ongoing technological projects. However, today was a rare and joyous occasion.
In the main hall of the Lie Clan residence, a warm atmosphere enveloped the space as Lie Fan welcomed his parents, Lie Shang and Yu Yan, who had unexpectedly arrived for a visit. This surprise visit brought a sense of familial reunion that hadn't been felt in some time.
Lie Fan, accompanied by his wives—Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi—stood proudly beside his sister, Wannian, and her soon-to-be husband, Sima Yi. As the family gathered around, the mood was light, and the serious weight of political affairs momentarily lifted.
Lie Shang, a man of age but still possessing the bearing of a seasoned warrior and patriarch, stepped forward to embrace his son. "It's good to see you again, my boy. I've heard much about your achievements back at Langye, but nothing compares to seeing you in person."
Lie Fan returned the embrace with a smile. "Father, Mother, your arrival is a most pleasant surprise. I've missed you both. How are things back for the two of you?"
Yu Yan, ever the elegant and wise matriarch, smiled warmly as she embraced her son. "We are well, Lie Fan. We had been hearing so much about your successes and the growth of your family, and we decided it was time to visit and see for ourselves."
As they settled into their seats, the conversation turned toward family matters. Lie Fan's wives took the opportunity to update Lie Shang and Yu Yan on the growth of their children. Ying Yue, always attentive to detail, spoke first.
"The twins, Muchen and Meng Yao, have grown so much, Mother," she said with a sense of pride. "especially Muchen who was showing great promise, already asking about matters of governance and war at his age."
Cai Wenji chimed in with a soft smile. "As for Xin Yan, she's also growing beautifully. She also had a shape intuition, something that she seems to take after her father in that regard."
Diao Chan, cradling their younger son, Lie Yuxuan, spoke up next. "Yin Nuo also growing well like Xin Yan and little Yuxuan, born just last year, is thriving. He's a quiet child, but I can already see the intelligence in his eyes."
Yu Yan's face softened as she listened to the updates. She had missed the birth of her grandson, Lie Yuxuan, the previous year, due to her and Lie Shang being occupied with affairs in Langue. Now, seeing her grandson in Diao Chan's arms, her eyes glistened with joy.
"You've all done wonderfully," Yu Yan said, her voice full of warmth. "The Lie Clan is truly flourishing, both in strength and lineage."
As the conversation flowed, Lie Shang and Yu Yan lavished affection on their grandchildren, but it was hard not to notice that Lu Lingqi, the youngest of Lie Fan's wives, remained silent throughout.
Though she carried herself with her usual stoic grace, there was a subtle tension in her posture as the topic of children dominated the conversation. She had yet to give birth to a child for Lie Fan, a fact that weighed heavily on her.
Sensing this, Lie Shang turned his attention to her. "Lingqi, you've been quiet," he said gently. "Is everything alright?"
Caught off guard, Lu Lingqi glanced around, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I—everything is fine, Father. I… I am just happy to hear about the children."
But Yu Yan, perceptive as always, quickly caught on to her daughter-in-law's discomfort. "Lingqi, dear," she said softly, "there is no need to worry. Each of us follows our own path. You will have children when the time is right. Do not feel pressured. You are part of this family, child or no child."
Lie Shang nodded in agreement. "Your worth is not determined by how quickly you bear children. You are already a beloved member of this family, Lingqi, and when the time comes, you will be a wonderful mother. But for now, focus on your happiness and health."
Lu Lingqi's eyes widened, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over her. She had feared judgment for her inability to conceive thus far, but Lie Shang and Yu Yan's kindness dispelled those anxieties. She bowed her head slightly, her voice quiet. "Thank you, Father, Mother. I will do my best."
Lie Fan, watching the exchange, felt a swell of appreciation for his parents' wisdom and compassion. It had always been one of their strengths—knowing how to handle delicate matters of the heart with grace. He placed a reassuring hand on Lu Lingqi's shoulder and smiled at her. "There's no rush, Lingqi. You know that I care for you deeply. We will have our time."
The family spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on various matters. They discussed everything from the latest developments in Xiapi to the current state of affairs in the wider region.
Yu Yan, ever curious, asked about Lie Fan's technological projects, particularly the stirrups, papermaking, and woodblock printing initiatives, all of which intrigued her after she heard Lie Fan mentioning them.
As the evening wore on, and after a grand family meal, Lie Fan found himself sitting with his father in a more private setting. The two of them sat in the garden, overlooking the moonlit courtyard. For a while, they simply enjoyed the peace, the weight of leadership momentarily set aside.
"You've come a long way, Lie Fan," Lie Shang said, breaking the comfortable silence. "It's remarkable to see what you've accomplished in such a short time. Your mother and I are very proud of you."
Lie Fan smiled faintly. "I've had good teachers, Father. You and Mother taught me well. But there is still so much to do."
Lie Shang nodded. "There always will be. Ruling is not a burden that ever lightens. But you are managing well. And these technological innovations of yours—woodblock printing, papermaking—these will change the face of your domain, perhaps even beyond."
Lie Fan's gaze was thoughtful. "That's what I hope, Father. We are on the verge of something great, something that could give us an advantage no one else has. The stirrups will revolutionize our cavalry, and woodblock printing… it will allow us to control information, to educate, to inform the people. It could be the key to uniting the land."
Lie Shang's eyes glimmered with understanding. "You're not just thinking about winning battles. You're thinking about winning minds."
Lie Fan nodded. "Exactly. If we can shape the narrative, if we can spread knowledge, we can ensure that the people see us not just as conquerors, but as their rightful rulers. It's not enough to win by the sword. We must win their hearts and minds."
Lie Shang leaned back, a proud smile playing on his lips. "That is the mark of a true ruler, my son. Not every leader understands that. Many conquer, few govern."
The two sat in silence for a few more moments, the weight of the conversation settling over them like the evening mist. Finally, Lie Shang rose to his feet, placing a hand on his son's shoulder.
"You've done well, Lie Fan. But remember, even as you look to the future, do not forget the present. Take time for your family, for your loved ones. The weight of leadership is easier to bear when you share it with those who care for you."
Lie Fan looked up at his father, his expression one of quiet resolve. "I will, Father. Thank you."
As Lie Shang walked back toward the main hall to rejoin the others, Lie Fan remained in the garden for a while longer, reflecting on the path that lay ahead. His domain was growing stronger every day, his technological advancements were progressing, and his family was flourishing. But with all this came greater responsibility and the knowledge that any misstep could lead to disaster.
Yet, surrounded by capable advisers, a loving family, and a growing army of loyal subjects, Lie Fan felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead. The future was uncertain, but it was also full of promise.
And as long as he had the wisdom of his parents, the support of his wives, and the loyalty of his people, Lie Fan knew that he could shape that future to his will. Victory would not just be won on the battlefield; it would be won in the hearts and minds of those he sought to lead.
Meanwhile, inside one of the living rooms of the Lie Clan residence, Yu Yan sat comfortably, surrounded by her daughter-in-law Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, Lu Lingqi, and her daughter Wannian. The warm glow of the evening lanterns filled the space, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and relaxation.
After the more formal family discussions earlier in the day, this was a time for the women to engage in the lighter, more personal conversations that bound them together.
They began by discussing the simple joys of daily life—cooking, embroidery, and the everyday tasks that occupied their time when they were not engaged in the larger affairs of the estate.
Ying Yue, with her ever-meticulous nature, shared tips on how to keep delicate silks from fraying during embroidery, and Diao Chan, whose grace extended even to the domestic sphere, offered her own suggestions for making intricate designs pop with vibrant color.
Lu Lingqi, usually quiet during such conversations, listened attentively. Though she was more accustomed to martial pursuits than domestic ones, she had made an effort to learn these skills as part of her duties as Lie Fan's wife.
Even now, she was engaged in a small embroidery project, her needle moving with a steady hand across the fabric. Yu Yan noticed her effort and smiled approvingly.
"It's good to see you practicing, Lingqi," Yu Yan said warmly. "Embroidery requires patience, and you seem to be mastering it well. Remember, it's not just a skill—it's a way to focus the mind."
Lu Lingqi nodded, grateful for the encouragement. "Thank you, Mother. I find it calming, especially when I'm not training. It helps me focus my thoughts."
Cai Wenji, who was softly humming an old tune as she worked on her own embroidery, added, "It's true, Lingqi. There's an art to these tasks, and it teaches us the value of patience. In many ways, it's like strategy in battle—one stitch at a time leads to a greater whole, just as each decision on the field leads to victory."
The conversation drifted into a comfortable rhythm, with each of the women sharing their thoughts and experiences. They laughed about small mistakes they had made when first learning these arts, and shared tips on recipes—Ying Yue's famous sweet cakes being a particularly popular topic. Yu Yan, with her years of wisdom, contributed stories from her own youth, talking about how these same activities had helped her bond with other women in her family.
But as the evening wore on, the conversation naturally shifted to a more personal and exciting topic—Wannian's upcoming marriage to Sima Yi, which was to be held at the end of the year.
The mood in the room brightened further at the mention of the wedding, and all eyes turned to the bride-to-be. Yu Yan was the first to speak, her voice filled with motherly pride. "Wannian, my dear, the wedding is only a few months away. How are you feeling? It must be such an exciting time for you."
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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
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