Chương 484: 467. The Marriage Agreement Between The Yuan Clan & Zhen Clan
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As they strategized, a sense of determination filled the room. The Cai Clan and their allies knew that their future depended on their ability to adapt and respond to the rapidly changing political landscape that was caused by Liu Biao's death, Liu Bei's attacking them, and Han Xuan's betrayal. They would need to be both cunning and resolute to survive the coming storm.
What the Cai Clan needs right now is to consolidate their power, and with the steps they had suggested, they hoped that this could help them secure their control over Lingling and the surrounding areas as soon as possible.
As the discussion went on, Cai Mao suddenly remembered that to their south, there were two small warlords, Shi Hui and Shi Wu, who had separated themselves from Shi Xie several years ago. These two warlords controlled territories that, if captured, could significantly bolster the Cai Clan's strength.
Cai Mao leaned forward, addressing the room with renewed vigor. "I have a proposal. To our south lie the domains of Shi Hui and Shi Wu. They are minor warlords, but their lands are strategic. If we can take control of their territories, we can use them as a base to strengthen our position. From there, we can launch further campaigns to bring the entire Jiaozhi Province under our control. This will not only expand our resources but also create a buffer zone against our northern enemies."
Lady Cai, Zhang Yun, and the other advisors listened intently. Lady Cai was the first to respond. "Brother, your plan is bold but makes sense. If we can secure those territories, it will indeed provide us with a strategic advantage. We must, however, proceed with caution. Our forces are currently stretched thin, and any misstep could be disastrous."
Zhang Yun nodded in agreement. "I concur. We need to first ensure our defenses in Lingling are impenetrable. Once we have secured our base, we can allocate troops for a southern campaign. We should also send scouts to gather intelligence on Shi Hui and Shi Wu's strengths and weaknesses. A well-informed strategy will increase our chances of success."
Cai Mao stood up, pacing as he elaborated on his plan. "We will start by fortifying Lingling, as my sister had suggested. Zhang Yun, I want you to oversee the defenses and ensure that our supply lines are secure. Meanwhile, I will personally lead a scouting mission to gather intelligence on Shi Hui and Shi Wu. We need to know the exact number of their troops, the layout of their fortresses, and any potential allies or enemies within their ranks."
Lady Cai added, "We should also consider clandestine measures. If we can convince some of Shi Hui and Shi Wu's subordinates to join us, it will weaken their positions and make our campaign easier."
Zhang Yun nodded, "I'll start the preparations immediately. We need to act swiftly but with careful planning."
With their plan set in motion, Cai Mao and his advisors dispersed to their respective tasks. Cai Mao personally led a small, elite group of scouts to the south, aiming to gather as much information as possible on the two warlords.
The journey was fraught with danger, as they had to avoid detection and navigate through hostile territories. However, Cai Mao's determination and strategic mind ensured their success.
After around a week of reconnaissance, Cai Mao returned to Lingling with detailed reports on Shi Hui and Shi Wu. The two warlords, though not exceptionally powerful, had well-fortified positions and loyal troops.
However, there were cracks in their defenses that could be exploited. Shi Hui's forces were poorly supplied, and there were rumors of discontent among his ranks. Shi Wu, on the other hand, was known for his brutality, which had earned him many enemies.
Cai Mao convened another meeting with Lady Cai, Zhang Yun, and the other key advisors and generals. "Our reconnaissance has yielded valuable information," Cai Mao began. "Shi Hui's forces are poorly supplied and discontented. Shi Wu's brutality has made him many enemies. We can use these weaknesses to our advantage."
As he said that, Cai Mao pointed toward the map of Shi Hui and Shi Wu's domain. "We will launch a two-pronged attack, where one force will target Shi Hui's supply lines, sowing further discontent among his troops, while another will approach Shi Wu's enemies and offer them support in exchange for their allegiance."
Listening to the plan that Cai Mao had prepared, both Lady Cai and Zhang Yun gave their agreement to it, followed by the other advisors and generals. Lady Cai, however, reminded her brother, "We must ensure our control over Lingling is absolute before we proceed. There are still many cells that either do not bow to the Cai Clan or outright ignore any messages we send. Securing our home front is paramount."
Cai Mao nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom in her words. "You're right, sister. We will need to purge or subdue these rogue elements within our domain. Only then can we allocate sufficient resources to our southern campaign."
With this in mind, they devised a new plan to solidify their control over Lingling and its surrounding area. Lady Cai was tasked with identifying and dealing with any cells that opposed the Cai Clan, using a combination of diplomacy and force.
Cai Mao would strengthen the political and economic infrastructure, ensuring loyalty through alliances with influential families and merchants. Zhang Yun would continue to oversee the military preparations and train the troops for the impending campaigns.
While the Cai Clan focused on consolidating their power in Lingling, far to the north in Nanpi, Yuan Shao was engaged in a different kind of consolidation. He was meeting with Zhen Yi, the head of the influential Zhen Clan, to discuss the marriage of Yuan Shao's second son, Yuan Xi, to Zhen Yi's youngest daughter, Zhen Ji.
The union was more than just a marriage for the two clans, it was a strategic alliance that would strengthen the bonds between two of the most powerful and influential clans in the north, where one was its ruler and the other was the richest.
The meeting was held in Yuan Shao's grand hall, a place of opulence and power. Zhen Yi, a man of considerable influence and wealth, sat opposite Yuan Shao, flanked by his advisors.
Yuan Shao was accompanied by two aides he considered to be the most trusted, Guo Tu and Feng Ji, who often represented him in negotiations, especially when Yuan Shao wanted to alter the terms without directly intervening due to the superiority he had and felt that doing those kind of things are beneath him.
Zhen Yi began the discussion by proposing a sizable dowry, a gesture of goodwill and commitment to the alliance. "Lord Yuan, we propose a dowry of 500,000 tael, along with a selection of rare silks and jewels, befitting the union of our esteemed clans."
Yuan Shao nodded, considering the offer. Before he could respond, Guo Tu stepped in. "While the dowry is generous, Lord Yuan Shao believes that an alliance of this magnitude warrants a more substantial contribution. We propose a lesser amount of 400,000 taels and 100 horses from our finest stables, combined with the rare silks and jewels."
Zhen Yi frowned slightly but maintained his composure. "Lord Yuan Shao, the Zhen Clan has always been a loyal supporter of your clan. We believe our initial offer is fair and reflects our longstanding friendship. However, in the spirit of goodwill, we will agree to the terms you gave."
Yuan Shao, satisfied with the compromise, nodded. "Very well, Master Zhen Yi. Let us finalize the terms of the betrothal. I have consulted with several monks and the wedding date shall be set for the next full moon, which is in a week. We. shall celebrate this union with great pomp and ceremony."
As the meeting continued, they discussed the specifics of the betrothal gifts and the logistics of the wedding. Yuan Shao's mind, however, was not entirely on the marriage.
He was also contemplating the broader implications of the alliance. The Zhen Clan's support would bolster his position against his southern rivals, Cao Cao and Lie GmFan. Moreover, Yuan Xi's marriage to Zhen Ji would secure a strong ally in the northern territories, further consolidating his power and influence.
As the two figures were discussing the terms of the marriage, different reactions were unfolding in the Yuan Clan estate and the Zhen Clan estate. Yuan Xi, upon hearing that he would marry one of the most beautiful women in the northern land, was ecstatic.
He felt that his father was finally paying attention to him, and recognizing his intelligence. Despite his displeasing looks, Yuan Xi believed that this marriage was a sign that his father acknowledged his potential and value.
In the Zhen Clan estate, however, the news was met with less enthusiasm. Zhen Ji, upon learning that she would marry Yuan Xi, known for his below-average appearance and perceived weakness, was furious.
She had heard tales of his intelligence but also of his indecisiveness, and she was dismayed at the prospect of being tied to such a man. Her anger and frustration were palpable as she sought solace with her mother.
"Mother, this is unfair!" Zhen Ji exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion. "I am to marry a man I have never met, a man with a reputation that does not inspire confidence, and known for his rather displeasing look. How can father do this to me?"
Her mother, understanding her daughter's plight, sighed deeply. "My dear, your father believes this marriage will strengthen our clan's position. He sees the alliance with the Yuan Clan as a means to secure our future in these tumultuous times. There is little we can do to change his mind now."
Zhen Ji's anger simmered, but she knew her mother spoke the truth. Her father was resolute once he made a decision, and the prospect of an alliance with Yuan Shao's powerful clan was too significant to overlook.
With a heavy heart, Zhen Ji retreated to her room, lamenting the fate that had befallen her. She gazed out of the window, her thoughts a tumultuous mix of anger, sadness, and resignation.
She had dreamed that one day she would marry a handsome, decisive, powerful, and intelligent man, someone like Lie Fan or Sun Ce who wasn't that old for her who was 16 years old.
But it turns out fate had another plan for her, one that makes her dream a laughing stock and just a fleeting hope, and now she could only resigned to this fate that had been shackled to her by her father.
As the day of the wedding approached, preparations were in full swing in both the Yuan and Zhen estates. The grand hall in Yuan Shao's residence was adorned with exquisite decorations, reflecting the opulence and power of the Yuan Clan. Guests from various influential families were invited, making the event a significant political and social gathering.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 31 (198 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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