Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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Back in Shangdang, Tian Feng, Xu You, Zhang He, Zhang Yan, and Gao Lan moved forward with their plans. Each day, small quantities of poisoned grain were prepared into the supply caravans destined for Yuan Shao’s main force. By the time when Yuan Shao’s army realized something was amiss, hundreds even thousands of soldiers would be stricken with sickness, demoralizing the troops and throwing their ranks into disarray.

As tensions rose between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, the hidden agents of the Oriole worked tirelessly in the shadows. These agents, meticulously trained and loyal only to Lie Fan, kept a close watch on the preparations and movements in both Yuan Shao’s and Cao Cao’s territories.

Every heated declaration, every tactical adjustment, and every shift of allegiance were carefully noted. The agents knew their lord’s ambitions extended beyond regional dominion. The rise and fall of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao would be the final obstacles in Lie Fan’s path toward shaping himself as the sole dominant power in China and a chance to declare himself emperor.

Disguised as merchants, scholars, and servants, these Oriole agents moved unnoticed through the camps and courts. When Yuan Shao declared his intent to march upon Luoyang, word of it reached the Oriole spies in his camp, who swiftly relayed the information back to Xiapi.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao’s plans to draw Yuan Shao into a decisive confrontation reached Lie Fan’s ears even as Cao Cao’s advisors crafted their strategies. This steady flow of intelligence was invaluable, allowing Lie Fan to see both sides of the unfolding war before either army even set foot on the battlefield.

At his residence in Xiapi, Lie Fan was enjoying a rare moment of peace. Surrounded by his wives Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingi, he watched as his children and younger sister Wannian played joyfully in the garden. The pavilion was alive with laughter and chatter, the kind of tranquility that Lie Fan seldom experienced.

A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle light cast a warm glow on the pavilion as he exchanged quiet conversation with his wives, feeling content in a life he’d built amid the turbulent times.

Suddenly, a shadow swooped over the pavilion, and a messenger bird landed on the table, drawing all eyes toward it. Lie Fan’s children paused, curious and wide-eyed, while his wives exchanged glances, aware of what the bird’s arrival might signify. Lie Fan moved to untie the small scroll from the bird’s leg, his fingers steady but his eyes sharp with anticipation.

Reading the contents, a satisfied smile crept across his face. The long-awaited clash between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao was finally at hand. His own machinations, alongside Jia Xu’s guidance, had ensured that the two powerful warlords would now be focused on each other, leaving their territories vulnerable.

For Lie Fan, it was the perfect opportunity to expand his northeastern domain and secure a direct route to the central plains. The looming conflict would provide him the chance to strike a powerful blow against Yuan Shao while he was distracted by Cao Cao, claiming strategic cities and key territories that would cement his influence in the north.

Lie Fan leaned back, still holding the scroll. His wives, observing the glint in his eyes, sensed the significance of the message. Ying Yue, always quick to understand, spoke up, ”Does this mean your plans are falling into place, Husband?”

He nodded, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face. ”Yes, the pieces are moving just as Wenhe and I had anticipated. With Cao Cao and Yuan Shao about to clash, I can move swiftly to expand our territory. It is time to turn our ambitions into reality.”

As the Oriole agents had already secured vital intelligence on Yuan Shao’s northern domain and the key figures loyal to him, Lie Fan knew exactly where he would strike. His mind was already calculating, strategizing the optimal course of action to capitalize on the impending war.

His northeastern territory, governed by Gongsun Gong, was positioned perfectly to connect with Yuan Shao’s domains. By annexing these regions, he would unify the northern territories under his banner, creating a fortified position that could rival even Cao Cao’s influence with the Emperor of Han in his hand.

Diao Chan who was very perceptive of the nature of what Lie Fan had said, took note of the family’s reactions, ensuring the children remained calm and at ease, even as plans for war were discussed.

Lie Fan knew that maintaining his family’s well-being was as important as securing his ambitions. Lu Lingi, ever brave and committed to their cause, looked at Lie Fan with a fire in her eyes, her readiness to support him in combat is evident.

After receiving the letter, Lie Fan went into his study at his residence and summoned Jia Xu alongside his inner council, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi.

Together, they began to outline the approach that would secure them swift victories across Yuan Shao’s lands and create a plan of attack and strategies that Lie Fan’s generals and army could operate well.

Each of Lie Fan’s advisors shared their perspectives, outlining ideas that, if executed well, could lead to decisive gains in the north.

Xun You and Sima Yi, both known for their sharp intellects and methodical planning, proposed a multi-pronged strategy. They suggested that Lie Fan’s forces divide and launch synchronized attacks on Yuan Shao’s territory from various fronts, creating the impression of overwhelming strength.

Xun You emphasized precision strikes on Yuan Shao’s resource hubs to cripple his war capabilities, while Sima Yi suggested feigned retreats to lure Yuan Shao’s troops into traps. The combined approach was designed to weaken Yuan Shao’s forces over time, draining his resources and morale without requiring a prolonged confrontation.

Jia Xu, as master of subterfuge and misdirection, added a layer of deception to these plans. He advised that Gongsun Gong, governor of Lie Fan’s northeastern territories, deploy a contingent of troops along the border with Goguryeo.

This would create the impression of a possible conflict to the east, making Yuan Shao’s advisors second-guess any northern offensive from Gongsun Gong, who they thought was Gongsun Du and an independent force.

Jia Xu proposed that while Gongsun Gong launched a surprise strike from the north, Lie Fan’s main forces would simultaneously move in from the south, encircling Yuan Shao’s central command and cutting off potential escape routes. By stretching Yuan Shao’s forces thin and attacking him from multiple directions, Jia Xu believed that they could decisively cripple his ability to resist.

As Lie Fan’s council deliberated, they began to discuss the logistical needs for such an ambitious campaign. The soldiers would require ample supplies, given the length and breadth of the campaign they were planning.

Lu Su and Chen Qun were tasked with overseeing provisions, coordinating with local merchants with the help of Mi Zhu, and ensuring adequate food and weapons supplies.

Together, they formulated a timeline that would allow Lie Fan to make substantial gains without leaving his own territories vulnerable. They calculated the campaign would need no more than six to nine months of active combat, with the plan to consolidate territories and establish new governance swiftly before turning back to secure their base.

Meanwhile, far to the south in the Sun Clan’s capital, another significant meeting was underway. Sun Ce, as the leader of the Sun Clan, alongside his father Sun Jian, who had once ruled their lands and now served as Sun Ce’s most trusted advisor had summoned the entire supporter and retainers of the Sun Clan.

They gathered in the grand hall of the Sun Clan’s Capital Governor palace, a room adorned with symbols of their clan’s resilience and past glories. The Sun Clan had grown strong under Sun Jian’s guidance, and it was Sun Ce’s recent efforts that allowed them to expand their influence as well.

The hall of the Sun Clan’s Capital was packed, bustling with the hum of whispered conversations as supporters, retainers, and family members awaited Sun Ce’s address. Curiosity and apprehension were palpable in the air, as no one knew the reason for this unexpected assembly.

Only Zhou Yu, Sun Ce’s best friend, and his most trusted supporter and ally, knew of the true purpose of this meeting, though he kept a stoic silence, waiting for his lord and best friend to speak.

As more retainers trickled into the room, Huan Jie, Zhang Zhao, and Zhang Hong exchanged glances of concern. Known as the Sun Clan’s ”Four Pillars” alongside Zhou Yu, these advisors had been pillars of wisdom and stability for Sun Jian and now for Sun Ce.

Their loyalty to the Sun family was unquestionable, yet their skepticism of Lie Fan’s ambitions and potential influence over the Sun Clan was evident. They had heard something had happened during the Grand Celebration in Xiapi, but none had anticipated such a drastic course of action from Sun Ce after he had just returned.

At the front of the hall, Sun Ce and his father, Sun Jian, sat together in solemn conversation. Sun Ce’s expression wavered between determination and uncertainty as he leaned toward his father. ”Father, are we certain this is the right course of action?” Sun Ce asked, keeping his voice low. ”I believe in the cooperation offer with Brother Lie Fan, but if we proceed without Master Huan Jie, Zhang Zhao, and Zhang Hong’s counsel, they might resist or even oppose the decision. It could cause fractures within our ranks.”

Sun Jian, always the wise strategist and seasoned leader, nodded. ”Son, I understand your concerns, and they are not unfounded. But an honorable warrior, a leader, cannot waver in his convictions. If we want this cooperation, we must take responsibility for it and convince the clan of its benefits ourselves.

”I believe in your judgment, and Lie Fan’s vision aligns with ours for now. If we are to stand strong against the chaos engulfing the land, we will need someone who is strong enough, and Lie Fan offers a powerful one.”

Sun Ce took a deep breath, grounding himself in his father’s wisdom. Glancing back toward Zhou Yu, who gave an encouraging nod, Sun Ce felt his resolve solidify. He stood and moved toward the center of the hall, signaling for silence. The room quieted almost instantly, all eyes turning to their young leader, who held their loyalty but was about to test it in a way few could have anticipated.

”Friends, advisors, loyal retainers of the Sun Clan,” Sun Ce began, his voice steady and commanding, ”I have summoned you here today not just as followers, but as partners in shaping the future of the clan and this land.”

”Recently as you know, my father and I alongside our family traveled to Xiapi, where we met with Lie Fan, who invited us to the Grand Celebration of a new Xiapi. During our stay there, He extended an offer of cooperation for us, where the relationship between our two clans wouldn’t be just an alliance anymore, but one of lord and subject where he wanted the Sun Clan to swear allegiance to him, in exchange we would still be an independent force but needed to relinquish control of our military command.”

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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