Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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Lie Fan gestured to Cai Yong, who rose to address the room. ”Masters, I have personally overseen the operation of the printing press within Xiapi Academy. It is a remarkable invention, capable of producing multiple copies of a text in a fraction of the time it would take to transcribe by hand. Already, we have begun producing primers and instructional materials for use in the academy. The results are promising.”

Lu Zhi, from the sideline, added, ”This press is not without its limitations. It requires skilled craftsmen to carve the blocks, and the process, while faster than traditional methods, is still labor intensive. But its potential is undeniable. With further refinement, it could become the cornerstone of an educational revolution.”

Pang Degong leaned back in his chair, his expression one of deep contemplation. ”An educational revolution,” he repeated softly, almost to himself. ”Lord Lie Fan, you speak of reshaping society in a way that no ruler before you has dared to imagine. It is a noble vision, but one fraught with risks. Are you prepared to face the resistance and challenges that will inevitably arise?”

Lie Fan met Pang Degong’s gaze, his expression unwavering. ”Master Pang Degong, I am under no illusions about the difficulty of this path. But I believe that the greatest risk is not in trying and failing, but in failing to try. If we do not take steps to lift our people, to equip them with the tools to improve their lives, then we condemn them and ourselves to stagnation.”

Huang Chengyan, who had remained silent during this exchange, finally spoke. ”Lord Lie Fan, your determination is clear, and your vision is inspiring. But I must ask, what drives you to pursue this path? Why take on a burden that so many before you have shied away from?”

Lie Fan’s expression softened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. ”Master Huang Chengyan, I have seen the suffering of the common people. I have walked among them, heard their stories, and witnessed their struggles. I cannot, in good conscience, turn away from their plight. If I have the power to make a difference, even a small one, then I must act. That is the responsibility of a ruler.”

The room fell silent once more, the weight of Lie Fan’s words resonating deeply. Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan exchanged a long look, their expressions thoughtful. It was clear that they were impressed, though they gave no immediate indication of their decision.

As the banquet continued, the atmosphere shifted. The skepticism that had initially colored the scholars’ demeanor began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of respect and admiration. By the end of the evening, it was evident that Lie Fan had made a profound impression.

When the scholars retired to their quarters, they spent much of the night in discussion, debating the merits and challenges of Lie Fan’s vision.

By the time dawn broke, one thing was clear, they could no longer view him as merely an ambitious young leader. He was a man of vision, conviction, and courage, qualities that set him apart in a time of chaos and uncertainty.

At the Lie Clan residence, the air in Lie Fan’s study was filled with the quiet murmur of strategists and advisors discussing the events of the previous evening.

Around the large wooden table sat Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi. Each man brought a unique perspective, their collective wisdom forming the backbone of Lie Fan’s ambitions.

Jia Xu was the first to speak, his calm demeanor laced with calculated precision. ”My lord, your performance at the banquet was exemplary. The three venerable scholars, Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan, are men of immense wisdom and influence in the literary and scholarly world. You’ve sown the seeds of trust and respect in their hearts. While they are not yet fully convinced, their initial skepticism has softened considerably.”

Xun You nodded in agreement, his voice measured and analytical. ”Indeed. However, we must not take their interest as a guarantee of their allegiance. Men like them will test your resolve, your consistency, and your ability to follow through on your promises. The road to securing their loyalty is long, but you have begun it admirably.”

Chen Qun leaned forward, his tone pragmatic. ”What stood out most was your emphasis on education. It aligns with the values they hold dear, but it is also a double edged sword. While they admire your vision, they must also realize the implications, of shifting power away from the elite classes to a broader populace. This is where their lingering doubts will lie.”

Lie Fan, sitting at the head of the table, listened intently, his expression thoughtful. ”That was expected,” he replied. ”Education for all is a noble cause, but it is also a calculated move. By empowering the common people, we weaken the stranglehold of the nobles, merchants, and scholars who have monopolized knowledge and influence for centuries. If I am to unite this land, the foundation must rest on a strong, educated populace, not the whims of a privileged few.”

Liu Ye, seeing it from the bigger picture, added, ”And yet, my lord, we must tread carefully. The moment this intention becomes too apparent, it will spark resistance from those very elites. They will not relinquish their power quietly.”

”Which is why we proceed gradually,” Lie Fan replied, his tone firm. ”The introduction of the printing press is our first step. It will be framed as a tool to preserve culture and history, not as a weapon against the elite. Let them believe they are the primary beneficiaries, at least for now.”

Chen Gong, who had been silent until now, stroked his beard thoughtfully. ”Your strategy is sound, my lord, but we must ensure that the three scholars see the sincerity of your intentions. While they may not know your every motive, they must believe in your vision for a better society. Their endorsement will lend credibility to your reforms.”

Lie Fan nodded, his gaze sweeping across his advisors. ”Then we proceed as planned. Allow them access to certain areas of the academy and let them see the printing press in action. However, top level information and any critical secrets must remain concealed. Trust is built in layers; we will reveal only what is necessary.”

Sima Yi, hearing what Lie Fan said, smirked slightly. ”A wise decision, my lord. Let them taste the fruit, but not see the tree from which it grows. Curiosity and admiration will keep them engaged.”

Lie Fan allowed himself a small smile. ”Precisely. Now, let us prepare for the next steps. Their loyalty could become a turning point in our quest to reshape this land.”

Meanwhile, at Xiapi Academy, the three scholars had risen early, their minds still brimming with thoughts from the previous evening. Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan gathered in the courtyard, enjoying a light breakfast and fragrant tea. The morning air was crisp, the sounds of birds and distant chatter providing a serene backdrop.

Sima Hui sipped his tea thoughtfully. ”Lie Fan is an enigma,” he mused aloud. ”Ambitious, yes, but his vision is unlike any I have encountered. I wonder if it is born of genuine compassion or a deeper, more pragmatic purpose.”

Pang Degong stroked his beard, his expression contemplative. ”Perhaps both. Ambition and virtue are not mutually exclusive. What intrigues me most is his willingness to challenge the status quo. Few rulers would dare to propose what he has.”

Huang Chengyan nodded, his voice calm but firm. ”His intentions may be mixed, but his sincerity cannot be denied. That much was evident in his words. Still, I wish to see more before forming a judgment.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Cai Yong and Lu Zhi, who approached with polite bows. ”Masters,” Cai Yong began, ”Lord Lie Fan has given his permission for you to visit the printing press. If you wish, we can escort you there now.”

The three scholars exchanged brief glances, curiosity evident in their eyes. Sima Hui spoke first. ”Very well. We would indeed like to see this device. Lead the way.”

The group made their way through the academy, the scholars observing the bustling activity around them. Students practiced calligraphy, engaged in animated discussions, and pored over texts in the library.

When they reached the room housing the printing press, Cai Yong and Lu Zhi stepped aside, allowing the scholars to enter first. The sight before them was unlike anything they had ever seen.

The press, though relatively simple in design, was a marvel of ingenuity. Wooden blocks, intricately carved with characters, lay neatly arranged. Nearby, workers carefully inked the blocks and pressed them onto sheets of paper, creating crisp, identical copies.

Sima Hui approached the press, his eyes wide with fascination. ”Remarkable,” he murmured. ”To think that such a device could produce multiple copies of a text with such efficiency. This could indeed revolutionize the spread of knowledge.”

Pang Degong examined one of the printed sheets, his expression a mixture of awe and skepticism. ”The craftsmanship is impressive, but the process still appears labor intensive. Scaling this operation will not be easy.”

Lu Zhi stepped forward, addressing their concerns. ”Masters, you are correct. The process is not without its challenges. Skilled craftsmen are required to carve the blocks, and the initial setup is time consuming. However, once the blocks are prepared, the speed and efficiency of production far surpass traditional methods. With time and refinement, we believe this will become the cornerstone of educational reform.”

Huang Chengyan nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the press. ”It is a tool of great potential, but like any tool, its value depends on how it is wielded. If used wisely, it could indeed reshape society. If misused, it could become a weapon of control.”

Cai Yong, sensing the gravity of the moment, spoke with quiet conviction. ”Masters, Lord Lie Fan understands this. That is why he has entrusted its use to those who share his vision of enlightenment and progress. We hope that you, too, will see the potential it holds and lend your wisdom to this endeavor.”

The three scholars exchanged thoughtful glances, their expressions a blend of admiration and caution. Sima Hui finally spoke, his tone measured. ”What we have seen today is extraordinary. Lord Lie Fan’s vision is bold, and his methods are innovative. Yet, we must deliberate further before pledging our full support.”

Cai Yong and Lu Zhi bowed respectfully. ”Of course, masters. Take all the time you need. Lord Lie Fan values your counsel and would not rush your decision.”

As the scholars departed, their minds were abuzz with possibilities. The printing press was more than a tool; it was a symbol of change, a beacon of hope in an era of uncertainty. Whether they would fully embrace Lie Fan’s vision remained to be seen, but one thing was certain, their curiosity had been piqued, and their respect for the young leader had deepened.

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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