Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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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.

Meanwhile, far to the west in Luoyang, Cao Cao was convening a council of war, determined to decide the future course of his military expansion. While Lie Fan was shaping the future through education and reform, Cao Cao had his sights set on a different kind of conquest.

In the grand hall of Luoyang, the most powerful men of Cao Cao’s domain had gathered. The air was thick with tension as maps and strategic reports were spread across the central table. Cao Cao, dressed in his ceremonial armor, observed his gathered advisors and generals with sharp, calculating eyes.

Seated at his right were Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, two of his most trusted strategists. Beside him sat Xun Yu, a man whose wisdom often tempered Cao Cao’s aggression. His other advisors Cheng Yu, Jia Kui, Tian Feng, and Xu You were seated to the side of Guo Jia and Xun Yu respectively.

Across from them were Zhang Yan, Zhang He, Xu Huang, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Chi, and other Cao Cao renowned generals, all waiting for their lord to speak.

Cao Cao finally broke the silence. ”Gentlemen, we have secured the territories that Zhang Yan, Zhang He, Gao Lan, Tian Feng, and Xu You had prepared for us. Our hold on the north is firm. But now, we must decide our next course of action.”

He gestured toward the large map before them, his finger trailing over the lands of Yi Province. ”Liu Zhang controls Yi Province. He is weak, incompetent, and sits upon a land rich in resources. If we take Yi Province, we secure an unshakable foothold in the south.”

Zhang He at this time leaned forward, his deep voice steady. ”My lord, Yi Province is bountiful, but it is also one of the most defensible regions in the land. The mountainous terrain will make an invasion difficult.”

Xu Huang nodded in agreement. ”Indeed. We may be able to take the outer regions quickly, but Chengdu itself will be a nightmare to siege. If Liu Zhang is wise, he will use the natural barriers to his advantage.”

Cao Cao turned to Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, who had remained silent until now. ”Fengxiao, Zhicai, what do the two of you think?”

Guo Jia smirked, his fingers tapping the table lightly. ”My lord, while the terrain is difficult, the man ruling it is weak. Liu Zhang has no true talent for war. However, we must be cautious of his three advisors Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da in Chengdu. The three of them had created a strong control over Liu Zhang court and were very talented in their own way.”

Xun Yu interjected. ”Then there is another option. We could expand northward instead. The Xiongnu tribes, under our control, could be used to put pressure on the tribes there and control all of the plain areas. Ma Teng and Han Sui’s armies remain in Liang Province, if we coordinate with them, we could expand our influence there before turning south.”

Cao Cao shook his head. ”No. The North can wait. Lie Fan has already solidified his power in the Central Plains and much of the north. If we delay any longer, we risk losing our chance to claim Yi Province.”

Xiahou Dun, always the bold warrior, grinned. ”Then let us strike before Liu Zhang realizes our intent. A swift and decisive campaign.”

Xun Yu sighed. ”If only it were that simple. We must also consider the possibility of Liu Bei interfering. He has close ties with Liu Zhang, and if he is given the opportunity, he may insert himself into the conflict.”

Cao Cao’s expression darkened at the mention of Liu Bei. ”Liu Bei is a persistent thorn in my side. But if he moves against us, then we crush him along with Liu Zhang.”

Guo Jia leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. ”Then here is my proposal. We launch a campaign against Yi Province, but we do so carefully. First, we send emissaries to Liu Zhang, feigning diplomacy. We offer an alliance, even offer some supply and logistical assistance against outside threats, making him believe we have no interest in his lands.”

Cao Cao’s lips curled into a slight smile. ”And while he is lulled into complacency, we prepare for war. Brilliant idea Fengxiao.”

Guo Jia nodded. ”Exactly. When the time is right, we strike before he has the chance to fortify his defenses. If we can capture Zitong first, it will provide us with a crucial staging ground for the full invasion of Yi Province.”

Cao Cao turned to his assembled commanders. ”Then it is decided. We are preparing to move south. Send emissaries to Liu Zhang at once. Make him believe we come as friends.”

The room echoed with the murmurs of approval, but as the meeting concluded, Guo Jia and Xun Yu exchanged knowing glances. They both understood that this campaign would not be as simple as Cao Cao hoped. The war for Yi Province was about to begin, and its outcome would shape the future of the land.

As the council in Luoyang dispersed, Cao Cao’s trusted emissaries prepared to set out for Yi Province, carrying messages of feigned goodwill to Liu Zhang. Yet, unbeknownst to them, shadows moved in the background.

The Oriole Agents, Lie Fan’s network of spies embedded deep within Cao Cao’s administration, had been listening. Every word of the war council, every glance exchanged, and every intention laid bare on the grand strategy map was swiftly recorded.

These agents wasted no time in relaying the intelligence back to Xiapi. Riders departed from Luoyang under the cover of darkness, their mission clear, Lie Fan had to know of Cao Cao’s ambitions before the first sword was drawn.

While the great lords of the land played their games of deception and development, far to the west, another scheme was unfolding.

At Wuwei, the seat of the Ma Clan’s power, Ma Teng sat at the head of a dimly lit hall. His son, the fierce and ambitious Ma Chao, stood at his side. Before them gathered the trusted generals of the Ma Clan, Pang De, Ma Dai, Ma Tie, and Yan Xing. Though they had sworn allegiance to Cao Cao, discontent simmered beneath the surface.

Ma Teng’s voice was low, yet filled with the weight of years of struggle. ”Cao Cao treats us as mere tools. Han Sui and his forces receive better supplies, and better arms. We are being weakened, not strengthened.”

Ma Chao’s expression was fierce, his hands clenched into fists. ”Father, we cannot serve a man who does not value us. Our strength is wasted under his banner.”

Pang De, at this time, interjected, and spoke carefully. ”Defying Cao Cao is no small matter. He holds the heart of the land, Luoyang, and his army is vast. If we move against him, we must be certain that we will not be crushed before we even take a step.”

Ma Dai already reached the age of 16 this year, leaned forward, his voice quiet but urgent as he wanted to be heard. ”We need allies. We cannot do this alone. If we coordinate with Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, or even... Lie Fan, we may find the support we need.”

The room fell into silence at the mention of Lie Fan. Of all the warlords, he had expanded the fastest, solidified his rule with ruthless efficiency, and commanded an army that rivaled or even stronger than Cao Cao’s. If there was a man capable of challenging the so called Chancellor’s grip on them, it was him.

Ma Teng’s fingers drummed against the wooden table. ”Lie Fan is unpredictable. He seeks to change the world in ways no other warlord does. But his rivalry with Cao Cao is well known. If we can find a way to open discussions with him, perhaps there is common ground.”

Ma Chao’s eyes burned with determination. ”Then let me go to Xiapi. I will gauge Lie Fan’s intentions myself.”

Ma Teng hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ”Very well. But we must be cautious. If word of this reaches Cao Cao too soon, our heads will be decorating the walls of Luoyang.”

Meanwhile, Under the vast, starlit sky of Xiapi, the gentle flickering of lanterns cast long shadows across the gazebo where Lie Fan sat, deep in thought.

Alongside him were Jia Xu, Xun You, and Sima Yi, whereas the two former were his most trusted and two of the longest who had served him and had a bond of friendship shared, while the latter was the young genius who had become his brother in law and become part of his family.

Jia Xu, Xun You, and Sima Yi, each with their own brilliance, waited in silence, their eyes fixed on their lord. Lie Fan’s fingers tapped lightly against the wooden armrest of his seat, his gaze fixed on the heavens above. The stars twinkled like distant flames, untouched, yet guiding those wise enough to follow their course.

Finally, breaking the silence, Lie Fan turned toward them and spoke, his voice low but heavy with meaning.

”If we gain the allegiance of the Three Venerable Masters, Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan, then in the next year or two, perhaps even sooner, it may be time for me to declare myself Emperor. I hold the Imperial Seal. I have unified more land than any ruler before me since the Han began to fracture. What do you three think?”

The weight of his words struck his advisors like a hammer on iron, forcing them into deep contemplation. For a moment, none of them spoke. Then, Jia Xu exhaled slowly, his eyes gleaming with calculation. ”It is an audacious move, my lord. But audacity often births great dynasties.”

Xun You, his brow furrowed, leaned forward. ”The timing must be perfect. If we move too soon, it may rally all remaining factions against us. But if we wait too long, we risk losing our momentum. You have already claimed the Central Plains, hold the entire southeast through Sun Clan’s allegiance, and the north bends to your will, my lord. With a few decisive strokes and careful planning, you will have the rest of the southwest and the west.”

Sima Yi, the youngest of the three yet no less formidable in mind, tapped his chin thoughtfully. ”A throne is not won by land alone. You need legitimacy my lord, beyond mere conquest. The people must accept you, the scholars must support you, and the other warlords must fear you enough to submit and squash those who do not use it with force.”

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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