Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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Jia Xu steepled his fingers. ”He is scholarly yet pragmatic, virtuous without being rigid. As the elder brother of Minister Zhuge Liang, he shares the same intellectual foundation but tempers it with a diplomat’s grace. He is learned, composed, and diplomatic, his demeanor is calm but firm. He understands court politics and Confucian orthodoxy alike. The Crown Prince will need that guidance in his dealings with the court in the future.”

Sima Yi nodded. ”I second that, Your Majesty. Master Zhuge Jin is not just an administrator. He is well versed in statecraft and the teachings of the ancients. And his connection to you, Your Majesty, through Minister Zhuge Liang, makes him both loyal and invested.”

Zhuge Liang, who had been silent until now, gave a slight nod, an unspoken acknowledgment of his brother’s merits.

Lie Fan stroked his chin. ”Zhuge Jin... yes, I can see that. A sound recommendation and for the Royal Tutor?”

This time, Chen Qun spoke. ”Your Majesty, the Royal Tutor must be a paragon of classical learning, a living embodiment of the virtues we wish the Crown Prince to embody. So there is only one man I would entrust with the shaping of a mind as precious as the heir’s, Master Lu Zhi. His wisdom spans generations. His name is revered among scholars and generals alike. Even in old age, his clarity remains sharp.”

Xun You nodded in agreement. ”Though he no longer holds active court office under Your Majesty, Master Lu Zhi is one of the State Teachers that Your Majesty just appointed. He is a scholar without a peer and his virtue is beyond reproach. He taught even Your Majesty’s deceased adversary Liu Bei and the deceased Gongsun Zan in his youth. If anyone can mold a future emperor’s character, it is him.”

Lie Fan’s lips curved as he nodded again, thoughtful. ”An excellent choice. The man is a walking library of Confucian wisdom. If he accepts, I would be honored to have him educate my son.”

Now came the most delicate decision, the Royal Bodyguard. This was not merely a protector, it was the man who would teach the Crown Prince the art of war, leadership, and the unshakable discipline of a warrior.

”And the Royal Bodyguard?” he asked next.

The five exchanged glances once more, and then Chen Qun answered. ”Only one man comes to mind. General Zhao Yun.”

Zhuge Liang smiled faintly. ”There is no man more loyal, more disciplined, and more noble in bearing, Your Majesty. He is as gentle as he is fierce. He will protect the prince with his life but also serve as a model of martial conduct. He is a perfect balance, a peerless warrior, yes, but also a man of unyielding loyalty and patience.”

Sima Yi leaned forward slightly. ”And his fame, which has been tempered, Your Majesty, will also serve as a deterrent. No one would dare act against the Crown Prince with General Zhao Yun and guards trained by him at his side.”

A beat of silence. Then—

Jia Xu chuckled. ”Also, the boy will adore him. Zhao Yun has that effect on children.”

Laughter, light and genuine, filled the study. Even Lie Fan couldn’t suppress a grin. ”Zhao Yun... yes, he was the perfect choice to protect and teach Chechen.”

With the names laid before him, Zhuge Jin, Lu Zhi, Zhao Yun, and Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, letting the weight of the moment settle in.

”These men will help shape my son,” he said quietly. ”Not just into a future ruler, but into a man worthy of the people’s trust.”

”Then it is settled,” he continued. ”Zhuge Jin as Royal Preceptor, Lu Zhi as Royal Tutor, and Zhao Yun as Royal Bodyguard.”

The ministers rose together, bowing once more.

”Then, we will begin the necessary preparations, Your Majesty,” Jia Xu said with a hint of a smile.

As the meeting concluded and the advisors filed out, Lie Fan remained in his study, staring at the empty chairs where his counselors had sat.

These appointments were more than administrative decisions. They were the foundation upon which his son and his dynasty would stand upon.

Zhuge Jin would teach Chenchen statecraft, the delicate art of ruling with both mind and heart. Lu Zhi would ground him in history, philosophy, and the moral weight of the throne. Zhao Yun would ensure he never forgot that an emperor must also be a warrior, ready to defend his people.

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

”Enter.”

The door opened to reveal Ying Yue, her phoenix crown glinting in the fading light.

”Husband,” she said softly, ”have you decided? I just saw the Three Excellencies, Minister Zhuge, and Minister Sima leave your study.”

Lie Fan smiled and extended his hand. ”Come. Let me tell you about the men who will shape our son’s future.”

As he explained his choices, Ying Yue’s eyes shimmered with pride, not just for the careful thought her husband had put into this, but for the dynasty they were building together.

The following morning, the imperial court gathered beneath the high ceilings of the grand audience hall. Golden light poured in from the tall windows as court officials, civil ministers, and military generals filled the chamber. The hum of quiet voices stilled when the sound of ceremonial bells rang, followed by the deep call of the chamberlain’s voice announcing the Emperor’s presence.

Lie Fan entered with the slow, regal pace demanded of his station, draped in his imperial robes of black and gold. His crown glimmered beneath the light and his royal scepter was as regal as ever as he ascended the steps to the dragon throne.

Once seated, he surveyed the assembled court with a calm gaze, his expression unreadable but steady. When he spoke, his voice echoed with strength and clarity.

”Today, We declare before Heaven and Earth, before the ancestors of our lineage, and before all ministers of the Hengyuan Dynasty, that Our eldest son, Lie Muchen, born of Empress Ying, shall henceforth bear the title of Crown Prince.”

A collective murmur rippled through the hall. Although many had anticipated such a move, the official declaration still sent waves through the room, not of dissent, but of confirmation.

The Emperor’s succession was now clear. The dynasty, still young, had laid the first bricks of permanence in its foundation.

Lie Fan’s eyes scanned the crowd, gauging their reactions, some bowed in deference immediately, and others exchanged looks of acknowledgment. The stabilizing effect of this decree was tangible.

”We further decree,” he continued, ”that the Crown Prince shall take residence at the East Palace, which shall be furnished appropriately and prepared to nurture his growth in dignity and knowledge until he comes of age.”

That too was a powerful signal, not just that Lie Muchen would succeed him, but that he would be trained and raised in a space separate from the Emperor’s chambers, a place for a ruler in waiting.

”And for the guidance and protection of the Crown Prince, I hereby appoint three men of virtue and excellence.”

The court stood straighter, anticipation brimming.

”Zhuge Jin shall serve as Royal Perceptor, to counsel the Prince on matters of governance and statecraft, to guide him in the delicate workings of administration, and to ensure that he learns to balance justice with compassion.”

Zhuge Jin, the elder brother of Zhuge Liang, stepped forward, his scholarly robes swaying as he bowed deeply.

”State Teacher Lu Zhi, honored scholar and revered teacher, shall serve as Royal Tutor, to instill in the Crown Prince the wisdom of the ancients, the moral discipline of the sages, and the clarity of a cultivated mind.”

The aged scholar, one of the newly honored State Teachers, moved with deliberate grace as he accepted the appointment.

”And General Zhao Yun, a paragon of loyalty and martial skill, shall serve as Royal Bodyguard, to instruct the Prince in the arts of war and to safeguard his person, so that he may grow not only as a scholar but as a warrior and leader of men.”

Zhao Yun, the peerless general whose name alone inspired awe, knelt with the precision of a seasoned warrior.

The court erupted in murmurs of approval. The choices were impeccable, each man a legend in his own right, each perfectly suited to mold the future emperor. And the choices were wise, balanced, and deeply symbolic.

Later that afternoon, the three appointed men were summoned to a private audience with the Emperor at the palace together, entering through the side gate reserved for honored guests and imperial officials.

Each was dressed formally, not for battle or bureaucracy, but as men accepting a sacred trust. They were ushered through corridors gilded with murals of dragons and phoenixes until they reached the Emperor’s private audience chamber.

Lie Fan rose to greet them personally, a rare gesture. ”Zhuge Jin. Master Lu Zhi. Zhao Yun.”

They bowed low. ”Your Majesty.”

”I thank you,” Lie Fan said simply. ”You come not just to serve me, but to shape the soul of my son. He will learn from your wisdom, your strength, and your discipline. And through him, your teachings will shape the very future of our dynasty.”

Lu Zhi, ever humble, replied, ”It is we who are honored, Your Majesty. To guide a Crown Prince is the work of a lifetime.”

Zhao Yun knelt with one hand over his heart. ”With my life, I will shield him. With my conduct, I shall guide him, Your Majesty.”

Zhuge Jin offered a respectful nod. ”And I shall help him understand the weight of governance, not as a burden, but as a duty to the people, Your Majesty.”

Lie Fan gestured, and three eunuchs came forward. Each carried a scroll and a bound book, resting on silk covered trays.

”I have prepared the foundation of a curriculum, one I used for Chenchen and my other children even before I ascended the throne,” he explained. ”It outlines principles of learning, from the Book of Rites to military treatises, ethical debates, and practical governance.”

The three men accepted the scrolls and books with solemn expressions.

”Revise them as you see fit,” Lie Fan added. ”I trust you to refine and build upon what I have started.”

They bowed again, deeply. ”We will treat it with the same care we would treat Your Royal Highness Crown Prince, Your Majesty.” Zhuge Jin said.

”I expect you to begin your tutelage after you have familiarized yourselves with the Crown Prince,” Lie Fan said, his tone softer now. ”Earn his trust. Know his strengths, his weaknesses. Teach him, but also listen to him. A great ruler is not just molded, he must also be understood. Let him learn not just from your words, but your presence.”

After a final exchange of formalities, he dismissed them. They exited with the weight of their roles already upon them, the future of the dynasty resting not only on the throne, but in the East Palace, in the heart and mind of an 11 year old boy now crowned heir to a dynasty and empire.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Founding Emperor Of Hengyuan Dynasty

Age: 34 (201 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 2325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 966 (+20)

VIT: 623 (+20)

AGI: 623 (+10)

INT: 667

CHR: 98

WIS: 549

WILL: 432

ATR Points: 0