Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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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.

Later that day, as Lie Fan resumed his usual duties in his office, the rhythmic rustle of scrolls and the quiet scratching of brushes returned. The Imperial court’s mechanisms continued turning, land taxes in You Province, border patrol schedules in Yang, canal repairs in the north, all crossing his desk.

And then came a soft knock.

”Your Majesty,” came the voice of a familiar servant, followed by the entrance of Chancellor Jia Xu.

Lie Fan looked up, slightly raising an eyebrow at the interruption. ”Wenhe?”

Jia Xu bowed deeply. ”Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. I come bearing some news, which comes from official and... unofficial sources, Your Majesty.”

The twinkle in his eye gave away the latter before he said it aloud.

”Speak,” Lie Fan said, motioning for him to sit.

Jia Xu remained standing. ”Through both court channels and Oriole reports... the King of Goguryeo, King Jungcheon, has sent formal congratulations on Your Majesty’s ascension. Alongside this message, he has dispatched envoys bearing lavish gifts and the annual tribute of homage. He has reaffirmed Goguryeo’s loyalty as a vassal and protectorate of the Hengyuan Dynasty.”

Lie Fan leaned back slightly, lips quirking into a smirk. ”Ah... how gracious of him, I will definitely enjoy the gifts he sends.”

He chuckled. ”I imagine Jungcheon and his court must’ve bitten through their tongues to write such words. Their hearts must have bled with each brushstroke.”

Jia Xu’s mouth twitched upward. ”Indeed, Your Majesty. One might almost think their hearts bled as they penned the missive. But it is also a testament to the work done by Li Wei in Goguryeo. His influence now commands both their bureaucracy and military.”

Lie Fan laughed fully now, shaking his head. ”That man is as relentless as a tide. I sent him to mold Goguryeo into something stable, and he’s made it his canvas. Sima Yi’s teaching on him had borne fruit wonderfully.”

Jia Xu inclined his head, his tone half teasing. ”It’s all due to Your Majesty’s heaven sent luck and divine guidance, of course.”

Lie Fan rolled his eyes with amusement. ”Ah, Wenhe, you’ve not changed a bit. Even now as Chancellor, you still know how to butter your words like a normal courtier.”

Jia Xu gave an exaggerated sigh. ”They don’t call me the Poisonous Strategist for nothing. My words cut sharp when I want them to, but I’ve found that flattery has its own uses in court.”

Both men chuckled. One Emperor, one Chancellor. But in that laughter was trust built over years, iron tempered by war, politics, and ambition.

As those days turned into weeks, a persistent thought nagged at Lie Fan, the military restructuring. His ascension to Emperor, coupled with the public allegiance of the Sun Clan, Sheng Xian, Gongsun Gong, and Shi Xie, had swelled his forces to an unprecedented size.

While the Sun Clan still maintained some control over their own army, its overall strength had been significantly reduced to around 150,000 men. This expansion, while formidable, also brought with it the challenge of integration and optimization.

He knew this wasn’t a task to be taken lightly. Thus, he summoned his most trusted military minds, Xun You the Grand Commandant, Sima Yi the Minister of War, Lu Zhi the Grand General, and Zhang Liao the Deputy Grand General.

To them, he laid out his vision, a comprehensive military restructure to be held during an Imperial Court session after the arrival of Gongsun Gong, Shi Xie, the Sun Clan, and Sheng Xian in Xiapi, which would be celebrated with a grand banquet.

Upon receiving Lie Fan’s decree, the four of them wasted no time. Discussions and meetings became their constant companions, their offices filled with maps, troop movements, and the fervent exchange of ideas.

They meticulously analyzed every aspect, from logistics and training to command structures and strategic deployments, all to formulate the most effective recommendations for the upcoming restructuring.

Almost a week and a half later, the first wave of arrivals graced Xiapi. The Sun Clan and Sheng Xian, along with their impressive retinues of guards, carriages, and wagons laden with tribute, made their grand entrance.

Lu Su, the Minister of Rites, ever the picture of refined hospitality, was there to greet them, accompanied by Zhuge Liang, the Minister of Personnel, and Jia Xu, the Chancellor.

To Lu Su’s surprise, the Sun Clan procession was led by none other than Sun Ce and Sun Jian, but it wasn’t just them. Their entire family had come.

Thankfully, Lu Su, with his characteristic foresight, had already allocated a sizable estate for the Sun Clan’s stay, a stroke of good fortune given the unexpected number of guests. The estate, with its sprawling courtyards and numerous chambers, was well equipped to accommodate the esteemed family.

Sheng Xian’s fleet, in contrast, was considerably smaller, comprising only his closest aides. The estate assigned to him, while not as grand or luxurious as the Sun Clan’s, was more than ample for his needs, a reflection of the differing statuses and influences of the two incoming parties.

When news reached Lie Fan that the Sun Clan had arrived, and not just Sun Ce and Sun Jian but their entire family, a warm smile touched his lips.

He immediately extended an invitation, not just to the two leaders, but to their families as well, to come to the Inner Palace. He envisioned it as a group of old friends’ reunion of sorts, a chance for them to reconnect after so long. Sun Ce and Sun Jian, upon receiving the Imperial invitation, swiftly relayed the message to their family.

They instructed everyone to dress in their finest, as they would be meeting not only Lie Fan but his family as well. Lady Wu, Da Qiao, Sun Quan, and Sun Shangxiang were all surprised by the unexpected summons.

Lady Wu, regal as ever, gave a small nod and instructed her attendants to begin preparations. Da Qiao and Sun Shangxiang, each radiant in their own ways, joined in the flurry of activity.

Even Sun Quan, though quieter than his elder brother, adjusted his robes with care. He understood the importance of this moment, not just as a political gesture, but as a symbol that their family, once rulers of their own lands, now stood as partners in the Hengyuan Empire.

By late afternoon, the Sun family procession approached the Inner part of the Palace. As they passed through the intricately carved archways and gold painted gates, they were met by uniformed palace guards, handmaidens, and court servants dressed in formal garb. Their steps echoed across the polished stone floors as they were led to the great hall.

There, awaiting them, stood Lie Fan, a benevolent smile on his face, flanked by his beloved wives, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi.

By his side also stood his beautiful concubine, Zhen Ji, and his sister, Wannian, accompanied by her husband and Lie Fan’s Minister of War, Sima Yi. The scene was one of quiet dignity and familial warmth.

Sun Jian limped as he stepped forward first, clasping his hands in a formal bow. ”Your Majesty.”

Lie Fan stood up from his seat. ”Brother Wentai,” he said warmly. ”There is no need for such formality today. Not between us.”

Sun Jian let out a deep laugh. ”You may sit on a dragon throne now, but you haven’t changed one bit, Your Majesty.”

Sun Ce followed, his easy confidence shining through. ”It’s good to see you again, Your Majesty.”

”And you as well Bofu,” Lie Fan replied, clapping Sun Ce on the arm before embracing him tightly. ”Both of you. And your family. Welcome to Xiapi.”

He turned then to Lady Wu and bowed respectfully. ”Sister Wu, it is an honor to see you again.”

Lady Wu smiled with serene dignity. ”The honor is ours, Your Majesty.”

Da Qiao curtsied softly, her eyes flickering up with a glint of joy. ”It’s been a long time, Your Majesty.”

”And yet it looks like you haven’t aged a day as well Da Qiao,” Lie Fan said, earning a soft chuckle from the women around him.

When his gaze fell on Sun Shangxiang, who stood confidently with her hair tied in a martial bun and clad in robes with subtle armor embroidery, he gave a respectful nod. ”Still as fierce as I remember, Little Shangxiang.”

Sun Shangxiang smirked. ”I’m not little anymore, Your Majesty. I can best my brothers now in combat.”

The introductions passed in warmth, not the coldness of court ceremony. The Sun family was seated and refreshments were brought forward. The hall echoed with laughter, warm stories, and fond memories.

Lie Fan found himself smiling as he listened to Sun Jian recount a tale of a battle long past, with Sun Ce interjecting excitedly, and Sun Quan occasionally correcting the details with a dry wit that drew unexpected laughter from even Sima Yi.

It wasn’t all lighthearted, of course. Beneath the hospitality and warmth was understanding, this alliance and cooperation were now permanent. Public. Stamped in ceremony and sealed with shared destiny.

Eventually, Lie Fan raised his cup. ”To the Sun Clan,” he declared. ”To family. To the future we will shape, together.”

The hall echoed with the clinking of porcelain and jade.

As the banquet continued into early evening, Lie Fan stole a moment to speak quietly with Sun Jian and Sun Ce. They moved to a side chamber, where a map of the empire lay spread across a low table.

”I’ll be holding a military restructuring soon,” Lie Fan explained. ”We’ve grown too large too fast. With the formal submission of the both of your clan Brother Wentai and Bofu, Gongsun Gong, Shi Xie, and Sheng Xian’s contributions, we now have nearly more than a million troops spread across our land.”

Sun Jian gave a low whistle. ”A great force, but also a great burden.”

”Exactly,” Lie Fan said. ”I need you two to attend the court when the time comes. You will retain authority over your troops as promised, yes, but their place in the empire’s structure must be clearly defined.”

Sun Ce nodded. ”You’ll get no resistance from us, Your Majesty. Our strength will be your strength. It always has been in the past, and it will be so in the future.”

Lie Fan clasped his forearm. ”And it always will be.” As the sun began to set and the lanterns were lit across the palace, Lu Su arrived with word that Sheng Xian had arrived under his summons to have a personal banquet with him. Lie Fan who heard that nodded his head and after apologizing, he left the Sun Clan under the care of his Empress and Concubines to welcome Sheng Xian.

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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