Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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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.

The next few days passed in a blur of banquets, meetings, and quiet preparations. Lu Su made sure that each guest, Gongsun Gong and Shi Xie, who would arrive the following week alongside their retinue and family for Shi Xie, had estates befitting their ranks.

He received their envoys personally, ensuring every detail of the protocol was followed, before then Lie Fan made the point to personally summon them to greet each man with the warmth of a friend, not merely an Emperor.

Meanwhile, at the heart of the court, the military restructuring discussion was nearing its final stages of preparation. Xun You, Lu Zhi, Zhang Liao, and Sima Yi convened daily, their discussions a vibrant tapestry of strategic thought. Their suggestions were far reaching, encompassing everything from the reorganization of supply lines to the intricate integration of various command structures.

A significant proposal was the establishment of new Military Commands in both the North and South, a move designed to balance regional authority and streamline operations across the vast domain.

There was also talk of forming specialized elite corps under imperial control, units that would be directly trained by formidable generals like Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. These would be the sharpest edges of the imperial sword, wielded with precision.

Lie Fan, immersed in these critical proposals, read every single one that crossed his desk. He annotated them, making notes and queries, and then discussed their feasibility and potential impact with Jia Xu, exploring every angle and possibility.

Finally, as all the key figures had arrived, on the following day, Lie Fan hosted a Grand Banquet, a formal welcome for Sun Jian, Sun Ce, Gongsun Gong, Shi Xie, and Sheng Xian.

The grand hall of Xiapi’s palace shimmered with the glow of countless lanterns, their light reflecting off the polished jade and gold adorning the pillars. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced wines, and the faint, sweet aroma of incense.

At the center of it all sat **Lie Fan**, resplendent in his imperial robes, his presence commanding yet approachable. Before him, arranged according to rank and station, were the newly arrived regional governors:

Sun Jian and Sun Ce, the old patriarch and young patriarch of the Sun Clan, their crimson and gold attire marking them as men of both war and nobility. Gongsun Gong, the shrewd governor of Liaodong, his sharp eyes that took in every detail of the court.

Shi Xie, the venerable ruler of Jiaozhi, his demeanor calm but his gaze piercing. Sheng Xian, the weakest but no less loyal of the vassals, his humble posture but his expression was proud.

This banquet was more than a celebration, it was more than just a carefully orchestrated display of imperial unity.

It was a masterstroke of statesmanship, not just a celebration but also a calculated move to allow these Regional Governors to become acquainted, subtly fostering a system of checks and balances.

Lie Fan, through this gathering, demonstrated that none of them were singularly indispensable, there were others of similar standing, even if Sheng Xian, with his smaller domain, was undeniably the weakest among them.

The atmosphere of these banquets was markedly more formal, strictly adhering to court protocol. At this time, Lie Fan raised his cup, the hall falling silent at the gesture.

”Tonight, we honor not just the bonds between ruler and subject, but the ties that will shape our dynasty’s future in the generations and years to come.”

He let his gaze sweep over the assembled lords.

”Each of you has proven your loyalty not just with words, but with deeds. And so, it is only fitting that your contributions be recognized in a manner befitting your service and contribution you have made not just to me, but it the land as well.”

A murmur rippled through the hall.

”Tomorrow, during the imperial court session, formal noble titles shall be bestowed upon you, tokens of the empire’s and our gratitude.”

The five men exchanged glances, surprise and satisfaction flickering across their faces.

”Thank you, Your Majesty!” Sun Jian was the first to respond, bowing deeply from his seat. ”May your reign endure for ten thousand years!”

The others echoed the sentiment, their voices blending into a chorus of loyalty. Lie Fan smiled, allowing the moment to linger before gesturing for the feast to begin.

The banquet continued into the evening with laughter, discussions, and performances. There were even moments of bonding between the regional leaders, with Sun Ce challenging Gongsun Gong to a friendly debate over battle formations, and Shi Xie gifting a rare southern jade pendant to the Empress.

The following morning, the court gathered in full ceremonial attire for the long-anticipated Imperial Court session. The Hall of Radiant Harmony was filled to capacity, courtiers and generals lined in orderly rows as golden sunbeams streamed through the stained glass high above.

Jia Xu a the Chancellor stood at the center, his voice clear and unwavering as he began the proceedings, presiding over it with practiced ease.

”This court session is now in order. By the decree of His Imperial Majesty, the first order of business is the formal pledging of allegiance by our regional governors.”

First, it was Sun Jian and Sun Ce who stepped forward, kneeling in perfect sync. ”We, Sun Jian and Sun Ce, pledge our unwavering loyalty and undying support to Your Majesty and the Hengyuan Dynasty.”

They were followed in turn by Gongsun Gong, Shi Xie, and finally Sheng Xian, each kneeling and repeating their oath with solemn dignity.

Lie Fan remained seated, regal in his imperial robes, until the five had risen. Then he stood, voice steady.

”In recognition of your foresight and the invaluable contributions you have rendered to both Us and to the restoration of peace in the realm, We shall confer noble titles upon you. These are not merely symbols of status, but bonds of trust and duty.”

A gasp rippled through the court. This was the first noble bestowal of the new dynasty.

”Sun Jian,” Lie Fan declared, ”for your valor in securing the south and your steadfast service, you shall be henceforth known as Duke Wulie (Martial Valiance) of Changsha.”

Applause echoed through the chamber as the first Duke of Hengyuan Dynasty was born.

”Sun Ce, your prowess in battle and your vision for the east have not gone unnoticed. You shall bear the title Marquis Dingdong (Pacifying the East) of Changsha.”

After he conferred the title and let the applause die down, Lie Fan let out a statement, ”We would like to say that while the title of Duke would not be hereditary for the initial recipient, subsequent generations would inherit the title of Marquis. As for Sun Ce, his title would be honorary, as he was destined to succeed his father’s dukedom.”

Hearing that the rest of the court even Sun Jian and Sun Ce nodded their head in agreement, showing that Lie Fan while generous in reward but also strict in protecting Imperial power.

”Shi Xie, for your decades of steadfast governance and service, alongside your wisdom has brought stability to the far south. You are named Duke Jingnan (Tranquilizing the South) of Jiao.”

The elderly governor bowed, his expression serene.

”Gongsun Gong, protector of the northern borders, combined with your exemplary stewardship of the north. Henceforth, you are named as Marquis Zhenbei (Guardian of the North) of Xiangping.”

Gongsun Gong accepted the honor with a nod, his sharp eyes glinting.

”And Sheng Xian, your loyalty, though quiet, has not gone unrewarded. You are named Marquis Jing (Serene) of Huiji.”

Sheng Xian knelt fully, his gratitude evident.

Each man stepped forward in turn, received the imperial edict on silk, and bowed deeply with words of gratitude.

”We are honored beyond measure, Your Majesty. We swear to serve the Hengyuan Dynasty with all our strength, now and always!”

Lie Fan nodded, eyes calm but resolute. ”See that you do.”

The court erupted once more, the sound thunderous.

The applause had barely died down when Lie Fan raised his scepter and tapped it once upon the jade platform. The hall quieted immediately.

”With this momentous day upon us,” he continued, ”there is one more matter of vital importance. The military structure of our dynasty must evolve. The unification of so many domains and forces under one banner requires a new foundation.”

A murmur began again, but Lie Fan’s gaze silenced it.

”This dynasty now commands more than one million men under arms. They are spread across countless provinces under our domain. If we are to ensure peace and respond swiftly to threats, the command structure must be reformed to meet its requirements.”

He gestured, and two figures stepped forward.

”Grand Commandant Xun You and Grand General Huangfu Song, alongside a select few have worked tirelessly to design a structure that will serve us not just today, but for generations to come. So now both of them will present the restructuring. ”

The two bowed and unfurled a scroll before the court.

Xun You spoke first, his voice authoritative but composed.

”By Your Majesty’s command, we propose a tiered military system. At its apex will stand the Imperial General Staff, consisting of Grand General Lu Zhi, Deputy Grand General Zhang Liao, Minister of War Sima Yi, and Grand Commandant Xun You. These four shall oversee all military matters in coordination with His Majesty.”

”The realm shall be divided into four Military Commands, Central, Northern, Southern, and Western where the Army groups under Your Majesty previous command shall be integrated into these four command. Each Command shall be led by a Marshal and Army Strategist, with direct subordinates in charge of Corps and specialized elite units.”

Xun You the continued by describing the Ventral Command, ”For the Central Command, We recommend Deputy Grand General Zhang Liao as Marshal of the Central and Minister of War Sima Yi as it’s Army Strategist, with subridnates from the Qilin Army as it’s units.”

”The Northern Command,” Huangfu Song continued, ”shall be headquartered in Ye. We recommend General Huang Zhong as Marshal of the North and Master Chen Deng as The Army Strategist, with subordinates from the Qinglong Army and Baihu Army combined into one unit.”

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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