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Lie Fan felt a profound sense of gratitude for the life they had built together, a life rooted in love, respect, and mutual support. Eventually, the hour grew late, and one by one, the women began to retire for the night. Lie Fan remained for a while longer, sitting alone in the quiet living room. The lanterns cast a warm glow over the space, and he allowed himself a moment of reflection.
After spending a few moments reflecting in the warm glow of the lanterns, Lie Fan rose from his seat and stretched, his mind wandering toward Ying Yue's chamber.
She was his first wife, the one who had stood by his side through the many trials of his life, and it felt only right to begin this return with her. He walked through the quiet corridors of the residence, the soft sound of his footsteps blending with the faint rustle of the wind outside.
When he entered Ying Yue's chamber, the room was serene and inviting, the scent of jasmine lingering in the air. Ying Yue was seated by a small desk, her silhouette illuminated by the faint light of a candle. She looked up as he stepped inside, her eyes softening with warmth and affection.
"Husband," she greeted, her voice calm and soothing. "You've finally come."
Lie Fan smiled, the weight of the day lifting as he approached her. "Where else would I go? This is where I belong tonight."
Ying Yue rose gracefully, meeting him halfway. She placed a hand on his chest, her touch light yet grounding. "You've been through so much. But now, you're home, and we're here to share the burdens with you."
They spoke quietly for a while, sharing their thoughts and feelings as the night deepened. The world outside seemed to fade, leaving only the sanctuary of their shared space. When they finally lay down to rest, Ying Yue nestled against him, her presence a reminder of the stability and love that awaited him after everything he had done.
The next morning, Lie Fan was gently woken by Ying Yue's voice. "Husband, it's time to rise. Breakfast is ready, and everyone is waiting for you in the dining room."
Lie Fan opened his eyes, greeted by the sight of Ying Yue's serene smile. He stretched and sat up, feeling a rare sense of ease. "Thank you, Yue'er. I'll join you all shortly."
After washing himself and changing into clean clothes, Lie Fan made his way to the dining room. The soft hum of conversation greeted him as he entered. His wives, children, and younger sister, Wannian, were seated around the table, the air filled with warmth and laughter.
Chenchen and Yaoyao were excitedly chattering about their morning adventures, while Yanyan and Nuonuo were attempting to stack small fruits into a precarious tower. Diao Chan was helping Xuanxuan with his milk, her movements graceful as always. Cai Wenji was speaking softly with Lu Lingqi, who occasionally chuckled at something Cai Wenji said.
As Lie Fan took his seat at the head of the table, the room quieted slightly, and all eyes turned to him. He smiled at the sight of his family gathered together, the bond they shared evident in every glance and gesture.
"Good morning," Lie Fan greeted warmly. "It's a joy to see all of you like this. Let's enjoy this meal together."
The family began eating, the room filled with the sounds of clinking utensils and cheerful conversation. As they enjoyed the meal, Lie Fan turned to his sister, Wannian, who was busy teasing Yanyan and Nuonuo about their fruit stacking skills.
"Wannian," Lie Fan said, his tone gentle but firm. "There's something important I need to discuss with you."
Wannian looked up, her chopsticks paused mid air with a piece of vegetable she had taken. "Yes, Brother?"
Lie Fan's expression softened as he spoke. "Your marriage to Sima Yi is just over a month away. It's time for you to begin learning what will be expected of you as a wife. Diao Chan will guide you and help you prepare for this new chapter in your life."
Wannian froze, her mouth forming a perfect 'O' as she stared at her brother. Her chopsticks remained suspended, the piece of vegetable precariously balanced. The entire table went silent for a moment before bursts of laughter erupted, led by Lu Lingqi.
"Look at her face!" Lu Lingqi exclaimed, barely able to contain her amusement.
Wannian's face turned bright red as she processed her brother's words. She swallowed her food hurriedly and nodded shyly. "I-I understand, Brother. I'll do my best to learn from Sister Diao Chan."
Diao Chan smiled kindly, placing a reassuring hand on Wannian's shoulder. "Don't worry, Wannian. I'll make sure you're well prepared. You'll do wonderfully."
The teasing continued, with Lu Lingqi and Cai Wenji joining in, their gentle jests filling the room with laughter, while Ying Yue just watched in amusement. Wannian, though flustered, couldn't help but smile at the warmth and support surrounding her.
After breakfast, Lie Fan stood and addressed the group. "I'll be visiting the Xiapi Academy today. Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi have been working on something I want to see for myself. I'll be back by midday."
Accompanied by two of his elite Yellow Ghost bodyguards and a small contingent of the Lie Clan's elite guards, Lie Fan set out for the academy. The streets of Xiapi were bustling with activity, the people enjoying a period of relative peace and prosperity. Merchants called out their wares, children played in the alleyways, and citizens greeted their governor with respect and admiration as he passed.
The Xiapi Academy stood as a symbol of learning and progress, its grand structure reflecting the values Lie Fan sought to instill in his realm. When he arrived, he was greeted by Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi, all of whom bowed deeply in respect.
"Lord Lie Fan, it's an honor to have you here," Zhuge Xuan said, his tone formal but welcoming.
"The honor is mine," Lie Fan replied. "I've heard much about the advancements being made here. Show me what you've been working on."
The scholars led him to a spacious hall filled with the hum of activity. Scribes and students moved between tables, their hands busy with scrolls and wooden blocks. At the center of the room stood the woodblock printing press, a marvel of ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Cai Yong stepped forward, his eyes shining with pride. "This printing press has revolutionized our ability to produce texts. We've begun creating copies of classic works, educational materials, and even pamphlets to spread important messages throughout your domain, my lord."
Lu Zhi added, "Its impact has been profound. Knowledge that once took weeks or months to disseminate can now reach hundreds within days. It's a tool that will shape the future of our land."
Lie Fan examined the press closely, observing its operation with keen interest. "This is a remarkable invention made by our group of crafters and artisans. The potential here is immense, not just for education but for governance and communication. You've all done exceptional work in utilizing it, keep doing the great work."
The scholars exchanged pleased glances, their dedication validated by their lord's praise. Lie Fan spent the rest of the morning touring the academy, engaging with students, and discussing ideas with the scholars.
After a morning filled with intellectual exploration and discussions at the Xiapi Academy, Lie Fan found himself in Zhuge Xuan's spacious office for lunch. The room, lined with shelves of scrolls and manuscripts, exuded an air of scholarly refinement.
The food, brought in from the academy's kitchens, reflected the academy's philosophy, simple yet nourishing, designed to sustain both the body and mind.
Lie Fan sat at the head of the table, flanked by Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi. They dined on bowls of steaming rice, a variety of pickled vegetables, roasted meats, and soups brimming with fresh herbs. The camaraderie among them was palpable, their shared respect for one another evident in their conversations.
As the meal progressed, Lie Fan decided to broach a topic that had been on his mind for some time. Setting down his chopsticks, he leaned forward slightly, his tone both thoughtful and earnest. "Gentlemen, as we enjoy this meal, I wish to discuss something of great importance, an idea that could reshape the very foundation of our society."
Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued. Lie Fan's proposals often carried profound implications, and they knew this would be no exception.
"What I am considering," Lie Fan began, his voice steady, "is the establishment of a public academy. A place where common folk, regardless of their social standing, can access basic education free of charge. This would not only improve their quality of life but also expand the pool of talent available for governance, trade, and various other sectors."
The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of his words sank in. Cai Yong, the esteemed scholar, was the first to respond. "My lord, your vision is both noble and ambitious. However, such an endeavor would face significant opposition. The noble class, as well as the merchant and scholar castes, have long held a monopoly on education. They derive their power, influence, and wealth from this exclusivity."
Zhuge Xuan nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my lord. Breaking this monopoly would challenge the very fabric of our current societal hierarchy. While I admire the intent, the execution would require careful planning."
Lie Fan smiled faintly, his resolve unwavering. "I understand the challenges, but consider the benefits. An educated populace is a stronger populace. When the common people are empowered with knowledge, they become more productive, innovative, and loyal. Their gratitude would solidify our position, and their contributions would drive our domain to unprecedented heights."
Lu Zhi, due to his military background looked at it from a pragmatic side, and stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Your argument is compelling, my lord. However, we must tread cautiously. The nobles will not relinquish their power easily, and the scholars may view this as an affront to their status. We would need to present this initiative as a benefit to all, not a threat to their influence."
Lie Fan leaned back, his eyes sharp with determination. "Then we must craft a strategy that addresses these concerns. The academy could initially focus on practical skills, agriculture, trade, and basic literacy, areas that do not directly threaten the nobles and scholarly elite. Over time, as its success becomes evident, we can gradually expand its scope."
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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