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"Cao Cao is a formidable opponent," Fa Zheng said, his tone measured but urgent. "His ambition knows no bounds, and he will stop at nothing to expand his influence. If we are to protect Yi Province, we must be prepared to make difficult decisions."
Zhang Ren, hearing that, nodded in agreement with the sentimnent. "You speak the truth. Cao Cao's tactics are ruthless, and we cannot afford to underestimate him. But what do you propose we do? Lord Liu Zhang is a good man, but he lacks the ambition and decisiveness needed to confront a threat like Cao Cao."
Meng Da seized the opportunity. "That is precisely why we must consider all options. There are other leaders in the land, men of vision and strength who could offer us the support we need to defend Yi Province. One such man is Lord Lie Fan."
Yan Yan's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Lie Fan's name. "Lie Fan? The warlord who controlled most of the land? What does he have to do with our situation?"
Fa Zheng leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Lord Lie Fan is a man of great vision and capability. He has already demonstrated his strength by building Xiapi and his domain into a thriving land, while also assembling a formidable army. More importantly, he shares our desire to see a unified and prosperous land, free from the tyranny of men like Cao Cao."
Zhang Song added, "By aligning with Lord Lie Fan, we would gain a powerful ally who can help us defend Yi Province and secure its future. This is not about abandoning Lord Liu Zhang but about ensuring the survival of our people."
The room fell silent as Yan Yan and Zhang Ren considered the proposal. The two generals exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of skepticism and intrigue. They were loyal to Liu Zhang, but they were also pragmatic men who understood the realities of the world they lived in.
After a long pause, Zhang Ren spoke. "This is a bold proposal, and one that requires careful consideration. We cannot make such a decision lightly. But we will keep your words in mind and continue to discuss this matter among ourselves."
Fa Zheng nodded, understanding that this was the best they could hope for at this stage. "Of course. We do not expect an immediate answer. Our priority is the defense of Yi Province, and we will continue to work together to achieve that goal."
The meeting concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. While Yan Yan and Zhang Ren had not pledged their allegiance to Lie Fan, they had not dismissed the idea outright. It was a small but significant step, and the trio knew that patience and persistence would be key to achieving their ultimate goal.
As they left the military headquarters, Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da exchanged satisfied glances. The game was far from over, but they had taken the first crucial step. With time and careful maneuvering, they believed they could secure Yi Province for Lie Fan and ensure that Cao Cao's ambitions were thwarted.
After leaving the military headquarters, Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da made their way through the bustling streets of Chengdu, their minds still occupied with the delicate dance of politics and strategy they had just engaged in.
The meeting with Yan Yan and Zhang Ren had been a cautious success, but there was still much work to be done. Their next destination was the residence of Meng Huo, the former chieftain of the Nanman tribes, who had been granted a home in Chengdu after his subjugation by Liu Zhang's forces. Meng Huo's allegiance had been wavering for some time, and the trio saw an opportunity to finally sway him to their cause.
Meng Huo's residence was a modest yet comfortable abode, reflecting his status as a respected figure within Yi Province. Though he was no longer the ruler of the Nanman tribes, his influence among his people and his reputation as a fierce warrior made him a valuable ally.
As Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da approached the residence, they were greeted by Meng Huo's guards, who recognized them and allowed them entry without question.
Meng Huo himself was seated in the courtyard, sharpening a blade with a look of quiet intensity. He glanced up as the trio entered, his expression a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, Meng Da," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Fa Zheng stepped forward, his demeanor calm and respectful. "Meng Huo, we come to discuss matters of great importance. Matters that concern not only Yi Province but also your future and the future of your people."
Meng Huo's eyes narrowed slightly, but he gestured for them to sit. "Speak, then. I am listening."
The trio took their seats, and Zhang Song began. "Meng Huo, you are a man of strength and honor. You have seen firsthand the challenges that Yi Province faces, and you know the threats that loom on the horizon. Cao Cao's envoy has arrived in Chengdu, and his intentions are clear. He seeks to annex Yi Province, to bring it under his control. If he succeeds, the freedom and autonomy that your people have fought so hard to preserve will be lost."
Meng Da added, "Lord Liu Zhang is a good man, but he lacks the strength and vision to stand against Cao Cao. We need leaders who can unite the people and defend this land from those who would seek to dominate it. Leaders like you, Meng Huo."
Meng Huo's expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes. "And what do you propose I do? I am no longer the chieftain of the Nanman tribes. My influence is limited."
Fa Zheng leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Your influence is far from limited, Meng Huo. The people of Nanman still respect you, and your warriors are among the fiercest in the land. But more importantly, you have the opportunity to align yourself with a leader who shares your vision of a unified and prosperous land. A leader who values strength, honor, and loyalty."
Meng Huo's brow furrowed. "And who might this leader be? It can't be Lie Fan is it?"
"Yes, it is Lord Lie Fan," Zhang Song said, his tone firm. "He is a man of great vision and capability. He has built Xiapi and his domain into the most thriving in the land and assembled a formidable army. More importantly, he understands the value of alliances and the importance of preserving the autonomy of those who join him. By aligning with Lord Lie Fan, you can ensure the survival of your people and secure a future free from the tyranny of men like Cao Cao."
Meng Huo was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the blade in his hands. The trio waited patiently, knowing that this was a decision that could not be rushed. Finally, Meng Huo looked up, his expression resolute. "You speak of a future that is appealing, but I must consider the risks. Aligning with Lie Fan would mean turning against Lord Liu Zhang, a man who has treated me with respect and fairness. It is not a decision I can make lightly."
Fa Zheng nodded, understanding Meng Huo's hesitation. "We do not ask for an immediate answer, Meng Huo, at least not yet. We only ask that you consider the possibilities. The future of Yi Province, and your people, hangs in the balance. We believe that Lord Lie Fan is the best hope for preserving that future."
Meng Huo's gaze softened slightly, and he gave a slow nod. "I will consider your words. But know this: my loyalty is not easily won. If I choose to align with Lie Fan, it will be because I believe it is the best path for my people."
The trio exchanged satisfied glances. It was not a full commitment, but it was a step in the right direction. They had watered the seed they played before, and now it was up to Meng Huo to nurture it.
Meanwhile, in Xiapi, the letter sent by Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da had arrived in Lie Fan's hands. He sat in his private study, the flickering light of a nearby lantern casting shadows across the room as he read the contents of the letter.
The news it contained was not surprising, Lie Fan's Oriole Agents had already informed him of Cao Cao's envoy's arrival in Chengdu, but the letter itself was a testament to the loyalty and dedication of his agents within Yi Province.
A faint smile played on Lie Fan's lips as he set the letter down. It was not the news that pleased him, but the fact that Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da had taken the initiative to inform him. Their actions demonstrated their growing allegiance to him, and that was a valuable asset in the grand game of politics and war.
"Kongming," Lie Fan called, his voice carrying through the quiet study. Moments later, the strategist entered, his fan in hand and his expression calm but attentive.
"My lord," Zhuge Liang said, bowing slightly. "You summoned me?"
Lie Fan gestured to the letter on the table. "Read this. It seems our friends in Yi Province are proving their worth."
Zhuge Liang picked up the letter and read it carefully, his sharp eyes scanning the words. When he finished, he looked up, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da are indeed valuable assets. Their efforts to sway Yan Yan, Zhang Ren, and Meng Huo are commendable. If they succeed, Yi Province will be ripe for the taking for you."
Lie Fan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yi Province is a key piece in the puzzle. Its resources, its people, and its strategic location make it a prize worth fighting for. But more importantly, its fall would deal a significant blow to Cao Cao's ambitions. If we can secure Yi Province, we will have a strong foothold in the west and a powerful ally in the fight against Cao Cao."
Zhuge Liang's eyes gleamed with approval. "A sound strategy, my lord. But we must proceed with caution. Cao Cao is not one to be underestimated, and Liu Zhang, though weak, is not without his supporters. We must ensure that our actions are carefully calculated and that we do not reveal our hand too soon."
Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. "Agreed. For now, we will let Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da continue their work. They have proven themselves capable, and I trust them to handle the situation in Yi Province. In the meantime, we will focus on strengthening our own position and preparing for the battles to come."
Zhuge Liang bowed slightly. "As you command, my lord. I will ensure that our forces are ready and that our strategies are refined. The future of the land depends on our success." As Zhuge Liang left the study, Lie Fan's gaze returned to the letter on the table. The game was far from over, but he was confident in his ability to navigate its complexities.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 33 (200 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