If you want to read 15 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
Ma Teng grasped Jia Kui's hand firmly. "We await your return, Master Jia Kui. Let us hope that this alliance will bring peace and stability to our lands." With the negotiations concluded, Jia Kui and his envoy prepared to return to Tianshui, their mission a tentative success. As they leave through the gate of Jincheng, both Ma Teng and Ma Chao keep looking at their back until it is long gone in the distance hoping that the decision made today was the right one.
Back in Tianshui, the atmosphere in Wang Yi's residence was tense. She paced her chambers, the flickering candlelight casting long, restless shadows on the walls.
The anonymous letter she had just received detailed the smooth progress of the negotiations between Ma Teng and Jia Kui. It suggested a high likelihood that the cooperation would proceed, effectively sealing her from the revenge she wanted under Cao Cao's rule.
The news incited a fury within her that burned hotter than the candle's flame. She held the letter, her fingers trembling with rage, and held it over the flame until it was consumed by fire, reduced to ashes. The sight of the burning paper mirrored her seething anger and determination.
She turned to her loyal servants, her voice firm and unwavering. "We leave Tianshui tonight. Prepare everything we need. We must move swiftly and silently."
Her servants, though apprehensive, nodded in understanding. They had long been devoted to Wang Yi and her late husband's cause. They knew the dangers that lay ahead but were ready to follow her lead.
As night fell over Tianshui, Wang Yi and her small entourage made their final preparations. Cloaked in the shadows, they moved with the stealth and precision of seasoned operatives.
Wang Yi took a final look around her residence, memories of her husband and their shared life flooding her mind. She steeled herself, knowing that lingering on the past would only hinder her resolve.
The group slipped through the city under the cover of darkness, avoiding patrols and keeping to the less traveled paths. The reduced defenses in the city, due to Jia Kui's absence, provided the opportunity they needed to make their escape without raising alarm.
Before they finally leave Tianshui, a group of elite soldiers is waiting for her at the gate, where they told Wang Yi that Lu Jin and Luo Yun was the ones who prepared them, and order them to follow her wherever she goes.
Listening to the words of the elite soldiers, Wang Yi could only nod her head and accepted the men under her lead, knowing that she needed protection in her journey toward Xu Province.
As they reached the outskirts of Tianshui, Wang Yi allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. She knew that her journey ahead would be fraught with peril, but she was driven by a need for vengeance and a desire to see justice done for her husband. She cast one last glance back at Tianshui, then turned her gaze forward, resolute and unyielding.
The next day, the sun rose over Tianshui, its light illuminating the city's walls and casting long shadows over the bustling streets. Jia Kui and his group approached the city gates, their horses' hooves kicking up dust as they rode. The journey had been successful, and now it was time to finalize the plans and prepare for the next steps.
Upon entering the city, Jia Kui wasted no time. He headed straight to the Governor's Castle, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. The weight of the negotiations was still fresh, he knew that the next few days would be crucial in solidifying the cooperation and preparing for the larger conflict.
As they arrived at the castle, Jia Kui dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to a waiting servant. Zhang Ji, Xu Huang, and Cao Hong followed suit, their expressions serious and determined.
Jia Kui called for a meeting with Cao Ren, Han Sui, and Wang Yi. The group assembled in the grand hall, where a large wooden table dominated the center of the room. Documents were spread across its surface, evidence of the negotiation with the Ma Clan.
Cao Ren, his imposing figure clad in armor, stood at the head of the table. Han Sui, a seasoned warrior with a thoughtful expression, took a seat nearby. However, there was no sign of Wang Yi.
Jia Kui began, his voice clear and authoritative. "Thank you all for gathering on such short notice. The negotiations with Ma Teng were successful, and we have reached a tentative agreement that will greatly benefit our position. However, there are still matters that need to be addressed."
Cao Ren nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "What are the terms of the agreement, Master Jia Kui?"
Jia Kui outlined the conditions which were the Ma Clan's submission under Cao Cao's authority, the flying of the Cao Clan banner alongside their own, and their promise to guard the border regions while refraining from expanding inward. The release of General Pang De was also discussed as part of the agreement.
Han Sui listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "These terms seem favorable. The cooperation with Ma Teng will strengthen our position significantly. But where is Lady Wang Yi? Her presence is necessary for this discussion."
A servant stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Master Jia Kui, Lady Wang Yi is not present in the city. It appears she left Tianshui last night, taking her loyal followers with her."
The news caused a stir among the gathered officials. Cao Ren's brow furrowed in concern. "Why would she leave?! Does revenge matter more for her, than the bigger picture of the entire land?!"
Jia Kui exchanged a look with Zhang Ji, Xu Huang, and Cao Hong, all of whom appeared equally troubled. "It seems that Lady Wang Yi do as she said, she knew much earlier than everyone here about the negotiation success. Her departure indicates her disapproval, and it complicates our situation."
Han Sui sighed, his gaze turning toward the maps spread on the table. "Wang Yi is a formidable woman, driven by a desire for vengeance for her husband. We must be cautious. Her actions could disrupt our plans."
Cao Ren nodded in agreement. "We must locate her and bring her back to Tianshui. If she aligns with our enemies, it could spell disaster for our efforts."
Jia Kui's mind raced with the implications of Wang Yi's departure. He knew that her actions could have far-reaching consequences. "We will send scouts to track her movements and try to make contact. In the meantime, we must proceed with our preparations. The cooperation with Ma Teng must be solidified, and our defenses strengthened."
The meeting continued with intense deliberation as Jia Kui finalized the letter to be sent to Cao Cao, detailing the terms of the agreement reached with Ma Teng. The urgency of the situation was evident, and every decision carried significant weight.
Jia Kui sealed the letter and handed it to a trusted courier. "Deliver this to Lord Cao Cao with all haste. We need his confirmation to solidify our alliance with Ma Teng."
The courier bowed deeply before departing. The room fell silent for a moment as the gravity of their actions settled in. Cao Ren broke the silence, his voice firm. "We must also send scouts immediately to track Lady Wang Yi. Her potential alignment with our enemies cannot be ignored."
Jia Kui nodded in agreement. "I will dispatch our best scouts. They will report back with any information they find."
As the meeting adjourned, the officials and generals moved with purpose, each fully aware of the critical tasks ahead. Letters were dispatched, scouts were sent out, and preparations for fortifying their defenses were put into motion.
Days passed, and word finally arrived from Xuchang. Cao Cao's response came swiftly, his approval of the terms solidifying the cooperation between the Cao Clan and the Ma Clan.
The agreement was now official, and its impact rippled across the land. News spread quickly, reaching every corner of the warring states. The Ma Clan's submission under Cao Cao's authority signified a significant power shift, effectively placing Liang Province under Cao Cao's de facto rule.
In Qiao, Lie Fan received the news with mixed emotions. He stood in his war tent, the message from his spies in hand. His advisors, Jia Xu, and Xun You, were by his side, their expressions grave as they absorbed the implications.
"With Ma Teng's submission, Cao Cao's strength has grown considerably," Jia Xu said, his tone thoughtful. "Liang Province is now under his control, providing him with additional resources and strategic advantage."
Xun You nodded. "This changes the dynamics of our conflict. We must reconsider our strategy and prepare for a more challenging confrontation."
Lie Fan's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening. "Cao Cao's growing power is indeed a concern, but it also presents an opportunity. If we strike decisively and exploit any weaknesses, we can still control the tide in our favor."
The advisors exchanged looks of determination. The stakes had risen, and the path ahead would be fraught with peril, but they were prepared to face the challenges.
"We should consolidate our forces and fortify our positions in Qiao," Jia Xu suggested. "From here, we can plan our next moves whether we should attack Xuchang immediately, attack Chenliu, or wait for the arrival of Cao Cao's army that was to take Qiao from us."
Xun You agreed. "We must also continue to gather intelligence on Cao Cao's movements. Any advantage we can gain will be crucial in the battles to come."
Lie Fan nodded, his mind already strategizing the next steps. "Prepare the men. We will show Cao Cao that the central plains aren't his to dictate anymore."
As preparations continued in Qiao, the tension in the land grew palpable. The balance of power was shifting, and every Warlord was keenly aware of the stakes. The cooperation between the Cao Clan and the Ma Clan had set the stage for a new phase in the battle between Cao Cao and Lie Fan.
Meanwhile, Lie Fan received reports concerning Qinlong, Xuanwu, and Zhuque Army attacks on each of their target. Runan, Jibei, and Beihai still stand tall under the suppressing attack from each Army, while their defenses couldn't hold on much longer.
Reports of Cao Cai's Army movement that was sent to counter them were also updated to Lie Fan every hour, and it kept getting closer and closer to each town including Qiao, where according to the information Lie Fan received the general that led the Army attacking Qiao was Xiahou Dun accompanied by Yu Jin, which complements both power and strategy for the army to lay siege on Qiao.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0