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Lie Fan nodded in agreement. "Zhongda, your suggestion is sound. We will establish a timeline and closely monitor the situation. Wenhe, you will continue to oversee the covert operations in Jiangdong. Ensure that our agents are in place and ready to act when the time comes. Changwen, you will refine our diplomatic proposal and prepare our envoys. We must be ready to move swiftly when the opportunity presents itself."
After Lie Fan gave out his orders, everyone immediately left the main hall except for Jia Xu and Wang Yi, who Lie Fan ordered to stay. Lie Fan spoke to Jia Xu about having Wang Yi as one of the grandmasters of the Oriole alongside him, with her receiving tutelage under Jia Xu.
Jia Xu asked Lie Fan for the reason behind such a decision. Lie Fan replied that Wang Yi had shown proficiency in handling espionage and clandestine activities, especially noting the Oriole agents around Liang Province, particularly Tianshui.
Before Jia Xu could voice any objections, Lie Fan subtly added that he knew Jia Xu was the reason Wang Yi had come to Xiapi in the first place.
Hearing this, Jia Xu simply smiled and agreed to Lie Fan's decision without showing any sign of concern about being punished, causing Lie Fan to shake his head with a helpless smile.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi was confused by the exchange between Lie Fan and Jia Xu. She understood the earlier words but was puzzled by the subtle shifts in the conversation later on. Choosing to remain silent until spoken to, she observed the interaction carefully.
With Jia Xu's agreement, Lie Fan asked Wang Yi if she was willing to proceed with the assignment he had just given. She immediately agreed, promising to do her best to fulfill her task.
At this moment, Xu Kai appeared and whispered to Lie Fan, suggesting that the Oriole consider expanding their network by establishing a brothel and courtesan network. He added that Lady Wang Yi would be the perfect choice to handle this matter.
Nodding in agreement, Lie Fan relayed Xu Kai's suggestion to Jia Xu and Wang Yi, seeking their opinions. Both agreed and offered their perspectives on why such a move would be advantageous.
Jia Xu pointed out that a brothel and courtesan network could provide invaluable intelligence, as such establishments often served as hubs of information being exchanged. Wang Yi added that it would also allow them to keep a closer watch on the activities of influential figures who frequented these places.
Receiving their agreement, Lie Fan instructed Xu Kai to request additional funds from Mi Zhu to support the expansion of the Oriole's network. He then officially assigned Wang Yi as the new grandmaster of the Oriole, in charge of the brothels and courtesans network.
At this point, Jia Xu suggested that Wang Yi stay by Lie Fan's side as his left-hand woman and secretary, to handle and receive Oriole matters more efficiently.
Wang Yi, although taken aback by the sudden responsibility and trust placed on her, accepted the role with determination. She knew the importance of the task and the potential impact it could have on their overall strategy. "I will not disappoint you, my lord," she said, her voice filled with resolve.
Lie Fan nodded, satisfied with the resolution of the matter. "I trust in your abilities, Lady Wang Yi. Wenhe will guide you through your new responsibilities. Together, we will strengthen our position and ensure the stability of our territories."
As Wang Yi and Jia Xu left the main hall to discuss the finer details of her new role, Lie Fan turned his attention to other pressing matters. He knew that the delicate balance of power in the region required constant vigilance and strategic planning.
In the days that followed, Wang Yi quickly adapted to her new role. Under Jia Xu's guidance, she began to organize the brothel and courtesan network inside Lie Fan's domain, ensuring that it was both discreet and efficient.
She selected trusted agents to manage the establishments and implemented strict protocols to gather and relay information. Her natural aptitude for espionage and her meticulous attention to detail made her an invaluable asset to the Oriole.
Meanwhile, Jia Xu oversees the covert operations in Jiangdong. He carefully monitored the discontent among the noble clans, subtly fueling their opposition to the Sun Clan.
His agents worked tirelessly to sow discord and create internal strife, all while maintaining their cover. Jia Xu's experience and cunning ensured that their involvement remained hidden, allowing them to manipulate events from the shadows.
The progress in integrating the rest of the Central Plains was going well, with Mi Zhu, Liu Ye, Yi Ji, Man Chong, and Mao Jie overseeing its integration and development.
Mi Zhu and Mao Jie focused on economic development, establishing new trade routes and encouraging commerce. Yi Ji and Man Chong worked on legal reforms, ensuring that the new territories were integrated smoothly into Lie Fan's domain.
Liu Ye concentrated on infrastructure projects, improving roads and fortifications to support the growing army and facilitate communication across the region.
The palace in Xuchang, built by Cao Cao to accommodate the Emperor and serve as a foundation for his future ambitions, was deconstructed. Its materials were sent to Xiapi, preparing for the upgrade of Xiapi's Governor Castle into a palace befitting Lie Fan's future status as Emperor, and a new Governor Castle was planned for the outer part of Xiapi.
Lie Fan's army was also recuperating nicely, with each of its Head Generals overseeing their army's recovery to full strength. They expanded their numbers by 20,000 soldiers each, resulting in a total increase of 100,000 men in Lie Fan's entire force.
This increased the Qinglong, Baihu, and Zhuque Armies to 100,000 men each, the Xuanwu Army to 132,500 men, and the Qilin Army to 175,000 men. Lie Fan officially assigned Lu Qian to the Xuanwu Army and Zhao Yun to the Qilin Army, ending Zhao Yun's duties in leading the peacekeeping army that guarded the safety of Xu Province.
Zhu Jun, his son Zhu Hao, and Huangfu Song resumed their positions as generals of the peacekeeping army, with their assignment expanded to cover the entire Central Plains.
As Lie Fan reorganized his forces and administration, Cao Cao, to Lie Fan's west, was also taking action. After meeting with Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You, he began the subtle incorporation of Zhang Yan's domain and government under his banner.
This maneuver was silently done and was unknown to Yuan Shao and his court, especially as Yuan Shao was preoccupied with the grand wedding of his second son, Yuan Xi.
Cao Cao's strategy was to exploit Yuan Shao's distractions and solidify at the same time increase his power base. He knew that he needed to immediately integrate the domains Zhang Yan had under Yuan Shao's banner as it would be crucial in any future conflict with Yuan Shao.
Zhang Yan controlled a significant portion of land and had a substantial following after his surrender to Yuan Shao. By fully integrating his domain, Cao Cao could bolster his forces and extend his influence without drawing immediate attention.
Fortunately for Cao Cao, the process went smoothly, and within a couple of months, he will control five counties in the north in all but name.
This was highly advantageous, as Yuan Shao spent large amounts of money on developing those counties, allowing Cao Cao to reap the benefits without spending any resources. This silent expansion was crucial for Cao Cao's future plans.
Simultaneously, Ma Teng and Han Sui led their armies on an outward expansion beyond China's borders and the Great Wall. Their target was the Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Xianbei tribes.
The tribes were caught off guard, having never faced an organized and well-equipped army numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Ma Teng and Ma Chao led from the front, capturing or killing many of the tribesmen.
Han Sui coordinated the entire army according to plans made by Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, ensuring the efficient processing of prisoners, treasures, and livestock. The spoils of war significantly bolstered Cao Cao's treasury, army, and supplies.
Back in Luoyang, Cao Cao held a strategic meeting with Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, and Jia Kui. They discussed the possibility of coaxing Zhang Lu into surrendering and conceding his domains to Cao Cao.
Hanzhong, under Zhang Lu's control, was a strategic location. Additionally, Zhang Lu, as the master of the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice, had significant supplies and boosted Hanzhong's development, promising substantial tax income.
Xun Yu began, "My lord, Zhang Lu's submission would bring us immense benefits. Hanzhong is not only a strategic buffer but also a land of plenty. Convincing Zhang Lu to surrender peacefully would save us the cost and manpower of a military campaign."
Cheng Yu added, "Indeed, my lord. Zhang Lu's followers are deeply devoted to him due to the religious and administrative systems he has put in place. If we can assure him and his followers of their safety and continued worship, we could integrate them smoothly."
Jia Kui, thoughtful as always, proposed, "We could send an envoy with gifts and a letter, emphasizing our respect for his position and our intent to maintain the religious practices of his followers. Furthermore, promising high-ranking positions within our administration might sway him."
Cao Cao nodded, appreciating the thoroughness of their strategies. "Wenruo, prepare the necessary documents and gifts. Chongde, identify suitable candidates for the envoy. Liangdao, draft the letters, ensuring our intentions are clear and respectful. We must proceed with caution and diplomacy."
After receiving Cao Cao's order, the trio began to do their assignment according to what Cao Cao had ordered them to do.
Two weeks passed by, and soon Cao Cao's efforts to persuade Zhang Lu began to bear fruit. The envoy, laden with gifts and respectful letters, made a favorable impression on Zhang Lu.
Recognizing the futility of resistance against Cao Cao, his unending war with Liu Zhang, and the potential benefits of aligning with Cao Cao, Zhang Lu began to seriously consider surrendering Hanzhong.
Cao Cao's meeting with his advisors resumed, with Jia Kui presenting the latest developments. "My lord, Zhang Lu is showing signs of willingness to surrender. He seeks assurance that his followers will be allowed to continue their religious practices and that he will be granted a high-ranking position."
Xun Yu added, "If we honor these requests, Hanzhong will fall into our hands without bloodshed. It is a small price to pay for such a valuable territory."
Cheng Yu, ever cautious, warned, "We must remain vigilant, my lord. While Zhang Lu's surrender will be a significant gain, we must ensure that his followers integrate smoothly and that any potential dissent is swiftly addressed."
Cao Cao, considering their advice, decided, "We will accept Zhang Lu's terms. Prepare the formal documents and send word to our envoy. Ensure that our forces are ready to move in and secure Hanzhong immediately upon Zhang Lu's declaration of his surrender."
As preparations were made for the formal transfer of power, Cao Cao reflected on the broader implications. if Zhang Lu truly surrendered to him, the acquisition of Hanzhong would not only strengthen his position massively but also provide a strategic advantage in future conflicts, especially if he wanted to invade Yi Province.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 31 (198 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