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Chen Gong and Lu Su initiated diplomatic efforts, reaching out to potential allies and negotiating terms for mutual cooperation. They knew that building a network of allies would create a formidable coalition against Cao Cao's ambitions. Sima Yi, ever watchful, kept a close eye on internal affairs, ensuring that loyalty remained strong and that any signs of dissent were swiftly addressed. He understood that unity within their own ranks was essential for their success.
As Lie Fan and his advisors were taking decisive action to counteract Cao Cao's growing power, the situation in the South was becoming increasingly tense.
In Lingling, the Cai Clan, long the true power behind Liu Cong's force in Jing Province, was orchestrating a carefully controlled coronation ceremony for Liu Cong. The young man was named the true Lord and Governor of Jing Province, succeeding his father Liu Biao, and was now recognized as the new Duke of Jing.
The ceremony, held in the grand hall of Lingling, was an elaborate affair. The hall was decorated with fine silk banners, gold-threaded tapestries, and incense that filled the air with a heady fragrance.
Rows of officials and guests, all carefully selected for their loyalty to the Cai Clan, filled the hall. The ceremony was not merely a matter of formalities but a carefully staged event designed to solidify the Cai Clan's grip on power in the domains they had.
Cai Mao, as the head of the Cai Clan, stood at the forefront of the proceedings. His sharp eyes swept across the hall as he meticulously orchestrated each detail of the ceremony.
Beside him was his sister, Lady Cai, who had an iron grip influence over Liu Congm She played the role of the matron, ensuring that everything proceeded smoothly, her soft voice issuing commands that were promptly followed.
Zhang Yun, a loyal supporter of the Cai Clan, served as the master of ceremonies, guiding Liu Cong through the complex rituals and ensuring that the young man adhered to every tradition.
Liu Cong, dressed in resplendent robes of red and gold, sat nervously on the high dais, his face a mask of uncertainty. Though he wore the title of Duke, it was clear to everyone present that he was little more than a puppet, with the true power lying in the hands of the Cai Clan.
As the rituals proceeded, Liu Cong found himself merely following instructions, bowing, and making gestures as dictated by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun. The words of loyalty and fealty that he was required to recite felt hollow, yet he had no choice but to comply.
The guest list for the ceremony had been carefully curated to include only those who were supporters or allies of the Cai Clan. Those who had opposed or even questioned the Cai Clan's authority had long since been removed, either through political machinations or more direct means.
The hall was filled with the murmurs of sycophants, each eager to demonstrate their loyalty to the new regime. Their words were filled with praise for Liu Cong, but it was clear that their true allegiance lay with the Cai Clan which could be seen miles away.
As the coronation ceremony concluded, Liu Cong was officially declared the Duke of Jing, though the title carried little real power for both him and the Vai Clan, because the title came from Cao Cao's political machinations in the past.
The hall erupted in applause, more out of obligation than genuine enthusiasm. The banquet that followed was a lavish affair, with tables laden with delicacies from across the province.
Yet, beneath the veneer of celebration, there was a palpable tension. Everyone in the room knew that the future of their force was uncertain and that the Cai Clan's control was far from secure, with their military not so powerful and enemies surrounding them from all sides.
Just as the banquet was reaching its peak, a messenger arrived, his clothes dusty from travel and his face filled with urgency. He was quickly ushered into the hall by Cai Mao, who recognized the man as one of his most trusted scouts. The room fell silent as the messenger approached the dais, where Liu Cong and the Cai Clan's leaders were seated.
"My lord," the messenger began, bowing deeply. "I bring urgent news from the southern front. The Sun Clan has launched an attack on our newly conquered territories in Jiaozhi Province. They have crossed the borders with a large force and are advancing rapidly."
The room erupted in murmurs of alarm. The Sun Clan, led by Sun Jian in the past and now Sun Ce, had always been a persistent threat and annoyance to the Cai Clan and Liu Biao with he was still alive.
With their well-trained and numerous armies, navies, and experienced generals, they posed a significant challenge to the Cai Clan who was much weaker than them currently.
Cai Mao's face darkened as he absorbed the news. The Sun Clan's move was a direct challenge to their authority, and it could not be ignored. He rose from his seat, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Summon the generals and commanders immediately. We must organize a defense and push back the Sun Clan forces before they gain a foothold in our territory."
Lady Cai leaned in close to her brother and said, "This could be an opportunity, Brother," she whispered. "If we can defeat the Sun Clan decisively, it will not only secure our control over our domains in Jiaozhi Province but also elevate Liu Cong's status as a legitimate ruler with this victory. We must act quickly and with precision."
Liu Cong, who had been silent throughout the exchange, felt a surge of fear. He had never been a military man, and the prospect of war filled him with dread. Yet he knew that his position depended on the success of the Cai Clan's military efforts. He nodded weakly, trying to project an air of authority that he did not feel.
Zhang Yun, who had been listening carefully, spoke up. "We must also consider the possibility of this attack being a feint. The Sun Clan may be trying to draw our forces south while they strike at us from the north through Changsha. We should be cautious and ensure that our defenses are strong across the borders of our domain."
Cai Mao nodded in agreement. "You are right, Zhang Yun. We will not be drawn into a trap. Prepare our forces, but also strengthen the defenses in the north. We must be ready for any eventuality."
The banquet was abruptly cut short as the hall transformed into a war room. Maps were unfurled, and messengers were dispatched to various corners of the Cai Clan's domain.
Generals and commanders were summoned, and plans were drawn up to counter the Sun Clan's advance. The festive atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a sense of urgency.
As the night wore on, the hall buzzed with activity. Cai Mao took charge of military planning, coordinating with his generals, and issuing orders with the confidence of a seasoned commander.
Lady Cai, meanwhile, worked behind the scenes, ensuring that the logistics were in place and that supplies and reinforcements were ready to move at a moment's notice. Zhang Yun organized the intelligence network, sending scouts to gather information on the Sun Clan's movements and assess the strength of their forces.
Liu Cong, though overwhelmed, tried to contribute where he could. He met with his advisors and attempted to project an image of leadership, though it was clear to everyone that the real power lay with the Cai Clan. His role was largely ceremonial, a figurehead to rally the troops and give legitimacy to the Cai Clan's rule.
As dawn approached, the plans were finalized. Cai Mao had devised a strategy to meet the Sun forces head-on, using the terrain to their advantage and launching a series of coordinated attacks to weaken the enemy's advance.
The generals were confident in their ability to execute the plan, but there was an underlying tension, a recognition that the outcome of this battle could determine the future of the Cai Clan's trajectory.
With the plans in place, Cai Mao turned to Liu Cong. "My lord, it is time for you to address the troops. They need to see their Duke leading them, even if from the rear. Your presence will inspire them and remind them of what they are fighting for."
Liu Cong swallowed hard, knowing that this was an important moment. He rose from his seat, his legs unsteady, and made his way to the courtyard where the troops had gathered.
Hundreds of thousands of soldiers, dressed in armor and armed for battle, stood in formation, their faces hard and determined. As Liu Cong approached, they turned to face him, their expressions unreadable.
Taking a deep breath, Liu Cong raised his voice to address the men. "Brave soldiers, today we face a great challenge. The Sun Clan seeks to take what is ours, but we will not let them. We will fight with all our strength to defend our homes and our people. I stand with you in this battle, and I have faith that we will emerge victorious!"
The soldiers responded with a cheer, though it was clear that their enthusiasm was more for the battle ahead than for their inexperienced Duke. Nevertheless, Liu Cong felt a small measure of relief, knowing that he had done his part.
Cai Mao took the lead, organizing the march to the front lines. The army moved out, a sea of steel and banners as they advanced toward the southern border of Jing Province and entered Jiaozhi Province.
The terrain of Jiaozhi Province was varied, with mountains, rivers, and plains that could either aid or hinder the army's movements. Cai Mao had taken this into account, planning their route to maximize their strengths and exploit the enemy's weaknesses.
As the army marched south, they encountered the first signs of the Sun Clan's advance. Scattered skirmishes broke out along the way, as Sun Ce's forces probed their defenses and tested their resolve.
The Cai Clan's generals responded with discipline, repelling the attacks and maintaining their formation as they pressed forward.
The main battle was set to take place near a strategic hills area, a point that would be key to controlling access to the border between Yang Province and Jiaozhi Province.
Cai Mao had chosen this location carefully, knowing that the terrain would limit the Sun forces' ability to maneuver and give his troops the advantage.
As the armies faced off, the tension was palpable. The Sun Clan's forces, led by Zhou Yu and Sun Ce, were well-trained and battle-hardened. They had fought many campaigns in the South and were not to be underestimated. On the other side, the Cai Clan's forces were determined to force the Sun Clan out from their domain, knowing that defeat could mean the loss of everything they held dear.
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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