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News of their triumph was dispatched to Chengdu with urgency. Messengers carried letters detailing the victory, including a comprehensive report on the subdued tribes and the remaining resistance. The correspondence also sought guidance from Liu Zhang's court on how to proceed, as Yan Yan and Zhang Ren recognized that further campaigns into the uncharted jungles required significant resources and political approval.
When the news reached Chengdu, the city erupted in celebration. Civilians and officials alike praised the efforts of Yan Yan and Zhang Ren, seeing the victory as a critical step in securing the Yi Province. The court, under the direction of Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da, convened to deliberate on the next course of action.
Zhang Song, holding the letter, read aloud the generals' reports to the court. "The Nanman tribes' coalition has been subdued, and Meng Huo is now under our control. However, the generals request guidance on managing the remaining tribes and ensuring stability in the south."
The officials murmured in approval, many praising Liu Zhang for his leadership. Unbeknownst to Liu Zhang however, the true power behind the court lay in the hands of Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da.
The three had skillfully manipulated events to portray Liu Zhang as a capable ruler after becoming free from Zhang Wei and Wang Shang's grasp, all while tightening their grip on Yi Province in preparation for their secret allegiance to Lie Fan.
Fa Zheng spoke next, his voice calm and authoritative. "We must capitalize on this victory to consolidate our rule over the south. I propose that Yan Yan and Zhang Ren be granted autonomy to negotiate with the remaining tribes, using both diplomacy and force as necessary."
"Additionally, Meng Huo should be presented before the court, where his formal surrender can be witnessed by all. This will send a clear message to both the Nanman tribes and our own people."
Meng Da, always one to think ahead, added, "This is also an opportunity to strengthen the province's economy. The Nanman territories are rich in resources, particularly rare herbs and exotic goods. By integrating the tribes, we can establish trade routes and bolster our coffers."
Liu Zhang, unaware of the deeper machinations at play, beamed with pride. "Excellent suggestions! Send word to the generals immediately. Yan Yan and Zhang Ren shall handle the tribes, and Meng Huo will be brought to Chengdu to swear his loyalty before us."
The court applauded, their cheers masking the quiet satisfaction of Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da. Behind their loyal façades, they had begun laying the groundwork for delivering Yi Province as a gift to Lie Fan, ensuring their political survival and future prosperity.
In the days that followed, Meng Huo and his captured advisors were escorted to Chengdu. Along the way, they witnessed the disciplined order of Liu Zhang's forces and the prosperity of the Yi Province, a stark contrast to the rugged life of the Nanman territories. Meng Huo, though proud, could not help but feel a growing respect for the organization and governance of his captors.
Yan Yan and Zhang Ren treated their prisoners with dignity, a calculated move to sow goodwill among the remaining tribes. They allowed Meng Huo to address his people during their journey, encouraging them to accept the new order under Liu Zhang. While some tribesmen remained wary, others began to see the potential benefits of aligning with the more developed Yi Province.
Upon reaching Chengdu, Meng Huo and his entourage were paraded through the streets, not as trophies, but as honored guests. The city's residents, well aware of the strategic importance of this victory, lined the streets to witness the occasion.
In a grand ceremony, Meng Huo knelt before Liu Zhang in the court of Chengdu. The warlord, seated on his ornate throne, looked every bit the benevolent ruler. Flanked by Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da, Liu Zhang accepted Meng Huo's surrender with grace.
"Meng Huo," Liu Zhang declared, his voice resonating through the hall, "your bravery and loyalty to your people are commendable. But now is the time for unity. Together, we can bring prosperity to the Nanman tribes and the Yi Province as a whole."
Meng Huo, his pride tempered by the realities of defeat, responded solemnly. "I surrender not out of weakness, but for the sake of my people. I will serve you, Liu Zhang, and ensure that my tribes honor this agreement."
The court erupted in applause, the ceremony marking a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the Yi Province. Meng Huo's surrender not only solidified Liu Zhang's rule but also opened the door for greater integration of the Nanman tribes into Liu Zhang's administration.
As the court celebrated, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da convened in private. Their plan was unfolding perfectly. By presenting Liu Zhang as a wise and capable leader, they ensured the province's stability while quietly preparing it for transition to Lie Fan's control.
"The south is secure," Fa Zheng noted with a sly smile. "Liu Zhang is more dependent on us than ever. When the time comes, the Yi Province will be ready for Lord Lie Fan's arrival in the future."
Meng Da nodded, his expression one of satisfaction. "Let Liu Zhang enjoy his moment of glory. It only strengthens our position. When the province changes hands, the people will see it as a natural progression, not a betrayal."
Zhang Song raised a cup of wine in a silent toast. "To the future of Yi Province and to our survival."
After the toast was exchanged between the three conspirators, Fa Zheng leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful yet calculating.
He swirled the wine in his cup before speaking again, his voice low but firm. "Meng Huo is a variable we cannot afford to ignore. His loyalty may waver once he realizes we are not acting solely in Liu Zhang's interests. If left unchecked, he could disrupt a peaceful handover and turn it into a violent rebellion."
Zhang Song and Meng Da, who had been savoring their moment of triumph, paused at Fa Zheng's words. His observation hung in the air like a storm cloud. Meng Da nodded slowly, placing his cup on the table. "You're right. Meng Huo is not a man to be underestimated. He commands respect among the southern tribes, and his influence extends far beyond what we've seen. If he senses betrayal, his pride alone could drive him to rebellion."
Zhang Song tapped a finger against the armrest of his chair, his sharp mind already racing to address the issue. "Then we must bring him into the fold," he said, his tone decisive. "Not as a mere subordinate, but as an ally, one who sees the benefits of aligning with us. If we can convince him that his people will prosper under Lie Fan's eventual rule, he may be more inclined to support the transition."
Fa Zheng's lips curled into a small smile. "Precisely. Meng Huo is a pragmatic man, despite his pride. He surrendered not out of weakness but for the survival of his people. If we appeal to that pragmatism and offer him a role in the future administration, he may become an asset rather than a threat."
Meng Da folded his arms, his eyes narrowing. "But what of Yan Yan and Zhang Ren? Their loyalty to Liu Zhang is unwavering. Even if Meng Huo joins us, those two could still derail our plans. They command the military, and while they respect us, their allegiance lies with Liu Zhang."
Zhang Song sighed, leaning forward as he addressed the group. "Yan Yan and Zhang Ren are indeed a challenge. Persuading them to join us would require careful manipulation. They are honorable men, not easily swayed by promises of power or wealth."
"However, if we can frame Lie Fan's ascension as a continuation of Liu Zhang's legacy, something that would ensure the stability and prosperity of Yi Province, they might reconsider."
Fa Zheng nodded but remained skeptical. "It's a long shot. Men like Yan Yan and Zhang Ren value loyalty above all else. If persuasion fails, we may need to consider more... permanent solutions. Removing them from their positions would be difficult, but not impossible."
Meng Da frowned, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "Eliminating them would destabilize the province, at least temporarily. Their troops are loyal to them, not us. If we act too hastily, we risk creating more enemies than allies."
Zhang Song raised a hand to calm his colleagues. "Let us not rush to such extremes. First, we focus on Meng Huo. If we can secure his support, the southern tribes will be a powerful counterbalance to any resistance from Yan Yan and Zhang Ren. Once Meng Huo is on our side, we'll reassess our approach to the generals."
The three conspirators spent the rest of the evening hashing out their plan. They decided to meet with Meng Huo in private, away from the prying eyes of Liu Zhang's court. Their aim was to present him with a vision of the future, one in which his people would thrive under Lie Fan's rule, with Meng Huo himself as a key figure in the new administration.
A week later, in a secluded chamber of the governor's palace, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da convened with Meng Huo. The southern chieftain was seated at a sturdy wooden table, his imposing presence filling the room. Despite his captivity, Meng Huo exuded confidence, his sharp eyes scanning the three men before him.
"You've summoned me here," Meng Huo began, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "What is it you wish to discuss?"
Zhang Song spoke first, his tone cordial and respectful. "Meng Huo, your surrender was a testament to your wisdom. You recognized that resistance would only bring further suffering to your people. That same wisdom is why we wish to speak with you today."
Meng Huo leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Go on."
Fa Zheng took over, his words carefully chosen. "The Yi Province is at a crossroads. Under Liu Zhang's leadership, we have seen stability, but we believe the province's true potential lies in uniting with a greater vision, a vision led by Lord Lie Fan, a man who seeks to bring prosperity to all under his rule, including the Nanman tribes."
Meng Huo's brow furrowed, his skepticism evident. "You speak of unity, yet you would replace one ruler with another. What guarantee do I have that my people will not simply exchange one oppressor for another?"
Meng Da leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Lie Fan is no oppressor. He values the diverse cultures and strengths of those under his rule. Under his leadership, your tribes would not be subjugated, but integrated. Your people would retain their traditions while benefiting from trade, infrastructure, and security. And you, Meng Huo, would play a pivotal role in ensuring this unity."
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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