Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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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.”

Meng Huo’s gaze shifted between the three men, his expression thoughtful. ”And what of Liu Zhang? Does he know of your intentions? About whatever the three of you were doing in the shadows?”

Zhang Song shook his head, his voice lowering. ”Liu Zhang is a good man, but he lacks the courage, vision, and strength to lead Yi Province and the entire land into the future. Our loyalty to him is genuine, but we believe that for the greater good, the province must align with Lie Fan. This is not treachery, it is pragmatism.”

The room fell silent as Meng Huo considered their words. Finally, he spoke, his tone measured. ”I will not betray my people’s trust. If I agree to your plan, it is because I believe it will benefit them, not because I am convinced by your promises. Show me proof of Lie Fan’s intentions, and I will consider aligning with you.”

Fa Zheng nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. ”You will have your proof, Meng Huo. In the meantime, let us work together to bring stability to the south. Your people’s prosperity is our priority, and we will prove our commitment to that cause.”

While their efforts with Meng Huo showed promise, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da knew the generals posed an even greater challenge.

Of course, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da would not take any immediate risks in persuading or eliminating Yan Yan and Zhang Ren, at least, not until the southern territories of Yi Province, the former domains of the Nanman tribes, were fully stabilized.

They understood the importance of patience and prudence. The integration of the Nanman tribes into Liu Zhang’s administration was essential to ensure an upward flow in manpower, economy, and agriculture. Stability would not only reinforce their covert plans but also strengthen Yi Province as a whole, masking their true intentions.

In the days that followed, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren continued their work with the Nanman tribes, balancing diplomacy with subtle displays of military might. Treaties were signed, trade agreements were established, and tribal leaders were invited to Chengdu to witness firsthand the prosperity of Liu Zhang’s governance.

The once-hostile tribes, seeing the benefits of cooperation, gradually began to integrate into the administration. Nanman warriors were conscripted into auxiliary units, while their lands were surveyed for agricultural potential and mineral wealth.

Meanwhile, Meng Huo, despite his surrender, remained a focal point of the conspirators’ strategy. The southern chieftain was treated with respect and included in discussions on regional governance, reinforcing his perception of Liu Zhang’s court as a cooperative partner rather than an overlord.

Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da took every opportunity to demonstrate their sincerity, subtly steering Meng Huo toward their vision of a unified Yi Province under Lie Fan’s eventual rule.

While Yi Province underwent its transformation, significant advancements were also taking place in Jiangdong, the eastern lands under the Sun Clan’s rule. Sun Ce and Sun Jian, convened with their trusted advisors, the ”Four Pillars” consisting of Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, Huan Jie, and Zhou Yu, to assess the progress made in their domains.

Xu Zhuang, the head of Lie Fan’s delegation sent as part of the agreement securing the Sun Clan’s allegiance, had proven invaluable. His expertise in agricultural development had revolutionized farming practices in Jiangdong.

Tools designed for advanced irrigation and improved plowing techniques, coupled with plans for systematic crop rotation, had begun to yield remarkable results. Even the less fertile soils of Jiangdong were now capable of producing abundant harvests.

Xu Zhuang’s team of specialists, tasked with training local farmers, worked tirelessly to disseminate their knowledge. Their efforts had a profound impact, as the farming population adapted to these new methods with enthusiasm.

The benefits were undeniable where greater yields meant more food for the populace, reducing hunger and mortality rates. Surpluses lowered the price of crops in the market, enabling even the poorest families to afford sustenance.

The burgeoning agricultural sector promised not only economic prosperity but also a substantial increase in population, as lower mortality rates and improved living conditions encouraged growth.

Sun Ce expressed his approval during the council meeting. ”Xu Zhuang has delivered on Brother Lie Fan’s promises. These advancements solidify our strength and provide a foundation for expansion. With our people fed and prosperous, we can focus on building a stronger army to defend Jiangdong and secure our future.”

Zhang Zhao, the leader and elder of the Four Pillars, nodded in agreement. ”Indeed, this cooperation with Lord Lie Fan has proven mutually beneficial. However, we must remain vigilant. While his gifts strengthen us, they also bind us closer to him. We should ensure that Jiangdong remains independent and capable of acting on its own interests, according to the allegiance treaty we had signed with him.”

Zhou Yu, hearing Zhang Zhao’s words, smirked. ”Master Zhang Zhao is right to caution us, but let’s not forget that Jiangdong’s strength lies in its people and its leaders. Lord Lie Fan’s resources are tools, it’s up to us to wield them wisely. For now, these advancements are a boon we should embrace.”

Sun Jian at this time spoke with measured authority. ”Let us not lose sight of our goals. Jiangdong’s prosperity and stability come first. If Lie Fan’s vision aligns with ours, we support him. If not, we could just stay down and guard our domain, as long as we don’t harm his interest Lie Fan wouldn’t break our allegiance treaty and even support us even more.”

The council ended with a sense of optimism tempered by caution. Xu Zhuang’s contributions had undoubtedly strengthened Jiangdong, but the Sun Clan’s leadership remained wary of becoming overly dependent on outside influence even if they had sworn allegiance to Lie Fan, as they were still an independent force with a smaller army and had a lord to serve, like a vassal.

Back in Chengdu, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da’s machinations were proceeding smoothly. With the Nanman tribes increasingly integrated into the province, they began redirecting resources and manpower to strengthen Yi Province’s infrastructure.

Roads were built to connect the southern territories to Chengdu, facilitating trade and communication. Markets thrived as exotic goods from the Nanman lands flowed northward, enriching both the local economy and the conspirators’ coffers.

Despite these successes, the conspirators remained acutely aware of the potential threats posed by Yan Yan and Zhang Ren. Their loyalty to Liu Zhang was unshakable, and their influence over the military made them formidable opponents.

However, Zhang Song counseled patience. ”We must not act rashly. As long as Yan Yan and Zhang Ren see progress and stability, they will remain focused on their duties. Let us continue to strengthen the province while subtly isolating them politically.”

Fa Zheng, ever pragmatic, agreed. ”If we push too hard, we risk alienating the very generals we rely on to maintain order. For now, we let them serve Liu Zhang. Their loyalty to him blinds them to our plans, which works to our advantage.”

Meng Da, though less patient, recognized the wisdom in their approach. ”Very well. But we must remain vigilant. Any sign of suspicion from them, and we act decisively.”

Meanwhile, Meng Huo continued to evolve from a defeated chieftain to a cooperative ally. Witnessing the prosperity of Yi Province firsthand, he began to see the potential benefits for his people.

The conspirators leveraged this transformation, presenting Meng Huo with opportunities to act as a mediator between the Nanman tribes and Liu Zhang’s administration. They framed his role as one of leadership and partnership, subtly aligning him with their vision for the future.

Meanwhile between Liu Zhang’s domain and the Sun Clan’s domain, inside Liu Bei’s capital Xiangyang, In the bustling halls of Xiangyang Governor’s Castle, Ju Shou meticulously laid out his intrigue before Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Wang Xiu.

The room was dimly lit, the flickering lanterns casting elongated shadows across the stone walls. The air was tense, laden with the weight of their deliberations. Ju Shou’s plan was ambitious, bordering on audacious, but its potential to shift the balance of power was undeniable.

”Gentlemen,” Ju Shou began, his voice measured and deliberate, ”our objective is to weaken the fragile trust between Shi Xie and Sun Ce while simultaneously presenting Lord Liu Bei as the savior of Lingling. To achieve this, precision and subtlety are paramount. Here is how we proceed.”

He unfurled a detailed map of the Lingling, tracing his finger along the boundaries of Lingling Shi Xie’s territory and Lingling Sun Clan’s territory. ”We will deploy agents disguised as Sun Clan operatives, men whose identities and mannerisms align with those known to Shi Xie’s informants. They will infiltrate Lingling part of the area that was under Shi Xie’s control, ensuring their presence is noted by Shi Xie’s men stationed there. Once apprehended, these ’spies’ will carry fabricated evidence suggesting that Sun Ce plans to annex Lingling under the pretext of securing it from external threats.”

Kuai Yue leaned forward, skepticism etched on his face. ”This will undoubtedly raise Shi Xie’s suspicions, but what ensures he takes the bait? He may choose diplomacy over action.”

Ju Shou’s lips curled into a confident smile. ”Diplomacy is a virtue in times of stability, but suspicion clouds judgment. Shi Xie has long harbored concerns about Sun Ce’s ambitions. We’ll ensure the fabricated evidence leaves no room for doubt. Once he perceives a threat, his first instinct will be to reinforce Lingling with additional troops.”

Kuai Liang nodded slowly, the gears turning in his mind. ”And this violation of the agreement would undoubtedly provoke Sun Ce.”

”Precisely,” Ju Shou affirmed. ”As Shi Xie strengthens his garrison in Lingling, we will deploy infiltrators to sow discord among his men. Disguised as agitators, they will instigate conflicts with the local populace, Sun Ce’s stationed forces, and even Lord Liu Bei’s men stationed there. The chaos will escalate to a point where intervention becomes necessary. When the time comes, Lord Liu Bei can send his forces to ’protect’ Lingling under the guise of restoring order.”

Wang Xiu, who had been silent thus far, stroked his beard thoughtfully. ”The plan is ingenious, but it hinges on several variables such as Shi Xie’s reaction, Sun Ce’s response, and our ability to manage the fallout. What if any part of this plan falters?”

Ju Shou’s expression hardened. ”Every strategy carries risk. However, we will mitigate it by ensuring plausible deniability. If questioned, we can attribute the unrest to Shi Xie’s mismanagement or rogue elements within his ranks. As for Sun Ce, his temperament will lead him to act impulsively. The friction between him and Shi Xie will buy us the time and justification we need to intervene.”

Kuai Liang exchanged a glance with his brother Kuai Yue before speaking. ”It is a dangerous game, but the rewards outweigh the risks. If successful, Lingling will fall into Lord Liu Bei’s hands without direct conflict, expanding his domain and increasing his power in the region. Proceed, Ju Shou, but keep us informed of every development.”

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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