Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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Feng Ji and Shen Pei exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier anger now mingled with confusion and hope. Freedom was a tempting prospect, especially given the grim alternative of dying in disgrace in this wretched dungeon. But the sudden appearance of these strangers raised more questions than answers.

”You expect us to trust you without knowing who you are or what you want?” Guo Tu said, his voice tinged with defiance.

One of the other hooded figures stepped forward, their movements smooth and deliberate. ”Trust is irrelevant,” they said, their tone almost dismissive. ”The question is simple, do you wish to live, or do you wish to rot here, forgotten and alone? Remembered as the treacherous advisors who caused the downfall of Yuan Shao?”

The bluntness of the statement sent a shiver down Guo Tu’s spine. He glanced toward Feng Ji and Shen Pei, searching their faces for some indication of what they were thinking. Feng Ji’s expression was a mixture of fear and desperation, while Shen Pei looked deep in thought, his brow furrowed.

”What happens to our families if we stay?” Shen Pei asked cautiously, his voice betraying his concern. ”Will they be implicated in our so-called crimes?”

The hooded figure nodded slowly. ”Your families will face ruin. Imprisonment, confiscation of property, perhaps worse like the execution of your entire family line. Yuan Shao’s wrath does not stop at you three.”

The implication was clear, and it sent a wave of dread through the imprisoned advisors. Despite their anger and bitterness, their families’ safety weighed heavily on their minds.

Feng Ji, his voice trembling slightly, broke the silence. ”And if we agree? What will you do?”

The third hooded figure, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. ”We will ensure your escape and protect your families. But there is a price for all of this.”

Guo Tu’s eyes narrowed as he heard the word price. ”A price? What kind of price do we have to pay?”

The figure leaned closer, their voice a whisper that seemed to cut through the air like a blade. ”Loyalty. Not to Yuan Shao, but to another. One who recognizes your worth, values your skills, and ultimately values the inner knowledge you have inside of Yuan Shao’s court.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. The three advisors exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of suspicion and intrigue.

”Who is this... other?” Shen Pei asked carefully.

The hooded figures said nothing, their silence speaking volumes. It was clear they would not reveal their master’s identity, well not yet, at least. The ambiguity only deepened the mystery, but it also added to the allure.

For men like Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei, who had spent their lives navigating the treacherous waters of court politics, the prospect of serving someone new, someone who might value them more than Yuan Shao ever had, was undeniably tempting.

Guo Tu was the first to speak. ”If you can guarantee our freedom and the safety of our families, then I see no reason to refuse.”

Feng Ji hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. ”Nor do I. Better to serve a new master than die in disgrace under the old one.”

Shen Pei, though more reserved, eventually gave a small nod. ”If you can deliver on your promises, then I will follow.”

The lead hooded figure inclined their head slightly, as if acknowledging their decision. Without another word, they turned and began to unlock the cells, their movements swift and practiced. Within moments, the three advisors were free, their chains removed and their paths cleared.

”Follow us,” one of the figures instructed. ”We must move quickly.”

Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei exchanged one last glance before stepping out of their cells. Their fate was now tied to these mysterious figures and their unknown master. As they disappeared into the shadows, the prison of Zhongshan fell silent once more, the air heavy with the weight of what had just transpired.

Little did they know, that their escape would set into motion a series of events that would reshape the balance of power in the north. Yuan Shao’s court would soon learn of their disappearance, and the seeds of suspicion and betrayal would be sown even deeper within the already fractured Yuan clan.

For the three former advisors, however, the road ahead was uncertain but filled with possibility, a chance to reclaim their lost honor, or to fall even further into infamy.

To the southwest of Zhongshan, the vast plains were dotted with the banners of Lie Fan’s army groups, the Qilin Army, Qinlong Army, and Baihu Army. Thousands of soldiers moved about the sprawling camp, their armor gleaming under the midday sun.

The sight was awe-inspiring, a testament to the discipline and strength of Lie Fan’s forces. However, what puzzled many, including the head generals and strategists of each army group, was the sudden halt in their advance.

Lie Fan, known for his aggressive and decisive strategies, had ordered the army to rest and create a temporary camp just tens of kilometers from Zhongshan. This decision had sparked quiet murmurs of confusion among his officers.

Why would they stop when victory seemed within reach? The answer, however, was known only to Lie Fan, Sima Yi, and Xun You, the core masterminds for the three army groups at the stage of this campaign.

Inside the central command tent, the atmosphere was calm but charged with anticipation. Lie Fan sat at the head of a large table, flanked by Sima Yi and Xun You. Spread before them was a detailed map of Zhongshan and its surrounding regions, marked with troop positions and key strategic points.

Lie Fan’s expression was sharp, his gaze fixed on the map. ”The reports from the Oriole agents confirm what we suspected,” he said, his tone measured but laced with confidence. ”Yuan Shao’s court is in complete disarray. The revelations about Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei have shattered whatever unity remained among his ranks.”

Sima Yi, ever composed, nodded. ”The imprisonment of those three advisors is a significant blow to Yuan Shao’s administration. Their removal has not only weakened his ability to govern but also sown seeds of mistrust among his remaining officers. It’s the perfect opportunity for us to strike.”

Xun You, leaning slightly over the table, tapped a marked spot on the map. ”And now that the Oriole agents have successfully orchestrated their escape, we hold the leverage. Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei possess invaluable knowledge about Zhongshan’s defenses and Yuan Shao’s inner circle. Their betrayal will cripple Yuan Shao from within.”

Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. ”Exactly. By rescuing them, we’ve not only gained powerful tools to dismantle Yuan Shao’s power but also ensured that his remaining forces will be riddled with paranoia. Yuan Shao won’t know whom to trust.”

Just as Lie Fan spoke, a messenger entered the tent, bowing deeply. ”My lord, the Oriole agents have sent word. The three advisors have been successfully extracted and are en route to our camp. They will arrive by nightfall.”

Lie Fan nodded, his smile widening. ”Good. Ensure they are brought directly to me upon their arrival. I want to hear from them firsthand.” As the messenger left, the three men in the tent resumed their discussion.

Meanwhile, within the camp, the soldiers of the Qilin, Qinlong, and Baihu armies were taking advantage of the rare pause in their campaign. Blacksmiths hammered away at damaged weapons, supply officers distributed rations, and soldiers rested in groups, sharing stories and laughter. Despite the apparent calm, the men remained vigilant, knowing that their commander never acted without purpose.

The generals, too, were restless. Zhang Liao who was the head general of the Qilin Army approached the command tent alongside Wei, the head general of the Baihu Army.

”I don’t understand it,” Zhang Liao muttered, his tone carrying a hint of frustration. ”Lord Lie Fan is always pushing forward, always seeking the next advantage. Why stop now, when Zhongshan is within our grasp?”

Dian Wei, who was brave, fiercely loyal, and less prone to questioning orders, shrugged. ”Lord Lie Fan must have his reasons. You know as well as I do that his plans are never without purpose. We just have to trust him.”

As they reached the tent, the flap opened, and Sima Yi stepped out, his sharp eyes immediately meeting theirs.

”Generals,” Sima Yi greeted, his tone neutral but firm. ”I assume you’re here to question the halt in our advance.”

Zhang Liao crossed his arms, his expression serious. ”I won’t deny it. The men are restless, and even the officers are beginning to wonder why we’ve stopped.”

Sima Yi gave a small, knowing smile. ”All in due time, General Zhang. For now, trust that Lord Lie Fan’s decision will bring us greater rewards than a reckless advance ever could.”

Before Zhang Liao could press further, another messenger arrived, this time bearing a more urgent expression. ”Master Sima Yi, the three advisors have arrived. They are being escorted to Lord Lie Fan as we speak.”

Sima Yi’s smile widened. ”Excellent. I believe all your questions will soon be answered, General Zhang.”

Nightfall brought a hush over the camp as Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei were led into the command tent. Their appearances were disheveled, their expressions a mixture of wariness and curiosity. Despite their circumstances, they carried themselves with a certain dignity, remnants of their once-lofty positions in Yuan Shao’s court.

Lie Fan stood as they entered, his presence commanding yet calm. ”Gentlemen,” he began, his voice steady. ”You stand before me not as prisoners, but as potential allies. You have valuable knowledge that can turn the tide of this war, and in return, I offer you a chance to reclaim your honor and protect your families.”

Guo Tu, as the leader and oldest of the three, was the first to speak. ”Lord Lie Fan, what a surprise that wasn’t a surprise, on our way we are thinking who could come to save us, and we are grateful for your intervention. But before we pledge ourselves to your cause, we must know, what do you seek from us?”

Lie Fan’s gaze hardened, his tone unwavering. ”I seek the downfall of Yuan Shao and the unification of the north under a banner of stability and prosperity. You three have seen firsthand the decay within his court. His inability to lead, his arrogance, his favoritism to the likes of you three and others, all of it has brought ruin to his once-great army and domain. I need your knowledge to dismantle his remaining power and bring this war to an end.”

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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