Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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Chen Deng bowed deeply. ”As you command, my lord. I alongside Master Liu Ba and Master Man Chong will ensure that the people see the benefits of the governance under your rule, and ensure the transition and integration worked swiftly.”

With Chen Deng’s words, Lie Fan nodded in satisfaction. He gave his generals and advisors a final glance, ensuring they understood their responsibilities. ”Keep me informed of any developments. Tomorrow, the army moves out from Zhongshan to assume their new posts, while the Qilin Army will return with me back to Xiapi. Prepare accordingly.”

With this final order, the meeting concluded. The room emptied as the generals and advisors departed, each already planning their next steps. Lie Fan, however, lingered for a moment, his gaze fixed on the maps sprawled across the table. The weight of leadership bore heavily on his shoulders, but his resolve remained unshaken.

After a brief pause, Lie Fan motioned for Sima Yi and Xun You to accompany him. Together, they made their way to the left hall of the Governor’s Castle, where Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei awaited. These three men, former close aides of Yuan Shao, had been instrumental in Lie Fan’s conquest of Zhongshan.

They had provided critical intelligence on Zhongshan’s weaknesses, information that had tipped the scales in Lie Fan’s favor, reducing the amount of casualties and time spent on Lie Fan’s side.

The trio had been languishing in prison under Yuan Shao’s orders after being found out of sowing discord among his sons. Lie Fan, recognizing their potential, had orchestrated their rescue through his Oriole agents. Now, they sought to secure their place in Lie Fan’s burgeoning administration.

As Lie Fan entered the hall, Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Shen Pei stood to greet him with deep bows. ”My lord, we are honored by your presence,” Guo Tu said, his voice measured and deferential.

Lie Fan returned their greeting with a nod, gesturing for them to take their seats. He took the main seat at the head of the table, while Sima Yi and Xun You positioned themselves to his right. The trio of former Yuan Shao advisors sat on the left, their expressions a mix of hope and caution.

Guo Tu was the first to speak, his tone laced with sincerity. ”Allow me to congratulate you on your resounding victory, my lord. It is a testament to your wisdom and leadership. We are grateful to have played a small part in your success.”

Feng Ji and Shen Pei echoed Guo Tu’s sentiments, their words carefully chosen to convey respect and gratitude. Lie Fan listened patiently, his expression unreadable. When they finished, he leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Guo Tu’s.

”You have indeed contributed to our victory,” Lie Fan said, his voice firm yet measured. ”Your knowledge of Zhongshan’s weaknesses was invaluable. However, the time for flattery has passed. What I need now are capable men who can help me govern and strengthen my expanding domain. Tell me, what roles do you envision for yourselves in my service?”

The directness of Lie Fan’s question caught the trio off guard, but Guo Tu quickly composed himself. ”My lord, I have long served as an advisor in matters of strategy and governance. I believe my experience can be of great use to you in managing the administrative affairs of your new territories.”

Feng Ji spoke next, his voice steady. ”I have overseen logistics and supply chains in the past. With your domain expanding, ensuring the smooth flow of resources will be critical. I humbly offer my services in this capacity.”

Shen Pei, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. ”My lord, I am well-versed in military organization and fortification. If you would grant me the opportunity, I can assist in strengthening the defenses of our border regions.”

Lie Fan listened intently, his sharp mind weighing their words. After a moment of silence, he turned to Sima Yi and Xun You. ”What do you think of their proposals?”

Sima Yi was the first to respond. ”My lord, their skills are evident, and their knowledge of the northern land affairs cannot be overlooked. Guo Tu’s administrative acumen could be an asset, particularly in stabilizing newly acquired territories.”

Xun You nodded in agreement. ”Feng Ji’s logistical expertise will undoubtedly ease the strain on our supply lines, especially as we prepare for further campaigns. Shen Pei’s experience in military matters is also worth utilizing, though his loyalty should be tested before entrusting him with critical responsibilities.”

Lie Fan considered their input, his gaze returning to the trio. ”Very well. Guo Tu, you will serve as the Grand Administrator in the administration of Zhongshan, focusing on governance and civil affairs of Zhongshan and it’s surrounding area. Feng Ji, you will oversee logistics and supplies, ensuring that our armies and territories remain well-provisioned. Shen Pei, you will assist in fortifying the defenses of Julu and Chenliu under the supervision of Huang Zhong and Dian Wei. Prove your loyalty and competence, and greater responsibilities will follow.”

The trio bowed deeply, their expressions a mix of relief and determination. ”The there of us will not disappoint the trust you had put on us, my lord,” Guo Tu said, his voice resolute.

Lie Fan nodded, signaling the end of their discussion. As they departed Lie Fan use the eye of Erlang Shen on the three of them to see what kind of stats they have.

• Guo Tu

INT: 569 WIS: 73 VIT: 67 CHR: 70

• Feng Ji

INT: 587 WIS: 74 VIT: 73 CHR: 74

• Shen Pei

INT: 578 WIS: 74 VIT: 77 CHR: 78

After seeing the stats the trio had, he turned to Sima Yi and Xun You. ”Keep a close watch on them. Their skills are valuable in the integration and consolidation of our new domain, but with the history they had trusting them will be the downfall of us, at least we need go truly ensure that they wouldn’t do anything like they had done when they serve Yuan Shao.”

Sima Yi smirked slightly. ”Rest assured, my lord. They will be watched closely. I will send a letter to Master Jia Xu, so that he could assign several Oriole agents to keep an eye on them.”

As Lie Fan separated from Sima Yi and Xun You, his mind drifted from matters of governance to something more personal. The weight of leadership never truly left him, but in moments like these, he allowed himself a reprieve.

His three Yellow Ghost bodyguards, silent and ever-vigilant, followed him closely as he made his way to his private chamber. Their presence was a constant reminder of the dangers he faced, even within the walls of his stronghold as even with the Oriole agents around extra protection is always good..

Upon reaching his chamber, the guards took their positions outside the door, standing firm as a protective barrier. Lie Fan entered, his steps light but purposeful, and the sight before him brought a rare softness to his expression.

Inside, Lu Lingqi was seated on a low stool, meticulously polishing her armor. The pieces gleamed under the soft light of the chamber, evidence of her dedication. Beside her rested the halberd of her late father, Lu Bu, its blade polished to perfection.

It was more than a weapon, it was a symbol of her heritage and a testament to her relentless spirit. Cleaning and caring for it had become her ritual, a way to honor her father and maintain the bond they shared through martial prowess.

Hearing the door, Lu Lingqi looked up and saw her husband. Her face lit up with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. She set down the cloth she was using and rose gracefully, moving toward a small table where a teapot and several cups were arranged. Without a word, she poured a cup of tea and handed it to Lie Fan.

Lie Fan accepted it with a smile, his gaze never leaving hers. ”Thank you, Qi’er,” he said, his voice soft, the usual commanding edge absent. He took a sip, savoring the warmth and subtle aroma of the tea before setting the cup down.

”Have you packed everything for tomorrow?” he asked, his tone casual but tinged with curiosity. The Qilin Army was preparing to return to Xiapi, and he wanted to ensure that everything was in order.

Lu Lingqi nodded, her gentle smile never wavering. ”Everything has been packed, husband. I’ve ensured nothing is left behind. We’ll be ready to leave at first light.”

Lie Fan’s smile widened. Her competence and dedication were qualities he admired deeply, and her presence in his life was a source of strength. He stepped closer to her, his voice dropping to a whisper as he leaned in. ”Since you’ve finally fulfilled your dream of fighting by my side in battle, are you ready for another journey? One to expand our family with our children?”

Lu Lingqi’s eyes widened slightly, and a bright blush spread across her cheeks. Her usual confidence gave way to a shy demeanor, a side of her that only Lie Fan ever saw. Her heart raced, and she looked down, her hands fidgeting slightly before she gathered her courage to respond.

”Yes... I am ready,” she said softly, her voice trembling with both shyness and determination. ”I’ve always wanted to stand by your side, and now, I want to build a future with you.”

Lie Fan felt a wave of emotion at her words. He reached out and gently took her hand, pulling her into a tender embrace. ”You’ve always been such a shy lady, Qi’er. Together, lets create a legacy that will continue the Lu Clan line.”

The two stood there for a moment, enveloped in each other’s warmth. The world outside the chamber seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the quiet promise of their shared future.

The air in the chamber grew thick with unspoken desires, a tension that crackled between them like a summer storm. Lie Fan, his heart pounding in his chest, gently guided Lu Lingqi towards the bed, his touch lingering on her arm, sending shivers down her spine.

Lu Lingqi, her breath catching in her throat, allowed him to lead her. The bed, draped in soft silk, beckoned, a haven of intimacy amidst the chaos of their lives. As he lowered her onto the plush mattress, her eyes met his, wide with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

Lie Fan, sensing her apprehension, leaned down and kissed her forehead, his voice soft and reassuring. ”Don’t worry, Qi’er. I’ll be gentle.”

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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