Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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Sima Hui broke the seal with care and began to read aloud, his voice steady yet tinged with emotion as he conveyed Zhuge Liang’s thoughts and observations. As the letter unfolded, detailing Lie Fan’s leadership, vision, and the potential he represented, the room grew increasingly silent.

The gravity of Zhuge Liang’s message was evident, and the three scholars listened intently, each man’s expression reflecting a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and deep contemplation.

When Sima Hui finished reading, he set the letter down and leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. ”Kongming speaks with conviction,” he said. ”His words are not hastily written. It is clear he has considered this matter deeply.”

Pang Degong nodded, stroking his beard. ”Indeed. He describes Lie Fan as a leader of rare character, one who seeks unity not through force but through trust and respect. Such leaders are few and far between.”

Huang Chengyan, the oldest of the three, spoke next. ”Kongming has always been meticulous. If he, along with Shiyuan and Yuanzhi, sees great potential in Lie Fan, we must take their assessment seriously. But the decision to uproot ourselves and join him is not one to be made lightly.”

Sima Hui sighed, his gaze shifting to the bamboo grove outside. ”True. And yet, remaining here while such a leader rises may be a missed opportunity. What do you think, Degong?”

Pang Degong tapped his fingers on the table, his mind racing. ”Lie Fan’s nature to protect this village and respect our neutrality speaks to his honor. It reassures me that he values wisdom and virtue over mere power. But to align ourselves with him means placing great trust in his ability to stay true to these principles.”

Huang Chengyan, ever pragmatic, added, ”We must also consider the implications of our involvement. If we were to join Lie Fan, our presence would carry significant weight. It could inspire others to rally to his cause, but it would also draw attention to us and potentially place us at risk.”

The discussion continued late into the evening, the three scholars weighing the risks and benefits with the same careful deliberation they had taught Zhuge Liang years ago. They discussed the political climate, Lie Fan’s accomplishments, and the potential for a unified land under his leadership. By the time the moon hung high in the sky, they reached a tentative conclusion.

Sima Hui stood, his expression resolute. ”We must meet Lord Lie Fan ourselves. Only then can we truly understand the man Kongming speaks of.”

Pang Degong and Huang Chengyan nodded in agreement. ”A meeting will reveal his character far better than any letter,” Degong said. ”Let us prepare for the journey.”

The following morning, the three scholars began making arrangements for their trip to Xiapi. Word of their departure spread through the village, stirring curiosity and a touch of sadness among the locals, who had long relied on the trio’s wisdom. Before leaving, Sima Hui called for the courier, who had rested and recovered during his stay.

”You have carried Kongming’s message with great diligence,” Sima Hui said, handing the courier a small pouch of silver as a token of gratitude. ”Now, I ask you to deliver a message in return. Inform Zhuge Liang that we are on our way to Xiapi. Tell him we wish to see for ourselves the man he has chosen to follow.”

The courier bowed deeply, accepting the task with solemn pride. As he departed, the three scholars stood at the edge of the village, gazing out at the path ahead.

Nearly a month after Zhuge Liang’s letter had been sent, word reached Xiapi that Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan were en route. The news brought a rare smile to Zhuge Liang’s face, a sense of relief washing over him. He immediately informed Lie Fan, who welcomed the opportunity to host such esteemed figures.

Lie Fan’s expression was one of genuine gratitude as he turned to Zhuge Liang. ”Kongming, you’ve done something remarkable. Convincing your masters to visit Xiapi and hear me out is no small feat. For that, I owe you my deepest thanks.”

He paused, his tone growing solemn as he continued, ”I promise you this, if your masters decide not to serve me and wish to return to Longzhong, they will leave with my utmost respect. I will not lift a finger against them or the people of their village. Their wisdom and neutrality will always be honored.”

Zhuge Liang’s calm smile deepened slightly, his fan pausing mid sway. ”Your promise speaks volumes about your character, my lord. It reassures me that I made the right choice in supporting you.” His gaze held a subtle but firm resolve as he added, ”Once my masters have made their decision, whatever it may be, I will formally pledge my allegiance to you.”

Lie Fan caught the implication in Zhuge Liang’s words and felt a spark of joy. His smile widened, filled with both pride and anticipation. He gave a slight nod, his voice warm. ”Then I shall await the day with great hope, Kongming. Go now, prepare as you see fit.”

Zhuge Liang bowed respectfully and left the room. Once he was gone, Lie Fan’s demeanor shifted slightly, taking on a tone of decisive action. He summoned the three headmasters of Xiapi Academy, Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi, to his office without delay.

When the trio arrived, they found Lie Fan seated at his desk, the glow of determination lighting his features. He gestured for them to sit before addressing them.

”I have important news,” he began. ”Three of the most revered and seclusive scholars in the land, Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan, are on their way to Xiapi. They are coming not only to visit but to judge the sincerity of our cause. This is a rare opportunity for us to showcase the values and vision we hold dear.”

The room grew quiet as the gravity of his words settled over them. Zhuge Xuan leaned forward slightly as he heard this, and immediately knew that his grand nephew had a hand in this. ”It seems Kongming’s influence is already bearing fruit,” he said. ”What would you have us do to prepare for their arrival, my lord?”

Lie Fan’s tone was thoughtful but firm. ”I wish to use the Xiapi Academy to host them. It’s a place that reflects our dedication to learning and the cultivation of wisdom, a fitting location for such esteemed guests. However, the Academy must be ready to receive them. It should exude an air of scholarly refinement, but it should not be excessive or ostentatious. We will welcome them with humility and respect, as scholars deserve.”

Cai Yong, as a venerable teacher and literary master, nodded in agreement as he knew this was the correct way. ”The Academy is already a place of dignity and learning, but I understand your meaning, my lord. I will oversee the preparations personally. We will ensure that it is immaculate and imbued with a sense of purpose befitting their stature.”

Lu Zhi then spoke next after Cai Yong. ”And what of the reception itself? Will there be a formal assembly, or do you intend to keep it intimate, my lord?”

Lie Fan considered this for a moment. ”The initial meeting should be modest. Let them feel the sincerity of our intentions rather than the weight of ceremony. Once they have settled, we can arrange for discussions and perhaps even a symposium to showcase the intellectual depth of Xiapi Academy teachers and students.”

The three men nodded, each understanding their role in the coming days. As they departed to begin preparations, Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, his thoughts turning to the future.

He knew the arrival of Sima Hui and the others could be a turning point, to change the status quo of the noble, scholars, and merchant caste, uplift the power and influence of the common people, and enhance his secular power even more.

Over the next several days, the Xiapi Academy underwent careful preparation under Cai Yong’s meticulous supervision. The building was cleaned thoroughly, its halls adorned with simple yet elegant scrolls bearing classic verses from the ancient texts.

The gardens were pruned to perfection, their serene beauty enhanced by small additions like stone benches and water features that invited quiet contemplation.

At the same time, Zhuge Xuan and Lu Zhi worked on compiling records of Xiapi’s progress, documents and plans that reflected the city’s prosperity under Lie Fan’s governance. These would be presented to the scholars as tangible proof of his dedication to the well-being of his people.

Nearly two weeks after Zhuge Liang’s letter had been sent and several weeks before the new year, word reached that Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan were only days away. Zhuge Liang, having received the courier’s confirmation, went directly to Lie Fan to share the news.

”They are close,” he said, his tone calm but tinged with excitement. ”We should be ready to receive them within three days.”

Lie Fan smiled, his confidence unwavering. ”Then let us ensure that everything is in order. I trust that you, Kongming, will also play a key role in introducing them to our work here. Your insight will be invaluable.”

Zhuge Liang inclined his head. ”I shall do my part, my lord.”

The day of the scholars’ arrival dawned clear and bright, the air crisp with the promise of a new beginning. Lie Fan, accompanied by Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi, stood at the city gates to welcome them. The three scholars arrived in a modest carriage, their expressions calm but observant as they took in their surroundings.

As the carriage came to a stop, Lie Fan stepped forward, his demeanor respectful yet warm. ”Masters Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan, welcome to Xiapi. It is an honor to have you here.”

Sima Hui, the first to step down, offered a slight bow. ”Lord Lie Fan, the honor is ours. We have heard much about you and your work here. It is only fitting that we see it for ourselves.”

Pang Degong and Huang Chengyan followed, their gazes steady as they assessed the young leader before them. Lie Fan met their scrutiny with unwavering composure, his sincerity evident in every word and gesture.

The scholars were escorted to the Xiapi Academy, where they were shown their quarters and given time to rest. Later that evening, a modest welcome banquet was held, during which Lie Fan spoke openly about his vision for the land and the role he believed wisdom and virtue should play in governance.

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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