Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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The Oriole commander spoke again, voice lower than before. ”They are the most enraged, Your Majesty, because their heir, the one who attempted to touch Lady Shangxiang, lost his ear after she defended herself. Ever since then, the Lu Clan has harbored resentment toward both the Sun Clan and Lady Shangxiang.”

Lie Fan’s eyebrows rose in genuine surprise. ”Oh? I had not heard this tale.”

”Yes, Your Majesty. The lady, being who she is, did not suffer the insult. She drew a dagger and, in the ensuing struggle, severed part of the young man’s ear. Causing quite the humiliation for the Lu Clan.They concealed the matter to avoid shame and have nursed a grudge ever since.”

Lie Fan let out a soft, humorless chuckle. ”Serves the fool right. But I see the problem. Their opposition is now fueled by both political jealousy and a deep seated personal vendetta.”

”Yes, Your Majesty,” the commander confirmed. ”We have monitored them closely. While they have made no overt moves yet, we anticipate they may attempt to stir trouble.”

Lie Fan’s eyes sharpened.

”Trouble during the wedding?”

”Possibly, Your Majesty,” the agent said. ”Our current intelligence suggests that while the Lu Clan is not yet moving openly, they are actively whispering among other disaffected noble and scholar families. We estimate they will attempt to cause a disruption, either during the wedding ceremony itself, or more insidiously, by spreading rumors and omens to turn public opinion. They may try to paint this marriage as inauspicious, a bad omen for Yuzhang that will bring misfortune, hoping the superstitious among the common folk will do their work for them.”

A low hum left Lie Fan.

”Then raise the alert level for all Oriole Agents stationed within Yuzhang.”

The commander bowed deeply. ”At once, Your Majesty.”

Lie Fan’s gaze hardened, though his posture remained relaxed. ”I want the Lu Clan and their allies watched day and night. Every meeting, every whispered conversation, every carrier pigeon that leaves their compound. I will not have this happy occasion, or the stability of the Southlands, threatened by the bruised pride of a few petty aristocrats. If they so much as think of spoiling this union, I want to know about it before the thought has fully formed in their minds.”

The commander bowed sharply. ”It will be done, Your Majesty. The entire network in Yuzhang will be at your disposal, operating at the highest alert.”

Satisfied, Lie Fan dismissed them with a gentle wave.

”Go. I’ll rest before the banquet tonight.”

With another synchronized bow, the agents filed out as silently as they had entered, melting back into their roles as invisible servants.

For the first time since arriving in Yuzhang, Lie Fan allowed himself to sit on the cushioned chair beside the writing table, exhaling slowly. His mind did not drift to sleep as much as to calculation.

Power played its games even during weddings.

Especially during weddings.

Even more so when he, the Emperor, was present to guarantee the bride and groom’s union.

Hours slipped by with the sun slowly descending across the sky, its golden rays turning the mansion’s roofs a molten orange. Servants lit fresh lanterns along the corridors, their flickering lights pooling across stone floors and casting delicate shadows on the walls.

The evening breeze carried the scent of steamed buns, roasted meats, and spiced wines from the kitchens. Laughter drifted from the outer courtyards where Sun Clan servants exchanged gossip and tidbits about the upcoming wedding.

The main hall had been transformed once more.

Where earlier it bore the grandeur of a clan reception, now it shimmered with the warmth of auspicious celebration, the red silk banners doubled, the strings of jade ornaments gleamed brighter, and tables were set with embroidered cloth depicting cranes and lotus blossoms.

Lie Fan stood at the terrace overlooking the courtyard just outside the main hall, hands clasped behind his back, posture straight despite the long day.

Beside him stood Ma Chao.

The general’s armor had been replaced with a cleaner, more ceremonial version, polished to a mirror sheen, the horsehair tassels freshly combed, the belt fitted perfectly. His hair was tied with a crimson ribbon symbolizing engagement rites. Yet for all the meticulous preparation, he looked almost restless, like a stallion pacing before a race.

His heart beat faster than usual.

”They’re almost done preparing the inner hall,” Lie Fan said without turning.

Ma Chao nodded. ”I understand, Your Majesty.”

Lie Fan smirked slightly. ”You’ve fought battles across the south, faced ambushes in jungles and rivers, survived assassins and warlords... and yet today you’re acting like a nervous young scholar taking his first imperial exam.”

Ma Chao flushed just barely. ”Your Majesty jests.”

Lie Fan laughed under his breath. ”No. I’m quite serious.”

Ma Chao exhaled, shaking his head. ”Perhaps the battlefield is simpler than this, Your Majesty.”

Lie Fan gave him a sidelong look. ”Ah, love always complicates things. Even for warriors like you.”

Ma Chao said nothing, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.

Down in the courtyard, servants carried trays of wine. Musicians tuned their instruments, plucking tentative notes that fluttered through the fading daylight. The soft glow of lanterns reflected on the koi pond, casting gentle ripples of gold across the water.

And within the mansion, preparations continued for the moment that mattered most.

The formal meeting of Ma Chao and Sun Shangxiang, acknowledged by both families, sanctioned by their Emperor, and witnessed by the entire clan.

Although the two had fought shoulder to shoulder during the southern campaigns...

Although they had shared nights of strategy, firelit conversations, comforting silences...

Although Ma Chao had long known her courage and her fierce heart...

Today was different.

Today was tradition.

Formality.

An official recognition of what their journey had always been moving toward.

Lie Fan rested a hand on Ma Chao’s shoulder.

”Mengqi.”

”Yes, Your Majesty?”

”Whatever happens tonight, speak from your heart. Her family will see it. She will see it.”

Ma Chao bowed his head. ”I will.”

And then—

From the far side of the hall, a bell chimed softly.

A servant appeared at the doorway, bowing deeply.

”Your Majesty... General Ma Chao... the banquet preparations are complete. The Sun Clan awaits your arrival.”

Ma Chao’s breath steadied.

Lie Fan exhaled once, clearing his thoughts.

Together, emperor and general straightened their robes and strode toward the hall glowing with lanterns, music, and expectation.

From within the hall, the sound of musicians tuning their instruments signaled that the evening banquet was nearly ready to begin. The soft, expectant murmur of the assembling Sun and Ma families filtered out to them.

”Come,” Lie Fan said, his tone firm but encouraging. ”It is time. Your future awaits you inside. And remember,” he added with a sly grin, ”I will be watching. Try not to trip over your own feet.”

Ma Chao laughed, the sound easing the last of the tension from his shoulders. The doors to the banquet hall slowly opened, the light inside spilled out like a warm embrace.

The main hall of the Sun Clan residence gleamed like a polished jewel beneath a hundred lanterns, each flame flickering across the lacquered pillars and embroidered banners that lined the walls.

Red silk hung in soft waves from the high beams, the color of celebration and auspicious union, bright and warm like the beating heart of the clan itself. The scent of sandalwood drifted lazily through the hall, mixing with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes waiting to be served once the formalities concluded.

Lie Fan and Ma Chao stepped through the great doors together, their silhouettes framed by the lantern glow behind them.

Inside, the seating arrangement reflected both formality and family hierarchy.

To the right sat Sun Jian in the second seat, the place of honor reserved for the head of the host family when the Emperor was present. Lady Wu sat beside him, dignified and serene.

Next to her was the empty seat, Sun Shangxiang’s place, waiting like a held breath. Beside the empty seat were Sun Ce, clad in ceremonial robes with a roguish grin barely suppressed, Da Qiao at his side, graceful and composed, Sun Quan next, his posture calm but his eyes observan, then Zhou Yu, elegance incarnate, and finally Xiao Qiao, radiant in soft pink silk and gold pins.

To the left sat Ma Tie, Ma Xiu, and Ma Dai, each wearing their finest ceremonial attire. They sat with straight backs but relaxed expressions, pride for their cousin radiating from them in quiet waves.

The moment the doors of the main hall fully opened and the glow spilled across the carpet, the entire hall rose to its feet.

A chorus of voices echoed.

”Your Majesty.”

”Greetings to His Majesty.”

They bowed deeply.

Then, as protocol dictated, they turned to Ma Chao and bowed again in greeting, not as deeply, but with genuine respect.

Lie Fan walked forward with calm imperial authority, taking his place at the main seat at the head of the hall. Ma Chao moved to the second seat on the left side, across from Sun Jian but angled slightly lower, as befitted his status tonight.

When both were seated, the hall followed suit, settling like ripples calming across a once disturbed pond.

Lie Fan glanced around the hall with a light, unforced smile, eyes twinkling just a bit, like a man who held secrets and delight in equal measure.

He turned to Sun Jian.

”Brother Wentai,” he began pleasantly, ”I see everyone is present. But where is Shangxiang? Mengqi here” he nodded toward Ma Chao, ”has been waiting quite a while to see her again.”

Ma Chao tried to maintain a neutral expression, but the faintest tightening of his jaw betrayed his anticipation. His hands rested on his knees, thumbs brushing unconsciously against the fabric, his only outward sign of nerves.

Sun Jian’s laughter boomed across the hall.

”Your Majesty, please be at ease,” he replied warmly. ”My daughter will be here shortly. No need to worry. I’m certain General Ma Chao is patient enough. If anyone is not patient,” he added with a grin, ”it is surely Your Majesty, for we all know you are eager to tease her the moment she enters.”

A wave of soft laughter rose from the hall.

Lie Fan pressed a hand lightly to his chest in exaggerated offense.

”Ah, Brother Wentai sees through me,” he said with mock solemnity. Then, dropping the act, he laughed. ”Very well. Yes, I would like to tease her. After all, she is like a younger sister to me, and she is Wannian’s dear friend as well. I suppose it has become something of a brotherly duty.”

His words carried warmth, and the hall chuckled again, the mood relaxed and familial.

Just then—

A voice rang from outside the hall.

”Announcing the arrival of Lady Sun Shangxiang!”

All laughter ceased instantly.

Every head turned toward the doors.

They opened slowly.

And she entered.

Sun Shangxiang stepped into the hall with a grace so effortless it looked sculpted. She wore formal attire unlike her usual practical, martial outfits, tonight she was adorned in silk the color of blooming peonies, embroidered with delicate gold-thread patterns of phoenix feathers.

Her hair, usually tied high in a practical knot or loose and wind tossed from riding, had been meticulously arranged into an elegant style befitting the daughter of the Sun Clan.

Jade ornaments and thin gold pins glimmered softly, catching the lantern light as she moved. She did not walk, she glided. Soft. Feminine. Stunning. A vision so transformed from her usual spirited, tomboyish charm that everyone in the hall felt a new kind of awe.

But none more than Ma Chao.

The proud, battle hardened general, who had charged into ambushes and faced down death without blinking, felt his breath stop.

His eyes widened before he could control it. He stared, struck so deeply that his mind went blank. His heart thudded heavily, as though it had suddenly realized what it wanted and was trying to leap out of his chest to reach her.

Beside him, Ma Tie noticed immediately.

Of course he did.

He leaned in and discreetly nudged Ma Chao’s arm with his right elbow.

The jolt snapped Ma Chao out of the trance he’d fallen into.

He blinked sharply and straightened, swallowing once before whispering, barely audible even to Ma Tie.

”...Thank you.”

Ma Tie smothered a grin. Across the hall, Sun Shangxiang reached the center of the main floor, where the patterned rug lay between Sun Jian and Lie Fan, the place where she was to present herself formally.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Founding Emperor Of Hengyuan Dynasty

Age: 35 (202 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 2325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 966 (+20)

VIT: 623 (+20)

AGI: 623 (+10)

INT: 667

CHR: 98

WIS: 549

WILL: 432

ATR Points: 0