462. The Engagement Settled

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With that, the brothers took their leave, allowing Lie Fan to return to his paperwork. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of his sister finding happiness, a bit jealous at how Wannian wouldn't be the little sister he could hold in the palm of his hand, and ecstatic that with this move, he would gain the ultimate loyalty of Sima Yi and the Sima Clan.

Of course, he wouldn't give his decision to Sima Yi and Sima Lang without consulting his little sister first, whether Wannian agrees to this or not is important.

Because he felt that he had become one of the strongest warlords now, not only to realize his ambition but also to allow his family to do whatever they wanted including deciding who they wanted to spend their life with.

As he was thinking so, Lie Fan kept doing his paperwork, determined to at least cut some of the piled up paperwork, and time passed by unknowingly for Lie Fan until he was called by Lu Lingqi to have breakfast as everyone was waiting for him now.

Hearing that, Lie Fan stood up from his seat, and after hugging Lu Lingqi's waist with his right hand, the two of them walked together toward the dining room while spending some small intimate time together. Lu Lingqi snuggled up inside Lie Fan's arm as they walked, talking about some nonchalant things until they arrived at the dining room.

Due to the size of his family now, Lie Fan expanded the dining room several times, increasing the size of the dining table, and the number of dining chairs to accommodate his growing family.

Inside the dining room, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, Wannian, Chenchen, Yaoyao, Yanyan, and Nuonuo were waiting for him and Lu Lingqi. After taking their seat, Lie Fan takes his chopsticks and eats the first bite of a fish dish before everyone begins to eat, as they had breakfast together it was filled with harmony as they discussed menial things.

Noticing that the atmosphere was right, Lie Fan took several bites of his favorite meat dish before putting down his chopsticks, taking a sip of his water, and letting out a loud cough attracting everyone's attention.

After everyone's attention was on him he turned to face Wannian with a serious expression on his face and said to her, "Wannian do you remember what you blurted out during the time we spent at the tea shop yesterday?"

Hearing this question everyone but Ying Yue and Wannian was confused, Ying Yue was also confused as to why her husband suddenly brought this up while Wannian's face immediately turned red, and replied to Lie Fan with a small voice, "Yes Brother I remember, why do you suddenly bring this up in the morning? It's just an accident I swear!"

Lie Fan's eyes softened as he looked at his sister, Wannian red face. She was no longer the little girl who used to chase him around the courtyard, giggling as he pretended to let her catch him.

Now, she was a young woman, and her sudden outburst at the tea shop the previous day had taken him by surprise. With Sima Yi's arrival this morning, he is sure now that the two of them must have had some talk about this matter because he knew that Sima Yi would surely ask for Wannian's permission first.

Lie Fan smiled gently at his sister, trying to put her at ease despite the serious look on his face. "Wannian, Sima Yi, and his brother came to see me this morning. Sima Yi has asked for your hand in marriage. I wanted to speak with you first before giving any decision."

The room fell silent. All eyes were on Wannian, whose blush deepened, and she looked down at her hands, fidgeting nervously with the hem of her sleeve. The other women at the table exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the situation. Ying Yue, seated beside Lie Fan, reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Wannian's arm.

"Wannian," Ying Yue said softly, "your brother just wants to make sure that you're happy and that this is truly what you want."

Wannian looked up, her eyes meeting Lie Fan's. She could see the concern in his gaze, the protective love that had always been a constant in her life. But there was also something else, an understanding that, as much as he wanted to shield her from the world, he knew she had to make her own choices.

Wannian took a deep breath, her face still red but her eyes determined. "Brother, I've thought about it. I know that what I said yesterday was impulsive, but the shared feelings between us are genuine. If you believe that we are a good match, I will follow whatever decision you made."

Lie Fan's serious expression softened into a smile, a mix of helplessness and happiness. "It's not just about my belief, Wannian. It's about your happiness too. If you feel comfortable with Sima Yi and see a future with him, then I will support this marriage wholeheartedly."

Wannian hearing that nodded her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I do, Brother. I truly do. He has been kind and considerate when we spend some time together, and I believe we could have a good life if you gave us your blessing."

Lie Fan nodded, and let out a deep sigh, as while he was satisfied with her response, Lie Fan couldn't help but be cautious. "Sima Yi is a brilliant young and outstanding strategist, whose loyalty to our cause has never been in question. But marriage is not just about love, Wannian. It's about compatibility, trust, and the ability to support one another through the challenges that life will inevitably throw at you."

Wannian's eyes glistened with unshed tears the moment she heard her brother's words, touched by his doting and protectiveness to her but she held her composure. "I know, Brother. And I'm ready for that. I want to build a life with Sima Yi, to stand by his side as he stands by mine."

Lie Fan let out a small sigh of relief, a weight lifting from his shoulders. He had always known that this day would come, but it didn't make it any easier. His little sister was growing up, and he had to let her go. But before he could give his blessing, there was still one more thing he needed to be certain of.

"Very well," Lie Fan said, his tone shifting to one of finality. "I will speak to Sima Yi and Sima Lang. But before I give my approval, I want you to take some time to think it over carefully. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and I want you to be absolutely sure that this is the path you want to take."

Wannian nodded willing some of the tears in her face, understanding the seriousness of her brother's words. "I will, Brother. Thank you for always looking out for me, I love you, Brother."

With that, the tension in the room eased, and every single one of Lie Fan's wives gave encouragement and advice to Wannian, and the children were eating without knowing what had just happened, while Lie Fan continued to eat, his mind still occupied with thoughts of the future.

He knew that his decision would not only affect Wannian but also the Sima Clan's loyalty and the stability of his continuously growing power base. He had always been strategic in his decisions, and this was no different in the end, as long as his sister was happy.

After breakfast, Lie Fan excused himself and made his way back to his study. The day was still young, but there was much to do. He had letters to draft, meetings to attend, and of course, the matter of Sima Yi and Wannian to discuss with his advisors.

The morning passed in a blur of activity, and by midday, Lie Fan found himself deep in conversation with Jia Xu, Chen Qun, Sun Qian, and Lu Su.

They discussed the potential marriage alliance between the Lie Clan and the Sima Clan, weighing the pros and cons, considering the political implications, and the long-term benefits of bringing the Sima Clan closer to his own family. He would support his sister's decision, but he would do so on his terms to maximize the benefits he would receive.

By the time the sun began to set, Lie Fan had made his decision. He would speak to Sima Yi and Sima Lang the next day, but first, he would have one final conversation with Wannian. He wanted to make sure that she fully understood the implications of her choice and that she was prepared for the life that lay ahead of her.

That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Lie Fan noticed the subtle glances exchanged between Wannian and Ying Yue. The two of them were always close, much closer than the others were to Wannian, and he knew that Ying Yue had likely spent the afternoon reassuring Wannian and helping her sort through her emotions.

After the meal, Lie Fan took Wannian aside, leading her to a quiet corner of the garden where they could speak privately. The night was cool, and the stars shone brightly overhead, casting a soft glow over the flowers and trees that surrounded them.

"Wannian," Lie Fan began, his voice gentle, "I want you to know that whatever you decide, I will support you. But I also want you to understand that this marriage if it happens, will be more than just a personal choice. It will be a political alliance, and with that comes certain responsibilities."

Wannian looked up at her brother, her expression serious as she knew what her brother meant after talking with her sister in law. "I understand, Brother. I've thought about it, and I'm ready to accept those responsibilities. I want to be with Sima Yi, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen."

Lie Fan smiled, proud of the woman his sister had become. "Then I will speak to Sima Yi tomorrow. But remember, this is a decision that will affect the rest of your life. Be sure that it's what you truly want."

"I am, Brother," Wannian replied, her voice filled with determination. "I am sure."

With that, Lie Fan embraced his sister, feeling a mix of emotions pride, love, and a touch of sadness at the thought of her leaving the family home. But he knew that this was the right choice, not just for Wannian, but for their entire family.

The next day, Lie Fan summoned both Sima Yi and Sima Lang to his estate. When the two brothers received the summons, they immediately made their way to the Lie Clan estate, their minds buzzing with speculation about the purpose of the meeting.

As they arrived, a servant greeted them at the entrance and led them through the estate's grandeur, past the intricately decorated halls and corridors, until they reached the main hall.

Entering the main hall, Sima Yi and Sima Lang were greeted by a sight that confirmed their suspicions. Lie Fan was seated in the main seat, where the left side was filled by all his wives and Wannian, while on the right side, there were Jia Xu, Sun Qian, and Chen Qun.

Lie Fan stood to greet them, his expression a mixture of determination and warmth. "Sima Yi, Sima Lang, thank you for coming. I appreciate the promptness you two have."

The two brothers bowed respectfully. "My lord, it is our duty to answer your summon and it was always an honor to be here. What matters bring us together today?" Sima Yi inquired, his eyes taking in the gathered company before staying at Wannian.

Lie Fan gestured for them to sit. As they settled into their seats, Lie Fan began, "I have called you here today to discuss the proposal Sima Yi requested to me yesterday, I'm sure the two of you, especially Sima Yi would remember."

Wannian, who was seated beside Lie Fan, met Sima Yi's gaze with a steady resolve, shyness filled her eyes, and blush slowly crept up to her face and her neck.

Sima Yi seeing the shyness and redness on Wannian's face, his heart immediately beat faster and faster, and he exchanged eye contact with his brother beside him who gave him a nod, indicating that what he thinks is true.

Lie Fan continued, his gaze shifting between Sima Yi and Wannian. "After much consideration and discussion with Wannian, I have come to a decision regarding her request. I have agreed to grant your request to marry her, Sima Yi. However, there are a few conditions we must observe to ensure that this marriage is both meaningful and appropriate."

Sima Yi listened intently, his heart pounding with anticipation. He had hoped for this outcome, but the formalization of the matter added a new level of happiness in his heart. Wannian's shyness was palpable, and Sima Yi's love for her only grew stronger.

Lie Fan took a deep breath, continuing, "First, we will hold an engagement ceremony. This will allow both families to formally acknowledge and celebrate the upcoming marriage between you and Wannian, and it will give us the opportunity to prepare for the marriage in a manner befitting both our traditions."

Sima Yi nodded, fully understanding the significance of the engagement ceremony. "I appreciate the consideration, my lord. An engagement is a fitting way to honor the commitment I and Sister Wannian are making."

Lie Fan's gaze softened as he looked at Wannian. "Once the engagement is in place, we will then work together to select an auspicious date for the marriage. This is crucial, as the timing of such an event holds great importance for the future harmonies shared between the two of you, ensuring that everything aligns perfectly to bless the marriage, and support the future endeavors of you and Wannian."

Wannian's blush deepened, a mixture of excitement and nervousness evident in her demeanor. Her eyes remained locked on Sima Yi's, and the shared understanding and love between them was clear where everyone in the hall could see. The prospect of their engagement and eventual marriage was beginning to feel more real, and her heart swelled with hope and happiness.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 31 (198 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