490. Small Cottage Conversation

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Lie Fan, with a single public statement, had not only positioned himself as the protector of the common people but had also orchestrated a coalition of warlords that acted on his cue. By framing his statement as a moral call to protect the people of Lingling from the Cai Clan's tyranny, Lie Fan had ensured that other warlords would feel compelled to join the cause—both to legitimize their own ambitions and to avoid appearing indifferent to the plight of the people.

Cao Cao leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. The southern warlords, in their rush to expand their domains and secure their reputations, had unwittingly played into Lie Fan's hands.

While they fought over the spoils of the Cai Clan's lands, it was Lie Fan who emerged as the real victor, without ever raising a sword. The Sun Clan had gained territory, Shi Xie had solidified his influence, and Liu Bei had expanded his holdings, but it was Lie Fan whose reputation had soared to new heights.

Cao Cao recognized the threat this posed. Lie Fan was no longer just a regional warlord—his influence was beginning to extend beyond his borders, and his political acumen was shaping the actions of other warlords.

"Lie Fan," Cao Cao muttered to himself, his brow furrowed. "He has positioned himself as a protector of the people. Clever. Very clever." He rose from his seat and began to pace, his mind racing with possibilities.

"He is growing in power without directly confronting his enemies. He uses others to weaken them while maintaining the image of a righteous ruler." This was a dangerous game Lie Fan was playing, but one that Cao Cao respected.

It was the kind of subtlety and strategy that Cao Cao himself employed, using political maneuvering and subtle intrigues combined with diplomacy to strengthen his position before striking his enemies.

Summoning his advisor Xun Yu, Cao Cao shared his concerns. "Lie Fan is no longer just a dominant warlord. His influence is expanding, and he is gaining support among the people. This situation in Lingling was not just about the Cai Clan—it was about consolidating power without direct confrontation."

Xun Yu nodded, his expression serious. "You are right, my lord. Lie Fan's actions have shown that he understands the importance of public perception and loyalty. He has become a much more significant threat because the people are the foundation of a nation."

Cao Cao sighed, gazing out of the window. "We must be cautious. His political maneuver could shift the balance of power, and if the southern warlords continue to be played around him, we will face a southern part of the land already controlled by Lie Fan."

Xun Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It may be wise to keep a close eye on him, perhaps even consider diplomatic overtures, my lord. Lie Fan may be gaining influence, but he is not yet strong enough to challenge the entire land directly, especially to you and Yuan Shao at the same time. If we can manipulate the situation, we could turn this to our advantage."

Cao Cao considered the idea, but for now, he preferred to remain cautious. "We will observe him closely. For now, let him enjoy his victory. His ambitions will eventually lead him into conflict with others, and when that happens, we will be ready."

On the other hand, at the center of Jing Province, in a small secluded village nestled near the foot of a mountain, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu sat together inside a modest cottage. The village was far removed from the bustling cities and courts of the warlords, a quiet refuge where the three strategists spent their days reading, discussing, and honing their political and military philosophies. Today, however, their routine was interrupted by a rare delivery: a bundle of letters from the outside world.

Zhuge Liang carefully unfolded one of the scrolls and began reading the latest news. Due to the village's isolation, information from the wider realm was slow to arrive, but this time, the letters contained news of significant events: the death of Liu Biao, the rise and fall of the Cai Clan, the massacre at Lingling, and the eventual collapse of Cai Mao's influence.

As he read aloud, Zhuge Liang paused occasionally to allow his companions time to absorb the details. The room was silent except for the crackle of the hearth and the faint rustling of paper. Both Pang Tong and Xu Shu listened intently, their faces growing increasingly contemplative as they processed the gravity of the events.

"Liu Biao's death marks a significant turning point," Zhuge Liang remarked as he laid down the letter. "Jing Province has lost its stabilizing force, and chaos is bound to follow. Cai Mao and his family took swift action to consolidate power, but their cruelty in Lingling was their undoing."

Pang Tong leaned back, his sharp eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. "The Cai Clan's desperation blinded them to the larger picture. Their ruthless massacre at Lingling was not only morally reprehensible but politically foolish. They may have gained temporary control, but they alienated themselves from both the people and their peers."

Xu Shu, sitting beside them, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The Cai Clan's arrogance was their downfall. They underestimated the significance of public perception, something that Lie Fan has clearly mastered. His response to the Lingling Massacre was a stroke of brilliance."

The three of them exchanged glances as Xu Shu continued. "Lie Fan's single public statement, framed as a moral plea to protect the people, was enough to set the southern warlords in motion. It's as though he orchestrated their every move without directly involving himself in the conflict. Now, while the Sun Clan, Shi Xie, and Liu Bei scramble for territory, it is Lie Fan who has emerged as the true victor, without ever lifting a sword."

Zhuge Liang stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Yes. His ability to turn the southern warlords into his pawns, all while maintaining the image of a righteous protector, is remarkable. By positioning himself as the champion of the people, he has gained both moral authority and political capital."

Pang Tong, ever the cynic, smirked. "And yet, while he plays the role of the benevolent ruler, it is clear that his ambitions are as vast as anyone else's. He used the Cai Clan's fall to bolster his own reputation, and now the people of Lingling see him as their savior."

Xu Shu tapped his finger on the table, his mind working through the various possibilities. "Lie Fan's strategy is dangerous, but it is also incredibly effective. By avoiding direct confrontation, he has preserved his own forces while allowing others to weaken themselves. He has sown the seeds of discord among the southern warlords, and when the time is right, he will strike."

Zhuge Liang glanced out of the cottage window, his gaze lost in the distant mountains. "But there is more to this than just the fall of the Cai Clan. Lie Fan's actions have reshaped the political landscape of the south. The southern warlords, once independent actors, now find themselves reacting to his maneuvers. They are being drawn into his orbit, whether they realize it or not."

Pang Tong chuckled softly. "A true political maestro. It reminds me of Cao Cao's early days—using others to achieve his goals without appearing to act on his own behalf. Lie Fan is following a similar path, but he has the advantage of a better reputation among the people."

Xu Shu shifted in his seat. "It will be interesting to see how Cao Cao responds to this. He cannot ignore Lie Fan's growing influence. Sooner or later, the two will find themselves at odds."

Zhuge Liang nodded. "Yes, but for now, Cao Cao will likely watch and wait. Lie Fan's rise is concerning, but he is not yet strong enough to challenge the entire land. Cao Cao will bide his time, waiting for the moment when Lie Fan's ambitions bring him into conflict with others."

The three strategists fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. The political landscape of the south was shifting, and Lie Fan had placed himself at the center of it. His rise was not just a matter of gaining territory; it was a calculated move to reshape the balance of power without drawing direct attention to his ambitions.

After a moment, Zhuge Liang spoke again, his tone more serious. "There is one more thing we must consider. While Lie Fan's political maneuvering is impressive, it is also precarious. By using others to achieve his goals, he risks alienating his allies once they realize they have been manipulated."

Pang Tong raised an eyebrow. "True, but as long as he maintains his image as the protector of the people, his allies will be reluctant to turn against him. After all, who would oppose a man who claims to fight for the common good?"

Xu Shu nodded. "And that is where his true strength lies. By framing his actions as moral and just, he has insulated himself from criticism. Even if his allies grow suspicious, they will find it difficult to publicly oppose him without damaging their own reputations."

Zhuge Liang sighed, his expression grim. "But that can only last for so long. Eventually, Lie Fan's ambitions will outgrow his current position, and when that happens, he will have to choose between maintaining his image and pursuing his goals."

Pang Tong smiled wryly. "And when that time comes, we will see the true measure of his abilities. It is one thing to manipulate others from behind the scenes; it is another to maintain control when the stakes are raised."

The conversation continued late into the night, with the three strategists dissecting every aspect of Lie Fan's rise and the potential consequences it could have on the wider realm. The letters before them were not just records of events—they were glimpses into the future, filled with opportunities and dangers alike.

As the fire in the hearth dimmed and the night grew colder, Zhuge Liang stood and stretched, his mind still racing with possibilities. "We must continue to observe Lie Fan closely," he said finally. "His actions will shape the course of the southern territories, and if he continues on his current path, he will become a force to be reckoned with."

Pang Tong and Xu Shu nodded in agreement, their own thoughts aligned with Zhuge Liang's assessment. Lie Fan was no longer just a regional warlord—he was becoming a significant player in the political game that was unfolding across the land. His ability to manipulate events from the shadows, combined with his growing reputation among the people, made him a formidable opponent.

As they prepared to retire for the night, the three strategists shared a final glance. The world outside their secluded village was changing rapidly, and they knew that their time of isolation would not last much longer. War and politics were coming for them, just as they were coming for Lie Fan and every other warlord who sought to carve out a piece of the fractured empire.

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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