580. Yuan Clan Retreat, Fall Of Nanpi

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As preparations for the retreat began, Yuan Xi took charge of the rearguard. Despite his frustration with his father's indecisiveness and the incompetence of the court, he resolved to ensure the safe withdrawal of their forces and the preservation of the Yuan family's legacy.

Meanwhile, in Lie Fan's camp, the momentum of victory surged. Reports from Oriole Agents and the Zhen Clan confirmed that Yuan Shao's forces were planning to abandon Nanpi. Sima Yi and Xun You seized upon this intelligence to refine their strategy.

"If we strike while they retreat, we can cripple their forces and eliminate Yuan Shao's remaining power," Sima Yi proposed. "Their morale is already shattered. A decisive blow now will cement our dominance in the north."

Lie Fan's lips curled into a slight smile. "Very well. Prepare the troops for a pursuit. We will not allow Yuan Shao to regroup at Zhongshan."

As dawn broke, Lie Fan's forces launched their assault on Nanpi's weakened defenses. The city's gates, already battered by the onslaught of attacks during the siege, crumbled under the big attack.

Yuan Xi, leading the rearguard, fought valiantly to delay the invaders and buy time for the evacuation. His efforts were heroic, but the disparity in strength was insurmountable. Inside Nanpi, chaos reigned. Civilians scrambled to escape the carnage, while remnants of the militia either surrendered or fled.

Among them, the Zhen Clan silently worked to secure their newfound cooperation with Lie Fan, aiding in the city's transition to his control. Their actions not only solidified their position but also accelerated the collapse of Yuan Xi's defenses unbeknownst to him.

The skies above Nanpi were veiled with smoke as the once-thriving city descended into chaos. Yuan Xi's rearguard struggled to hold back the relentless assault of Lie Fan's forces, buying precious moments for the evacuation of the Yuan family and their retainers.

But even as he barked orders to his men, Yuan Xi's heart was elsewhere with his wife, Zhen Ji, and their household servants who had remained behind in his residence, waiting for him before they fled from Nanpi together.

As the sounds of battle drew closer to the city's heart, Yuan Xi spurred his horse through the crumbling streets, flanked by his personal guards. Panic gripped the people of Nanpi; civilians fled in all directions, their anguished cries mingling with the clash of steel and the roar of flames. When Yuan Xi turned the corner leading to his estate, he was met with a sight that froze him in his saddle, his residence was ablaze.

Servants darted frantically about, forming human chains to pass buckets of water in a futile attempt to douse the flames. Yuan Xi dismounted with a desperate urgency, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Where is my wife? Where is Zhen Ji?"

A cluster of maids, their faces streaked with soot and tears, turned to him. One spoke, her voice trembling. "My lord, we last saw Lady Zhen heading to her chambers for rest. She may still be inside, please have her!"

The words struck Yuan Xi like a thunderbolt. Without hesitation, he moved toward the inferno, his only thought to save Zhen Ji. But his guards, understanding the precariousness of the situation, restrained him. "My lord, the flames are too fierce! You cannot risk your life! The Lord and the Clan need you!"

Yuan Xi struggled against their grip, his eyes wild with anguish. "Let me go! She's my wife! I will not abandon her!" His voice cracked with a mix of fury and despair as the guards tightened their hold.

In the chaos, Yuan Xi could not see the truth, that this fire and the tragedy it symbolized were no accident. The blaze was part of a calculated scheme orchestrated by Zhen Yi, his father in law and the patriarch of the Zhen Clan.

Under the guise of an unfortunate accident amidst the city's turmoil, Zhen Yi had arranged for Zhen Ji's "death" to free her from her unwanted political marriage. Disgusted by Yuan Xi and resentful of the political union, Zhen Ji had willingly gone along with her father's plan. Hidden in a safe location, she watched from the shadows as her supposed "death" played out, a ghostly smile tugging at her lips.

As Yuan Xi's shouts echoed through the burning courtyard, one of his senior guards, realizing there was no reason with him, struck him from behind. The blow rendered him unconscious, his body collapsing into the arms of his retainers.

The guards quickly mounted their horses, carrying their unconscious young lord and as many servants as they could gather. There was no time to save the valuables or mourn the dead. Lie Fan's forces were closing in, and survival was paramount.

Yuan Xi awoke to the rhythmic jolting of a horse-drawn cart, his head pounding and his heart heavy. For a moment, he was disoriented, the events of Nanpi a hazy blur. Then the memories came flooding back to him, the fire, the servants' screams, the knowledge that Zhen Ji had been inside. A fresh wave of grief and rage consumed him.

"Why did you stop me?" he growled, his voice raw with emotion. His guards exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing, their silence a tacit acknowledgment of their difficult choice.

The journey to Zhongshan was fraught with tension. Yuan Xi, consumed by his sorrow, rode in silence, his once-commanding presence diminished by the weight of his perceived failure.

Meanwhile, the remnants of the Yuan Clan's forces trudged onward, their morale shattered. The retreat from Nanpi was not just a tactical withdrawal; it was a symbol of their declining fortunes.

Back in Nanpi, Lie Fan's forces surged through the city like a tidal wave. The remnants of the militia offered little resistance, and the streets were soon under the control of the Zhuque, Qinglong, and Baihu armies.

Sima Yi and Xun You alongside the strategists of the three armies, Man Chong, Chen Deng, and Liu Ba, moved quickly to consolidate their hold on the city.

The Zhen Clan, having already pledged their allegiance, played a key role in smoothing the transition. Under Zhen Yi's direction, they worked to stabilize the city, distributing grain and reassuring the populace that order would be restored under Lie Fan's rule.

Their actions won them favor with Lie Fan, even as whispers of their betrayal spread among the remnants of the Yuan loyalists who were captured by Lie Fan's soldiers.

Sima Yi reported the details of the fire at Yuan Xi's residence to Lie Fan. "The blaze appears to have been accidental, my lord," he said, though his tone carried a hint of skepticism. "Zhen Ji is presumed dead. It seems the Yuan Clan's misfortunes multiply with each passing day."

Lie Fan nodded thoughtfully, his expression inscrutable. "Accident or not, it weakens them further. Ensure the city's transition is swift and efficient. We will not give Yuan Shao a chance to regroup."

By the time Yuan Xi and the remnants of his forces arrived in Zhongshan, the city was already teeming with refugees and soldiers. Yuan Shao's court, once the center of power in the north, was now a cauldron of fear and discontent. The news of Nanpi's fall and the "death" of Zhen Ji, Yuan Xi's wife, spread quickly, casting a pall over the already demoralized ranks.

While the Yuan Clan reeled from their losses, Zhen Ji began her new life in secret. Hidden by her father's machinations, she found herself free for the first time after her marriage with Yuan Xi.

Though the path ahead was uncertain, she felt a strange sense of relief. No longer bound by the expectations of her political marriage, she could finally pursue her own dreams whatever they might be.

The fire that had "killed" her was a turning point, not just for her, but for the entire Zhen Clan. Their gamble had paid off, securing their place in Lie Fan's favor while extricating Zhen Ji from the grasp of a crumbling Yuan Clan.

Inside the once-mighty Yuan Clan Castle, now transformed into the command center for Lie Fan's operations in Nanpi, the atmosphere was tense yet brimming with a sense of renewal.

The grand halls that had once echoed with the ambitions of Yuan Shao were now filled with the purposeful movements of Lie Fan's officers and retainers.

Lie Fan, his commanding presence unshaken, sat at the head of the chamber alongside his wife, Lu Lingqi, who exuded an air of quiet confidence. Sima Yi and Xun You, his trusted strategists, flanked him, their expressions unreadable but their sharp minds already assessing the nuances of the unfolding discussion.

Before them stood Zhen Yi, the patriarch of the Zhen Clan, flanked by the elders of his family. Though outwardly composed, there was a subtle tension in their posture.

The Zhen Clan had taken a significant risk in aligning themselves with Lie Fan and orchestrating the events that had led to Zhen Ji's supposed death. Now, they sought to solidify their place within Lie Fan's growing dominion and ensure their continued influence in the northern markets.

Zhen Yi began with a respectful bow, his tone measured but earnest. "My lord, we are deeply honored to be granted this audience. The Zhen Clan has long sought stability and prosperity for the people of Nanpi and the north. With the Yuan Clan's decline and your ascendancy, we see a future where peace and order can finally take root. However, to ensure that we can best serve your cause, we wish to discuss the role the Zhen Clan might play in your administration."

Lie Fan leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes studying Zhen Yi. Beside him, Lu Lingqi's lips curved into a faint smile, a gesture that was equal parts encouragement and a subtle warning not to overstep.

Sima Yi interjected with a calm but pointed observation. "The Zhen Clan has indeed proven itself useful, particularly in facilitating the city's swift transition. However, loyalty must be demonstrated consistently over time, not just in moments of convenience."

Zhen Yi nodded, his expression remaining composed. "Of course, Master Sima Yi. The Zhen Clan's loyalty to Lord Lie Fan is unwavering. We do not seek merely to maintain our position but to contribute meaningfully to the stability and prosperity of this region. As merchants, we possess the networks and resources necessary to stabilize the northern markets and ensure a steady flow of revenue to your administration."

Xun You, who had been silent until now, spoke with his characteristic precision. "Stabilizing the markets is indeed crucial, particularly as we integrate Nanpi and its surroundings into Lord Lie Fan's domain. However, such a position of influence must come with safeguards. The Zhen Clan's ambitions must align entirely with the interests of the state."

Zhen Yi's eyes flickered, understanding the underlying caution in Xun You's words. "We fully understand, Master Xun You. To that end, we propose a formal partnership with Lord Lie Fan's administration. The Zhen Clan will not only manage the northern markets but also take an active role in providing supplies and logistical support for your campaigns. Additionally, we are prepared to offer a substantial initial contribution of wealth to demonstrate our sincerity."

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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