439. Han Xuan's Announcement

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He knew that while no one on the council objected to his father's decision, his defeat before had caused his prestige and image in their eyes to plummet, especially since he had cost the tribe a large number of men. Back to Taipei's Forces, the combined forces of Ling Cao, Li Feng, and Gan Ning drew ever closer to the Tono Separatists' position, where it could in hours or even sooner for the first class to start between them and the Tono Separatist.

Several hours passed, and as the combined forces of Ling Cao, Li Feng, and Gan Ning finally arrived at the location of the Tono Separatist base, they were greeted by the sight of a hastily constructed makeshift fort.

This development caught both Li Feng and Ling Cao by surprise, as their intelligence had not indicated the presence of any such fortification in this area. The realization that the Tono Separatists were aware of their approach and had fortified their position meant that the element of surprise was lost.

However, the waterways used by Gan Ning and his navy passed directly by this location, providing a strategic advantage. Recognizing the opportunity, Li Feng and Ling Cao quickly devised a plan.

They dispatched a swift messenger to inform Gan Ning of the situation and requested that he use his Hwacha to rain down arrows upon the Tono Separatists' makeshift fort.

Gan Ning, receiving the message, wasted no time in preparing his naval forces. He understood the urgency of the situation and knew that their best chance of overcoming the fortified position lay in the element of overwhelming force.

The Hwacha, a powerful weapon capable of launching a barrage of arrows, would be their key to breaking the Tono Separatist defenses.

As the sun began to set, casting a fiery glow over the area, Gan Ning's ships maneuvered into position along the waterway. The Hwacha's were loaded, and the archers stood ready, waiting for the signal.

On the ground, Ling Cao and Li Feng prepared their troops for the imminent assault, coordinating their movements to strike in unison with Gan Ning's naval barrage.

A war drum sound reverberated across the area meaning the signal was given, and a deafening roar filled the air as the Hwacha's unleashed a torrent of arrows upon the Tono Separatist fort.

The sky darkened with the sheer number of projectiles, and the fort's defenders scrambled to take cover. The initial volley was devastating, setting parts of the fort ablaze and causing significant casualties among the Tono Separatists.

Seizing the moment of chaos, Ling Cao and Li Feng ordered their troops to advance. The ground forces surged forward, scaling the fort's makeshift walls and engaging the disoriented defenders in fierce combat.

Despite the Tono Separatists' desperate efforts to repel the attackers, the combined might of the Taipei army and Gan Ning's navy proved overwhelming.

Aching, witnessing the destruction and realizing the futility of their defense, urged his father and the council to begin their retreat as planned. Amidst the confusion and the relentless assault, the Tono Separatist leadership managed to slip away, retreating to their predetermined fallback position.

The battle raged on, but with the fort's defenses crumbling and the Tono Separatist leadership in retreat, it was only a matter of time before the combined forces of Ling Cao, Li Feng, and Gan Ning secured victory. As night fell, the fort was firmly in their control, and the remnants of the Tono Separatist forces were either captured or scattered.

In the aftermath of the battle, Ling Cao, Li Feng, and Gan Ning regrouped, taking stock of their situation and preparing for the next phase of their campaign.

Back in Taipei, Yang Hong and Yan Jun received news of the victory with relief. They continued to fortify the town, knowing that the threat of the Tono Separatists had not been completely eliminated.

As Taipei's Administration won the first confrontation, to the west of their location to Changsha, Han Xuan summoned all his retainers to his court. It was the day they were to announce to the land that they had sworn allegiance to the Sun Clan.

Yang Ling and Wei Yan, leading their respective followers who formed the bulk of Han Xuan's court, answered his call to show the support they had for their lord.

In the grand hall, Han Xuan addressed his gathered retainers. "Today, we solidify our alliance with the Sun Clan. This is a significant step for Changsha, one that ensures our strength and stability in these turbulent times. However, we must also be prepared for the possibility of retaliation from Liu Biao. Yang Ling and Wei Yan, I need you to ready our army to defend our lands should Liu Biao seek to subjugate us. We must hold out until the Sun Clan sends reinforcements."

Yang Ling and Wei Yan cupped their hands, acknowledging the order. Wei Yan, however, couldn't help but voice his concern. "Governor Han Xuan, who will lead and oversee our forces?"

Han Xuan glanced between his two retainers before speaking. "Yang Ling will take command of our army as he has more experience in commanding large scale armies."

Wei Yan's expression darkened, his dissatisfaction evident. Meanwhile, Yang Ling couldn't hide his smug smile. The tension between the two retainers was palpable, but Han Xuan chose to ignore it, confident in his decision.

After the meeting, Wei Yan approached Yang Ling, his face a mask of barely contained frustration. "Yang Ling, you may have been given command, but don't be smug, Lord Han Xuan sooner or later would know of your duplicitous personality!"

Yang Ling's smile faded slightly as it turned into a small frown, evident that he was angered by Wei Yan's words. "General Wei Yan, I think you should focus on our priority which is the defense of Changsha. I'm sure that Lord Han Xuan wouldn't like it if he knew you were trying to 'hinder' me from doing my work."

Hearing Yang Ling's words, Wei Yan could only take a deep breath to calm himself, and after giving a fierce glance at Yang Ling he takes his leave to do the task assigned by Han Xuan to him.

As the two men went their separate ways to prepare for the coming conflict, the air was thick with unease. Yang Ling began organizing the troops, his mind already strategizing ways to cement his position even further as Han Xuan's favorite.

Wei Yan instead focused on rallying his followers, was determined to ensure that Changsha's defense was robust and prepared for any attack, as in his eyes Yang Ling's tactics and strategies were mediocre at best and couldn't last long against Liu Biao's army.

On the other hand, back in his chambers, Han Xuan pondered the future. He knew that allying with the Sun Clan was a risky move, but it was a calculated risk. The Sun Clan's power and influence could provide support for Changsha's development and also his personal goal of increasing his power in Changsha.

The next day, Han Xuan made his bold announcement, swearing his allegiance to the Sun Clan and renouncing his ties to Liu Biao. The entire Jing and Yang Provinces were soon buzzing with the news, as letters detailing Han Xuan's declaration reached every corner of the region.

The audacity of Han Xuan's move sent shockwaves through the political landscape, leaving many stunned and uncertain of the future.

In Wuling, the news hit Liu Biao's court with the force of a thunderclap. Liu Cong, acting as regent while his father lay bedridden, was bewildered by the sudden turn of events. The young regent turned to his uncle and grand general, Cai Mao, seeking guidance on how to handle the crisis.

"Uncle Cai Mao, what do we do?!" Liu Cong asked, his voice flustered trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "Han Xuan's betrayal cannot go unpunished, but we must also consider the larger implications. The Sun Clan's involvement complicates matters."

Cai Mao placed a reassuring hand on Liu Cong's shoulder, his voice calm and measured. "My lord, we must first ensure the loyalty of our remaining vassals. Han Xuan's betrayal is indeed grave, but we cannot afford to act rashly. We need to solidify our base before taking any action against Changsha."

Liu Cong nodded, trying to regain his composure. "You're right, Uncle Cai Mao. We must ensure our vassals' loyalty."

Cai Mao seized the opportunity, his tone becoming more authoritative. "I suggest that I lead the efforts to ensure the loyalty of our vassals. My experience and connections will be invaluable in this critical time. With me overseeing this, you can focus on the broader strategy."

Before Liu Cong could respond, murmurs and whispers erupted among the gathered court officials. Those who had long been at odds with the Cai Clan, unable to contain their frustration any longer, stepped forward in protest.

One of the more vocal opponents, a seasoned minister named Tang Yue, spoke out. "Grand General Cai Mao, this is not the time to prioritize personal power. The people suffer, and our kingdom is at risk. Your suggestion reeks of self-interest!"

Others quickly voiced their agreement, nodding vigorously. "Yes, we cannot allow the Cai Clan to exploit this crisis for their own gain. We need a united front, not a power struggle," another minister, Lou Zu, added.

Cai Mao's eyes narrowed, but he maintained his composure. "Tang Yue, Luo Zu, I understand your concerns. However, this is not about personal power. It is about stability and ensuring that our vassals remain loyal in these uncertain times. If anyone else believes they can do better than me, please step forward."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Liu Cong, caught between the factions, felt the weight of leadership pressing down on him. He looked around the room and felt that except for Cai Mao, the others were trying to pressure him to do something.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Cong raised his hand which somewhat silenced the murmurs. "We are in a crisis, and we need unity more than ever. Uncle Cai Mao, I will trust you to lead the efforts to secure our vassals' loyalty," he added, turning to the dissenting ministers, "I expect all of you to work together and put My Father's interests first."

Reluctantly, the dissenting ministers nodded, though their expressions remained wary. As for Cai Mao, he bowed respectfully to Liu Cong. "Thank you, my lord. I will ensure that our vassals remain loyal and that our kingdom stands strong."

In the coming days, Cai Mao set about his task with vigor, meeting with vassals, promising rewards for loyalty to him and the Cai Clan, and subtly eliminating any opposition against him, including the dissenting ministers that came up against him.

Meanwhile, in Changsha, Wei Yan continued to prepare for the anticipated retaliation from Liu Biao. His distrust of Yang Ling's abilities drove him to take additional measures, ensuring that the city's defenses were as robust as possible.

Wei Yan's followers worked tirelessly under his strict supervision, fortifying walls, stockpiling supplies, and drilling troops in preparation for the impending conflict.

Yang Ling, aware of Wei Yan's efforts, couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment. However, he understood the gravity of their situation and chose to focus on coordinating with the Sun Clan's reinforcements. Communication lines were established, and scouts were sent to monitor Liu Biao's movements.

As the days passed, the tension in Jing Province grew palpable. After doing some subtle purging, Cai Mao finally mobilized Liu Biao's army, to respond against Han Xuan's action after gaining Liu Cong's 'approval'. Meanwhile, in Sun Ce's court, the news of Han Xuan's action finally reached them and Sun Ce immediately ordered Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai to lead an army toward Changsha, to reinforce Han Xuan and his men against Liu Biao's retaliation.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0