393. The Climbing Tigers

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Lie Fan turned his gaze back to the hall, where his generals, advisors, and officials mingled, not knowing about a future problem. Lie Fan knew they had to act decisively and intelligently to maintain their advantage. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Wenhou and Gongda," he said. "We will need to convene a meeting soon to discuss our moves in response to Yuan Shao's luck."

The hall remained vibrant and filled with the laughter and conversations of Lie Fan's men, oblivious to the concerns brewing in their Lie Fan's mind and the feast continued late into the night.

As the night deepened Lie Fan finally stood up, raising his hand to signal the end of the feast. "Everyone," he called out, his voice commanding yet filled with warmth, "let us retire for the night. We have celebrated our victories and welcomed Zhang Liao and Gao Shun back. Tomorrow, we must return to our usual duties.".

The hall quieted as his men nodded in understanding, appreciating the balance between festivity and responsibility that Lie Fan maintained. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, in particular, were relieved as they had a long journey back to Xiapi and needed the rest.

Lie Fan patted both Zhang Liao and Gao Shun on the shoulders. "Thank you both of you for your dedication in helping Gongsun Gong,

"Rest well, my lord," Zhang Liao replied, bowing slightly. "We will be ready whenever you call."

Gao Shun nodded in agreement, and with that, they departed, blending into the night as the feast came to a close and everyone left the hall, with the Oriole watching over everyone to guard them before they arrived at their residences.

The following morning, the sun rose over the horizon, and Lie Fan convened a meeting in the main hall of the Governor's Castle, summoning all his advisors and generals who were present in Xiapi.

Among the advisors was Sima Yi, attending his first major council since officially joining Lie Fan's ranks and relinquishing his position as Lie Fan's page. He stood quietly, observing the dynamics and awaiting his moment to contribute.

Lie Fan took his place in his seat at the front. "We have much to discuss today everyone," he began, with a serious tone. "Yuan Shao had a recent fortune where his advisors had managed to work together. We must respond to this matter and think of our next move since this means Yuan Shao's disadvantage has disappeared for now."

Lie Fan then turned to two of his most trusted advisors, Jia Xu and Xun You, who had brought the initial news to him. "Wenhou, Gongda, tell everyone what we know so far."

Jia Xu stepped forward, his expression grave. "Yuan Shao has secured significant resources and power with his hegemony in the north, and now with his advisors Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Tian Feng working together, his power has been raised to a whole new level."

Xun You added, "We must consider both defensive and offensive strategies. We cannot afford to be complacent, because Tian Feng was the most dangerous advisor Yuan Shao had and he managed to insert himself in after being estranged by Yuan Shao for so long."

After both Jia Xu and Xun You said their piece, the hall was filled with silence as everyone processed the news because the development they just heard was a surprise to all of them.

Chen Gong was the first to speak, his voice calm but filled with urgency breaking the silence. "Perhaps we can spread discord among his advisors to break them apart once again. Feng Ji and Guo Tu are ambitious but also jealous men, we could exploit these traits."

Lu Su nodded, adding his thoughts. "That's a sound strategy, Master Chen Gong. Meanwhile, we must also strengthen our surveillance, and keep an eye on the movement of Yuan Shao's Army."

Chen Qun, with a thoughtful expression, weighed in next. "In addition to surveillance and internal strife, we should also consider some diplomatic efforts. Yuan Shao's internal might appear strong, but not all his allies follow him out of loyalty. If we can cajole his vassals to our side, it could weaken his position significantly."

Liu Ye also had some words as he looked at Lie Fan, "We should also support Zhang Yan silently, at least having him prolong the battle between him and Yuan Shao, buying us time and exhausting Yuan Shao's resources."

Lie Fan nodded his head hearing all of his advisors, and his eyes began scanning the room. "Sima Yi," he called, surprising everyone including Sima Yi. "You have observed our discussions. What insights can you offer us?"

Sima Yi stepped forward, his demeanor calm and composed despite the unexpected call to speak. His eyes met Lie Fan's as he began to say his thoughts.

"My lord," Sima Yi began, "our current strategies are sound, but I propose an additional layer of subterfuge that targets the very foundation of Yuan Shao's power which is his middle and lower ranks. We have the opportunity to infiltrate these levels and create chaos from within."

He paused, gauging the reaction of the room before continuing. "Imagine, if you will, key figures within Yuan Shao's ranks his commanders, quartermasters, and logisticians suddenly disappearing or turning against him," said Sima Yi calmly as he turned back to Lie Fan.

"We could plant agents among his troops to spread fear and dissent, or even orchestrate accidents that eliminate them. This will not only weaken his operational effectiveness but also sow mistrust within his ranks." Add Sima Yi, as he tries to gauge what response Lie Fan will have.

The room fell silent as the gravity of Sima Yi's proposal sank in. It was a strategy that, while undeniably effective, carried with it a brutality that not everyone could take, of course except for people like Jia Xiu, Xun You, and Chen Gong who understand all is fair in war.

Sima Yi pressed on, his voice steady. "Such actions will undoubtedly attract Yuan Shao's attention and could force him to halt his campaign to deal with the internal turmoil. This approach will be bloody, but war is never without bloodshed as we aim to minimize our losses by maximizing his."

Lie Fan's eyes narrowed as he considered Sima Yi's words. The strategy was bold and brutal, yet it had the potential to cripple Yuan Shao from within. He turned to his other advisors and generals, seeking their reactions.

Jia Xu, ever pragmatic, nodded his head. "It is a harsh strategy, but its effectiveness cannot be denied. Disrupting the lower ranks will force Yuan Shao to divert his attention and resources inward, giving us an advantage in time."

Xun You looked contemplative but eventually nodded in agreement. "We must be prepared to take drastic measures if we are to survive this conflict. Sima Yi's plan, while severe, could be the decisive factor we need."

Liu Ye, who had initially spoken about supporting Zhang Yan, weighed in. "Combining this with our efforts to support Zhang Yan, we can stretch Yuan Shao's resources to their limit. An internal sabotage and external pressure will be too much for him to handle."

After everyone who wanted to say their opinion was done, Lie Fan finally spoke, "Sima Yi, your insight is invaluable. We will proceed with your strategy, targeting Yuan Shao's middle and lower ranks with precision."

Lie Fan said with a clear and resolute voice, "Jia Xu, Xun You, Liu Ye, and Sima Yi, coordinate the infiltration efforts. Chen Qun and Chen Gong, prepare our resources that will be used to support Zhang Yan, and coordinate with Mi Zhu for this."

Everyone in the room acknowledged Lie Fan's orders with a unified nod, their faces filled with determination. The gravity of the situation had steeled their resolve, and the detailed strategies gave them a clear path forward.

Lie Fan looked around the room one final time, his gaze resting briefly on each advisor and general. "We have our plan. Let us execute it with precision and resolve. We end the meeting here today."

As the advisors and generals dispersed to carry out their respective tasks, Liu Ye and Xun You approached Lie Fan, with expressions indicating they had something important to share.

"My lord," Liu Ye began, "I have news regarding the Climbing Tigers, the siege ladders that I invented. They are complete and ready for inspection at the military camp outside the city."

Xun You nodded in agreement. "Yes, my lord. I have seen it and this new innovation could give us a significant advantage in upcoming battles. I suggest that My Lord should inspect them personally."

Lie Fan's eyes lit up hearing what both Liu Ye and Xun You had just said. "Excellent work, the two of you. Let us go see these Climbing Tigers."

The three of them made their way out of the main hall, and rode toward the military camp outside of Xiapi. The atmosphere was bustling with soldiers training and preparing, a testament to the readiness of Lie Fan's Army.

Upon reaching the camp, they were greeted by a group of engineers and soldiers who had been working on the Climbing Tigers. The siege ladders stood tall and imposing, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship that Liu Ye had in creating this invention.

Liu Ye stepped forward, gesturing towards the ladders. "My lord, these Climbing Tigers are designed to provide our troops with a rapid and effective means of scaling enemy fortifications. They are sturdy yet light enough to be maneuvered quickly."

Lie Fan examined the ladders closely, noting the reinforced joints and the clever design that allowed them to be extended or retracted with ease. "Impressive work, Liu Ye. These will certainly give us an edge in siege warfare."

Xun You added, "With these ladders, we can surprise our enemies and breach their defenses more efficiently. This could be a crucial factor in our upcoming campaigns against Cao Cao."

Lie Fan nodded, and a sense of relief filled him. "Indeed. Ensure that our troops are trained in their use immediately. We must be ready to deploy them at a moment's notice."

The engineers and soldiers bowed, acknowledging their lord's command. Lie Fan turned to Liu Ye and the group of engineers. "Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. This innovation is a testament to your ingenuity Liu Ye and the hard work of these engineers in creating it."

Liu Ye was filled with satisfaction, as his hard work bore fruit. "Thank you, my lord," Liu Ye said. "We will continue to innovate and improve our strategies to ensure our victory."

Lie Fan looked out over the bustling camp, the determination of his men reflecting his own resolve. "With men like you by my side, I do not doubt that we will prevail against Cao Cao and eventually unite this chaotic land under my banner." as he said so, Liu Ye and Xun You were filled with determination to support Lie Fan, and exchanged glances where they agreed to inform Lie Fan's words to the others as Lie Fan finally showed his ambition to them fully open.

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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