440. The Invasion Resumed

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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.

Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai cupped their hands and bowed deeply to Sun Ce. "We will not disappoint you, my lord," Zhou Yu said with determination, and Zhou Tai nodded in agreement. With a swift, synchronized motion, they departed to prepare their forces for the journey to Changsha.

Sun Ce then turned to Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Huan Jie. "Master Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Huan Jie proceed with the integration of Changsha as it's crucial to our plans. Ensure that the transition is smooth and efficient."

The three advisors bowed in unison. Zhang Zhao then stepped forward. "My lord, I suggest that we have Wei Yan stay in Changsha alongside Zhou Yu. Though he is not officially one of our generals, his influence can help us solidify our control over Changsha. He could be the key to winning over more support there."

Sun Ce considered Zhang Zhao's suggestion carefully. "A wise proposal, Master Zhang Zhao. Wei Yan's presence could indeed be beneficial. Make the arrangements for him to stay in Changsha with Zhou Yu."

Zhang Zhao bowed again. "It shall be done, my lord." with that, Zhang Zhao led Zhang Hong and Huan Jie to leave the hall to begin their preparation.

Sun Ce watched Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Huan Jie leave the hall, feeling a sense of anticipation for the coming days. He then turned to his father, Sun Jian, who sat calmly on the right side of the hall, exuding an air of wisdom and experience.

"Father," Sun Ce began, "I am troubled by the ongoing conflict between Brother Lie Fan and Cao Cao. Our alliance with Brother Lie Fan is strong, and our families share a bond of friendship. Yet, Brother Lie Fan has not called upon us to join the battle. I fear that forcing our involvement might leave a bad impression on him."

Sun Jian chuckled at his son's words, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and pride. "Ah, Ce'er, you still have much to learn about the intricate dance of politics. While friendship and alliances are important, the foundation of any relationship in this land is built on mutual interests."

Sun Ce listened intently as his father continued, "Lie Fan may not have called us to arms, but that does not mean we should remain passive. The war between him and Cao Cao is reshaping the Central Plains, and we must position ourselves wisely. By supporting Lie Fan indirectly, we can strengthen our alliance without overstepping our bounds."

Sun Ce nodded slowly, absorbing his father's words. "So, what do you suggest we do, Father?"

Sun Jian's expression grew serious. "We must prepare ourselves for any eventuality. Strengthen our forces and fortify our defenses. Keep a close watch on the developments in the Central Plains. If the opportunity arises, we can offer our assistance to Lie Fan at a critical moment, proving our loyalty and enhancing our standing."

Sun Ce's mind raced with possibilities. "You are right, Father. We must be proactive yet cautious. By being ready, we can support Brother Lie Fan when the time is right and solidify our position in this ever-changing landscape."

Sun Jian smiled, pleased with his son's understanding. "Exactly. Remember, Ce'er, in times of war, alliances are tested, and true strength is revealed. We must be prepared to adapt and seize opportunities as they arise."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Sun Ce rose from his seat. "Thank you, Father. I will ensure that our forces are ready and our strategy is sound. We will stand by Brother Lie Fan, just like what he did for us before."

On the other hand, In the Qilin Army's encampment, the atmosphere inside the command tent was tense but focused. Lie Fan sat at the head of the table, flanked by his advisors and generals Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Jia Xu, and Xun You.

Maps and strategy plans were spread out before them, as they discussed the final preparations for their upcoming campaign, just waiting for the Baihu's Army to report that they were ready.

Lie Fan's voice was steady and commanding. "With all of our forces in position except for the Baihu Army, we are ready to strike Cao Cao's remaining towns before targeting Xuchang. Our scouts report that his troops are now concentrated in Puyang, Chenliu, and Wan to defend them, as for Xuchang it had been heavily fortified."

Zhang Liao nodded as he heard Lie Fan's words. "Then Cao Cao was truly making this a defensive war for him now, My Lord. My scouts also told me that they saw signs of Cao Ren's Army to the west had arrived on Xuchang, meaning that the rest of Cao Cao's Army had arrived."

Gao Shun standing beside Zhang Liao also said some words while he looked at the map before them, "Looks like Cao Cao's campaign to the west had bore fruit, is there any news from the Oriole concerning his campaign My Lord?"

Hearing this question, Lie Fan doesn't say anything but turns to Xun You who knows that he was signaled to respond to Gao Shun's words. "Yes there are reports from the Oriole agents, and what I can say is General Gao Shun, Cao Cao now holds absolute control in the west for now."

As they spoke, a guard entered the tent, bowing respectfully before presenting a sealed letter to Jia Xu. "Master Jia Xu, this just arrived from Master Chen Deng, the strategist of the Baihu Army."

Jia Xu took the letter and quickly broke the seal, unfolding the parchment. He began to read aloud, his voice clear and measured. "My Lord and the esteemed generals and masters, I write to inform you that the Baihu Army's preparations are complete. Our troops are ready to move at a moment's notice, and we await your signal to commence our coordinated attack."

Lie Fan smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Excellent. Chen Deng and the Baihu Army's readiness will be crucial for the success of our plan. With their support, we can strike Cao Cao's forces from multiple fronts."

Xun You leaned forward toward the table, and out the chess pieces to the target in the map. "Our timing must be precise, My Lord. We need to synchronize the movements of all of the armies to maximize the impact. I suggest we send a messenger to each army to coordinate the exact timing of our assault."

Jia Xu agreed. "I agree with Xun You words, My Lord. I will draft the orders immediately, outlining our strategy and the timing for the attack to ensure that our entire armies move as one."

Lie Fan nodded, his determination evident. "Do it. Wenyuan and Gao Shun, ready our men so that they can move at a moment's notice!"

As Jia Xu began drafting the orders, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun cupped their hand toward Lie Fan and left the tent to prepare the Qilin Army soldiers. Lie Fan and Xun You stayed at the tent, communicating with each other about the best way to take down Chenliu and Puyang.

"We must strike swiftly and decisively," Lie Fan said, his voice filled with determination. "Chenliu and Puyang are vital to Cao Cao's supplies. If we take them, we can cripple his ability to sustain his army."

Xun You nodded in agreement. "Indeed, My Lord. We should also consider using the Oriole agents to sabotage its defenses and stir riots inside the towns, maybe even burn their supplies warehouse and granary."

As the two discuss strategies, outside the tent, the sounds of soldiers readying their gear and the occasional clink of armor filled the air as Zhang Liao and Gao Shun oversaw their soldiers, other generals, including the Chao Brothers and Xu Rong, assisted in the preparations, their soldiers readying their weapons and armor with a sense of urgency and anticipation.

As the sun began to set, Jia Xu finished drafting the orders and summoned several Oriole agents. "Deliver these to the other armies. Ensure that each of the Head General and strategist understand the timing and the importance of synchronizing their movements with ours."

The Oriole Agents bowed deeply and took the orders, setting off immediately. Over the next several days, the orders were delivered to the various army groups spread across the Central Plains.

Each head general and strategist of the armies read the orders carefully, with their soldiers making final preparations for the upcoming campaign. Through the Oriole network, Lie Fan received confirmation that all units were ready and awaiting his signal.

Lie Fan stood at the edge of the encampment, the wind rustling his cloak as he gazed out at the horizon. He knew that the time had come to act. Turning to a nearby officer, he gave the signal to commence the attack.

Torches were lit, and signals were sent out, passing from one unit to the next. The Qilin Army began to move in unison, advancing toward their designated target Chenliu. Soldiers marched in disciplined formations, their faces set with grim determination.

In Xuchang, Cao Cao sat in his war room, studying reports from his scouts. The news of Lie Fan's resuming his movements had reached him, and he felt a surge of apprehension.

He turned to his advisors, his voice firm. "Prepare our defenses. We cannot afford any losses. Send word to all our units to be on high alert. Lie Fan's army is on the move, and we must be ready to counter their every move."

Xun Yu immediately began writing letters to the defenders in Wan, Chenliu, and Puyang, meticulously detailing the movements of Lie Fan's army and stressing the importance of heightened vigilance and readiness.

His hand moved swiftly, his mind focused on the gravity of the situation. Each letter bore the seal of Cao Cao, ensuring that the recipients would understand the urgency of the command.

Meanwhile, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai stepped forward, their faces reflecting the seriousness of the moment. Guo Jia spoke first, his tone measured but urgent. "My lord, we have devised a plan that could potentially turn the tide of this conflict. However, it will require significant concessions." Hearing what Guo Jia had just said, Cao Cao raises his eyebrows then furrowed it as he were interested and dreaded to hear what Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai had in mind.

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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