461. Sima Yi Engagement Request

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After finishing their tea, they continued their walk through the marketplace, Lie Fan carrying Yao Yao on his shoulders while Chenchen held his hand. The sight of their lord and his family walking among them, enjoying a simple family outing, brought smiles to the faces of the people of Xiapi. Of course, none of them dared to get close, seeing Lie Fan's bodyguard and a small guard entourage surrounding Lie Fan and his family.

After around 20 minutes, they finally arrived at the Lie Clan estate. When they entered, they saw Diao Chan and Cai Wenji sitting at the garden gazebo, drinking tea and watching Lu Lingqi playing tag with Yanyan and Nuonuo in the garden.

Seeing their sisters playing with Mother Lu, both Chenchen and Yaoyao immediately ran to join them, leaving Lie Fan, Ying Yue, and Wannian to join Diao Chan and Cai Wenji at the gazebo.

Seeing Lie Fan had returned from his campaign, Diao Chan and Cai Wenji stood up andsed to see him and then took turns hugging him. Noticing Diao Chan's bulging belly, Lie Fan felt distressed for leaving her alone during his campaign.

He immediately took a seat beside her, hugging her and asking how she and the baby felt. "Chan'er how are you and our baby feel? I'm sorry that I left the two of you due to my campaign." as he said so, Lie Fan caressed Diao Chan's belly.

Feeling the long-lost comfort from Lie Fan, Diao Chan who had become more emotional due to the pregnancy suddenly let out some tears, causing everyone to be surprised and Lie Fan to panic thinking that he doe something wrong.

Knowing that she had caused some commotion, Diao Chan wiped her tears and apologized, "I'm sorry everyone, it's just that I feel touched and relieved that I can be hugged and feel the long lost warmth of my Husband. This pregnancy had truly made me too emotional."

Hearing this, everyone heaved a sigh of relief, especially Lie Fan, who immediately kissed her on the forehead and said, "No Chan'er you don't need to apologize, it's me who should apologize. Don't worry I promise to spend more time with you until you give birth to our second child and after you give birth."

Listening to Lie Fan's words, although Ying Yue and Cai Wenji felt a bit jealous of Diao Chan, they also understood his decision. Diao Chan's emotions were very unpredictable due to the pregnancy and needed more care, especially since they could empathize with how she felt.

At this time, Lu Lingqi joined them at the gazebo, letting Chenchen, Yaoyao, Yanyan, and Nuonuo play together. She immediately came to Lie Fan's other side and hugged him for a minute before letting him go, understanding that Lie Fan needed to spend more time with Diao Chan, who was pregnant.

Lie Fan, feeling the warmth and support of his family, took a deep breath and smiled. "It's good to finally be home again," he said, looking around at the faces of his loved ones. They all returned his smile, the atmosphere filled with contentment and love.

As they settled down, Lie Fan asked everyone if there were any changes on the estate that he should know about, and hearing this question Ying Yue was the first one to replied Lie Fan.

"The estate has been running smoothly, Husband. There's some expansion made here and there, all under Master Liu Ye's initiative, and insist on it saying that it's to fit your status." Ying Yue said as she took a snack before eating it after she finished her words.

Lie Fan nodded, could only show a wry smile at sometimes the actions of his advisors. "That's good to hear, Cai Wenji. Just follow whatever the masters suggest, even I sometimes can't say no to what they want."

Everyone let out a giggle when they heard what Lie Fan said because they knew what he said was true. There were many times that his advisors suggested that he expand his estate, and whenever Lie Fan disagreed saying that it was big enough all of his advisors would come and protest his decision.

After the giggle, Diao Chan, now composed, added, "The gardens have also been expanded thanks to Master Liu Ye's insistent, and due to that we've planted new herbs and flowers that should be useful for both culinary and medicinal purposes."

Lie Fan looked at Diao Chan with pride. "That's a great idea, You've done a wonderful job, Chan'er. But please don't do any hard work and tire yourself okay?"

"I know Husband, please this isn't my first pregnancy and I just oversee the servants planted the herbs with Sister Ying and Sister Cai." Diao Chan rolled her eyes at what Lie Fan said, causing Lie Fan to let out a wry smile seeing what she did.

Cai Weniji also chimed in some words after that, "And the children have been progressing well with their studies, especially Chenchen he showed great talent and interest in government and military topics. All of them are eager to learn more about many things."

Lie Fan's heart swelled with pride as he looked over at his children playing happily in the garden. "It's important that they receive a well-rounded education. They are the future of our clan and must be prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead, so it's okay to teach them about all topics no need to differentiate between what Chenchen learns with what Yaoyao, Yanyan, and Nuonuo learn."

The group continued to talk and enjoy each other's company, discussing plans for the future and sharing stories of their time apart.

As night fell, the family gathered for dinner, sharing a meal filled with laughter and joy. Lie Fan couldn't help but feel grateful that he could finally spend time with his family once again, especially his children who unknowingly to him had grown up so big.

The group continued to talk and enjoy each other's company, discussing plans for the future and sharing stories of their time apart.

As night fell, the family gathered for dinner, sharing a meal filled with laughter and joy. Lie Fan couldn't help but feel grateful that he could finally spend time with his family once again, especially his children who, unbeknownst to him, had grown up so big.

After dinner, everyone returned to their chambers, and Lie Fan went to sleep in Diao Chan's chamber to accompany her after taking his bath. The next day, Lie Fan woke up first before Diao Chan, who was still sleeping, letting out a smile of contentment as if she was having one of her best sleeps in the last several months.

Seeing the beautiful and glowing face of Diao Chan, Lie Fan gave a soft kiss on her cheek before getting up and taking his morning bath, then heading toward his study to tackle the paperwork that had surely amassed in his absence.

When he arrived, he was surprised to see Sima Yi and Sima Lang waiting for him. Seeing Lie Fan enter, both Sima Yi and Sima Lang greeted him respectfully and apologized for intruding on him so early in the morning and entering his study without permission.

Lie Fan waved his hand dismissively, indicating that it was fine, and after taking his seat, he asked the two of them at what time they arrived, who received them, and when Sima Lang had arrived in Xiapi.

Sima Lang stepped forward and replied to Lie Fan's questions one by one, "My Lord, I alongside my brother had arrived at your estate 15 minutes ago, and it was Lady Ying Yue who received the two of us and told us to wait for you at your study as you're still taking your rest, and I had just arrived in Xiapi yesterday at night after riding for several days from Guangling."

Listening to Sima Lang's explanation, Lie Fan nodded and then asked Sima Lang, "I see, okay then what's the reason the two of you came here today? I'm sure it's an important thing to discuss, seeing at the time both of you choose to come and see me."

At this question, both Sima Yi and Sima Lang exchanged a glance. After receiving a nod of encouragement from his brother, Sima Yi took a deep breath and stepped forward.

With a face full of seriousness and sincerity, Sima Yi cupped his hands, went down on both knees, and said to Lie Fan with a tone full of sincerity, hope, and seriousness, "My Lord, the reason I came here alongside my older brother was to request your permission to allow me and Sister Wannian to be engaged and old our marriage."

Lie Fan felt as if he had been struck by lightning upon hearing Sima Yi's request. Thinking he had misheard, he asked Sima Yi to repeat his words. Sima Yi, with the same tone as before, reiterated his request.

The room fell silent as Lie Fan processed the information. His initial shock began to give way to contemplation. He had always known that this day would come, but it still took him by surprise. He regarded Sima Yi carefully, seeing the determination and genuine affection in the young man's eyes.

Lie Fan took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Sima Yi, your request is unexpected, but not unwelcome. I have known how you treated Wannian with the respect and affection she deserves. However, this is a significant decision, not just for you and Wannian, but for both of our families. I must consider this carefully."

Sima Yi, still kneeling, nodded. "I understand, my lord. I would not ask this if I did not truly believe in my feelings for Wannian. I am prepared to prove my worthiness and dedication, both to you and to her."

Sima Lang spoke up, adding his voice to support his brother. "My lord, I can vouch for Sima Yi's sincerity and commitment. He has always been earnest in his intentions towards Lady Wannian. I believe this union would be beneficial for both our families and the Sima Clan had many talented people that will always be at your and your clan's disposal for as long as we serve your clan."

Lie Fan appreciated the earnestness of their pleas. He looked at the two brothers, understanding the weight of their request. "Very well. I will speak with Wannian about this matter. If she agrees, then we will proceed with the engagement and make the necessary arrangements for the wedding. You have my tentative blessing, but it will depend on Wannian's feelings as well."

Sima Yi and Sima Lang both bowed deeply, gratitude evident in their expressions. "Thank you, my lord. We will await your decision and respect whatever you and Lady Wannian decide."

With that, the brothers took their leave, allowing Lie Fan to return to his paperwork. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of his sister finding happiness, a bit jealous at how Wannian wouldn't be the little sister he could hold in the palm of his hand, and ecstatic that with this move, he would gain the ultimate loyalty of Sima Yi and the Sima Clan.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 31 (198 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