485. Discussion

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With this newfound control, Lie Fan's influence in the Central Plains increased by several levels. His ability to maneuver through the complex political landscape, aided by the Oriole's extensive network, made him a formidable force. The other warlords, preoccupied with their own ambitions and challenges, don't realize the growing power of the Lie Clan with the network of information at Lie Fan's disposal.

While warlords like Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Yuan Shao were focused on expanding their territories and consolidating their power, Lie Fan was building an empire of information.

His ability to manipulate the flow of intelligence, and to control the narrative within his domain and beyond through the Oriole, gave him an edge that few others could match.

It was not just military might that secured his position, but a deep understanding of the human element—the desires, fears, and ambitions that drove people to act combined with help from experts such as Jia Xu, Xu Kai, and Wang Yi.

The brothels, under Wang Yi's careful supervision, became the nerve centers of this intelligence empire, while the Serenity Inn and Dragon's Fang Tavern fell behind which was to be expected.

Each of the courtesans was a carefully crafted trap, designed to lure in the powerful and the influential, to ensnare them in a web of their own making. The courtesans, who appeared to be mere entertainers, were in fact the sharpest tools in Lie Fan's arsenal now. They collected whispers and rumors, piecing together the hidden truths that shaped the politics of the land.

Wang Yi, herself a master of deception, took pride in the success of her division. She understood the power of information, and she knew that in this world of constant warfare and shifting alliances, knowledge was the greatest weapon.

Under her guidance, the brothels not only generated intelligence but also became profitable enterprises, adding wealth to the Lie Clan's coffers.

At this time, Lie Fan sat in his office at the Governor's Castle in Xiapi, his keen eyes focused on the reports laid out before him. The room was adorned with luxurious tapestries and maps of his domain, a testament to his ambitions.

Outside, the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the landscape, but within the castle, the atmosphere was one of quiet determination. The tranquil exterior belied the storm of political maneuvering and strategic planning that was taking place within these walls.

In front of him stood Wang Yi before him, her posture poised and confident. Yet beneath that composure was a mind constantly calculating, weighing her words carefully as she delivered her report. Beside her was Jia Xu, who sat to her right, his expression unreadable as he listened.

"The Oriole's operations have seen a substantial increase in both efficiency and profitability, my lord," Wang Yi began, her voice steady but laced with satisfaction. "With the creation of the Brothels Division, our revenue has increased by an estimated 50%. All of this is produced by the brothels we've established in the major towns across the Central Plains."

When he heard the report, inwardly Lie Fan was surprised because, with only Brothels in the central plans major town, he received this large increase in revenue, which was more than half of what the Serenity Inn and Dragons Fang Tavern made for him.

Even though in actuality it could give him more revenue, some of the revenue was given to his mother Yu Yan to pay for the Yu Merchant Clan who helped gather materials that Lie Fan needed and sell commodities produced in Lie Fan's domain.

Outwardly, Lie Fan nodded, clearly pleased with the news. "I had anticipated that the brothels would serve as valuable hubs for gathering intelligence, but I did not expect them to be such a significant source of revenue," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It seems I underestimated the profitability of this enterprise."

"Indeed, my lord," Wang Yi responded, her eyes flickering with pride. "The brothels have not only provided us with critical intelligence but have also added considerable wealth to our coffers. With the current success, I propose expanding our operations further north, into Yuan Shao's territory. The noble and merchant families there are affluent, and the demand for such establishments is high. With my lord and master Jia Xu's support, I believe this expansion could be highly beneficial."

Jia Xu, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. "Wang Yi's plan is sound, my lord. The north is ripe with opportunity, and with Yuan Shao preoccupied with his own affairs, our expansion would go largely uncontested. It would also allow us to strengthen our network of intelligence, giving us a stronger foothold in the region."

Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, considering their words. The northern territories, particularly those under Yuan Shao's control, were indeed lucrative targets.

Yuan Shao, despite his considerable power, was overconfident and often dismissed the subtleties of espionage and information control. This made his domain an ideal area for the Oriole to continue to develop its influence, especially since his domain bordered Yuan Shao's domain now.

"You have my approval," Lie Fan finally said, his decision made. "Proceed with the expansion as planned. However, be cautious. While Yuan Shao may be arrogant, he is not without capable advisors. We cannot afford to be careless."

Wang Yi bowed her head in acknowledgment, "I will ensure that our operations are conducted with the utmost discretion, my lord."

Satisfied with the progress and the plans laid out, Lie Fan turned his attention back to the reports. After a moment of silence, he dismissed Jia Xu with a nod, indicating that he had more private matters to discuss with Wang Yi. Jia Xu, ever perceptive, rose from his seat and bowed before quietly exiting the room.

As the door closed behind Jia Xu, Wang Yi felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Alone with Lie Fan, she could sense the weight of his gaze on her. Though she was confident in her abilities and knew that she had earned Lie Fan's trust, there was still a tension in the air—a tension that was both professional and personal.

Lie Fan studied her for a moment before speaking. "Lady Wang Yi, I've observed your work closely. Your success with the Brothels Division and your contributions to the Oriole are commendable. However, I believe it's time we address a matter that has likely been on your mind for some time."

Wang Yi's heart quickened, but she maintained her composure. "What matter would that be, my lord?" she asked, her voice calm despite the unease bubbling beneath the surface.

Lie Fan smiled slightly, an expression that could have been either reassuring or unsettling. "You've undoubtedly realized by now that your journey from Tianshui to Xiapi was not a coincidence. You were guided, supported, and protected along the way—by the Oriole agents."

Wang Yi nodded slowly, her suspicions confirmed. "I had indeed come to that realization, though I was unsure whether it was you my lord, or master Jia Xu who ordered the Oriole agents to do so."

"It was both of us if it could make some sense," Lie Fan replied. "The Oriole is an extension of my will, but it is through Jia Xu's expertise that it operates so effectively. He recognized your talents long before you arrived in Xiapi, and it was on his own doing that we extended our assistance to you, when I knew you had arrived here in Xiapi. Your success here has proven that his trust was well-placed."

Wang Yi felt a mixture of relief and renewed respect for Lie Fan and admiration for Jia Xu. The two of them had actually known about her presence and had been watching her all along, guiding her steps even when she had believed herself to be acting independently.

The realization that she had been part of a larger plan, that her every move had been anticipated, was both humbling and empowering but at the same time filled her with dread as the path that she had chosen was actually a decision she made because she was influenced.

"My lord," she began, choosing her words carefully, "I am grateful for the trust you and Master Jia Xu have placed in me. I will continue to serve you and the Oriole to the best of my abilities."

Lie Fan nodded, seemingly satisfied with her response. "I have no doubt that you will, Lady Wang Yi. But there is one more thing I wish to discuss with you."

Wang Yi tensed slightly, unsure of what was to come next. Lie Fan's tone had shifted, becoming more personal, more intimate.

"I understand the burden you carry," Lie Fan said softly. "The past you have, the deception, the danger—it is not an easy path you tread on. I want you to know that I value your loyalty and your sacrifices and at the same time honor your past. But I also want you to consider what lies ahead. The path we are on will only grow more perilous. The stakes will rise, and the choices we make will have far-reaching consequences."

Wang Yi's eyes met his, and for the first time, she saw not just her lord, but a man—a man who bore the weight of leadership, of power, and of the lives that depended on him which reminded her of her late husband Zhao Ang.

"I am prepared for whatever may come, my lord," she replied, her voice steady. "I chose this path willingly, and I will see it through, no matter the cost."

Lie Fan regarded her with a mixture of admiration and solemnity. "Very well, Lady Wang Yi. But remember, you are not alone in this. We are all in this together, bound by our cause. Never forget that."

Wang Yi bowed deeply, her respect not personally and professionally for Lie Fan only growing. "I will not forget, my lord."

Lie Fan returned his attention to the reports, signaling that their conversation was at an end. As Wang Yi turned to leave, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She had been reminded of the gravity of her role, but also of the trust that Lie Fan placed in her. It was a trust she would not betray.

Outside the office, the corridors of the Governor's Castle were quiet, the only sound being the soft footsteps of the guards patrolling the halls. Wang Yi walked with a determined stride, her mind racing with thoughts of the challenges ahead.

The expansion into Yuan Shao's territory, the continued development of the Oriole, and the ever-present danger that came with her line of work—all of it weighed heavily on her, but she welcomed the challenge and distraction it provided to her mind.

Meanwhile, within the confines of his office, Lie Fan sat back in his chair, deep in thought. The reports from Wang Yi and Jia Xu had been very positive and helped him think of their next step. As he thought so, Wang Yi's face suddenly flashed in his mind and the serious look on her face makes her look even more beautiful to him making him want to get closer to appreciate her beauty more.

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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