559. Agreeing To The Conditions

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Finishing the letter, Lie Fan turned to address his advisors, sharing a summary of the Sun Clan's response. "Our friends in Jiangdong have agreed to swear their allegiance, albeit with some conditions. They've requested autonomy in matters of local governance, the right to establish trade routes, and wisely a desire to learn from our agricultural advancements. Additionally, they propose joint military exercises to forge camaraderie between our forces.

Jia Xu, always sharp, offered his insight first. "These conditions reveal a keen understanding of their own strengths and needs. By retaining control over their domestic policies, they preserve their people's loyalty. Their trade autonomy will ensure economic stability, a wise move if they hope to contribute resources to our campaigns."

Chen Gong nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the Sun Clan's astuteness. "The request for agricultural knowledge is particularly telling. It reflects their understanding that economic stability is crucial for military strength. If they implement these methods effectively, it could make Jiangdong a substantial asset, supplying food and resources for future campaigns."

Lu Su, on the side, voiced his perspective. "Their choice to prioritize joint exercises shows a willingness to integrate their forces into ours over time, which could foster a smoother transition of military command. This will be especially valuable in the heat of battle, should we need their support in the northern campaign."

Lie Fan listened carefully to each advisor, noting the strengths and implications of the Sun Clan's proposal. The conditions outlined in their response displayed a commendable balance of loyalty and self-preservation, a combination Lie Fan respected.

He recognized that their conditions would indeed serve both parties well in the long run, ensuring Jiangdong's prosperity while also strengthening his broader objective of unification.

Satisfied with the insights of his advisors, Lie Fan spoke, "The Sun Clan's offer aligns well with our vision. By respecting their requests, we strengthen our bond, and in time, they will come to trust our rule even more deeply. The agricultural support we extend to Jiangdong will not only bind them to us but also serve as a model of prosperity across other regions."

Sima Yi, his voice calm but laced with foresight, added, "This vassalation bond with the Sun Clan serves another purpose, my lord. Should other regions observe how we handle Jiangdong, honoring its customs and empowering its people, they may be more inclined to accept a similar bond. A strategic demonstration of this partnership could pave the way for future cooperation, reducing the need for excessive force. But of course, considering the neighbors that were left, no one will follow the footsteps of the Sun Clan and even condemn them for taking such stupid action."

Lie Fan nodded in agreement. The Sun Clan's acceptance, if managed with wisdom, could indeed set a precedent that might encourage other powerful families and regions to join under his banner with less resistance.

Such a path would lead to a more stable unification, fostering loyalty rather than resentment. But of course, just like what Sima Yi had just said, except for the Sun Clan, no one will accept such an offer and even spit on his offer because their ambition is to become the new Emperor.

With a plan forming in his mind, Lie Fan decided to draft a formal response to Sun Ce and Sun Jian, acknowledging their terms and expressing his eagerness to begin this new chapter together.

He instructed Chen Qun and Lu Su to draft a decree detailing the logistical aspects of implementing Jiangdong's requested agricultural reforms, ensuring that resources, experts, and materials would be dispatched promptly. Additionally, Xun You and Jia Xu were tasked with coordinating the military training schedule to allow for the joint exercises requested by the Sun Clan.

As the preparations continued, Lie Fan reflected on the momentous task before him. Yuan Shao's forces were formidable, and the campaign would test the unity and resolve of his newly forged relationship.

But with the Sun Clan's support and the loyal dedication of his own generals and advisors, he felt confident that they could overcome the challenges ahead. His vision for a unified land under him, to change history making his mark was coming to fruition, one move at a time.

The council members departed to carry out their respective duties, each invigorated by the success of this alliance. As they left, Lie Fan lingered by the window, watching the messenger bird fly back into the sky, heading south once more to Jiangdong. In its flight, he saw the dawn of a new era, one where he would be the one who created the stability and prosperity of the land.

And so, under the steady leadership of Lie Fan, the pieces began to fall into place for the unification of the empire. His new relationship with the Sun Clan symbolized a new approach to governance, one that honored both loyalty and autonomy, giving Jiangdong a reason to not only support but also trust in his rule.

The next few days were marked by meticulous planning and intense preparation. As the agricultural advisors and experts departed from Xiapi to Jiangdong, they carried with them not only tools and seeds but also the knowledge that would transform the Sun Clan's lands.

Back in Jiangdong, Sun Ce and Sun Jian prepared to receive Lie Fan's envoys with dignity and respect, ready to lay the groundwork for the future they had committed to. For both the Sun Clan and Lie Fan, this was not merely an agreement on paper but a profound step toward a unified future, one built on cooperation, respect, and a shared vision.

After the agricultural advisors and experts departed from Xiapi to Jiangdong, carrying tools, seeds, and the expertise that would reshape Jiangdong's lands, Lie Fan summoned Jia Xu, Chen Qun, Lu Su, and Sima Yi to his private office. It was time to discuss a matter of high strategy, how and when to announce to the land that the Sun Clan had formally sworn allegiance to him.

As Lie Fan was seated at his seat while the four advisors stood around the wooden table, and observed Lie Fan as he outlined his question. "Now that the Sun Clan has pledged their support, how do you all think we should make this known? Should we declare it now, or is there a more opportune moment?"

The advisors exchanged thoughtful glances, understanding the delicacy of the situation. One by one, each shared their views on how they should handle this matter.

Jia Xu spoke first, his words deliberate. "My lord, announcing this allegiance immediately could indeed stir the political landscape. However, it may also create a distraction, both for Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. With our aim of playing the ultimate fisherman, reaping the benefits of their war, an early announcement could inadvertently align them against us rather than each other."

Chen Qun nodded in agreement, adding, "A premature announcement could also have repercussions on Jiangdong's stability. The Sun Clan needs time to reinforce its position and integrate our agricultural practices. If their people feel any resentment or uncertainty, this could undermine both Jiangdong's loyalty and our new relationship with the Sun Clan."

Lu Su leaned forward, as he gave his opinion. "If we time this announcement to coincide with the height of our northern campaign, when both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are too preoccupied to consider us an immediate threat, it could provide a significant advantage. By then, our victory or even our involvement will be undeniable. The people across the land will hear the news and know that the Sun Clan chose wisely."

Sima Yi, who had been listening attentively, finally spoke up. His voice was calm but incisive. "Cao Cao and Yuan Shao each harbor ambitions that leave little room for error. If they suspect that we have bound the Sun Clan to our cause, they may reconsider their own hostilities and join forces, seeing us as a shared adversary.

"That would render our northern strategy void, disrupting the balance we have so carefully constructed. The news of the Sun Clan's allegiance to you my lord would carry a much greater impact if revealed during their conflict or directly following our victory, amplifying its weight across the land."

Lie Fan considered their insights, impressed by the careful reasoning each had displayed. A smile hinted at his satisfaction as he absorbed the wisdom of his advisors. The timing of the announcement, he realized, was crucial.

By waiting until the northern campaign was underway or better yet, nearing a decisive point of the campaign, he could maximize the impact of the announcement, leaving little room for Cao Cao and Yuan Shao to regroup by then.

With his decision taking shape, Lie Fan leaned forward, setting his hands on the table. "Then it's settled. We will wait until the northern campaign is in motion or, if possible, until we have achieved victory over Yuan Shao. At that point, the Sun Clan's allegiance will be announced, both as a testament to our strength and a demonstration of our influence."

The four advisors nodded, understanding the gravity of this decision. It wasn't merely about defeating Yuan Shao or securing an alliance with the Sun Clan—it was about weaving together a web of alliances and conflicts to bring about an enduring unification under Lie Fan's vision. The timing of this revelation would serve as a strategic blow to any remaining opposition, showing that Jiangdong's loyalty was freely given and that Lie Fan's strength reached beyond Xiapi.

As their discussion concluded, Lie Fan dismissed his advisors to prepare for the northern campaign. The coming months would be critical, demanding every ounce of skill, strategy, and resilience they possessed.

Meanwhile, in the northern reaches of Nanpi, Yuan Shao's capital was alive with a flurry of activity, the sounds of armor clanking and orders being shouted filling the air as Yuan Shao's preparations for the campaign against Cao Cao took shape.

Yuan Shao had made a decision, where Yan Liang and Wen Chou, his two most trusted and fearsome generals, would lead the armies in the coming battle. These weren't ordinary armies, however; they were specifically tailored for a sustained campaign, each led by generals who understood not just war but also the art of territory control.

But Yuan Shao's choices weren't purely strategic. His decision to embed his own sons within these army groups hinted at deeper intentions. He assigned his eldest son, Yuan Tan, to Yan Liang's army, where he would be given a position of authority, and a chance to display his abilities on the front lines. Yuan Shang, the youngest, was attached to Wen Chou's forces, which would provide him with similar opportunities in a different segment of the campaign.

For the delicate matter of logistics, which was vital in any prolonged campaign, Yuan Shao turned to his second son, Yuan Xi, trusting in his acumen and his strategic relationship with his father-in-law, Zhen Yi. Together, Yuan Shang and Zhen Yi had built a powerful economic network that extended throughout Yuan Shao's domain, and they would now harness that influence to ensure that both armies had the supplies and support they needed.

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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