567. Army Reorganization 2 & The Three Genius Conversation

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Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi concluded the presentation by addressing potential contingencies. "If Yuan Shao's forces regroup and attempt to outflank us," Lu Su explained, "the Qilin Army will act as a rapid-response unit, reinforcing vulnerable positions. Additionally, our spies within Yuan Shao's ranks are prepared to sow discord, further weakening his cohesion."

With the strategy thoroughly outlined, Lie Fan turned to the next topic: army reorganization. Lie Fan stood before his gathered generals and strategists, his gaze sweeping across the hall.

The air was thick with anticipation as he prepared to announce the reorganization of his forces. "While our current structure has served us well," he began, "this campaign demands not only a refined strategy but also an increase in our strength. To ensure our success, I am implementing changes that will bolster our power and solidify our position as a dominant force in the land."

Lie Fan outlined the proposed expansion of his armies, a monumental increase that left many of the gathered commanding generals awestruck. "The Qinlong, Baihu, and Zhuque Armies will each see their numbers increase from 80,000 to 125,000 men. The Xuanwu Army will grow from 112,500 to 150,000 men, and the Qilin Army will expand from 155,000 to 200,000 men. This brings our total active forces to an impressive 725,000 men."

The room was momentarily silent as the enormity of the announcement settled in. Huang Zhong, commanding general of the Qinlong Army, was the first to speak. "This increase is unprecedented, my lord. Such numbers will not only enhance our battlefield capabilities but will also serve as a powerful deterrent to our enemies."

Dian Wei of the Baihu Army, agrees with Huang Zhong, and adds, "With these numbers, no bandits or neighboring forces will dare provoke us. Our increased patrols alone will inspire fear."

The strategists, too, were quick to recognize the significance of the increase. Liu Ba of the Qinlong Army nodded in agreement, saying, "The treasury and granaries must be well-prepared to sustain this expansion. Such a force requires meticulous planning to maintain."

Lie Fan smiled, reassured by their support. "I have consulted extensively with the inner council advisors and other advisors here in Xiapi. After thorough analysis, it is clear that our treasury and granary can support this increase without strain. This is an investment in our future dominance and in our surprise campaign against Yuan Shao."

With the expansion addressed, Lie Fan moved on to reassignments within the command structure. "For the Qilin Army, there will be a change in leadership. Gao Shun will step down as the army's strategist but will remain within the Qilin Army as the commander of the Formation Breaker unit. His position as strategist will be filled by Man Chong, whose keen mind and innovative tactics will enhance the Qilin Army's effectiveness."

Gao Shun bowed respectfully. "I am honored to continue serving the Qilin Army and look forward to working alongside Strategist Man Chong. Together, we will ensure the army's continued success."

Man Chong, who had joined the court meeting halfway as he was just summoned, stepped forward, bowing deeply. "It is a privilege to serve in this capacity. I will do my utmost to live up to the trust placed in me."

The other generals murmured their approval, recognizing the wisdom in Lie Fan's decision to leverage both men's strengths. The Qilin Army needed a much more experienced strategist and also still needed Gao Shun alongside the Formation Breaker unit for their combat power.

Lie Fan's next announcement sent ripples of shock through the room. "In addition to the increase in manpower, each army will receive a substantial allocation of advanced weaponry and equipment. Every army will be supplied with the following of 20,000 Chu-Ko-Nu, 20,000 saddles, 20,000 cavalry stirrups, 10,000 firelances, 5,000 Nest of Bees, 10 Climbing Tigers, and 10 Hwacha."

The generals exchanged stunned glances. These were not merely standard military supplies but cutting-edge equipment that would revolutionize their combat capabilities.

Zhang Liao, commanding general of the Qilin Army, spoke up. "With such equipment, our armies will be capable of launching independent sieges and engaging forces twice our size. This will give us unmatched flexibility and power on the battlefield."

Chen Deng, strategist of the Baihu Army, added, "The inclusion of siege equipment like the Climbing Tigers and Hwacha ensures that even fortified cities will fall quickly to our assault. This is a game-changer, my lord."

Lie Fan nodded, pleased by their enthusiasm. "These resources have been procured at great expense, but they are essential to our strategy. Each army will now be equipped to operate independently while maintaining the ability to coordinate with other forces. We will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies and inspire loyalty among our people."

Chen Gong, who had stayed silent, spoke up to address the broader implications. "My lord, such an increase in strength will not go unnoticed by our neighbors and rivals. While it strengthens our position, it could also ruin our surprise campaign. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao will see us as a growing threat, and could decide to halt their battle."

Lu Su, hearing that, countered his words, "That may be true, but these changes could also be perceived by Yuan Shao and Cao Cao as our lord doing internal restructuring and focused on internal matters. It also sends a clear message to them, that we are not to be trifled with."

Sima Yi, his sharp mind already calculating the possibilities, added, "Furthermore, this expansion aligns perfectly with our long-term strategy. By the time our enemies realize the full extent of our capabilities, it will be too late for them to mount an effective response."

Lie Fan raised his hand, signaling for silence. "You are all correct. This expansion is a double-edged sword, but it is a necessary risk. We must strike while the iron is hot. Yuan Shao is distracted by his campaign against Cao Cao, and this is our opportunity to cement our dominance."

With the announcements concluded, Lie Fan turned to his gathered leaders, his tone resolute. "This campaign against Yuan Shao will be the first test of our reorganized forces. It will not be easy, but I have faith in each of you. Together, we will not only defeat Yuan Shao but also set the stage for unifying the land under a single banner."

The generals and strategists rose as one, bowing deeply to their lord. Their expressions were a mixture of determination and pride, each resolved to fulfill their role in the grand strategy. As the meeting concluded, the Governor's Castle in Xiapi became a hive of activity. Orders were issued, supply lines secured, and recruitment notice was spread throughout Lie Fan's domain.

Meanwhile, in the mountains of Jing Province, a serene, secluded village basked in the soft sunlight of the late afternoon. Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, and Pang Tong strolled leisurely along the narrow paths, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape.

Verdant hills rolled gently in the distance, and the sound of a babbling brook complemented the rustling of the leaves in the gentle breeze. The three friends were engrossed in a lighthearted conversation that brought smiles and laughter to their faces, a welcome respite from the rigors of their studies under the tutelage of their renowned teachers, Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan.

As they walked, Zhuge Liang proposed a competition to alleviate their boredom: a test of their wit and creativity to compose or recite the perfect poem inspired by the scenery around them. Each took turns, delivering verses that painted vivid pictures of their surroundings.

Xu Shu's poem was a profound reflection on the transience of life, likening the flowing stream to time's relentless march. Pang Tong's verses, though filled with raw energy, were more a celebration of nature's unbridled vitality, yet lacked refinement.

When it came to Zhuge Liang's turn, he composed a masterful piece that encapsulated not only the beauty of the scenery but also wove deeper philosophical undertones, meditating on the harmony between man and nature. As the last words left his lips, both Xu Shu and Pang Tong could only nod in admiration.

"Brother Kongming, you've won this round," Xu Shu conceded with a laugh. "Though, that is hardly surprising."

Pang Tong grumbled good-naturedly. "You make it difficult for anyone else to shine, Kongming."

Zhuge Liang chuckled. "It is only a small game. But I must admit, it has been a pleasure to share this moment with the two of you."

As the lighthearted competition came to an end, the trio's conversation turned to a more serious topic: their future. They had spent years honing their skills in strategy, philosophy, and governance, and the time was approaching for them to step into the world and serve a worthy lord.

Pang Tong, as the most ambitious of the three, spoke first. "I would serve someone like Liu Bei," he said decisively. "He cares for the people and, more importantly, lacks talented advisors. With him, I would have the opportunity to fully display my talents and rise to the top."

Xu Shu smiled at Pang Tong's confidence but offered a different perspective. "I do not have such lofty aspirations. As long as the lord I serve is virtuous, cares for the people, and trusts his advisors with meaningful responsibilities, I will be content. That could be Liu Bei, but it might just as well be Cao Cao or Lie Fan."

Both men then turned to Zhuge Liang, eager to hear his thoughts. He was silent for a moment, gazing out at the horizon as though contemplating the weight of their question. Finally, he spoke.

"Brother Shiyuan," Zhuge Liang began with a hint of a smile, "your ambition is admirable, but you should temper your desire to become the 'top' advisor. You must remember that there are many brilliant minds in the land today, such as Jia Xu, Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and others of great renown. To rise above them all will be no simple task."

Xu Shu chuckled, catching the subtle implication in Zhuge Liang's words. "Brother Kongming, are you suggesting that Brother Shengyuan should also consider you as one of the great minds he must surpass?"

Zhuge Liang's smile widened. "I am merely stating the truth. The path to greatness is not one of unchecked ambition but of humility and perseverance. To serve the people and guide a worthy ruler is a noble goal, but one must also recognize the strength of one's peers."

Pang Tong's brow furrowed, but his lips twitched in a grudging smile. "Perhaps you are right, Kongming. But tell us, then what kind of lord would you serve?"

Zhuge Liang took a deep breath before answering, his tone becoming more reflective. "The lord I would serve must possess both wisdom and virtue. He must be a man who understands the plight of the common people and seeks to alleviate their suffering. Yet, he must also have the ambition and courage to unify the land, to bring peace to this era of chaos. He must value his advisors and foster an environment where their counsel is heeded and their loyalty rewarded."

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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