487. The Lingling Massacre

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Sun Ce observed Zhou Yu's reaction closely, then added, "Brother Lie Fan's reasoning is sound. The Qiao family has a strong reputation, and their support could strengthen our position. But it's more than that... Brother Lie Fan believes this alliance could help us consolidate power in the region, especially as we prepare to confront our rivals. And He also thinks that the Qiao Sisters could definitely make us completely head and over heels for them, I think such a thing is worthy to be tried."

Zhou Yu remained silent, his mind quickly analyzing the situation. He understood the strategic value of such an alliance, but he also knew that it came with risks. The Qiao family was influential, and any misstep could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Also, he felt that Lie Fan was too confident by saying that both he and Sun Ce could be head over heels with the Qiao Sisters, because he felt that even the most famous beauty in the land wouldn't shake his heart.

Sun Ce continued, his voice low and contemplative. "Brother Lie Fan spoke highly of the sisters, not just for their beauty but for their intelligence and the influence they wield. He's convinced that such a marriage would be a step toward solidifying our power base, and also bring happiness for us.

Zhou Yu leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. "And what do you think, Gonglu?" he asked carefully. "Do you agree with Lord Lie Fan's assessment?"

Sun Ce sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I trust Brother Lie Fan's judgment. He's proven himself to be a valuable ally to the Sun Clan and a keen strategist. But I also know that this decision is not one to be made lightly. It involves our family, our future, and the future of the Sun Clan. We need to consider all angles, all potential outcomes."

Zhou Yu nodded in agreement. "This marriage could indeed bring us strength, but we must also consider the feelings and autonomy of the Qiao Sisters. We should not force such a union if it would bring them harm or discontent. Additionally, we must be aware of how our enemies might react. They could see this alliance as a threat and act accordingly."

Sun Ce's expression grew more serious. "Exactly. That's why I wanted to discuss this with you first. I value your counsel, Gonglu, and I believe you can help me navigate this situation carefully. We need to approach this with caution, ensuring that we don't alienate anyone or make enemies where we cannot afford to."

Zhou Yu considered Sun Ce's words carefully. It was a delicate situation, but one that had the potential to greatly benefit the Sun Clan if handled correctly. After a moment, he spoke. "We should approach the Qiao family with respect and transparency. Offer them a clear understanding of our intentions and the benefits of such an alliance. But we should also be prepared for the possibility that they may refuse, and if they do, we must respect their decision."

Sun Ce nodded, his expression resolute. "You're right. We'll proceed carefully. I'll reach out to the Qiao family and begin the discussions, but I'll ensure that they know we are not imposing our will on them. If they agree, we'll move forward with the marriage arrangements, but if not, we'll find another way to secure our position and find our life partner."

Zhou Yu felt a sense of relief at Sun Ce's measured approach. He had always admired Sun Ce for his leadership, and this was another example of why. "I believe that with your leadership, we can navigate this situation successfully," Zhou Yu said with conviction. "If the Qiao family sees the value in this alliance and us as a person, it could bring us the strength we need to face our enemies with even greater confidence."

Sun Ce smiled slightly, though the tension in his shoulders remained. "Thank you, Gonglu. Your counsel has always been invaluable to me, as an advisor, friend, and brother. We'll proceed as you suggested, with respect and care."

As Sun Ce and Zhou Yu reached an agreement to contact Qiao Xuan and the Qiao Clan, the situation in Lingling deteriorated rapidly. The unrest that had begun as scattered protests had now evolved into a full-scale armed riot. Liu Du, the former governor of Lingling who had been stripped of his power by the Cai Clan, emerged as the leader of this uprising. With what remained of his clan's personal guard and the support of the indignant people of Lingling, Liu Du sought to reclaim his authority and restore order to the region.

Liu Du's reputation as a fair and just governor before his downfall played a crucial role in rallying the populace to his cause. Despite the heavy-handed measures of the Cai Clan, many citizens believed in Liu Du's leadership and either joined the armed riot or provided support in less direct ways. The city, once a stronghold of the Cai Clan, was now a hotbed of resistance.

The uprising caught the Cai Clan off guard, and they quickly realized that they were losing control of Lingling. More than half of the city's population had turned against them, a fact that infuriated Lady Cai. Upon learning that Liu Du, the man she had allowed to live in her brother's name, was the leader of the rebellion, Lady Cai was consumed with rage. Her grief and anger over her brother's death, coupled with the ongoing unrest, pushed her to the brink of madness.

In a fit of hysteria, Lady Cai ordered Zhang Yun to lead the Cai Clan's army and crush the rebellion without mercy. "Leave no one alive," she commanded, her voice trembling with fury. "These traitors will pay for their insolence!"

The court was thrown into chaos by her declaration. Many officials and generals present at the meeting were horrified by her order and immediately began to plead with her to reconsider. They warned that a massacre of this magnitude would not go unnoticed by the other warlords in the region. They pointed out that even the tyrant Dong Zhuo had shown some restraint by relocating the people of Luoyang to Chang'an, albeit through force and plunder. If the Cai Clan continued down this path, they would surely face condemnation from their neighbors and possibly even attacks from all sides.

Zhang Yun and Liu Cong, both of whom had grown increasingly concerned about Lady Cai's mental state, joined the chorus of voices urging her to reconsider. "My lady," Zhang Yun said carefully, "if we proceed with this, we risk turning the entire province against us. The people are already on edge, and further bloodshed will only deepen their resolve to overthrow us."

Liu Cong added, "Mother, we must think of the long-term consequences. If we alienate the people completely, we'll have no base of support left. Our enemies will seize upon this weakness, and we may lose everything that we've fought for."

But their pleas fell on deaf ears. Lady Cai, her mind clouded by grief, could not be swayed. "You dare speak to me of consequences?" she screamed, her eyes wild with fury. "I have lost my brother because of your incompetence! And now you would have me sit idly by while rebels tear apart the city that he fought so hard to claim? No! I will see them all dead before I let that happen!"

Seeing that there was no reasoning with her, the officials fell silent, exchanging worried glances with one another. Zhang Yun knew that he had no choice but to carry out her orders, but he also knew that doing so could spell the end of the Cai Clan's dominance in Lingling.

With a heavy heart, Zhang Yun left the court to prepare the army for the assault. Liu Cong followed him out, his face grim. "This is madness, Uncle," he muttered. "Mother's grief is clouding her judgment. If we go through with this, we will kill too many innocent people."

Zhang Yun nodded in agreement but said nothing. He was torn between his loyalty to the Cai Clan and his conscience because even if he considered himself an evil man, he wouldn't massacre innocent commoners.

But as much as he despised the idea of slaughtering innocent civilians, he knew that he was bound by his loyalty to follow Lady Cai's orders.

As Zhang Yun and Liu Cong prepared the army, news of the impending attack spread quickly through the city. The people of Lingling, already emboldened by Liu Du's leadership, began to fortify their positions and prepare for a bloody confrontation. They knew that they were outnumbered and outmatched by the Cai Clan's forces, but they were determined to fight for their lives and their freedom.

Liu Du, aware that the situation was becoming increasingly dire, rallied his followers with a passionate speech. "We fight not just for ourselves, but for the future of Lingling! The Cai Clan has brought nothing but suffering to our people, and now they seek to destroy us all. But we will not go quietly! We will resist with every ounce of strength we have, and we will show them that the people of Lingling will not be cowed by tyrants!"

His words resonated with the people, and they cheered with renewed vigor. The streets of Lingling became a battleground as the rebel forces erected barricades and prepared for the inevitable clash with the Cai Clan's army.

As the day of the assault approached, tensions ran high on both sides. Zhang Yun, leading the Cai Clan's troops, tried one last time to convince Lady Cai to reconsider her orders, but she remained steadfast in her resolve. "There will be no mercy," she said coldly. "These rebels have defied us, and they will pay the price."

With no other options left, Zhang Yun gave the order to advance. The Cai Clan's army, heavily armed and well-trained, marched toward the city, their banners flying high. The people of Lingling, armed with whatever weapons they could find, stood ready to defend their homes.

The battle that followed was fierce and bloody. The Cai Clan's forces, driven by Lady Cai's command to show no mercy, attacked with brutal efficiency. The streets of Lingling ran red with blood as the two sides clashed in a desperate struggle for control of the city.

Despite their bravery, Liu Du Clan's guards and the commoners were no match for the Cai Clan's soldiers. One by one, the barricades fell, and their forces were pushed back. Liu Du fought valiantly, rallying his men and refusing to give in, but he knew that they were fighting a losing battle.

As the fighting intensified, Zhang Yun found himself conflicted. He had followed Lady Cai's orders, but the sight of so much death and destruction weighed heavily on his conscience. He knew that this was not the way to maintain control over Lingling. The more blood they spilled, the more they alienated the people, and the weaker their hold on the region became.

In the end, it was Liu Du who made the ultimate sacrifice. Realizing that the battle was lost, he ordered his remaining men to retreat and save themselves while he stayed behind to cover their escape. "Go!" he shouted. "Save yourselves! Lingling's future depends on you!"

With tears in their eyes, his men obeyed, fleeing the city as the Cai Clan's forces closed in. Liu Du fought to the bitter end, determined to take as many of the enemy with him as he could. But he was eventually overwhelmed as his stamina had been drained due to his age, and there were too many enemies he faced which eventually allowed him to be cut down by Zhang Yun's soldier.

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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