429. Strategic Maneuvers & Heartfelt Proposals

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So as Zhang Yan took on his new role, he acted like he was organizing efforts to combat the bandits in the region, while in actually he amassed more manpower to strengthen his bargaining chips in the future. He does all that while maintaining covert communication with Zhang He and Gao Lan about their ultimate plan. They continued to secretly draft letters to Lie Fan and Cao Cao, waiting for the right moment to act.

As Zhang He, Zhang Yan, and Gao Lan bided their time, they carefully expanded their influence. Yan Liang and Wen Chou, following Yuan Shao's orders, relinquished control of Shangdang to Zhang Yan.

They reinforced Zhang He and Gao Lan's 40,000 men with an additional 10,000 troops, bringing their total force to 50,000. Satisfied that the situation was under control, Yan Liang and Wen Chou returned to Nanpi.

Upon their return, Yuan Shao welcomed them with great fervor. He showered them with lavish gifts and praised their efforts, attributing the success of the last campaign to their leadership and bravery. "Yan Liang and Wen Chou, the two of you have proven yourselves indispensable in the last campaign! Keep doing what you two do best and I will shower you with rewards that benefit your contribution!"

Yan Liang and Wen Chou basked in Yuan Shao's praise, their earlier conflicts seemingly forgotten in the glow of their recent success. The tension between the two of them had simmered down, especially due to the rewards they would receive from Yuan Shao which caused them to forget.

To the far west of Nanpi at Tianshui, Cao Ren and his unit returned to Tianshui, empty-handed and frustrated. Despite their best efforts, they had been unable to capture Wang Yi.

Upon hearing the details of the pursuit, Jia Kui shared Cao Ren's suspicion that someone, or perhaps a group, was protecting Wang Yi, allowing her to evade capture as Cao Ren and his unit were already so close.

As the meeting continued, Jia Kui addressed the gathered generals. "Gentlemen, we have done our best in this endeavor, but it seems Wang Yi has eluded us with assistance. We must now turn our attention to a greater matter. The Eastern War against Lie Fan demands our presence in Xuchang. Therefore, we shall return to join the main forces there."

The generals nodded in agreement, understanding the urgency and importance of the larger conflict. Jia Kui then turned to Han Sui, who stood resolute among the others. "General Han Sui, you and your men will remain here in Liang Province. Your task is to cooperate with the Ma Clan to consolidate and stabilize the region. This is crucial for maintaining our hold and ensuring no further uprisings."

Han Sui cupped his hand respectfully. "I understand, Master Jia Kui. We will do our utmost to secure Liang Province and cooperate with the Ma Clan in this effort."

With the meeting concluded, the generals began making preparations for their respective assignments. Cao Ren, Xu Huang, and Zhang Ji's units started readying themselves for the journey back to Xuchang.

Han Sui and his men set about fortifying and consolidating Cao Cao's influence in Liang Province, and letters were sent out to Ma Teng in Jincheng to begin their cooperation.

As the soldiers packed up their equipment and supplies, Cao Ren approached Jia Kui. "Do you truly believe someone is aiding Wang Yi? If so, we must identify and neutralize this threat."

Jia Kui nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, General Cao Ren. Someone with knowledge and resources must be assisting her. We will need to investigate further, but for now, our priority is the Eastern War. Once we have dealt with Lie Fan, we can return our focus to this matter."

Cao Ren agreed, though a lingering concern remained in his mind. "Very well. We must not lose sight of this, but I understand the immediate need to support the war effort."

As the sun began to set, the soldiers finalized their preparations. The next morning, they set out for Xuchang, ready to join the larger conflict and face the formidable challenge that Lie Fan posed against Cao Cao.

Han Sui on the other hand gathered his key officers. "We have a critical task ahead. The stability of this region is essential for our overall strategy. Keep an eye on the Ma Clan and ensure we maintain control. Any signs of rebellion or unrest must be dealt with swiftly."

Back in Xuchang, the news of Cao Ren, Xu Huang, Zhang Ji, and Jia Kui's return would be eagerly anticipated by Cao Cao, who was strategizing his next moves against Lie Fan, and the reinforcement was much needed right now.

In Xiapi, within the elegant halls of the Lie Clan's residence, the atmosphere was filled with a blend of warmth and anticipation. Sima Yi and Wannian, having confessed their feelings for each other, found solace in each other's company.

They spent more and more time together, exploring the gardens, discussing various topics, and enjoying each other's presence.

Their budding romance attracted the attention of Lie Fan's wives, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi who had taken it upon themselves to ensure that Wannian was well looked after.

Understanding the delicate nature of young love, they assigned handmaids to accompany Wannian, not only to assist her but also to keep an eye on the young couple, not that they don't trust the two of them but to ensure nothing that shouldn't happen doesn't happen yet.

One sunny afternoon, Sima Yi and Wannian strolled through the blooming gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers reflecting their joyous spirits. A pair of handmaidens followed at a respectful distance, allowing the couple some privacy while ensuring they were never truly alone.

Sima Yi, glancing at Wannian with a tender smile, spoke softly. "Sister Wannian, these moments we share are the happiest I've known. Your presence brings light to my days."

Wannian blushed, her eyes sparkling with affection. "And you bring joy to mine, Zhongda. I never imagined I could feel this way with anyone, especially you. Now I understand why my sisters were so infatuated with my big brother."

As they walked, Ying Yue observed from a distance at the garden pavilion, chatting quietly with Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi. "They seem so happy together, don't they?" Ying Yue remarked while keeping an eye on the two of them.

Diao Chan nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, they do. But we must ensure Wannian's well-being. Young love can be fragile, and with the current state of affairs, we need to protect her."

Cai Wenji, joining the conversation, added, "You're right, Sister Chan. However, while we must be vigilant we also can't block the two of them from knowing each other more with their relationship now evolving into something more."

Lu Lingqi on the side agreed with what Cai Wenji said. "We should support them while ensuring that Wannian's heart is guarded. The two of them are important to our husband, as Wannian is his lovely sister, and Sima Yi was a future replacement for his advisors such as Jia Xu and Xun You with the talent he displayed."

Back in the garden, Sima Yi and Wannian found a quiet bench to sit on. Sima Yi took Wannian's hand in his, his gaze earnest. "Sister Wannian, I promise to always cherish and protect you. No matter what happens, I will stand by your side and also support Lord Lie Fan for a brighter future for all of us."

Wannian squeezed his hand gently with a blushing face. "I believe in you, Zhongda. Together, we can face anything. Also, in the future help me keep an eye on my brother so that he won't do anything rashly."

Sima Yi nodded a serious expression on his face. "I will keep an eye on Lord Lie Fan, not only because he is your brother Sister Wannian but also because I truly believe in his vision for a brighter future. His leadership and vision are what the world needs to bring an end to this chaos."

Wannian's face lit up with a bright smile. "Thank you, Zhongda. Your support means a lot to me and my brother. With you by his side, I know we can achieve great things."

Her smile touched Sima Yi's heart deeply. Before he could fully process his thoughts, he found himself asking, "Sister Wannian, would you... would you become my wife?"

Wannian's face turned a deep shade of red, her eyes widening in surprise. She stuttered, trying to find her words. "Z-Zhongda, I... I..."

Sima Yi's heart pounded as he waited for her response. He gently squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. "I know this is sudden, and you don't have to answer right away, Sister Wannian. But I wanted you to know how deeply I care for you and how much I want to spend my life with you."

Wannian took a deep breath, her face still flushed. "Zhongda, I... I am deeply honored and happy. You have become very special to me, and the thought of being your wife fills me with joy."

Sima Yi's heart soared at her words. "Sister Wannian, you have made me the happiest man today. I promise to always cherish and protect you, no matter what the future holds!"

Wannian smiled shyly. "And I promise to stand by your side, supporting you in all that you do. We should inform my brother and my sisters of this, I wanted to gain their approval."

Sima Yi nodded, acknowledging Wannian's words. "Of course, Sister Wannian. I will speak to Lord Lie Fan and the madams about my intentions as soon as he returns from his campaign."

As they continued to talk, one of the handmaidens discreetly slipped away and hurried to the pavilion where Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi were gathered. She approached them with a respectful bow.

"Madams, I have some news," the handmaiden said, her voice filled with excitement. "Master Sima Yi has just proposed to Lady Wannian, and she has accepted!"

Ying Yue's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that so? This is wonderful news! I never expected that Sima Yi would do this." as she said so, she turned around to face her sisters.

Diao Chan on the other hand was shocked at the sudden turn of events, "What?! How come it suddenly turned into a proposal? Wannian is still too young, she is too hasty in accepting. Their relationship shouldn't have reached that level yet."

Cai Wenji shakes her head, not sharing the same opinion as Diao Chan. "They have been spending so much time together, it was only a matter of time before this happened, Sister Chan. Don't worry too much, Sima Yi will definitely take care of Wannian."

Lu Lingqi fearing that Diao Chan and Cai Wenji would argue with each other, tried to mediate the situation, "I think we should inform Husband of what had just happened, no matter what our opinion is at the end of the day he is the one making the decision."

Lu Lingqi's words managed to attract both Diao Chan and Cai Wenji who looked like wanted to argue with each other, and looking at the worried face etched on Lu Lingqi's caused the two of them to laugh and follow suit by Ying Yue on the side. Seeing this Lu Lingqi was confused as to what had just happened, Ying Yue then explained to Lu Lingqi that the two of them only teased her after seeing her expression which illicit a shout of embarrassment from Lu Lingqi.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0