454. Crossing Port Near Luoyang Taken

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As they walked through the outer city, Liu Ye pointed out various sites and explained what areas were being made and the purposes they had. Liang Xi and Wang Yi were surprised at how depth Liu Ye's knowledge was about the construction project, and when Liang Xi ask about this to Liu Ye before he could even respond, Lu Qian let out a loud laugh and told the two of them that Liu Ye was one of Lie Fan's top advisors shocking the two of them.

Liang Xi immediately asked Liu Ye if what Lu Qian had just said was true, and Wang Yi, standing to the side, nodded her head in support of the question Liang Xi had just asked.

Liu Ye smiled and replied, "Yes, what Lu Qian said is true. Although I don't consider myself one of Lord Lie Fan's top advisors, many people have said so, and Lord Lie Fan himself has mentioned that I am one of his trusted advisors in matters of engineering and crafting."

Listening to Liu Ye's explanation, Liang Xi and Wang Yi were shocked. They had never expected the man in his twenties beside them to be one of Lie Fan's top advisors, which meant he was among the top brass in Lie Fan's entire force.

Liang Xi immediately turned to Lu Qian and asked, "Why didn't you tell me that your acquaintances in Xiapi were such high-ranking officials, Lu Qian?!"

Lu Qian laughed and replied, "Well you never asked Liang Xi, so I chose not to explain it because it would be an eyesore to explain it, Haha!"

As the shock passed, Wang Yi remembered Liu Ye's detailed explanations about the construction. She then said to Liu Ye, "Lord Lie Fan truly has a grand vision and ambition to execute such a large construction project to this degree."

Liu Ye nodded not I'm offended by the slight of word used by Wang Yi. "Indeed, Lady Wang. Lord Lie Fan's vision for Xiapi is not just about expanding the city but also about creating a stronghold that can support a large population, encourage trade, provide security, and a city befitting as his seat of power."

After Liu Ye said so, he pointed his hand across the outer walls and then the area around them, "The outer walls are just one part of the project. Inside, we are building markets, warehouses, residential areas, and fortifications to ensure the city can withstand any threat and the passing of time."

They continued their tour through the outer city, marveling at the various construction sites. Liu Ye pointed out the different areas being developed, explaining the purpose of each one. "Over there, we are building a new market district to accommodate the influx of merchants and traders."

Liu Ye said as he pointed out at a large area that had several buildings that had been finished, "It will be a hub of commerce, attracting goods from all over the land. And here, we are constructing new residential areas to house the growing population. These homes are designed to be both comfortable and defensible."

Wang Yi and Liang Xi listened intently, impressed by the scale and thoroughness of the planning. "It's incredible," Wang Yi said. "I've seen many cities in my travels to Xiapi, including Chang'An and Luoyang but none that are undergoing such extensive and well-organized development. Lord Lie Fan is truly a remarkable man, he views not only one or two steps but several steps ahead in the purposes of these projects."

Liu Ye showed a genuine smile at Wang Yi's now honest words. "Yes, what Lady Wang said is true. Lord Lie Fan's vision extends beyond just military strength. He believes that a prosperous and well-organized capital is the foundation of a strong state. By creating a safe and thriving environment, he hopes to attract talent and resources that will further strengthen his endeavor in quelling the chaos on the land."

As they walked, they came across a group of workers laying the foundation for a new building. Liu Ye stopped to speak with the foreman, asking about the progress and any challenges they were facing. It was clear that he was deeply involved in the details of the project, and his genuine concern for the workers' well-being was evident.

Liang Xi turned to Lu Qian. "It's amazing to see someone so young with such responsibility and knowledge. No wonder Lord Lie Fan values him so highly."

Lu Qian nodded as he looked at Liu Ye. "Liu Ye has always been dedicated and hardworking. He earned his position through his skills and the talent he possesses. Lord Lie Fan recognizes talent and rewards it, which is why he has been able to gather such a capable group of advisors and officers, and also the reason I come here."

Lu Qian's words caused Wang Yi to turn her head toward him, "Oh? So Sir Lu Qian come here to pledge your service to Lord Lie Fan?"

"Yes, that's right Lady Wang. I came here because I was invited by Liu Ye to come here and join him in pledging our allegiance to Lord Lie Fan," Lu Qian replied Wang Yi with a serious face as he nodded his head.

Liang Xi immediately said that the reason he came here was also to pledge his service to Lie Fan after Lu Qian finished his word, causing Lu Qian to be supported before letting out a loud laugh and saying to Liang Xi it turns out they had the same objective to come here.

As for Wang Yi, she stayed silent when she heard what Liang Xi and Lu Qian said. She never expected the two of them to come to Xiapi to pledge their allegiance to Lie Fan, and she became much more interested in Lie Fan after seeing his vision in the project he had.

As the day drew to a close, Liu Ye led them to a large, newly constructed inn where they would be staying. "This is the Serenity Inn's second branch in Xiapi, partnered with Lord Lie Fan to become one of the few accommodations we've built to welcome visitors and new residents to Xiapi. Please, make yourselves comfortable. If you need anything, the staff here will be happy to assist you, and don't worry about the expenses, I will pay for everything."

Lu Qian, Liang Xi, and Wang Yi immediately objected to Liu Ye's offer to pay for all the expenses, but Liu Ye waved his hand and insisted on doing so because they were his guests. Seeing that there was no way to change Liu Ye's mind, the three of them thanked Liu Ye for his generosity.

Meanwhile, to the west of Xiapi at the crossing port near Puyang, Cheng Lan, He Qi, Cao Xing, and Fan Chou, alongside their 25,000 men, arrived at the crossing port.

Taishi Ci, Ji Ling, Jiang Qin, Chen Deng, and Liu Ba welcomed them personally, and they immediately boarded the ships prepared by Jiang Qin's marines to head toward the crossing port north of Luoyang with their men.

On the way to Luoyang, Chen Deng and Liu Ba explained the plan for the attack on the crossing port. They intended to take control of the port and then put pressure on Cao Cao to order the other army group of Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You, who had arrived there, to face them and retake control of the crossing port.

Their focus was to distract this army group from joining the rest of Cao Cao's forces at Hulao Pass. If they could inflict significant casualties with the help of Jiang Qin's navy, it would be even better.

Chen Deng spoke with conviction, "The key is to create enough chaos and disruption that distracted Cao Cao's focus from Hulao Pass. If we can delay them and inflict casualties, it will buy us time and weaken Cao Cao's overall strategy."

Liu Ba nodded in agreement. "Indeed, our goal is not just to win a battle but to strategically weaken Cao Cao's position in Hulao Pass. With Jiang Qin's marines providing naval support, we can control the waterways and cut off their supplies."

Taishi Ci, Ji Ling, and the other generals listened carefully, absorbing the details of the plan. They knew the success of this mission could turn the tide of their battle in Hulao Pass and end this conflict as soon as possible.

As the ships sailed smoothly toward their destination, the men on board prepared for the impending battle. Weapons were checked and rechecked, armor was secured, and strategies were reviewed.

Taishi Ci, known for his bravery and leadership, moved among the soldiers, offering words of encouragement and ensuring their morale was high.

Ji Ling, a seasoned warrior, discussed tactics with his fellow officers, ensuring everyone was clear on their roles and responsibilities. Jiang Qin, experienced in naval warfare, coordinated with his marines, making sure the ships were ready for combat and the sailors were prepared for any scenario.

By the time they reached the crossing port north of Luoyang, the troops were well-prepared and eager for battle. Under the cover of darkness, they disembarked and began their advance toward the port. Scouts were sent ahead to gather intelligence, and within hours, they had a clear picture of the enemy's positions.

Chen Deng and Liu Ba gave the signal, and the attack began. Taishi Ci led the charge, his formidable presence inspiring the soldiers as they stormed the port. The initial assault took the defenders by surprise, and they quickly found themselves overwhelmed by the ferocity of the attack.

Jiang Qin's marines provided crucial support from the river, launching a coordinated assault that disrupted enemy supply lines and created additional chaos. The defenders caught between the attacking forces on land and the naval assault, struggled to mount an effective defense.

Zhang He and Gao Lan, who had arrived at the port with the rest of their men, quickly realized the severity of the situation when they saw Lie Fan's navy arriving at the port.

They rallied their troops and attempted to organize a counterattack, but the coordinated efforts of Taishi Ci, Ji Ling, and Jiang Qin proved too formidable.

Combined with their smaller number, Zhang He and Gao Lan alongside their men were gradually pushed back, and the port fell into the hands of Lie Fan's forces.

Zhang He and Gao Lan immediately led their men to retreat toward Luoyang, to join Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You who were waiting for them there. Where they then launch a counterattack to retake the port from Lie Fan's hand

With the port secured, Chen Deng and Liu Ba implemented the next phase of their plan. They fortified their positions and prepared for the inevitable counterattack from Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You. Their goal was to hold the port and draw the enemy forces away from Hulao Pass, creating a critical diversion that would weaken Cao Cao's overall strategy.

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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