409. Dong Cheng's Plot On Xuchang

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Cao Ren clasped his hands together. "Very well. We have our plan. Let us prepare our forces and move swiftly. Jiancheng will fall, and the Ma Clan's resistance will be crushed." Everyone dispersed to carry out their assignment, leaving Wang Yi and Jia Kui alone in the hall, where they begin to evaluate the plan they had made, to see if there are any weak points that needed to be closed or some part of the plan to be replaced with something better.

Wang Yi spoke first, her voice measured. "Master Jia Kui, I want to ensure every angle is covered since we cannot afford any missteps. Let's go over the details of the plan once again."

Jia Kui nodded. "Of course, Lady Wang. The main assault led by General Cao Ren is straightforward, but we must ensure the secondary actions by Generals Xu Huang and Zhang Ji are tightly coordinated.

As he was saying so, Jia Kui pointed his finger behind Jiancheng, "Disrupting the Ma Clan's supply lines and causing chaos is critical to weakening their defenses, but the two of them will be doing it from behind enemy lines, so we need to ensure that they have great communication line."

Wang Yi furrowed her brow. "I agree, we also need to be vigilant of the Qiang's reinforcements. General Han Sui's role is crucial, If he fails to intercept them, our entire strategy could be compromised."

Jia Kui agreed, "Yes, I'll ensure General Han Sui has the resources and intelligence he needs to monitor all possible routes into Jiancheng from the North. I will also see to it that General Zhang Ji and Xu Huang will have a solid line of communication."

Wang Yi nodded her head and looked satisfied. "Very well, let's make these adjustments. I'll inform General Cao Ren and the others of the changes, someone come to the room to send these messages!"

Meanwhile, Cao Ren, Han Sui, Zhang Ji, and Xu Huang were in their respective camps, preparing their armies for the upcoming assault. Each general gathered their officers and shared the plan of attack, ensuring everyone understood their roles and responsibilities.

Cao Ren stood before his officers, his voice strong and authoritative. "We will lead the main assault on Jiancheng. Our objective is to break through their defenses and take the city. Ensure your men are ready and morale is high. We move when everything is ready."

Han Sui, in another part of the camp, addressed his own officers. "Our task is to intercept any reinforcements attempting to aid Jiancheng. We must be swift and precise. Scout the surrounding areas and set up ambush points along all possible routes."

Zhang Ji, preparing his forces, emphasized the importance of disrupting the enemy's supplies. "Our goal is to cut off their resources. Target supply lines, ambush their convoys, and create as much chaos as possible within their ranks, we will work alongside Xu Huang and his Army."

Xu Huang ensured his officers understood the critical nature of their mission. "We will disrupt the enemy supply lines, ambushing their convoys to cause chaos in Jiancheng. In doing so we are not alone, we will work alongside General Zhang Ji and his Army."

Each general also took stock of their supplies. Cao Ren found his reserves sufficient but knew they would need to resupply soon. He sent a message to Chang'an, requesting additional provisions and equipment.

The supplies abandoned by Ma Teng during his retreat from Chang'an would be invaluable in supporting the upcoming attack on Jianchebg, which could be said that Ma Teng had a big handle on his continuous defeat.

Han Sui and Zhang Ji similarly assessed their needs and sent requests for additional supplies to ensure their troops were well-provisioned. Xu Huang, meticulous as ever, made detailed lists of required materials and dispatched his most trusted officers to oversee their acquisition.

The entirety of Tianshui worked in tandem like a well-oiled machine, preparing meticulously for the attack on Jiancheng. Soldiers trained rigorously, blacksmiths forged new weapons, and scouts were sent out to gather intelligence. The camp bustled with activity, each person dedicated to their task, driven by a shared sense of purpose.

Cao Ren oversaw the preparations with a keen eye, making sure every detail was attended to. Han Sui coordinated the interception plans, Zhang Ji focused on supply line disruptions, and Xu Huang maintained the camp's overall efficiency.

As all of that happened, in Xuchang, the Imperial Palace built by Cao Cao for Emperor Xian stood as a symbol of the power and control he had over the Emperor, something not many people realize.

However, beneath the surface, tension simmered. Dong Cheng had summoned all court officials still loyal to the emperor. They gathered in a secret room, their faces lined with worry and determination.

Dong Cheng, with a solemn face, addressed the group. "Gentlemen, I am proud to say that our dire situation is going to end. The Han Dynasty's influence that wanes with each passing day, under Cao Cao's tyrant control will end!"

One of the officials, a middle aged man named Zhong Ji, spoke up. "What do you mean, Lord Dong Cheng? Is there someone who finally responds to our call and saves Your Majesty and us?!"

Dong Cheng nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed Zhong Ji! After waiting for so long, I finally received a confirmation from Lie Fan that he would attack Cao Cao, and save us from Cao Cao's tyrannical control!"

Another official, one of the oldest officials named Wang Ze, asked, "That's a relief to hear Lord Dong Cheng, but are you sure we can trust Lie Fan? He had expanded aggressively since taking control of Xu Province."

Dong Cheng agreed. "Yes, I'm 100% sure that we can trust Lie Fan! Yes, he may expanded aggressively over the years, but every time a banner is called under the name of the Han Dynasty he will join! Except for Gongsun Zan, he had joined every single one of the calls."

The room fell silent as the officials absorbed the astonishing news. Some were relieved, hopeful that Lie Fan's involvement might tip the scales in their favor. Others, however, harbored doubts about Lie Fan's true intentions, wary of his rapid expansion and power expansion.

Zhong Ji broke the silence, his voice steady but inquisitive. "Lord Dong Cheng, is there anything else you wish to convey besides this crucial news about Lie Fan? How do you propose we act while awaiting his move?"

Dong Cheng nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed, there is more. While we wait for Lie Fan to mobilize, we cannot remain idle. Cao Cao's grip on the central plains is strong, but it is not unbreakable. His attention is currently diverted towards Ma Teng in the west. This presents us with an opportunity to weaken his control from within."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "We must engage in acts of sabotage and subversion. Disrupt his supply lines, create dissent among his troops, spread misinformation to confuse and demoralize his men, anything we could do we should. We have allies within Cao Cao's territories who are willing to assist us covertly. We must use every resource at our disposal to undermine his authority."

Wang Ze leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "Sabotage is a dangerous game, Lord Dong Cheng. One wrong move and Cao Cao will crush us before Lie Fan can intervene, especially with Xun Yu, Guo Jia, and Xi Zhicai present in Xuchang, We must be truly precise and discreet."

Dong Cheng nodded in agreement. "You are correct, Sir Wang Ze. That is why we must be meticulous in our planning. Each action must be calculated, leaving no trace back to us. Our goal is to create enough chaos to force Cao Cao to divert his attention and resources, weakening his hold on the central plains."

Another official, Kang Hong, a distant relative of the Dong family, spoke up. "I suggest we start by targeting his supply lines and communication lines. These are the lifelines of any army. Disrupting it will cause confusion and slow Cao Cao's operations in the west."

Dong Cheng smiled approvingly. "An excellent suggestion, Kang Hong. We will begin with those targets. I will assign our most trusted men to these tasks. Remember, we must remain unseen, and don't blame me if I make you a scapegoat if any one of you makes a wrong move."

The officials murmured their agreement, the tension still present in the room due to Doing Cheng's last word. They knew the risks involved, but Doing Cheng's words caused some of them to waver in their support, especially the people who sometimes opposed Dong Cheng.

Concluding the meeting, Dong Cheng rose and dismissed the gathering. "We have much to do. Proceed with caution and remember the importance of our mission."

The officials left the room with mixed feelings, some resolute and others harboring doubt. Dong Cheng, however, remained confident in his plan. He made his way through the corridors of the palace toward the Emperor's study room, with a determined look on his face.

When he arrived at the study, he paused at the entrance, observing the scene within. Emperor Xian was seated at his desk, reviewing documents with a focused expression. Beside him stood Empress Dong, Dong Cheng's granddaughter, her presence lending a serene and supportive atmosphere to the room.

The harmony between the Emperor and the Empress filled Dong Cheng with a sense of satisfaction and hope for the future of his clan and his power since his granddaughter managed to conquer the heart of Emperor Xian.

Clearing his throat softly, Dong Cheng announced his presence. "Your Majesty, Empress Dong," he said respectfully.

Emperor Xian looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Lord Dong Cheng, please, come in."

Empress Dong turned and greeted her grandfather with a gentle nod. "Grandfather, it's good to see you."

Dong Cheng entered the room and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I hope I am not interrupting. I wished to discuss some matters of importance with you."

Emperor Xian gestured for him to sit. "You are always welcome, Lord Dong Cheng. Please, speak freely."

Taking a seat, Dong Cheng glanced at Empress Dong, before speaking. "Your Majesty, we have received word that Lie Fan is preparing to make his move. This means we have to weaken Cao Cao's control over the central plains. I have convened with our loyal officials and we have devised a plan to engage in acts of sabotage and subversion."

The Emperor listened intently, nodding thoughtfully. "I trust your judgment, Lord Dong Cheng. If this plan can aid in our efforts to be freed from Cao Cao's grasp, then it is worth pursuing. What do you require of me?"

Dong Cheng appreciated the Emperor's trust but knew the risks involved. "Your Majesty, your support is crucial. We must act with utmost caution. Any misstep could be disastrous. I ask that you remain vigilant and act as usual to reduce suspicion."

Emperor Xian's gaze hardened with determination. "You have my full support, Lord Dong Cheng. I will do whatever it takes to see that the Han dynasty is restored to power."

Empress Dong placed a reassuring hand on the Emperor's shoulder. "We stand with you, Grandfather. I will help Your Majesty act as usual, and consolidate the Imperial Harem to be fully in my control."

Dong Cheng felt a swell of pride and resolve. "Thank you, Your Majesty. With your support, we will succeed. For the glory of the Han Dynasty." with Emperor Xian's blessing and the unwavering support of his granddaughter, Dong Cheng felt emboldened. His rise to power will be fabulous, especially when he becomes the prime minister and rules over the court and all who look down on him before could only look up to him.

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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