399. Meeting The Big Three

If you want to read 15 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!

Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12

___________________________

Zhang He and Gao Lan seeing that Zhang Yan and his men still give a fierce resistance, were surprised that they could hold onto Shangdang's defences for so long without any weak point revealed. As the smarter and more strategic one of the two, Zhang He decides to reduce the intensity of their attack and has the catapults increase their fire rate, to neutralize Zhang Yan's archer atop the wall of Shangdang.

Zhang He's strategic maneuver quickly took effect. The increased rate of fire from the catapults wreaked havoc on Zhang Yan's archers atop the walls of Shangdang. Massive stones rained down relentlessly, creating chaos and thinning the ranks of the Zhang Yan's archers.

Zhang Yan, witnessing the devastation, knew he needed to act swiftly to prevent further losses. He ordered Tao Cheng to gather any available archers from the reserves and reinforce their archer units on the walls.

"Tao Cheng, we cannot let our archer units be wiped out. We must hold the walls at all costs," Zhang Yan urged his voice firm despite the dire situation.

Tao Cheng nodded and rushed to execute the order. However, the losses were heavy, and the replacements were not enough to fully replenish the ranks.

Sensing an opportunity, Zhang He and Gao Lan increased the intensity of their attack once more. Siege towers and ladders were pushed forward, and waves of soldiers charged toward the walls.

The relentless onslaught threatened to overwhelm Zhang Yan's men, Sui Gu as Zhang Yan's highest ranking general did anything he could do to keep the defensive line intact, even though cracks were showing everywhere.

Zhang Yan, understanding the critical nature of the situation, took a deep breath and called out to his men. "We have held this far, and we shall continue to hold! For our fallen brothers!"

Listening to Zhang Yan's words, his men were inspired by their lord's unwavering resolve, rallied, and fought with renewed determination. Yet, the pressure was immense. The eastern wall, where Zhang He and Gao Lan concentrated their attack, began to show signs of buckling under the relentless assault.

Tao Cheng, having deployed the reinforcements, returned to Zhang Yan's side. "My lord, we must consider a counterattack to break Yuan Shao's men's momentum. If we can disrupt their formation, we might buy ourselves some time and another day to fight."

Zhang Yan nodded. "Agreed. Gather the best cavalier we have. We will strike at their siege engines alongside demolishing some of their infantry to sow confusion among their ranks."

As Tao Cheng organized the counterattack, Zhang Yan prepared his elite cavalries for the critical maneuver. With a signal from their leader, they charged out from the gates, aiming to cut through the enemy lines and target the siege engines.

The clash was fierce and brutal. Zhang Yan's elite cavalry, driven by desperation and courage, fought valiantly against the advancing enemy under Zhang Yan's leadership.

They pushed forward, creating a temporary breach in Zhang He and Gao Lan's formation. The unexpected counterattack took Zhang He and Gao Lan by surprise, momentarily halting their advance.

Despite their best efforts, the sheer numbers of Yuan Shao's army began to slowly overwhelm Zhang Yan and his elite cavalry, so after destroying some of the catapults, they retreated back onto the safety of Shangdang.

Zhang He, observing Zhang Yan's Cavalry retreat, seized the opportunity. "Now is the time to push forward," he called to Gao Lan. "Press the attack and do not let up!"

Gao Lan nodded and rallied his troops, signaling for another full-scale assault. The men surged forward, the remaining siege engines rolling and soldiers advancing once a giant toward Shangdang.

Tao Sheng sees everything that happened outside of Shangdang from the top of the wall, and orders his men to brace themselves for the onslaught, knowing that the next few hours would be critical for how the rhythm of the battle will be moving forward.

Far to the southeast of Shangdang, in the capital of Xu Province Xiapi, Lie Fan was deep in discussion with his trusted advisors. The room was filled with schematics and documents outlining the plans for the second phase of Xiapi's expansion project.

Mi Zhu, Liu Ye, Jia Xu, and Lu Su stood around a large table, with Lie Fan at the helm of the table leading the meeting, especially since the second phase of the project was already underway.

Lie Fan pointed to a section of the map, which was made after the outer wall finished its construction. "We need to create separate sections, residential areas for the common people, market areas, and so on to sustain our growing population in the future."

Mi Zhu nodded, his face serious. "Since My Lord had introduced many innovations, our economic base is strong, but we need to diversify more. Expansion for new markets will do so for us, especially if we make the market in the inner city more luxurious to attract the nobles and merchants to spend more money."

Liu Ye added, "We must also focus on training and equipping our troops. A larger barracks and training ground to accommodate the training of our army will help, with an additional special area for them to relax."

Jia Xu tapped a section of the map. "We should also consider the strategic importance of our alliance with the Sun Clan, creating a special mansion for them would increase our relationship with them."

Lie Fan listened carefully to his advisors, nodding as they spoke. "Excellent points, all of you. We will proceed with these initiatives. Zizhong oversees the process of expanding our markets. Ziyang focused on the construction of the barracks and training grounds for our troops."

Lie Fan then turned toward Jia Xu and Lu Su, "Wenhou, I want you to develop a comprehensive training plan for our soldiers with the others. Zijing, oversee the construction of the mansion for the Sun Clan."

Lie Fan adjourned the meeting after assigning tasks to each advisor. "Let's move forward with these plans immediately," he concluded, nodding to each of them as they departed to carry out their respective duties.

With a purposeful stride, Lie Fan left the meeting room and made his way to the east side of Xiapi, where Xiapi's prestigious academy was located.

Flanked by several of his bodyguards, Lie Fan entered the Academy's garden which was serene, beautiful, and conducive for the students to learn. The reason he came here is to meet with Zhuge Xuan, Lu Zhi, and Cai Yong, the big three of Xiapi's Academy.

The reason they were called the big three, is because Zhuge Xuan was the principal, followed by Cai Yong and Lu Zhi as the left and right vice principals who oversaw the left and right sides of the academy respectively.

Why he wants to meet them because Sima Yi told him about what Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun had planned, and how they wanted to graduate early and expand their experience outside of Xiapi and needed his help to convince the headmasters and someone's uncle.

When he strolls the garden with his bodyguards heading to the main building of the academy, he meets with Zhuge Xuan, Lu Zhi, and Cai Yong who are waiting for him outside of the building.

The four of them greeted each other warmly before Lie Fan was led to a secluded area of the academy, a tranquil garden pavilion shaded by blossoming cherry trees. The scene was serene, with stone chairs and tables set under the canopy of delicate pink flowers.

"Thank you for meeting with me," Lie Fan began, taking a seat at one of the stone chairs. "I asked to meet the three of you to discuss Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun."

Zhuge Xuan, who was Zhuge Liang's uncle, looked concerned. "Is there something wrong with my nephew and Lu Xun?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

Lie Fan shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "Nothing is wrong with them. In fact, quite the opposite. Both Zhuge Liang and Lu Xun have excelled in their studies and demonstrated exceptional abilities."

Lie Fan stopped his words for a moment as he looked at the three of them before continuing, "The academy has done a wonderful job in nurturing their talents, but I believe it is time for them to graduate early."

Lu Zhi, listening to Lie Fan's words became curious, and leaned forward. "My Lord, you believe they are ready for greater challenges outside of the academy?"

Lie Fan nodded. "Precisely. The academy has given them a solid foundation, but now they need real-world experience to truly grow. Their talent and potential is immense, and keeping them here any longer would only hinder their development."

Cai Yong stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Son In Law, what plans do you have for them? Since you saying this to the three of us, I'm sure you must have prepared something."

"Yes," Lie Fan replied. "Zhuge Liang will go outside of Xiapi, and head toward Jing Province, where he will try to be tutored by Sima Hui. I could see how eccentric Zhuge Liang was, and I think the hermit of Jing Province would be the one who brought out Zhuge Liang's true potential."

As Lie Fan says this, he could see Zhuge Xuan's face change but continues on, "Lu Xun, on the other hand, will be sent to Lujiang, where he will learn under his uncle and Wang Lang there. His leadership qualities and understanding of governance are remarkable, and needed practical experience to nurture it."

The moment Lie Fan's words fell, Zhuge Xuan stood up, his face stern. "I must object, my lord," he said firmly. "Sending Zhuge Liang outside of Xiapi alone is far too dangerous. He is still young, and the world beyond our borders is fraught with dangers. I cannot give my agreement to this plan."

Lie Fan remained calm, understanding Zhuge Xuan's concerns. "Your nephew is indeed young, but he possesses a wisdom and capability beyond his years. Sima Hui's tutelage will be invaluable for his growth. I assure you, he will not be alone. I will have the Orioles watching over him for 24 hours nonstop."

Zhuge Xuan shook his head, his expression unyielding. "Even with the protection from the Oriole, the journey and the time away from home are too risky. I appreciate your intentions for his growth, but I cannot agree to such a dangerous undertaking."

Lie Fan took a deep breath, knowing the importance of addressing Zhuge Xuan's concerns. "I understand your worries, Master Zhuge Xuan. How about this, we can arrange for regular communication between the two of you at all times. Additionally, if he is ever unsafe or overwhelmed, he can return immediately. Would that ease your concerns?" While saying so, Lie Fan looked deeply at Zhuge Xuan's eyes with kindness and calmness radiating from his eyes.

____________________________

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