334. Sun Ce's Ascension Ceremony

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While she was surprised she didn't show it on her face, but greeted Lu Lingqi and Lady Yan respectfully and warmly, causing Lu Lingqi to blush even further where she already blushed due to Cai Wenji's words, the exchange between the ladies was warm and without any misunderstanding happened due to Lady Wu impeccable charm and choice of words.

As the ladies exchanged warm greetings, Lady Wu's impeccable charm and choice of words fostered a harmonious atmosphere among them. Despite any initial surprise or tension, they quickly found common ground, bonding over shared experiences and interests.

Lu Lingqi, still blushing from Cai Wenji's earlier remark, found herself drawn into the conversation, her initial embarrassment giving way to genuine enjoyment as she connected with the other ladies.

Lady Yan, equally pleased by the camaraderie, joined in the lively exchange, her presence adding to the warmth and joviality of the gathering.

As the banquet progressed, the conversation gradually turned to more serious matters, particularly the alliance between the Sun Clan and the Lie Clan. Sun Jian saw an opportunity to deepen the ties between their two families.

Observing Wannian's maturity and beauty, Sun Jian couldn't help but notice Sun Ce's interest in her. Recognizing the potential for a significant bond between the two clans, Sun Jian decided to broach the topic with Lie Fan, seeking to gauge his thoughts on the matter.

With Sun Ce occasionally interjecting his thoughts, the discussion unfolded, touching upon the potential benefits of a closer alliance, including strengthened military cooperation and enhanced political influence.

Sun Jian expressed his hope that their families could unite not only through strategic partnerships but also through the bonds of marriage, fostering a lasting alliance for generations to come.

Lie Fan listened attentively, not showing his emotion whatsoever on his face causing both Huan Jie and Sun Ce to heave a sigh of relief, because when this topic was brought up when they went to Xiapi as Sun Clan messenger, Lie Fan reacted with anger.

As Sun Jian continued to emphasize the potential benefits of a marriage alliance between their clans, Lie Fan couldn't ignore the tension building within him.

Sensing the disapproving aura emanating from Sima Yi, Lie Fan inwardly sweated, knowing that Sima Yi harbored strong reservations about Sun Jian's proposal.

Sun Jian's persistent discussion of the marriage possibility between Sun Ce and Wannian only added to the discomfort in the room that only Lie Fan knows, while some of the advisors who were sensitive could somewhat feel the changes in the room.

Sun Ce, caught off guard by Sun Jian's suggestion, blushed at the thought of Wannian's beauty, finding himself torn between his emotions and the political implications of such a union.

Feeling the tension mounting in his surroundings, Lie Fan intervened, cutting off Sun Jian's discourse on the benefits of the proposed marriage. With a measured tone, he expressed his reservations, stating that he had not considered such a significant decision for Wannian at this early stage.

Sun Jian, feeling the weight of the awkward atmosphere, coughed lightly to alleviate the tension. He offered a sincere apology to Lie Fan, acknowledging that he may have broached the topic inappropriately and expressing his genuine desire to strengthen the bond between their clans.

Lie Fan, recognizing Sun Jian's good intentions, waved his hand dismissively, assuring him that there was no need for apologies. He, too, apologized for cutting off the conversation, explaining that he hadn't yet considered Wannian's marriage plans as he wished to spend more time with his sister before discussing such weighty matters.

As Sima Yi heard Lie Fan's response, he inwardly sighed with relief, realizing that there was still an opportunity for him to demonstrate his suitability as a potential match for Wannian. He resolved to prove his worth to Lie Fan through his actions and dedication.

Sensing the tension between Sun Jian and Lie Fan, Sun Ce swiftly changed the topic to something more cheerful, effectively lightening the atmosphere and bringing relief to the somewhat somber mood. The conversation shifted to lighter subjects, allowing for a more enjoyable and relaxed banquet for all present.

The banquet lasted for several hours before it ended, and Sun Ce personally escorted Lie Fan and his family to their accommodation at the Sun Clan residence, where they took a rest for the day after a long journey and a long day.

As for Lie Fan's retainers, except for Lie Fan's Bodyguards who were allowed to accompany Lie Fan and his family, they were shown to their accommodation which was a mansion several minutes of walk from the Sun Clan residence.

Unbeknownst to Lie Fan and his party, at night Sun Ce holds a meeting with Sun Jian, Huan Jie, Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, and Zhou Yu to discuss the possibility of their alliance renewal with Lie Fan.

Sun Ce: "Thank You for coming Father and everyone, I think everyone knew as to why I am holding this meeting, which is to discuss the possibility of our alliance renewal with Lie Fan."

Sun Jian: "Of Course Bofu, I think the possibility is very high because even though there was some awkwardness due to me bringing up the possible marriage between you and Wannian, I'm still positive that a lie Fan sees some value in our alliance to keep going on."

Huan Jie: "I agree with what the Old Lord thinks, and about the marriage, I think that Lie Fan's refusal is because he doesn't want to separate from his sister and doesn't think about her marriage right now, but that he already has a candidate in mind or something else."

Zhang Zhao: "I agree with what Huan Jie has just said when the Old Lord brought up the marriage matters, I could feel some shift in the hall atmosphere but I couldn't pinpoint the exact person who changed the atmosphere."

Zhang Hong: "I feel the same as Master Zhang Zhao, and I think the one who caused those slight changes was the young man beside Lie Fan because I feel that the changes were very strong around Lie Fan, but the aura was more subtle and enigmatic that Lie Fan's aura which was like a sea wave."

Sun Ce: "Does Master Zhang Hong mean that it comes from Sima Yi? How could a young man without any experience whatsoever have that kind of influence, especially in a room full of talented and strong individuals?"

Zhou Yu: "It could happen My Lord if you have the talent, temper, and will, also I agree with Master Zhang Hong that it came from Sima Yi, I think Master Huan Jie should have known about Sima Yi and his older brother Sima Lang during your visit to Xiapi."

Huan Jie hearing his name called was surprised at first but soon recounted what he had heard about the Sima Brothers and what he had experienced himself, Zhou Yu also put some input to support Huan Jie's statement about the Sima Brothers.

Hearing what both Huan Jie and Zhou Yu said about the Sima Brothers surprised everyone in the room, as they never expected Sima Yi and Sima Lang to have such talent, especially Sima Yui who was much younger than Sima Lang.

Zhang Zhao concluded that Lie Fan's spouse candidate for Wannian could be Sima Yi, whose talent will definitely bloom under Lie Fan after receiving tutoring from many great and talented scholars, advisors, and officials.

All of the Sun Clan's advisors more or less agreed with Zhang Zhao's statement, causing Sun Jian to sigh after hearing about this because he knew that if what all of them said was true, Sun Ce's value was nothing compared to Sima Yi who would bring Lie Fan much more benefit in the future.

He turned toward Sun Ce who gave a shallow smile after noticing that Sun Jian was looking at him, he was disappointed but at the same time realized that he needed to be realistic and face the fact that his future value was just mud compared to Sima Yi's future value.

The meeting ended in a somber mood for Sun Ce, who was accompanied by Sun Jian and Zhou Yu to cheer him up, and that there were still many women out there whom he could pick, and just think Wannian as someone who just passed by.

From there several days passed by and the time for Sun Ce's Ascension Ceremony arrived, the Sun Clan's Capital was shrouded in a festive atmosphere, as happiness was radiation from every corner of the town.

At the Governor's Castle, all of the Sun Clan retainers were waiting there alongside Lie Fan and his entire party. Family members of important officials and guest was allowed to watch the procession, so the main hall right now was full of people.

At this time in another room, Sun Ce was wearing a ceremonial outfit with the help of the maids. It can be seen that he was nervous on his face, and Sun Jian who was accompanying him said some words to help Sun Ce relieve his nervousness.

Once Sun Ce was ready, he and Sun Jian made their way towards the main hall, where Zhou Yu, Zhou Tai, Huang Gai, Cheng Pu, and numerous guards awaited them. Walking together, they approached the main hall, the anticipation building with each step.

As they entered the main hall, Zhang Zhao, seeing Sun Ce's arrival, announced it to the gathered crowd, drawing all eyes towards them. With the attention now on Sun Ce, Zhang Zhao signaled for him to proceed to the ceremonial platform at the end of the hall.

As Sun Ce entered the hall alongside his father, Sun Jian, and his trusted advisors Zhou Yu, Zhou Tai, Huang Gai, and Cheng Pu, they were flanked by numerous guards who formed a path leading toward the ceremonial platform. The guards stood tall on either side, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere as they passed through.

Sun Jian, Zhou Yu, Zhou Tai, Huang Gai, and Cheng Pu took their places among the line of officials and invited guests, observing the procession of the ceremony unfold. All eyes were on Sun Ce as he reached the main platform, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

Standing tall upon the platform, Sun Ce turned to face the assembled crowd, his expression composed yet resolute, ready to embark on the ceremonial proceedings that would mark a significant moment in the journey of his life. Zhang Zhao seeing this proceeded to say for Sun Ce to bow to the heavens, which Sun Ce did, and at this time a warm light passed through the windows and cast a want light on Sun Ce causing everyone in the hall to admire him.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 29 (196 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,821,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0