482. The Domestic Progress Of Xiapi

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Zhou Yu, leading the advance personally, ensured that the cities they captured were secured and their defenses strengthened. But Zhou Yu knew that the real challenge lay ahead. Shi Xie, though content to wait for now, would not remain idle forever. And Liu Bei, with his forces massing in Wuling, was undoubtedly preparing to strike at Lingling and contest the Sun Clan's control of Jing Province.

The significance of the events unfolding in Jing and Jiaozhi Provinces could not be contained within their borders. Word of the chaotic developments spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of every major warlord across the land.

The news of Liu Biao's death, in particular, sent shockwaves through the region. Though it had been a carefully orchestrated plot by the Cai Clan to elevate Liu Cong as a puppet ruler, it nonetheless revealed the treachery that had pervaded the highest levels of power. Liu Biao, a member of the Han royal family, had been betrayed by those he trusted most, and the ripple effects of this revelation were felt far and wide.

As for Lie Fan, he was not surprised as he had already known about it. His Oriole agents, embedded deep within the political and military fabric of Jing and Jiaozhi, had kept him informed of every twist and turn.

He had long kept an eye with keen interest as the Cai Clan moved to consolidate power, fully aware that their ambition would eventually lead to their downfall. Unlike the other warlords who were caught off guard by the rapid succession of events, Lie Fan had anticipated this power struggle and was already planning his next moves.

For the common people, the news of Liu Biao's assassination was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite the fact that Liu Biao's rule had been largely ineffective in the face of the growing chaos, he was still seen as a legitimate ruler and a member of the Han royal family.

The fact that his own subordinates had conspired to kill him and install a puppet ruler in his place only deepened the sense of betrayal felt by the people. Whispers of unrest began to circulate in towns and villages across the Cai Clan's domain, with many questioning the legitimacy of Liu Cong's rule and the authority of the Cai Clan.

Among the nobles and scholars, the reaction was more measured, though no less concerned. The assassination of Liu Biao and the rise of the Cai Clan represented a further erosion of the Han Dynasty's already crumbling authority.

While many within the scholar class still paid lip service to the idea of loyalty to the Han, it was becoming increasingly clear that the imperial court in Luoyang was powerless to intervene in the affairs of the provinces.

Especially since the Imperial court and the Emperor were in the hands of Cao Cao, the Han Dynasty continued on because Cao Cao allowed it and still needed them, it was only a matter of time before the Han Dynasty came to an end.

The death of Cai Mao, however, was seen as a turning point. Everyone knew that the Cai Clan's time was running out. Without their most capable general and political mastermind, the clan's hold on power was tenuous at best.

The vultures were already circling, with Liu Bei, Shi Xie, and the Sun Clan each eyeing the remnants of the Cai Clan's domain as ripe for the taking. The only question now was who would strike first and how the power dynamics in the region would shift as a result.

Back at Xiapi, the city's transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The construction progress was steady, bolstered by the immense resources that Lie Fan now controlled after securing dominance over the Central Plains.

The expansion of his domain had brought a significant influx of funds, manpower, and natural resources, all of which fueled the city's expansion speed at an unprecedented rate.

Lie Fan, now finally had free time in Xiapi after his campaign and the diplomatic journey to the Sun Clan's capital, was deeply involved in overseeing the construction.

He was accompanied by two of the advisors who were put in charge of the expansion which are Liu Ye, who was responsible for managing the construction teams, and Mi Zhu, who meticulously monitored the financial aspects of the project.

The combination of their efforts ensured that the city's expansion construction was not only swift but also well-organized and sustainable.

The outer town of Xiapi, which was designed to accommodate the growing population and the increasing economic activities, was nearly complete. The buildings were already 80% finished, and the relocation of various social classes had begun in earnest.

Common people, small merchants clans, and low famed scholars clans alike were being moved into the newly constructed areas, bringing with them a flurry of activity. The streets of Xiapi were alive with the sounds of construction, the movement of goods, and the chatter of people as they settled into their new homes.

This relocation wasn't limited to the existing residents of Xiapi. Lie Fan had extended invitations to people from the surrounding regions to come and settle in the city, further boosting its population. This strategic move not only increased the city's manpower but also strengthened its economic base, as more people meant more trade, production, and taxation.

To maintain order and security amid the rapid expansion, Lie Fan had implemented a series of measures to safeguard the city. Checkpoints were established at each of the outer gates, with some of his most capable generals assigned to oversee them.

Zhao Yun, known for his exceptional combat skills and loyalty, was placed in charge of the southern gate. Zhang Liao, a seasoned warrior with a sharp tactical mind, guarded the northern gate. Ji Ling, whose experience in defending fortifications made him an ideal choice, was stationed at the eastern gate. Lastly, Gao Shun, a general renowned for his discipline and leadership, was tasked with securing the western gate.

These measures ensured that Xiapi remained well-protected, even as it grew larger and more complex. The presence of these formidable generals at the city's gates served as a deterrent to any would-be criminals and a reassurance to the citizens that their safety was in capable hands.

Outside of Xiapi, the agricultural expansion was a testament to Lie Fan's strategic foresight. Understanding the critical importance of food security for a rapidly growing city, he had directed that the farmlands surrounding Xiapi be extended and redistributed.

The division of these lands was a careful balance of appeasing the various societal classes. The commoners, big landlords, large-scale farmers, and nobles all received portions that reflected their status and contribution to the region's stability. This distribution not only ensured the cultivation of an ample supply of crops to sustain Xiapi's burgeoning population but also secured the loyalty of the influential land-owning class.

The surplus crops produced by these farmlands were meticulously stored in Xiapi's newly constructed granaries. These granaries were designed with future contingencies in mind, capable of holding large reserves to protect the city from the unpredictability of natural disasters or unforeseen supply shortages. It was a critical component of Lie Fan's vision for a self-sustaining city, able to weather the storms of both nature and conflict.

Inside the walls of the Lie Clan estate, life continued with a blend of domestic tranquility and subtle power dynamics. In the embroidery room, Lie Fan's four wives—Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi—sat together, their nimble fingers moving with practiced ease over delicate fabrics. The room was a sanctuary of calm, filled with the gentle murmur of conversation and the soft rustling of silk threads being woven into intricate patterns.

As they worked, the women discussed the ongoing transformation of Xiapi. They marveled at the city's rapid growth and the grandiosity of its new structures. The outer walls, in particular, were a point of pride, their imposing height and strength a clear sign of Xiapi's burgeoning power. The possibility that Xiapi might one day surpass even Luoyang in size and splendor was a thought that lingered in their minds, filling them with both awe and ambition.

The conversation took a surprising turn when Ying Yue, her voice thoughtful and measured, broached the subject of the future empress. Her question hung in the air, immediately silencing the others. Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi exchanged glances, their embroidery forgotten as they processed the unexpected topic.

In their hearts, each of them had assumed that Ying Yue would naturally ascend to the position of empress. As Lie Fan's first wife and his beloved, she held a special place not just in his heart but also in the hierarchy of the household. Her gentle nature, combined with her deep understanding of Lie Fan's character and ambitions, made her the obvious choice.

Seeing their reactions, Ying Yue smiled warmly, dispelling the tension that had settled in the room. "I do not wish to become empress," she said softly, her tone filled with sincerity. "My background is that of a commoner. Though I have been adopted by Hua Tuo and welcomed into the Lie Clan, I fear that my past might tarnish our husband's reputation. Especially in the years to come when foreign dignitaries will look to our household for guidance and strength."

Her words were met with surprise, but also understanding. Ying Yue had always been pragmatic, her love for Lie Fan guiding her every decision. Her reluctance to become empress was not born of insecurity but of a desire to protect Lie Fan's legacy. She did not want her origins to be a point of contention in the future, particularly when the Lie Clan would inevitably interact with foreign powers and the highest echelons of Chinese nobility.

"I would much prefer to stay here," Ying Yue continued, her eyes meeting those of her sister-wives with a calm resolve. "I want to care for all of you personally, to ensure that our household remains strong and harmonious. Managing a harem in the future... that is a responsibility I do not desire. I believe that one of you, with a background more suited to the role, should take on the mantle of empress when the time comes."

The room was silent for a moment as the other women absorbed Ying Yue's declaration. Diao Chan, who had always admired Ying Yue's wisdom, nodded slowly, recognizing the selflessness in her words. Cai Wenji, a scholar's daughter with a keen understanding of political machinations, appreciated the subtle implications of Ying Yue's decision. Lu Lingqi, ever practical and direct, respected the courage it took to voice such a significant choice.

The topic of the empress was thus left unresolved, but not in an uncomfortable way. Instead, there was a sense of unity among them, a shared understanding that this decision, whenever it needed to be made, would be done with the utmost care for both their husband's future and the stability of the Lie Clan.

As the discussion moved on to lighter topics, the women resumed their embroidery, but the thought of the future empress lingered in the back of their minds. Each of them knew that the question of succession, both within their household and in the broader political arena, would become increasingly important as Lie Fan's power grew.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0