518. Cao Cao's Internal & External Handling

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And so, Liu Bei's plans were set in motion, as his men prepared for the journey south. With the threat of multiple rivals looming and the mysterious group still at large, the stakes had never been higher. Whether it was Zhuge Liang or an enemy lying in wait, something significant was bound to be uncovered in the heart of Jing Province.

As Liu Bei and Sun Ce conducted their own machinations to find Zhuge Liang and recruit him to their respective causes, the Oriole agents in Jing Province and Yang Province worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

These covert operatives, under the direct orders of Lie Fan, were tasked with ensuring that all traces, rumors, and knowledge regarding Zhuge Liang and his reclusive teachers were either suppressed or erased entirely.

Their mission was crucial—Lie Fan wanted Zhuge Liang to remain hidden for at least another year, giving him more time to study under the three renowned hermits. However, with the warlords intensifying their efforts, the Oriole agents knew their task would only become more difficult.

The agents used every means at their disposal to maintain secrecy, calling in favors from local officials, informants, and even the common folk who had been planted as eyes and ears throughout the region.

The people of Jing and Yang Provinces were often aware of whispered legends of the Sleeping Dragon, but none truly knew his whereabouts. The Oriole agents ensured that this veil of mystery remained intact.

For Lie Fan, Zhuge Liang's education was paramount. The three hermits were not merely wise teachers; they were the key to unlocking Zhuge Kiang's full potential. Their teachings, rooted in the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, and military strategy, were shaping Zhuge Liang into the master tactician Lie Fan believed could change the course of the entire land. The longer Zhuge Liang studied under them, the greater his future impact would be.

Thus, Lie Fan's agents operated under strict instructions to buy time—whatever the cost. Even as Liu Bei and Sun Ce ramped up their efforts, sending more spies and scouts into the provinces, the Orioles redoubled their clandestine efforts.

The Oriole agents worked tirelessly, utilizing their network, which was vast and deeply rooted within the provinces, to ensure that they could manipulate the flow of information.

They intercepted messengers, planted false information, used their connections within the warlords' courts to influence decision-making, numerous favors were called in, bribes were paid, and secret channels were employed to cover Zhuge Liang's tracks, all in an attempt to delay or derail the searches.

Every rumor of the scholar's whereabouts was quickly stamped out, and any trace of his connection to the Three Hermits was erased. Liu Bei's and Sun Ce's informants often found themselves chasing ghosts, following false leads carefully planted by the Orioles.

Liu Bei, increasingly desperate, began leading a delegation himself, moving southward into Jing Province. He believed that a personal presence might shake loose new leads or at least disrupt the unknown forces working against him.

His righteous facade remained intact, but inside, he was growing more and more anxious. Every day that passed without progress felt like a lost opportunity. He knew that time was not on his side, especially with rivals like Lie Fan, Sun Ce, and Cao Cao maneuvering for their own gains.

Sun Ce, on the other hand, had begun to approach the search with his characteristic boldness. He sent his best men, led by Zhou Yu, to infiltrate Jing Province and scour the land for any trace of Zhuge Liang.

Sun Ce believed that by moving quickly and decisively, he could snatch Zhuge Liang out from under Liu Bei's nose. Zhou Yu, ever the strategist, had already begun laying subtle traps to throw off any of Liu Bei's spies they might encounter along the way.

In Jing Province, the Oriole agents watched these developments closely, using their network to stay one step ahead of both Liu Bei and Sun Ce's efforts. They manipulated local rumors, making sure that anyone who heard the name Zhuge Liang was either led astray or convinced that the man was a mere myth. Every avenue that Liu Bei or Sun Ce tried to explore was quietly closed off, leaving them frustrated and confused.

Meanwhile, within the tranquil isolation of the hermits' retreat, Zhuge Liang had been studying intensely. Though only a year had passed, he was already proving to be an exceptional student.

His mind was sharp, and quick to absorb the teachings of his mentors, and his understanding of strategy, governance, and human nature deepened by the day. Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyang each a master in his own field, were impressed with their pupil's progress. They saw in him not only a bright student but a potential successor who could carry their philosophies into the broader world.

The Oriole agents' work allowed Zhuge Liang to remain undisturbed, but they knew the danger was growing. Both Liu Bei and Sun Ce had thrown considerable resources into their search, and even the slightest mistake could lead them to the hermit's doorstep. The agents had to be perfect in their execution, constantly adapting their strategies as the situation evolved.

While Liu Bei and Sun Ce raced to find the elusive scholar, the situation to the north in Luoyang was becoming increasingly complicated.

Cao Cao, the self-proclaimed Chancellor of the Han, had received alarming reports regarding Ma Teng and Han Sui's expansion to the north. The two warlords, stationed on the far northwestern frontier, had been conducting a successful campaign against the Southern Xiongnu tribes beyond the Great Wall.

Their victories had expanded Cao Cao's influence and brought him large benefits, but they had also provoked a dangerous response.

Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, Cao Cao's most trusted advisors, had spent six months in Chang'an coordinating Ma Teng and Han Sui's campaign. Now, they returned to Luoyang with troubling news.

"My lord," Guo Jia began, "the Southern Xiongnu tribes have been largely subdued, but the remnants have begun rallying to a new leader. The Northern Xiongnu, long fragmented, are uniting under a single banner. It is only a matter of time before they launch a counteroffensive."

Xi Zhicai nodded gravely. "The situation is dire, my lord. If the Northern Xiongnu muster their full strength, Ma Teng and Han Sui's forces will be hard-pressed to hold their ground. We must consider reinforcing them before the Xiongnu gather in overwhelming numbers."

Cao Cao, ever the strategist, absorbed the information quietly. His mind raced through the implications. While Ma Teng and Han Sui were valuable allies and pawns, their victories for him had now drawn the full attention of the Xiongnu, a powerful and unpredictable force that managed to beat the likes of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing in the past.

If they were to fall, Cao Cao's control over the northwestern territories would be jeopardized, opening the door for rebellion, weakening his position against his rivals in the south, and If the Xiongnu were truly organizing under a single banner, it could lead to a full-scale invasion.

Xun Yu, always calm and composed, offered his counsel. "My lord, while we must take the Xiongnu threat seriously, we should not overcommit resources to the north. Our true focus should remain on recuperating our strength and regaining the Central Plains from Lie Fan, while also guarding the threat from Yuan Shao to our east, as the longer he remains unchecked, the more difficult it will be to consolidate our power."

Cheng Yu, another of Cao Cao's advisors, agreed. "Xun Yu is right, my lord. The northwestern front is important, but we cannot afford to weaken ourselves elsewhere. Reinforce Ma Teng and Han Sui, but do so without drawing too heavily from our core forces."

Cao Cao leaned back in his seat, deep in thought. "We will send reinforcements to the frontier, but only enough to stabilize the situation. Ma Teng and Han Sui must hold their ground for now. Our main focus remains on the heart of the empire. The south is where the real threat lies."

The tension in the room was palpable. Cao Cao's top generals—Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, Li Dian, Yu Jin, and Yue Jin—stood at attention, waiting for their orders.

The discussions of strategy were nothing new to them, but the looming threat of the Xiongnu, combined with the threats from their east and south, meant that the stakes had never been higher.

"Xiahou Dun," Cao Cao said, turning to his cousin. "You will lead a contingent of reinforcements to the frontier alongside Yu Jin and Li Dian. I trust you to assess the situation and provide the necessary support. But remember, we cannot afford to become bogged down in a prolonged conflict there."

Xiahou Dun bowed. "As you command, my lord."

Jia Kui who had remained silent, gave his input after Cwo Cao gave his order. "My Lord, we should also consider using diplomacy to weaken the Xiongnu's unity. If we can exploit divisions within their ranks, it may prevent them from mounting a coordinated attack."

After Jia Kui gave his input, he received unanimous support from Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Xun Yu, and Cheng Yu, seeing the advantage of his suggestion which could also gain allies for Cao Cao in the vast northern plains.

"Very well," Cao Cao said, his voice cold and calculating seeing the advantage as well. "See what can be done to sow discord among them. I want them divided before they have a chance to unite."

With that settled, the attention shifted to the south. Liu Bei's and Sun Ce's movements in Jing Province were of great concern to Cao Cao who had kept some agents to track their movements, especially now that he also heard about the rumors of Zhuge Liang's brilliance due to Liu Bei's movement.

Cao Cao knew that if either of his southern rivals succeeded in recruiting the Sleeping Dragon, it could spell disaster for his ambitions. He hadn't decided yet to make his own move to recruit or capture Zhuge Liang, but he was closely watching the situation.

"Liu Bei and Sun Ce are both scrambling for Zhuge Liang," Cao Cao said with a wry smile. "They do not realize that the real battle is not for a single man, but for the control of the entire south. Zhuge Liang may be brilliant, but without a strong foundation, even the greatest strategist will find himself powerless."

Xun Yu nodded in agreement. "Jing Province is fractured, and while Sun Ce and Liu Bei vie for dominance, we can exploit the chaos to our advantage."

Guo Jia added, "Perhaps we should let them wear each other down. When they are weakened, we can strike Liu Be through Shangyong which had roads connected from Hanzhong, and from there attack Xiangyang and the rest of Jing Province."

Cao Cao's gaze turned cold. "Very well, keep an eye on both Liu Bei and Sun Ce. I want detailed reports on both of their movements. If they make a significant move, we will begin our preparation to act." With that, the plans were set in motion. As the intrigue in the Jing and Yang Provinces continued to unfold, the northern frontier was about to become a new battleground. Cao Cao's attention, now split between internal politics and external threats, would shape the fate of the realm in ways no one could yet foresee.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 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