558. Sun Clan Agree To Swear Allegiance

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A subtle spark of hope flickered in the eyes of Sun Ce's generals and advisors, who had been grappling with the idea of surrendering their independence. The room, once heavy with the weight of loss, was now filled with a renewed sense of possibility. If they were to consider conditions that Lie Fan might accept, they could find a path that would allow them to retain a meaningful measure of dignity and power.

Huan Jie, Zhang Zhao, and Zhang Hong shared a glance, minds racing with ideas. One concept stood out, a valuable agricultural method they had heard Lie Fan had introduced in his lands, which had resulted in a staggering increase in food production.

Known for its innovative practices, this farming method had transformed the food supply and economic landscape within Lie Fan's territory, creating a surplus that allowed him to trade widely and maintain the prosperity of his people.

The trio of advisors conferred quietly among themselves, considering how such a technique could be integrated into Jiangdong's lands. In recent years, Jiangdong has endured struggles, with crop production often falling short of demand.

Famine and economic strains had weighed on the people, and it was clear to them that adopting Lie Fan's agricultural advancements could yield great benefits for the region's stability and prosperity.

As these thoughts brewed, Sun Jian's voice cut through the murmuring, his authoritative tone regaining everyone's focus. "I see that Lie Fan's terms, while demanding, may indeed open doors for the Sun Clan that would be otherwise difficult to achieve alone. Jiangdong's land and people deserve not just survival but growth and prosperity."

Zhang Zhao took a step forward, bowing respectfully as he addressed Sun Ce and Sun Jian. "My lords, if I may suggest, let us negotiate the conditions with foresight. Lie Fan's agricultural methods could secure our food stability and, with time, foster economic resilience. In exchange for our allegiance, perhaps he would grant us the necessary expertise, equipment, and training to implement these methods across Jiangdong. Such a concession would undoubtedly strengthen the bond between our lands and ensure our people's welfare."

The idea resonated with the others. Sun Jian nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Zhang Zhao, if we were to secure such a concession, it would greatly bolster Jiangdong's standing under Lie Fan's banner. Not only would this align us with his vision, but it would also affirm our commitment to ensuring our people's prosperity."

Huang Gai, despite his earlier protests, now seemed to grasp the potential wisdom of this approach. His expression softened, and he spoke with renewed determination. "If it is to strengthen Jiangdong, to lift our people from struggle, then perhaps this cooperation can be the path forward. Lord Lie Fan may be asking for our loyalty, but in return, he extends us a hand that could elevate Jiangdong to heights we could not achieve alone."

With growing consensus in the room, Sun Ce proposed additional conditions to further preserve the Sun Clan's distinct influence and identity. The first was the continuation of the Sun Clan's authority over local governance and judicial matters, ensuring they retained the power to enact laws and maintain order within Jiangdong. This would not only protect the Sun Clan's legacy but would also reassure their people that they remained under familiar leadership.

Secondly, Sun Ce suggested that Jiangdong be allowed to establish its own trade routes and economic policies, albeit in harmony with Lie Fan's overarching plans. This would enable the region to benefit from trade with both Lie Fan's territories and other regions, preserving a measure of economic autonomy that would contribute to Jiangdong's prosperity.

The advisors nodded approvingly at these conditions, seeing them as essential safeguards for the Sun Clan's pride and identity. Even Huan Jie, who had initially harbored strong reservations, now looked convinced that these terms could create a balanced, beneficial relationship between the two powers.

As the discussion progressed, Zhou Yu stepped forward with a new suggestion. "If I may, my lords, I believe it would be wise to also request regular military exercises and joint training sessions with Lie Fan's forces. This way, our men will become accustomed to his style of warfare and will be prepared to fight effectively alongside his armies, should the need arise. Such cooperation could forge a strong bond of trust between our men and his, enhancing our combined strength."

Sun Ce's eyes lit up at Zhou Yu's suggestion, seeing the value it could bring. "A brilliant idea, Gonglu. Not only would it strengthen our military prowess, but it would also cultivate camaraderie between our armies, fostering loyalty and mutual respect. This will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and preventing potential tensions."

After thorough deliberation, the advisors agreed upon the conditions they would present to Lie Fan in exchange for the military command, and the reduced size of the Sun Clan Army if Lie Fan wasn't in wartime:

1. Implementation of Lie Fan's advanced agricultural methods in Jiangdong, with resources and training provided to ensure success.

2. Preservation of the Sun Clan's governance over local laws and judicial matters within Jiangdong.

3. Economic autonomy to establish trade routes and policies, as long as they harmonized with Lie Fan's broader economic strategy.

4. Regular joint military exercises and training sessions to strengthen the relationship between the Sun Clan's army and Lie Fan's forces.

With the terms set, Sun Jian and Sun Ce prepared to solidify their decision. They looked around the hall, taking in the expressions of their loyal retainers and advisors.

Though there were still hints of reluctance in some eyes, they also saw a renewed determination, a commitment to ensuring Jiangdong's future, even if that path led them into uncharted cooperation of vassalition, where the Sun Clan path to the hegemony of the land was closed.

Sun Ce stepped forward, his voice steady. "These are the conditions we shall present to Lie Fan. We will not yield Jiangdong's spirit or legacy, but we will embrace the strength that unity can bring. Under Lie Fan's guidance, Jiangdong will thrive, and the Sun Clan's legacy will endure, shaping a prosperous future for our people."

The hall filled with murmurs of approval as his words settled over the gathered retainers. There was still an air of caution, but the decision felt grounded in a balance between loyalty to their people and the recognition of an era that demanded adaptation.

As the meeting concluded, Sun Ce and Sun Jian left the hall, each feeling a complex mix of hope, anticipation, and resolve. They knew the days ahead would bring challenges, not only in securing Lie Fan's agreement to their terms but also in guiding their people to accept this new alliance.

In the privacy of their chambers, Sun Jian spoke to his son with an approving tone, pride evident in his eyes. "You have shown great wisdom today, Bofu. Not many could balance the weight of tradition with the demands of a changing world as you have. The Sun Clan is in capable hands."

Sun Ce, humbled, bowed his head respectfully. "Father, I only strive to honor the legacy you have built. If this path leads us to greater strength, then I will walk it, even if it is an unfamiliar one, at least there was my family beside me."

As they stood side by side, the father and son shared a quiet moment of understanding, knowing that the road ahead would not be easy, but that they would face it together, with Jiangdong's future as their guiding purpose.

Thus, the decision to forge cooperative vassal cooperation with Lie Fan was set in motion, a choice born of both strategy and necessity, carrying the hope of a united future while retaining the indomitable spirit of Jiangdong.

For the Sun Clan, this was a new beginning, a chapter that would test their resolve and loyalty, but ultimately, it was a path that promised strength and stability in an era that demanded nothing less or even more.

The next step for Sun Ce and Sun Jian was to formally inform Lie Fan of their decision. They summoned Zhou Yu, requesting his assistance in drafting a letter to ensure that their response was both respectful and strategic, detailing their acceptance of Lie Fan's terms and the specific conditions they had decided to propose.

In a private chamber, Zhou Yu joined Sun Ce and Sun Jian, the three of them intent on crafting a message that would convey both their loyalty and their commitment to preserving the Sun Clan's unique identity.

Zhou Yu carefully selected each word, reflecting their cautious optimism and their desire for a harmonious partnership. As the letter took shape, they discussed the implications of each term, envisioning how they would navigate this new relationship with Lie Fan.

However, unbeknownst to them, within the shadows of the Sun Clan's domain, agents of Lie Fan's secretive intelligence network , the Orioles, had infiltrated the ranks of Jiangdong, carefully monitoring the Sun family's every move.

These agents, skilled at blending seamlessly into the court's daily operations, had witnessed the entirety of the Sun Clan's council meeting. Their detailed observations, recorded meticulously, outlined the agreement and conditions decided upon. They wasted no time in sending a report directly to Xiapi via a swift messenger bird, knowing the importance of relaying this intelligence to their lord.

As the bird flew for several days across the vast expanse between Jiangdong and Xiapi, it carried with it the weight of the Sun Clan's decision. Upon arriving in Xiapi, the messenger bird navigated to the grand Governor's Castle, where Lie Fan was in the midst of a meeting with his inner council, Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi once again.

They had been engaged in a strategic discussion, meticulously perfected the plan and strategy for the forthcoming campaign against Yuan Shao, aligning resources, mapping out contingencies, and calculating the risks of each phase.

The bird's arrival was an unexpected but welcome interruption. Its distinctive chirp drew their attention, and Jia Xu, ever vigilant, approached to retrieve the message bound to the bird's leg. Handing the parchment to Lie Fan, Jia Xu stepped back, and the room fell silent as Lie Fan broke the seal and began to read.

As he scanned the contents, a gleam of satisfaction appeared in his eyes. The report confirmed what he had hoped for, the Sun Clan had accepted his offer of allegiance, albeit with specific conditions that reflected their desire for a balanced partnership rather than complete submission. Lie Fan's advisors waited patiently as Lie Fan digested the report, already sensing the news was favorable.

Finishing the letter, Lie Fan turned to address his advisors, sharing a summary of the Sun Clan's response. "Our friends in Jiangdong have agreed to swear their allegiance, albeit with some conditions. They've requested autonomy in matters of local governance, the right to establish trade routes, and wisely a desire to learn from our agricultural advancements. Additionally, they propose joint military exercises to forge camaraderie between our forces.

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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