585. Turbulence In Lingling

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Kuai Liang exchanged a glance with his brother Kuai Yue before speaking. "It is a dangerous game, but the rewards outweigh the risks. If successful, Lingling will fall into Lord Liu Bei's hands without direct conflict, expanding his domain and increasing his power in the region. Proceed, Ju Shou, but keep us informed of every development."

Ju Shou's plan began to unfold with precision and quiet efficiency. Having received the full support of Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and Wang Xiu, he selected a cadre of agents skilled in subterfuge and impersonation.

These men were trained to act convincingly as Sun Clan operatives, adopting their mannerisms, dialect, and even the minor details of their attire. The operation was set in motion as they infiltrated Lingling's delicate tri-partite control, comprising areas held by Liu Bei, Shi Xie, and Sun Ce.

Lingling's current peace was precarious but stable. The town's citizens, accustomed to their shared governance, had developed a wary but functional harmony. Trade flowed relatively freely, and disputes were mediated to prevent escalation.

Despite this, the people could never have anticipated that Liu Bei, renowned for his benevolence and righteous governance, would orchestrate a scheme that would endanger their fragile coexistence.

Ju Shou's agents operated methodically. Disguised as soldiers loyal to the Sun Clan, they first infiltrated Shi Xie's controlled region of Lingling. Their movements were designed to draw attention, making no overt attempt to avoid detection by Shi Xie's guards.

At first, their presence merely aroused suspicion, but Ju Shou had accounted for this. These operatives carried forged documents detailing an elaborate plan for a Sun Clan annexation of Lingling, complete with fabricated signatures and seals to lend authenticity.

When Shi Xie's guards inevitably apprehended the operatives, they discovered the forged documents. Alarmed by the implications of a potential Sun Clan plot to seize Lingling, the guards sent urgent missives to Shi Xie's capital.

The intercepted documents detailed troop movements, supply requisitions, and a timetable for a staged takeover of Shi Xie's holdings in Lingling.

The response from Shi Xie was swift. Deeply suspicious of Sun Ce's ambitions, he ordered reinforcements to be dispatched to Lingling.

Additional troops arrived with explicit instructions to secure the borders and strengthen defenses. To the people of Lingling, this sudden increase in military presence was unsettling but not yet alarming.

However, Ju Shou's plan did not end there. His agents, now embedded among Shi Xie's reinforcements, began sowing seeds of discord.

These infiltrators, disguised as Shi Xie's soldiers, incited minor skirmishes with the local population, disrupted trade routes, and spread rumors of impending attacks by the Sun Clan. Tensions began to rise as merchants and farmers faced delays and losses. The people's trust in their leadership wavered as uncertainty gripped the region.

Simultaneously, Ju Shou deployed another team of operatives to infiltrate the Sun Clan's territories in Lingling. Their objective was to provoke a reaction from Sun Ce's forces by staging attacks on Shi Xie's garrisons under the guise of defending Sun Clan's interests. These actions were calculated to escalate the friction between Shi Xie and Sun Ce, making conflict seem inevitable.

Back in Shi Xie's capital, the fabricated evidence combined with reports of heightened tensions compelled Shi Xie to take a harder stance. He began to suspect Sun Ce of orchestrating the unrest as a prelude to outright aggression. Diplomatic channels were strained, with both sides accusing the other of provocations.

Ju Shou, monitoring the situation closely, ensured that Liu Bei's forces stationed in Lingling maintained an air of neutrality. They stepped in to mediate disputes, offering protection to local communities and securing trade routes.

To the people of Lingling, Liu Bei's troops appeared as a stabilizing force amid the growing chaos. This perception was crucial to Ju Shou's ultimate goal, positioning Liu Bei as the region's savior while discrediting both Shi Xie and Sun Ce.

As tensions escalated, Ju Shou's agents ramped up their efforts. They spread rumors within Shi Xie's ranks, suggesting that Sun Ce had allied with external forces to overwhelm Shi Xie's defenses.

At the same time, they planted similar doubts among Sun Ce's men, insinuating that Shi Xie was conspiring with Liu Bei to marginalize the Sun Clan. The resulting atmosphere of mistrust and paranoia eroded the fragile peace that had once held Lingling together.

Shi Xie, feeling increasingly cornered, sent a missive to Liu Bei requesting assistance in managing the unrest. Ju Shou had anticipated this move. He advised Liu Bei to respond cautiously, offering support while emphasizing the need for cooperation and mutual respect among the three governing factions.

This approach allowed Liu Bei to appear magnanimous while avoiding overt involvement that might expose the true nature of Ju Shou's scheme.

Sun Ce's men, deeply aware of the escalating chaos in Lingling, recognized that the situation was deteriorating beyond their control. With tensions between Shi Xie's forces and their own men rising, and the locals growing increasingly distrustful, they finally drafted an urgent letter detailing the turmoil.

The missive outlined the mysterious provocations, the fabricated evidence implicating the Sun Clan, and the growing hostility between the factions. Once sealed, the letter was sent with haste to Sun Ce's capital.

When the message reached Sun Ce, it was delivered to him in the early hours of the morning. Sun Ce, though known for his boundless energy, was visibly shaken as he read the account. Lingling, as a neutral area shared between him, Shi Xie, and Liu Bei, was teetering on the brink of disaster.

Without delay, Sun Ce convened a council to address the crisis. He summoned his father, Sun Jian, along with his most trusted advisors Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, Huan Jie, and Zhou Yu.

The chamber was tense as Sun Ce laid the letter on the table before them. Sun Jian picked it up and read it aloud. His commanding voice carried the words with a gravity that made the situation feel even more dire. "If we do not act swiftly," Sun Jian concluded, "Lingling may fall into Shi Xie or Liu Bei's hands, and our reputation will be tarnished."

Zhou Yu leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "This reeks of a calculated plot. The question is, who benefits the most from this chaos? Liu Bei's forces appear neutral on the surface, but they stand to gain the trust of Lingling's people while we and Shi Xie lose face."

Zhang Zhao, known for his measured wisdom, nodded. "Indeed. The timing of these provocations is suspicious. It is unlikely that Shi Xie would act so recklessly as to antagonize us without cause. And yet, the evidence suggests otherwise. We must tread carefully."

Sun Ce, his fiery nature evident, clenched his fist. "Whoever is behind this dares to sully the Sun's name. We cannot let this stand. But we also cannot afford a full-scale conflict. Lingling's stability is too important to risk."

Huan Jie, at this time, offered his perspective. "If we act rashly, we risk playing into the hands of our enemy, whoever they may be. Instead, we should send an envoy to Lingling to investigate the matter thoroughly. At the same time, we must bolster our presence in the region to ensure our interests are protected."

Sun Jian, listening intently, finally spoke. "A delicate balance is required. Zhou Yu, you're best suited to uncover the truth of this conspiracy. I suggest you lead the envoy. Take trusted men with you and ensure that the Sun Clan's honor is upheld."

Zhou Yu inclined his head respectfully. "I will do so. However, we must also consider how to manage our relationship with Shi Xie. If he truly believes we are plotting against him, he may act out of desperation."

Sun Ce's voice rose, filled with determination. "Then we must show strength and clarity. Prepare a message for Shi Xie, Zhang Zhao. Make it clear that we seek to maintain peace and stability in Lingling, but we will not tolerate false accusations or hostility."

Zhang Hong, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "And what of Liu Bei? His forces are playing the role of peacekeepers, but their neutrality is suspect. Should we not also send word to him, requesting a meeting to ensure transparency?"

Sun Jian stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A wise suggestion. We will reach out to Liu Bei as well. If he is complicit in this scheme, he will know we are watching. If he is innocent, we gain an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties."

The council concluded with a clear plan of action. Zhou Yu would travel to Lingling with a delegation to investigate the unrest and assert the Sun Clan's presence. Meanwhile, letters would be sent to both Shi Xie and Liu Bei, carefully worded to address the crisis without escalating tensions further. Sun Ce's forces in Lingling would be reinforced discreetly, ensuring they were prepared for any eventuality.

Zhou Yu's journey to Lingling was swift but deliberate. Accompanying him were trusted officers and a small retinue of skilled soldiers. As they approached the region, the signs of turmoil became evident.

Markets were quieter than usual, merchants were wary of traveling due to the recent disruptions. Villages near the borders of Shi Xie's territory bore the scars of skirmishes, their inhabitants living in fear of what might come next.

Upon arriving in Lingling, Zhou Yu wasted no time. He met with the Sun Clan's local commander, a grizzled veteran named Chen Qian, to assess the situation.

"The provocations have been relentless," Chen Qian reported. "Our men are accused of attacks we did not commit, and our patrols are harassed at every turn. The people are starting to question our intentions. Meanwhile, Liu Bei's troops parade as heroes, mediating disputes and protecting trade."

Zhou Yu's sharp mind pieced the situation together. "This is no coincidence. Someone is orchestrating this to turn the people against us and sow discord between us and Shi Xie. We must find the source of these provocations."

Zhou Yu dispatched scouts to gather intelligence while he sought meetings with representatives of Shi Xie and Liu Bei. Shi Xie's envoy arrived first, a cautious official named Lu Guan. Their conversation was tense, each side attempting to discern the other's true intentions.

"The evidence points to your forces," Lu Guan stated bluntly. "Shi Xie has no desire for conflict, but he will defend his holdings if necessary."

Zhou Yu's response was calm but firm. "And we have evidence that suggests your forces are behind the unrest. Yet we are here to talk, not fight. Surely that indicates our intentions."

Lu Guan hesitated, recognizing the reasonableness of Zhou Yu's position. "Then perhaps we are both victims of a larger plot. If that is the case, uncovering the truth benefits us both."

The meeting ended with an agreement to share information and avoid further escalation. Next, Zhou Yu turned his attention to Liu Bei's forces. His meeting with Liu Bei's envoy, a genial officer named Jian Lu, was markedly different in tone.

"Lord Liu Bei values peace above all," Jian Lu assured him. "Our presence here is solely to protect the people and maintain order."

Zhou Yu's sharp gaze did not waver. "And yet, your neutrality benefits you greatly. The people see you as saviors while we and Shi Xie are painted as aggressors. If you truly value peace, you will assist us in identifying those responsible for this unrest." Jian Lu's smile faltered, but he agreed to cooperate. Despite the polite words exchanged, Zhou Yu left the meeting with lingering doubts about Liu Bei's true motives.

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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