486. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu Talk

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Meanwhile, within the confines of his office, Lie Fan sat back in his chair, deep in thought. The reports from Wang Yi and Jia Xu had been very positive and helped him think of their next step. As he thought so, Wang Yi's face suddenly flashed in his mind and the serious look on her face makes her look even more beautiful to him making him want to get closer to appreciate her beauty more.

Wang Yi's serious face had been mesmerizing, her dedication and poise evident in every word she spoke. As this image lingered, Lie Fan found himself drawn to her in a way that surprised him. He had always prided himself on his self-control and discipline, yet here he was, unable to shake the thoughts of her from his mind.

He shook his head, trying to dispel these feelings. He was a leader with responsibilities far greater than personal desires, and he had four wives who were all exceptional in their own right.

Yet, the more he tried to push these thoughts away, the more they seemed to grow. It was as if a seed had been planted in his heart, and despite his efforts to deny it, it began to take root and sprout. Lie Fan sighed, frustrated with himself.

He had made an oath to not take any more wives, believing that his heart and attention should be devoted to the ones he already had. But like with Cai Wenji and Lu Lingqi, he found himself questioning that oath, as if each new encounter with a remarkable woman challenged his resolve.

"Why do I allow myself to be distracted like this?" he muttered to himself, trying to focus on the reports again. He blamed himself inwardly for his weakness, for the inability to maintain the strict boundaries he had set for his personal life.

But no matter how hard he tried to concentrate, Wang Yi's image remained etched in his thoughts, her serious demeanor only making her more alluring in his eyes.

He knew he had to let go of these thoughts, yet the more he tried, the stronger they became. It was a battle between his mind and his heart, one that he feared he was losing. He was a man of power and influence, but when it came to matters of the heart, he felt vulnerable and conflicted.

While Lie Fan struggled with his emotions, the situation in the south, within Jing Province, was growing increasingly volatile. In Lingling, the turmoil within the Cai Clan had reached a critical point.

After the bloody purge orchestrated by Zhang Yun, where many of the clan's enemies were eliminated, the region had not found peace. Instead, the populace under the Cai Clan's domain had risen in protest. What had started as a peaceful demonstration had grown into a movement calling for the downfall of the Cai Clan and their ally, Liu Cong.

Lady Cai, who had fainted upon hearing the news of her brother's death, had awakened a changed woman. The loss had driven her to the edge of reason, and her actions reflected a mind clouded by grief and anger. She ordered that all those participating in the protests or riots be arrested and imprisoned, labeling them as instigators of instability.

Zhang Yun and Liu Cong, understanding the precarious nature of their situation, tried desperately to persuade her otherwise. They knew that such heavy-handed actions would only fuel the unrest, pushing the populace further into rebellion.

But Lady Cai, blinded by her rage and sorrow, ignored their counsel. She was determined to stamp out any dissent, no matter the cost. Her already unstable mind becomes even more unstable, and when everyone realizes it it's already too late.

As her orders were carried out, the backlash was swift and brutal. The people, already agitated by the chaos within the Cai Clan, were incensed by the arrests and executions that followed.

The once-peaceful protests turned violent, as more and more citizens took to the streets, demanding justice and the removal of the Cai Clan's authority. The situation in Lingling was rapidly spiraling out of control, with the region teetering on the brink of full-scale rebellion.

Lie Fan, still lost in his thoughts about Wang Yi, was unaware of the brewing storm in the south. His focus was on consolidating power in the Central Plains and expanding his influence into Yuan Shao's territory.

However, the instability in Jing Province was a potential threat that could not be ignored for long. If the Cai Clan fell, it would create a power vacuum that could destabilize the entire region, possibly inviting other warlords to take advantage of the chaos.

Back in Xiapi, as night fell and the castle grew quiet, Lie Fan finally managed to push thoughts of Wang Yi aside, at least for the moment. He knew he had to focus on the tasks at hand—there was too much at stake to allow personal feelings to cloud his judgment.

But even as he turned his attention back to the reports, he couldn't help but feel that the seed planted in his heart had taken root, and no matter how much he tried to deny it, it would continue to grow.

Meanwhile, Wang Yi, unaware of the turmoil she had inadvertently caused in Lie Fan's heart, was busy implementing the expansion plans in the north. She was a woman driven by purpose, fully committed to her role in the Oriole.

The success of the Brothels Division had only strengthened her resolve, and she was determined to prove that her strategies could bring even greater wealth and power to the Lie Clan to repay the life favor she owed to Lie Fan.

Her team of courtesans, trained in the art of gathering intelligence, were already being dispatched to the key towns in Yuan Shao's territory to build the brothel branch in Yuan Shao's major town and become the madam there.

These women, skilled in deception and seduction, would recruit followers and infiltrate the upper echelons of society, extracting valuable information while also generating significant profits.

Wang Yi's plan was meticulous, and she left nothing to chance. Every move was calculated, every action deliberate. She knew that the success of this operation could tip the balance of power in the northern regions in Lie Fan's favor.

Yet, even as she focused on her work, there was a part of her that couldn't shake the memory of her recent conversation with Lie Fan. His words had been more personal than usual, hinting at an understanding and connection that went beyond their professional relationship.

Wang Yi had always respected Lie Fan as a leader after knowing and seeing personally what he had done, but now she found herself thinking of him as more than just her lord. She admired his vision, his strength, and his ability to inspire loyalty in those around him. There was a bond forming between them, one that neither had fully acknowledged but both felt nonetheless.

As the days passed, the expansion into Yuan Shao's territory proceeded smoothly, with the brothels quickly establishing themselves as an elite and expensive brothel, either stamping out or buying out their competitors.

The intelligence gathered from these establishments provided valuable insights into the movements and plans of Yuan Shao's forces, giving Lie Fan a strategic advantage. Wang Yi's success in this endeavor only deepened her confidence, and she began to see herself not just as an asset to the Oriole, but as an indispensable part of Lie Fan's inner circle.

As the Oriole continues its success streak, the Sun Clan also experienced a string of victories, capturing one of the counties previously held by Shi Hui, now under the Cai Clan's control. The Sun Clan, under the command of Zhou Yu, meticulously drove out the remnants of the Cai Clan from the three counties they had taken, solidifying their control over the region.

The campaign had been swift and decisive, with Zhou Yu's strategic brilliance shining through. His careful planning and calculated assaults left the Cai Clan forces disorganized and demoralized.

With the last county secured, Zhou Yu ordered the Sun Clan Army to halt further attacks and consolidate their gains. However, just as they were preparing for the next phase of their expansion, Zhou Yu received an urgent summons from Sun Ce, commanding him to return to the Sun Clan capital immediately.

Zhou Yu, sensing the importance of the matter, wasted no time. Accompanied by Zhou Tai and a contingent of elite soldiers, he made the journey back to the capital in a remarkable five days, a pace much faster than the norm. The urgency in Sun Ce's message left Zhou Yu uneasy, his mind racing with possibilities as they rode through the countryside.

Upon arriving at the capital, Zhou Yu didn't pause to rest. He went directly to the Sun Clan residence, where Sun Ce awaited him in his personal office. The guards at the gate recognized Zhou Yu instantly, allowing him to pass without delay. As he approached the office, Zhou Yu noticed Sun Ce's personal attendants hovering nervously outside the room, their expressions betraying their anxiety.

Zhou Yu entered the room to find Sun Ce pacing back and forth, his face taut with tension. The moment he saw Zhou Yu, Sun Ce stopped pacing and quickly moved to shut the door, his eyes darting left and right as if ensuring no one was eavesdropping. This unusual behavior caught Zhou Yu off guard.

"Is something wrong, Bofu?" Zhou Yu asked, a note of concern creeping into his voice as he watched Sun Ce secure the door.

Sun Ce took a deep breath, his expression softening slightly as he gestured for Zhou Yu to sit. "Gonglu, we need to talk. It's about something that could change the course of our future—our entire clan's future."

Zhou Yu sat down, his mind already racing through the potential scenarios that could warrant such secrecy. Sun Ce's seriousness was palpable, and it was clear that whatever he had to discuss was of utmost importance.

Sun Ce began slowly, choosing his words carefully. "You remember the Qiao Sisters, don't you? The daughters of Qiao Xuan that Brother Lie Fan told me and my father where I then told you before you leave for the campaign?"

Zhou Yu nodded, though inwardly, he was surprised by the turn the conversation was taking. He had remembered such a conversation happening, but he didn't know why Sun Ce suddenly brought this matter up.

"Brother Lie Fan brought them up during a recent discussion with my father and me," Sun Ce continued. "He suggested... well, more than suggested, really... that our family forge a marital alliance with the Qiao family by marrying the sisters."

Zhou Yu's eyes widened slightly, though he remained composed. A marriage alliance? It wasn't an uncommon strategy in times of war and political maneuvering, but the Qiao Sisters? They were well-known figures, and such an alliance could bring significant benefits—or complications.

Sun Ce observed Zhou Yu's reaction closely, then added, "Brother Lie Fan's reasoning is sound. The Qiao family has a strong reputation, and their support could strengthen our position. But it's more than that... Brother Lie Fan believes this alliance could help us consolidate power in the region, especially as we prepare to confront our rivals. And He also thinks that the Qiao Sisters could definitely make us completely head and over heels for them, I think such a thing is worthy to be tried."

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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